General Information on Greece
Personal Documentation
European citizens can travel freely into Greece with just a passport and without the need to visit customs. Non European citizens must apply for a visa, and a transit log for the yacht, unless there is an agreement between those countries. Information on transit log can usually be found at port of entry marinas.
Time
Greece uses UT+2 (GMT+2) with daylight saving (+1 Hour) from late March until late September.
Nationality and Language
Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic (Ellinikí Dimokratía), is a country in south-eastern Europe, occupying the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula along with numerous islands. It is bordered on the north-west by Albania, on the north by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bulgaria, on the north-east by Turkey, on the east by the Aegean Sea, on the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and on the west by the Ionian Sea. The total area is 131,957 sq km (50,949 sq mi), of which about one fifth is composed of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Athens is the capital and largest city. The principle language is modern Greek
Currency
As a member of the European Union Greece adopted the Euro on the first of January 2001 with cash replacing the Drachma In January 2002
Electricity
The electrical supply is 220 volts and 50 Hz, some marinas 380 volts. The problem with many marinas is the variety of connectors.
Medical
All cities and large towns have a hospital and treatment is professional and good. Health centres provide cover for smaller towns and tourist spots. The E111 has been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to free or reduced cost treatment throughout the EEC. If you have to pay get a receipt.
Dentist treatment is good with well equipped practises.
Specially prescribed drugs should be brought with you in sufficient quantities, but most pharmacists are well stocked but the names may be unfamiliar.
Opticians are good and professional but it may be best to have a copy of your prescription and/or a spare pair of glasses.
Transportation and Travel
By Air. The main international airport is Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos” although there are 15 other international airports, plus smaller ones. More seaplane services are now available with flight from Patras and Corfu throughout the Ionian.
By Ferry. Greek ferries have long been the preferred method of travel between the 100’s of islands and can vary in type from small landing craft to large fast catamarans. International ferries run to Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey.
By Bus. The domestic service is excellent being regular and affordable. International routes to northern Europe are returning after the Balkan war but with journey times of several days are not for the faint hearted.
By Train. Apart from around Athens rail travel is limited. The capital does have an improving metro and tram system.
By Car. Greece has an extensive network of roads the condition of which has improved in recent years, but local roads can still be poor. Be warned Greece has one of the worst road accident rates in Europe. Car Hire is available from all major cities and tourist resorts.
For more information on travel and tourism click here
National Holidays
January 1st New Years Day
January 6th Epiphany
March 25th Independence Day
May 1st Labour Day
August 15th Assumption Day
October 16th St Dimitrius Day
October 28th Ochi (2no) Day
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th St Stephens Day
Movable
First day of Lent
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ascension.
