Greece Travel Tips
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back at least 3 000 years.
The Whole country has more than 250 days of sun on average? That’s more than 3000 sunny hours per year. Some islands even see around 300 days of sun per year!
Greece has more than 2000 islands, but only 170 of them are populated. The other islands are uninhabited.
Greece Isn’t Really the Country’s Name
In fact, the country’s real name is the Hellenic Republic, and also Hellas, which is the original word for Greece.
The world’s third leading producer of olives, the Greeks have cultivated olive trees since ancient times. Some olive trees planted in the thirteenth century are still producing olives.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
The most popular time to visit Greece is the summer (June to August) when the weather is beautiful and sun is guaranteed. However, we also recommend Late spring (April and May) and early autumn (late August through September) as crowds are less and the sun isn’t as hot
Do South Africans Require visa’s to visit Greece?
Yes, all South African passport holders require visa’s for Greece
Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip it not expected — though always welcome. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes; taxis, porters and cloakroom attendants will expect a tip.
Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.
Tips for visiting Greece
Pack light for your vacation in Greece! you don’t want have to drag heavy suitcases around cobbled streets and several flights of stairs on the Greek islands.
Greek mentality is this – rules are guidelines. Therefore, unlike the rest of Europe where cyclists and pedestrians always get right of way, in Greece do not assume that you can cross a zebra crossing straightaway! The same goes if there is a green traffic light for pedestrians.
When using ferries to get to the other islands, most times you can’t pre-print your tickets and they need to be collected at the ports, so allow extra time for this.
Restaurants in Greece also have strange opening times. If you normally have dinner earlier, make sure you have some snacks available, as many of the restaurants might be preparing for the evening, especially if you are somewhere remote. Greeks typically have dinner after 21.00
Greece is a tiny country, but the logistics of travelling from A to B can be quite challenging so don’t try to fit too many places into one trip.
Greeks smoke a lot! The anti-smoking law exists, but just like many other laws in Greece it’s not fully respected at the moment. Be prepared for this, or even better sit outside
Things to do in Greece
Spend a few days marveling at the ruins of the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens, and wandering through the archaeological museums nearby.
Visit the site of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, where there are still ruins of arenas, gymnasiums and changing rooms.
See the tomb of King Leonidas in Sparta, along with other relics of the famous warriors of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
Explore the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos, where the Apostle John is said to have written the Book of Revelation.
Follow the trail of Homer’s Odyssey with a visit to Ithaca, and enjoy the lively village of Vathy.
Let loose in the trendy tavernas and nightclubs of Mykonos.
Venture out to the islands. Mountainous Crete is the most popular and features sparkling beaches, spectacular green outcroppings, ancient Minoan sites, and the famous Samaria Gorge Trail. Other popular island destinations include Corfu, for its mythic significance, Santorini, for its volcanic history, beautiful sunsets and vibrant nightlife, and Rhodes, which is a World Heritage Site.
Many history buffs head to the Peloponnese Peninsula for the region’s ancient ruins and battlefields.
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