Greece travel advice. Helping Dreamers Do.

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Greece travel advice

Tips from our friends in Greece

The Peloponnese, please!

Nikos Kritsinelias from our supplier Land Life highlights the pleasures of delving into genuine mainland life in his Greece travel advice: “The Peloponnese is an emerging destination and we know its secrets and traditions better than anyone. Our aim is to create strong emotions and memories through participation in the way of living of our country: distinctive gastronomic experiences such as wine roads and olive roads; cultural activities like religious tourism or learning traditional Greek dances! Our guests will live a unique travel experience, by participating actively as locals and not just one more member of a group. We're sure all our visitors will return different from their journey in Greece, filled with memories and richer in knowledge.”

Bearing north

Chantel Kyriakopoulou-Beuvink from our supplier Natural Greece talks about paying attention to the bear necessities in her Greece travel advice:
“Brown bear tracking in Northern Greece is a unique experience where you walk amazing trails in a truly unspoilt and little known paradise. Contrary to popular belief, you will not be putting your life at risk! The Eurasian Brown Bear is shy and will try to avoid humans. But you will get an adrenaline rush nevertheless when spotting fresh bear signs like scratch and hair markings on trees, plus little, big and huge footprints! Because no bait is being used it diminishes the chances of actually seeing bears - but this is the responsible way of doing things: without disturbing the bears' natural behaviour.”

A sea of possibilities

Annie Antonatou from our supplier Mystic Blue offers Greece travel advice on the joys of sailing off-the-beaten wave: “We take guests to smaller, unspoilt islands of the Aegean to show the real Greece – to mingle with locals, experience delicious food grown on the doorstep. Sailing to remote islands is a unique way to discover local producers - fresh fish from the fisherman, olive oil from a small grove or locally produced cheese. You'll experience a Greek feast with traditional island music and dancing. And discover unique Aegean wildlife. Dolphins, seals and Loggerhead turtle will be sailing companions, plus land species like the Skyros’ Wall Lizard and Milos Viper - the Aegean's unique natural wealth.”

Small Gods in Crete

Giorgos Maltezakis from our supplier Cretan Paths puts engaging with the locals at the heart of his Greece travel advice:
“Our effort is to bring people closer to how local people live and interact, whether the experience involves a cooking class, olive oil or wine tasting, or a simple meal in a village square. We visit rural villages where the locals greet their guests – in the words of Nikos Kazantzakis – like 'small gods'! We visit establishments that put all their love and knowledge into the creation of traditional flavours that highlight Cretan Cuisine – and its health benefits! We get to know Crete through trekking or walking the beautiful island landscape too. Crete is a place with spirit we urge people to explore and get acquainted with.”

Health & safety in Greece

Travel safely in Greece

Health

Summer temperatures can be searing, especially in July and August. If planning anything active be sure to have plenty of water or take a break between 12-4pm to avoid the risk of sunstroke and dehydration.
Although medical training is excellent in Greece, the public health service has been badly hit by chronic underfunding in the past few years due to countrywide financial crisis, leaving public hospitals in a poor state. Private hospitals are far better – but their expense means good travel health insurance is essential.
If you need to call an ambulance the number is 166.
Greece is home to some dangerous snakes, including the viper, coral snakes and adders. To minimise bite risks always wear boots, socks and long trousers if walking through undergrowth in rural areas.
Mosquitoes (especially in mountain areas) can carry serious diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis. Most bites occur during the daytime, and the use of protective sprays or lotion is highly recommended, along with repellents (applied or electric) at night.
Tap water is generally drinkable in much of Greece but not always in rural villages and on some islands. If in any doubt, ask locals or drink boiled or bought water.
Greece has strict drug laws which make no distinction between possession and selling. Having even small amounts of marijuana could land you in prison.

Safety

• Cyclists in particular should be careful on roads as Greek drivers often like to drive fast and not always in the lane you might expect. Take special care on narrow roads and corners.

• Much of Greece is remote – let someone know where you are headed and when you expect to be back before embarking on treks, bike rides or other wild forays.

Greece tips from our travelers

Recommendations from those who have been there

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Greece travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.

“Be prepared for some long mornings visiting sites; but there is time in the afternoon/evenings to relax.” - Paul Beckett

“Travel light. Come armed with questions.” - Trish Ahlin

“Greeks eat their evening meals at 9pm or later and lunch is sometimes a mid-afternoon affair.” - Julian Grubb

“Take less stuff! Yachts don't have much space! Be prepared to share - buying supplies, washing dishes, raising sails, clearing litter on beaches.” - Andy Jennings

“Familiarise yourself with the Greek alphabet, learn some basic phrases, and particularly try to learn some restaurant menu items.” - John Hird

Photo credits: [olive mill: Wolfgang Staudt] [pelapponese: Charles Nadeau] [Bike: ??, Myself and Ei] [Scuba: Roban Kramer]

Written by Norman Miller

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