If you’re planning a trip to both Italy and Greece, consider starting with Italy before heading to the Greek islands. Here’s why: In Greece, especially on the islands, life moves at a slower pace, and restaurants and cafés tend to stay open much later into the evening. Dinners on the islands can stretch leisurely into the night, with meals often starting around 9 or 10 p.m. It’s easy to fall into the relaxed rhythm, enjoying late-night meals and long conversations by the sea. *Note that the further you go south in Italy, the later meals will begin and end.
However, if you visit Greece first, you may get used to this laid-back island time, which could make your transition to Italy a bit tricky. In Italy, while meals are certainly cherished and dining culture is important, restaurants typically close earlier, especially in smaller towns. You may find yourself scrambling for a meal if you’re accustomed to eating late like you would on a Greek island. This is what we found ourselves doing every single night in Venice, even after feeling settled in!
To avoid feeling rushed or caught off guard, it’s best to ease into the vacation flow by visiting Italy first. Enjoy Italy’s earlier meal times and savor the local customs before fully relaxing into the later schedules of Greece. This way, you’ll avoid rushing and can enjoy the best of both countries at the right pace!
