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mj_toronto8

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I would love to know what everyone thinks of these Greek travel tips, and if they are actually true and helpful. I feel like many people have so many biases about different countries, and they can have a completely different perspective from a local or the actual truth. Please let me know what your opinions are in the comments!


 
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I used to live in Mykonos for many years and work in Tourism.First of all these guys sound genuine and sincere (Believe me!)..... They are factual and correct in their tips.... why on earth did they travel in July/August I will never know?......I received an email from dear friend of mine from the 90s in Mykonos...she says [Amongst other heartbreaking things which I won't post.]
"You may not want to come back. Keep the precious memories of the old Mykonos alive in your mind. Those were the days.
Me, I’m disgusted and disappointed. I do not know where all this is going, but it isn’t good."
Back to the video and booking accommodation (not from apps or Airbnb).... apart from July and August I would travel and stay in rooms, apartments which are sold by locals waiting at the ports with signs and photographs of their rooms.... Even the local onshore travel office....best way to meet with locals, stay with them, cook,eat and share the culture.. Never book any Excursions on the apps!!!.... Book them there after discussing and being satisfied what one is paying and receiving..... Writes he who knows a few things about excursions!?.... Remember that up 40% is added on the price of an excursion and accommodation to keep that OTA in business... The local travel agent is back.... talk to them.... they are really knowledgeable..... they are interconnected with other islands and will make life easier..... about the suncream....a must to buy before hand in large quantities (factors 40+) and travel with including good quality after sun...... As I write the temperatures are soaring towards upper 30°C+... small first aid kit with essentials....beach shoes very important (cheap and cheerful).... learning at least 1or 2 Greek dish from the locals...a lifetime memory!... Never drink Raki like shots!!! ????...I should know when I stayed in Crete one winter picking olives and grapes....we were pissed as parrots drinking Raki all winter long!!??.... Kalley Mera.... about the Gyros....eeeegros...In Mykonos they are selling them for €6.50 ??...a few years ago before we left we used to pay €2.50.Geeeeyro apo olla! enjoy your travels.... hope this is useful....ask me questions which I can answer!>>>>a few years ago before we left we used to pay €2.50 for Gyro....now just for fun there is a place which sells cocktails for €500........and a large glass of beer for €55....
 
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I used to live in Mykonos for many years and work in Tourism.First of all these guys sound genuine and sincere (Believe me!)..... They are factual and correct in their tips.... why on earth did they travel in July/August I will never know?......I received an email from dear friend of mine from the 90s in Mykonos...she says [Amongst other heartbreaking things which I won't post.]
"You may not want to come back. Keep the precious memories of the old Mykonos alive in your mind. Those were the days.
Me, I’m disgusted and disappointed. I do not know where all this is going, but it isn’t good."
Back to the video and booking accommodation (not from apps or Airbnb).... apart from July and August I would travel and stay in rooms, apartments which are sold by locals waiting at the ports with signs and photographs of their rooms.... Even the local onshore travel office....best way to meet with locals, stay with them, cook,eat and share the culture.. Never book any Excursions on the apps!!!.... Book them there after discussing and being satisfied what one is paying and receiving..... Writes he who knows a few things about excursions!?.... Remember that up 40% is added on the price of an excursion and accommodation to keep that OTA in business... The local travel agent is back.... talk to them.... they are really knowledgeable..... they are interconnected with other islands and will make life easier..... about the suncream....a must to buy before hand in large quantities (factors 40+) and travel with including good quality after sun...... As I write the temperatures are soaring towards upper 30°C+... small first aid kit with essentials....beach shoes very important (cheap and cheerful).... learning at least 1or 2 Greek dish from the locals...a lifetime memory!... Never drink Raki like shots!!! ????...I should know when I stayed in Crete one winter picking olives and grapes....we were pissed as parrots drinking Raki all winter long!!??.... Kalley Mera.... about the Gyros....eeeegros...In Mykonos they are selling them for €6.50 ??...a few years ago before we left we used to pay €2.50.Geeeeyro apo olla! enjoy your travels.... hope this is useful....ask me questions which I can answer!>>>>a few years ago before we left we used to pay €2.50 for Gyro....now just for fun there is a place which sells cocktails for €500........and a large glass of beer for €55....
I've definitely made the mistake of drinking too much Raki!! I do miss the good old days when I was younger and could drink five shots in a row without feeling a damn thing.
 
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I've definitely made the mistake of drinking too much Raki!! I do miss the good old days when I was younger and could drink five shots in a row without feeling a damn thing.
Aha only 5 shots eh!???....Try this...all day drinking as misbehaving at the Taverna on the beach.... then the crazy owner says....we must down a few shots of Jack Daniels and Amaretto together!!..... then comes the interesting bit....off we go flying on the Kawasaki 750cc.......less than 4 minutes to Hora on those dangerous roads.... Arriving in style, alive & spinning the bike inside the bigger bars!! ???....Were we crazy???
 
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Aha only 5 shots eh!???....Try this...all day drinking as misbehaving at the Taverna on the beach.... then the crazy owner says....we must down a few shots of Jack Daniels and Amaretto together!!..... then comes the interesting bit....off we go flying on the Kawasaki 750cc.......less than 4 minutes to Hora on those dangerous roads.... Arriving in style, alive & spinning the bike inside the bigger bars!! ???....Were we crazy???
You have lived a crazy life my friend! Makes me want to move to Mykonos and work there for good!
 
This is a great video with some excellent tips. I've made the mistake of drinking Raki like shots! Never again ... LOL
 
Basically, the advice in video is very good, but I can add a few more from myself, since I have vacationed in Greece not once. As soon as you arrive in Athens, the first thing to do is take a tour of the city. It can be the Acropolis, the Parthenon, universities, temples, etc. You can even spend a few days doing this if possible. And only after that concentrate on rest, walking, shopping, sunbathing on the beach, etc., leave it not for the first day. Also, from the tips on how to travel smart, communication with local people will be important. Although it was said in the video, it is really important, because it is the local people who know the best corners of the city, plus you will find a company with which you can have a great time.
 
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Tips for tourists by tourists always make me laugh, but they provide insight that locals might not notice because they (the locals) are used to certain things. Their tips are fine, and the two neighborhoods they recommended in their description are nice (koukaki and psyrri)... Psyrri used to be a nice place where only locals went, but now it's filled with tourists and I don't know if I'd want to stay there because of how loud it can be. Koukaki is nice and there are some good restaurants there.
 
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Tips for tourists by tourists always make me laugh, but they provide insight that locals might not notice because they (the locals) are used to certain things. Their tips are fine, and the two neighborhoods they recommended in their description are nice (koukaki and psyrri)... Psyrri used to be a nice place where only locals went, but now it's filled with tourists and I don't know if I'd want to stay there because of how loud it can be. Koukaki is nice and there are some good restaurants there.
I think the best thing you can do when visiting Greece is to make some local friends if youre staying for long enough. They will show you the best of both worlds and recommended authentic spots.
 
thanks
 
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Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

First Time Tips to Greece

I've been fortunate enough to visit Greece quite a few times over the years, and recently a friend asked me for advice before their very first trip. It surprised me how difficult it was to answer!

Once you've traveled somewhere often, you start taking a lot of things for granted. I'm not sure what the most helpful tips would be for someone experiencing Greece for the first time.

If you were helping a first-time visitor, what advice would you give? I'm thinking about practical things, cultural etiquette, transportation, money, restaurants, pacing an itinerary, or even little things you wish someone had told you before your first visit.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make, and what are some experiences you think every newcomer should have? I'd love to pass along some advice from people with firsthand experience.

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

Favorite small towns in Greece?

I realized recently that some of my favorite places in Greece haven’t actually been the major destinations everyone talks about, but smaller towns that just had a completely different atmosphere to them.

Sometimes it’s a mountain village with one main square and old stone houses, other times it’s a tiny coastal town where everyone seems to know each other and life moves slower. A few of the places I still think about most weren’t even places I had originally planned to visit.

I’m curious what small towns or villages have really stayed with people after traveling in Greece. Could be because of the scenery, the food, the people, the history, or just the overall feeling of the place.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorites, especially places that don’t always make the typical travel lists.
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