Greece is a popular tourist destination for many reasons.
It is steeped in history, having been a pioneer of Western civilisation. This south-eastern European country can be thanked for promoting democracy and contributing to Western philosophy and literature, not to mention the Olympic Games.
Even if you don’t plan on soaking up the culture, there are plenty of other reasons to visit. The country is famous for its stunning islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
It has a large number of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, as well as offering a sunny climate, delicious cuisine and incredible sunsets. Who wouldn’t like that?
However, if you are planning to visit Greece, there are a few things you should know first. Priyanka Juneja, a travel blogger based in the United States, listed the three mistakes that many make when visiting Greece. They are as follows…
1. Avoid peak season
Priya, who uses her TikTok account @psjuneja, said: “You definitely don’t want to make these mistakes when planning a trip to Greece. (Firstly), if possible, you should avoid travelling to Greece during peak season, because it will be very crowded and you are less likely to find hotel deals.”
June, July and August are usually the busiest months to visit Greece, as it is the school summer holidays in many countries and families flock there.
On the other hand, the most popular tourist spots are much less crowded during May, September and October, when children go back to school. The temperature should also be pleasant there.
2. Don’t just visit the hot spots
Thanks to Instagram, many people flock to the picturesque islands and waste no time in getting off the beaten track, which also means they may miss out on some popular cultural sites.
Priya urged: “Don’t make the mistake of travelling only to Santorini or Mykonos, for example (…) there is so much to discover.”
Greece is made up of 6,000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited. Kefalonia, Icaria, Sifnos and Folegandros are among the most overlooked hidden gems of the Greek islands, according to Original Travel.
Kefalonia in particular is also frequented by loggerhead turtles and even boasts a stunning red sand coastline known as Xi Beach.
3. Don’t miss Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece, so you wouldn’t think many would pass up the opportunity to stop there. But sadly, many skip the destinations and head straight to the relaxing islands.
There are many iconic monuments there, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which bear witness to the city’s long and influential history.
It is also a centre for cultural activities, including music, art, theatre and dance. And if you are looking to relax, there are plenty of restaurants, nightclubs and concert halls.
Priya said: “Don’t forget Athens. It’s an amazing city and a lot of people overlook it and go straight to the Greek islands. I think that’s a big mistake.”
