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TRAVEL TIPS

Top Tips for Your First Trip to Greece

With so many amazing historical, cultural and geographical wonders on offer, planning for your first time trip to Greece can seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, these top tips will help anyone to make the most out of their visit to this truly wonderful destination. 1. Pick the Right Time of Year For You The alluring charms of Greece are no longer as well kept a secret as they once were. Unfortunately this means tourist season gets very busy. To avoid the crowds, but keep the heat, try booking for May or September instead.   2. Pack Appropriately Whilst board shorts and string bikinis are perfectly acceptable beachwear, Greece is a pretty religious country.  How you dress on the streets is down to your own sensibilities, but you will need some decent clothing to cover your shoulders and legs if you’re planning on visiting churches and temples.  3. Don’t Rush Your Time On The Mainland… For many, mainland Greece is simply a stopover to fly into before hopping on a ferry to explore the picturesque islands. However, with hundreds of incredible historical sites and a vibrant culture, mainland Greece has just as much to offer as its surrounding archipelago. 4. ….But Don’t Neglect The Islands Either Another common mistake that first time visitors to Greece experience is attempting to visit as many islands as possible. As there are over 227 inhabited isles, this is, in itself, a futile pursuit. It’s much better to pick a few and really take the time to get to know them and their unique personality.  5. Embrace The Local Cuisine Octopus, snails, animal feet soup, sea urchin salad; with so many weird and wonderful delights on offer, it’s no surprise that many tourists veer away from the local cuisine. However, in reality these dishes are mouthwateringly delicious and provide you with a true taste of Greece.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Alcohol  It’s not the just food that has gained Greece notoriety worldwide. Its local alcohol is also the catalyst for many great holiday stories! Alongside classics, such as Tsipouro and Ouzo, there are many locally brewed wines and beers. But be careful, they can be deceivingly strong!  7. Brush up on your history Most people briefly studied Greece as school children, but to really appreciate the incredible ancient sites – such as the Acropolis and Olympia – it’s worth flicking through a few history books before you set off. Understanding the significance of these monuments makes them infinitely more impacting to experience in real life.  8. Frequent a Local Taverna At the end of the day, the greatest thing about any trip to Greece is meeting the local people. Their friendly, spirited nature is matched only by their ability to drink, so head down to your local taverna, get involved, and you’re sure to have the time of your life. 
Article by Steve Ewins, avid traveller and Blogger who occasionally writes for findhotelmalta