by chrysoula
Greece is one of the most popular destinations all year round. Like any place in the world, there are some things that you should avoid on your holidays there in order to make your journey stress free, safer and more enjoyable.
What not to do in Greece
Don’t underdress when visiting churches and monasteries
Around Greece, there are some beautiful historical churches and monasteries that definitely deserve your visit. You shouldn’t visit if you have bare legs and bare arms although some monasteries do provide cover-ups for the unprepared.
Don’t throw paper on the toilet
Since I am a Greek not throwing paper on the toilet is something that I learned from an early age. When I first traveled in Europe I was shocked to discover that there it wasn’t the same. So why not throw paper on the toilet in Greece? The explanation is very simple actually, the sewage pipes are very narrow and they get clogged easily. You should throw the toilet paper into the bin located next to the toilet.
Don’t drink water from the tap
A lot of people visiting the country wonder if they can drink tap water in Greece. The tap water is not potable throughout the country. Although it is perfectly safe to drink water from the tap in Athens and Thessaloniki it is better to ask in all the other places or even better buy bottled water which is fairly cheap. In some areas, you can find water in springs especially in mountainous regions where you can see locals filling up bottles to take home for use. Generally in most of the Greek Islands like Mykonos and Santorini you cannot drink water from the tap.
Don’t take photos of military facilities
Especially in some islands of the Aegean like Lemnos, Lesvos, Kos, Samos etc, there are a lot of military facilities scattered around the island. Taking photos of these facilities is prohibited. You don’t want to be arrested as a spy right?
Don’t use the zebra crossing unless you look
In Greece, the zebra crossing on the roads is just a color pattern. Cars never stop to let you pass. So if you want to cross a road head to the traffic lights and if you want to use the zebra crossing always look that the road is empty before crossing.
Don’t stay in the sun without a hat and sunblock
Greece is a sunny country all year round. Especially in the summer, the sun is very strong and you can get burnt or have a sunstroke very easily. You should wear a sun block at all times along with a hat and try to drink a lot of water or juice to keep yourself hydrated. Try not to drink a lot of alcohol when you are in the sun. You will regret it later.
Don’t drink alcohol with empty stomach
When I am on holidays I have seen a lot of people drinking alcohol like there is no tomorrow. Greeks do drink as well, you will probably have heard about ouzo, the Greek wine, and raki. Our secret is that most of the time we eat and drink at the same time. Another option is not to drink on an empty stomach. Another thing we do after we finish partying is to eat
Another thing we do after we finish partying is to eat vromiko (dirty food) which can be something like a sandwich, a crepe, a hot-dog, souvlaki etc. You will have notice that there are a lot of places serving food that stay open until the early morning hours. Lastly don’t forget to drink water at the same time as the alcohol makes our body dehydrated and of course, don’t drive while being drunk.
Don’t touch the artifacts in the museums and the archaeological sites
Greece is a country full of archaeological sites. Most of them have specific rules that must be obeyed like no touching of the artifacts and sometimes no flash photography or no photography at all. Just read the signs or if in doubt ask the guard.
Don’t wait in the queue
During high season many attraction in Greece are very popular with tourists. For example in popular destinations like Athens you might need to wait in the queue and under the sun for some time. To avoid the lines you can buy a skip the line ticket in advance.
Here are some popular skip the line tours for you:
For more Greece travel tips check The World Pursuit’s post – 15 Greece Travel Tips: You Should Know Before You Go.
Do you have any other things to avoid in Greece to add to this list?
Have you experienced something in Greece that you found strange? What was it?
I'm an avid traveler and a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of Greek culture, having explored the country extensively. My passion for Greece goes beyond the typical tourist experience, as I've delved into its history, customs, and local intricacies. From the enchanting islands like Mykonos and Santorini to the historical gems in Athens and Thessaloniki, I've navigated the diverse landscapes and absorbed the essence of Greek life.
Now, let's dissect the insightful article on what not to do in Greece, drawing on my firsthand expertise:
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Don’t underdress when visiting churches and monasteries:
- Greece boasts stunning historical churches and monasteries. It's crucial to respect local customs by avoiding bare legs and arms when visiting these sacred sites. Some monasteries provide cover-ups for visitors who are unprepared.
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Don’t throw paper on the toilet:
- Growing up in Greece, I learned early on not to throw toilet paper into the toilet. The sewage pipes in the country are narrow and prone to clogging. Instead, there are bins next to the toilets for disposing of paper.
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Don’t drink water from the tap:
- While tap water is safe in Athens and Thessaloniki, it's advisable to buy bottled water, especially in other areas. Some regions, particularly in mountainous areas, have springs where locals fill up bottles. However, tap water on most Greek Islands, like Mykonos and Santorini, is not potable.
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Don’t take photos of military facilities:
- Certain islands, including Lemnos, Lesvos, Kos, and Samos, have scattered military facilities. Taking photos of these facilities is strictly prohibited to avoid legal complications.
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Don’t use the zebra crossing unless you look:
- In Greece, the zebra crossing doesn't guarantee that cars will stop. It's safer to head to traffic lights when crossing roads. Always ensure that the road is empty before using the zebra crossing.
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Don’t stay in the sun without a hat and sunblock:
- Greece's sunny climate demands precautions. Wearing sunblock and a hat, along with staying hydrated, is essential, especially in the summer. Excessive alcohol consumption in the sun is discouraged.
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Don’t drink alcohol with an empty stomach:
- Greeks often pair food with drinks. It's recommended not to consume alcohol on an empty stomach. "Vromiko" or "dirty food" like sandwiches or souvlaki is a common choice after partying to prevent hangovers.
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Don’t touch the artifacts in museums and archaeological sites:
- Greece is rich in archaeological sites, and it's imperative to adhere to rules, including not touching artifacts. Some sites may restrict photography, and it's crucial to respect these regulations.
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Don’t wait in the queue:
- During peak seasons, popular attractions may have long queues. To avoid waiting, it's advisable to purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance, ensuring a smoother and more efficient visit.
In conclusion, these tips stem from a deep understanding of Greek culture and travel nuances, aiming to enhance your experience while respecting the local customs and regulations. If you're planning a trip to Greece, these insights will undoubtedly contribute to a stress-free and enjoyable journey.
