Greece travel – A visitor from Athens shares eight hard-earned lessons—beyond the postcard islands, around tipping and Sundays, and with extra care during wildfire season—while urging tourists to slow down, eat in traditional tavernas, and learn a few basic Greek phrases.
A trip to Greece can feel effortless right up until it doesn’t: one day you’re rushing between ferries trying to “hit” four islands in a week, the next you’re realizing the bill doesn’t work the way you’re used to—and the calendar doesn’t move at the pace you expected.
Because Greece is more than a shortlist of famous stops. It’s a country built on small timing differences, local habits, and choices that shape what visitors experience. And in the years since she split her time between the US and Athens. Joanna Kalafatis says she’s watched travelers stumble over the same things—then miss out on the parts that make Greece feel real.
Start by looking past Mykonos and Santorini
Joanna Kalafatis says it’s common for visitors to plan around Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros. But Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and many are more budget-friendly to visit than the popular ones.
She recommends researching smaller destinations such as Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros—places she describes as “hidden gems.”
Don’t limit the trip to island hopping either. The Greek mainland is also packed with sights, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Delphi and Meteora to the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese, along with the mountains and villages of Epirus.
If you only check off the Acropolis, you’re missing Athens
For travelers who treat Athens as a quick stop to tick the Acropolis off a list, Kalafatis argues they’re skipping one of the city’s biggest draws. She calls Athens “one of the liveliest in the world” and urges people to look beyond the landmark.
She points visitors toward Athens’ nightlife, restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods including Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.
Tipping in Greece isn’t built on the same expectation
One habit many Americans bring with them doesn’t translate cleanly. Kalafatis says Greek servers and hospitality workers typically rely on standard, guaranteed hourly wages, so the tipping culture isn’t the same as in the US.
In the US, it’s common to tip 15% or 20% on restaurant bills, but Kalafatis says that isn’t expected in Greece. Her own approach is to round up the bill or leave a couple of euros unless the service is exceptional or the meal is at a more formal or tourist-oriented restaurant.
Sundays run differently—slow down with it
Greece also moves to a different rhythm. Kalafatis describes locals as having a “relaxed relationship with time,” with people often arriving late to events and stores opening half an hour after they said they would.
On quieter islands, service can feel slow to visitors used to 24/7 access. She also notes that many stores and supermarkets are closed on Sundays—even in Athens—making it wise to plan around the day rather than fight it.
Her advice is simple: enjoy the slower pace of life while you’re there.
Don’t cram four or five islands into a seven-day trip
One of Kalafatis’ clearest warnings is against trying to fit too much into too short a window. She says many people ask whether they can squeeze four—or even five—different islands into a seven-day trip, and she “never recommend[s] it.”
Her view is that it’s better to take time and explore Greece in a way that lets each destination last at least a couple of days. She adds that half the joy of being on Greek islands is getting to destress. If you’re constantly hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover highlights. you’ll miss the best parts.
Wildfires have made sensitivity part of travel reality
Some parts of Greek travel aren’t just about preferences—they’re about empathy. Kalafatis points to devastating wildfires in Greece that have increased over the past few years.
She asks tourists to be sensitive if they’re in the country during this time or if they’re posting about it. She says she’s seen multiple tourists in recent years post how “pretty” the skies or sunsets look, driven by the glow from raging wildfires.
At a time when many Greek people are wondering whether their houses are still standing or whether their loved ones are safe, she calls that kind of framing “pretty insensitive.”
Eat in a traditional taverna at least once
Even with the rise of upscale restaurants around Athens and other popular destinations, Kalafatis says there’s a meal experience visitors shouldn’t skip.
She recommends eating in a traditional taverna at least once. She describes a taverna as a casual restaurant with family-style dining, where diners can spend hours chatting with friends while sharing food, paired with wine or ouzo—a Greek aperitif.
Greek food is more than gyros
Kalafatis also pushes back on the idea that Greek cuisine starts and ends with familiar fast favorites. “Greek food is more than just gyros,” she says, and she recommends local specialties beyond the basics.
She notes that many Greeks start their day with tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee, described as a popular local espresso drink frothy and typically blended with ice and sugar.
She also points out that each region has specialties, and she gives examples of common tavern menu items, including octopus; all kinds of fish; grilled and fried cheeses like saganaki and halloumi; and side dishes like fava, a creamy spread made with split peas.
Learn a few local words before you arrive
Language can shape how smooth—or how stressful—your trip feels. Kalafatis says that in tourist-friendly cities many younger Greek people understand English, but communication can be harder with older folks, especially in more rural areas.
Even if someone can understand you, she encourages learning a few simple words and phrases like “good morning,” “thank you,” and “how are you?” before your trip.
It’s a small effort, but one she frames as part of being a respectful visitor.
Kalafatis originally published this story on April 21, 2024, and it was most recently updated on June 3, 2026. The piece is presented as travel advice for people planning a trip to Greece. with the core message staying consistent: the best parts of the country don’t come from rushing through the famous checklist.
Greece tourism Athens Mykonos Santorini Greek islands tipping Sundays ferries wildfires tavernas Greek cuisine tiropita freddo coffee Greek phrases