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Greece Country Information
The Olympic Games were spawned in ancient
classical Greece, along with democracy and the fundamentals of
philosophy, science and
mathematics. Modern Greece is better known as a great place to
vacation rather than a centre of learning and culture. Today the
country attracts by offering simple pleasures: delicious food at
reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint
villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little
islands full of scenic surprises.
The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular
islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way
of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women
still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys,
while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee,
and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded
in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings
clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained.
The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from
Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens,
by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'.
Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections
to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.
Basic Information
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the
last Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety
of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin and the
round three-pin.
Money: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100
cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers
cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread
and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining
euros. Language: Greek is the national language,
but English is widely spoken.
Travel
Health: There are no specific health risks in Greece, but
visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to
consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities
in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of
the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and
water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider
sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund
on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between
the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all
visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected
areas.
Tipping: A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants
in Greece, it is best to see if this is the case when tipping.
If not, leave between 10 to 15%. For drinks at cafes, round the
bill up to the nearest euro. Taxis expect change as do cloak room
attendants and porters.
Safety
Information: There is a safety risk of indiscriminate terrorist
attacks and visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places,
including tourist sites. The bombs that exploded in central Athens
outside a police station on 5 May 2004 were not targeted at tourists,
but visitors could be caught up accidentally in such incidents.
Greece is otherwise considered a safe destination, but the height
of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft
cases, particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are advised not
to carry valuables on them. Violent crime is infrequent, but there
have been incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are
advised not to accept lifts from strangers.
Local
Customs: Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and the police
will not hesitate to arrest or fine offenders. Some form of official
identification should be carried at all times.
Duty
Free: Travellers from non-EU countries do not pay duty when entering
Greece for
200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars,
or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume over 22%,
or 2 litres of dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume and
sparkling wine, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml
eau de toilette; and other goods for non-commercial value to the
value of €175 for adults and €90 for children under 15
years.
Business: Business in Greece is conducted in a similar fashion
to Italy or Spain rather than their northern European counterparts.
A formal dress style is adhered to; dark, conservative suits for
men and women are best. Punctuality is not often practiced in Greece
and often hosts arrive late to meetings. A firm handshake with
eye contact is the norm for greeting men and women for the first
time. Business cards should be printed in both Greek and English,
although there is no ritual surrounding the exchange. Greeks like
to get to know their business colleagues before conducting any
serious business so don't expect to close a deal at the first meeting.
Greek culture adheres to a hierarchical structure and respect should
be shown accordingly. The giving of gifts is common in social circumstances
though not necessarily in business. Business hours are generally
8.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Greece is +30.
The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 210.
There are often surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is
generally cheaper to use OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation)
offices for local and international calls. Calls can also be made
from public card phone booths and cards can be bought from kiosks
or OTE offices. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks
and have roaming agreements with most international operators.
Coverage is exceptional. Internet cafes are available in the main
towns and resorts and are cheaper than accessing the Internet from
hotels.
Top
of page Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US citizens require a passport
valid for at least three months after the end of their stay. No
visa is required for a stay of up to three months if coming as
a tourist.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport
valid for the period of intended stay. British Citizens do not
require a visa, and visa exemption is for three months for those
with passports endorsed British National (Overseas), or British
Overseas Territories Citizen and British Subject with the right
of abode in the UK.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid
passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of
intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months,
provided coming for touristic purposes.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport
valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A tourist
visa is not required for a stay of up to three months provided
coming for tourism.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have
a passport valid at least three months beyond expiry date of the
visa. A visa is required. Greece accepts visas issued by other
Schengen States according to the Schengen Agreement.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require
a passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of
intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months,
provided coming for touristic purposes.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold
a passport valid for the period of their intended stay, but no
visa is necessary.
Passport/Visa
Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen
area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple
entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the
borders of all. Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold visible
means of support. It is also recommended for non-EEA members to
hold return/onward tickets. If arriving with a one-way ticket,
passengers may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for the return/onward
journey. Passports, other than EEA passports, must be valid for
at least three months after period of stay. Visitors requiring
a visa are also required to have medical insurance.
Greece Attractions
- Acropolis - Those arriving in Athens for the first time generally
head immediately for the Acropolis. There are very few visitors
who are not already
familiar with the image of this distinctive citadel of ancient
Athens, perched on its steep flat-topped rock above the sprawling
city.
- Ancient
Agora - Clustered below the Acropolis (enter from Odos
Adrianou, east of Monastiraki Square) is the remains of the Agora,
ancient Athens'
commercial and civic centre, where once walked and talked the great
philosophers Socrates and Plato.
- The
White Tower - The city's most famous landmark, the White Tower
was originally
built as part of the city walls. It now stands, no longer white
but still imposing, on the seaside promenade south of the Archaeological
Museum, having been restored and offering panoramic views of
the city and harbour from its rooftop café.
- Benaki
Museum - Established in 1930, the museum houses prehistoric
to modern Greek art and artifacts, occasionally hosting exhibitions,
and restoration
and conservation workshops. The collection features Paleolithic
and Neolithic relics, and covers the late Roman Empire as it merged
into the Byzantine Empire.
Events in Greece
- Athens
Festival -
The city of Athens' cultural showcase is the two-phase Athens Festival,
held every summer since 1955 at the magnificent 2,000 year old
Herod Atticus Odeon, built in 161 AD, as well as other venues
throughout the city.
- Lycabettus
Hill Festival - A perfect way to spend the hot summer nights in Athens in stunning
surroundings and with first class entertainment is to attend
some of the items presented at the annual Lycabettus Hill contemporary
arts festival.
- Traditional
Greek Dance Festival - The warmth and energy of the Greek people is nowhere
better demonstrated
than in their traditional dancing, and this can be witnessed
in fine style each summer night (except Mondays) at the theatre
established by Greek folk expert, Dora Stratou, on Philopappus
Hill in Athens. The dancers in each show do full justice to the
costumes and ancient routines that make up each packed performance.
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Airports in Greece
- Athens
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
- Location: The airport is situated 20 miles (33km) south east of Athens
city centre.
- Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between last Sunday in April and last Sunday
in October).
- Contacts: Tel: +30 210 353 0000.
- Getting
to the city: The easiest and quickest way to reach the city
centre from the airport is on board Athens'
new Metro. Metro
Line 3 connects the airport with Syntagma Square and
Monastiraki. The airport is also served by six public bus
routes, which
connect to destinations in the greater area of Athens
and Piraeus, buses
running frequently day and night. Athens International
is connected to Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis
Station)
by the Suburban
Rail line. Finally, there are plenty of taxis to be
hired at the ranks in front of the airport terminals, fares
charged on a per
kilometre basis.
- Car
rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Sixt are all represented
at the airport.
- Airport
Taxis: A taxi to the centre of the Athens costs €15
to 25 and takes roughly half an hour to an hour
depending on the traffic. There are plenty of taxis to be hired
at the ranks in
front of the airport terminals, and fares charged
on a per kilometre basis. Either agree on the fare before departure
or make sure the
driver sets the meter uses the correct rate. A
'2' will display before the meter between midnight and 6am
and means you pay double
the price. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis. Private
hotel shuttle companies also run from Athens International
Airport.
- Facilities: The airport is well supplied with cafes, restaurants, bars
and shops, including duty free.
There are branches
of two banks providing full services at the airport,
and numerous
ATMs
and currency exchange bureaux are also available.
Non-EU nationals can get VAT refunded at the
EUROCHANGE currency
exchange unit located
at the Departures Level. Several travel agencies
operate from the airport, and there is a Greek
National Tourist
Board information
desk. Conference facilities are available and
there is a business centre with Internet access, photocopier
machines,
faxes and secretarial
services. A meeting room is also available. Disabled
facilities are good; those with special needs
should
contact their
airline
in advance.
- Parking: Short-term parking (up to four hours) is available right outside
the arrivals level
of the
main terminal.
Long-term car
parks are the other side of the airport access
road with free shuttle buses. Passengers can
also opt
for an executive
valet parking service
whose personnel receive and deliver vehicles
at the main terminal's departure level.
- Departure
Tax: €12.15 (international), €8.51 (domestic).
A security fee of €1.52 is also charged.
Weather and Climate in Greece
The climate of Greece
is Mediterranean, enjoying long hot dry summers and mild winters.
Summer temperatures in Greece are tempered
by the Etesian northerly wind, which blows across the Aegean Sea,
and breezes called "meltemia", but the mercury on the
mainland regularly hits the high spots. Winters are mild and wet
(though rainfall is generally low in most areas). In the mountainous
regions, however, rainfall is heavier, snow is likely and temperatures
are severe.
Athens is known as one
of the sunniest cities in Europe, with a semi-arid climate and
low average annual rainfall. The rain that
does occur falls during the winter months, between mid-October
and mid-April, usually as short, heavy showers. Summers are very
hot, exacerbated by smoggy conditions, and heatwaves are common
during July and August when the mercury soars to over 104°F
(40ºC). Winters are mild although frost can occur and nights
can be cold. The best time to travel to Athens is during the cooler,
fine weather of spring and summer.
The
climate in Corfu features hot, dry summers and mild winter weather. Temperatures
in July and August range from 90ºF (32ºC)
during the day to 64ºF (18ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely
during the peak summer season, but heavy showers can be expected
between September and April.
Santorini is part of
the Cyclades Island group, where the climate lends itself to
hot, dry weather in summer and mild winters. Temperatures
in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the
day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent
in summer but showers can be expected between October and April.
The
Rhodes climate ensures
hot, dry weather in summer and mild winters. Temperatures in
July and August range from 82ºF (28ºC)
during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost
non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October
and March.
The
Mykonos climate
is characterised by hot, dry summer weather and mild winters.
Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF
(30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall
is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between
October and April.
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of page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or
more it is a criminal offence. A lower unit of 0.02 per cent applies to drivers
who
have held a licence for less than two years, and to motorcyclists.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive temporarily
imported car and/or motorcycle (over 50cc) 17.
Fines:
Police can impose fines but not collect them on the spot. The fine
must be
paid at a Public Treasury office within 10 days. You can be fined
for the unnecessary
use of a car horn. Vehicles may be towed away if parked illegally,
or if violating
traffic regulations.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) and diesel (petreleo) is available.
No
leaded petrol (lead replacement petrol available as 'Super 2002'
98 octane). It is
forbidden to carry petrol in a can in a vehicle. LPG may not be
used in private cars,
only in taxis. Credit cards accepted at some filling stations.
Check with your card
issuer for use in Greece before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Athens to Patras - 210kms (2 hours / 40 minutes)
Athens to Delphi -
210kms
(2 hours / 30 minutes)
Patras to Thessaloniki -
480kms
(7 hours)
Thessaloniki to Athens-
500kms (5 hours / 40 minutes)
Rhodes to Lindos -
48kms
(1 hour)
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility. The
use of
undipped headlights in towns is strictly prohibited.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing of
crash helmets is compulsory.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory, including trailers.
Passengers / Children in cars:
It is prohibited for children over three years of age
and under 1.50m to travel in the front seat of a vehicle. Children
under five years
of age must use a child restraint appropriate for their weight in
all cars, vans and
goods vehicles, except when travelling in the rear of taxis. They
cannot be
transported in the vehicle otherwise.
Approved child restraints are those conforming with standard ECE
R44/03 (or later).
Children measuring 1.35m or over can use a seat belt. Placing a rear-facing
child
restraint in the front passenger seat is allowed only on condition
that the passenger
airbag is deactivated.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front-seat occupants to wear seat belts.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers. In built-up areas; 31 mph (50 km/h) for
cars, 24 mph (40
km/h) for motorcycles. Outside built-up areas: 55 mph (90 km/h) or
68 mph (110
km/h) for cars, 43 mph (70 km/h) for motorcycles. Motorways: 80mph
(130 km/h)
for cars and 55mph 90 km/h for motorcycles.
Compulsory equipment in Greece:
-
Fire extinguisher
- First-aid-kit
- Warning triangle
Other
rules / requirements in Greece:
The police are empowered to confiscate the number plates of illegally
parked
vehicles throughout Greece. Generally this only applies to Greek-registered
vehicles, but the drivers of foreign registered vehicles should
beware of parking
illegally.
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