Know before you go : Greece Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Greece, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Greece is situated in southeastern Europe, positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and is surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.

The capital of Greece is Athens, a city renowned for its ancient history, vibrant culture, and significant landmarks like the Acropolis. Greece is known for its rich historical heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse islands.

As of 2024, Greece covers about 131957 km² and has a population of approximately 10.2 million people.

Greece, including the island of Corfu, is a great destination year-round with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The peak tourist season in Greece is during the summer months of June through August, when the weather is hot and sunny, but this also means more crowds and higher prices. So in order to avoid the heat and tourists, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, or October.

In Greece, the currency is the Euro, and the cost of living can vary depending on which island you are. On average, you can enjoy a meal at a local taverna for around 10-15€ per person, while dining at mid-range restaurants or touristy areas might cost more than 25€ per person.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always handy to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas. ATMs are easily accessible in major cities and tourist areas, and most international cards work without issue.

Accommodation options are diverse. Budget hotels and guesthouses start at around 30-50€ per night, while mid-range hotels typically range from 70-100€ per night for two people. But booking in advance can often help you find better deals.

Clothing : I would suggest packing light, breathable clothes because temperatures often reach 30°C. Bring also good walking shoes and maybe water shoes because most of the beaches are pebbles beaches and it’s not really comfortable to walk on those.

Sun protection : Of course, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essentials because the sun is really strong.

Insect repellent : Bring some insect repellent, especially for parks or nature reserves. Even in our hotel room, we had tons of mosquitoes.

Adapter: Greece uses Type C and F power outlets, which are the same as in France or the majority of Europe, so no adapters needed. A power bank is also useful, as phones batteries drain faster in the heat.

There’s plenty to bring back from Greece and especially from Corfu !

Traditional Items: Look for traditional souvenirs such as handmade ceramics featuring local designs, or beautiful Greek textiles like embroidered tablecloths and shawls.

Food: Consider bringing back some high-quality olive oil, local honey such as thyme honey, or Greek wine. You might also want to get some raki, a traditional Greek distilled spirit made from grapes.

Spices: Greek spices and herbs are perfect for recreating Mediterranean dishes at home. Oregano and thyme are the best herbs and add authentic Greek flavor to your cooking.

Leather Goods: Corfu is known for its quality leather products. You can bring back a pair of handcrafted sandals, a bag, or a belt as a practical and elegant souvenir.

In Greece, Greek is the official language, but many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English.

Here are a few Greek words that might come in handy:

Hello: Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) [kah-lee-MEH-rah]

Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó) [ef-khah-ree-STOH]

You’re welcome: Παρακαλώ (Parakaló) [pah-rah-kah-LOH]

I (don’t) understand: (Δεν) καταλαβαίνω ((Den) katalavéno) [(then) kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh]

Sorry: Συγγνώμη (Signómi) [see-NOH-mee]

My name is…: Το όνομά μου είναι… (To ónomá mou eínai…) [toh OH-noh-mah moo EE-neh]

Yes / No: Ναι / Όχι (Ne / Ochi) [neh / OH-hee]

As we came from Europe, our mobile plan included internet and calls in Greece, but if you plan on buying one on arrival, you can find Vodafone or Cosmote SIM cards at the airport for around 10-15€.

Public transportation in Greece is also quite good, with buses and ferries providing convenient ways to get around. However, to be more flexible and save some time, I would advise renting a car on arrival. It will be much easier for exploring more remote areas or hidden beaches.

If you need to rent a car in Corfu, I would suggest booking with First Car Rental. They accept debit and cash and don’t require a deposit. The car was perfect and we paid a fair price. Plus, the staff has been very helpful and nice with everything.

Greece has a wealth of incredible sights and experiences to offer. You can explore the ancient ruins and archaeological sites of the capital, or visit the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Greek islands.

Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Greece:

There’s also a lot to see in Corfu ! Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Corfu:

That’s it for my Greece travel tips! To get more detailed information and pictures about these places, be sure to check out my Top fives beaches and Top five viewpoints in Corfu.