Greece not freindly to tourists?

True Fact: Not every visitor to a foreign country is going to have a good experience. There will always be a small percentage of tourists who somehow receive bad treatment at the hands of the locals, whether it be from someone who is genuinely hostile towards outsiders, someone who is having a particularly bad day, or someone who is merely reacting to an impolite, insensitive and demanding visitor who has stepped over the line of reasonable behavior into the realm of rudeness. Another True Fact: As a society Greeks are incredibly hospitable and friendly. As a frequent visitor to Greece I have never experienced hostility nor have I ever been turned away from a business when attempting to spend money. The message you received is an exception, NOT the rule. Go to Greece with an open heart and mind and you will be received with the same. Go with suspicion, distrust and the expectation of being treated badly and the chances are good that your wish will come true.

I have never experienced any rudeness in five trips to Greece. I find the Greeks to be kind and warm and helpful. Of course it always helps to go anywhere with a positive attitude; I think that if you expect people to be friendly, they will respond accordingly. I think Greece is one of the most magical places on earth and I hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you for the speedy and informative replies. I have traveled all around the world since 9 months old. The world is a friendly place if you too are friendly. At least that has been my personal experience. I just wanted to allay, if possible, concerns for our cousin. I should think this will help her concerns.
Again, thanks.

If your cousin goes there looking for rude people she will probably find them. If someone told me that story I would not even give it any credibility... seriously, they were with someone who is Greek and they were turned away from a restaurant that was open??? Maybe they were not taking any more people because they were full with reservations, but to just turn them away... sounds like nonsense to me.
I was there a few years ago and found it to be just like everyplace else... just normal people. But, I probably could have found a few rude ones if I had looked.

Joseph, The very articulate reply from Lee covers much of what I was going to say. People in the service industry in ANY country can be having a bad day, be under stress, having family problems or more commonly these days, economic problems. I don't recall any instances in Greece of the type described by your cousin. However, there were times when restaurant staff were a bit "abrupt" as they were extremely busy. I've experienced the same in other countries, so this is not unique to Greece. I try to travel with a positive attitude and the expectation that things will go well, but also with a realization that problems can occasionally occur. That philosophy has worked well for me so far, including in Greece. Happy travels!

I and those in my traveling party found Greeks, even those in Athens, to be very friendly and helpful. Several went out of their way to accommodate us after some difficulties arose with our trip. I didn't find a single thread of truth in the quote you provided. Athens is a big city and like any big city, there will be residents that are less friendly and helpful than those in smaller cities and towns. And Athens can be crowded and hot in summer - something that can try anyone's patience. And the tourist trinket shops in the Plaka are like any tourist trinket shops - they hope to sell you cheap crap that you don't really need. And finally, even if some of it was/is true, what does it matter? Surely you wouldn't cancel your trip because you might run into a surly waiter...

We traveled into Greece - Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. I can tell you that Greeks are wonderful people, so please go out there and enjoy yourselves. It is a truly beautiful country.

Thanks to all for the advice and in information. You have confirmed what I already believed to be true. I have passed this along to our cousin. Do not know the folks who told her that Greeks were often not hospitable, cordial. I think they may have been misguided or confused. Who knows.
Nevertheless, we are looking forward to our trip. My spouse and I grew up traveling and living around the world and have continued to do much the same as adults. We have always found that you get what you look for. We trust the Greeks and Turks encountered on this trip will be a great as everyone else we have met around the world.

Traveled in late 2011 to both Thessaloniki, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey - had great times in both. Never felt unwanted. Greeks need the tourism income anyway. It may have happened to a few people but I wouldn't take it as an example for the whole country. Overall felt the people were friendly and welcoming.

hi, before i went to Paris last year, i was told that Parisians would be rude to me since i dont speak French. Well, the only rude people i saw were Americans and some other travelers. I will give anyone a break since i can have a "bad day" also. i would go anyway and see for yourself. happy trails.