20 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Greece to Roam Like a Greek!

Greece is a sun-soaked wonderland bursting with ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and enough feta cheese to keep you in a permanent food coma. It’s no wonder millions of tourists flock here every year to soak in the magic. But even paradise can trip you up if you’re not prepared.

In this guide, we’ll stroll through the top mistakes travellers make when visiting Greece, sprinkle in a dash of humour, and help you avoid any Greek holiday hiccups. So, grab your metaphorical passport, and let’s dive in!

Top 20 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Greece

Avoid those 20 mistakes when in Greece:

1. Skipping the Off-Season

The Mistake: Many people visit Greece in the high summer months of July and August, thinking it’s the best time to experience all the country has to offer. Unfortunately, this means battling the crowds at the Acropolis and sweating buckets under the merciless Mediterranean sun.

What to Do Instead:
Visit in the shoulder seasons—April to June or September to early October. The weather is still warm, the crowds are thinner, and you won’t feel like a sardine on the ferries. Plus, the locals are more relaxed and willing to chat since they’re not overrun by hordes of tourists.

Tip:
Keep an eye on Greek Orthodox Easter—it’s a magical time to visit, with unique traditions and feasts in every village. Just remember that some ferry schedules and attractions might be limited around holidays.

2. Only Visiting Athens for a Day

The Mistake: Athens gets treated like a layover city—arrive, see the Acropolis, grab a gyro, and hop on a ferry to the islands. You’re missing out!

What to Do Instead:
Spend at least two or three days in Athens. Beyond the Acropolis, the city boasts vibrant neighbourhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, fascinating museums, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Plus, it’s the best place to try authentic souvlaki and explore ancient ruins scattered throughout the city.

Tip:
Take a leisurely evening stroll up to Mount Lycabettus for a panoramic view of the city. Trust me, the sunset here will give Santorini a run for its money.

3. Ignoring the Mainland

The Mistake: For many visitors, Greece begins and ends with its islands. While Santorini and Mykonos are undeniably dreamy, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

What to Do Instead:
Explore the mainland! Meteora’s sky-high monasteries, the ancient ruins of Delphi, and the charming coastal town of Nafplio are just a few highlights. You’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and equally stunning views.

Tip:
Hire a car for your mainland adventure—it’s the easiest way to explore Greece’s hidden gems. And yes, you can stop for a cheeky frappe (iced coffee) at every roadside café.

4. Underestimating Greek Time

The Mistake: Expecting everything to run like clockwork. Trains might be late, ferries can be delayed, and the “5 minutes” your waiter promised for your food might actually be 15.

What to Do Instead:
Embrace the Greek concept of “siga-siga,” which means “slowly-slowly.” Don’t stress over minor delays—they’re part of the charm. Use the extra time to strike up a conversation or soak in the surroundings.

Tip:
When planning your ferry connections, leave plenty of buffer time between trips. Missing your ferry can be an adventure in itself, but it’s not always the kind you want.

5. Misjudging Ferry Etiquette

The Mistake: Thinking a ferry ride is just like catching a train. Spoiler alert: it’s not. From chaotic boarding processes to unmarked seats, ferries can feel overwhelming for first-timers.

What to Do Instead:
Arrive early, bring snacks, and brace yourself for the mad dash when the ferry arrives. Always ask the crew where to sit if it’s unclear—they’re used to the confusion.

Tip:
For a more relaxed experience, consider taking a smaller, faster ferry or splurging on a first-class ticket. And pack some motion sickness tablets—those waves can be wild!

6. Overloading Your Itinerary

The Mistake: Trying to cram five islands and three cities into a week. Greece may look compact on a map, but trust us, travelling between destinations takes time.

What to Do Instead:
Stick to a maximum of two islands and one mainland destination for a week-long trip. This allows you to truly savour each location without feeling rushed.

Tip:
Mix a bustling island like Mykonos with a quieter one like Naxos or Paros for variety. Your Instagram followers will thank you.

7. Assuming All Greek Food is the Same

The Mistake: Expecting every Greek restaurant to serve the same dishes. “One Greek salad, please!” might cut it in Santorini, but you’ll miss out on regional specialities.

What to Do Instead:
Try local dishes wherever you go. Corfu has its own spin on pastitsada (a spiced meat dish), Crete serves heavenly dakos (a barley rusk salad), and Thessaloniki is the place for bougatsa (a custard-filled pastry).

Tip:
Don’t shy away from small, family-run tavernas. They often serve the freshest, most authentic meals—and the owner might even throw in a complimentary dessert.

8. Ignoring Local Customs

The Mistake: Walking into a church in shorts or not saying “kalimera” (good morning) when you enter a shop.

What to Do Instead:
Research a bit about Greek etiquette. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and learn a few basic phrases—Greeks appreciate the effort and will likely go out of their way to help you.

Tip:
When dining out, don’t be the person who splits the bill to the cent. In Greece, it’s customary to share dishes and settle the tab collectively.

9. Overpacking

The Mistake: Dragging a giant suitcase through cobblestone streets or lugging it onto a ferry.

What to Do Instead:
Pack light! A carry-on and a small backpack should suffice. Opt for breathable clothes, comfy walking shoes, and a good hat.

Tip:
Leave space for souvenirs—whether it’s olive oil, ceramics, or that cheeky bottle of ouzo you’ll probably regret but buy anyway.

10. Skipping Travel Insurance

The Mistake: Thinking, “What could possibly go wrong?” Plenty, my friend. Delayed ferries, lost luggage, or a sudden bout of tzatziki-induced food poisoning can derail your trip.

What to Do Instead:
Invest in comprehensive travel insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind, and you’ll thank yourself if (or when) something goes awry.

Tip:
Double-check that your insurance covers activities like hiking or diving, especially if you’re planning to visit adventurous spots like Zakynthos or the caves of Crete.

11. Not Carrying Cash

The Mistake: Relying solely on your card. While many places accept plastic, smaller tavernas, shops, and rural areas might not.

What to Do Instead:
Carry a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available, but it’s good to have euros on hand for tips, taxis, and that roadside watermelon stand.

Tip:
Avoid withdrawing cash at airports—they often have poor exchange rates.

12. Not Respecting Siesta Time

The Mistake: Trying to shop or visit small-town attractions between 2 pm and 5 pm.

What to Do Instead:
Plan for a leisurely lunch or a nap during these hours. Many businesses close for siesta, especially outside tourist hotspots.

Tip:
Use this time to relax like the locals—find a shady spot with a book, or head to the beach for a swim.

13. Expecting Santorini to Be Quiet

The Mistake: Assuming you’ll have Santorini’s famous sunset all to yourself. Spoiler: you won’t.

What to Do Instead:
Head to less crowded spots like Pyrgos or Megalochori for equally stunning views. And if you’re set on Oia, go early to snag a good spot.

Tip:
Consider staying in Santorini’s quieter southern villages—they’re cheaper and still gorgeous.

14. Missing Unique Sites Like Meteora and Thassos

The Mistake: Sticking to the typical tourist route: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. While these destinations are stunning, they barely scratch the surface of Greece’s diverse beauty.

What to Do Instead:
Venture beyond the usual suspects to uncover hidden gems. Meteora, with its jaw-dropping monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. Thassos, often called the “Emerald Isle,” boasts Golden Beach—a serene haven where lush green forests meet crystal-clear waters.

Tip:
Plan a day trip or dedicate a few days to these off-the-beaten-path destinations. Meteora is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, while Thassos offers quiet beaches and charming villages, perfect for a slower pace.

15. Underestimating Greece’s Natural Wonders

The Mistake: Assuming Greece is all about history and beaches while ignoring its incredible natural landscapes.

What to Do Instead:
Make time for Greece’s natural wonders. Explore Vikos Gorge in Epirus, one of the world’s deepest gorges, or swim in the turquoise pools of the Voidomatis River. Visit the volcanic landscapes of Milos or hike Mount Olympus if you’re up for a challenge.

Tip:
Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a reusable water bottle—many trails have springs with fresh drinking water.

16. Avoiding Local Ferries to Small Islands

The Mistake: Only booking trips to famous islands like Santorini and Crete while overlooking the charm of smaller, less commercialised islands.

What to Do Instead:
Hop on a local ferry and visit islands like Hydra (no cars allowed!), Symi (famous for its colourful neoclassical harbour), or Tinos (home to both incredible beaches and religious pilgrimages). These smaller islands often provide a more authentic Greek experience.

Tip:
Ask locals for ferry recommendations—they’ll often know the best routes and secret spots.

17. Not Exploring Greece’s Unique Villages

The Mistake: Sticking to urban centres and missing out on Greece’s picturesque villages.

What to Do Instead:
Take a detour to places like Papingo in Epirus, known for its stone architecture and natural pools, or the medieval village of Pyrgi on Chios, famed for its black-and-white geometric facades. The villages of Zagorochoria offer a slice of rural life surrounded by breathtaking mountains.

Tip:
Rent a car for these village explorations—they’re often tucked away in remote areas that public transport doesn’t reach.

18. Skipping Archaeological Sites Beyond the Acropolis

The Mistake: Thinking the Acropolis is the only ancient site worth visiting.

What to Do Instead:
Greece is brimming with archaeological wonders. Ancient Delphi offers stunning ruins and sweeping views of the valley below, while the Palace of Knossos in Crete lets you walk in the footsteps of the Minoans. The lesser-visited ruins of Philippi in northern Greece are perfect for history buffs.

Tip:
Hire a guide or download an audio tour to enhance your visit—you’ll get fascinating insights that make the ruins come alive.

19. Overlooking Greece’s Unique Museums

The Mistake: Thinking museums in Greece are all about ancient pottery and statues.

What to Do Instead:
Greece’s museums are as diverse as its landscapes. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens showcases modern masterpieces, while Thessaloniki’s Museum of Photography offers a peek into Greek life through the ages. Don’t miss the quirky Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production in Lesvos or the folklore museums scattered across the islands.

Tip:
Visit museums during the hottest part of the day—they’re usually air-conditioned and provide a cool (literally and figuratively) escape.

20. Overlooking Northern Greece

The Mistake: Focusing solely on southern Greece and its islands, while ignoring the treasures of the north.

What to Do Instead:
Discover northern Greece, a region rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, boasts a lively food scene, vibrant nightlife, and Ottoman-era landmarks. The Prespa Lakes offer serene landscapes and a chance to spot rare bird species.

Tip:
Don’t miss the ancient site of Vergina, the burial place of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that often flies under the radar.

Ready for Your Trip?

In a nutshell, Greece is a land of surprises, and while mistakes are part of the journey, a little preparation goes a long way. Armed with these tips, you’re ready to dodge the pitfalls and embrace the best of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Kalo taxidi (have a good trip)!