Greece

Population: 11 million.
Area: 131,940 square km, 131,940 square miles.
Language(s): Greek. English is widely spoken.
Capital City: Athens.
Major Cities: Thessaloniki, Patra.
Local Time: From 28 Mar 04 to 31 Oct 04 GMT +3.
From 31 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +2.
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents).
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.
Dialling Code: 30.

Passport & Visa Info
The following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different), if any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Passports
Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Holders of passports expired a maximum of 5 years issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain & Switzerland.

Passport Validity:

• Chania (CHQ).
• Eleftherios Venizelos International (ATH).
• Heraklion N.Kazantzakis (HER).
• Kerkyra (CFU).
• Kos (KGS).
• Rhodes Diagoras (RHO).
• Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG).
• Thira (JTR).
• Zakynthos (ZTH).

Although a relatively small country, Greece has one of the longest coastlines in the world—8,500 miles of it. You can get a taste for Greece and its whitewashed villages by taking an extended paddle trip on the clear turquoise waters of the Ionian sea. An eight-day trip begins on the west coast as you paddle through the Strait of Lefkada, passing a medieval castle and Skorpios, the Onassis’ private isle. You’ll paddle six to 16 miles a day exploring the Ionian Islands, and spend the nights beach camping or sleeping in quaint island inns.

The Greek government has remained strong despite the financial crisis on the most important economic factor in the country: tourism. The Prime Minister Yorgos Papandreou confirmed on Wednesday in a ceremony of the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE). Papandreou also announced a comprehensive package of measures will be implemented starting immediately. Among other things, the landing fees of Greek airports during the coming summer season will be eliminated - the only exception: the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos

Greece is a developed and stable democracy.

CRIME: Crime against tourists (purse-snatchings, pickpocketing) appears to be on the rise at popular tourist sites and on crowded public transportation, particularly in Athens. .

MEDICAL FACILITIES Medical facilities are widely available.

Arthropod borne diseases:

• None

Water- or food borne diseases:

• Travellers diarrhoea

Other diseases:

• none

Climate: Summers are warm/hot with a distinct three month dry period. The wettest season is winter when it is generally mild although cold spells can occur. Snow in winter in the mountain regions is frequent and not uncommon elsewhere although it is rare on the islands. Spring and autumn are short seasons with changeable weather.

Clothing: Lightweights during summer with light sweaters for evenings, mediumweights with rainwear for winter although heavyweights may be required for the north.