Greece Travel Guide for First-Timers: What to Know Before You Go
Here's the best Greece travel guide for first timers telling you all you need to know before you embark on your much-awaited Greek island adventure! Remember, Greece offers an ethereal blend of experiences, including picturesque sunsets and caldera in Santorini, ancient history in Athens, beaches in Corfu, and lively nightlife in Mykonos. So, picking the right vacay spot for your specific interests is key.
The following guide can help you find the best Greek island for your holiday and learn about what preparations must go in for a wonderful experience.
Plan in Advance
Making travel arrangements ahead of time can allow you to enjoy a smooth holiday in Greece, leaving little room for last-minute confusion or hurried logistical planning. It can also help find cheap Greece all inclusive packages with low-cost flights, affordable accommodation, tours, transfers, and other perks, all at a lower overall price thanks to early planning.
It’s also a good idea to book ferries, tours, and activities in advance, leaving enough room for spontaneous adventure (think cultural extravaganzas or festivals).
Ideal Duration: A 7-day Greece itinerary for first timers is highly recommended, as it allows ample time to explore all the major highlights of the Greek island you pick.
Where to Go in Greece?
If you're wondering where to go in Greece for the first time with family, Crete is a fantastic option, offering a large mix of beautiful beaches, small towns (Chania), historical sites (Knossos), and hiking trails (Samaria Gorge).
For low-key romantic trips, pick lesser-known spots like Naxos, home to quiet beaches and traditional villages, offering plenty of privacy. Many couples also visit Milos, renowned for its alluring volcanic landscapes and the famous Sarakiniko Beach.
Mykonos is a top choice for nightlife enthusiasts, famous for its beach clubs, cocktail bars, thumping discotheques, and a vibrant cosmopolitan ambience. Besides ranking among the topmost Greek party towns for lively holidays, Mykonos offers a wide range of luxury hotels and upscale resorts.
Santorini is best for breathtaking natural scenery, its highlights including the caldera, whitewashed villages, and scenic sunsets. It also offers a great line-up of cosy hotels and seafront spa resorts.
Greek Cuisine - Top Food and Drinks
There's great news for those curious about where to go in Greece for the first time for food! Every island is packed with family-run tavernas, upscale restaurants, and chic bars, each serving top-quality Greek cuisine, drinks, and local specialties.
So, even if you're booking the cheapest all inclusive holidays to Greece covering all your meals, take time out to sample authentic local cuisine at popular eateries outside of your hotel. Check out the top must-have food and drinks in Greece below.
Popular Greek Dishes: Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Choriatiki (Greek Salad), Moussaka (layered eggplant dish), Spanakopita (feta cheese and spinach pie), Baklava (dessert), fresh seafood, and Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
Popular Greek Drinks: Ouzo (anise-flavoured aperitif, Rakmelo (Cretan liqueur), Greek wine, Tsipouro (pomace brandy), Frappe (iced coffee), Metaxa (liqueur made from mastic resin), and Kitron (citron fruit liqueur)
Quick Greece Travel Tips:
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Carry Cash: Many places across Greece, particularly smaller shops and local markets, prefer cash payments. So, carry ample bills in small change.
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Use Public Transport: Hire taxis, hitch rides on the public bus, use ferries, or book ridesharing on reliable apps to get around Greece affordably.
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Learn Basic Greek: Common greetings, requests, and phrases in Greek can make you seem warmer to the locals, and they'll appreciate your efforts to respect their culture and language.
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Beware of Scams:
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