I’m an expat living in Greece & I cringe when I see Brits doing these 6 things
IT’S no wonder that Greece is a popular holiday hotspot with Brit holidaymakers.
From the country’s stunning temples to its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters, every year Greece attracts thousands of visitors.
But like any other country, there are some major mistakes that can make visitors stand out like sore thumbs.
While the locals will know exactly what to do, some holidaymakers may end up falling for tourist traps and other pitfalls.
When I first moved to a small mountain village on Crete everything was all Greek to me.
But you can learn from my mistakes, so your next holiday to Greece is sheer perfection.
Overdoing the white spirit raki
From aniseed-scented ouzo, which was invented in Lesbos, to pine-scented mastixa liqueur from the island of Chios, Greece has quite a few punch-packing alcoholic drinks.
But few are as strong as the raki loved by Cretans.
Brewed from a mix of grape skins, and any old fruit that’s hanging around after harvest, the best (and most potent) is made in small copper stills and sells in most small tavernas, restaurants, and cafes for pennies.
While this cheap-as-chips moonshine might slip down easily, it can be as much as 70% proof.
To avoid making a fool of yourself, eat plenty of meze snacks (they’re generally served free with each carafe) and stop sipping when your head starts spinning.
Going out in the midday sun
When you live in a country where sunshine can be annoyingly elusive, the temptation to spend all day and every day on a blissful, sun-dazzled beach is easy to understand.
A bit like that Noel Coward song about “mad dogs and Englishmen”, most Greeks will think you have a screw loose if they see you roasting like a Christmas turkey in the midday heat.
Do it the Greek way instead and beach until 1pm, followed by a lazy siesta, and then back on the sands around 5pm.
Not only will you avoid looking like one of those “crazy foreigners” but your skin will also be happier too.
Being suspicious of the friendly sales assistant
Greece prides itself on its philoxenia (love of the stranger) – a tradition of hospitality that dates back centuries.
Don’t be surprised if the guy who hires out cars offers you a pile of local pastries and a syrupy elleniko (the Greek version of espresso) in his office.
If you do accept a friendly invitation, you should be aware that Greeks are very curious.
Make sure you’re prepared to ask plenty of questions ranging from “Are you married?” to “Where did you buy that dress?”.
Entering the church in a bikini or bare-chested
The Orthodox Church is an essential part of everyday life in Greece.
It’s quite normal to see a priest dressed in his long flapping black gown and kalimavkion (a stovepipe hat) sitting down and enjoying a tumbler of raki with his parishioners.
But this lack of formality doesn’t translate when it comes to religious places of worship.
Although Greeks are pretty easygoing when it comes to dressing, entering a church or a monastery without covering up is a big no-no.
If you want to fit in, keep those pecs and abs under wraps.
Ordering ketchup with your moussaka.
Greece is one of the countries where the Med Diet was invented, which means that if you slather ketchup on your moussaka or order chips with everything you’ll be tagged as a tourist.
If you want to give your tastebuds a treat (and surprise the waiter) do as the Greeks do and order sharing plates.
You could try a plate of Vlita (wild greens drizzled with a silky lemon and EVOO dressing), or Domatokeftedes (tomato fritters served with spicy yoghurt sauce).
But above all else, don’t mention the “K-word”.
Spending all your hols in Santorini & Mykonos
The volcanic Santorini and the glitzy nightlife of Mykonos are well worth visiting, but both places are tourist magnets.
This means that – apart from the people who have businesses there – you probably won’t meet many Greeks on these sizzling Cyclades islands in summer.
My suggestion? Do the big-name nightclubs and fill your Instagram feed with all your favourite holiday snaps.
Then, follow the locals to some of the lesser-known Cyclades islands like Naxos, which has amazing sand beaches, or Syros which is renowned for its super-tasty food specialties.
Not only will you get to mingle with locals, you’ll also discover the authentic Greek way of life which is something that tourists often miss.