Planning A Trip to Greece: 15 BIG Mistakes To Avoid

Are you planning a trip to Greece? Greece is a dream destination for many travelers, offering stunning island views, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and a culture rich with history and hospitality. But even paradise comes with a few pitfalls for the unprepared traveler. Whether it’s your first time to Greece, a Honeymoon, or you’re returning to explore more, smart planning can make the difference between a magical vacation and a stressful one.

Here’s your ultimate Greece vacation guide, highlighting 15 common mistakes to avoid in Greece, with practical Greece travel tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

A woman in a blue dress climbs the white stairs of Greece that overlook blue roofs and blue waters, and she is comfortable, knowing which mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Planning A Trip to Greece: X Big Mistakes To Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Booking Major Attractions in Advance

Popular sites like the Acropolis in Athens of Palace of Knossos in Crete can sell out of tickets fast. Especially in peak season! Don’t wait until you arrive to get tickets. Purchase and secure tickets ahead in time. This avoids long lines or total disappointment! This is one of the top Greece tips for travelers.

A woman in a sundress and hat sits on an edge and overlooks the blue water of Greece.

Mistake #2: Wearing the Wrong Shoes

When you’re visiting Greece, you’ll be walking. A lot. And the walking is not always consistent. You’ll find yourself crossing cobblestone paths, uneven marble, or even going uphill paths. Of all mistakes to avoid in Greece, make sure your feet are comfortable. Sandals without support or flip-flops will leave you sore, injured, and miserable. Opt in for sturdy walking shoes or cushioned sandals with grip! Consider what to pack and wear with our advice on outfits as well! This will help you see what not to do in Greece in regard to clothes.

A woman with a hat and backpack overlooks the ruins and historic sites of Greece, comfortable in her vacation as she knew what mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #3: Doing Too Much in One Trip

We get it! You’re in Greece! You want to do and see as much as possible! And yet, when you try to cram everything into one trip you’ll just spend too much money, exhaust yourself, and rush the experience. While it is tempting to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and hidden gems– overpacking means more time on ferries and less time relaxing or exploring. Consider picking two destinations and enjoying each one fully.

A woman overlooks the blue waters and sandy beaches in a tank and straw hat in Greece.

Mistake #4: Renting Scooters Without Experience

This sounds silly, I know. But scooter accidents are a real concern in Greece. Greece, in fact, has one of the highest road mortality rates in Europe. So if you opt out of walking or are exploring, consider booking reliable public transport or car rentals. The scooters are cute and photogenic and fun, but if you’re not confident, you may not want to use them!

A woman in a town sits by a scooter while wearing a straw hat, a white shirt and jean shorts: she knows how to drive the scooter, which is one of the mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #5: Trying to Save Money on Ferry Tickets

A slower ferry ride may end up saving you $10-20 a piece, but the slower ferry also takes more time. So spending five hours on the boat instead of two causes you to lose precious time. If you’re on a tight schedule, splurge for a fast ferry. Maximize your island hours!

A woman overlooks the water on a ferry while the sun sets.

Mistake #6: Skipping the Mainland Altogether

Many travelers flock to the islands as they seem to be more popular, or even more “tropical” in nature. But there are mainland treasures you don’t want to miss too! There are not places to avoid in Greece, in fact that are places you want to see, like Delphi, Meteora, or Peloponnese are must sees! They also have stunning views and are typically less crowded. Dive deeper into Greek culture and history and visit the mainland!

A group of friends overlook blue waters and beaches while on the cusp of a hike, their hands in the air, enjoying their trip because they knew mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #7: Traveling Without Cash

Cards are widely accepted. Especially in densely populated areas, or areas that bring in many tourists. Think urban areas! But some tavernas, taxis and smaller island shops are cash-only. Don’t get stuck! Cash is great for tipping and smaller transactions, so always carry some!

A man holds a woman in his arms and their backdrop is the a Greek city and the blue waters nearby: they enjoy their trip because they knew the mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #8: Only Visiting in Peak Season

July and August are hot. They’re crowded. And they see a spike in price! Talk about expensive! Consider visiting Greece in other months, like May, June or even September. The weather is still perfect but you’ll see fewer tourists. And you’ll get better deals for a more relaxing experience!

A woman sits in a sundress with glasses on the edge of some cobblestone steps in a small town of in Greece, enjoying the sun.

Mistake #9: Not Respecting Local Customs

Greece is a modern country, yes, but tradition runs deep. Know the culture and research before you go! For example, make sure to cover your shoulders when visiting monasteries. Always greet shopkeepers! And avoid loud or disruptive behavior in the smaller or quieter villages.

A woman in a large blue hat and white shit and backpack overlooks the small, colorful town below her, knowing which mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #10: Forgetting to Check Ferry & Flight Schedules

Ferries, most notably, can be delayed or canceled due to weather. And if you’re traveling to smaller locations, domestic flights can be limited. Leave buffer time between transfers so you never miss a scheduled trip. And check schedules multiple times before finalizing plans!

A couple stands on the cusp of a balcony, enjoying their wine and views of the sunset in their matching white and blue hats and outfits.

Mistake #11: Overpacking

Greece is casual and comfortable and it’s easy to bring versatile clothing that you can use more than once. Don’t pack five pairs of shoes. Don’t pack full-size toiletries. Most accommodations offer laundry service or have shops nearby! Travel light– especially if you’ll be hopping on and off ferries or climbing hotel stairs!

A woman sits at a cafe with breakfast, enjoying the view that the little blue table overlooks, knowing which mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Mistake #12: Assuming Everyone Speaks English

This cycles back to mistake #9 and dealing with respect. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it’s not universal. Do your best to learn a few basic Greek phrases. Locals appreciate the effort! It will go a long way in the smaller villages.

Two friends lean in together and look at something at a tablet while enjoying coffee at the cusp of the water and the town.

Mistake #13: Not Renting a Car When Visiting Rural Areas

So we say no to scooters, but yes to cars. Especially if you’re heading to places like the Pelion Peninsula, Mani or northern Greece. These rural areas have limited and sparse public transportation. Renting a car allows you to have freedom to explore, and to explore at your own pace!

Mistake #14: Not Trying Local, Regional Dishes

Greek food is more than just gyros and moussaka. Each region has it’s own specialities: try things like Cretan dakos or Naxos potatoes. Ask locals for their favorites! And stray from the tourist menus: they can be bland and overpriced. Taste the true food culture of the region! Of all things not to do in Greece, never limit your pallet!

A couple sits on a bench and looks at each other while a sailboat moves by in the distance.

Mistake #15 Not Leaving Time to Relax

One of the greatest pleasures in Greece is it’s slow place. Don’t feel the need to fill every hour with sightseeing. Channel your inner Greek and take long lunches. Enjoy a sunset. Sip a frappe by the water. Channel this lifestyle and enjoy your trip! Of all things to avoid in Greece, missing out because you’re too busy is not something you want to experience.

The white stairs of Santorini lead down into the town over the cliff-sides during sunset, setting everything aglow, warning people of the mistakes to avoid in Greece.

List of Things to Pack to Help Avoid Mistakes in Greece

Here are some of our favorite items you should consider packing for your trip as well! Some may help you avoid mistakes, and just make your adventure easier:

Concealed Travel Pouch
Reusable Water Bottle
Foldable Water-Resistant Backpack
Polarized Sunglasses
Universal Power Adapter
Packing Cubes
Speed Phone Charging Battery
Extra Camera Memory Card

A couple sits on the edge of the rocks in a green area by Urban Greece! They're enjoying their trip since they know mistakes to avoid in Greece.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first time trip to Greece or you’re returning for more, a bit of smart planning goes a long way. Keep these travel planning tips for Greece in mind, avoid these tourist mistakes in Greece, and embrace both the ancient history and laid-back charm of this stunning country. Your Greek adventure is waiting—just don’t forget your walking shoes! And thanks for using us as your Greece travel guide!