Travelling in Greece is at the same time a way of becoming acquainted with the origins of western civilization. Let yourself be captivated by its historical wealth and singular modern reality. A trip to Greece is the experience of a lifetime that leaves the pleasant feeling that the world is ultimately very rich, very beautiful and very interesting.
In the footsteps of Pausanias
Pausanias is without doubt, the greatest traveller in antiquity. His many-volumed, multifarious work is the archaeologists’ ‘bible’, as by following his descriptions they have managed to excavate significant ancient cities and bring to light unique treasures.
Pausanias journeyed throughout Greece. He was the archetypal travel
writer, collecting myths, legends, traditions, folklore, as well as
information on the everyday life of the places he visited. At the same
time he recorded in great detail the layout of cities, important
sanctuaries and major architectural works, along with administrative arrangements and social relationships.
In honour of this great social scientist, the National Trail 031 in the
Peloponnese is called the ‘Pausanias’ trail’. It is an exceptional
route that starts from Patras and ends in Olympia, passing through some of the most beautiful areas of Achaia, Arcadia and Ileia. Many societies organize trips to walk the trail and in this way one can enjoy the route – especially in spring or autumn – with other nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.Flavours, colours and aromas
Travelling around the Greece of Dionysus and fine wines is a trend that has conquered the hearts of tourists. Lovers of fine wines and spirits follow the wine roads, combining their acquaintance with the Greek natural world and the ‘hunt’ for that splendid, liquid treasure.
Greek caves – the depths of nature
The Greek land is scattered with caves exceeding 8500 in number. Major geological processes have endowed the bowels of the Greek earth with true monuments to nature, filled with charm and mystery.
Some of the caves are renowned all over the world for their significant anthropological findings, such as Petralona cave in Chalidiki and Franchthi cave in the Peloponnese.
Human history has been linked to these mystical caves. Many of them were refuges for primeval man; others were important places of worship. The power of nature, manifesting itself in the silence, unseen by human eyes, has captivated all cultures. Great chthonic deities were regarded as the protectors of caves in Greece, like the mythical “Pories”, beings with great intelligence and bodily features both human and serpent-like.
Greek caves, like Melissani on Kefalonia, those at Alistrati and Prosotsani in Macedonia, the Perama cave in Ioannina, Epirus, the famous cave of Paiania in Attica, the caves of Limnes and Diros in the Peloponnese, Diktaion Antron (Diktaean Cave) in Crete, fascinate visitors with their inner, complex decoration. Stalactites and stalagmites of incredible beauty, an ‘architectural’ structure that forms halls similar to those in royal palaces, underground waters, crystal-clear and mystical, create unparalleled underground landscapes.
Many caves have been linked to religious tradition, like Mega Spilaion in the Peloponnese and of course, the famous Cave of the Apocalypse on the island of Patmos. There are also many small caves that were always considered sacred places, which have been converted into Orthodox churches, like Agios Konstantinos in the Peloponnese at Pellini .
Apart from being one of the special sights to see when travelling around this country, a visit to a Greek cave is a deeply mystical experience.
The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.
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| Milos island |
Some of the oldest European civilizations developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), so therefore the islands have unique archeological sites, a distinctive architectural heritage and the fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization.
Moreover, 58.5% of the country’s hotel units and 62.6% of hotel beds are found on the islands (2003 data). This data, in conjunction with ideal climate, safe Greek waters and small distances between ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors.
Most of the islands are found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups (from north to south):
The Northeastern Aegean Islands
Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Inouses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara.
The Sporades
Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
Evia
The prefecture of Evia (which also includes the island of Skiros), is next to the prefecture of Viotia on the east and on the south touches the Aegean Sea, on the north and northwest to the Pagasitiko and Maliako Gulf, while on the west and southwest with the north and south Evian Gulf.
Islands of Argosaronic
Angistri, Aegena, Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra.
The Cyclades
A group of 56 islands, with the most important being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.
The Dodecanese
Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Chalki.
Crete
Crete is divided in to four prefectures. From west to east there are Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.
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| ZAKYNTHOS |
The Ionian Sea has only one island complex:
The Ionian Islands
Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), the biggest islands in Ionian Sea, constitute the Eptanissa.
Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands in Ionian Sea.
The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), do not forming a group but are still of unparalleled natural beauty.
When travelling to Greece, it is advisable to bear in mind the following:
As a consumer, you are protected by Greek consumer protection law for all transactions you make while travelling in the country. All enterprises, regardless of their nature (tourist or otherwise), are obliged to issue written receipts for the total amount they receive. Possession of a receipt safeguards the consumer in the event of any claim or dispute with the enterprises. Foreign visitors must ensure that they have valid medical cover before departing.
The following is valid during your stay in accommodation licensed by the GNTO and displaying the Special Function Sign:
- The hotelier is obliged to lisence vacant rooms to customers and provide all advertised amenities.
- Within 3 days of receiving an enquiry for a room, by any means
(telephone, letter, or email), the hotelier is obliged to inform the
customer by print whether or not they accept the booking, and include
details on the booking (type of room, length of stay, price). A written
response protects both the customer and the hotelier.
- The deposit for the booking cannot exceed the 25% of the total
accommodation cost, and on the other hand cannot be less than the charge
for one night.
- In the event that the customer wishes to cancel a booking, and the
cancellation is made 21 days prior to the agreed arrival date, the
hotelier is obliged to refund the deposit in full, while for
cancellations made within 21 days, the customer must pay the hotelier
the 50% of the total cost of the cancelled booking.
- In the event that the hotelier is unable to provide rooms they have
confirmed with customers, they are obliged to secure customers’ stay in
alternative accommodation of at least the same category, in the same
town, which offers the same amenities and services as those advertised
by their own establishment.
- The hotelier is only responsible for valuable belongings
entrusted to them by the customer, and for which they have issued the
relevant receipt.
- Keeping pets of any kind in a hotel is forbidden, unless the hotel provides a designated area for pets. In all cases, a prior arrangement on this issue must be made between the hotelier and the tourist-consumer.
- The tourist agency is responsible to the consumer for all the
services they have sold, including those provided by third parties
(hotels, restaurants, car rentals, etc.), except in cases of personal or
third party liability, or force majeure.
- In all cases, the customers of a tourist agency or car rental agency must be informed by print about the terms under which services or products are provided prior to making a purchase.
1. The terms attached to the services included in the contract (cost and category of accommodation).
2. Means of transport, meals included, itinerary, information pertaining to passports and necessary visas, cancellation policy, guided tours, entry to archaeological sites and museums, other recreational services, etc.).
3. An insurance policy which will state by print that in case of insolvency or bankruptcy of the tourist agency, the consumer, above and beyond other claims, will be entitled to a refund of the full amount paid, as well as immediate payment of repatriation expenses.
In all cases, the tourist-consumer:
- Should acquire, for their own convenience, detailed information
regarding the use of public transport at their destination, especially
with regards to the cost of the journey, ticket validity and
cancellations, and recommended arrival times in advance of the departure
of the service.
- Has to be aware, when using taxis, that drivers are obliged, upon
request, to issue official receipts for the total cost of the journey,
which include vehicle’s registration number and owner’s name.
- In the event of any omission or violations of the above, you may submit a complaint or claim to the Greek National Tourism Organization, by email to complaints@gnto.gr
call +30 210 3310392, +30 210 3310716 send you email to info@gnto.gr
Call the Tourist Police: 1571
Before you travel
Before you travel in Greece, it is advisable to bear in mind the following:
-Depending on your country of origin, you might need a passport and a visa; you could obtain a visa through the Greek consulate nearest to your residence.
-Call your bank or your credit card company to let them know that you will be using it in Greece.
-The Electric Current in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor.
-In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card
(EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent
social security agency. Tourists from countries other than the member
states of the European Union must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.
-Contact your phone company in order to make sure that your can use your mobile phone in Greece.
-As a consumer, you are protected by Greek consumer protection law for all transactions you make while travelling in the country.Accommodation
Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide, as every year it welcomes more than 12 million tourists, placing it among the top ranked countries on the World Tourism Organization’s list of countries with inbound tourists (according to WTO data).Over the past several decades, alarge- or small-scaled polymorphic and modern tourist complexes have developed in order to cater to the demands and accommodation needs of every visitor.
Greece’s hotel accommodation potential amounts to around 8,900 units with a total number of 352,000 rooms.
Moreover, most of the tourist areas have a significant number of rooms for rent, which operate under the special operational seal of G.N.T.O., while more than 340 camp-sites with 30,000 spots and 2,500 small houses
are operating throughout the country. Most tourist lodgings have been
recently renovated and upgraded and now offer high-quality modern
facilities.
Types of Accommodation- Hotels: (standard type, traditional guesthouses, agrotourist lodgings, etc).
- Rooms for rent
- Apartments for rent
- Tourist residences and villas: self-catering dwellings provided in various sizes as holiday accommodations, depending on the needs of the tourists.
- Campings: organized places for camping throughout Greece
which operate under the official G.N.T.O. seal. They provide places for
tents or caravans, as well as small bungalows, while their facilities
provide a wide range of services. Places can be booked through travel
agencies.You can get information through the search form of the Pan-Hellenic Campings Association. Free-range camping or parking outside legal camp-sites is not permitted.
General Info
Here you'll find useful information for preparing your trip to Greece. We give you practical tips on documentation, safety, healthcare, what clothes to pack, currency, tourist cards, public holidays… so you're all set when you arrive. You'll find the whole list below. Enjoy!
Capital of Greece : Athens
Official language: Greek
The currency : Euro(€)
Climate: Mediterranean
Population: 11.306.183 (2010 estimate)
The country is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy
President of the Republic: Mr. Karolos Papoulias
Prime Minister: Mr. Antonis Samaras
Calling code: The international calling code of Greece is +30
Exchange Currencies
Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro. Greece, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents (lepta in Greek) and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.
Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Greek banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 14:30 Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 to 13:30 on Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays.
Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
Time Zone & Local Holidays
Time Greece: GMT +2
National celebrations and Holidays
-New Years Day: 1st of January
-Epiphany: 6th of January. Sea water is consecrated in the area of Piraeus. The priests throw the Cross into the sea and young men dive to catch it.
-Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. It is the day people begin the Lent. On Ash Monday Greeks fly kites, eat meatless food and celebrate Koulouma. Athenians gather on Philopappou Hill.
-Independence Day & Celebration of Evaggelismos: 25th of March. Military parade.
-Easter: From Holy Friday until Easter Monday. On Holy Friday evening every church decorates the Epitaph (Bier of Christ). During the procession of the Epitaph the streets of every city or village in the country are full of people. It is a religious procession where everybody holds lit candles in their hands and sings hymns.
-Night of the Resurrection: It is celebrated in midnight before Easter Sunday with fireworks and candles.
-Easter Sunday: On Easter Sunday Greeks eat barbecue lamb. The celebrations include singing and dancing all day long.
-Labor Day: 1st of May. Flower feasts all around Athens.
-Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter.
-Assumption of the Virgin Mary: 15th of August.
-28th of October: National Celebration. Military parade.
-Christmas: 25th-26th of December.
Health & Safety
In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent social security agency. You can find more information about the EHIC here
In these cases, the necessary treatment in Greece is provided by:
-Social Security Institute Health Units (polyclinics) or doctor’s offices in the region;
-Regional clinics (former rural clinics) or the Health Centres of the National Health System; and
-the outpatients’ departments of the hospitals on contract
In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union wishing to visit Greece must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.
In case of emergency call:
-Ambulance Service: 166
-SOS Doctors : 1016
-Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434
-Pharmacies: 1434
-Open Line for alcohol drug Addiction: 210 36 17 089
-Poisoning First Aid: 210 77 93 777
-Police: 100
-Tourist Police: 1571
Traveling to Greece by sea
From the world to Greek ports!
Every year Greek ports welcome a huge number of passengers from all over the world. Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Volos, Patras, Igoumenitsa, and island ports serve those visitors wishing to travel to Greece by sea. Ferry routes to Europe are numerous. Many cruise ships and private boats also put in at the country’s ports, as Greece is one of the favourite destinations in the world.
The main volume of European tourists travelling to Greece by car uses ferries that have been built recently, sailing between Greek ports and ports in neighboring Italy. It acts as a “bridge”over which several million people pass. These routes are serviced with new ships that offer all modern comforts and speeds, while proper scheduling to and from Italy provide as many departures and arrivals as possible, thus giving tourists a wide selection to chose from. In order to better cover the ever increasing demand for mobile home transportation, shipping companies have scheduled ships with specially configurated areas for campers and caravans (towed and automotive).
Travelling with these ships in a comfortable and sophisticated environment and experiencing their hospitality and modern services provides relaxation and pleasure at very reasonable prices. These ships offer various categories of cabins -from outside cabins with WC and shower to more economical inside cabins- but in every instance your overnight stay is comfortable. They usually include air-conditioning, bar, restaurants and clothing stores, as well as satellite communications (telex and fax), video games and gambling (slot machines, casino, card rooms), pools, self-service facilities, disco, cinema, children’s playroom, escalators, camping on board, etc.
Other than facilities for daily departures -which are mainly late at night- and the option to buy return tickets, passengers are assured that they will arrive at their destination on time, while at the same time providing them with an extra vacation day.
The Port of Patras is one of the most modern ports in the Mediterranean, offering modern port infrastructure, a modern cruise terminal, quality-integrated hospitality services and hygiene and safety standards. There is a connection with the ports of Ancona, Bari, Trieste, Brindisi and Venice in Italy.
The port of Igoumenitsa is one of the most important ports in the European Union. It provides 5 places of mooring Ro-Ro liners, international ferry routes, 12 piers with the ability of simultaneous mooring up to 7 ships with adequate land space.The Igoumenitsa Port Authority primarily provides ship docking and passenger and vehicle traffic services.
As one of the most important transport hubs in western Greece, the port of Igoumenitsa offers routes to Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Venice.
There is also connection between Greece and Turkey. Ferries (motorboats and hydrofoils) depart from at least six Greek islands to ten ports in Turkey. There are connections from Çeşme to Chios, Bodrum to Rhodes and Kalymnos, Marmaris to Rhodes, Ayvalik to Lesvos and from Kuşadası to Kos and Samos.
Passenger Passport Control
With the application of the terms of the Schengen Agreement in our country, all passenger ships/ferries sailing regular routes from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Italy and back (without visiting any non-Schenken third-country ports) are included in the category of ships executing domestic routes.As a result, passengers travelling in these ships, whose only destinantion is to those ports situated on the sovereign land of the Schenken countries, do not have to undergo passport control.
Traveling to Greece by train
A train journey is a romantic get-away, enhanced by the glory of past ages; it is also an extremely affordable solution, as it is standard practice to keep railway tickets reasonably priced and to provide discounts for young people, students and families.
Greece’s railway network is approximately 2,500 km long, covering the greater part of the mainland. The transportation of passengers, luggage and driver-accompanied vehicles is carried out through regularly scheduled routes that are amended every year.
The routes are carried out by high-quality Intercity-type trains (express and regular) and by regular trains (high-speed), etc). When traveling by train, it is worth looking at the architecture of the old stations along the line, most of which had been built at the end of the 19th century and are of unique workmanship and symbols of early industrial architecture.
Every day, international trains come over the border to Greece, connecting Greece’s second largest city Thessaloniki with Sofia, Skopje and Belgrade. For further information visit the official site.
Traveling to Greece by car
Greece 's road network covers 117,000 kilometres. Following the modernization of the two large national highways, the construction of a major section of the Egnatia Road, etc., driving along most of the national highway network is now easier and without problems. There are numerous gas stations, restaurants and parking areas sited along the length of the road network, allowing drivers and passengers to stop and rest briefly.
The border crossing points for entering Greece by road from the neighboring Balkan countries are Exochi Drama for Bulgaria, Evzones Kilkis for FYROM, Kakavia in the Ioannina Prefecture for Albania and Kipoi Evrou for Turkey.
The main road axes in Greece are listed below, followed by the European road number :
Athens- Thessaloniki (E 75 )
Athens- Corinth (E 94 )
Corinth- Patras (E 65 )
Corinth-Tripoli- Kalamata (E 65 )
Patras-Pyrgos-Oly mpia (E 55 )
Thessaloniki-Kavala- Alexandroupoli (E 90 )
Igoumenitsa-Alexandroupoli (Egnatia Odos Motorway)
Chania-Agios Nikolaos ( Crete E 75)
Driving Licenses
E.U. Member-State citizens may use their own national driving license, while citizens of other countries must have an international driving license together with their own valid national driving license.
Traveling to Greece by air
Aeroplane journeys are particularly popular owing to their comfort and speed. Athens International Airport is one of the most modern in the world. Providing excellent ground services, it is a particularly attractive point of entry into Greece. Athens International Airport is linked to the suburban network, the underground metro and with many bus routes that run to central destinations in Athens, as well as to the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion very convenient for passengers intending to depart the same day for the islands.
From the first day it began operations in March 2001 has won international awards and distinctions, but more significantly, it has won the hearts of the visitors who consider it to be one of the most functional and comfortable airports in Europe. It is situated 33 km southeast of Athens and there is rapid access to the airport via the Attiki Odos, a central road artery connecting Athens with the Mesogeia (Mediterranean) region, as well as through dense scheduling of the Metro and Proastiako Suburban Systems.
The airport Museum gives you the chance to learn about the emblematic figure in world history, Eleftherios Venizelos, seeing as the airport bears the name of this great politician.
Greece has many other airports that welcome direct flights from abroad. Alexandroupolis has the International Airport "Dimokritos", Thessaloniki the International Airport "Macedonia", Corfu the International Airport"Ioannis Kapodistrias", Rhodes the International Airport"Diagoras" Crete, the International Airport"Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport of Heraklion and the International Airport" I.Daskalogiannis " of Chania, Kalamata, the International Airport"Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos", Zakynthos the International Airport" D.Solomos ", Kefalonia, Kos the International Airport " Ippokratis ", Lemnos, the International Airport "Odysseas Elitis", Samos the International Airport "Aristarchos" and Kavala the International Airport " M.Alexandros ".
Islands of Greece by size
The following are the largest Greek islands listed by surface area. The table includes all islands of over 75 square miles (190 km2).
1 Crete 2 Euboea 3 Lesbos 4 Rhodes 5 Chíos 6 Cephalonia 7 Corfu 8 Lemnos 9 Samos 10 Naxos 11 Zakynthos 12 Thassos 13 Andros 14 Lefkada 15 Karpathos 16 Kos 17 Kythira 18 Icaria 19 Skyros 20 Paros 21 Tinos
Inhabited islands
- Aegina
- Hydra
- Poros
- Spetses
- Angistri
- Salamina
- Dokos
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Ikaria
- Samos
- Patmos
- Kos
Uninhabited islands
This list includes islands that may have been inhabited in the past but are now uninhabited:
- Psyttalia
- Leros Salaminos
- Revythoussa
- Moni Aiginas
- Spetsopoula
- Romvi
- Platia
- Psili
- Agios Georgios
- Patroklou
- Fleves
- Agios Georgios Salaminos
- Ypsili Diaporion
- Ypsili Argolidos
- Agios Thomas Diaporion
- Agios Ioannis Diaporion
- Platia Aeginis
- Laousses Islets
- Kyra Aiginis
- Trikeri Hydras
- Alexandros Hydras
- Stavronisi Hydras
- Velopoudrase
- Falkonera
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