I noticed a thread on the Paleo forum and thought it might be a good idea to start a topic in here with any tips for first-time visitors to Greece.
A colleague of mine has just returned from her first visit to Greece (Zakynthos) and her first words to me were "Why didn't anybody tell me about the toilets?"
I know that for anyone who goes to Greece regularly, the toilet issue just doesn't even occur to them, because they are so used to it, but I suppose it must come as a bit of a shock if you've never been before and weren't forewarned
So, for anyone that's never been and doesn't already know, the Greek plumbing system is slightly different to that in the UK. The pipes aren't as wide and this means that they are more easily blocked if you try and flush too much, erm, solid matter A few newer places do have UK-style waste pipes, but in most places you'll find a little plastic pedalbin next to the loo which is meant for popping your used toilet paper into, instead of flushing it away. This sounds horrible but, trust me, you'll soon get used to it and not even think it odd after a few visits! The bins normally get emptied by the maids on a daily basis and if you're worried about smells, some people have found that scented nappy sacks come in handy to use as bin liners.
My second tip would be beware the ouzo!!! It may look like water and it's almost as cheap, but if you've never had it before, take it easy until you find your own limits Ouzo-hangovers are the worst kind - especially when you start burping the aniseed flavour back the next morning - unfortunately I speak from experience
Any more?
Elaine
Message posted by ElaineK (Paxos) on 10 June 2007 at 11:07am - IP Logged
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Drinking Water: In most parts of Greece it's perfectly safe to drink the tapwater and I have no hesitation in using it for washing fruit, cooking or making tea and coffee. However, even in the UK, I buy bottled water to drink cold because I prefer the taste, so I do the same in Greece. It's extremely cheap in the supermarkets there and I would probably advise anyone who has a stomach that's particularly sensitive to change to buy it for drinking cold. At least that way you won't be able to blame the water if you get one of the afore-mentioned ouzo hangovers
Electricity: The voltage in Greece is virtually the same as in the UK, so if you're coming from the UK, all you need are the standard 2-pin adaptors that are widely available from places like Superdrug and Boots to plug your appliances into.
Elaine
Message posted by JB on 10 June 2007 at 11:16am - IP Logged
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If you have a freezer or frozen food compartment freeze a couple of bottles of water, take them out with you the next day and as it gradually melts you can drink ice cold water.
Use scented nappy sacks to put the loo paper in aswell as just using as a bin liner.
Don't put anything like watches, towels, books etc near to the shower as the showers tend to be more "open" and water can get everywhere. Drying yourself with an already soggy towel is not a pleasant experience!
Message posted by bejay on 10 June 2007 at 11:32am - IP Logged
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Don't put anything like watches, towels, books etc near to the shower as the showers tend to be more "open" and water can get everywhere. Drying yourself with an already soggy towel is not a pleasant experience!
Too true, and always make sure to put the toilet lid down before you turn the shower on, otherwise you'll end up with a wet seat
Elaine
Message posted by Rixy on 10 June 2007 at 8:22pm - IP Logged
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I THINK THE TOILET ISSUE IS THE ONE THAT SHOCKS MOST BUT AS SAID EARLIER AFTER A COUPLE DAYS YOU DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, BUT BE WARNED REMOVE BIN FROM BATHROOM ON RETURN HOME AS YOU ARE STILL IN THE HABIT OF PUTTING TOILET PAPER IN Ha Ha
Message posted by jimjim on 10 June 2007 at 9:59pm - IP Logged
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jimjim
Re the toilet paper issue ... if you sneeze during the process of disposing of the paper BEWARE confusion can cause a problem.
Jim
Message posted by Bazz on 10 June 2007 at 10:02pm - IP Logged
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The first time I went, I thought there were loads of arguments going on! Of course I now appreciate that the Greeks can be very "animated" and passionate when having discussions, especially when it comes to politics. It can come across as though world war 3 is imminent, but not to worry, it's an everyday thing!
Bazz x
Message posted by yvonne67 on 10 June 2007 at 10:34pm - IP Logged
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yvonne67
One thing I think is important is that you realize that you're in other country where they sometimes do things different from what you are used too. Accept it and take it as it comes. Hope this makes sense, as it is sometimes hard to explain things in english when its not your native language.
Message posted by Beaub on 10 June 2007 at 11:06pm - IP Logged
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Beaub
Take plenty of insect repellent and use it when you go to bed.The little so-and-so's get everywhere, and they can ruin your holiday.
Message posted by Blue Chairs on 11 June 2007 at 12:09am - IP Logged
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When in Greece, act like a Greek, be laid back & just CHILL!
oh & try as much of the food as possible . . .it's deeeeelicious!
Message posted by Laura rhys on 11 June 2007 at 12:16am - IP Logged
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Laura rhys
A random tip - if you take any bottled drink to the beach with you, half bury it in the sand/shingle/pebbles under your sun lounger as there is nothing worse than drinking warm water or coke! and the shade there will keep it cool!
Message posted by YANIS on 11 June 2007 at 12:29am - IP Logged
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My favourite tp would be if your driving around the island please take the time to stop in the smaller villages just stop and have a drink in a bar you will be made welcome and you will discover the real greek hospitality.
Message posted by dibey on 11 June 2007 at 1:09am - IP Logged
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I always take the shower curtain down..because I don't like the idea that it has been wrapped around another persons body..to me it would be like sleeping in the bed without the sheets being changed from the previous guest .
Bruce
Message posted by ocay on 11 June 2007 at 10:44am - IP Logged
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Never forget that many Greeks, especially the younger ones, speak and understand English. Do not make thoughtless critical remarks in public. Sure, Greece is different, but that tends to make it rather better! I have lived here very happily for more than twelve years. Can an eighty-year-old walk around at any hour of day or night in absolute safety anywhere else? Same applies to a two-year-old too!
Message posted by 2Tonsils on 11 June 2007 at 11:06am - IP Logged
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The most important thing to remember is to RELAX! You are on holiday, it is safe here in Greece,people are very friendly and helpful and they are not all out to rip you off!
Don't upset the locals by being loud, rude or extremely drunk!
Enjoy your holiday as much as you can, if it rains -so what? It happens sometimes, and there are lots of things you can see and do that don't involve the sand and sea.
Visit the real Greece, the little villages and the out of way tiny tavernas. They may not speak English but will make you very welcome. If a village Greek offers you hospitality, accept it gracefully and with thanks. They are not out to con you, but have been brought up to offer hospitality to friends and strangers alike.
Most of all, enjoy yourself, and come back to visit us soon.
Message posted by GreekGoddess on 11 June 2007 at 1:23pm - IP Logged
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I love the Greeks. I said after my last holiday in Sidari that i would never again go back to Spain.We took our little boy with us and as soon as we literally stepped off the coach,the owner of the hotel Alexandra,whipped him out my arms and took off with him! They were so lovely!
Message posted by purrypuss (Moderator) on 11 June 2007 at 1:57pm - IP Logged
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I'd advise everyone who hires a car to be aware of mad drivers! Also of cars and even huge coaches in the middle of the road - especially when you think the road is not wide enough for a coach. We were travelling back from Sidari once on a "main road", which went through a small village, went round a bend and there was this huge Thomsons coach looming up at us, luckily my husband dived down a handy side road! Quite shook us up and he's used to driving on the M25 each morning! Also, in some villages the houses either side of the road literally are that, either side of the road! In one, just up the mountain from Paleo, we waited for about 6 minutes at traffic lights and thought they'd broken. But we found out why they were red for so long when all the traffic coming the other way came through the village street that was soooooo narrow! Be patient and expect the unexpected! Ele
Message posted by purrypuss (Moderator) on 11 June 2007 at 3:56pm - IP Logged
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Re bathroom and bodily functions ... because I knew what to expect, having been to Kos and Zakynthos, last summer I took a packet of moist toilet tissues to use.
Jan16
Message posted by Allen M on 11 June 2007 at 7:22pm - IP Logged
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A slightly different angle on the toilet tissue issue. As others have already mentioned, showers in apartments can be a little indiscriminate with where the water goes. In my experience a lot of it ends up on the loo roll - so I put it outside the bathroom door whilst I'm having a shower.
Allen.
Message posted by GreekGoddess on 12 June 2007 at 1:05am - IP Logged
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Don't try do your washing yourself,i tried this for the first few days and my clothes ended up in a dirty pile in my apartment.The water isnt great for washing clothes.There's a great wee laundry place in Sidari,near Canal D'amour that do a big bag of washing for 10 euros.They will dry it for you too.
Message posted by GreekGoddess on 12 June 2007 at 1:29am - IP Logged
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Oh one other thing.DON'T book any of your tours through your reps because they are a rip off. Most of the Greek Tour shops do the same tours for far less. We paid over 130 euros for the beach and bbq through the reps but would have paid roughly 15 euros per person through the tour operator!
Also most of the time,you will NEVER see your Rep for the whole of the holiday,don't be afraid to ask other holiday makers or even the hotel owners for help.Most of the time the hotel owners are lovely.
Message posted by BruceAndMaria (Born again CTG member) on 12 June 2007 at 9:41am - IP Logged
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If you are self catering and intend cooking most of your own meals..then before you start shopping ask the the shop keeper if they deliver, then that way you will not have to carry heavy bags of groceries and water back to your apartment/villa.
Bruce
Message posted by purrypuss (Moderator) on 12 June 2007 at 10:38am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Allen M on 11 June 2007
A slightly different angle on the toilet tissue issue. As others have already mentioned, showers in apartments can be a little indiscriminate with where the water goes. In my experience a lot of it ends up on the loo roll - so I put it outside the bathroom door whilst I'm having a shower.
Allen.
That is so true!!!!
Also, most self catering places only give you one toilet roll. You have to buy the rest yourself. Its only about 80 cents, but some folks do still moan!
Message posted by Cyn2 on 12 June 2007 at 1:44pm - IP Logged
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Ok, an American here, what's a scented nappie? I got the scented part, but I thought a nappie was a diaper! I can see that I'll not only have to learn more Greek, but the British idioms will come in handy too.
Thanks guys, for the tips!
Message posted by clarey on 12 June 2007 at 1:49pm - IP Logged
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At night time,shut all your shutters and windows and then spray your apartment with fly spray.Keeps the mossies from biting you during the night.Just make sure you go out and in your apartments quickly and turn out your lights!
Message posted by BETH8722 on 13 June 2007 at 3:59pm - IP Logged
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On the cold water theme. Buy yourself an insulating bottle bag in the UK or Corfu. Freeze your bottle of water and the insulating bag will keep it cold for all day.
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Topic:
A few newer places do have UK-style waste pipes, but in most places you'll find a little plastic pedalbin next to the loo which is meant for popping your used toilet paper into, instead of flushing it away. This sounds horrible but, trust me, you'll soon get used to it and not even think it odd after a few visits! The bins normally get emptied by the maids on a daily basis and if you're worried about smells, some people have found that scented nappy sacks come in handy to use as bin liners.
Ouzo-hangovers are the worst kind - especially when you start burping the aniseed flavour back the next morning - unfortunately I speak from experience 
