What are some social norms in Greece?

What is the social behavior in Greece?

Greeks are warm and hospitable. When meeting someone for the first time, they shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact. Good friends often embrace; they may also kiss each other on each cheek. Male friends often slap each other's arm at the shoulder.

What is the social culture in Greece?

Greeks, as a culture, are extremely family-orientated. Everything revolves around the family. Everyone is seen to be related to everyone else, and so celebrations such as weddings and baptisms can result in a guest list of over 1,000 people!

Is there a dress code in Greece?

The Greek dress code is generally casual and relaxed, but it's important to respect certain cultural norms, particularly when visiting religious sites. In religious sites, you will want to be sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Yes, it's traditional, but better to either not enter or be respectful.

What are some taboos in Greek culture?

The OK sign is considered obscene in Greece and should be avoided. The open hand facing outward (the hand signal that is often used for “stop” in the US) is also considered offensive. Passing along a compliment, or showing interest in learning more about the impact of Greece in the world.

Cultural Insights: Greece - Etiquette

What is offensive in Greek culture?

Gestures: The hand gesture that signals 'Okay' (by putting one's forefinger and thumb together to make a circle) is an obscenity in Greece. It is also severely insulting to hold up your open palm, fingers spread, at someone's face. This is called the 'moútza'.

What not to do in Greek culture?

How to not be rude in Greece?

Always keep your palm turned toward you. Making a fist with your thumb between your index and middle fingers is considered obscene. Thumbs up signals approval but thumbs down is a rude gesture. A single nod of the head downward is the expression for yes and a single nod of the head backward means no.

What to wear in Greece to not look like a tourist?

A polo shirt or t-shirt would be ok and women who would like to walk in to a monastery (not a church) should make sure to cover their shoulders. Hat and sunglasses are a must during the summer in Athens. Well as a matter of fact, sandals with any socks at all, regardless colour, are a sign of tourists.

Can I wear tank tops in Greece?

Essential tops

A few lightweight blouses and tank tops are a must for a trip to Greece. Wardrobe staples like this cargo shirt from Zara and linen button-down from Everlane are versatile and can be easily dressed up or down.

What do Greek people do for fun?

Sports and recreation

Mountain sports—hiking, climbing, and skiing—and hunting are other popular activities, and field hockey, baseball, and cricket are played regionally. Gymnastics is an ancient sport in Greece, as is athletics (track and field).

What are some Greek values?

The Greeks valued beauty, art, intellect, honor, and truth; the list is long. Some of these values are shown through the story of the Odyssey, which tells of the adventures of Odysseus and his family.

What are 5 interesting facts about Greece?

What do Greek people love?

Greeks are known for their love of conversation, spending hours at cafés engaging in lively discussions over a cup of strong Greek coffee or a refreshing frappé. The concept of "parea", or a group of friends, is highly valued, and it is not uncommon for strangers to become friends after a single encounter.

What is Greek society known for?

Overview. The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Literature and theatre was an important aspect of Greek culture and influenced modern drama. The Greeks were known for their sophisticated sculpture and architecture.

What do Greek eat?

Is Greece black friendly?

For me, the Greek people I met were friendly and welcoming. Northern Greece was much less diverse with Black travelers than Southern Greece, but this came as no surprise, given the popularity of Southern Greece cities and the Greek Islands.

Are shorts OK in Greece?

Shorts. It is acceptable to wear shorts, whether you are a woman or a man. However, NEVER (and I do mean NEVER) wear shorts if you want to visit a church or monastery. Also, if you plan to do a walking tour of Athens, ditch the shorts and opt for a dress – if you are a woman – or a pair of long pants – if you are a man ...

Can you show your shoulders in Greece?

Some etiquette in Greece tips regarding clothing: Do show a modicum of decency and use your common sense. Carry a shawl around with you that can be used as a cover for legs and shoulders if needs be. Don't show your bare legs or shoulders in a church, especially not a monastery, and men: please keep that singlet on.

Is waving rude in Greece?

In Greece, waving the hand with the palm facing out whilst having the fingers stretched is an insult, rather than a greeting.

Why is waving rude in Greece?

if someone looks away or even, sideways while waving their hand, it may perceived as “get away from me” or, even worse, “screw you”. It is quite subtle difference but it is very noticeable for a Greek.

Do you have to cover your shoulders in Greece?

Don't bare your shoulders. That means no tank tops, sleeveless tops, or shirts with shoulder cut-outs unless you're covering your shoulders with a shawl or cardigan. Cover your knees. Shorts and short skirts can be frowned upon — the same goes with ripped jeans.

What foods to avoid in Greece?

*Avoid fried things such as meatballs, small fish, fries-not because they are fried but because many of these restaurants pre-fry these foods and then just warm them up, as a result you will be eating mushy and not crispy food. Also do not order moussaka. I know this will disappoint some people but really it is true.

Where to avoid in Greece?

Any large urban area has good and bad neighbourhoods. Before you book any accommodation, it's useful to know which areas to avoid. Athens' sketchier neighbourhoods include Omonia, Exarchia, Monastiraki, Kolokotroni and Victoria Square.

How do tourists avoid traps in Greece?

Athens is full of tourist traps, from overpriced souvenirs to scamming taxi drivers. To avoid these traps, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Research popular attractions in advance and avoid going off the beaten path if you're unfamiliar with the area.