Greece’s oddities can threaten to complicate already riddled family adventures. What do you need to know so you don’t feel the impulse to smash plates in a taverna, or your Airbnb kitchen?
1. Water on most islands is not drinkable
Our first order of business on arrival is always to stock up on a small tower of multi-pack 1 litre bottles. You are likely to need this for cooking too. Local bottled water is subject to price controls at €1 per litre, whether you are buying it at a restaurant or the periptero (newsstand). Imported water (e.g. Evian, San Pelligrino) is more expensive.
2. Odd opening hours
Most shops, supermarkets and pharmacies included, are closed on Sundays. They might also close in the afternoon for a siesta (2pm to 5pm). And on Wednesdays, decide not to open after 2pm at all. Exceptions are made in popular tourist areas (e.g. downtown Athens and some islands in summer), thankfully.
Archaeological sites are open on Sundays but close on Tuesdays. When they are open, they have early closing times at 3pm, so evening visits are not an option.
Seaside tavernas aside, restaurants may not open for lunch, just for a late lunch or dinner from 4pm. Always check ahead of your visit before you count on being served.
3. No flushing of toilet paper down toilet bowls
Even the toilets of Greece are the stuff of ancient history. More often than not, throwing toilet paper down toilet bowls threatens to choke up antiquated sewage systems. All the more reason for choosing an aparthotel over an Airbnb if you don’t want to deal with, on a daily basis, the messy business of everyone’s messy business. Trash aside (as you will have to transport this to the community trash bin), getting the kids in the car with beach gear in tow is already difficult enough.
4. The wind and the beach
While one Google reviewer might check off a beach as “crystal clear and calm”, another might find choppy waters muddled with seaweed. As the seasoned beach goer will know, the wind is an important factor in determining its conditions. Check the direction and strength of the wind on a wind app before heading to your beach of choice. If it’s blowing from the north, the southern, sheltered beaches will be calmer. This is usually the case in the Cyclades with prevailing north meltimi winds.
5. Google maps and dirt roads
Take directions from Google Maps with skepticism. It often mistakes small dirt paths and narrow village streets for roads, so it might be better to continue on a main asphalt road and wait for a re-direct.
6. Use only licensed taxis and tour guides
Freenow or Uber are the popular apps for hailing taxis in major Greek cities. On islands, ask your hotel or Airbnb host for taxi service contacts that may be available.
