During the summer, when school breaks allow for travel and warm weather beckons, many people flock to popular European destinations like Spain, France, Greece, and Italy for beach vacations and outdoor adventures.
However, cultural nuances can surprise tourists. One British traveler, Alexa, took to TikTok to share a tip after a dining mishap in Skiathos, Greece. She posted a video from a nearly deserted restaurant at 6:30 p.m., highlighting the early dinner hour in Greece.
The video went viral, garnering two million views, 100,000 likes, and numerous comments agreeing that dinner in Greece typically starts after 8 p.m. Locals chimed in, explaining that 6:30 p.m. is too early for dinner in Greece, where meals are often enjoyed later in the evening.
Travel agent Greeka noted that Greeks may dine as late as 11 p.m., especially in summer when sunset is around 9 p.m. The Mediterranean lifestyle revolves around enjoying the outdoors, with lunch served between noon and 5 p.m. and dinner rush hours from 8 to 10 p.m.
This cultural contrast offers a unique dining experience for visitors, showcasing the relaxed and sun-soaked lifestyle of Greece.