Scenset's Guide to Greece

If you'd like something to watch to get you in the mood for Greece, give these a try:

• The Durrells is the true story of a British family who move to the island of Corfu during the 1930s and follows their integration into Greek life and the fascinating characters they meet along the way (I love this show, I've seen it about 3 times) - trailer here.
  
• My Life in Ruins, filmed in some classic Greek settings like Athens, Olympia and Delphi; captures many monuments and landmarks of Ancient Greece - trailer here.
  
• The Rocket is a critically-acclaimed Greek film follows a pathological liar who tries to prove to his friends that his lies are real - trailer here.
  
• .Dog is a coming-of-age drama with a touch of the thriller, featuring a cruel game between father and son and questioning family bonds - trailer here.

• The Corfu Trilogy follows the real-life story of the Durrell family who leave England in the 1930s for a new life on the island of Corfu. Detailing the narrator’s exploits amongst the wildlife of the island as well as his family’s vast array of eccentricities - click here for more information.
  
• The Odyssey/Iliad is the classic cornerstone of Greek history and literature, and perhaps of literature in general. These epic poems blend history and mythology in their retelling of Odysseus’ 10-year journey home from the Trojan War and the rage of Achilles - click here for more information.
  
• Song of Achilles is a bestselling novel that retells the classic legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ steadfast companion and soulmate - click here for more information.
  
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series is one for the little ones (and the kid within!) is a modern children’s book phenomenon following a young boy’s exciting adventures with the gods and monsters of Greek mythology - click here for more information.

Here are the Spotify lists we have designed for your trip to include local talent and great vibes:

• Greece is a selection of popular Greek music from local artists that are shaping the Greek music industry!
  
• Summer Chill is the perfect soundtrack for the beach, full of laid-back, summer vibes!
  
• Balearic Beats is our bespoke playlist full of upbeat house music and dance songs; perfect for getting into the summer mood!

A few Greek phrases to try during your trip are:

• Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo) | The less formal way to say "Hi" would just be "Γεια" (Yah). If addressing a group, say "YAH-sas".
  
• Nice to meet you: Χάρηκα πολύ (HA-ree-ka po-LEE)
  
• How are you?: Tι κανείς (tee-KAH-nis)?
  
• Good morning: Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah) | You would say this greeting up until noon, and then for the rest of the day you can use "Γεια" (yah) as the standard greeting.
  
• Good afternoon/evening: Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah) | Beginning around late afternoon/dusk and into the evening, you can use this greeting.
  
• Goodnight: Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah) | Say this when going to bed.
  
• Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
  
• Please/You're welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE) | In Greek, the word for "please" and "you're welcome" is the same, making it all the more easy to learn. It's polite to say "para-kah-LOE" after asking for directions or the price of something. It can even be used to mean "I beg your pardon?" or "Huh?" when you've misunderstood or want someone to repeat something.
  
• My name is...: Με λένε (may LEH-neh)...
  
• What is your name?: πως σε λένε? (pos-oh LEH-neh)
  
• Goodbye: Γειά σου (YAH-soo) | The more informal way of saying bye would just be "Yah." Recall that this is the same as saying hello (similar to "ciao" in Italian or "aloha" in Hawaiian). If addressing a group, say "YAH-sas."
  
• Yes: Ναί (neh); No: όχι (OH-hee) | Be careful not to confuse yes and no — it's easy to mistakenly associate "neh" with "no" in English, and "oh-hee" with "okay" when in fact it's just the opposite! An easy mnemonic is to remember that they're actually the inverse of what you would initially think.
  
• Excuse me/Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee) | Say this to get someone's attention, ask to pass by someone, or apologize if you've bumped into someone.

For your trip, we recommend bringing the following:

• Cool and comfortable clothes for when the weather is hot. Cotton clothing works well!
  
• Walking/hiking shoes, especially for the Acropolis.
  
• Swim/beach shoes (some beaches are pebbles) if your feet are sensitive.
  
• Sun cream, sun hat, lip balm and sunglasses.
  
• Swimsuit, for the pools and sauna in the spa at all properties, as well as the beach.
  
• A modest outfit if you are visiting churches or monasteries that covers the top of your legs, chest, shoulders and top of the arms.
  
• Semi-casual clothes for eating out - there aren't many dress codes in Greece but it's always nice to dress up when on holiday!
  
• Day-pack for excursions
  
• A European adapter
  
• A power bank to keep your phone charged for all those great pictures!

Greece uses plug types C and F, which are the standard European plugs.

We recommend bringing a travel adapter that has multiple specifications so you're always prepared.

Most hotels have adapters you can use, but they may not always be available or working, so it's best to have your own.

Here are some tips on health, safety and general rules to be aware of:

Security

• It's important to remember that, like all major global cities, pickpockets operate in highly populated areas; especially areas frequented by tourists.
  
• It is highly recommended not to bring or wear valuable or sentimental jewellery, watches or items with you that you do not wish to lose or have stolen.
  
• While most visitors do not have any issues whatsoever when visiting, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings and your personal items.

Health

• If you are under special medical treatment, you are advised to take enough medicines with you to cover your trip and any delays, as it is a high possibility that you may not find the same medicine in Greece.
  
• The citizens of the European Union have the right to the E111 document which offers access to free health treatment in public hospitals in Greece.
  
• Greek public hospitals are well equipped with good levels of healthcare in the major cities but are often overcrowded.
  
• The conditions and services of private hospitals are very good but quite expensive.
  
• Ensure you have travel insurance with you that covers medical, if you are not already covered by your supplier.
  
• On many small islands and towns, there are no hospitals but medical and health centres.
  
• Pharmacies are widely available and are well stocked. It is very common for the pharmacy to have English-speaking staff.

Food & Water

• Greek products are famous all around the world for their excellent quality.
  
• As for the water, in Athens and other large towns, tap water is drinkable.
  
• However, in most islands and some mainland towns, bottled water is recommended to avoid health issues during your trip.
  
• Fountains are widely available and are free to use - the water is usually fresh from a spring or nearby mountain.
  
• There are laws in Greece that regulate the price of water for travellers and locals, so you should not pay more than 0.60€ for a small bottle (assuming you are not sitting at a table or a restaurant for local water).
  
• Most islands do not have their own water, but water is brought by water tanks from the mainland, therefore it is used only for showering and house cleaning, not for drinking.

Natural Disasters

• Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors. The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and issues announcements about ongoing incidents.
  
• In the summer, forest fires can often occur so be aware and follow local advice.

Important

• The plumbing in Greece is (literally) ancient, so it is very important not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. There are bins provided next to every toilet where you are expected to place toilet tissue. These are regularly changed.
  
• When there is no sign, this is not necessary. In large cities, 4 and 5-star hotels, as well as good restaurants in popular places; there is no such issue.
  
• A simple rule is to check if there is a sign showing no paper disposal or not. If there's no sign, you're fine to throw it away as usual.

Whilst tipping in Greece is not expected like in the US, it's always very much appreciated!

We recommend the following:

• Restaurants: 5-10% tip
  
• Guides: For a one-off guide (€20-30), for multiple tours with the same guide (€50-80) for all tours
  
• Drivers: Depending on the hours or days of service, €20-100 for all drives
  
• Valet service: €5-10

Almost everywhere accepts card payments (a Revolut card is an amazing way to keep local currency on you with a card payment to avoid transaction fees), but it's important to always have some cash money on you when traveling to Greece and the Greek Islands as you might encounter a few studios or small shops in less-touristic islands that don't accept card.

It's also handy for buying honey and fruits on the side of the road (which are delicious)!

You can use your cash cards or credit card on all ATM machines in Greece. The largest Greek islands have many banks and ATM, while some remote islands may have only one ATM. Always have some cash with you if you travel in some remote islands as even if there is one single ATM, it might be out of money.

Greece is part of the European Union and Greece money currency is Euro. (Euro replaced Drachma in 2002).

• The euro banknotes come in: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5.
  
• There are coins of 2 and 1 Euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents of euro.

Greece is home to incredible dishes, with so many of the ingredients amazingly fresh. Here are a few of our favourite dishes to try in Greece:

• Spanikopita is a traditional spinach and feta pie using filo pastry; it's amazing!
  
• Souvlaki is the iconic street food of Greek. Chicken, lamb or pork are the common options as cubed meat with lots of vegetables, french fries and tzatziki sauce - you won't regret it! They come as a main or wrapped in a pita.
  
• Gyros is similar to Souvlaki, except the meat is sliced rather than cubed, with the vegetables and french fries wrapped in a pita. They can also come as a main on a plate.
  
• Saganaki is a fried cheese that is usually served as a starter; it's one of my favourites.
  
• Bougatsa is a sweet pie made from filo pastry & custard.
  
• Keftethes are large meatballs usually served as a side.
  
• Loukoumades are golden fried dough balls covered in honey.
  
• Revani is a popular dessert. It's a moist sponge that's nutty with some lemony flavour.
  
• Frappe is the iconic Greek iced coffee. Ask for it to be metrio meh gala (medium sugar and milk) or sketo for black with no sugar.

One of the most popular Greek chefs is Argiro Barbarigou, we use her recipes all the time at home (my partner is Greek so I live in a very Greek house!) and her recipes have never let us down!

Here is one of our favourites that you can make at home, it's very easy to make (it just takes a little time) but the end result is worth it!

• Gigantes Me Feta Kai Spanaki

If you'd like to cook more recipes, here are some helpful guides on Greek chefs with recipes you can use:

• Argiro Barbarigou Website Recipes / YouTube Channel with recipes (you'll need subtitles on for these)
  
• Akis Petretzikis is another popular chef in Greece / YouTube Channel with recipes.

Enjoy!