In times of personalized technology, AI, all sorts of social media and even virtual reality which aim to bring people closer to each other, more of us are going back to basics, looking for genuine connection and ways to meet locals on our trips abroad. Whether you’re in your 20s or older like myself, single, traveling solo, with friends, or family, it’s always nice to meet new people on your trips, and who knows you may even find the love of your life if that’s what you’re dreaming of.
As a passionate globetrotter who often travels solo, I love meeting fellow explorers and especially locals on my trips. Their stories and guidance have made my travels so much more genuine and exciting. That said, as a local Greek (and a bit bashful I might add), I’ve decided to share with you in this post the best ways to meet locals in Greece, and why not, other travelers, and some tried and tested tips to make mingling as easy as possible and successful, so read on!
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Connecting with People in Greece
1. In a bar or café
Of course meeting people in bar or cafe is one of the easiest things to do. Or so they say. For success… make sure to sit at the bar not at a table. Sitting around the bar makes it easier to chat with the person next to you. You could also start talking with the bartender. Most likely they can even introduce you to someone you like.
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2) On the beach
In my time, on popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Crete, and in Athens, this was made easy thanks to the Greek “Kamakia” – sexy locals (mostly males) who would make a suave move on foreign tourists visiting Greece. Many of these summer loves turned into lasting relationships and marriages. So, take advantage of the fact that everyone is happy to be on vacation and simply ask a “breaking the ice” question like “Is the water cold?”
3) At a concert
One of the best places to connect with Greeks is at concerts where people are in a good mood, dancing, singing, and generally very open. There are dozens of concerts taking place in Greece in the summer and early fall. Check out happenings at the Irodion Theater, Petra and PetroupoIis theaters, the Technopolis, and Terra Vibe – all in Athens and in main squares in Thessaloniki and in smaller towns or islands.
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4) At a panegyri
The ultimate place to meet people in Greece is during a “panegyri”, an outdoor festival where people just love to drink and dance. Join the circling dance even if you don’t know the steps and smile to the person in front and behind you holding your hand! Read more about the “Greek panegyri” and why it’s a must for those of you traveling to Greece.
5) On the ferry to the islands
The perfect place to meet people in Greece is on the ferry ride to the Greek islands. Usually these trips take long and passengers are bored to death. Many prefer to sit outdoors to smoke, get some fresh air or admire the passing scenery. Look around, find someone interesting and simply ask a question. “Like do you know how long the trip is?” or “Where can I find coffee on this ship?”
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6) On Santorini during sunset
An unlikely but wonderful place to meet people is during sunset in Fira on Santorini. Dozens of people from around the world gather on the main square outside the church waiting patiently to catch the sun to dip majestically into the Aegean Sea. Usually, a wandering musician will be there playing some sort of gentle music. One year, when I was visiting Santorini alone on business, I grabbed a beer and joined the huge crowd waiting for the sunset as a talented handpan drummer mesmerized us. It was magic!
7) Getting coffee or tea in the morning
Greeks love their coffee and you’re bound to see them enjoying a brew any time of the day. Read more about the Greeks and their coffee rules. You can always strike up a conversation at a random café. Buzzing places include Agia Eirinis Square in Athens, Agiou Georgiou Square in Kypseli, Flisvos in Faliro, and Varnava Square in Pagrati.
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8) Dating or Meetups Via Apps
Arranging to meet up through an app is an easy way to meet locals. Tinder Passport Mode, for instance, lets you search by city or drop a pin on the map to connect with others anywhere in the world. There are dozens of apps out there and not everyone wants something more than to meet new people. So do go on a date with a local and make sure beforehand to set your boundaries and what it is you’re expecting from the meetup. Don’t forget, Greeks love to boast about their cities or hometowns and true to our ingrained sense of hospitality, will probably take you to the happening places. There are also specialized networking apps related to food experiences, backpacking or just making friends.
9) Join a volunteer group
There are several programs in Greece looking for volunteers. Volunteering is not only rewarding for you personally but it is also an ideal way to meet with locals, learn a bit of the language and contribute to a good cause. It’s a win-win! In my opinion the best places to do that are MoM, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Monk Seals (on the island of Alonissios), the wildlife and bear sanctuary Arcturos in Northern Greece, WWF, Arcehlon for the Protection of the sea turtle (which runs projects all over Greece), and Ecogenia, just to name a few.
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10) Stay in a hostel (for the younger among you)
Staying in a hostel is another terrific way to meet with people when you’re traveling solo abroad and in Greece. Take advantage of the open spaces and breakfast time and dare to ask people like yourself questions about their stay, how long they’ve been in Athens or Thessaloniki or wherever you choose to stay, if they’ve seen or tasted something interesting, what they don’t like etc. The list is endless. Be creative.
11) Join a walking, eating or wine tour
Joining a walking tour like this one, a food tour or better yet a wine tour are three wonderful ways to easily meet people during your solo travels to Greece. Yes, they may be fellow travelers but the guide will most likely be a local. So this is your chance to both meet people and get insider tips about what’s the in thing to do. Booking a day trip out of Athens is also a step in the right direction!
12) Hang out in popular areas
Popular areas in Athens right now include Agia Eirinis Square, Agiou Georgiou Square (Kypseli), Varnava Square in Pangrati, Monastiraki Square, Stegi, the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Foundation Park, Nikis St right off Filellinon Ave near Syntagma Square, and along Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway under the Acropolis. All buzzing with life and fun things to do and taste!
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Maria’s Ultimate Tips for Success
Connecting with people may have been a bit easier in the past and this was mostly due to the lack of ever-present technologies like smart phones, noise cancelling headphones and other devices that keep us disconnected and hooked to a screen. So first things first, if you’re traveling solo in Greece and want to meet people, stop looking at your screens and start look around! And please take those headphones off at least for a little while.
➣ Look around. When you’re off the screen and looking around, people get the vibe that you’re open and approachable. And it’s exactly what you’re looking for in others too!
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➣ Smile! I can’t say this enough. A smile does go a long way and shows others that you’re open and positive. Add to your shiny smile a “hi” or “kalimera” and magic can happen!
➣ Be yourself. People like authenticity. If there’s one thing younger generations are good at, it’s recognizing the fakes, frauds, show-offs and wannabes. So be yourself. A bit of spontaneity can do wonders and bring out the hidden fun part in others too.
➣ Be open. And when I say “be open” I mean be accepting of all types and all crowds. You never know who that older person or the senior couple next to you might be and what they can offer you. The truth is oldies are usually more willing to strike a conversation. They’ve already been there done that and probably have insanely cool tales to tell.
➣ Follow up. So you did some chatting with a gal on the beach the other day. Don’t leave it at that. Suggest grabbing a beer or a “meze” (bite), or visiting a site, renting a bike together, or even meeting there again the next day.
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➣ You’re not strange. One thing I wish I had known when I was younger is that everyone is probably feeling like me. The truth is most of us feel awkward when we’re alone or we’re trying to muster the courage to break the ice. And almost all of us would love to hook up with others and share.
➣ Ask & Listen. No better way to way to start the ball rolling than by asking a question. Greeks are so obsessed with their country (plus they love to talk incessantly) that they will immediately engage. Ask anything, show genuine interest in learning and above all: listen. A great way to start a conversation is to ask someone to take a photo of you.
➣ Be bold! Step outside your comfort zone. For most of us, approaching a complete stranger is already a daring step. It’s also a step toward something new which may even prove to be exciting and fun. So make the first move and don’t expect someone else to make the first step for you. We create our realities, so start creating!
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➣ Go to the village café or convenience shop. The village cafes (“kafenio”) in Greece are usually full of mostly men chatting, or should I say gossiping, over Greek coffee or ouzo. This is the perfect place to sit down, order a coffee, and mingle. Start with a bit of eavesdropping (fake it. Yes, you don’t know Greek), then smile, and ask something in English. Most Greeks know English and will be more than happy to share with you everything from the where to eat and stay to the catch of the day and their take on Trump and AI. You may even find yourself in an impromptu performance as locals in the villages may just start singing or even dancing out of the blue!
➣ Don’t take anything personal. Last but not least, my most important piece of advice and something I wish I has also known when I was younger: people may not be as open or as willing to socialize as you are and that’s absolutely OK. You never know why and you shouldn’t care. You should however be proud that your vibe is positive. Move on. In Greece we say that “there are always dozens of orange trees further down the road”. So leave the sad orange behind and move to the next juicy one.
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Greek Words to Use to Meet Locals
➣ Kalimera (good morning), Kalispera (good evening), Efcharisto (thank you)
➣ O keros ine teleios (The weather is perfect)
➣ To nero ine kryo? (Is the water cold?) or Vatheni apotoma? (Does it get deep suddenly?)
➣ Borite na me vgalete photografia parakalo? (Can you take a photo of me please?)
➣ Efcharisto. Ta epomena dika mou! (Thank you. The next round is on me) or Stin ygeia mas (cheers)
➣ Opa! (untranslatable, simply an inner expression of joy!)
➣ Halara (a term used more in Thessaloniki which means “to take it slow and cool”)
➣ Stin ygeia mas (Cheers) to be used when drinking
➣ Milate agglika? (Do you speak English) or Den katalavaino ellinika (I don’t understand Greek)
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♫ I end today’s post with a wonderful Greek song penned 54 years ago by the great Manos Hadjidakis to the lyrics of Nikos Gatsos performed here by the Grigoris Bithikotsis: “Milise Mou” which translates into “talk to me” and goes on to say that “I’ve never kissed you before”.
Be well, travel!
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