Car & Motorbike Rentals Traveler's Guide Greece
Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine.
Summertime is long and dry with mild temperatures (April-October). Winter is usually rainy although the South areas enjoy gentle temperatures and sunshine even during winter months (December-March).
High Season - for the islands and the tourist resorts is from late June to early September.
Mid Season - is from April to June and from September to early November, this period is one of the loveliest to visit Greece. Tourist resorts are less crowded and the weather is mild and comfortable.
Low Season - is from November to March. Temperatures are colder although extreme winter conditions are rear. The South parts of the country even during the winter months have relatively high temperatures and sunshine days. Nature during winter months is bright and verdant. This period is recommended for travellers who seek a reluctant type of vacations.
Time Greece: GMT +2. Greece is always 2 hours ahead of Britain. 1 hour ahead of Central European countries. 7 hours ahead of New York. Greece follows the rule that all European countries must put their clocks forward 1 hour during summer and back again during winter.
The standard in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). Electrical devices from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor.
Animals from countries outside the European Union require a health certificate.
Emergency health services in Greece are good. In case you need urgent medical care (need to be transported to a hospital) dial 166 all over Greece.
Tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) visiting Greece can use the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal official document issued by their social security agency.
For travellers with chronic health problems a Medical Insurance is always a good choice for additional cover.
Before you travel to Greece contact your phone company in order to ensure that your can use your mobile device in Greece.
Alternatively Prepaid phone cards and a local number are easy to access from the Greek phone and mobile internet providers www.vodafone.gr www.wind.com.gr/en www.cosmote.gr
The Greek Main Land and the Islands have a significant number of Hotels & Rooms for Rent, which operate under the rules of the national tourism organization G.N.T.O. Travellers can also find accommodation at camp-sites, guest houses and self catering villas that operate throughout the country. Most G.N.T.O. verified lodgings offer high-quality facilities and guarantee a comfortable stay.
Types of Accommodation:
Hotels
Bungalow Resorts
Rooms for Rent
Self Catering Apartments and Studios
Guest Houses, Villas, Cottages
Camping Sites for Tents or Caravans
Youth Hostels
National Celebrations & Holidays
New Years Day: 1st of January
Epiphany: 6th of January. Sea and water is blessed. The priests throw the Cross into the sea and young men dive to catch it.
Ash Monday: 41 days before Orthodox Easter.
1821 Independence Day and Celebration of Evaggelismos: 25th of March.
Christian Orthodox Easter From Holy Friday until Easter Monday.
Labor Day: 1st of May.
Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter.
Assumption of the Virgin Mary: 15th of August.
28th of October: World War2 National Resistance Celebration.
Christmas: 25th-26th of December.
Drivers must hold a driving license issued at least one year before the rental date. The driving license must be an international driving license or issued by a European Union Member State.
The minimum age limit is 23 years for cars belonging to the small economy categories. The minimum age limit is 25 years for the advanced categories.
Citizens of the European Union do not need a passport to travel within Greece, they just need to display their police I.D. Card. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc.
Citizens from countries outside the European Union need a passport to enter Greece
Visas are not required from citizens of the European Union and citizens of Member-States of the Schengen Agreement. Greece follows the requirements of the Schengen Agreement, and allows Member State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, airlines and other carriers require a valid passport or a police I.D. Card.
Travellers coming from the majority of the countries that are not Member-States of the Schengen Agreement require a visa to enter Greece and the E.U. Further information can be obtained from the Greek Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or even from their locala travel agencies and tour operators.
Visas are not required by holders of passports from the following non-E.U. countries if they want to visit Greece and remain in the country for up to 3 months (90 days) within period of 6 months:
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
Saint Marino
Singapore
South Korea
USA
Uruguay
Venezuela