Good to know
Good to Know
- "Siga siga" (slowly, slowly) is a common phrase reflecting a more laid-back approach to life.
- Ios is full of whitewashed churches, which are found in every corner of the capital town and all over the island. According to tradition, it has 365 churches (one for each day of the year) because traditions still play an active role for residents, who take care of their maintenance.
- Coffee culture is significant—Greeks often linger for hours over a traditional Greek coffee or frappe while socializing.
- Expect Greeks to ask personal questions, such as "Are you married?" or "Do you have children?" This is not considered rude, but an attempt to get to know you personally.
- Family is central to Greek life; discussions about family and children are warm, expected, and appreciated in social conversation.
Greetings
- Close Friends Family
- Among close friends and family, cheek kissing is common, typically starting with the right cheek.
- Formal First Meeting
- A firm handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact and a radiant smile, is standard.
Common Phrases
- "Kalimera" (Good morning) or "Kalispera" (Good evening)
- "Yiasas" (hello/goodbye, formal/plural) or "Yiasou" (hello/goodbye, informal/singular)
Dress Codes
- Everyday
- Greeks tend to dress smartly, especially when going out or attending social events. For everyday activities, Greeks favor well-groomed, stylish clothing.
- Beach Areas
- Reserve bikinis and swimming trunks for the beach or pool areas. Walking through towns or villages in revealing beachwear is generally frowned upon.
- Religious Sites
- Visitors to churches or monasteries should dress modestly, with women covering their shoulders and men avoiding shorts.
Hospitality
- General
- In Greece, hospitality isn't merely a courteous gesture; it's an art form, a deep-seated tradition that embodies the Greek way of life. Referred to as "filoxenia," this hospitality extends to every aspect of a visitor's experience.
- Accepting Offers
- There is a cultural expectation in Greece that one accepts the generous offers of others. If you refuse something legitimately, it may be seen as a token protest made out of politeness.
Punctuality
In Greek culture, 'on time' can mean 20, 30 or even 45 minutes late. Being a few minutes late is not unusual and is rarely seen as disrespectful. However, for formal occasions or tours, punctuality is valued, especially when joining a scheduled departure.
Dining Customs
- Toasting
- The common toast in Greece is "Eis igían sas" (formal) or "Stinygiasou" (informal), both meaning "to your health".
- Moderation
- It is frowned upon to get drunk at a meal.
- Meal Timing
- The traditional Greek meal often starts late, especially dinner, which typically begins after 9 PM.
- Social Nature
- Meals are rarely rushed and are almost always shared. Expect long, leisurely dinners, especially when dining out.
- Food Preparation
- If possible, avoid being picky about your food. Greeks are proud of their cuisine and expect it to be eaten in its traditional form.
Visiting Homes
- Timing
- It is customary for guests to arrive roughly half an hour later than the time agreed upon by the host.
- Gift Giving
- Smaller token gifts are given when visiting someone's home. Avoid giving knives or scissors as gifts. These are considered bad luck.
Respect For Elders
Showing respect to older individuals is an important aspect of Greek social norms. This often involves using honorific titles and performing acts of deference.
iOS Specific Customs
- Kounia
- "Kounia", an ancient local custom, takes place every year in the month of May: young men build swings for the young ladies who sit and rock themselves while listening to traditional love songs being sung to them in the form of a dialogue.
- Religious Festivals
- Religious festivals and panigyria (festivities) play an important role in the locals' life, especially outside peak season. These celebrations bring together church services, traditional dancing, music and meals.
Language Appreciation
While many Greeks speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few words and phrases in Greek will go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and even a simple greeting can lead to a smile and a friendlier interaction.
Body Language And Gestures
- Eye Contact
- Maintaining eye contact is considered a sign of sincerity and respect.
- Expressiveness
- Communication in Greece is a lively art; Greeks are known for their passionate communication style, where animated gestures and lively facial expressions are not a sign of disagreement but a typical way of conveying thoughts and emotions.
Offensive Gestures
- Avoid raising your hand with an open palm (the "moutza" gesture)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.