Blog Posts
No post found
- Capital: Athens
- Area: 131,957 sq km
- Population: 10.46 million
- Language: Greek
Greece, the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. Geography has greatly influenced the country’s development. Mountains historically restricted internal communications, but the sea opened up wider horizons. The total land area of Greece (one-fifth of which is made up of the Greek islands) is comparable in size to England or the U.S. state of Alabama.
Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited; some of the easternmost Aegean islands lie just a few miles off the Turkish coast. The country’s capital is Athens, which expanded rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. Attikí (ancient Greek: Attica), the area around the capital, is now home to about one-third of the country’s entire population.
A Greek legend has it that God distributed soil through a sieve and used the stones that remained to build Greece. The country’s barren landscape historically caused the people to migrate. The Greeks, like the Jews and the Armenians, traditionally have been a people of diaspora, and several million people of Greek descent live in various parts of the world. Xeniteia, or sojourning in foreign lands, with its strong overtones of nostalgia for the faraway homeland, has been a central element in the historical experience of the Greek people.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
On 1 January 2002, along with 11 other Member States of the European Union, France adopted the euro currency. These notes and coins can therefore be used in any country belonging to the euro zone: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
- €1 is made up of 100 centimes or cents.
- Notes: €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes, as well as €1 and 2€.
Credit cards from major providers are accepted almost everywhere. That includes Visa and Mastercard as well as American Express and Diners Club.
Just be wary of the charges you might incur for using your credit card overseas. These can include:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees if you use an ATM
Tipping
There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it’s become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it’s common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.
Getting around
Flying
The most popular way of reaching Greece is, of course, the plane. The International Airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos receives most flights from abroad. From there, tourists go via another plane or a ferry to the islands. Many airports lie across Greece, though, especially in large cities and popular islands.
In tourist season, charter flights from abroad also land on the islands and some airports on the mainland.
Ferries
The most preferred way to go from Athens to the Greek islands is by ferry.
It is the easiest option even if many flights to the Greek islands are available. Although Piraeus is the central port of Athens, many ferries also depart from the ports of Rafina and Lavrion.
The majority of ferries in Greece are modern and offer a convenient trip.
As for international routes, there are ferries from Italy (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice) to the western ports of Greece (Igoumenitsa, Patra, Corfu) and from Turkey to some islands of the Dodecanese and Eastern Aegean (and vice versa).
Driving
Cars are the best and most secure way of transportation when you are in a specific location and want to get around.
Car rental agencies are situated in the most popular places in Greece and the Greek islands. The main road networks in Greece are modern and in good condition, but the regional roads need carefulness as many of them are narrow and winding.
Trains
The most popular train route in Greece is from Athens to Thessaloniki. Northern and central Greece is also served by the rail network.
However, trains in Greece are not as popular as suburban KTEL buses, although in many cases, the train fare can be cheaper than the bus ticket.
Trains are not the best transportation way as the infrastructure is old and trains are slow.
Buses (KTEL)
The KTEL buses are green in colour and connect Athens to many towns on the mainland. Itineraries are regular and tickets can be bought just before the trip, even though that is not recommended.
It is the most popular way of transportation between areas of the Greek mainland.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Greece.
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Healthcare
Treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and after care, particularly in the public health sector is not to the standard expected in the UK. The public ambulance service is basic. There are serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.
If you are uninsured, you may not be able to get medical treatment or diagnostic tests from private doctors in Greece, only from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
As always when you travel you should take out the necessary travel insurance coverage. We always use World Nomads but there are plenty of other insurance companies that offer travel insurance
Safety
Theft
Theft of passports, wallets and handbags is common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. When driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.
Sexual assault
Sexual assaults and personal attacks may occur in Greece. This includes attacks on foreign visitors in tourist areas and cities.
You should immediately report anything you see that doesn’t feel right to local authorities or hospitality management.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms your national identity, this is a legal requirement.
Race
The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to race, but there have been some racially motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.
Public offences
The Greek police won’t accept behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved, this behaviour may be illegal. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to give heavy fines or prison sentences if you behave indecently.
Smoking
It’s illegal to smoke in all indoor public places. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to 500 euros.
Drugs
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use in Greece. You can be arrested or fined if found in possession.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Greece and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015. The age of consent in Greece is 15, this applies to partners of both the same sex and opposite sex.
Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations
It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings at any time. The Greek authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so.
Useful emergency numbers
| Emergency | 112 |
| Ambulance | 166 |
| Fire Department | 199 |
| Police | 100 |
Climate
Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean type of climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Several microclimates, including oceanic in the coastal regions and alpine in the high mountains, exist in the country. The southern islands experience a milder climate than the northern interior lands. Greece lies in southern Europe, at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. Turkey lies to the east, along with the Aegean and Cretan Seas. The Mediterranean Sea is in the south, the Ionian Sea in the west, and Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria share the northern borders of Greece. The Pindus mountain range and the proximity to large bodies of water, including the Mediterranean Sea, chiefly influence the climate.
The best time to visit Greece
The best times to visit Greece are during spring and autumn. The temperatures are pleasant, and the conditions are suitable for a range of outdoor activities. Historic cities and archaeological sites draw a high degree of interest from a large number of visitors. The long daylight hours are helpful to cover multiple destinations within a short number of days. Beach holidays are best during the hot summer from June to mid-September, with moderate breezes, and mild ocean temperatures. The skies are usually clear, and showers are light, few, and far between. Travel bags are light, as heavy clothing and rain gear are discretionary at best. April and September provide excellent weather for hiking the mountains.
The worst time to visit Greece
The worst time to visit Greece, if there is any, is during the winter season from December to February. Night temperatures in the continental north and central regions occasionally drop below the freezing mark. A substantial amount of snowfall occurs in the high mountains, while frost is regular even in the plains. Winter is the wettest season, with plenty of rain along the coast and the mountain ranges. The short days pose restrictions on the number of hours available for outdoor explorations. Cloudy skies and increased humidity is a dampener on field trips that depend upon sunny skies for unobstructed photography.
Month-by-month
The year in Greece begins with cool temperatures and damp weather in some areas. Meteora and the Delphi area can even see snow. For the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are closed down for the winter. But, cities like Athens remain open for business, and major sights are pleasantly uncrowded.
Events & Festivals
- Epiphany on January 6 is celebrated by local priests blessing major bodies of water, and a chill-inducing tradition in which adventurous Greeks leap in to retrieve a cross thrown in by the priest in the hope of good fortune for the coming year.
- Greek Independence Day is celebrated on March 25 throughout the country with military parades and traditional folk dress and music.
- March usually falls almost entirely within Lent and, starting with Clean Monday at the end of February or beginning of March, Orthodox Greeks traditionally observe this time by abstaining from meat, fish, dairy and eggs.
- The celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, culminating on Easter Sunday, are usually the highlight of the month and mark the most important holiday of the year.
- The celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, culminating on Easter Sunday, are usually the highlight of the month and mark the most important holiday of the year.
- Beginning in June and lasting throughout the summer, the Athens and Epidavros Festival showcases performances, including Greek plays, in ancient and modern venues across both cities, including the Theatre of Epidavros.
- The Feast of the Assumption on August 15 is a national public holiday, when people return to their hometown to enjoy the festivities.
- Ochi (or Ohi) Day on October 28 commemorates the date in 1940 when the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said ohi (no) to Mussolini’s demand for the Axis forces to occupy parts of Greece.
- Christmas, while not as important as Easter, is celebrated on December 25 as a joyful holiday shared with family.
March marks the beginning of spring across the country. Although it’s still low season in most places, and many island destinations are yet to open, attractions across the mainland are open and much quieter than they will be in a few weeks’ time.
Events & Festivals
Most years, the highlight of April is Greek Orthodox Easter, which occurs near the end of the month or in the first few days of May. The weather at this time is excellent for sightseeing or hiking, with plenty of sun and mild temperatures averaging around 68°F.
Events & Festivals
One of the best times to visit Greece, May is a good month to travel if you’re looking to experience both the cities and the islands. While sea temperatures can still be chilly, the weather is usually warm enough for swimming, and it’s not too hot for touring the cities. May marks the month when all the island destinations open fully for the summer season
Events & Festivals
June sees temperatures rising and crowds increasing but, overall, it’s a very pleasant time to be in Greece. Everywhere is open, the sun is warm, and plenty of festivals are taking place across the country.
Events & Festivals
The heat of summer in July and August brings temperatures that can run north of 100°F and plenty of sunshine with very little rain. At this time of year, the cities can feel oppressive under the unrelenting sun and sights get extremely crowded, but it’s a good time for water activities, if you don’t mind the coastal towns and islands being busier.
Events & Festivals
September is a great time to visit Greece. The weather remains hot throughout the month, sea temperatures stay warm, and visitors start to thin out as children go back to school. While the main sights are still busy, September is usually better for touring compared with hotter and more crowded July and August.
Visiting in October represents a good-value time to go, when you can enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. The islands start to wind down ahead of winter, but usually stay open until the end of the month. In central and northern areas, leaves turn to their autumnal hues.
Events & Festivals
The final two months of the year bring cooler temperatures to Greece. Island destinations close down for the winter, while historical sites across the mainland remain quietly open
Events & Festivals
Visa information
What is Schengen?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most of the European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world.
What is a Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area, for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe. It enables its holder to enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member countries. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
However, if you are planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a national visa of that European country and not a Schengen Visa.
The 26 Schengen countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
From 2024 visitors to a Schengen country that currently does not require a visa to enter will be required to obtain an ETIAS. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It is similar to the US ESTA programme. The ETIAS will cost only €7 for each application and will last for 3 years.
Citizens of Which Countries Need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?
The countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to enter any member country of the Schengen Area are:
| Afghanistan | Gabon | Oman |
| Algeria | Gambia | Pakistan |
| Angola | Ghana | Papua New Guinea |
| Armenia | Guinea | Palestinian Authority |
| Azerbaijan | Guinea-Bissau | Philippines |
| Bahrain | Guyana | Qatar |
| Bangladesh | Haiti | Russia |
| Belarus | India | Rwanda |
| Belize | Indonesia | Sao Tome And Principe |
| Benin | Iran | Saudi Arabia |
| Bhutan | Iraq | Senegal |
| Bolivia | Jamaica | Sierra Leone |
| Botswana | Jordan | Somalia |
| Burkina Faso | Kazakhstan | South Africa |
| Burma/Myanmar | Kenya | South Sudan |
| Burundi | Kosovo | Sri Lanka |
| Cambodia | Kuwait | Sudan |
| Cameroon | Kyrgyzstan | Suriname |
| Cape Verde | Laos | Swaziland |
| Central African Republic | Lebanon | Syria |
| Chad | Lesotho | Tajikistan |
| China | Liberia | Tanzania |
| Comoros | Libya | Thailand |
| Congo | Madagascar | Timor-Leste |
| Cote D’ivoire | Malawi | Togo |
| Cuba | Maldives | Tonga |
| Dem. Rep. Of Congo | Mali | Tunisia |
| Djibouti | Mauritania | Turkey |
| Dominican Republic | Mongolia | Turkmenistan |
| Ecuador | Morocco | Uganda |
| Egypt | Mozambique | Uzbekistan |
| Equatorial Guinea | Namibia | Vietnam |
| Eritrea | Nepal | Yemen |
| Ethiopia | Niger | Zambia |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Zimbabwe |
| North Korea | Northern Mariana’s |
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Europe?
In Europe, the power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Check out the following pictures.
Type F: also known as “Schuko”. This socket also works with plug C and plug E.
 |
| Type F: This socket also works with plug C and E |