Traveling to countries in southern European often implies adapting simple everyday routines, such as meal times. A British tourist discovered this more directly when, in the middle of Greek island of Skiathos, he made a dinner reserve for 6:30 pm and found the restaurant practically empty.
The cultural shock at the table
In the video shared on Tiktok, Alexa comes to the table with friends, surrounded by chairs and deserted tables. In the caption, he joked, “God forbid that a girl makes a dinner reserve at 6:30 pm in Greece.” The publication quickly became viral, accumulating more than two million views and thousands of comments, many of them from places to confirm that dinner so soon “is not part” of Greek habits, according to the British newspaper The Mirror.
One user summed up the difference: “At 6:30 pm in Greece we are drinking afternoon coffee. Dinner is after 20h00.” Others stressed that most Greek families only sit at the table around 9 pm or later, especially in summer, when the sunset happens around 9 pm.
Mediterranean times
According to the Greeka Travel Guide, the Greeks make lunch between noon and 5 pm, leaving dinner after dusk. The most movement hours in the restaurants are between 20h00 and 10 pm, although it is common to extend to close to 23h00, it refers to the same source.
High temperatures, which in summer can exceed 35 ° C, help explain the custom. During the day, much of the time is spent outdoors, on the beach or in social activities, and only when the heat slows down does it come time to dinner.
Lesson for tourists
Among fun comments, there were those who pointed out an advantage: early dinner guarantees tranquility and restaurants without queues. Still, according to, the experience served as a warning to those who visit Greece: Adapting to the local rhythm can be essential to fully living the Mediterranean environment.
Skiathos Island
Skiathos is a small island located in southern Europe, in the northwest of the Aegean Sea, belonging to the archipelago of northern patorines. It is characterized by a varied landscape, with thin sand beaches such as Koukounaries and Lalary, a picturesque historical center, and cultural attractions such as the former medieval castle and the Museum of Papadiamantis, author of relief in Greek literature.
In addition to the natural beauty recognized by many, Skiathos stands out for his nightly animation, especially during the summer months, according to the Greek blog dedicated to tourism Greece Insiders.
Bars and restaurants by the sea remain open late, with sunset parties and live music to cheer up the city, and can make the island at a suitable destination for those looking for tranquility and for those who like movement
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