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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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Is Marathon a good day trip from Athens?

I've been planning an itinerary for my upcoming trip to Athens, and I've always been fascinated by the historical significance of Marathon. Considering its role in ancient history and the famous battle that took place there, it seems like a place that might be worth a visit.

However, I'm on the fence about dedicating a whole day trip to Marathon. From what I understand, it isn’t too far from Athens, but I'm trying to weigh up whether the experience is worthy compared to spending that time exploring more within the city itself.

Has anyone made the day trip to Marathon from Athens? Was it an enriching experience, and what are the can't-miss sights? Is the archeological site/museum there engaging enough for a history buff? Also, how about the logistics – is it easy to get to by public transport, or would you suggest renting a car or going with a tour?

I am just trying to decide if it's worth it, or if I should plan to stay overnight. Thanks!


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Cycladic Islands in Greece 'Threatened by Surge in Tourism!

Finding Good Food Tours of Greece?

I love Greek cuisine. I cook it all the time and I love trying new recipes. The time has come for me to think about planning a food tour! Does anyone have any advice?

I would love to hear from members of this forum about their experiences with food tours in Greece.
  1. Which regions or cities offer the best food tours?
  2. Any specific food tour companies or guides that you would recommend?
  3. What were some of the standout dishes or culinary experiences on your tour?
  4. Are there options for people with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians?
  5. What should one expect in terms of cost and duration?
Any tips or advice on how to get the most out of such a tour would be greatly appreciated too! Thanks!

Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

Then, we need to figure out how to get where we want to go. For island hopping, the ferries are an experience in themselves – though if you're time-strapped, consider a local flight to get you to the major islands quickly. On the mainland, a mix of car rentals and public transport can be efficient and economical, especially when visiting sites off the tourist map. Keep an eye on the schedules and book in advance if possible to save time.

Sometimes I rent a car, to be honest it's the easiest for me.

The rest of the details tend to sort themselves out. For example, you can book your lodging as you go along, especially off-peak.

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.
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