Useful Info
Brief history of Greece: CLICK HERE
Time Zone
Greece is 7 hours ahead of the Eastern Standard Time of U.S.A. and Canada, and 9 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time. Greek time is GΜΤ +2 hours.
Tap water
The quality of drinking water in the majority of the mainland of Greece (Athens included) is excellent. However in very few areas and certain islands bottled water is recommended. Check with your driver or with the hotel for specific information.
MAJOR HOLIDAYS
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 6 January | Epiphany |
| (Mobile) | Ash Monday |
| 25 March | National Holiday |
| (Mobile) | Good Friday |
| (Mobile) | Easter Sunday |
| (Mobile) | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labor Day |
| 15 August | Assumption |
| 28 October | National Holiday |
| 25 December | Christmas |
| 26 December | Boxing Day |
USEFUL PHONES
| Police | 100 |
| Tourist Police | 171 |
| Fire Department | 199 |
| First Aid | 166 |
| Life Line S.O.S | 112 |
| Duty Hospitals & Clinics | 1434 |
| Doctor S.O.S | 1031 |
Electric Current
The standard in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). All appliances from North America require a transformer and all appliances from Britain require an adaptor.
Press
The majority of American and European newspapers and magazines arrive in Athens on a daily basis and are available in many places. Central news stands (in Greek “periptera”) most probably have whatever you may want.
Shopping Hours
Big department stores in the center of Athens and supermarkets are open Monday through Saturday 09:00-21:00. The same applies for tourist aereas. Individual stores have their own working hours. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 09:00-15:00, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00-14:00 and again 17:00-21:00. Shops and department stores are closed on major public holidays. The majority of big firms have shops in Athens. So you can find YSL, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo etc. Coffee shops, bars and restaurants are open.
Weather
The weather in general is mild. As a Mediterranean country Greece has plenty of sunshine. You should take into account that climate differs depending on the location. It would be best to check the weather forecast for the exact location of your stay. Greece’s main meteorological data are given below.
(Source: Hellenic National Meteorological Service)
Ministry of Culture
The official site of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Full of useful information about Organization museums, archaeological sites etc. You can also get the tickets to the archaeological sites online
