In the most popular tourist spots visitors will find that the locals speak excellent English. However, some of the best places to eat will have older staff with more limited English, so it is a good idea to know a few phrases.
We should also add that we think any opportunity to learn a few words of another language should be welcomed, and at the minimum it is simply good manners to greet the local people. The Cretan people are very welcoming, but a few words of Greek still go a long way.
Etsi Ketsi (perfect for when asked if you speak Greek)
The above words and phrases should enable you to greet people, order food and drink, and ask for the bill. I have found that even a little Greek goes a very long way. Many times I’ve sat down, ordered food and drink for several people and only later has the waiter realised that I actually have very limited Greek — but by that time they are so please that I’ve tried that they are very happy to treat us like locals, whilst speaking in English (and helping us with our Greek). The more you practice the better you will get.
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