Greece eSIM

Ferries are the main way to get between Greek islands. Book in advance on Ferryscanner.com or directly through the ferry companies, especially in summer when boats fill up fast. Piraeus port in Athens is the main hub for most island connections.

The ancient sights cost more than you’d expect. The Acropolis ticket (which includes other Athens sites) has gone up in recent years. Buy the combo ticket covering multiple archaeological sites — it’s much better value than paying separately. And go early in the morning before the cruise ship passengers arrive.

Greek lunch is the big meal and dinner comes late — restaurants barely fill up before 21:00. Learn the basics: ‘Parakalo’ (please / you’re welcome), ‘Efharisto’ (thank you) and ‘Yamas’ (cheers) make a real difference. Greek hospitality runs deep and a few words in Greek go much further than you’d expect.

On Santorini, Oia is famous for sunsets but absolutely packed — consider watching from a different viewpoint to avoid the worst of the crowds. On Santorini, Mykonos and other popular islands water is a limited resource. Buy less plastic, reduce waste and be mindful of the ecosystem of these small islands.

If you order fresh fish in a coastal taverna, ask for the price first — it’s usually priced by weight and can get expensive if you’re not paying attention. For a full dinner with wine, a taverna with a handwritten menu and locals inside is always your best bet. The shiny tourist restaurants at the harbour front are rarely the best value.