Culture and Etiquette

In general, the people of Corfu are very friendly, so it's customary to greet people you encounter on the street. You'll often find elderly men gathered in village squares or older women sitting outside their homes, and while they may stare, it's not meant to be off-putting. In fact, it's considered polite to acknowledge them rather than walk by without notice. A simple "hello" in Greek, pronounced "Yaa sas," is the formal way to greet someone and shows respect. This small gesture can go a long way in fostering kindness, sparking conversations, and even forming new friendships during your time in Corfu.

In Corfu, like much of southern Europe, local Greeks observe a relaxed dining schedule with lunch typically enjoyed after 2pm and dinner after 9pm. Most tavernas and restaurants open around noon to accommodate early diners, and then reopen around 5pm for the evening crowd, with some staying open through the afternoon without closing. Upscale restaurants in Corfu Town usually only open for dinner.

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The people of Corfu, especially the younger generation, have a penchant for staying out late. It's common for locals to socialize and stay up talking past midnight, while young adults might return home around 4am. It's cooler during these late-night hours, making it an ideal time for social gatherings after the daytime heat has subsided.

Many locals also embrace the tradition of taking a nap or siesta during the day, likely influenced by their late-night activities. This practice allows them to avoid the hottest part of the day and often leads to beach visits in the late afternoon, when temperatures are more comfortable.

When dining at beachfront restaurants or casual tavernas in Corfu, shorts and beachwear are generally acceptable attire. However, for smarter restaurants, it's customary to dress more formally, opting for trousers or skirts. When visiting churches or monasteries, modest attire is mandatory. Avoid entering churches and monasteries in beachwear or revealing clothing. Women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or dresses, and shawls and skirts are often provided at the entrance if needed. Adhering to these dress codes ensures respectful interaction with local customs and traditions during your stay on the island.

When visiting Greece, especially in Corfu, you'll notice a common practice regarding bathroom etiquette: most bathrooms will have a sign advising against flushing toilet paper. This is due to the plumbing infrastructure, which may not accommodate paper in the sewage system. Instead, there will typically be a bin provided specifically for disposing of toilet paper. This practice helps maintain the plumbing systems and ensures efficient waste management throughout your stay.

In Corfu, it's customary to tip taxi drivers and service staff, as they often rely on gratuities to supplement their incomes. Taxi drivers typically expect a tip from tourists, and it's appreciated to round up the fare or add a small additional amount for good service. Similarly, in restaurants and cafes, leaving a gratuity of around 5-10% of the bill is common practice and appreciated by service staff who may be on lower wages. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and is generally welcomed in Corfu's hospitality industry.

DO NOT leave the air con on all day! It's considered common courtesy in Corfu to avoid leaving the air conditioning on all day. Instead, use it only when necessary and remember to turn it off when you leave the accommodation or no longer need it. Setting a timer can be helpful if you're concerned about forgetting to switch it off. Not only does this practice conserve energy and reduce electricity costs, but it also benefits the environment by minimizing energy consumption. Being mindful of air conditioning usage contributes to sustainable practices during your stay on the island.

Taking things slowly is a part of the relaxed island culture in Greece so don't loose your chill if the tour boat is running late! Likewise in most sitautions you are not expected to be punctual, half an hour late is common when showing up for a dinner invitation.

In Greek culture, it's customary and polite to bring a small gift when you're invited for dinner or to someone's home. This gesture of appreciation can include items like a bottle of wine, pastries, soft drinks, or even flowers. While it may not necessarily be served during the meal, the host will appreciate the thoughtfulness and can enjoy it at another time.

When invited to Greek households, especially those of extended families, expect a warm welcome and a generous spread of food, even for casual gatherings. Hospitality is highly valued, and hosts take pride in offering a feast, regardless of the occasion.

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If you're invited to a restaurant or café by Greeks, it's courteous to offer to pay for the meal, but don't insist. In Greek culture, there is often a sense of enjoyment and pride in treating guests, so allowing them to pay can be seen as a gesture of hospitality and generosity.

In Corfu and throughout Greece, handshake greetings are generally the norm when meeting someone new or in formal settings. However, among friends, acquaintances, or when meeting someone familiar, it's common to exchange two kisses on the cheek as a sign of greeting. This gesture is a friendly and customary way to show warmth and familiarity in social interactions.

In Corfu, most tavernas and restaurants typically open around noon to accommodate lunchtime diners and reopen around 7pm for the evening crowd. Many establishments do not close during the afternoon, allowing continuous service throughout the day. The more upscale restaurants in Corfu Town, however, often choose to open exclusively for dinner service, providing a refined dining experience later in the day. This dining schedule reflects the island's leisurely pace and caters to both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy meals at various times of the day.

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It's important to be mindful of certain hand gestures and non-verbal cues to avoid unintentionally causing offense. Holding your hand up with the palm outwards or making the OK sign by forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger are considered rude gestures in Greek culture and should be avoided.

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Moreover, nodding and shaking your head for yes and no may not be universally understood. Greeks typically use a forward inclination of the head for yes, and a slight backward throw of the head with a "tut" sound for no. Familiarizing yourself with these cultural nuances helps ensure respectful communication and positive interactions during your time on the island.

In Greek culture, certain phrases and expressions carry special meanings and are used in social interactions. Before sipping a drink, even water, it's customary to make a toast to good health by saying "yamas!" This reflects the Greek appreciation for celebrating moments and wishing each other well.

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Another common exclamation you'll hear in Greek culture is "opa!" It's used to express various emotions such as approval, joy, or enthusiasm, often during lively or festive occasions. Additionally, Greeks might say "opa!" in situations where something unexpected happens, similar to how "oops" is used in English. Embracing these expressions adds a touch of cultural understanding and camaraderie during your experiences in Corfu and throughout Greece.

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In Corfu and throughout Greece, going out for drinks is a cherished social activity where people often spend the entire night at bars and clubs. However, it's important to note that excessive drunkenness and disruptive behavior are frowned upon in Greek culture. Greeks generally prefer to enjoy their time calmly, standing with a drink (and sometimes a cigarette) in hand, engaging in conversations and dancing with friends.

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When visiting bars or clubs in Corfu, you'll typically find that you don't need to approach the bar yourself. Instead, a server will come to your table or area to take your order and promptly bring your drinks. This level of service allows patrons to relax and enjoy their evening without the need to queue at the bar.

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It's appreciated to maintain respectful behavior while socializing, as causing a disturbance or being excessively loud can detract from the enjoyable atmosphere for others. By embracing these social norms, you'll seamlessly integrate into the vibrant nightlife culture of Corfu.