Do Greeks Speak English?
Yes. Most Greeks speak passable English, and many are fluent.
Jet Lag
You've got a 7–10-hour time difference from North America which is going to be a challenge to overcome when you get there. Your bodies are going to be all over the place. It usually takes us a good three days to get our Greek time zone legs under us. So do whatever you can to get as much sleep on the flight as you can...it helps, and don't plan too much on your first day or two.
Car Rentals at Athens Airport
You have two options: on-site rentals and off-site. The on-site rental companies are the international brands (Hertz, Budget, AVIS etc.). They are far more expensive than the offsite options, but if you want the convenience of getting your car at the airport and are willing to pay up to twice as much, then this is for you.
The offsite options are far less expensive. Each company has a shuttle bus from the airport to their facility which, in some cases, can seem a bit sketchy, but its fine. We recommend OK Mobility, Volta, Avance and Green Motion, but tbh, they are all pretty much the same. All shuttles leave from the minibus parking lot at the end of the terminal (go out the main doors and turn right…walk to the end).
If you want an automatic, they are more expensive. Also, the security deposit you will pay is often over Euro700 with most companies.
New in 2024. Some rental companies are gouging with their cleaning fees. Play it safe and give your car a quick clean before returning it to dave this frustration.
Liability and damage insurance…up to you if you want their policy. We usually go with just our credit card coverage.
The best site for booking cars is CarJet (www.carjet.com). Absolute best prices. Make sure you book a fully refundable car so that you can make changes are more inventory comes online in the Spring.
Lastly, remember that cars in Greece are much smaller than here. What we consider a mid-size sedan is considered a full-size car there. The compacts and sub-compacts are, will, tiny (and a ton of fun to drive!)
Driving, Highways and Tolls
Driving in Greece is actually better than here because you don’t get people sitting in the fast lane and forcing everyone to overtake on the inside. When you’re driving, be European and only use the outside lanes for passing then get back over…. or you’ll get abused!
Watch for motorbikes. They are everywhere and use the space between car lanes to drive. Triple check before changing lanes…there might be a bike screaming up on your inside.
Tolls are everywhere on the highways. You can just tap a credit card (easiest), or even use your Apple Pay off your phone. Look for the Green-signed lanes (automatic pay machine) or the blue lanes (a person taking your card payment…slower). Cash is also accepted.
Highway Rest Stops
Greece’s are really good! Most have a Gregory’s food outlet (kinda like Tims or Dunkin Donuts only with real food and better coffee). Go for a coffee and a tiropita or spanakopita…yummy.
That's about it for the food side. Except to say that when you arrive we will have stocked you up with enough basics to get you through your first few hours...cold beer and wine being at the forefront of that list! Before you go grocery shopping check and see what we have because we do know what arriving after a long trip is like!
Money
Greece’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are everywhere for cash withdrawal, however all stores take credit cards, even for the smallest of transactions.
Heat & Hydration
Greece is sweltering hot from mid-June to mid-September. Make sure you've got sunscreen, hats and bottled water on hand all the time.
When you get to the villa, I promise you will all breathe a sigh of relief. The AC is brand new, and if you keep the shutters and windows closed on the sunny side, you'll be nicely chilled indoors. The beds and pillow are comfy and there's tons of space...I'm sure you'll feel at home - we built and renovate this place for us with our North American sensibilities.
If there's any fruit on the trees (grapes for sure) help yourselves!
The pool is a dream, with total privacy. And the beach is just 200ft from the house. This time of year, it's less busy at the beach, but it's such a short walk that you can pop down, spend some time there (we have a beach umbrella and beach chairs for you to use) and head back to the pool when you've had enough. The sea is crystal clear, clean and the views of the mainland mountains opposite are amazing. Most spectacular is taking a cup of coffee down to the sea in the morning to watch the sun come up (6.15am), and the sunset in the evening.
Siestas
Sept is still pretty hot in the afternoon. Most shops shut down between 2 and 6 for siesta then open again until 9pm.
Eating Out
Tipping is not a thing in Greece like it is here. If you leave a euro or two as a gesture of thanks after a meal then you’re good. None of this 15% or 20% crap we have to put up with! Too big of a tip is considered an insult bcs it’s considered you flexing wealth.
Coffee and Tea Culture
Are you coffee drinkers? Here’s a translation…
Fredo means cold, so…
Fredo Cappuccino, Fredo Espresso are iced drinks. Ask for sugar and milk to be added if you want. Most places also have almond milk (devil juice).
If you want the warm version just drop the “Fredo” when you order.
For me my favourite coffee is a Frappe. This is instant coffee whisked with water (and milk and sugar if you want). If you want to try one order it at the beach bar and see what you think. I highly recommend them “mEtrio mE gAla” meaning a frappe with a little sugar and milk.
And just once, order a Greek coffee, again ask for it “mEtrio” meaning with a bit of sugar…but no milk.