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efhernandez_

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When taking taxis in Greece, be sure to stay safe and be very aware. In some instances, taxi drivers will try and charge you a bit more from your trip, especially if they realize that you're a tourist and don't know where youre going. One of the most important things is to ask your taxi driver to turn their meter on and use the gps as navigation. Make sure the correct address is inputed and check that the meter is on. After that, you should be all set. :) Safe travels
 
When taking taxis in Greece, be sure to stay safe and be very aware. In some instances, taxi drivers will try and charge you a bit more from your trip, especially if they realize that you're a tourist and don't know where youre going. One of the most important things is to ask your taxi driver to turn their meter on and use the gps as navigation. Make sure the correct address is inputed and check that the meter is on. After that, you should be all set. :) Safe travels
Another thing that I do, ask at the hotel how far and how much should be charged. The Front Desk has always been helpful to me and I've never had a problem. I also tell the driver I won't pay more than the Front Desk quoted me, and I tip generously and being friendly helps...a smile goes a long way!
 
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Excellent advice above. I haven’t had a problem in the city itself, but when you arrive in the Port of Piraeus, taxis that stop along the street will definitely inflate the price back to Central Athens. If the hotel has told you the fare, then just negotiate with the driver. When they realize that you “know the scoop”, they’ll back down. Some fares (ie. Airport - Central Athens) are regulated, so do your homework ahead of time on the current fare. Also - Have an idea of where you’re going. (ie. Port gate number) Some drivers are foreign-born so you can’t always assume that they know exactly where they’re going - especially if it’s a sprawling place like Piraeus. We use taxis exclusively in Athens and have had little to no problems in over 40 years! In fact, we have often met the most incredible people who are welcoming, kind, and eager to share some great stories and conversation.
 
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Again, criticism of Hellas, so what if the taxi driver makes a couple of dollars more, in America you even need to tip the bus driver isn't that a way of inflated travel?
 
Criticism of Hellas? - hardly. Any major city will have a few people who try to take advantage of people perceived as unknowledgeable. The Piraeus example I used was for a driver who was asking for €30 on a €15 fare. In any city, that’s a bit much. Btw, in America we do not tip bus drivers for transportation. Customarily, only tour bus drivers receive a tip, exactly as is done in the E.U.
 
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When taking taxis in Greece, be sure to stay safe and be very aware. In some instances, taxi drivers will try and charge you a bit more from your trip, especially if they realize that you're a tourist and don't know where youre going. One of the most important things is to ask your taxi driver to turn their meter on and use the gps as navigation. Make sure the correct address is inputed and check that the meter is on. After that, you should be all set. :) Safe travels
100% - Another tip is sometimes I'll need a taxi for a longer excursion, as I don't always rent a car in Greece. I've even hired a driver for the day to take me around. They're so knowledgeable and can even act as a guide! One driver took me and my family to his favorite taverna where we had excellent food and parea. When I need a taxi for a longer excursion, or want to hire for the day, I negotiate the rate I will pay before I even get in the car. They've always honored the agreement.
 
So it sounds like the Greek taxi drivers are really good guys and like any business person may charge you a bit more
 
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So it sounds like the Greek taxi drivers are really good guys and like any business person may charge you a bit more
Ive never had a bad experience with taxi drivers in Greece but just with travelling to any country, you should be careful
 
Ive never had a bad experience with taxi drivers in Greece but just with travelling to any country, you should be careful
Exactly
 
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Best places in Greece to see the Venetian influences?

I am interested in the Venetian influences that are interwoven into certain parts of the country. From the architecture to the local customs, I understand that the reach of the Venetian Republic left a notable mark that can still be felt today.

I'm in the midst of planning an itinerary focused on exploring these influences and I’d love to hear from you about the must-visit spots where one can best experience the essence of the Venetian presence in Greece.

Do any of you have recommendations for specific towns, buildings, ruins, or even local festivities that embody this cultural blend? Any hidden gems or lesser-known locations that surprised you with their Venetian charm?

Of course, I expect Crete, with its famed Venetian fortresses and the romantic old town of Chania, to be part of this list. But I'm certain there is a wealth of places, perhaps on other islands or on the mainland, which equally showcase this unique period of history. I also know there are influences in Corfu. Is there anywhere else?

When does tourist season end in Greece?

I am planning my next Greek trip.

I want to go in October but the people I am traveling with - we won't be able to to go until mid-October.

I have been to Crete that late in the year and to Athens, but not anywhere else. On our schedule is to visit some of the smaller islands, like Hydra.

Do places like that shut down? My main concern is, will the tourist shops be closed? I love to browse through them and it's part of my enjoyment.

Taking a culinary tour of Greece

I would like to take a tour or create my own itinerary to do nothing but visit Greece to eat all the food. I want to go to some unique and memorable destinations. For many reasons, both Ikaria and Crete are on my list. I will have maybe two weeks in Greece so I truly don't have the itinerary fleshes out. Or if anyone can recommend a tour company, that would be good too.

Some questions:

Best Time to Visit: What's the ideal time of year for such a tour, considering weather, food seasons, and avoiding peak tourist crowds?
Must-Visit Places: Besides the obvious choices like Athens and Santorini, are there any off-the-beaten-path locations that are a foodie's dream?
Local Experiences: Are there particular cooking classes, food markets, or local farms that offer a deeper dive into Greek cuisine and its preparation?
Travel Tips: Any logistical tips for traveling within Greece that might make moving from one culinary destination to another smoother?

Thanks in advance!

Itinerary for self-planned yacht trip through the Greek islands

I am working on planning a yacht trip through Greece. I live it because I am in total control of the itinerary and what goes on, unlike booking a cruise or something. There's enough of us in the group to make this a super affordable trip.

I am developing am itinerary - thought I'd run it by you:

  1. Athens to Mykonos: Begin in the historic port of Athens and make your way to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Dock at Agios Ioannis beach and take a stroll through Little Venice.
  2. Mykonos to Naxos: Naxos awaits, with its marble gateway to nowhere and beautiful beaches. Try the local kitron liqueur for a true taste of the island.
  3. Santorini: Sail to the iconic island of Santorini, where the sunset from Oia is second to none. Enjoy a swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni and taste some of the best wines in Greece.
  4. Ios to Folegandros: Keep the vibes high in Ios known for its lively atmosphere, then find tranquility in Folegandros, where the untouched Mediterranean prevails.
  5. Return to Athens: Wrap up your adventure with a pitstop in Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. Its charm lies in its austere yet handsome neoclassical buildings and the stunning Aegean views.

What do you think? Anything to add or subtract? I have about 10 days.

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Cycladic Islands in Greece 'Threatened by Surge in Tourism!

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