Greek Guide

 What's right and what's wrong

Open palm. Don't flash your open hand at anyone, it's a serious insult.                                            If you're annoyed with someone then flash your palm behind their back.   They can't take offence if they don't see it but it'll make you feel better. A sort of 'same to you with knobs on'. 

You'll see lots of blue and white especially in the shape of an eye or a fish. Or someone's front door.  They're protective symbols.  Blue is the colour to repel the evil eye, illness and bad luck. The blue eye sends negative energy back to its source.

Dress respectfully in churches. Women will get away with trousers these days but no shorts for men or women. Stricter in Monasteries, no 'womans in mans dress'. Cover shoulders and knees. 

Cars don't stop at pedestrian crossings

Toilet paper in the bin. The used paper I mean. Don't flush it down the loo

Beware the summer sun

Never touch or remove anything from Archeological sites. You could end up in jail. Take photos unless there's a sign saying otherwise

Don't book a ferry on the same day as your flight home. Ferries are easily delayed.  Get into Athens a day early and stay overnight.  Holiday Inn has a shuttle service, and probably a few other hotels too

Go to a pharmacy for basic first aid and advice. Easier than finding a doctor

Keep to the right when driving. Pass on the left 

Seatbelts in the front seat mandatory. Don't know about the back seat

Don't use your phone while driving, though you're sure to see other drivers doing just that, and without seat belts.

Road rage is a thing here now. Beware. 

Helmets are essential for motorbikes, quad bikes and E-scooters .  You can hire a quad bike with a driver's licence. EU if you're from an EU country, otherwise international

Road signs are in Greek and English

If you pay cash, not by card, you'll probably get a discount. Cards can be used everywhere. At the kiosk for a bottle of water or a loaf of bread at the bakers

ATMs are everywhere. Preferably used one attached to an actual bank

Greeks don't eat dessert after dinner. Now and again you may be offered fruit

Water from the tap is drinkable however many people, like K, drink bottled water. Bottle caps are attached to the bottle, can't be removed and carelessly thrown away

Don't tip unless you really liked the meal or friendly staff. A few euros will do

Beware of slippery marble steps and paths. If there's water on them and you're wearing flip-flops you'll go head over heels

No public loos. Go to a cafe, buy a soft drink and use their loos

89% of Greeks believe their culture is superior to others 

I speak Greek. What's your Superpower