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I'm Greek-Australian, and I've never considered getting a Greek passport until COVID made it easier to travel to Greece with proof of citizenship/passport. Do any other children of Greek immigrants have passports? Have you found it to be worth it?
 
I am not sure if having a Greek passport helps with COVID travel restrictions in Greece.

I would recommend reaching out to your local (in Australia) Greek consulate and asking this type of question.

Hope this helps and good luck figuring it all out! :)
 
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I found it pretty useful because I'm able to travel around Europe very easily. If you don't think you'll be travelling to Europe, I wouldn't really recommend it. The Australian passport is pretty useful and can get you most places without a tourist visa. If that ever changes, I would look into it then.
 
Greek tourism will be open this year starting sometime in May for those who have received the COVID vaccine or to those who have taken a current COVID test. I would check the rules. I am not sure a passport would make a difference because the rules might be the same for everyone, regardless of which passport you have.
 
I've thought about getting a Greek passport. However, after weighing the pros and cons, I decided it wasn't worth it. The main Con is that you'll need to deal w/ the Greek government and that is a nightmare. If you've never had that pleasure, try something simple while in Greece. Go to the local police station and ask about getting an extension on your Schengen visa. They will direct you to another office, which will then direct you to another office, and so on. This can go on for several days until you find someone who actually takes the time to help. Otherwise, everyone you meet will scream at you as if you've committed a crime and tell you to go back to the office you just came from. Nobody knows the answer, but they all act like they do ... and it's always coffee break time, so "please come back later!" This is a country where they pay public employees a bonus just for showing up on time. The main reason I decided not to get a Greek passport is b/c I'm not really Greek. I didn't grow up there. So, I don't know the laws. I don't want to be stopped at the airport b/c there's suddenly a new banana-republic tax I didn't know about, or they decided to restrict access to ATMs, etc.

Instead of a Greek passport, you may want to look into a Financially Independent Persons residency program visa if you were planning to live there. This page describes the requirements - https://greekresidency.com/golden-visa/fip-residency-for-financially-independent/.
 
I've thought about getting a Greek passport. However, after weighing the pros and cons, I decided it wasn't worth it. The main Con is that you'll need to deal w/ the Greek government and that is a nightmare. If you've never had that pleasure, try something simple while in Greece. Go to the local police station and ask about getting an extension on your Schengen visa. They will direct you to another office, which will then direct you to another office, and so on. This can go on for several days until you find someone who actually takes the time to help. Otherwise, everyone you meet will scream at you as if you've committed a crime and tell you to go back to the office you just came from. Nobody knows the answer, but they all act like they do ... and it's always coffee break time, so "please come back later!" This is a country where they pay public employees a bonus just for showing up on time. The main reason I decided not to get a Greek passport is b/c I'm not really Greek. I didn't grow up there. So, I don't know the laws. I don't want to be stopped at the airport b/c there's suddenly a new banana-republic tax I didn't know about, or they decided to restrict access to ATMs, etc.

Instead of a Greek passport, you may want to look into a Financially Independent Persons residency program visa if you were planning to live there. This page describes the requirements - https://greekresidency.com/golden-visa/fip-residency-for-financially-independent/.
You have a good point. It is difficult if you're not from there or aren't in the loop about the new laws and updates
 
I've thought about getting a Greek passport. However, after weighing the pros and cons, I decided it wasn't worth it. The main Con is that you'll need to deal w/ the Greek government and that is a nightmare. If you've never had that pleasure, try something simple while in Greece. Go to the local police station and ask about getting an extension on your Schengen visa. They will direct you to another office, which will then direct you to another office, and so on. This can go on for several days until you find someone who actually takes the time to help. Otherwise, everyone you meet will scream at you as if you've committed a crime and tell you to go back to the office you just came from. Nobody knows the answer, but they all act like they do ... and it's always coffee break time, so "please come back later!" This is a country where they pay public employees a bonus just for showing up on time. The main reason I decided not to get a Greek passport is b/c I'm not really Greek. I didn't grow up there. So, I don't know the laws. I don't want to be stopped at the airport b/c there's suddenly a new banana-republic tax I didn't know about, or they decided to restrict access to ATMs, etc.

Instead of a Greek passport, you may want to look into a Financially Independent Persons residency program visa if you were planning to live there. This page describes the requirements - https://greekresidency.com/golden-visa/fip-residency-for-financially-independent/.
I know this is an old post but reading your comment got me to spill my coffee lol.
 

Beaches on Agistri or Spetses?

I am thinking of visiting some of the islands that are fairly close to Athens/Piraeus.

Two of them that you don't hear much about - like Agistri and Spetses - but I heard that they are worth it to visit, especially for the beaches, especially for Agistri.

Which do you prefer?

I have heard about some beaches on Agistri, but not sure what is available in Spetses.

Here are the beaches I heard about in Agistri:

- Aponissos beach - The beach's calm, crystalline waters and soft golden sands offer a perfect respite for swimmers and sunbathers. Surrounded by greenery and rock formations, the charming cove provides a breathtaking backdrop for a day by the sea.

- Skala Beach - he beach is lined with beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent, as well as a variety of water sports to try. The village behind the beach is packed with tavernas, bars, and shops, offering an array of dining and entertainment options for your holiday.

What do you guys think?

skala-beach.jpg

Visit the Cyclades Islands - Information and Tips?

I am thinking of visiting some of the Cyclades islands this summer. I've, of course, already done Santorini and Mykonos. I want to do something a bit different.

I am thinking of the following:

- Tinos
- Naxos
- Milos
- Paros

I have some questions:

- When is the best time to visit? I am thinking of going in September.
- Should I ferry hop? That's probably the best way, right?
- How do I figure out where to stay? I love Airbnb - is that an option in Greece?

Thanks in advance!

Pack List for Trip to Greece in Spring

I have a trip to Greece planned in the spring. Mainly, I want advice on the weather. In the meantime, I made my best guess and came up with a list. Anything to add or subtract?

Clothing
  • A light rain jacket or windbreaker: For the inevitable April showers
  • A couple of long-sleeve shirts: For those cooler mornings
  • A lightweight sweater: For layering when temperature changes
  • A pair of comfortable pants: Think breathable fabrics like cotton, and a pair of jeans.
  • Shorts and a sundress: For warmer afternoons
  • Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be exploring villages and ancient ruins, so cushioned soles are a must.
Accessories
  • A versatile scarf: Can double as a shawl on cooler evenings
  • A wide-brimmed hat: For sun protection
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for beach days
  • Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated without contributing more waste

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.

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!
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