Are you planning a trip to Greece and wondering what information you should know about the country? You’re on the right page! Here, you’ll find out everything there is to know about Greece.
- The people
- When you should go
- Money currency
- What to eat
- How to use your phone / SIM card
- Renting a scooter
- Some facts
- Insurance
- Different accommodation options
- Essential apps to have
The people
They are the sweetest people ever! I had some amazing experiences with Greeks, especially in markets and restaurants. They are very kind-hearted and friendly. I once wanted to rent a scooter on an island but was very last minute. I found a shop walking on the streets and the employees were so nice to me. They helped me find exactly what I needed and reassured me.
Half of the Greek population speaks English. It’s definitely easier to communicate in Greece compared to most European countries. I hope you will have a great experience with them as much as I did.
When you should go
I went to Greece in January and in June. Honestly, both seasons have their pros and cons. Here is a short list I made to help you understand the main differences between the 2 seasons:
Summer (June to August):
Pros :
- Beautiful sunny days to swim in the ocean and get a tan.
- The nightlife is always better in the summer!
- The perfect season to explore the islands.
Cons
- It can get very hot in big cities like Athens. It’s more tolerable on the islands because you can swim everywhere. Trust me when I say it can be really annoying to visit when you are sweating uncontrollably.
- High season: a lot of tourists and higher prices.
*This picture was taken in June*
Winter (November to March):
Pros
- Low season: fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
- The temperature is more tolerable in bigger cities like Athens than in the summer.
Cons
- It can get cloudy and rainy, which is a sad thing if you are trying to visit a city on foot.
- I don’t recommend going on the islands in the winter. It is colder, so it’s difficult to enjoy the islands.
*This picture was taken in January*
I didn’t experience Greece during autumn (September-October) and spring (April- May). However, I know they also are the perfect low seasons. There are fewer tourists so the prices are still cheaper than during the summer. It may be colder on the islands than in the summer, but still a better option than the winter.
Money currency
Greece is one of the many countries in the eurozone. Therefore, their currency is the Euro (€). Unlike Canada, there is no tax. Every price you see is the final price. Also, tipping is not expected. It is never mandatory, but it is always nice to leave a tip if you feel like the person deserves it.
There is usually a big fee when getting money out of an ATM. You should always try to pay by card. Go get Euros at your local bank in your country before traveling. You will save a lot on ATM fees.
What to eat
In Greece, lunch is the big meal of the day, and it is typically between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Dinner is a lighter meal between 9pm and 10pm. Most of the time, the dinners consist of a salad, a sandwich or a yogurt with fruits.
I hope I don’t surprise you when I say the typical dishes to try in Greece are:
- gyros (great meat pitas) *like in the picture*
- moussaka (a casserole with eggplant)
- souvlaki (grilled meat skewers)
- spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese pie)
- tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip)
- tirokafteri (cheese dip)
For drinks, I highly recommend their Loux. It is a sparkling lemonade with lemons from Greece.
How to use your phone / SIM card
The most affordable and easy way to have access to your phone is to buy an E-card / pre-paid SIM card. You can buy them online, they are way cheaper than anything at the airport! I bought mine 2 days before I left and it was perfect. The company I used was Holafly and you have multiple options depending on what you want. For example, it’s €34 for 10 days or €47 for 15 days.
If you don’t want to pay for a SIM card, don’t worry, there’s Wi-Fi everywhere. Most of the time, when I go to Europe, I don’t pay for a SIM card. Instead, I download the maps before I go there (either on Maps.me or Google Maps). If I really need WI-FI, I stop at a McDonald’s, a grocery store or a mall.
Renting a scooter
This may be surprising, but the best way to get around in Greece (on the islands and not the big cities like Athens) is by scooter. You will experience the full Greek life by renting one. Some of my best memories are on a scooter.
It’s pretty simple. You only need your driver’s license and your international driver’s permit. Some insurance or traveling agencies can make your international driver’s permit before your trip. You must be over 18 years old. Wear your helmet when you rent a bike! They drive on the same side as Canada, the right side of the road.
My tip when renting a scooter : always make sure there is space in the seat so you can put things in it.
Some facts
Here are some fun facts about Greece:
- Every year, there are more tourists visiting Greece than the entire Greek population.
- Greece has more than 120 million olive trees, making the country the third-largest producer of olives in the world.
- It’s normal if you go to Greece and you don’t understand the language. Greek is one of the oldest languages still spoken today so it’s not widely known.
- Greece has more than 2000 islands.
- The dolphin is Greece’s official national animal.
- March 25th is Greece’s National day: Independence Day.
Insurance
Searching for travel insurance can be a hard task. But, it’s also a very important one. Since there are so many options out there, here’s one that is easy to understand and well known : World Nomads.
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Different accommodation options
Villas/Apartments: Renting a villa/apartment is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms.
Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.
Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are traveling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience.
Essential apps to have
Transport: Having access to transport in Greece is so easy!
- Download Omio
Gives you the best & cheapest way to travel in Europe comparing the bus, car (shared rides), train, and plane. You can book everything directly on the app. I find the prices are always the same or sometimes cheaper than on the websites of the companies.
- Download Uber
You order your car knowing already the price it will cost. You know when your driver will be there, and you have the option of paying cash or directly with your card on the app. I always prefer to pay cash. This way I could always round up the amount and leave a tip. They deserve it! You can even order food on Uber Eat!
Places to stay:
- Booking: You will find all three types of accommodation.
- Airbnb: You will find amazing and original villas/apartments.
- Hostelworld: This is an app for hostels only. You will find the best ones with an amazing rating system to help you make your choice. There are also group chats on the app with the people who will be staying at the same place as you.
Others:
- Maps.me: You can download any maps and use them without Wi-Fi
- WhatsApp: It’s a classic. Everyone in Europe uses WhatsApp to text and call.
