Santorini Tips

The younger generation – and especially those working in tourism – speak good English, so communication is rarely a problem. Most signs are posted in both Greek and Latin script, but you’ll find it personally rewarding if you learn the Greek alphabet.

Greeks take their religion seriously. When visiting churches and monasteries, both men and women should dress appropriately: no bare chests, no bare shoulders, and no bare legs.

Greeks tend to dine late: lunch can run from 2-5pm and dinner from 10pm till well after midnight. However, during summer many restaurants stay open all day, so you can eat whenever it suits you.

Touristy restaurants, bars, and clubs employ annoying touts to lure unsuspecting passers-by inside. If you are not impressed, ignore them.

Wear light cotton clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol consumption to avoid dehydration.

The Blue Flag is an award given to beaches with high environmental standards – clean seawater and general eco-awareness. Blue Flags have been awarded to over 3,200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries in Europe, Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and the Carribean. Santorini has three Blue Flag beaches: two in Kamari and one in Perissa. www.blueflag.org

Wineries and wine shops in Santorini will package your bottles and send them home for you.