Greece Overview

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Modern Greek. English is also widely understood by most, especially in the major metropolises. French, Italian, and German are also known.

When to Go: There are three types of climate experienced in Greece - Mediterranean, Alpine, and Temperate. The mountainous areas of north-western Greece and central Peloponnese, and anywhere the Pindus mountain range extends to, experiences Alpine climates. Temperate climates are experience in Central and East Macedonia, and in Thrace. This type of weather is characterised by cold and damp winters, and hot and dry summers. The Mediterranean type of climate experiences mild and wet winters along with hot and dry summers. Athens itself is caught in a transitional state between Temperate and Mediterranean types, with the northern suburbs experiencing the former, and the southern suburbs the latter. It even occasionally snows in Athens. The best time to visit Greece depends on the areas you are visiting, but is usually said to be in either spring (May and June) or autumn (September and October), when no region is too cold or too hot. It is from mid-June to August that the tourist high season is however, and partying on the islands is at its most frenzied. Winter is the best time to visit only if you enjoy almost absolute tranquillity. Expect cloudy skies and chilly winds, and all the party hubs on the islands to be closed.

Local Transport: Greece has an efficient system of public transportation and widespread infrastructure (excepting trains), making it easy and quite inexpensive (when compared to other EU countries) to get anywhere in the country.

Car: While renting a car is a good option for getting from place to place on the mainland or the main islands, it can be dangerous on the twisty mountainous roads and with the locals’ well-earned reputation of risky driving. Parking in major cities is also a serious problem.

Bus: Buses are a much cheaper alternative than cars, and provide great connectivity. However, the frequency of buses to lesser known destinations is quite low, so you may have to plan your itinerary well in advance to avoid delays. Buses are also not known for their punctuality, and arrive before the scheduled time as often as after. KTEL is the national provider, and serves almost every destination in the country.

Train: Trains, while inexpensive and comfortable, have limited connectivity, but the national rail system (OSE) is being quickly modernised and expanded, with effects already visible on popular routes.

Taxi: Taxis are another option within cities, and to and fro major tourist spots. However, do expect taxi drivers in large cities, especially Athens, to refuse to take you if they do not feel like it.

Boat: Ferries are a vital link between all the islands of Greece and the mainland, as well as between coastal towns. Except in winter (when the seas are rough), the ferries are considered to be reliable and frequent, but it is advised to book in advance if you are travelling in tourist high season, or during a national holiday. Piraeus (in Athens) is the central port, with Rafina and Lavrio also sharing a significant portion of the traffic, with routes radiating out from them to various other islands. Note, do not expect daily connections between any two island groups, and always check in advance.

Plane: Greece has two domestic carriers, the state-owned Olympic Airlines, and the private Aegean Airlines. Both of them have extensive route-networks, and are great ways to travel between major destinations. They are obviously much more expensive than any other form of transport, but can be worth it if you need to get anywhere in a hurry, or are fitting many destinations in a short stay.

Walking: A great way to explore the major cities, you can also easily get from place to place on most islands, as they are quite small and densely populated.

Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 70 Indian Rupees (INR)

Voltage: 220V - 240V

Time Zone: GMT+2 hour. IST -3:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+3 hours

Phone Code: +30