15 Things to Know Before Visiting Greece
Greek islands are dream destinations but require more planning than mainland Europe. Here’s what first-timers should know.
- No visa for US/UK/EU under 90 days; expect 90/180-day Schengen rules
- Athens needs 2-3 days max, Acropolis + Plaka + a museum, then fly to islands
- Ferries connect islands but are slow (Santorini-Athens = 8 hours by slow ferry, 1 hr flight)
- Island hopping: don’t pick more than 2-3 islands in 7 days — ferries eat half-days
- Santorini is overrated for crowds but underrated for caldera views: go in shoulder season
- Mykonos is party central. Expensive, loud; book accommodations far from town for quiet
- Tap water in Athens is fine; many islands you should drink bottled
- Tipping 5-10% is appreciated; not mandatory like the US
- Cash is preferred at small tavernas; cards work at hotels + bigger restaurants
- Get a Cosmote SIM at the airport (€20 for 30 days unlimited data)
- Dinner doesn’t start until 9pm in summer, plan accordingly
- Greek breakfasts are minimal (coffee + pastry) — get used to it
- Cover shoulders + knees at monasteries (Meteora especially)
- Power outlets are Type C/F: European plugs work
- August is unbearably crowded + expensive. Go May-June or September-October