Travel Tips for Greece

When to visit Greece?
The peak holiday season in Greece is from early July to the end of August, when temperatures are higher, and crowds of foreigners and locals alike travel to the Greek islands. You won't miss out on warm weather if you come in June or September , excellent times almost everywhere but particularly in the islands. An exception to this pattern, however, is the north-mainland coast - notably the Halkidiki peninsula - and the islands of Samothrαki and Thαssos, which only really cater to visitors during July and August . In October, for most of that month the "summer of Αgios Dimitrios" prevails, and the Aegean islands, the southerly Dodecanese and Crete are extremely pleasant. Autumn in general is beautiful; the light is softer, the sea often balmier than the air, and the colors subtler.

December to March are the coldest and least reliable months, though even then there are many crystal-clear, fine days, and the glorious lowland flowers begin to bloom very early in spring. The more northerly latitudes and high altitudes of course endure far colder and wetter conditions, with the mountains themselves under snow from November to May. The mildest winter climate is to be found on Rhodes, or in the southeastern parts of Crete. As spring slowly warms up, April is still uncertain, though superb for wild flowers, green landscapes and photography; by May the weather is more generally predictable, and Crete, the Peloponnese, the Ionian islands and the Cyclades are perhaps at their best, even if the sea is still a little cool for swimming. Note, however, that these are the historical patterns as observed until the early 1990s; thanks to global warming, recent years have seen erratic climate, with unusually cold Mays, warm Octobers, little (and late) rain, plus very early spring flowering.

Other factors that affect the timing of your Greek travels have to do with the level of tourism and the amenities provided. Service standards, particularly in tavernas, slip under peak-season pressure, and room rates top out from July to September (as well as during Easter or Christmas week). If you can only visit during midsummer, reserve a package well in advance, or plan your itinerary off the beaten track: you might for example explore the less obvious parts of the Peloponnese or the northern mainland, or island-hop with an eye for the remoter places.

Out of season , especially between late October and late April, you have to contend with reduced ferry services to the islands (and nonexistent hydrofoils or catamarans), plus fairly skeletal facilities when you arrive. You will, however, find reasonable service on all main routes and at least one hotel and taverna open in the port or main town of all but the tiniest isles. On the mainland, winter travel poses no special difficulties except, of course, in mountain villages either cut off by snow or (at weekends especially) monopolized by avid Greek skiers.

Currency
The currency unit is the Euro (€). Euro may be obtained at any Greek bank. The rate of exchange fluctuates a bit from day to day. Railroad stations, airports, and most travel agencies and hotels also offer exchange services.

Appliances
The electricity supply in Greece is alternating current, 220 volts, 50 cycles. Appliances for 110 or 120 volts may be operated by using step-down transformers of 220/110 volts connected to each outlet, provided that these transformers have two separate windings which will eliminate any danger of electric shock.

There are two different dialing systems in Greece. Tone and pulse. Therefore telephone sets must be able to change from one system to the other. Dual voltage (220/110 volts 50/60 Hz) power adapters for wireless telephone sets are required.

National Holidays
January 1, January 6, Lent Monday, March 25, Holy and Great Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, Holy Trinity, August 15, October 28, December 25,26

Average Temperatures:
Months Athens & Southern Greece  Thessaloniki & Northern Greece 
January 52o F - 12o C 45o F - 8o C
February 54o F - 13o C 51o F - 11o C
March 58o F - 15o C 54o F - 13o C
April 65o F - 19o C 65o F - 19o C
May 74o F - 24o C 74o F - 24o C
June 86o F - 30o C 86o F - 30o C
July 92o F - 33o C 90o F - 32o C
August 92o F - 33o C 90o F - 32o C
September 82o F - 28o C 80o F - 27o C
October 72o F - 23o C 69o F - 21o C
November 63o F - 18o C 58o F - 15o C
December 56o F - 14o C 50o F - 10o C

Tips on Driving
Speed limits are 100-120 km/h on highways unless otherwise posted; 50 km/h in residential areas unless otherwise posted.

Driver's License
Visiting foreign motorists should possess an international driver's license. The AAA in the US and the CAA in Canada, will issue an international driver's license.

Road signs
Road signs are written in Greek and repeated phonetically in English.

Traffic Rules
Traffic and signaling are the same as on the European continent, which means driving on the right hand side of the road. Passing on the right side is strictly prohibited. Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts. Special care should be taken in Greece when crossing unguarded level railway crossings.

Road Tolls
Toll gates exist on two highways in Greece, one leading to Northern Greece and the other to the Peloponnesus.

Car Insurance
The Motor Insurance Bureau, which forms part of the Association of Insurance Companies operating in Greece, has its offices at 10 Xenofontos Street in Athens, Tel: 32306733 and can inform all motorists where the local agents of their insurance company abroad have their offices. Alternatively, they can help visitors obtain car insurance to cover them while in Greece.

ELPA Road Assistance Service
ELPA road assistance service can be reached by dialing 104.Free assistance is provided for light repairs and is rendered by the ELPA yellow vans bear the sign: Assistance Routiere A.T.C. ELPA. Also, the Automobile and Touring Club of Greece provides all possible information to foreign motorists regarding driving in Greece, by dialing 174(24 hours service)

ELPA Offices
Athens (head Office), 2-4 Messogion Street, Tel: 210/779-1615 Fax: 210/778-6642.

Legal Advice
ELPA has a list of lawyers in the various towns of Greece who can offer legal advice at no charge on mutters concerning automobiles.

Health regulations
No immunization vaccinations are required for European Union, U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling form Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

Currency regulations
Importation of foreign currency, gold and gold coins is free and unlimited. Banknotes more that $ 1000 (U.S.) must be declared at customs.