NoorIf you are wondering whether Greece is a Muslim or hijab friendly country, then chances are you are planning your next vacation or holiday to the sunny Mediterranean. And spoiler alert, the answer is YES. Greece is a Muslim and hijab friendly travel destination, which every Muslim traveller should add to their bucket list. Read on below to find out why.
Content’s Page
1. Greeks Don’t Stare At Your Hijab
2. Greece Is Solo Muslim Female Traveller Friendly
3. Islamic History & Mosques
4. Halal Friendly Greek Food
5. English Is Widely Spoken
6. Mediterranean Climate
7. Mediterranean Sunsets
8. Beautiful Landscapes & Seascapes
9. Instagram Worthy Beaches In Your Burkini
10. Picturesque Landmarks
11. Ancient Ruins
12. Indulge In A Holy Fruit, The Olive
13. Witness The Lighting Of The Olympic Flame In Ancient Olympia
14. Relax In The Greek Way Of Life
15. Accommodation With A Private Pool
16. It’s Easy To Island Hop The Greek Islands
16 Reasons Why A Muslim Traveller Should Visit Greece
1. Greeks Don’t Stare At Your Hijab
First, you don’t have to worry about being stared at or discriminated against just because you wear a hijab in Greece. Whether you are visiting the lesser popular Rhodes or the buzzing Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos, everyone is welcoming and polite.
They’ll joke with you in the same friendly manner as they do with other tourists. They’ll serve you with the same dignity as they offer other travellers visiting Greece. But most of all, they’ll do their best to make you feel welcome. I even had one guy in Rhodes try to serve me in Arabic!
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2. Greece Is Solo Muslim Female Traveller Friendly
For my fierce sisters out there solo travelling in a hijab, you too don’t have to worry in Greece. I felt very safe in every Greek city and island that I visited. In fact, you’ll find that there are enough people around all the major sights so that you won’t feel alone.
Though, like always, don’t venture too far from the path well treaded, for your own safety. Trust your gut! When it starts to feel wrong or unsafe, there’s no need to be a hero, just head back.
In fact, your biggest enemy will probably be the sun. As you won’t have anyone with you to make sure that you are okay, make sure that you stay well hydrated and frequently seek shade from the sun. Trust me when I say that treating sunstroke on your own is not fun!
And one more thing that you have to watch out for, though, is pick pocketers. Especially in the capital city of Athens.
3. Islamic History & Mosques
Much to my surprise, when researching the Greek islands, I found that there were mosques still standing on the island of Rhodes from the Ottoman Empire. And of course, it makes sense. Given the island’s proximity to Turkey and the Ottoman Empire once ruled throughout Greece, it made sense.
Greece is also home to the oldest mosque in Europe, Çelebi Sultan Mehmed Mosque which was built in 1579. The mosque is located in the Greek village of Didymoteicho not too far from the Turkish border. Although it is still standing today, the mosque isn’t functional. In fact, most of it did get burnt in a recent fire, so do bear that in mind if you plan to visit.
If you want to learn more about Greece’s Islamic history, then I also recommend checking out the Museum of Islamic Art in Athens. The museum has a rich collection of Islamic artefacts from Greece and the surrounding areas.
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4. Halal Friendly Greek Food
Whilst Halal meat is available in Turkish restaurants, mainly in the capital city of Athens, when visiting Greece, you’ll actually be able to try the local delicacies. What a rare thing to be able to do in Europe! That is because the majority of the food is suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians. You’ll even be able to find vegetarian souvlaki, which is traditionally skewered meat.
And of course, there’s the tapas, which are a range of dips, bread and olives that you can enjoy on most Greek islands. Though my favourite setting has got to be sitting high on Santorini, overlooking the dramatic seascape.
Top Tip: If you find yourself in Mykonos, be sure to try the local spring rolls filled with Mykonian cheese and drizzled with honey on top.
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5. English Is Widely Spoken
With most of us being bilingual, and English commonly being one of them, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t need to learn a whole new language when visiting Greece. This is because English is widely spoken in the capital city of Athens and the Greek islands. Especially the areas that are more accustomed to tourists.
Of course, learning Greek will always be appreciated by the locals.
6. Mediterranean Climate
Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate, which means that the winters are mild, and the summers are hot and dry. And by hot, I mean British heatwave hot as a daily summer temperature.
But that also means that during the summer, my fellow Muslimahs can easily don their best long flowy maxi dresses and not look out of place.
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7. Mediterranean Sunsets
For the sunset chasers, this one is for you. Greece is blessed with some of the most beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen. The colours are just unreal! And what’s even better, is that you can enjoy them from almost anywhere in Greece.
If you want to make the most of your sunset experience, then I recommend heading to Oia on the island of Santorini. Oia is a small village located on the northwestern tip of the island and is famous for its sunset views.
8. Beautiful Landscapes & Seascapes
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever seen. From the crystal clear waters in Mykonos to the stunning sunsets in Santorini, there’s just so much beauty to take in. And that’s not even including all of Greece’s archaeological sites.
And then there’s Milos!
Milos is a hidden gem in Greece that is often overlooked by tourists. Though, those who have been lucky enough to visit, always rave about its beauty. The island is home to a range of beaches with different coloured sands, from white to red and even black. The landscape here may have you thinking that you’ve landed on Mars!
9. Instagram Worthy Beaches In Your Burkini
Talking of beaches, you can be at ease in your burkini on the beaches of Greece. In fact, Greece is one of the most popular destinations for Modest Fashion Travel. For those of us who prefer to cover up whilst on the beach or by the pool, Greece has got you covered.
Several resorts have private beaches and pools where you can enjoy some privacy. And if you want to venture out, then some of the more popular beaches to visit are Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos and Ftelia Beach on Mykonos.
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10. Picturesque Landmarks
Greece is home to a number of picturesque landmarks, from the iconic Parthenon in Athens, to the Venetian castle in Rhodes. And don’t even get me started on the windmills in Mykonos!
One of my personal favourite landmarks has got to be the blue domes of Santorini. The iconic blue dome churches are a common sight on the island and make for the perfect Instagram shot.
11. Ancient Ruins
Greece is abundant in ancient ruins, from the Acropolis in Athens to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. And with over 3,000 years of history, it’s no surprise that Greece is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient ruins in the world.
If you’re a fan of ancient ruins, then I would recommend visiting the archaeological site of Olympia. Olympia was the site of the first Olympic Games and is home to a number of well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Zeus. So many people overlook Olympia, but I can’t emphasise the feeling of walking those grounds.
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12. Indulge In A Holy Fruit, The Olive
The olive is a holy fruit in Islam, and Greece is one of the world’s largest producers of olives. In fact, Greece produces over 700,000 tons of olives each year!
If you’re a fan of olive oil, then you’ll be in heaven in Greece. There are many olive groves located across the country, and you can even visit some olive presses. And if you’re lucky, you may even be able to sample some of the freshly pressed olive oil.
13. Witness The Lighting Of The Olympic Flame In Ancient Olympia
If you’re lucky enough to be in Greece ahead of the Summer Olympics, then I would highly recommend witnessing the lighting of the flame. The lighting of the flame is an ancient tradition that takes place in front of the Temple of Hera in Greece’s Olympia.
And if you’re not able to make it to the ceremony, don’t worry! You can still visit Greece’s Olympia and see the site of the first Olympic Games.
14. Relax In The Greek Way Of Life
Greece is well known for its relaxed lifestyle and laid-back attitude. So, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Greece is the perfect destination.
There are many ways to relax in Greece. You can take a leisurely stroll through one of Greece’s picturesque villages, enjoy a coffee by the waterfront, or simply take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
15. Accommodation With A Private Pool
Greece is home to several luxury hotels and resorts that offer private pools, allowing you to be as free as you want. So, if you’re looking for a little privacy on your holiday, Greece has got you covered.
From a private villa on the Caldera in Santorini to a cosy apartment in Mykonos Town, there are plenty of places to stay in Greece that offer private pools.
Some of the best accommodations are:
- Mythical Blue Luxury Suites – Santorini
- Abyss – Santorini
- Nomad Mykonos – Mykonos
- Casa Del Mar – Mykonos
16. It’s Easy To Island Hop The Greek Islands
Greece is made up of over 6,000 islands, so there’s no shortage of places to explore. And with many of the islands being just a short ferry ride away from each other, island hopping is a popular activity in Greece.
Whether you’re looking to island hop around the Cyclades or explore the Ionian Islands, Greece has got you covered. And with so many islands to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect island paradise for your holiday.
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Summary
So, there you have it! The 16 reasons why Greece is a Muslim friendly destination. From its stunning beaches and picturesque landmarks to its laid-back lifestyle and ancient ruins, Greece has something for everyone. And let’s not forget the kind and welcoming locals.
Are you ready to head to Greece? Did this article help to put your mind at ease or inspire your next vacation to Greece? Or have you been and have a comment to add? If so, let me know. You can leave a comment down below or contact me here.
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