Can you still travel to Greece this summer? A question that is often asked, especially by German holidaymakers. Understandably. In connection with Greece, all you see on television are images of strikers, masked people throwing stones, burning houses and angry trade unionists on Syntagma Square burning the German flag on a large scale!
Like I said on TV!!! But that’s not Greece!!! Should you really let the media ruin your holiday joy?
Discover the real Greece! – Discover the real Greece!
The people of Greece are in shock. Nobody knows where this will all lead. But it is clear to everyone that the holidaymakers who travel to Greece, even in these difficult times, sympathize with the people and want to help. Tourists are treated kindly and welcomed everywhere! They are the salvation of many families. In Ikaria everyone is worried and hopes that the holidaymakers will still come. And if you, as a traveler, mix with the people, sit down in the kafenion or the small tavern and come into direct contact with the locals and their needs, then you can understand a lot and confidently look at all the clichés about the lazy, corrupt Greeks with different eyes ! It soon becomes clear that the simple Greeks are not all mafiosi and good-for-nothings, as they are often portrayed as. On the contrary, they are family people, scared and insecure, but hospitable and friendly as ever, just as people knew and loved Greece.
Here are some behavioral tips that I follow myself and would happily recommend to others:
- Find out about strikes on the Internet or in a travel agency before the trip to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises
- Avoid large crowds of tourists, seek contact with the locals if possible and get involved with them, communicate with them as best you can – that’s the best way to get to know a country! Pay attention to where the locals frequent. A good tavern, for example, is one where many Greeks eat, it’s worth looking for!
- Don’t let yourself be guided by prejudices! Type: every taxi driver tries to rip me off! Use common sense and always behave generously, If possible, give a good tip, people will thank you! Never be stingy or even bargain on price, that’s not possible, that was once! If something seems too expensive to me, I simply won’t buy it.
- Behave in a friendly and unobtrusive manner, not arrogant and know-it-all. Never get involved in a political discussion with strangers, leave the task of improving the world to others! I also recommend avoiding showing off and not wearing expensive jewelry, clothes or other accessories. Poverty makes you jealous!
- Support local and traditional shops and give preference to local products, avoid large international chain stores such as Goodys, Mc Donalds, H&M, Zara etc
- Only go out in small groups in the evening, never alone, avoid dark, empty alleys and get a Radio-Taxi business card from the hotel (you can order by phone, e.g. order from the tavern. They are absolutely trustworthy!) if I am out and about late in the evening. Especially applies to Athens! Just like: Beware of pickpockets!
Athens is a city of millions, Up to now it has always been a very hospitable city with little crime. This has changed noticeably in the last two years. Unfortunately, insecurity, unemployment and poverty have made Athens just as dangerous a city as all other European capitals, such as Paris or London. The strikes and riots mainly affect the larger cities and of course Athens. However, the demonstrations take place exclusively in the area between Omonia and Syntagma Square. In the rest of the city or on the islands you don’t notice it at all. So if a demonstration takes place, the Omonia and Syntagma metro stations will automatically be closed. Then you should avoid these two places. However, you can always get off at Monastiraki station and stroll from there to Plaka. This is absolutely harmless!
As I said! Don’t let your vacation be ruined under any circumstances!
I found another brilliant link for those who, despite everything, would rather spend their vacation at home in the safety of their room in front of the computer…
Or for all those who want to get in the mood with a great virtual tour of the Acropolis and look forward to their upcoming vacation…
Because as we all know, anticipation is the best joy! Have fun!
PS: You can also find many helpful tips in the article “Strike on vacation: what can I do?”
Visit the Virtual Acropolis Tour.
