6 Things to Know Before Going to Greece

1 month ago 13

Greece is a stunning country filled with thousands of islands along the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas. It’s a great destination to visit during most months of the year, with May to October being the most popular time to go.

Whether it’s your first time or third time visiting Greece, there are certain things to keep in mind that will help make your trip a success.

I recently came back from a two-week trip to Greece, where I did some island-hopping around Paros, Ios, Santorini, and Mykonos, and I visited the capital city of Athens. Although I’d previously visited Mykonos and Rhodes, I certainly learned a lot after visiting for the third time, and these are six things I wish I knew prior to visiting Greece.

1. Best Time to Visit the Acropolis

Athens is known for having high temperatures from May to September, so if you’re planning to check off a bucket-list activity by visiting the Acropolis, the best times to go is first thing in the morning, at around 8am or 9am, and in the evening at around 5pm.

By doing this, you can avoid the peak temperature of the day while still being able to enjoy your experience. Additionally, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes (preferably sneakers) for this activity due to the amount of walking you’ll be doing if you want to explore all that the site has to offer.

2. When to Visit Paros and Ios

The most popular Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos are great for visiting in September; however, if you’re planning to visit the lesser-known islands, like Paros and Ios, avoid travelling there after August.

While these islands typically have fewer crowds in September, they are not as lively as they would be during the summer months, and they actually feel pretty empty.

In fact, many establishments close for the season in the first week of September, so it can be tough to experience Ios’ renowned nightlife and other great parts of the islands’ cultures if you schedule your visit too late in the year.

3. Diversify your Credit Cards

An important thing to keep in mind when visiting Greece is that the majority of businesses in Greece don’t accept American Express as a form of payment. Although larger hotels and tour companies may accept American Express, you won’t be able to use these cards almost anywhere else.

With this in mind, I recommend diversifying the credit cards you bring to Greece so that you have multiple options for payment besides cash and to ensure you’ll have a card that works throughout the country.

Both Visa and Mastercard generally have high acceptance rates across Greece, though you will certainly find some shops that only take cash. For Canadians, I recommend considering a card that has no foreign transaction fees, like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card, since this will save 2.5% on all your transactions.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

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Visa Airport Companion membership with six free lounge visits per year
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Annual fee: $150

Otherwise, you might want to consider bringing a couple of Visa and Mastercard products that have high earnings rates or that have a required minimum spend you’re working to meet.

4. Ammoudi Bay

If you’re planning to visit Santorini and are looking for another stunning location to visit after seeing the iconic blue domes, I recommend checking out Ammoudi Bay to take in the charming seaside.

However, my recommendation does come with a caveat as reaching Ammoudi Bay can be a challenge. If you’re using Google Maps and walking down from the top of Oia, the journey involves going down 278 steep, rocky, and slippery steps.

This route can be difficult for many travellers and some people opt to ride a donkey or mule down instead; however, I strongly advise against doing this since unfortunately these animals are often not sufficiently cared for, and by riding them, you may inadvertently support the exploitation and abuse of animals.

For a less morally fraught option for those uninterested in dealing with the steep and treacherous path down to Ammoudi Bay, I recommend getting a taxi. While the cost will vary, I paid €15 for the reverse trip from Ammoudi Bay to the center of town at the top of Oia, so a taxi towards the bay should come in around the same price.

Once you’ve made it to Ammoudi Bay, I recommend having lunch by the coast for a bucket-list worthy experience with stunning views of the sea. I dined at Dimitris Taverna, and enjoyed a flavourful and fresh seafood rice.

If you opt for a meal by the water, take note that while there’s no minimum spend requirement during the afternoon, if you’d like to go for dinner during sunset, there’s a hefty minimum spend requirement and reservations are encouraged.

5. Popular Islands

Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most popular (and expensive!) islands in Greece that many people dream of visiting. To get reduced travel rates, fewer crowds, and more relaxation, I recommend visiting Santorini and Mykonos in September.

During the summer months of June through August, temperatures are scorching hot and these islands receive their highest volume of tourism.

When I visited in September, the only crowds I saw were from cruise ships when passengers disembarked for their short visit. However, despite this, the main town wasn’t as busy as I expected it to be, and it was a breath of fresh air to be able to freely explore the narrow streets of Mykonos and wander around without feeling crowded.

6. Book Your Sunset Reservations in Santorini in Advance

If having a sunset dinner with views of Santorini’s famous caldera is on your Greece checklist, make your reservations at least four to six weeks in advance. Also keep in mind that depending on which restaurant you go to there may be a minimum spend or a set menu, so check out the websites for each place thoroughly before booking.

While I was there, I dined at Rastoni in Fira and had a pleasant experience. The staff were attentive and the drinks were divine (I ordered the Frutti di mare and Red Queen cocktail). They have a huge selection of dishes to choose from so whatever you’re craving, they’ll have it!