Greece is a country located in Europe with name that begins with letter G. Greece (Ελλάς – Ellas / Hellas) is an island and peninsula state in southeastern Europe and the cradle of European culture. One fifth of the country’s 132,000 km ² are islands in the Aegean or Ionian Sea – there are over 3,000 islands in total, 87 of which are inhabited, the largest Greek island is Crete. The island of Gavdos, 34 kilometers south of Crete in the Libyan Sea, is considered the southernmost point of Europe.

Entry

A passport or identity card is sufficient for a stay in Greece. The country belongs to the Schengen area.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate of Greece is characterized by dry, hot summers, in which there are rarely summer thunderstorms. The winters are humid and sometimes stormy with comparatively mild temperatures. On the mainland and inland, the winters are much cooler: Here it can even snow on the mountains.

Food and drink

Tsatsiki, moussaka, souvlaki and the farmer’s salad choriatiki, grilled lamb and fresh octopus – and always there: the olive oil. Greek cuisine is hearty and diverse with Byzantine and Ottoman influences, as can be seen in the syrup-soaked desserts Baklava and Loukoumedes. When Greeks eat together, all food is placed in the center of the table and everyone puts what they like on their plate.

Turkish coffee has been called Greek coffee (Elleniki) by law since the 1920s ; in summer the cool Café Frappé is preferred. Even if retsina, Samos wine, ouzo and metaxa are well known: the Greeks themselves drink alcohol only rarely and very moderately.

Cultural characteristics

Greece vacationers appreciate the friendly, unobtrusive manner of the Greeks. The Orthodox Church has an important place in cultural life, and the patronage festivals of cities and villages are often lavishly celebrated – and strangers are also warmly welcome. The same goes for traditional country weddings. The extended family continues to play an important role in Greek society, even if – as is often the case – they are scattered around the world.

Medical advice

The medical standard in public hospitals does not correspond to the Central European level everywhere. Medical care is very limited on many islands. Bringing a personal first-aid kit is definitely advisable. Headgear, sun protection and adequate hydration are important in summer.

Special provisions

• A permit from the Ministry of Culture is required to buy and export antiques!

Climate and travel time

Climate

Greece has a spring (March – May), a hot and dry summer (May – October) and a mostly mild but rainy winter (November – March).

From April / May bathing conditions prevail everywhere, the sea has warmed up to at least 18 to 19 degrees, especially in September you can enjoy pleasant baths, the sea then reaches its maximum value of 24 degrees. From October it will be a little cooler again, but the month of October is still very suitable for active holidays.

Climate December / January (New Year’s Eve trip)

Temperatures between 15-20 degrees and a water temperature around 18 degrees. At this time the weather is mostly very stable with sun. If it rains, then for a few hours, then the weather quickly disappears. Larger amounts of rain usually only come from the end of January.

All about money

Currency

The legal tender is the euro.

Money

You can easily withdraw money and also pay by card in larger shops or restaurants. However, since credit cards cannot be used for payment everywhere and ATMs are not available everywhere outside of the major cities or tourist centers, it is recommended that you bring sufficient cash with you.

Pay attention to the foreign fees that may be due with your card!

Tip

Tips are common in Greece and are expected. However, you don’t normally need to tip in restaurants, as the tip is included in the price. However, you can also leave some of the change behind. Basically 5-10% is a good choice, in taverns and taxis it is rounded up.

Other essential information

Time difference

Time difference to CET: + 1h – ie in Greece it is always one hour later than in Austria, Germany or Switzerland.

Electrical current

The voltage in Greece is 220 volts. The sockets are usually two-pole as in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. You therefore do not need an adapter to use your electronic devices.