While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases in Greek to get started:

• Hello / Goodbye: YAH-soo
• How are you?: Tee-KAH-nis
• Good morning: Kah-lee-MER-ah
• Good afternoon: Kah-lee-SPER-ah
• Good night: Kah-lee-NEEKH-tah
• Thank You: Eff-kha-ri-STOE
• Yes: Neh
• No: OH-hee
• Where is ___?: Pou einai
• General exclamation or excitement: OPA!

As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs of Greece and feel like a Greek God or Goddess:

• Greeks are known for their hospitality and laid-back attitude; expect more personal questions and a smaller personal space bubble when interacting with locals.
• Locals in Greece are friendly, but you should approach them first if you need help or want to talk.
• Drivers typically ignore pedestrian signs; do not expect them to slow down when you cross the street.
• The Orthodox Church holds a lot of presence in Greece, especially in the older generation. Prepare to cover your knees and shoulders if you want to enter a church or monastery.
• Smoking is prevalent among about 50% of the population in Greece, though it has been banned indoors.
• Nightclubs open at midnight and close when the sun rises, and your entrance ticket usually includes the first drink
• Although it’s acceptable to drink in Greece, locals expect you to be decent when you’re drinking.
• There’s a Mediterranean belief that nothing needs to be hurried, so service in a restaurant or transportation is often slowed.
• If you’re in a venue where they invite you to dance, it’s polite to get up and join. Opa!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

• It’s polite to eat everything on your plate!
• Locals usually have lunch around 3pm, and dinner around 9pm-midnight.
• Greek taverns and cafes are very festive, and don’t close until the guests leave.
• Pair an ellinikos (Greek coffee) with an amygdaloto – a warm, sweet, gluten-free almond cookie.
• Beer and wine are the most common drinks, even at lunch. Try a retsina wine, or Mythos beer.
• Baklava: Only try this if you want the most popular Greek food experience
• Dolmadakia: Stuffed grape leaves
• Gyro: A wrapped pita bread with shredded pork or chicken, tzatziki, fries, tomato, & onions – YUM
• Ouzo: If you’re feeling adventurous, try this traditional anise-flavored aperitif.
• Fava dip: Made of yellow split peas, this is super popular on Santorini!
• Feta me meli: Baked feta cheese with honey… enough said.
• Saganaki: More fried cheese
• Moussaka: A traditional dish of minced beef, tomato sauce, eggplants, and more
• Souvlaki: Meat on a stick with tzatziki sauce – widely refers to any type of pita-wrapped meat
• Still not satisfied? Try any of the classics: Spanikopita, Tzatziki, Tiropita, Revani, Pasteli, and MORE!