THE BEST GREECE VACATION TRAVEL TIPS
THE BEST GREECE VACATION TRAVEL TIPS

INTRODUCTION: GREECE VACATION TRAVEL TIPS
Greece Vacation Travel Tips: In 1991, I visited Greece for the first time. I went on a two-week vacation with a work colleague. We spent a week in Athens and another week at a windsurfing resort southwest of Patras (one of many travel tips from a friend), near Kalogria. The desert-like, mountainous landscape captivated me. This left such a strong impression on me that years later, I found my own place on the Mediterranean Sea with a similar view to call my own.
I consider this trip as one of the most influential experiences in my life, inspiring me to dream big and follow my own path. Upon retirement, I plan to revisit and pick up where I left off many years ago. For those considering a trip to the Mediterranean and plan on spending time in Greece, I hope the information below will offer helpful tips and inspiration. (Meanwhile, to find out more about the Mediterranean, check out our post on Mediterranean Travel for helpful tips and ideas.)


GREECE VACATION TRAVEL TIPS

About the Country: Greece Vacation Travel Tips
This country is one of the earliest civilizations known to humankind and is a country with a rich history, heritage, and culture. It was the place where the Byzantine Empire and the great Ottoman Empire once ruled. It is also considered the birthplace of democracy, with Athens as its capital city. For several centuries, it was the world center for Western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, and many other major scientific studies.
Revered for its historic contributions, it is also a popular vacation destination for millions of tourists year-round. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and charming villages. The Greek islands are among the most wonderful places to explore by cruise or yacht.
Population & Languages
The population is around 11 million and the official language is Greek.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin, and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
The country is located in Southern Europe between Albania and Turkey, and it borders the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is situated on the southern side of the Balkan Peninsula, it is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia to the north and northeast.

Climate
The region has three distinct climates: Alpine, Mediterranean, and temperate. It experiences mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. You can find an Alpine climate in the mountainous areas and a temperate climate near the border with Macedonia. Athens has a blend of temperate and Mediterranean weather.
Local Customs
It is a place with a strong historic and cultural background, where different traditions and customs can be found in various parts of the country. Here, the gesture of throwing back a hand is considered negative. Casual dress is acceptable in most situations. Smoking is not allowed in public transport services and public buildings. It is customary to tip 12 to 15 percent in restaurants, hotels, and taxis.

Attractions
- The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
- Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
- The Parthenon in Athens
- Skiing in the Arahova Mountains between October and March
- Easter Celebrations
- Thessaloniki’s White Tower and the country’s rich Byzantine culture
- The south of Corinth
- Thousands of historical sights located throughout the cities and countryside
- The beaches on the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea
- The wine vineyards in the countryside
- The islands in the Aegean Sea
- Greek cuisine
- The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
- he famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos
Travel
By Air, The national airline is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flights from Athens. The biggest airport is the Athens International Airport which is located about 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia), and Corfu (Kerkira).

By sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki, and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferry lines connect these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia, and Turkey.
Some of the popular cruise lines operating in the region are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm of tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1-liter spirit over 22% or 2-liter wine
4. Perfumes 50 gm or 250 ml
5. Gifts up to 175
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks, and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty percent alcohol.

Final Thoughts – Greece Vacation Travel Tips
As mentioned earlier, I spent nearly two weeks visiting this country several years ago. The truth is, I could have stayed for several months and still not have scratched the surface of the numerous historical sites to explore foods to try, and beaches to enjoy. This is a must-see country and an experience I highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring this exceptional Mediterranean country. It truly embodies the essence of the Mediterranean.

Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.