What to know before visiting Greece, from a local

I was born in Athens and now split my year between the US and Greece, so I’ve spent plenty of time in the country. Beyond Mykonos and Santorini, Greece has more than 200 inhabited islands; places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi, and Folegandros often feel like hidden gems.

The mainland also deserves time, from Delphi and Meteora to the Peloponnese and the mountains and villages of Epirus, and Athens itself is lively with nightlife, museums, and neighborhoods such as Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati. Tipping is not as mandatory as in the US.

Greek servers generally rely on standard, guaranteed hourly wages, so many people simply round up the bill or leave a couple of euros unless service is exceptional or the restaurant is more formal or tourist-oriented. Expect a slower pace. Locals often arrive late, service can feel leisurely, and many stores and supermarkets close on Sundays, even in Athens.

Greece, Athens

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