Greece
Capital:
Athens
Official Language: Greek
Religions: 98%
Greek Orthodox, 1% Muslim, 1% other
Currency:
Euro = 100 cents
Placements: Wildlife
Hospital, Natura 2000 Lagoon, Greek Wildlife
Protection
Map
Background
Having exported chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy before most nations were
staying up late enough to want souvlaki, Greece boasts an unrivalled legacy. But
don't expect a visit there to be a sober study of the ancient world - the Greek
propensity for partying dates back to Dionysus.
From smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound -
the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred
island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the
remnants of Atlantis at Santorini.
Special Events
The Greek year is a succession of festivals and events, some of which are
religious, some cultural, others an excuse for a good knees-up.
Gynaikratia on 8 January is a day of role reversal in villages in
northern Greece. Women spend the day in kafeneia (cafes) and other social
centres where men usually congregate, while the men stay at home to do
housework. The Greek carnival season runs through February-March over the
three weeks before the beginning of Lent, and features fancy dress, feasting,
traditional dancing and general merrymaking. Easter is the most
significant festival in Greece, with candle-lit processions, feasting and
fireworks displays. Emphasis is placed on the Resurrection rather than on the
Crucifixion, so it is a joyous occasion. There are numerous summer festivals
across the country, the most famous being the Hellenic Festival (mid-June
to late September), which hosts drama and music in ancient theatres.
Climate
Greece generally has mild wet winters and hot dry summers. Winter
temperatures can be severe in the mountains and even Athens can get viciously
cold. Maximum temperatures on the islands hover around 30°C (87°F) in summer,
but the heat is often tempered by the northerly wind known as the
meltemi.
Travel Info
Flying is the fastest, easiest and cheapest way of getting to Greece from
northern Europe. What's more, scheduled flights are so competitively priced that
it's hardly worth hunting around for charter cheapies. Overland travel (buses
and trains) between northern Europe and Greece is virtually a thing of the past.
All too often, direct travel from this region is prohibitively expensive and
difficult.
If you fancy arriving by water there are ferries to Patras from Ancona,
Brindisi, Bari, Trieste and Venice, stopping at either Corfu or Igoumenitsa on
the way. In summer you can get ferries from Bari and Brindisi to Kefallonia.
Visas
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Cyprus, EU countries,
the European principalities of Monaco and San Marino, Iceland, Israel, Japan,
Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the USA and most South American
countries are allowed to stay in Greece for up to three months without a visa;
most others can enter Greece for up to two months without a visa; Greece will
refuse entry to anyone whose passport indicates that, since November 1983, they
have visited North Cyprus.
Safety
Terrorism
Greece shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks
could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets. You should maintain at
least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK.
There has been a history of serious domestic terrorism in Greece - in June
2000 the Defence Attaché at the British Embassy in Athens was murdered. The
group responsible for this attack and a series of others over the years against
Greek and US citizens - November 17 - was arrested and brought to trial as a
result of a major breakthrough by the Greek authorities in June 2002. Fifteen
members of the group, including four accused of murdering the Defence Attaché,
received substantial prison sentences in December 2003.
The November 17 appeal trial began on 2 December 2005.
Domestic anarchist groups remain active. So far their attacks, which often
involve improvised incendiary explosive devices such as gas canister bombs, have
primarily been directed against the Greek State, Greek institutions and
commercial and diplomatic interests. On 29 October 2004, a small roadside bomb
exploded in central Athens, apparently targeted at a passing police convoy.
There were no injuries and no damage to the convoy. Incidents have often
involved the use of improvised explosive devices aimed at causing material
damage.
In an incident in Athens in the early morning of 31 December
2004, the police guard stationed outside the house of the British Military
Attaché was shot and killed. The Greek police are investigating. This incident
shares characteristics with some past domestic terrorist attacks.
In the
early hours of 12 December 2005, an explosive device detonated in Syndagma
Square in central Athens, causing some minor injuries and damage to buildings
and cars.
In view of the most recent attack and the history of domestic terrorism in
Greece (two incidents in 2004 targeted UK commercial interests), high profile
British interests in Greece should review their security measures and remain
vigilant. It should be noted that Greek domestic terrorist groups have not
attacked British tourists and tourist areas in Greece.
Crime
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but you should be aware that the
tourist season attracts an increase in incidents of theft of wallets, handbags
etc. particularly in areas and events where crowds gather. You should leave
valuables in safe custody at your hotel or apartment.
Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape, are infrequent.
However there have been incidents of sexual assault and rape on some Greek
Islands. You are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of
personal security awareness as in the UK. We strongly advise lone visitors, in
particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any
time.
Local Travel
Generally there are no local travel restrictions, but you should
be aware that certain areas near the Greek borders are militarily sensitive, and
should be avoided.
Road Safety
British motorists visiting Greece and those hiring vehicles locally should
be extra cautious in view of the very high incidence of road traffic
accidents.
You are strongly advised not to hire motorcycles, scooters, mopeds or quad
bikes, as accidents involving these forms of transport are common and can often
result in very serious or even fatal injury. Note that failure to wear a crash
helmet might invalidate your travel insurance if you are involved in an
accident.
If you intend to hire a moped you should be aware that they would require a
valid driving licence with at least category A1 - 'light motorcycle` for this
purpose. Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc is
not valid in Greece. Greek law requires you to wear a crash helmet on a scooter,
moped or motorcycle.
Quad bike riders require a full-face helmet (or non-full-face helmet plus
goggles) under Greek law. Road insurance and a motorcycle licence are also
mandatory.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Greek people are renowned for their hospitality. The Greek police are used
to dealing with large numbers of foreign tourists, especially on the islands and
do so in a low-key way.
Indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated and the police have
made clear that they will not hesitate to arrest. The courts are imposing heavy
fines or prison sentences on people behaving indecently.
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even
small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment.
Driving any vehicle whilst over the legal drinking limit is heavily
penalised and can result in stiff fines and/or imprisonment.
If you are seeking employment in bars or night clubs, you are required to
have a health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities to work in
such establishments. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine
and or imprisonment.
Do not take photographs or make notes near military or official
installations. Seek permission before photographing individuals.
In common with many countries there is a requirement in Greece to be able
to identify yourself. A passport or document with a photograph on it should be
carried at all times.
In order to comply with Greek law, you should ensure that you obtain a
receipt for goods purchased. Note that the purchase of pirate CDs in Greece can
result in imprisonment.
Possession of an offensive weapon is an offence in Greece, therefore you
are advised not to purchase any offensive weapons whilst on holiday, including
small-scale weapons such as knuckledusters. There have been an increasing number
of arrests and prosecutions of British nationals in Greece this year as a result
of possession of such weapons.
Health
Avian Influenza
The Greek government confirmed on 11
February 2006, that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in swans in
northern Greece. The Greek government stresses, however, that urgent biosecurity
measures have already been implemented in accordance with EU legislation. No
human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a
precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and
other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild
birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
The Greek National Health system provides a basic medical service to Greek
NI contributors, and has a reciprocal agreement with the British National Health
Service. The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is available free of
charge through most UK post offices or through the UK Department of Health via
their website at:
www.dh.gov.uk or by telephoning
0800 555 7777 and obtaining their leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers". The
EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to
emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. You will not
be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of
a non-urgent nature. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel
and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and
that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
There are many Public and Private Hospitals and Medical Centres of
varying standards. Doctors and facilities are generally good on the mainland,
but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and after care,
particularly in the public health sector lag behind what is normally acceptable
in Britain. The Public Ambulance Service, which will normally respond to any
accident, is rudimentary. There are severe shortages of ambulances on some
islands.
Injections required
JImmunisations advised
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Hepatitis A
Malaria Not usually
Reciprocal Health Care Yes
