Mistakes To Avoid On Your Trip To Greece

A guide with ten mistakes to avoid on your trip to Greece. Learn from other travelers’ experiences, and plan the perfect Greek vacation!

Mistakes to avoid when you visit Greece

Visiting Greece is a dream for many travelers around the world! But, even with careful planning, it’s still possible to make mistakes that can affect your Greek vacation.

From underestimating the summer heat to misjudging transportation options, these mistakes can turn an otherwise perfect trip into a stressful one.

I’m Vanessa from Athens, and I’ve written this article with common mistakes that people have made on their trip to Greece, to help you avoid them!

1. Not doing enough weather research

Before you book your tickets to visit Greece, my number one tip is to please do your weather research so that you know what to expect.

It’s important to realize that Greece really has four seasons, and temperatures vary a lot throughout the year. And, while it’s not possible to predict the exact weather at the time you’ll be visiting, at least you’ll have a rough idea.

For example, as you’ve probably heard, summers in Greece are very hot, with July and August being the warmest months. In Athens, temperatures often climb above 40C / 1o4C – definitely not the best time to visit the Acropolis! 

On the other hand, if you visit Greece in winter, you will often come across lots of wind, rain, and even snow. And while temperatures in Athens rarely go below 0C / 32F, it can happen sometimes – we took the photo below in February 2021!

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Greece is April – June, and September – October. The sea is much warmer after the summer – which is why many repeat visitors prefer to visit in September. 

For more information, have a look my guide with the best time to visit the Greek islands.

2. Overpacking / bringing way too many clothes

Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes visitors make when they come to Greece. 

If you are visiting Greece in summer, you don’t need too many clothes, as the weather is very hot. You will likely spend much of your time in a bathing suit, beach clothes and flip-flops!  

You only need a few outfits, as you can easily hand wash your clothes and let them dry in the sun – they’ll be ready to wear in no time. Or you can buy a few items locally – you will find many great summer clothes, including some lovely dresses, in Greece.

Also, you will need very few, cosmetics or hair products. Plus, you can always buy great sunscreen and skin care at pharmacies and cosmetics stores in Greece.

Fewer clothes and toiletries means less stuff to carry, plus more space to buy Greek souvenirs!

Tip: You can easily travel with a carry-on, and use packing cubes to keep your clothes better organized. 

Related: Bringing unsuitable clothes 

Apart from bringing too many clothes, many visitors have found that they brought the wrong items, or the wrong type of clothes.

With Greek summers being so hot, you might find that your clothes make you sweat, because they are made for colder climates. Here are some tips on how to keep cool in the summer.

On the other hand, if you are visiting in the off-season, make sure you bring some winter clothes. Greek winters can be much colder than you’d expect, so bring clothes that will keep you warm when you are out sightseeing.

Related: Not bringing comfortable shoes

Comfortable shoes are another absolute must for Greece. It’s not only that you’ll be walking a lot – it’s also that pavements and roads in most areas of Greece are famously uneven. Stairs are common everywhere you go, and can be very worn out and slippery. 

Bring comfortable shoes with good grip that you have used already and you know fit you well – and, ladies, leave the high-heels behind! I personally swear by my Teva sandals, and I know women who prefer Keens, Merrells or other similar brands. 

For more information on packing, have a look at my in-depth guide on what to pack for Greece for any season.

3. Taking a cruise instead of island-hopping on the ferries

Some visitors choose to take a cruise to the Greek islands. Before you book a cruise, it’s important to know a few things:

• Cruise ships only stop at specific ports, where you will have limited time, usually ranging from 6 to 12 hours
• Cruises typically include some of the following famous destinations: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolo, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes
• Cruise ports are often busy and chaotic, as numerous cruise ships can turn up at the same time
• To make the most of your limited time at each cruise port, you will usually have to take an organized activity. As an example, Santorini is difficult to explore on your own if you only have a few hours, which is why private half-day tours of Santorini are so popular.

If you want to see selected highlights in Greece, without the stress of organizing logistics, a cruise might be suitable for you. In this case, try to visit on a relatively small cruise ship, with only a few hundred passengers, rather than a cruise ship that carries thousands of people.

But if your aim is to see the real Greece, and to observe island life, you will enjoy more travelling independently and taking your time on each destination. Island-hopping on your own is very easy – have a look at my guide with all the Greek ferry tips you’ll need!

 

4. Visiting too many islands in one trip

Many first-time visitors plan to visit numerous Greek islands in only a short amount of time. While this might sound doable on paper, rushing from island to island can be stressful and tiring, especially in case a ferry gets delayed or cancelled.

As a rule of thumb, allow at least 3 nights on each island, especially if you are taking day trips or organized activities while you are there. For bigger islands, like Naxos, Rhodes, Corfu or Crete, it’s better to allow several days. I’ve heard so many people say they regretted visiting too many islands in one trip as they felt too rushed!

Have a look at my Greek island hopping guide and my Greek ferry tips for some more insight.

Related: Planning too many activities 

Similarly, one thing you should accept before visiting Greece (or any country, for that matter), is that you can’t do and see everything within the short time you’ll be spending in the country.

My suggestion is to experience your must-sees this time round, and save some activities for the next time. This way, you’ll leave some room for spontaneity, and be able to attend a local event that you found out about completely by chance. 

You are on vacation after all – and Greece is the perfect place for that!  

5. Only visiting famous destinations

I’ve lost count of the number of people who plan to visit three of the most famous destinations in Greece: Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.

Yes, it’s true that the Greek capital and the two famous Cycladic islands are iconic – but Greece has so much more to offer! There are over 100 inhabited islands, plus several regions on the mainland.

Have a look at these guides for some Greek travel inspiration:

• Should I visit mainland Greece or the islands
• An introduction to the Greek island groups
• The Cyclades group of islands
• 22 beautiful places to visit in Greece 

Now – if you are visiting Greece for the first time, I’m not suggesting that you skip Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, provided that’s where you really want to go. However, keep your options open, and check whether there are other destinations that appeal more to you.  

6. Not renting a car to explore 

Another question that many visitors ask is whether they should rent a car for their Greek vacation. In my opinion, as long as you are comfortable driving, a car is essential to explore at your own pace.  

A car gives you the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want, without having to rely on buses or transfers. You’ll be able to explore hidden spots, visit secret beaches, go off the beaten path, and stop at a random coffee place or quirky taverna in the middle of nowhere.

A rental car will make your trip more flexible, letting you see more places without feeling rushed. Whether you are travelling with your family or a group, it will offer everyone more comfort and space to enjoy the journey at their own pace. 

To pre-book your rental car for Greece (or anywhere in the world), check out a platform called Discover Cars. You can compare several options, and check out all the details, T&C and insurance policies. This way you can book your car before you arrive to Greece, so you don’t have to waste time when you are at your destination.

If you prefer not to pre-book, local car rental agencies exist everywhere in Greece, including most of the islands. However, note that, cars can get sold out in high season, so don’t leave it for the last minute. 

Not sure about driving in a foreign country? Have a look at my guide on driving in Greece, so that you know what to expect.

Related: Taxi scams in Athens

You may have heard stories of visitors who were scammed by a taxi driver in many countries around the world. I am really sorry to say that, unfortunately, Greece is one of these countries.

And while most taxi drivers are honest and will charge you the correct amount, you might come across a taxi scam. My best advice is to pre-book your taxi ride if possible. Otherwise insist that the taxi driver uses the meter.

In Athens, I recommend Welcome Pickups for airport / port transfers, and an app called Free Now for shorter trips. 

While on the islands, you can arrange a taxi through Welcome Pickups, your hotel, or a local taxi driver.

Here is my full guide on how to avoid taxi scams in Athens and Greece – I’ve also mentioned the correct prices for any distance you are travelling.

7. Not realizing how much walking there is to do 

One thing I cannot stress enough is how much walking you’ll be doing when in Greece – which is why comfortable shoes are important.

You can easily do over 20,000 steps a day when sightseeing in Greece. Many of the ancient sites are large, and located on slippery slopes. Also, the more remote beaches and mountain villages will often involve a hike to get there.

Overall, be prepared for lots of stairs, uneven surfaces and a varied terrain. If you don’t walk much in your daily life, it’s a good idea to start working out and doing stairs stepping to prepare for your trip to Greece.

Also, consider bringing a foldable walking stick – it can prove extremely useful if you want to reach some of the most secluded beaches!

8. Only eating in the tourist areas / Pre-booking every restaurant

Eating only in tourist areas, or booking every restaurant in advance, can make you miss out on some of the best memories you can bring home from Greece.

Tourist restaurants are often more expensive, and may not serve real Greek food. You might miss small, family-run places or street food that not only costs less, but often tastes better and is more authentic.

Pre-booking every meal will make your schedule too strict, so there will be no room for spontaneity. If you find a great taverna at the last minute, you may not be able to try it.

Overall, I warmly suggest leaving at least some of your meals to chance, and eat at places where you see many Greeks eating. This way, you can enjoy more delicious, affordable, and authentic food during your trip.

Here are a couple of food guides to get you in the mood:

• Greek food culture
• How to order food in Greece
• A guide with 50 popular Greek to try when you visit! 

9. Not using sunblock often enough

If you are visiting Greece in summer, please avoid staying in the direct sun, and don’t forget your sunblock. Getting a sunburn is painful, at best, and dangerous, at worst. A sunstroke, which can happen after spending several hours in the sun, can lead to dizziness and severe dehydration. 

Also, avoid letting your children spend too much time in the sun, especially between 11:00 – 15:00. When they go to swim or play on the beach, make sure they have sunblock on. Also, get them to wear a wide-brimmed hat and a light-colored T-shirt, for added protection.

10. Not staying in Greece long enough!

At some point, most visitors will have to go back home! And, of all the mistakes to avoid on your Greece vacation, this might be the only one you can do nothing about. 

But well – if you have a choice, spend as long as you can in Greece. Rather than rushing through Athens and a couple of islands, try to explore Greece at a slower pace. Spending more time will allow for deeper exploration, better connections, and a more memorable experience. 

And, once you are back home, you can start planning your next trip to Greece!

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Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and I love travelling around Greece and the Greek islands. This guide was based on this discussion in the Real Greek Experiences Facebook group. Follow me on my social media: 

• Facebook page and very active Facebook group
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