Trip readiness checklist for Greece

What to pack

Greece is sun, stone, and sea. Pack light, breathable clothes, real sun protection, and sandals that can handle ancient ruins and a ferry deck.

• Sturdy sandals or walking shoes

  Ancient sites like the Acropolis have smooth, slippery marble and uneven stone — flimsy flip-flops won't cut it.

• Strong sun protection

  The Greek sun is fierce from late spring to early autumn; hat, sunglasses, high-SPF.

• Layers for ferries and evenings

  Sea breezes and open-deck ferry rides get cool even in summer.

• Shoulder cover for monasteries

  Sites like Meteora require covered shoulders and knees.

When to go

July–August is peak everything: hottest, priciest, and islands like Santorini and Mykonos packed shoulder-to-shoulder. May–June and September give you warm seas, open tavernas, and room to breathe.

Money & getting around

Greece is on the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for small islands, tavernas, and kiosks ('periptero'). Tipping is appreciated, not required — round up or leave 5–10%. Island-hopping runs on ferries, so book ahead in summer.

Local quirks worth knowing

Greece rewards travelers who slow to its pace. Nothing here is rushed, including you.

• Don't flush the paper

  The plumbing is old and narrow; toilet paper goes in the bin beside it. That bin is not decorative.

• Dinner starts at nine

  Show up at 6:30 and you'll dine alone. Tavernas hit their stride from 9pm onward.

• The afternoon quiet is real

  Roughly 3–5pm, especially on islands and in smaller towns, things pause. Don't fight it — swim.

• One coffee, one hour, minimum

  A frappé is a sit-down commitment, not a to-go cup. Nobody will rush you out of the seat.