Greece is home to one of the three major ancient European cultures (Italy and Turkey being the other two) and is the obvious destination for architecture and archeology enthusiasts as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway, and folks looking for a place to party.
There tourism infrastructure is well developed and the food is amazing!
We chose this as our honeymoon destination, and recommend it to anyone who would like to experience history up close and personal while savouring some amazing food.
Getting there
Greece is well connected to the rest of the world with major carriers offering direct flights from North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. Singapore Airlines flies there via Rome or Istanbul into Athens.
Athens International Airport is about 45 minutes by taxi to the city centre and set us back around €45. There is also a train that runs from the city to the airport.
Money Matters
Greece uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely used. It’s a good idea to carry a some local currency with you while operating mostly on a credit card. You may also consider loading a travel card to take advantage of a better exchange rate.
Connectivity
Greece, like most of developed Europe, has very good Internet connectivity. When traveling, we just bought a roaming plan through our provider. You can purchase SIM cards at the airport, or you could get yourself a portable Wifi Router from Changi through Changi Recommends.
Best time to visit
Greece’s peak season is in the northern summer. I would recommend that one visit during the shoulder seasons between early October to late November, and between late February to early April. This is the off season when admission prices to the monuments are half price, and the crowds are at their lowest, and one can actually enjoy the trip.
Clothing
Greece gets warm in the summer, and has a mild winter. When visiting in late October and early November, we were comfortable with a light jacket, sweatshirts, t-shirts and trousers. Comfortable walking shoes with plenty of support are essentials.
Electrical
Greece uses the type C and type F plug types, and operates on 230V at 50Hz.
What else should I know
In Greece, drinking water from the taps is generally not potable, so you’ll need to purchase bottled water wherever you go.
One of the more uncomfortable and somewhat awkward things – in several places in Greece, you’re not supposed to flush used toilet paper down the toilet. This is because of ageing plumbing that can get clogged if everyone were to do that. Hotels provide bins where one is expected to place their used loo paper. They provide regular cleaning services to clear the bins. It’s a good idea to bring your stash of plastic bags along.
Driving on the islands involves negotiating winding roads, with varying speed limits and speed cameras. Patience, alertness, and a good co-passenger go a long way to managing the stress of driving.
Parking can be a problem in Crete.