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Travel to Greece F.A.Q.'s

  What is the best time of the year to travel to Greece ?

It depends on where you want to go. The best months to visit the islands are May, June, early July, late August, September and early October. Avoid the dates July 20th to August 20th which are the busiest of the tourist season, and late October because the weather gradually deteriorates. If you want to visit the mainland, then March, April, May, June, September and October are suitable months. July and August are both very warm and busy.

Passports & Visas: What is required ?

Overall E.U nationals and US/Canadian citizens do not need a visa. US/Canadians visitors must have a valid passport that will be in effect at least another 3 months after the end of their trip. For more information, please contact the appropriate consulate or embassy.

Is an international driver's license needed?

E.U Nationals: No; US/Canadians: Opinions vary. Up until recently, a valid driver’s license was sufficient but more and more car rental companies require an international one. We suggest you have one issued prior to your departure. As far as we know, only two organizations are authorized to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. In Canada only the Canadian Automobile Association is authorized to issue the International Driving Permit.

Health requirements

No vaccinations or immunizations are needed when traveling to Greece.

What is the voltage in Greece ?

220 V (pls. bring your transformer with you)

How can one spend one's holidays in Greece during the Winter period (November-February) ?

The winter months in Greece are much milder than they are in Northern Europe, but still we get heavy rains, low temperatures, strong winds and snow (in the north). The majority of the tourist related enterprises on the islands - hotels, shops, restaurants - close down, the transportation to/from/between the islands becomes irregular and weather dependent, the sights and museums close earlier and many hotels on the mainland close down for renovation and maintenance. Good destinations are Athens, bigger islands with many permanent inhabitants like Crete and Rhodes, and certain mainland areas in Greece that offer Winter activities (e.g. ski centres) or can be easily visited throughout the year like Delphi, Nauplion, Meteora, Karpenissi, Mani etc...

What should I pack ?

It depends on the time of the year and the kind of holiday you have booked. Overall, bring casual clothes with only a few informal pieces for evening outings. If you go on a cruise, ask for the evening dress code. In all cases, bring good, sturdy shoes and your hat.

Bus and train schedules to the mainland

Both these companies are owned by the state. Tickets are sold almost exclusively through publicly owned outlets.

Discounts on ferries, hydrofoils and planes

Domestic airfare: age groups entitled to discounts are children under the age of 12.

Domestic ferries: age groups entitled to discounts are children from age 4-10. Children under 4 are free of charge, when not occupying a bed in a cabin.

Domestic hydrofoils/catamarans: age groups entitled to discounts are children from age 4-10. Children under 4 are free of charge, when not occupying a seat.

International airfares: here the cases are too many to be listed under a regular FAQ list. Please contact us when having a specific request.

How much should a taxi cost ?

The taxis in Athens and big cities have a meter that starts at EURO 0,80. The minimum fare is EURO 1,50. The fee when taking a taxi from airports and ports is EURO 1,80. For every piece of luggage over 10kg there is a supplement of EURO 0,50. After midnight the tariff is doubled. You can only pay cash. Taxi drivers are not obliged to issue receipts but may be able to provide you with one upon request. The standard ride airport-Athens city is 25,00 - EURO 30,00 depending on the traffic and the time of the day.

Country codes you should be familiar with

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