By Sarah A. Lybrand
Greece’s rich history, unique culture, and kinda wacky past make it a truly spectacular place to visit. So let’s dive in for a few fun facts, travel tips, and “good to knows” before you go to Greece!
General Travel Tips
Just say ‘no’, to ‘neró’
In most of the Greek Islands — even, yes, islands such as Mykonos and Santorini — drinking water from the tap could spell getting sick. Thankfully, bottled water is widely available (but do factor this into your travel budget).
Nix the high heels
Trust us when we say: please don’t wear high heels when visiting the Acropolis! It’s actually against the law in Greece to wear high heels at historic sites, as you could damage the delicate stone (not to mention, your ankles as you try to walk around). Who needs 'em anyway?
It's okay to be late!
In Greece, it's perfectly fashionably — er, more like normal — to be loose about timing. Take no offense!
Skip a tip on your meal, but not your ride
Like elsewhere in Europe, there's no need to tip your server. But in Greece, taxi drivers and tour guides do expect a tip from tourists. And at a hotel, it’s customary to leave a Euro per night per room for the cleaning staff.
I’ve Always Been Curious...
So, what’s up with all that blue?
Ever notice how many roofs, church steeples, curtains — even the national flag — are white and blue? According to ancient folklore, blue is the color that wards off evil, and its use remains widespread today. It probably helps that these colors also look amazing next to all that water!
Why do Greeks throw plates?
The Greeks do a lot of dancing and reveling at weddings, along with some ceremonial smashing plates (while shouting the exclamation, ‘opa’! See below). It’s said that this is meant to fool the evil spirits; instead of celebrating, they'd think the couple is fighting and would therefore move on to cause mischief elsewhere. The act can also signify the couple throwing away their old life and embarking on a new one.
What does ‘Opa’ actually mean?
Opa (Greek: ώπα) is a common emotional expression that can be used to express shock or surprise, especially when having just made a mistake. Such as breaking a plate accidentally (or, on purpose, at a wedding).
Cool to Know
Livin’ long like the Icarians
Ikaria is a remote Greek island located off the Turkish coast, about a 2-hour ferry ride from Mykonos — and unique for a very interesting reason. It’s one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” or places where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else (another is Okinawa, Japan). People in Ikaria, for example, reach age 90 at 2 ½ times the rate they do in America.
Drink up like the locals
Ouzo, an anise-flavored liquor that Greeks often drink with appetizers, has an extra special quality: it turns from clear to milky white when added to water or ice.
Don't mind that big room of bones
Cemeteries are overcrowded in Greece. So, it’s common to keep bodies underground for only three to five years. After that, the bones are dug up and kept in an ossuary (a box, room, or site where excess bones are kept).
Historical Facts
No girls allowed
In the famous city of Mount Athos, women (and female animals) were banned in the city limits.
The Ancients exercised nude
Male athletes in sporting events competed in public in the buff. In fact, the Greek word “gymnasion” means “school for naked exercise.”
Strong brow, strong woman!
In ancient Greece, a unibrow was not only embraced, it was viewed as a sign of intelligence — and on a woman, considered particularly beautiful. Ladies who didn’t have one would even close the gap between their eyebrows using kohl or other make-up. Wow, a world without waxing or threading? Naí!
