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Greece remains one of the world’s premier destinations for travelers. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple looking for a romantic destination or a family searching for a relaxing beach resort, a vacation in Greece is always a good idea. So what do you need to know before you go? Planning ahead has always been advisable for any trip, so make sure you read up on the essential information for making the most out of your trip with less worries.
Geographical location
Greece officially the Hellenic Republic, is located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula. Greece shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east.
Basics at a glance
Area: 131,957 km2 Length of coastline: 13,676 km Population: 10,413,982 (2023 estimate) Climate: Mediterranean Time Zone: GMT +2 Official language: Greek (The English speaking visitor will encounter no significant language problem as English is the most widely studied and understood foreign language in the country) Government: Unitary parliamentary republic Capital city: Athens Currency: Euro (€) (EUR) Calling code: +30 Driving side: Right Electricity: 230 volt / 50 hertz (Europlug, Schuko)
Emergency numbers
Medical emergency service: 166 Police: 100 Tourist Police: 1571 Fire department: 199 European emergency number: 112 Poisoning first aid: 210 77 93 777 Coast Guard: 108
Public Holidays
.New Year’s Day: January 1Â
.Epiphany: January 6Â
.Ash Monday: The 41st day before Orthodox Easter: Movable holiday
.Independence Day: March 25 Â
.Holy Friday: Movable holiday
.Orthodox Easter Sunday and Monday: Movable holiday
.Labor Day: May 1Â
.Pentecost Sunday & Pentecost Monday: Movable holiday
.Assumption of the Virgin Mary: August 15
.Ohi (No) Day: October 28Â
.Christmas: December 25
.Boxing Day: December 26
Entry requirements
-You will need your national ID card to enter Greece, if your country of origin is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement.
-You will need a Visa in the case that your country is not a member of the Schengen Agreement.
-You will need a Passport, if your country of origin is one of the following non-EU countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.
For detailed regulations applied to your country, refer to the Greek Ministry for Foreign Affairs
-Animals (pets) require a valid health certificate to enter the country.
Health & Safety issues
If your country of origin is an EU member-state make sure you are a holder of the European Health Card (EHIC) which offers access to free health treatment in public hospitals in Greece.
If your country of origin is not an EU member-state, make sure you have consulted your social security agency for information before travelling.
Sun and heat pose risks that summer visitors should take precautions for, especially in July and August which are the hottest months of the year and the temperature may rise to over 40°C. Wear light clothing, take a good sun hat and sun glasses, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 12:00 and 17:00.
Transportation
By air
International Airports
.Athens International Airport (ATH)
.Alexandroupolis (AXD)
.Zante (Zakynthos) (ZTH)
.Heraklion (HER)
.Thessaloniki (SKG)
.Kavala (KVA)
.Kalamata (KLX)
.Corfu (CFU)
.Kefalonia (EFL)
.Kos (KSG)
.Lesvos (MJT)
.Lemnos (LXS)
.Rhodes (RHO)
.Samos (SMI)
.Chania (CHQ)
National Airports
Astypalaia (JTY)
Volos, Nea Aghialos (VOL)
Ikaria (JIK)
Ioannina (IOA)
Kalymnos (JKL)
Karpathos (AOK)
Kassos (KSJ)
Kastellorizo (KZS)
Kastoria (KSO)
Kozani (KZI)
Kythera (KIT)
Leros (LRS)
Milos (MLO)
Mykonos (JMK)
Naxos (JNX)
Paros (PAS)
Patra, Araxos (GPA)
Preveza, Aktion (PVK)
Santorini (JTR)
Skiathos (JSI)
Skyros (SKU)
Sitia (JSH)
Syros (JSY)
Chios (JKH)
By sea
The Greek fleet is consisting of all types of vessels (passengers ships, ferry boats, so-called “Flying Catamarans” and hydrofoils dubbed “Flying Dolphins”) serving many of the major islands.
Aegean and Argosarosikos islands and Crete are linked mainly with the port of Piraeus (port code: GRPIR) and Rafina. Ionian Islands are linked with Patras, Killinis, Igoumenitsa and Astakos port.
By train
Greece’s railway network is approximately 2,500 km long, covering the greater part of the mainland. Trains in Greece are operated by www.hellenictrain.gr
By bus
The long-distance buses and those on the islands are operated by KTEL (coaches). All the major towns are connected to Athens and Thessaloniki.
By car
Greece can be entered by car from any of its land neighbors. The border crossing points through which one can enter Greece by car are: From Bulgaria – Promachonas (Serres regional unit) Exochi (Drama regional unit) Nymfaia (Rhodope regional unit) Ormenio (Evros regional unit); from North Macedonia – Evzones (Kilkis regional unit); from Albania – Kakavia (Ioannina regional unit); Krystallopigi (Florina regional unit) and from Turkey – Kipi, Kastanies (Evros regional unit).
Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead!
