Πληροφορίες για Ελλάδα

Useful information about travelling in Greece

 

General Info

01 Time Zone

Greece uses the Eastern European Time Zone and local time is identified as UTC +2.
Daylight Savings (DST) occurs on the last Sunday of March, when clocks move one hour ahead. They move one hour back on the last Sunday of October.

Greece is a country with long periods of sunshine throughout the year and is characterised by a having a typical Mediterranean climate: mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Climatologically, the year in Greece is divided into two seasons: 
• - The warm season (April – mid-October), characterised by sunshine, high temperatures and seasonal winds, mostly found in the Aegean during August (known as Etesians).
• - The winter season (mid-October – March), when the average temperatures range, depending on the geographical region, between 0-10°C (even below 0°C in northern regions). The weather is limited to mild snowfall and rainfall of short duration, often interrupted by sunny days.

04       Language
Greek is the official language of Greece and one of the 24 official languages of the European Union. 

Greece has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so foreign languages such as English, German, French and Spanish are warmly received, especially on the islands and in areas of high tourism. 
The language widely used in the tourism sector is English, in which Greek people are often fluent or comfortable.

Do make sure that you have a valid passport and other necessary travel documents. Get the phone number of your embassy in Greece, just in case.

07        Internet connections

You can easily access the internet while travelling in Greece. If you have a smartphone or a tablet, you can stay connected at several free WiFi spots in many cafes or malls in Greece. Moreover, you can buy a prepaid internet card from the kiosk, which also includes an available phone line you can use for the dial-up connection. Have in mind that many hotels also offer internet connection and, of course, you can go to the many internet cafes you will find all over the country and on all the larger islands.

08        Persons with special needs

Greece does not yet provide adequate facilities for people with physical disabilities. If you are a person with special needs, do book early for designated cabins on board the Greek ferries. Also do make sure that the ferry and your hotel is easily accessible for you. Moreover, some Greek islands, like the Cyclades, can be inconvenient for people with special needs. You may prefer other islands with a flat landscape. Read our blog article: Travel for people with special needs

09        Have cash with you

Make sure you have sufficient money or you have access to cash, for example through an ATM. Always have a credit card with you. You will find ATMs but many restaurants do not accept credit cards.

10        Plug adapter

The electrical voltage in Greece is 220V. Greece uses the European two-pin electrical plug. Most current electric equipment (laptops, cell phones, etc) use chargers which adapt to voltage changes automatically, so you do not need a transformer. However, you may need a plug adapter, which only changes the shape of your electric plug but not the voltage.

11        Smoking country

Smoking is a habit of the Greeks and in some cases, can be annoying for tourists. Until recently, smoking was allowed almost everywhere but enclosed public places should have separate areas for smokers and non-smokers. A law published in September 2010 prohibited smoking in all enclosed public places and on public transportation. The only exception to the law are the airports where there are separated smoking booths equipped with separate ventilation systems.

12        Greek toilet system

Have in mind that the toilet flushing system in Greece is not as advanced as in other European countries. Almost everywhere, you will be requested not throw the paper into the toilet, but instead into the small bins next to the toilet. These bins are emptied by the cleaning staff.

13        Hotels ratings

As hotel ratings in Greece may differ from the international hotel ratings, make sure that your accommodation has all the facilities you need. Also note that hotels are rated with stars whiles other accommodation (apartments, rooms, studios, etc) are rated with keys.

14        Stray Animals

Another problem in Greece is the stray animals. You will see many cats and dogs on the streets of every city or island. Some sensitive people may give them food, but the problem remains unsolved.

15        Make your bookings early

You will probably get cheaper prices if you book early for your hotels and air tickets. It is necessary to book early for ferry tickets if you plan to travel between mid-July till the end of August. In all cases, do book early if you need a cabin or if you are traveling by car.

16        Churches and monasteries

You will find churches and monasteries everywhere in Greece. As the Greeks are much bonded with religion, there are plenty of chapels in all the towns and on the islands. There is a particular dress code to enter a church or a monastery. Visitors should be properly dressed, that means no bathing suits, long trousers for men and long skirts for women.

17        Museums

Get informed on the opening hours of each museum or archaeological site. Every museum has different working days and hours. Usually, they are open from early in the morning till midday, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Famous archaeological sites are open till sunset, but there may still be differences between them.

Safety

18        Safe country

Although the crime rate is on the rise in recent years, Greece is still a very safe country. Except for some neighbourhoods in Athens, like Omonoia Square, where it would be preferable not to walk alone during the night, the whole country is safe. Criminal offences are almost non-existent in smaller cities and villages.

If you do encounter problems during your journey, you can approach the local tourist police for help. There are several tourist police stations in the tourist areas of Greek cities, if you encounter any difficulty or a criminal violation, they would be able to offer immediate assistance. 

The only crime you might experience (mostly in large cities) is theft at crowded places, metro stations or on public means of transport. Do pay attention to your personal belongings, especially on the buses and in the trains.

20        Drugs

Using or selling drugs is strictly prohibited in Greece. The country has some of the strictest anti-drug laws in Europe. You are also prohibited to use recreational drugs, such as marijuana. Tourists are not exempted in the enforcement of these laws.

21        Woman travellers

Women do not need to be afraid of walking alone in Greece, do stay away from specific areas in the city centre during the night. It is safe at any other time and at any other place. There is also no reason to worry in all tourist areas such as Plaka.

22        Lock valuables in your hotel safes

It is advisable to lock your valuables in your hotel safes. Although hotel thefts are rather rare, there is no need to take the risk.

23        Car Drivers

Pay attention when you cross the streets, as car drivers seem to totally ignore pedestrian signs. Do not expect that they will slow down when you cross the street. They are more likely to make an abrupt turn past you than to slow down.

24        No bay watchers

Very few beaches in Greece have bay watchers on duty, so pay attention when you swim. The Greek sea is not dangerous but it is better to be prudent, especially if you are not a skilled swimmer. You should pay extra attention to underwater wells, sea urchins and jellyfishes at remote beaches or if you go for a night swim. Never go for a night swim in a beach you have not experienced.

25        Emergency calls

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police and 166 for hospital care.

Shopping

26        Stores are everywhere

There are stores everywhere in Greece and you will find almost everything that you need. There are shopping malls, retail stores, super or mini markets, retail kiosks (periptero), grocery shops and gift shops. There are also flea markets and farmers markets (laiki) in many areas. The centre of Athens is the most popular shopping area in Greece and the flea market of Monastiraki is also very popular for both locals and tourists. You will also find many retail options on the islands.

27        Credit Cards

Most stores accept all major credit cards, but do not take it for granted. Most payments in Greece are made in cash. For example, small grocery stores, traditional taverns and the flea markets will probably not accept credit cards, so do ask before you make a purchase.

28        Shop Opening hours

Shop opening hours vary in Greece according to the type of business. The general opening hours are: Monday/ Wednesday/ Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday from 9 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm. The Greek shop owners keep the siesta in the afternoon, which might be inconvenient for some, but yet it is a nice tradition. Shopping malls and Supermarkets in Athens and other big cities are open till the evening on the weekdays and till the afternoon on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Gift shops in the islands are usually open all day and every day.

29        Street Begging

Begging is prevalent in Athens and in most of the larger towns. If you are being approached by street beggars, do be aware of the situation and kindly ask them to leave.

30        Tipping

There is no customary rule or convention for tipping in Greece. It is not generally expected but would be appreciated at coffee houses, taverns, restaurants and perhaps for hotel room service. It is not compulsory so you can tip as much as you want or not to tip at all.

Money

31        Monetary unit

The official monetary unit of Greece is the Euro and other currencies are not accepted, so do exchange your local currency before arriving in Greece. You can also exchange currencies at the banks, foreign exchange offices or at the airport. There are also several currency exchange offices around Syntagma Square.

32        ATMs

The best way to have access to cash in Greece is through the ATMs that can be found almost everywhere in the large cities and on the popular islands. Do make sure there is an ATM at your destination or you should take more cash with you. All the ATMs in Greece are included in the DIAS unified network so all the ATMs provide the same services. You should also know that there is usually a daily withdrawal limit at the ATMs in Greece.

33        Personal checks

Personal checks are not generally accepted in Greece, unless you have made an agreement with the other party. You can also make use of travellers cheques in Euros, British pounds or American dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Communication

34        Easy to communicate
It will be easy to communicate in Greece, even if your English is not fluent. Most Greeks are familiar with tourists and they will help you if you need directions or an explanation. Most street signs are in both Greek and English, so there is no reason to worry about getting lost? Not exactly, as most of the time there are not enough signs and many streets have no names.
35        Greeks are friendly people
The Greeks will be more friendly and eager to help if you try to speak some Greek. Just a couple of words are fine, they love it when they hear a stranger speaking their language. So, say kalimera instead of "good morning" and efharisto instead of "thank you", and you will see some big proud smiles on their faces.

36        Be kind to be treated kindly

The Greeks are hospitable towards tourists and feel proud to welcome them. However, they get annoyed when tourists bother them. Ask questions nicely and do not cause problems. For example, if you are causing trouble when you are drunk, the Greeks will probably call the police. The locals expect tourists to behave decently.

37        Ask for help

Although the Greeks may see that you are having a problem (e.g. you may be frantically searching for your destination with a map in the middle of the street), they will probably not bother with you unless you ask them a question. If you do ask for help, they will turn around with a big smile. Their philosophy is not to bother tourists and to let you make the first move.

38        Hand Gestures

A very common gesture you may see in Greece is moutza: hand extended with five open fingers. This is a very rude gesture to show disapproval and frequently used by drivers. Do not do that gesture as the Greeks will consider it very offensive.

Food & Drinking

39        All kinds of food and drinks

You will find all different kinds of food and drinks in Greece. There are, of course, international chains of fast-food restaurants and cafeterias (like McDonalds or Starbucks) in the big cities and popular islands, but there are also many traditional coffee houses (known as kafenion) and taverns.

40        Gyros
The most well-known Greek food is gyros, a pita bread filled with pork or chicken sticks, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. You can find it almost everywhere in Greece and the locals eat it for lunch and/or for dinner. You can order it as a sandwich, just the sticks or as a plate with side orders.

41        Other famous Greek dishes

The most familiar dishes you can order at a Greek tavern is Greek salad (horiatiki), grilled fish of any kind (pay attention because larger fishes are sold by kilo and they can be very expensive), fried squids (kalamari), moussaka and traditional pies (mostly cheese pie or spinach pie). Bread is almost always included in the meal and there is usually an extra charge. It is typical for the Greeks to have bread with every meal.

42        Vegetarian dishes

There are not many vegetarian restaurants in Greece. However, the Greek taverns offer a wide variety of green salads, grilled seasonal vegetables and other vegetarian dishes.

43        Greek eating hours

Taverns are usually open all day during the summer. The Greek eating hours differ considerably from the rest of the Europeans. The Greeks usually have lunch at about 2pm in the afternoon and start dinner from 9pm in the evening and lasts till after midnight. Generally, the Greek taverns do not have a specific closing time and usually closes after the guests leave the premises.

44        Greek taverns

The atmosphere in the Greek taverns is very festive, especially if the locals frequent there. The Greeks usually speak loudly at the taverns, laugh and start conversations. Even after they finish their meals, the Greeks do not leave but stay longer to discuss different matters. The same happens at cafeterias, where people take their time to drink coffee. Leisure is an important issue for the Greeks.

45        Hotels breakfast

Breakfast is sometimes not included in the hotel rates. Therefore, you can either pay for it separately or have breakfast at a cafeteria. Usually the locals have different pastries such as a cheese or spinach pie from the local bakery for breakfast.

46        Night clubs in Greece

Night clubs in Greece are open around midnight and close when the sun rises. There is usually a ticket entrance that includes the first drink. Most Greeks prefer Greek music but you will also find clubs with international music.

47        Drinking age limit

There is practically no drinking age limit in Greece. Although the legal age limit is 18yrs and 16yrs under supervision, the law is almost never observed. Some clubs and bars have signs at the entrance prohibiting the consumption of alcohol to people under 18 yrs, but nobody asks for identification when you enter the club or when you order a drink.

48        Drinking Attitude

Although the Greeks drink frequently, they expect you to behave decently even if you are drunk. Public displays of drunkenness are highly disapproved by the Greek society and they may call the police if you get too annoying.

49        Wine and beer

People in Greece drink wine or beer almost on all occasions, even at daily lunches. The traditional Greek wine is retsina and the most popular Greek beers are Mythos and Alpha. Ouzo, tsipouro and raki are also traditional Greek beverages and are frequently consumed by the locals.

50        Drinking Water

Tap water is usually drinkable in most cities of the Greek mainland, but on the islands, you should drink bottled water. Most Greek islands do not have sufficient water supply and water is delivered by tanks. This water is used for bathing or doing the laundry, but not for consumption.

Driving

51        Greeks drive like crazy

It is a common fact that Greeks are erratic drivers and the pedestrians do not always use pedestrian crossings. Always be careful when you are driving or crossing the road in Greece, particularly if the drivers in your country are more civilized!

52        Do not drive a car within the city area

First-time tourists in Athens are advised not to drive a car within the city area. It is advisable to use public transportation or taxis. There are trams and buses that will take you almost everywhere in Athens or you can take a taxi. Besides, the metro (subway) will take you to all sights you will want to visit. It is also difficult to find a parking space in the city centre. You could rent a car if you want to drive on the mainland, away from Athens.

53        Traffic Jam

One of the biggest problems you will face when driving in Athens (and in major Greek cities) is traffic congestion. This is due to many reasons but mainly because the streets are narrow and the drivers do not abide by the traffic rules.

54        Peak hours

During the peak hours, the Greeks are accustomed to having their cars parked illegally or double-parked on the side of the roads. It seems that they will take the risk to get a ticket or risk damage to their cars, while in order to do some shopping, to pay a bill or to perform other tasks.

55        Do not miss the turn

If you miss the turn, do not expect that you can circle the block and get back to where you were headed. Many streets in Greece are one way, so you may need to pass several blocks till you will find a legal turn.
56        Huge trucks, lorries and vans

Huge trucks, lorries and vans are allowed to move anywhere and at any time, even in the most popular or narrow streets.

57        Don't get upset with Greek attitude

Greeks tend to get easily annoyed on the roads. They may get bothered if you are driving too fast or too slowly. Greek drivers tend to drive fast even if they are not in a hurry. Do also be aware of taxi drivers who may be impatient and unpredictable.

58        Motorcycles

Motorcycles will never stay behind your car. They will either get in front of you or try to overtake you from the side. They will try to pass through tiny spaces just to get to the front of the traffic.

59        Horns are often used

When the traffic lights turn green, and you do not start the car within seconds, you will hear horns and yelling from the other drivers behind you. Car horns in Greece are used in many cases: to prevent an accident but also to greet someone familiar on the streets.

60        Always wear your seatbelts

Always fasten your seat-belt. The accident rate in Greece is one of the highest in Europe and extra attention is required on the road. There are also frequent police blocks, especially on the highways.

61        Highways

The national highways around Athens are in good condition, but always pay attention as drivers tend to speed up. Always conform to the traffic signs and speed limits. Usually, the speed limit on the highways is 100-120 km/h. However, some roads on the mountainsides have only one lane, many turns and windings and pass through villages, so the speed limit is much lower. Most road signs are written in Greek and English, but there may also be no signs at all.

62        Driver might overtake you from the right
There are more chances that a Greek driver might overtake you from the right (illegally) rather than from the left (legally).

63        Automatic cars

Most of the cars in Greece are not automatic. If you want to rent an automatic car, do ask it in advance from the car rental service. Do not assume that every car rental company will have automatic cars.

64        Gas stations

Gas stations are usually open from early in the morning till the evening and some stay open 24 hours. On the islands and in the countryside, there is usually in turn a gas station in the area that stays open all night. Most gas stations provide other car services. Car fuel can be more expensive in Greece. You are not expected to leave a tip at the gas station. If your destination is far away, make sure you have enough fuel, especially if you do not know the location of the next gas station. Lack of fuel is not included in most road assistance contracts.

65        Sheep and goats on roads

Do not be surprised if you encounter agricultural animals on rural roads, do be aware of these animals and you may have to stop the car to allow them to cross before you. 

66        Highway Tolls

Be prepared to pay tolls on the highways. There are many tolls on the highways!
67        Maps and GPS

If you are an English-speaker, you can easily find a detailed map of the area or with GPS. Always have them with you as you will likely need directions all the time. If you do not speak English, it is not advisable to rent a car.

68        International Driving Permit

An EU or USA driving license is valid in Greece. Otherwise, you will need to have an International Driving Permit.

69        Renting a car

You can rent a car in most areas of Greece and on the Greek Islands. You will need a valid driving licence, to be more than 18 years of age, and with at least 2 years of driving experience. Do check on the different types of motor insurance coverage and the length of time of coverage.

Public transportation

70        Athens Metro

The Metro system in Athens connects the city area and the surrounding region. There are frequent stops within the city area and can take you to all the places of interests. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks inside the stations. They cost 1.5 euros and they are valid for an hour and a half. The daily ticket costs 3 euros and are valid for 24 hours. The weekly ticket costs 10 euros. The Metro daily operating hours are 05:00-00:15. 

71        Athens Buses

Bus services in Athens are very frequent. Itineraries begin from 6 in the morning till 10 in the evening, but there are also several night buses. Tickets can be bought from special kiosks but not on board the bus.

72        Buses on Islands

There are bus services on the islands and in many towns on the mainland, but the frequency of the itineraries may vary and in some remote areas, they may be inconvenient.

73        Suburban buses (KTEL)

Suburban buses in Greece (KTEL) depart from Kifissou or Liosion stations in Athens. Make sure you know exactly from which station will your bus depart from because these two stations are far away from one another. Usually the tickets are purchased just before departure, unless there are only few itineraries to the destinations. Suburban buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and clean.

74        Trams

Trams are another means of transportation that are available only in Athens. Trams are not as extensive as the subway network and are much slower. They travel along the coast from Athens all the way to the southern neighbourhoods. Trams have two departure points (Faliro and Syntagma square) and the last station is Voula.
75        Taxis
You can find taxis at stations (called piatza) in Greece or you can flag them on the road. To flag a taxi, you should stand on the sidewalk, raise your hand when a taxi passes by and look at the driver in the eyes. Some taxi drivers may stop and allow you to board. Others will stop and you are first expected to tell the driver your destination. If your destination is not convenient, he may just leave and you will have to look for another cab.

76        Taxi trip sharing but not shared fare

Do not be surprised if you share a taxi with other people. In Greece, it is illegal to ferry separate passengers on different routes but it is a common practice. It is possible that while you are in a taxi, the driver stops to ask other people where they are going. If the route fits, these other strangers will come on board. However, you do not share the fare but each passenger pays an individual taxi fare.

77        Night hours fares

Have in mind that fares are doubled during the night hours (12 midnight- 6 am).

78        The taxi meter must be turned on

When you board a taxi, do make sure that the taxi meter is turned on in order to avoid excessive and illegal charges. Sometimes on the islands or at remote areas, there may be fixed taxi fares to certain destinations. Do ask before you board in order to avoid surprises. Also be aware that there may be extra charges for luggage.

79        Donkey and Horse rides

A lovely way to get around on the islands is a donkey ride or a horse carriage, which usually have specific routes and fares.

Health and Emergencies

80        Hospitals

There are three types of hospitals in Greece: large hospitals with all the proper equipment, small hospitals in the country towns and some islands and medical centres for villages or remote areas. If a patient needs medical assistance on an island where there is no hospital, he can be transferred by helicopter to the nearest hospital. There are, of course, private doctors in Greece who offer quality medical services and usually speak English. Private doctors usually work only in the afternoon. Prices are not standard but they usually vary at about 40-50 euros.
81        Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Greece are open during shop opening hours and are closed on Sunday. You can distinguish them from the fluorescent Green Cross. On a rotational basis, there are pharmacies open 24 hours in every neighbourhood. Outside of shop opening hours, there is a schedule with the open ones on the window of every pharmacy, but it is only in Greek, so do ask for the help of a local to show you the directions.

82        Prescribed medication and glasses

Always have your prescribed medication and glasses with you when you travel. You can get your prescription from the local pharmacies.