Ancient ruins, islands, beaches and mountains — Greece has it all. Whether you want to walk the same streets as ancient philosophers, explore the mountains or vacation by the sea, this country is well worth the time to get to know it better. Want to get off the beaten path? Greece native Georgia Kastidou shares her advice.
When to go and where to book
Peak tourist season runs from about June 20 to August 20. The end of May, early June and late August is ideal for lower prices outside the tourist season — and it will still be warm enough to go to the beach. Most Greeks take their vacation between the end of July and August 16 so there will be a shortage of accommodations and costs typically rise. The August 15 holiday, the Dormition (Assumption) of the Virgin, is the second biggest feast of the year. Everything will be closed, but large celebrations will take place across the country. After the holidays, the locals are back to school and work.
Guest rooms, apartments and villas are an inexpensive alternative to hotels and can be booked through local travel agencies or Tourist Police stations — often upon arrival. There are also over 340 camping sites, many of which offer
caravans or small houses. For more information see the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) website.
The daily routine
Living like a local in Greece may require a change to your daily routine due to the extended break in the middle of the day. Most stores are open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and then from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The main meal of the day is
from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. After the meal, it’s time to relax or take a nap to escape the hottest part of the day. If you’re outside tourist areas, you’ll want to keep in mind that between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm is a common silent time. Loud music, noise and disruptions should be avoided.
After work, many people go out with family or friends to enjoy food and drink. Dinner is a light meal, but when eaten out can last two to three hours. Meals aren’t rushed but are eaten leisurely amidst news, gossip and talk of current issues and politics. The company is as important as the food.
What to see
There are a wide variety of attractions to see in Greece, including national parks, historic sites or ancient ruins and museums. However, if you’re looking for those elusive hidden gems, get to know the area where you are staying and ask the residents to point out buildings or sites of interest. Take to the streets on foot to take in the scenery and atmosphere. The locals know where to find the beaches that aren’t crowded with tourists, but expect Sundays to be the busiest day. Not all beaches are sandy, so make sure you find one that suits your preferences.
