Overview

'From Eurydice to the Euro'


Greece may be the home of Zeus and his fellow Olympians, but at first glance its bustling, traffic-ridden capital, Athens, is anything but divine. Yet here, as all over Greece, are reminders of the country’s glory – 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 the islands, each with its own special story. Visit Zakynthos in the spring to see why it is ‘the island of flowers’, or the volcanic Santorini, where the blackness of the sand accentuates the brilliant whiteness of the villages. The serenity of islands like Skiáthos and Skópelos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands such as Myknos and Páros where the worship of Dionysus the god of revelry continues to the beat of garage and house music.
It is easy to forget that from this fertile land of mythology, olive groves and retsina sprang political, philosophical and artistic ideas that shaped the whole course of western civilisation. Greece today offers the traveller the comforts of modern Europe in close proximity to the stark beauty of the ancient world.

Juliet Ferguson


General

Area: 131,957 sq km (50,949 sq miles).
Population: 10,516,366 (1998).
Population Density: 79.7 per sq km.
Capital: Athens. Population: 772, 072 (1991).
Geography: Greece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. The mainland consists of the following regions: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) and Thrace (northwest). Euboea, the second largest of the Greek islands, lying to the east of the central region, is also considered to be part of the mainland region. The Peloponnese peninsula is separated from the northern mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. The northern mainland is dissected by high mountains (such as the Pindus) that extend southwards towards a landscape of fertile plains, pine-forested uplands and craggy, scrub-covered foothills. The islands account for one-fifth of the land area of the country. The majority are thickly clustered in the Aegean between the Greek and Turkish coasts. The Ionian Islands are the exception; they are scattered along the west coast in the Ionian Sea. The Aegean archipelago includes the Dodecanese, lying off the Turkish coast, of which Rhodes is the best known; the Northeast Aegean group, including Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria; the Sporades, off the central mainland; and the Cyclades, comprising 39 islands (of which only 24 are inhabited). Crete, the largest island, is not included in any formal grouping. For fuller descriptions of these regions and islands, see the Resorts & Excursions section.

Government: Republic. Head of State: President Konstantinos Stefanopoulos since 1995. Head of Government: Prime Minister Konstantinos Simitis since 1996.

Language: Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism will speak some English, German, Italian or French.

Religion: 97% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are used.

Telephone: IDD is available throughout the mainland and islands. The Greek telecommunication network supplier is Organismos Telepikinonion Ellados (OTE). Country code: 30, followed by (1) for Athens, (31) for Thessaloniki and (81) for Heraklion. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks exist. Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote (website: www.cosmote.gr), Stet Hellas (website: www.telestet.gr) and Panafon (website: www.panafon.gr).
Fax: Main post offices and large hotels have facilities.
Telegram: There are telegram facilities in main post offices and large hotels in all Greek cities and the major islands.
Post: All letters, postcards, newspapers and periodicals will automatically be sent by airmail. There are Poste Restante facilities at most post offices throughout the country. Advance notice is required at all Athens branches except for the central office at 180 Eolou Street. A passport must be shown on collection. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1400 and Sat 0800-1330.
Press: There are 18 daily newspapers in Athens including Ta Nea, Eleftherotypia and Eleftheros Typos. Athens News and Athens Daily Post are both published daily in English.

 

Passport/Visa

Note: Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide.

Entry restrictions: (a) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of passports issued by Bophutatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda; holders of travel documents issued by Macedonia (Former Yugolslav Rep.), unless accompanied by a special visa form; holders of Somalian passports issued after Jan 23 1991; Norwegian Fremmedpass or Reisbevis; Ethiopian emergency passports. (b) Nationals of CIS countries, China (PR), Cuba, Korea (DPR) and Vietnam must register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 6 months required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals with a valid national ID card and with sufficient funds for their length of stay;
(b) nationals of Monaco and Switzerland with valid national ID cards.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of the countries referred to in the chart above for a period of up to 3 months;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Vatican City and Venezuela for a period of up to 3 months;
(c) nationals of Brazil, El Salvador and Uruguay and for a period of up to 2 months;
(d) nationals of Singapore for a period of up to 2 weeks;
(e) those continuing their journey to a third country within 48 hours provided holding tickets with reserved seats and other documents for their onward journey except: nationals of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Rep. of), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria and Turkey who always need a visa, even if transiting by the same aircraft.

Note: The above list is subject to change at short notice; please check with the Consulate or Consular section at Embassy before travelling.

Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa is issued for tourist, business and private visits. There are 3 types of Schengen visa: Short-stay, Transit and Airport Transit. Contact the Consulate/Consular section at Embassy for details of prices.

Note: Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity: Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry): valid for 6 months from date of issue for stays of maximum 90 days per entry. Transit (single- and multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended and a new application must be made each time.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements: (a) Completed application form with stamped, self-addressed envelope. (b) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay, at least GRD 5,000. (c) Fee (payable in cash or postal order only). (d) Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages to affix visa. (e) 1 passport-size photo. (f) Return or onward ticket or proof of booking/itinerary from travel agent. (g) Proof of reason for visit; a letter of reference from employer and letter of invitation from Greek company for business trips; a letter from school for school trip. If self-employed, a letter from a solicitor or an accountant. (i) Proof of travel insurance.
Note: Applications can be made in person only.

Working days required: 3 weeks for personal applications; 1 month for postal applications.

Temporary residence: Apply to the Aliens Department in Athens.

Important note: Persons arriving in and departing from Greece on a charter flight risk having the return portion of their ticket invalidated by the authorities if, at any time during their stay, they leave Greece and remain overnight or longer in another country.

Money

Currency: Drachma (Dr). Notes are in denominations of Dr10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Dr500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5.

Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Greece), although it is currently only used as ‘written money’ (cheques, bank transactions, credit cards, etc). The first Euro coins and notes will be introduced in January 2002; the Greek Drachma will still be in circulation until February 28 2002, when it will be completely replaced by the Euro. 1 Euro = DR340.750.

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. Many UK banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of Greek currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards: Diners Club, Visa, American Express, MasterCard and other major credit cards are widely accepted (although less so in petrol stations), as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers 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 Dr50 and a maximum of Dr4500 on the encashment of travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.


Currency restrictions: The import of local and foreign currency is not restricted providing any amount exceeding Dr10,000 is declared on arrival. The export of local and foreign currency is allowed although amounts over Dr2,000 require an Import Declaration form issued on arrival.

Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1400; Fri 0800-1330. 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 GNTO bureau in Athens can give full details.


Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Greece by visitors without incurring customs duty by:
(a) Residents of European countries with goods bought duty-free outside the EU:
800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 400 cigarillos or 1kg of tobacco; 10 litres of alcoholic beverage or 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer; there is no limit for perfume; gifts up to a total value of Dr25,000.
(b) Residents of countries outside Europe with goods obtained duty-free outside the EU: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverage over 22% or 2 litres of alcohol beverages of 22% or less and 2 litres of wine and liquers; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de cologne.

Note: The tobacco and alcohol allowances listed above are not available to passengers under the age of 18.

Restricted items: It is forbidden to bring in plants with soil. One windsurfboard per person may be imported/exported duty-free, if registered in the passport on arrival. The export of antiquities is prohibited without the express permission of the Archaeological Service in Athens. Those who ignore this will be prosecuted.

Abolition of Duty-free Goods within the EU: On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another, (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed), travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.

Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over six months of age coming from infected areas.

2: Water quality varies from area to area, depending on the source, but in most regions is excellent. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.

Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom, but it is poorly implemented and it is an essential precaution to take out holiday insurance. Refunds for medical treatment are theoretically available from the Greek Social Insurance Foundation on presentation of form E111 (see the Health appendix).
Local chemists can diagnose and supply a wide selection of drugs. There are often long waits for treatment at public hospitals. Hospital facilities on outlying islands are sometimes sparse, although many ambulances without adequate facilities have air ambulance backup. For emergencies, ring 166 (public ambulance). Further help and advice on medical treatments can also be provided by the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) at 34 Themistokleous Street, 106 78 Athens (tel: (1) 381 6404).


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Travel - International

AIR: Greece’s national airline is Olympic Airways (OA). British Airways and Virgin make scheduled flights to Greece. Delta Airlines operate daily flights from New York to Athens.

Approximate flight times: From London to Athens is 3 hours 15 minutes; to Rhodes is 3 hours 45 minutes; to Corfu is 3 hours 5 minutes; to Heraklion is 3 hours 45 minutes; and to Skiathos is 3 hours 20 minutes. From Los Angeles to Athens is 18 hours 35 minutes. From New York to Athens is 10 hours 10 minutes. From Singapore to Athens is 11 hours 25 minutes. From Sydney to Athens is 22 hours 5 minutes.

International airports: Athens (ATH) (Elfetherios Veniselos) has been newly constructed, replacing all air traffic from the old airport. Located 27km (17 miles) northeast of the city, there is a six-lane motorway linking the two, and regular airport buses running 24 hours from the centre and the port of Piraeus. Airport facilities include duty-free shops, car hire (Avis, Budget, hertz, Europcar and Sixt), 24 hour banks, cash machines, bureau de change, bar and restaurant facilities, post office, business centre and hotel.
(HER) (Crete) is 5km (3 miles) from the city. Bus and taxi services are available. Airport facilities include a cafeteria and a duty-free shop.
Thessaloniki (SKG) (Micra) is 16km (10 miles) from the city. Regular coach and taxi services are available. There is a duty-free shop, cafeteria and bar.
Corfu (CFU) (Kerkira) is 3km (2 miles) from the city. Regular coach and taxi services are available. There is a duty-free shop, cafeteria and bar.
Rhodes (RHO) (Paradisi) is 16km (10 miles) from the city. Coach and taxi services are available. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, car hire (Avis, Rent-a-car), bank and bureau de change, café and a 24-hour bar.
There are also international airports at Chania (CHQ), Kalamata (KLX), Karpathos (AOK), Kavala (KVA), Kefalonia (EFL), Kos (KGS), Lesbos (Mytilini) (MJT), Mykonos (JMK), Preveza (Lefkos) (PVK), Thessaloniki (SKG), Samos (SMI), Skiathos (JSI), Thira (Santorini) (JTR) and Zakynthos (ZTH), most of which serve predominantly summer traffic.

Departure Tax: Dr4089, €12 (for passengers departing for an EU country) or Dr7497, €22 (for passengers departing for a non-EU country).

SEA: The major Greek ports are Piraeus, Thessaloniki and Volos, Igoumenitsa, Heraklion, Corfu, Patras and Rhodes. Shipping and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Russia. Greek ports are used by a number of cruise lines including Epirotiki, K Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa, Festival Cruises, Med Sun Cruises and Swan Hellenic. The Greek/Hellenic National Tourist Office can give full details (see address section). Links with Italy: A car ferry links the Italian ports of Brindisi, Venice, Trieste and Ancona with Patras and Piraeus. There are services from Igoumenitsa to Bari, Brindisi and Trieste; from Heraklion to Ancona and Brindisi; from Corfu to Bari, Brindisi and Trieste; and from Rhodes to Ancona. During the summer months there are also services from Ithaca and from Cephalonia to Brindisi. Links with other countries: Ferries also run from Piraeus to Haifa in Israel and to Istanbul in Turkey.

RAIL: The national railway company is Hellenic Railways Organisation Ltd (OSE) (website: www.osenet.gr). The following continental rail services run from London to Athens: Acropolis Express: London–Paris–Milan–Trieste–Belgrade–Athens. Hellas Express: London–Amsterdam–Cologne– Bonn–Stuttgart–Munich–Salzburg–Zagreb–Belgrade–Nis–Athens. Another way to travel from the UK is to take the Eurostar through the channel tunnel, from London to either Brussels or Paris, both of which have onward connections to Greece. For further information and reservations contact Eurostar (tel: (01233) 617 599 (travel agents) or (08705) 186 186 (public; within the UK) or (01233) 617 575 (public; outside the UK); web site: http://www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848). Travel agents can obtain refunds for unused tickets from Eurostar Trade Refunds, 2nd Floor, Kent House, 81 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD. Complaints and comments may be sent to Eurostar Customer Relations, Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London SE1 8SE. General enquiries and information requests must be made by telephone. All enquiries in France should be made to SNCF in Paris (tel: (8) 36 353 535). Rail passes: Inter-Rail tickets, for those aged 26 and under, include rail travel within Greece, but a supplement will be added for couchettes; the ticket does not include the cost of ferries between the mainland other countries or islands, but certain shipping lines offer a discount to ticket holders. Prices for those aged over 26 are approximately 40% higher. For passengers wishing to make multiple train journeys within Europe, the EuroDomino travel card offers reduced prices on various journeys to the destination of their choice.

ROAD: It is possible to ferry cars across to one of the major ports of entry or to enter overland. Points of overland entry are from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia via Evzoni, 550km (342 miles) from Athens, and Niki, 632km (393 miles) from Athens; from Bulgaria via Promahonas, 736km (457 miles) from Athens or Kastanies, 985km (611 miles) from Athens and Kipi, 892km (554 miles) from Athens. From Yugoslavia the route is via Italy (Trieste), Austria (Graz) and Belgrade. The journey from northern France to Athens is over 3200km (2000 miles). For car-ferry information, see details under SEA above. Bus: There are routes from Athens via Thessaloniki to Sofia, Paris, Dortmund and Istanbul. Information and bookings are available from terminals in Athens at 6 Sina Street (tel: (1) 362 4402; 1 Karolou Street (tel: (1) 529 7777) and 17 Filellinon Street (tel: (1) 323 6747); also at Thessaloniki rail station. See Travel – Internal section for information on documentation and traffic regulations.


Travel - Internal

AIR: The national airline, Olympic Airways flies from Athens to Alexandroupolis, Astypalaia, Chania (Crete), Chios, Heraklion, Ikaria, Ioannina, Kalamata, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastellorizo Kastoria, Kavala, Kefaloniá, Kerkira (Corfu), Kithira, Kos, Kozani, Lemnos, Leros, Milos, Mykonos, Mytilini, Paros, Preveza Aktion, Pyrgos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini (Thira), Sitia, Skiathos, Skiros, Siros, Thessaloniki, and Zakinthos; from Rhodes to Heraklion, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Mykonos, and Santorini (Thira); from Chios to Mykonos, Samos and Thessaloniki; from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira), Mykonos and Paros; from Karpathos to Kassos and Sitia; from Kefaloniá to Zakinthos; from Kos to Leros and Samos; from Mykonos to Mytilini; and from Thessaloniki to Chania, Heraklion, Ioannina, Kavala Kerkira, Kos, Larissa, Lemnos, Mykonos, Mytilini, Rhodes, Samos and Santorini. There are also regular services to the Greek Aegean Islands (including Cyclades, Dodecanissa, North Aegean Sea and I Sporades).

SEA: It is both cheap and easy to travel around the islands. There are ferry services on many routes, with sailings most frequent during the summer. Tickets can be bought from the shipping lines’ offices located around the quaysides. In major ports the larger lines have offices in the city centre. There are three classes of ticket (First Class, Second Class and Tourist Class) which offer varying degrees of comfort; couchette cabins can be booked for the longer voyages or those wishing to avoid the sun. Most ships have restaurant facilities. During high season it is wise to buy tickets in advance, as inter-island travel is very popular. Routes from Piraeus: There are regular sailings to the following ports: Dodecanese: Astipalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Nissiros, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, Rhodes and Tilos. Cyclades: Aegiali and Katapola (both on Amorgos), Anafi, Donoussa, Folegandros, Heraklia, Ios, Kimolos, Kythnos, Koufonissia, Milos, Naxos, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Siros and Tinos. Peloponnese: Gytheion, Hermioni, Kithira, Methana, Monemvassia and Porto Heli. Saronic Gulf Islands: Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses. Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Chania, Heraklion, Kastelli, Rethymnon and Sitia. Samos: Karlovassi and Vathi. North Eastern Aegean Islands: Agios Kirykos (Ikaria), Evdilos (Ikaria), Chios, Limnos, Mitilini (Lesvos) and Psara. Northern Greece: Kavala and Thessaloniki. Check sailing times either with individual lines, the Greek/Hellenic National Tourist Organisation, or in Piraeus upon arrival in Greece.

Routes from Rafina: There are local services from Rafina (near Athens) to: Agios Efstratios, Amorgos, Andros, Chalkida (summer only) Chios, Donoussa, Heraklia, Karistos (Evia), Kavala, Koufonissi, Kythnos, Limnos, Marmari (Evia), Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros, Thessaloniki and Tinos. Other routes: These include Agia Marina–Nea Styra; Perama–Salamis; Rio–Antirio; Aedipsos–Arkitsa; Eretria–Oropos; Glifa–Agiokambos; Patras–Ithaca; Patras–Kefalonia (Sami); Patras–Corfu; Patras–Paxi; Preveza–Aktion; Igoumenitsa–Corfu; Corfu–Paxi; Kyllini–Zante; Kyllini–Cephalonia (Poros); Kavala–Thassos (Limenas); Kavala–Thassos (Prinos); Keramoti–Thassos; Alexandroupolis–Samothrace and Lavrion–Kea. Hydrofoil: A hydrofoil service (also called the Flying Dolphins) offers a fast and efficient service from Piraeus, travelling through many of the nearby islands. Although this is somewhat more expensive than travelling by ferry, journey times are cut drastically. There are also fast hydrofoil services from Zea Marina (Piraeus), Lavrion, Agios Konstandinos, Volos, Kimi (Evia), Thessaloniki and Gytheion. For further information on various ferry and hydrofoil timetables, contact Flying Dolphins at Dolphin Hellas. 16 Syngrou Avenue, 1177 42 Athens (tel: (1) 922 7772; fax: 923 2101; e-mail: info@dolphin-hellas.gr website: www.dolphin-hellas.gr). Yachts: Numerous types of yachts and sailing vessels can be chartered or hired with or without crews. ‘Flotilla holidays’ are popular, and the Greek/Hellenic National Tourist Office (see address section) has a full list of companies running this type of holiday.

RAIL: The two main railway stations in Athens are Larissa (with trains to northern Greece, Evia and Europe) and Peloponnissos (with trains to the Peloponnese). Train information and tickets are available from the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) at 1 Karolou Street, 104 37 Athens (tel: (1) 529 7005) or at 6 Sina Street, Athens (tel: (1) 362 4402). Rail information is available on (tel: (1) 529 7777 or their website: www.osenet.gr). Travelling north, there are regular daily trains from Athens to Thessaloniki, Livadia, Paleofarsala, Larissa, Plati, Edessa, Florina, Seres, Drama, Komotini and Alexandroupolis (connections from Thessaloniki and Larissa). Travelling south, there are regular daily trains from Athens to Kiato, Xylokastra, Diakofto, Patras, Olympia, Argos, Tripoli, Megalopolis and Kalamata.

Cheap fares: 30% reduction on return fares for certain trains on specific dates. Tourist cards: valid for10, 20 and 30 days and issued to single, group and family travellers. They entitle the holder to unlimited travel on trains (second class) for a reduced cost. Prices depend on the number of passengers and duration of validity. Other reductions available for passengers residing outside Europe, include Eurail and Eurail Youthpass cards. ThirdAge Travel Cards: Entitle passengers over 60 year of age to a 50% reduction on rail travel and 5 free trips. The cards are valid for one year. Group Tickets: Entitle passengers to a 50% reduction for groups of at least 10 persons. Family Travel Card: Entitles families to 25-50% reduction on rail travel. For further information on the above schemes, contact the the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) (for address, see above).

ROAD: Greece has a good road network on the whole, totalling approximately 116,150km (72,174 miles), mostly paved. Traffic drives on the right. Examples of some distances from Athens: to Thessaloniki, 511km (318 miles); to Corinth, 85km (53 miles); to Igoumenitsa, 587km (365 miles); and to Delphi, 165km (103 miles). Bus: Buses link Athens and all main towns in Attica, northern Greece and the Peloponnese. Service on the islands depends on demand, and timetables should be checked carefully. Some islands do not allow any kind of motorised transport, in which case islanders use boats, or donkeys and carts to travel around; these are also worth finding out about. Fares are low. The Greek/Hellenic Railways Organisation Ltd (OSE) runs bus services to northern Greece from the Karolou Street terminus and to the Peloponnese from the Sina Street station. Bus information: There are two long-distance bus terminals in Athens: Terminal A and Terminal B. For information on long-distance buses, run by KTEL, from Athens to the provinces, enquire at Terminal A, 100 Kifissou Street, Athens (tel: (1) 512 4910) or Terminal B, 260 Liossion Street, Athens. Further information can be obtained from KTEL offices (website: www.ktel.com). Taxi: Rates are per km and are very reasonable, with extra charge for fares to/from stations, ports and airports. Taxis run on a share basis, so do not be surprised if the taxi picks up other passengers for the journey. There is an additional charge from 0100-0600, with double fare from 0200-0400. Car hire: Most car hire firms operate throughout Greece. For details, contact the Greek/Hellenic National Tourist Office (see address section). Reservations can be made by writing or telephoning the car hire agency direct. Regulations: The minimum age for driving is l8. Children under 10 must sit in the back seat. Seat belts must be worn. There are fines for breaking traffic regulations. The maximum speed limit is 120kph (70mph) on motorways, 110kph (60mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas. There are slightly different speed limits for motorbikes. It is illegal to carry spare petrol in the vehicle. EU nationals may import a foreign-registered car, caravan, motorcycle, boat or trailer for a maximum of six months. This period may be extended to 15 months for a fee and further paperwork. Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable for EU nationals. EU nationals taking their own cars to Greece must obtain a Green Card, to top up the insurance cover to that provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. It is no longer a legal requirement for visits of less than three months, but without it insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in Greece. The car registration documents have to be carried at all times. Nationals of non-EU countries may need an International Driving Permit and should contact ELPA (Grecian Automobile Touring Club). Road assistance: A breakdown service is available on main roads, conditions of which have vastly improved. For details, contact ELPA, 2-4 Messogion Street, 115 27 Athens (tel: (1) 779 1615; fax: (1) 778 6642). Emergency breakdown services can be contacted toll free by dialing 104. There are good repair shops in big towns and petrol is easily obtainable.

URBAN: Buses: There are several services around Athens and Attica. The terminal at Mauromateon Street, Areos Park, Athens has regular services to Amfiaraio, Marathonas, Nea Makri, Porto Rafti, Ramnous and Sounio. Trolley buses (ILPAP) and regular buses (ETHEL) have frequent links to tourist attractions and places of interest. Tickets for buses and trolley buses can be purchased from the Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) at various booths and kiosks situated around the city. For further information contact OASA at 15 Metsovou Street, 10682 Athens (tel: (1) 883 6076; fax: 821 2219; e-mail: oasa@oatenet.gr; website: www.oasa.gr).
Metro: Athens has a reliable subway system (ISAP) that consists of three major lines. The old line runs north-south between Athens (suburb of Kifissia) and Piraeus daily 0500-0015. Since 2000, the long awaited projects for a further two lines have been completed. Line 2 runs between Sepolia and Dafnia and line 3 runs between Ethiniki Amyna and Syntagma. Tickets can be purchased at every Metro and ISAP station. Information on timetables and schedules can be found from Athens Metro (website: www.ametro.gr) or OASA (see address details above).

JOURNEY TIMES: The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Athens to other major cities/islands in Greece.

Note*: The journey time by road to Corfu includes a sea crossing from Patras.


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.


Contact Addresses

Location: Southeast Europe.

Embassy of Greece (Hellas)
1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP
Tel: (020) 7229 3850 or 7221 6467 (visa section) or (09001) 171 202 (recorded visa information; calls cost 60p per minute). Fax: (020) 7229 7221 or 7243 3202 (visa section) or (09001) 669 903 (visa application forms; calls cost 60p per minute). Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1300.

 British Embassy
Odos Ploutarchou 1, 106 75 Athens, Greece
Tel: (1) 727 2600 . Fax: (1) 727 2743 or 727 2720 (consular section). E-mail: info@athens.mail.fco.gov.uk
Website: www.british-embassy.gr
Consulates in: Corfu, Kos, Patras, Rhodes, Salónikam, Syros and Zakynthos.

Embassy of Greece (Hellas)
2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 939 5800 or 939 5818 (consular and visa section). Fax: (202) 939 5824. E-mail: greece@greekembassy.org
Website: www.greekembassy.org
Consulates in: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco.
 
Embassy of the United States of America
Leoforos Vassilissis Sophias 91, 101 60 Athens, Greece
Tel: (1) 721 2951. E-mail: usembassy@usisathens.gr
Website: www.usembassy.gr
Consulate in: Thessaloniki.

Embassy of Greece (Hellas)
80 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0K6
Tel: (613) 238 6271. Fax: (613) 238 5676.
E-mail: embassy@greekembassy.ca
Website: www.greekembassy.ca

Consulate General of Greece
1170 place du Frère André, Suite 300, Montréal, Québec H3B 3C6
Tel: (514) 875 2119. Fax: (514) 875 8781.
Website: www.gnto.gr
Other consulates in: Toronto and Vancouver.

 Canadian Embassy
Odos Ioannou Ghennadiou 4, 115 21 Athens, Greece
Tel: (1) 727 3400. Fax: (1) 727 3460 or 727 3480. E-mail: athns@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Consulate in: Thessaloniki.


Country dialling code: 30.