10 Mistakes Travelers to Greece Make – a

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10 Mistakes Travelers to Greece Make – and How to Avoid Them

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Any uncredited photos are my own.

You’ve booked your ticket to Greece, packed your sunscreen, and can already taste the salty sea air and fresh tzatziki. But before you hop on that plane, it’s worth pausing to ensure your dream trip doesn’t turn into a logistical nightmare.

Greece is a destination of unparalleled beauty and charm, but it’s also a country where a little advance knowledge can go a long way. Here we're going to highlight some common traveler mistakes and, more importantly, how to sidestep them. With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to have a journey that’s more smooth sailing than stormy seas.

1. Thinking Greece Is Just Santorini and Mykonos

Naxos has all the classic Cycladic look of Santorini and Mykonos without the crowds and expense.

It’s impossible to escape the allure of Santorini’s blue-domed churches or Mykonos’s party-ready beaches - and they're fabulous if that's your thing - but Greece is so much more than these two islands. While undeniably stunning, these hotspots are also the most crowded and expensive, especially during peak season. Over-tourism can detract from the serene escape you might be envisioning, as you jostle with other visitors for space at restaurants or along narrow streets.

Fortunately, Greece is full of destinations that are equally captivating and far less overrun. Consider Naxos, an island with long sandy beaches, pretty little villages, and an authentic feel. Crete offers a little of everything—dramatic gorges, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities. If your soul craves nature, head to Epirus, where stone bridges arch gracefully over rushing rivers, and the lush, green Tzoumerka mountains bewitch you with their waterfalls and scenic stony villages.

One of the most memorable moments from my travels involved sipping wine in a tucked-away Cretan taverna, surrounded by locals and being personally serenaded with made-up-on-the-spot "mantinades" by the two musicians playing for the patrons. These intimate corners of Greece, far from the hectic "must-see" spots, often feel like a time capsule, offering glimpses into the country’s true essence.

Waterfalls in the Tzoumerka mountains,.

2. Skimping on Time Between Destinations

Greece may seem compact on a map, but hopping between islands or mainland destinations is rarely straightforward. Ferries often run on island time—charming in theory, but frustrating when delays crop up, and some islands are many hours apart.

Connections may also require a stopover in Athens, eating into your precious vacation days, since only a couple of island airports connect directly to other Greek islands. That means if you want to fly from, say, Naxos to Rhodes, you have to fly back to Athens and take another flight. This can easily kill a day.

The key is to plan with intention. Stick to island groups, such as the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands, to minimize transit time. On the mainland, focus on one region rather than trying to conquer it all in a single trip. Attempting to squeeze Athens, Santorini, and Crete into a four-day itinerary is an exercise in futility, leaving you frazzled instead of fulfilled. Until teleporting is actually invented, these overly ambitious itineraries are just not possible.

Slow down, embrace the rhythm of Greek life, and give each destination the time it deserves. You’ll leave with richer memories and far less travel fatigue.

3. Overpacking

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I am a recovering overpacker. I still backslide sometimes, but I'm getting better at it.

The cobblestone streets and stair-filled villages of Greece are lovely but a complete nightmare to the overpacked traveler. Add in accommodations without elevators and you’ll quickly regret every extra pair of shoes you thought you’d need. Pack light and focus on versatile clothing that can handle the season you're traveling in. I've been in every season but winter, and regardless of when I'm going, light layers are the way to go.

Lightweight natural fabrics are ideal for the Mediterranean climate. Lately my wool-averse (itchy!!!) self has become an evangelist for merino wool, which is on another level entirely. Tees, tops, even pants can be found in various weights and styles to fit any traveler. They're lightweight, pack small and don't retain odors. And they're soft - not remotely itchy.

And don’t forget a sturdy yet stylish pair or two of walking shoes. I generally bring a closed pair of Sketchers or something similar for the plane and for everyday walking, plus another super-comfy walking pair of sandals, like something from Clarke's Cloudsteppers line or the like.

Remember, you’re likely to pick up souvenirs along the way—leave room in your bag for that.

My favorite luggage for the past few trips is from Biaggi. I have two of their convertible pieces - their expandible underseat-to-overhead bin smaller case as well as the larger overhead bin-to-check-in larger suitcase. They are fantastic. I carry them in their small form to go and expand them for my souvenirs/gifts from family/olive oil haul for the return trip.

If you're REALLY good at packing (ie, still better at it than I am), traveling with just a carry-on not only saves you the hassle of lugging heavy luggage but also allows for smoother ferry and plane connections. Your back and sanity will thank you.

4. Ignoring Cultural Etiquette

Greece is a warm and welcoming country and used to tourists from all sorts of different cultures, but understanding and respecting its cultural norms can enhance your experience tenfold.

For instance, modest dress is expected when visiting churches or monasteries. Shoulders should be covered, women should wear either skirts below the knee or long pants (check before you go as to what's permitted, as it's different from location to location), and men should also wear long pants.

In restaurants, signaling a waiter with a wave or snap is frowned upon. Instead, make eye contact or offer a polite nod. A simple "Kalimera" (before noontime for Good Morning) or "Kalispera" (after noontime) when greeting someone not only shows respect but often earns a genuine smile in return. If you learn no other word, learn to say "Efharisto" (thank you), and bonus points if you pronounce it moderately well. Small gestures like these go a long way in forging meaningful connections with locals.

5. Skipping the Local Cuisine

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Greek food is much more than gyros and souvlaki. Each region has its own culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.

In Santorini, fava - a creamy dip made from yellow split peas - is a must-try. Up in more northern regions, spetzofai, a hearty sausage and pepper stew, is perfect for cooler evenings. In the Peloponnese, kokkoras kokkinistos, or rooster braised for hours in red wine and served with local hilopites pasta, is the thing to try. And don't even get me started on the famous cheeses of Naxos or the 1001 local offerings of Crete.

The best meals are generally often found in family-run tavernas, where recipes have been passed down through generations. Don’t shy away from trying the house wine—it’s affordable, locally sourced, and pairs beautifully with the fresh, flavorful dishes on offer.

Exploring local markets and bakeries can also be a delight. Find out when the local "laiki", or farmers' market, is happening near you. Whether it’s tasting honey made at a local monastery or savoring thick, creamy, fresh-made yogurt from the farm up the road, these small indulgences make for unforgettable experiences.

6. Not Budgeting Enough Time for Athens

This one hurts my heart. Athens is often treated as a mere inconvenient layover en route to the islands, but the city deserves far more than a fleeting glance. Beyond the iconic Acropolis, Athens offers vibrant neighborhoods like Psirri, teeming with street art, live music, and tucked-away cafes. Explore the foodie-friendly neighborhood of Koukaki, or the little area of Agia Irini with it's mix of old-timey shops and hipster bars.

The National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, while the lively markets of Monastiraki invite you to hunt for unique souvenirs. Spend at least two full days exploring Athens to appreciate its layers of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, but if you can spend more than that, this eternal city will reward you.

The Psyrri neighborhood

7. Underestimating the Heat

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Summer in Greece is no joke. With temperatures often climbing above 35°C/95°F, the midday sun can sap your energy faster than you expect. Exploring ancient ruins under such conditions is challenging without proper preparation, as many of them, like the Acropolis or Sounion, don't have much (or any!) shade.

Stay hydrated, pack sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself. Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, or - if you're like me and haaaaaate sweltering weather - go in the more moderate shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Not that you won't still get some heat, but at least it won't be 24/7.

8. Not Renting a Car

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While Greece’s buses and trains are reliable for major routes, they don’t reach the country’s more remote gems. You can certainly take paid excursions to destinations like Delphi or Meteora, but if being quickly herded along with 100 other tourist ducklings isn't really your thing, renting a car is the way to go.

Renting a car is essential for exploring places like the Zagorochoria of Epirus or the Peloponnesos, where winding roads lead to jaw-dropping landscapes and adorable villages. It can make your beach-hopping and exploring on the islands a lot easier, too.

Driving in Greece does come with its quirks—narrow roads, unexpected livestock crossings, and drivers who interpret stop signs as suggestions. But the freedom to stop wherever you please more than makes up for it. Just ensure you’re comfortable with the vehicle’s transmission and familiarize yourself with local rules. I always order an automatic transmission well ahead of time, as waiting until you arrive and hoping for the best - especially on an island or more remote area - can leave you with a manual only car. Of course, if you drive a stick, you're probably fine.

The likelihood of Greek goats trying to carjack you is minimal, but never zero.

9. Over-relying on Credit Cards

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In Greece, cash is still king, especially in rural areas where small tavernas and shops often don’t accept cards. While ATMs are widely available, transaction fees can add up quickly - especially from the ever-present blue and gold Euronet ATMs, which charge exorbitant fees. I usually get a large amount at a time and stash some secretly in my locked luggage. It's always a good idea to keep cash on you, including smaller denominations. Don't make your taxi driver curse your lineage in perpetuity because you handed him a 100 euro note first thing in the morning before he's had time to make change

And you'll definitely need coins. You'll need 1 and 2 euro coins for everything from tips to small purchases. Start collecting them early on in your trip.

I generally try to use an actual bank's ATM rather than the third-party kind you'll find in the airport and peppered heavily throughout the tourist areas. National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank - they'll still have transaction fees, but they won't be quite as high as the tourist-luring ones.

An emergency stash of cash, separate from your main wallet, can also be a lifesaver. It’s better to be prepared than to find yourself unable to indulge in the sudden siren song of bougatsa or a cool impromptu boat ride, so consider keeping a bit of cash in a zippered pocket or hidden travel wallet. I've even used an empty tin of breath mints or box of cold medication as a secret "bank" to leave locked in my suitcase for emergencies. The odd locations make it less likely to be stolen.

10. Rushing Through the Experience

Greece isn’t a country to rush through. Despite what you might see online, it's not a list of boxes to tick off for the best Instagram shots.

Its charm lies in the unhurried pace of life, where lingering over a meal or chatting with a local can turn into the highlight of your trip. Trying to cram too much into a single itinerary often leaves travelers stressed and unable to fully absorb the beauty around them. They may have "done" Greece, but they didn't experience it.

Allow time for serendipity. Some of the most magical moments come from veering off the planned path—a secluded beach stumbled upon by chance or a heartfelt conversation with a taxi driver. Greece is best savored slowly - one breathtaking view, one glass of fiery tsipouro, one enthusiastic traditional dance, and one delicious meal at a time.

Avoiding these common pitfalls means you’ll return home with stories you can’t wait to share—and perhaps even plans to return. Greece has a way of capturing your heart, and with a little planning, your journey can be as unforgettable as the destination itself.

Want more Greek travel tips and inspiration? Take a look at our Travel page!

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