What Not To Do In Greece As A Tourist

1. Don't over-pack

This is not only relevant for Greece but also for other holiday destinations you are planning to visit. Don’t over-pack your suitcase with stuff that you think you might need; just pack things which you think you will surely need in Greece. Unnecessary over-packed suitcases will only strain your muscles, making your travel from one destination to another difficult. Also you won’t have much space left to pack things you buy from Greece. The taxi also gets jam-packed with suitcases, not to forget the extra cost you have to pay at the airport which makes your travel more expensive.

2. Don't touch artifacts in museums and at archaeological sites

Touching the artifacts in museums and at archaeological sites in Greece is considered disrespectful. Unless stated otherwise, it is advised not to touch any exhibit at archaeological sites or in museums. Most of these artifacts are protected by a glass window or have specific rules like no touching, no flash photography, etc. written on it. If you can’t decipher the signs, you can ask the staff available instead of breaking rules.

3. Don't turn down a home invitation

Very lucky people get invited by locals to visit their home for a get-together or dinner, and only a fool will turn it down. The invites are mostly from some really hospitable kinds in less visited places and are the best chance to mingle with the locals over some delicious Greek cuisine. They can invite you to try some local homemade desert or something from their garden so don’t turn down a home invitation. You can indulge in some of the best of what Greece has to offer in terms of hospitality and food and who knows, this home invite could turn out to be the best part of your vacation.

4. Don't take photos of military installations

Avoid taking pictures of military installations everywhere as it is prohibited. These are some of most respectful artifacts of Greek culture and taking pictures is not considered good. Highly respected among the locals, especially in the Aegean islands near the Turkish border, these military installations reflect the rich culture of Greece and utmost respect is expected here for the history. If you are unsure, you can ask before clicking.

5. Don't eat at fast food chains

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Greek cuisine is famous throughout the world for its flavours and when in Greece, it is an absolutely wrong idea to stick to fast food chains due to familiarity. Even if you’re feeling homesick or nostalgic at some point, do not eat at a fast food joint–you can try other simpler, healthier and lighter options from Greek cuisine like salads, grilled dishes, etc. If you don’t try Greek food in Greece, your holiday is incomplete and so is the experience. Don’t miss the national dish, gyro!

6. Don't skip the Greece dancing

Just like the local cuisine, Greek dance is equally unique and attractive. Sirtaki and Syrtos are quite famous among others and are truly a sight. It offers you a sneak peek into the culture and lifestyle and of course very entertaining. Many restaurants also have live dancers to elevate your dining experience. Greek dancing is fun-filled so don’t miss out!

7. Don't show too much skin when visiting a church

Religious places are mostly orthodox everywhere so it is better to cover yourself properly before visiting. Showing too much skin, wearing shorts, etc. can be considered unwelcoming and disrespectful towards culture. As such, wear fully covered clothes while visiting churches and cathedrals to feel warm and welcomed. Don’t show your legs in the chapel!

8. Don't show your palm

Although it might sound weird to some, showing your palms in Greece is an insulting gesture. It is compared to Moutza in Greece, which is an insulting hand gesture that consists of extending every finger while thrusting the palm forward towards someone’s face. You don’t want to insult them with your innocence but unknowingly giving a middle finger sign equivalent in their culture! Not that they are going to insult you but it is always good to know about it.

9. Don't try to learn to drive in Greece

Unless you are well-versed with driving, you shouldn’t attempt to drive or learn driving in Greece. Greek roads, which are mostly built on mountainous terrain, are rounding roads in villages and varies at different places. You may find sheep and goats that come out of nowhere. You should drive if you are already aware of European road rules and have the courage to keep up with the Greek drivers, who drive fast and loose, converting two lanes to four. Hire a cab instead!

10. Don't eat or drink in the metro in Athens

Eating and drinking on Athens metro is prohibited and doing so will incur a fine. It is better to not eat in the metro and avoid hassles later. Athenians are very proud of their metro and so you must obey the laws and never drink or eat on it. Definitely, as a tourist you are expected to respect the laws, too, and not eat there as it may cause litter.

11. Don't expect easy access offseason

More often than not, it seems like a good idea to visit tourist destinations during offseason when the sun is out and people are busy. However, if you’re coming all the way from the other side of the world, then best to remember that Greece is one of those big tourist destinations that will cost you more when you go visit during the down season.

Consider a trip to Greece during normal peak season as many destinations will be available to see as well as flight options appear aplenty. In contrast to coming during the offseason, where getting to must-see places like Santorini becomes difficult or next to impossible as fewer flights and boat tours are available for purchase. Other restaurants, bars, and clubs also only open during peak season and sometimes close up shop during the down season for a break themselves. Travel smart and make a pro and con list to see what you could be missing out when all the people aren’t lounging around a stunning island paradise like Greece.

12. Don’t forget the sunscreen

If you’re from Southeast Asia traveling to a summer getaway like Greece, then maybe you won’t be as surprised compared to travelers coming from the West. The sun is hard enough to hide from and the Greek sun is no exception, traveling to Greece without sunscreen is a red flag as you get sun-kissed in less than a few hours under it.

Don’t fret though if you forgot, as many local drug stores and grocery stores sell sunscreen, sunblock, and even sun moisturizer. Be sure to bring or get the ones with strong protective factors like an SPF 15++ with both UVA and UVB protection. Better to be safe than peeling for the next few weeks after your glorious trip to the Mediterranean.

Going to Greece?

This is almost an exhaustive list for things not to do in Greece which will help you on your next visit. Take care of these and you can have an awesome stay in this cultural destination without hurting local sentiments. The people are cool in Greece and you may not face any of these at all, however some knowledge of the local culture won’t hurt and rather make your stay a pleasant one.