10 Surprising Things You'll Experience in Greece

TLDRGreece offers a unique and surprising travel experience, from confusing gestures and traffic to beautiful beaches and ancient sites. Here are 10 things that may shock tourists when visiting Greece.

Key insights

😮Greeks say 'ne' or 'yes' by shaking their heads, leading to confusion for tourists.

🏖️Greek beaches are stunning, but tourists should remember to wear sunblock to avoid turning purple.

Greek time operates on its own rhythm, so be prepared for delays and a relaxed concept of time.

🚗Driving in Greece can be an adventure, with relaxed road rules and different driving habits.

🏛️Greece is a history lover's paradise, with ancient ruins and artifacts scattered across the country.

Q&A

Do the Greeks speak English?

Yes, many Greeks speak English, making it easy for tourists to communicate.

Are the portion sizes in Greece large?

Yes, Greek portion sizes are generous, so be prepared to share or have leftovers.

Are the Greek islands crowded with tourists?

During the summer, Greek islands can be very crowded, but in the offseason, they are much quieter.

Is smoking popular in Greece?

Yes, smoking is still popular in Greece, and you may encounter smokers in public places.

Are the toilets in Greece different from other countries?

In Greece, toilet paper is often thrown into a trash can instead of flushed.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the surprising experiences tourists may have in Greece.

02:30Greeks use head-shaking gestures to say 'yes,' which can confuse tourists.

05:45Greek beaches are beautiful, but tourists need to wear sunblock due to the intense sun.

10:15Greek time operates at a different pace, so tourists need to be patient with delays.

14:20Driving in Greece can be adventurous, with relaxed road rules and different driving habits.

19:00Greece is rich in history, with ancient ruins and artifacts scattered throughout the country.

25:30Many Greeks speak English, making communication easier for tourists.

30:15Greek portion sizes are generous, so expect to share or have leftovers.

35:40Greek islands can get crowded with tourists during the summer, but they are quieter in the offseason.

40:50Smoking is still popular in Greece, so be aware of smokers in public places.

45:10Toilet paper should be thrown into a trash can instead of flushed in Greece.