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Greece Information

Overview

Greece was the birthplace of European civilisation. The period from 700BC saw the rise of the great city states of Athens, Corinth and Sparta, frequently engaged in long struggles for supremacy, and uniting only when faced with the common threat of invasion by the Persian Empire. The zenith was reached in the fifth century BC when Athens became the cultural and artistic centre of the Mediterranean, producing magnificent works of architecture, sculpture, drama and literature.

Greece today offers the traveller the comforts of modern Europe in close proximity to the stark beauty of the ancient world. There is no denying that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. Reminders of the country’s glory are all over Greece - from Athens’Parthenon and Delphi’s Temple of Apollo, to the ruins on Crete of the Minóan city of Knossós, a civilisation reaching even further back into history.

Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean are Greece’s 1,400 islands, the largest of which is Crete, each with its own special story. The serenity of islands like Skópelos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands such as Mykonos and Páros where the worship of Dionysus, the god of revelry, continues to the beat of garage and house music. Athens’s previous glory in sports was restored when the Olympic Games returned home in 2004.

Since Greece won her independence in 1830 from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, there have been problems in the relationship between the two neighbours. Achieving a political settlement in Cyprus remains a key concern of Greece’s foreign policy. The situation seems to have improved following the accession of Greek-controlled Cyprus to the EU in 2004. Greece has now explicitly backed Turkey’s own EU application.

Author

Juliet Ferguson

Top Things To See

Explore Athens. Begin with the Acropolis rock, home to the fifth-century BC Parthenon, then stroll down to the Ancient Agora, once Athens’ civic, political and commercial centre. Do not miss the world class National Archaeological Museum, packed with ancient marble statues, jewellery and ceramics.

Discover Delphi, believed by the ancients to be the centre of the world. This fascinating pagan religious complex, set on a stunning hillside site, comprises classical temples, a theatre and a stadium. Numerous finds are displayed in the excellent Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Admire the former city-state of ancient Corinth, once renowned for wealth and elegance, immorality and orgiastic cults. Explore its temples and theatre, then check out the adjoining museum. Also see nearby Acrocorinth, a vast hilltop fortress combining Byzantine, Turkish and Venetian elements.

Visit the treasure trove that is Mycenae. This hilltop citadel, surrounded by Cyclopean Walls accessed via the splendid Lion Gate, was the powerful Mycenaeans’ capital. Golden treasure, including the ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, was found here.

Run the original Olympic race track in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics, which were staged here between the eighth and fourth centuries BC. Explore the site, then see the Archaeological Museum and the nearby Museum of the Olympic Games.

Discover the unforgettable landscape of the Meteora, with six medieval monasteries built upon bizarre, rocky pinnacles. The monasteries, which once totalled 24, were originally reached using pulley systems, but are now accessible via steps carved into the rocks.

Do not miss Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city. It is home to the excellent Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum exhibiting ancient marble statues and gold jewellery from the region of Macedonia. Its beautiful Byzantine churches are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Men should head to the peninsula of Mount Athos, an autonomous monks’ state since 1060. Twenty monasteries house some 1,700 monks. Only male visitors are permitted, and that upon prior request. All visitors can take a boat ride around the peninsular.

Explore the extensive ruins of Knossos, a 3,000-year-old frescoed Minoan Palace, home to Europe’s earliest civilisation. Finds from the site are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in the nearby Venetian-style port town of Iralkio, on Crete.

Visit Santorini’s whitewashed towns of Ia and Thira, built on a cliff overlooking the caldera, a circular depression in the sea created when a volcanic eruption blew the centre out of the island around 1600 BC. Expect stunning sunsets, black sand beaches, boutique hotels and gourmet cuisine.

Lap it up in Mykonos, known for its glamorous, hedonistic nightlife. Attracting jet setters and a notable gay community, tiny Mykonos offers charming white, cubic buildings, typical of the Cyclades, chic restaurants, trendy bars, waterside nightclubs, plus several small luxury hotels.

Invade Rhodes Town. The compact Old Town lies within an imposing 14th-century stronghold built by the Knights of St John during the Crusades. Visit the gothic Palace of the Grand Masters, plus several mosques and a 16th-century hamam (Turkish baths) added by the Ottomans.

Note: The Hellenic Ministry of Culture (website: www.culture.gr) can provide more details on any of Greece’s state-run museums and archaeological sites.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Do not miss the Hellenic Festival (website: www.hellenicfestival.gr; Jun-Sep), with world class music, dance and theatre performances in the second-century AD Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in Athens, as well as classical Greek dramas in the fourth-century BC amphitheatre in Epidaurus.

Find a beach for every mood. The best include Lalaria, a pristine white pebble beach on Skiathos, and Plaka, a long stretch of unspoilt sand on Naxos. On M ykonos, Paradiso and Super Paradiso offer daytime bathing and hedonistic nightclubs. Alternatively, escape the crowds on unspoilt Koufonissi.

Sail Greece’s myriad islands. Depending on experience, visitors can go bareboat (chartering just the boat), flotilla (as part of a group of yachts lead by an expert) or skippered. Several UK-based agencies offer all-inclusive sailing holidays in Greece.

Go windsurfing. The best places for it are Vassiliki on Lefkada, Kefalos on Kos, Kokkari on Samos, Ialisos on Rhodes, Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) on Paros, and Agios Georgios and Mikri Vigla on Naxos. Hire and instruction are available. 

Climb Greece’s highest mountain, Mount Olympos (2,917m/ 9,570ft), believed by the ancients to be home of Zeus, or scale Mount Pasnassos (2,457m/8,061ft) near Delphi. 

Hike the length of the Samaria Gorge (18km/11.2 miles) on Crete, or the Vikos Gorge (14km/8 miles) in Epirus.

Escape the sun, sand and surf. Surprisingly, Greece is also home to several decent ski resorts. The best equipped is the Parnassos Ski Centre on Mount Parnassos (website: www.parnassos-ski.gr). Alternatively try Helmos on the Peleponnese, or Vermion in Macedonia.

Get wet. The shallow, fast-flowing rivers of mainland Greece offer excellent facilities for water-based adventure sports such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Sea kayaking is also becoming increasingly popular on the islands.

Go deep. To guard against the pilfering of underwater antiquities, scuba-diving is restricted to certain stretches of the Attica coast, Corfu, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Mykonos, Preveza, Rhodes, Skiathos and Zakynthos, all of which are home to dive centres offering instruction and rental equipment.

Go underground. Greece is home to some 6,000 karst caves, the majority in Crete. Over 20 show caves are open for guided tours, the largest and most impressive being Perama, filled with stalagmites and stalactites, near Ioannina.

Get tipsy. Several of the top vineyards open their cellars to the public for wine tasting sessions, and also offer wine for direct purchase. Most of these require visitors to call one day in advance to book your visit.

Luxuriate. Greece is gifted with numerous springs giving forth thermal and/or mineral waters. Various spas and hydrotherapy centres have developed throughout the country, some of which offer sophisticated wellness centres for pampering.

Get twitching. There are 11 wetlands of international importance in Greece, and over 190 ‘important bird areas’. The most impressive include the Nestos Delta in Thrace and the Prespa Lakes in Macedonia. Expect to see herons, storks, pelicans and eagles.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Restaurant and taverna food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil and charcoal grills. However, Athens and some of the more fashionable islands such as Santorini and Mykonos have seen the arrival of fusion cuisine and so-called modern taverna fare. All restaurants have a standard menu which includes the availability and price of each dish. A good proportion of the restaurants will serve international dishes. Hours are normally 1200-1500 for lunch and 2000-2400 for dinner. Opening hours vary according to the region and local laws. Waiter service is usual.

National specialities :
• Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
• Moussaka (aubergine casserole with minced lamb, cinnamon, red wine and olive oil).
• Squid (kalamari) or octopus (htapodia).
• Souvlaki (spit-roasted meat, generally pork or chicken).
• Horiatiki (Greek salad: feta cheese, tomato, cucumber and fresh olive oil).

National drinks :
• Retsina (wine made with pine-needle resin).
• Ouzo (an aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added).
• Raki (a sharp and fiery spirit made from distilled grapes).
• Greek coffee (thick and strong, and sugared according to taste).
• Greek beer is a light Pilsner type. 

Legal drinking age: 16.

Tipping: 12 to 15% is usual.

Nightlife

This is centred in main towns and resorts with late-night bars, dance clubs and live concerts. Athens’ nightlife is among the best in Europe, with many local tavernas, particularly in the Plaka area, and ouzeris (typical Greek bars), plus a plethora of bars and small clubs in the fashionable night-time districts of Psirri and Gazi. Note that in summer many of the big clubs move out of the centre to the beaches at Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. Regular concerts and evening shows are held at the second-century Odeion of Herodes in Athens, below the Acropolis, during the Hellenic Festival (Jun-Sep). Nightclubs featuring live Greek bouzouki music are extremely popular. Through summer, the islands of Mykonos and Santorini are also noted for their exceptionally vibrant nightlife. There are some casinos in Greece, such as the Mount Parnes Casino in Athens, the Corfu Casino in Corfu and the Casino at the Grand Hotel Astir in Rhodes.

Shopping

Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear,  rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury goods and local handicrafts. The Sunday morning flea market in Monastiraki, below the Acropolis, is crowded in high season. Regional specialities include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.

Shopping hours: These vary according to the season, location and type of shop, but a rough guide follows: Mon, Wed, and Sat 0900-1430, Tues, Thurs and Fri 0900-1430 and 1730-2030. Most holiday resort shops stay open late in the evening.

Note: (a) Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture. (b) Non-EU citizens can get a refund on Greek VAT (4% on books and 18% on nearly everything else); the process is fairly complex, but well worth it. Non-EU visitors may buy goods from certain shops bearing the sign ‘Member of the Tax-Free Club’ and have the VAT refunded, in cash, at special refund points at the airport. Ask store owners and tourist information offices for details.

Climate

Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothes during summer months, including protection from the midday sun. Light sweaters are needed for evenings. Waterproofs are advised for autumn. Winter months can be quite cold, especially in the northern mainland, so normal winter wear will be required.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
10 Mar Orthodox Shrove Monday.
25 Mar Independence Day.
25 Apr Orthodox Good Friday.
28 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labour Day.
16 Jun Orthodox Whit Monday.
15 Aug Assumption.
28 Oct Ochi Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
10 Mar Orthodox Shrove Monday.
25 Mar Independence Day.
17 Apr Orthodox Good Friday.
20 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labour Day.
16 Jun* Orthodox Whit Monday.
15 Aug Assumption.
28 Oct Ochi Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

*Date to be confirmed.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are entitled to free emergency medical treatment providing they have with them a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has replaced the old E111. For emergencies, ring 166 (public ambulance).

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and bureaux de change. Exchange rates can fluctuate from one bank to another.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted (although less so in petrol stations).

Traveller's Cheques

All major currencies are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily at banks. Generally, banks in Greece charge a commission of 2% with a minimum of €0.15 and a maximum of €13.21 on the encashment of traveller’s cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1430, Fri 0800-1400. Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season. The Greek National Tourism Organisation bureau in Athens can give full details.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Passports

Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
 
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.

Types of Visa and Cost

National visa: £26.25.

Working Days Required

Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.

Contact Addresses

Embassy of Greece (Hellas) in the UK

1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 3850 or 7221 6467 (visa section) or 7313 5600 (visa helpline) or 09065 540 744 (visa appointment booking line).
Website: www.greekembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300. 

Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in the UK

4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ, UK
Tel: (020) 7495 9300.
Website: www.gnto.co.uk
Also deals with enquiries regarding conferences and conventions.

Embassy of Greece (Hellas) in the USA

2217 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 939 1300 or 1306 (consular section).
Website: www.greekembassy.org

Greek/Hellenic National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in the USA

Olympic Tower, 645 Fifth Avenue, 9th Floor, Suite 903, New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: (212) 421 5777.
Website: www.greektourism.com

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Greece are trouble-free.

Forest fires in August 2007 have resulted in severe damage throughout the Peloponnese (the southern part of mainland Greece), Attica (the area around Athens) and the island of Evia (to the north of Athens). Travellers should take extra care if visiting the affected areas.

Greece shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets. The Greek government has put in place measures to combat terrorism and has had notable success against the main Greek groups but a potential threat remains.

Travellers should maintain high standards of public behaviour in Greece. Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.

Visitors should be aware that high temperatures in the summer months (June-August) can cause forest fires, which can also result in severe pollution and falling ash.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Greece Overview
• Greece Things to See
• Greece Things to Do
• Greece Events
• Greece Climate
• Greece Public Holidays
• Greece Health
• Greece Currency
• Greece Passport & Visas
• Greece Contact Addresses
• Greece Travel Advice