LOCATION
Greece or, Hellas, is located in the south east Mediterranean with the neighbouring countries of Italy to the west and Turkey to the east. The capital city is Athens. Greece, with its varied landscape, is famous for its islands, There are some 2,000 islands belonging to Greece although not all of them are inhabited.
WEATHER / CLIMATE
Greece’s climate shows similarity in Spring (March - May) and in Fall (September - November) In both seasons, you may encounter rain, which happens very rarely, more than likely, it will be sunny although the nights may be chilly. In Summer, (June - September), the weather is warm and sunny with the nights being cooler. In Winter, (December - March) the weather is most often cold and you may experience snow besides rain. In Winter however, there are many sunny days. You may encounter exceptions at any time, so, be ready.
WHAT TO WEAR
In Spring and Fall, a jacket and sweater will keep you comfortable, while in winter, it is advisable to have with you warm light clothing, and waterproofs. In Summer, you may only require T-shirts, light trousers and shorts. Bring sunglasses and a hat and, if you are sensitive to the sun, bring a good sun block lotion. A good sturdy pair of walking shoes are essential. When visiting religious sites, such as churches, it is important not to wear shorts. For women, covering the shoulders is also required. Bring swimming gear for the beach, the hotel’s swimming pool or spas.
WHAT TO BRING
If you are on medication, bring enough medicine to last the entire trip as, there may not be an opportunity to re-supply here and it may also not be available here. It is also advisable to bring a first aid kit with insect repellent etc.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Hotel rooms are of European standard and, according to the Greek Law, they all have a private bathroom. There are all categories of hotels available as well as Pensions, rooms for rent and camping parks.
TRANSPORTATION
Greece has a good and fairly inexpensive transportation system. Taxi, Bus, Trolley Bus and, in Athens, Metro (Underground). There is a good national bus network from major cities to all parts of Greece.
BOAT - FERRY TRANSPORTATION
Piraeus, the port of Athens is the place to take your ferry to all the Greek islands. There are ferries to all islands every day. Ferries offer, tourist class and first class and cabins on the overnight journeys.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Tap water is drinkable throughout Greece although, bottled mineral water is also available everywhere. The food served in restaurants is international but, there is a large variety of tavernas offering different and varied Greek cuisine.
CURRENCY
As of January 1, 2002, the currency in Greece is now called the Euro.(Ευρώ). The Euro is in note form and coins called “Λεπτά or, Ëåðôá (Lepta)”. The denominations of the coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50. The notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Credit cards such as Visa and Master Card are widely accepted.
SHOPPING IN ATHENS
One of the most attractive areas for shopping in Athens is Plaka, the old quarter of Athens. It includes a flea market and a large variety of restaurants as well as shops and boutiques. The shops in Plaka are open every day of the week including Sundays from morning until late at night.
LANGUAGE
Modern Greek is the common spoken language but, English is widely spoken as well as other European languages. All street directions are in Greek and English.
COMMUNICATION
The best way of phoning is by using telephone cards which, can be obtained at Post Offices and at all street kiosks. Phone calls can be made from all street phone booths to anywhere in the world.
LOCAL TIME
Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT
ELECTRIC CURRENT
220 volts and 50 Hertz with round-prong European style plugs for domestic use. American and Japanese appliances will require a transformer.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
An International passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months is required for immigration at the airport and for hotel procedures.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
As visa requirements differ from country to country, check with your nearest or, local Greek Embassy / Consulate before departing your country of origin.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for any possible loss or, damage to your luggage, medical emergencies and some travel related accidents. Consult your travel agent before departing.
RELIGION
The Greek population is 95% Greek Orthodox. The remaining 5% are mainly Christian, Catholics and other religions.
