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What are the do's and don'ts in Greece?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 14, 2026

Greeks are very hospitable to foreign visitors. Bring a gift to show your gratitude. Don't thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone's face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don't attempt to do this even jokingly!

Is there a dress code in Greece?

Greece does not have any unspoken rules about attire such as "cover your shoulders”, or "wear long skirts, dresses, trousers” like India for example, but as with everything an element of common sense in deciding what you are going to pack is imperative.

What places to avoid in Greece?

Areas to Avoid in Greece

Downtown metropolitan areas: These areas are often the site of protests. In Athens, avoid the area around Syntagma Square, Panepistimou, and Embassy Row. Unfortunately, this also includes some of Athens' finest hotels.

Can you wear jeans in Greece?

It's acceptable to wear jeans around the city, providing you dress them up with a smart blazer or blouse and elegant accessories. The most important factor when traveling to Athens is to remain neat and presentable.

When should you avoid Greece?

When should you avoid Greece? You should definitely avoid visiting Greece during July and August as these are the busiest and also hottest months. You should also know that 99% of the Greeks go on holiday in August.

28 related questions found

Does it snow in Greece?

Snow is common in the Greek mountains and in northern Greece but is less frequent in central Athens and on Aegean islands. Last year, a major snowstorm caused severe problems in the capital, knocking out power for days. Thousands of trees collapsed from the weight of the snow and ice.

Do they speak English in Greece?

Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn't experience any problems when visiting the city. English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.

What religion is in Greece?

Greece is an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian nation – much like Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. And, like many Eastern Europeans, Greeks embrace Christianity as a key part of their national identity.

How do you blend in Greece?

4 Tips on How to Blend in to the Greek Culture

  1. Try not be too loud. One of the first things I noticed is that we, as a culture, speak in much louder tones than the Greek's. ...
  2. Be ready to spend a couple of hours in a restaurant! ...
  3. Avoid certain hand signals. ...
  4. Learn a few common phrases before you depart.

What kind of food is in Greece?

Top 25 Greek Foods – The Most Popular Dishes in Greece

  1. Moussaka. ...
  2. Papoutsakia (Stuffed Eggplants) ...
  3. Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) ...
  4. Souvlaki (Gyros) ...
  5. Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs) ...
  6. Seafood. ...
  7. Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) ...
  8. Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)

What is considered rude in Greece?

Greeks are very hospitable to foreign visitors. Bring a gift to show your gratitude. Don't thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone's face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don't attempt to do this even jokingly!

Can you wear shorts in Greece?

You have no problem wearing shorts in Greece, more or less wherever you go, other than churches or monasteries, where it is expected that your knees and shoulders are covered. You are OK with short sleeves, in these places, and sometimes you will see wrap around skirts at the entrance for those wearing shorts.

Is Greece a violent country?

Greece is a very safe country to travel to. Tourists are unlikely to experience any crime or violence. The only concern is petty crime on the streets, but if you apply the basic precaution measures, your trip should go smoothly.

Why do Greek ladies wear black?

Following the death of a close family member, for example, women are expected to wear black for up to one year to show respect for the deceased.

How can I be polite in Greece?

Welcome to Greece. When meeting someone for the first time Greeks will shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact. It is polite when leaving to shake everyone's hand as well. Once two people are good friends they often embrace and may also kiss each other on each cheek.

Is Greece friendly?

The people are so friendly, and the only places you might pay some attention to what's happening at night is at the touristy bar areas where drunk tourists might not handle alcohol very well. But other than that, Greece is a very safe country and crime rarely happens.

How do you get to Greece Covid?

Entry Restrictions to Greece Relaxed: As of May 1, 2022, travelers entering Greece are no longer required to display a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or evidence of a negative test result from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

What are the must sees in Greece?

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greece

  • Acropolis, Athens. Acropolis, Athens. ...
  • Acropolis Museum, Athens. Acropolis Museum. ...
  • Santorini. Santorini. ...
  • Mykonos. Mykonos. ...
  • Delphi. Delphi. ...
  • The Towns and Beaches of Crete. The beach fronting the town of Plakias | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. ...
  • Corfu. Beach view on Corfu Island. ...
  • Metéora Monasteries.

What are some strange laws in Greece?

In Greece, and thus Halkidiki, wearing heels in sites of archeological magnitude is forbidden. This law aims at protecting the ancient treasures from abrasion and wear and tear. Namely, on the occasion that you plan to visit Ancient Stagira, Ancient Olynthos or the ancient town of Toroni, be aware and be mindful!

What is the climate in Greece?

Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with mild and wet winters in the southern lowland and island regions and cold winters with strong snowfalls in the mountainous areas in the central and northern regions and hot, dry summers.

Do you flush toilet paper in Greece?

Don't flush toilet paper in Greece

There's a very simple explanation: Greek sewage pipes are approximately two inches (50mm) in diameter. American and British plumbing is twice as large (four inches/100mm). The Greek pipes just get clogged. They don't call them 'modern conveniences' for nothing.

Is Greek easy to learn?

Greek is a difficult language, but the effort is worth it

So even if it takes you one whole year of intensive studying, it is worth the trouble to be able to speak one of the oldest, richest and most diverse languages in the world. In fact, Greek is one of the world's oldest languages that is still in use today.

Is Greek a Romance language?

Greek is a completely separate branch of the Indo-European languages (Hellenic) from Romance languages (which are Italic languages), and has been separate from the branch of Indo-European to which the Romance languages today belong for at least 3000 years, long before there was even a Latin language, much less Romance ...