Greece for Sailors – Culture, Habits & Tips Before You Moor

Before you set your stern-to lines in Greece, here’s a quick sail-through of what you should expect — from local drinks to mooring culture.
Don’t cruise in without this quick read — it might just save your trip.

What’s Brewing: Coffee & Culture

Raise a Glass: Ouzo, Beer & Wine

Ouzo is an anise-flavored liquor, usually served with water and ice, alongside meze. Expect to pay €2–3 per glass or €8–10 for a 200ml bottle in a taverna.

Greek wines range from the bold reds of Nemea to crisp whites from Santorini. Most tavernas offer local varieties by the carafe — don’t be afraid to try!

Beer? Taverns usually stock 500ml bottles of classics like Kaiser (Pils), Mythos, Alfa, or Fix — crisp and reliable.

But Greek microbreweries are booming — you’ll find IPAs, Red Ales, Smoked lagers and more in 330ml bottles, mostly in bars and specialty shops. Taverns rarely carry them, but it never hurts to ask!

The Greek Table: What’s on the Menu

Greek cuisine is simple, fresh, and seasonal — and it shows.

• Vegetables are at the heart of most meals. You’ll see dishes like gemista (stuffed tomatoes & peppers), briam (oven-baked vegetables with olive oil), and horta (boiled wild greens with lemon).

• Aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage grow wild on the hillsides — and end up in nearly every dish.

• Feta cheese is everywhere — in salads, pies, grilled, or crumbled over everything.
And don’t leave Greece without trying real Greek yogurt, thick and creamy, often paired with honey or fruit.

• Seafood lovers will be happy: grilled octopus, fried anchovies, steamed mussels, and shrimp saganaki are all common, fresh, and affordable.

• Need a quick bite? A gyros or souvlaki wrap costs about €3–4 — a fast, satisfying street food option.

In Greek tavernas, meals are meant to be shared.
Order a few plates for the table, pour some wine, and enjoy the slow rhythm of a meal that’s more than just eating.

Dining Hours & Habits

Locals eat late. Lunch is around 2–3pm, dinner after 8pm. Don’t expect to be served dinner at 6 unless it’s tourist-oriented.

Dock Like a Local

In summer, moor stern-to and aim to arrive before 12:00 noon if you want a spot. Lines ashore may be needed in small bays.

Safe at Anchor

Yes. You'll be safe in the bays, and theft is very rare. Greeks value boats and treat them with respect.

People & Politeness

Most Greeks speak English and often a second language. They’re welcoming and naturally helpful — sometimes even overly so.
If someone interrupts their day to assist you, it's not for a tip.
It's genuine hospitality, rooted in culture.
A small tip is appreciated in tavernas, but no one helps you expecting money.

Who’s Docked Nearby

You’ll share anchorages with crews from across Europe — Italians are prominent in the Ionian, while the Aegean draws Poles, Brits, Germans, and others.
Greece is where the continent drops anchor together.

Festivals & Open-Air Fun

Each island has its events — from religious feasts and wine festivals to summer open air cinemas under the stars. Don’t miss them!

Common Mistakes

Underestimating meltemi winds in the Aegean — they blow strong, plan ahead.
Arriving late to moor — popular harbors fill up fast.
Not bringing a stern line ashore in anchorages — you’ll need one!
Assuming all tavernas take card — most do now, but check first.
Flushing paper down the toilet — don’t! Greek plumbing can’t handle it.
Use the bin next to the toilet. You’ll often see signs like “Please don’t throw paper in the toilet”.

Island-Hopping Tips

The Ionian Sea = calm and easy. Ideal for first-time skippers and relaxed cruising.
The Aegean = for the bold and prepared — meltemi is not for everyone.
Sporades = green, breezy, somewhere in-between.

Taverna Etiquette

Waiters will bring bread unless refused. It’s not free.
Tap water is usually fine, but ask — some islands use desalination.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 5–10% is considered polite, especially if service was good.
Stay as long as you like. No one will rush you.