Travel to Greece

Greece: travel information

The best travel time

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The precipitation falls mainly in autumn and winter.

The ideas of what is meant by a particularly favorable travel climate depend on a number of factors. Pure cultural travelers certainly see the climate differently than people who want to spend a pure beach holiday, for example. The state of health or age can also play an important role. Therefore, our travel time recommendations are divided into the following two categories:

For

people who tend to be sun-hungry For people who like to enjoy the sun and the beach and who do not have any problems with higher temperatures, the midsummer months May to September are well suited. It should be noted that the climate is dominated by the Atlantic and does not know any extreme temperatures.

For people who prefer a temperate climate

For culture and active travelers the whole year is actually suitable, as there are no extreme temperatures in winter either. People who prefer a moderate climate and lower temperatures should better use the period from October to April for a stay in Greece.

How to get to Greece

Plane

There are direct flights from many German cities as well as from Linz, Salzburg and Vienna to various places in Greece.

There are direct flight connections to Athens from Frankfurt, Berlin Schönefeld, Cologne/Bonn, Vienna and Zurich. International airports are located in Athens, Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki, Corfu (Kerkira) and Rhodes.

Railway

Railway trains run daily from Northern Europe to Greece. There is also a DB Autozug connection between Munich and Ancona with a subsequent ferry connection to Greece.

Ferries, shipping

The main ports of Greece are in Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Volos, Igoumenitsa, Heraklion, Corfu, Patras and Rhodes. There are ferry services for passengers to Egypt, Israel, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Turkey and Cyprus. Car ferries run from Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste and Venice in Italy to Patras and Piraeus in Greece. Other ferry connections go from Italy to Igoumenitsa, Heraklion, Corfu and Rhodes and, during the summer months, to Ithaca and Kephalonia. Car ferries also run from Haifa in Israel and Istanbul in Turkey to Greece.

Car and bus

Entry by land takes place via Macedonia (border crossing Gevgeli/ Evzoni or Bitola/Niki), Bulgaria (Koula/Promachon) and Turkey (Edirne/ Kastanea or via Ipsala/Kipi). Bus companies offer special trips from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Greece. Due to the Schengen Agreement, regular controls no longer take place at the borders with the EU.

Travel in the country

Air connections

The national air network connects most of the larger cities as well as several of the islands.

Bus

The Greek long-distance bus network connects Athens with all major cities in the country. Buses also operate on the islands.

Railway

The Greek railway network covers a total of 2,580 km and connects the cities of the mainland and the Peloponnese. In Athens, Larissa are the main train stations in the country.

Roads

The country’s road network covers a total of 107,000 km and is in good condition. The bridge over the Gulf of Corinth (toll) connects the Peloponnese with the coast of north-west Greece.

Rental cars

For EU citizens, the respective national driving license is sufficient. The car registration number serves as proof of insurance, but it is recommended that EU citizens also take the international green insurance card with them. Ferry and water connections.

Ferries

There is regular ferry service between the ports of mainland Greece and the islands. Certain routes are also used by the much faster hydrofoil boats. On the ferries, which mostly also transport cars, there is usually a lively hustle and bustle, as many young people and backpackers use the ferries for island hopping. It should be noted, however, that the Greek ferries have a bad reputation for comfort and, above all, for their safety. In addition, it is possible to rent sailing ships in Greece.

Traffic rules, emergency calls

It is well known that right-hand traffic prevails in Greece. In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic rules applicable in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information provided here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the traffic clubs in the country concerned.

Maximum speeds

In addition to the general speed limits shown, the speed limits indicated by signs must be strictly observed.

  • Urban: in built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h
  • Country roads: there is a speed limit of 80 km/h on country roads
  • Expressways: there is a speed limit of 100 km/h on expressways
  • Motorways: there is a speed limit of 120 km/h on motorways

Special regulations

Children under 10 years of age must ride in the back seat.

It is mandatory to wear seat belts.

Filled petrol cans must not be carried in the vehicle.

If children under 12 are in the car, smoking is strictly prohibited. Violations are punished with a fine of 1,500 €.

Blood

alcohol limits In Greece there is a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 parts per thousand for drivers of motor vehicles. The same rule applies to drivers of motorcycles.

Emergency

In case of an accident or other problems with the car or motorbike to reach information and assistance at the following numbers:

Tel.: 210 960 12 66

Mobile: 0030 to 210,960 12 66

The ADAC can be reached 24 hours in Munich on the following number:

0049 – (0) 89 – 22 22 22

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of the Netherlands is:

GR

Entry and exit regulations

Tourists from EU countries only need a valid passport or identity card to enter the EU country Greece for a stay of up to three months. However, due to the accession to the Schengen Agreement on November 6, 1992, there have been no border controls since March 26, 2000. Due to the difficult parking situation, it is advisable to use public transport or a taxi. The train station for the underground lines U1, U2 and U3 is in the immediate vicinity.

Visa department of the Embassy of Greece

Wittenbergplatz 3a

10789 Berlin

Tel.: 0049 – (0) 30 – 213 70

33/34 Email: berlin@griechenland-konsulate.de

Currency and Exchange Regulations

The national currency of Greece is the euro.

1 euro (€) = 100 cents

  • Importing and exporting the national currency Thereis no limit to the importation of the national currency – the euro – but a declaration must be made for amounts of 10,000 or more. There is also no limit to the export, but an amount of € 2,000 or more must be declared.
  • Importing and exporting foreign currenciesThere is no limit to the importation of foreign currencies, but a declaration is required from an amount equivalent to € 10,000. There is also no limit to the export. A declaration is required from an amount of € 2,000.

Goods and Customs Regulations

Souvenirs

Tourists in Greece like to buy ceramics, hand-made lace, knitwear, rugs and blankets, leather items and metalwork, as well as local wines and spirits . Travelers within the EU are allowed to import or export goods for personal use without restriction. Otherwise, the EU member states are entitled to levy excise duties on spirits or tobacco products.

Customs regulations

The following maximum quantities apply to personal needs in the EU:

800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg tobacco, 10 liters of high-proof alcohol, 20 liters of fortified wine (e.g. port or sherry), 90 liters of wine (of which maximum 60 liters of sparkling wine) and 110 liters of beer for people aged 17 and over, as well as 500 g of coffee or 200 g of coffee extract for people aged 15 and over.

Perfumes may be imported into Greece indefinitely, pharmaceuticals according to personal needs and other goods up to a total value of 175 euros. This does not apply to gold alloys and gold plating in the unprocessed state or as a semi-finished product.

The import and export of drugs to or from Greece, even small quantities for personal use, is strictly prohibited. The import and export of weapons of any kind is also prohibited; this also applies to large knives, swords and sabers as well as defense sprays (including those that are freely available in Germany).

The purchase and export of antiques are only permitted with a permit from the Ministry of Culture.

Travel medicine, warnings

Infectious Diseases

There are no health risks that go beyond what is common in Central Europe. With the exception of leishmaniasis and kalar azar.

Vaccination recommendations

There are no special vaccination recommendations for trips to Greece that do not also apply to Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

Greece: embassies, consulates

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Greece embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Greece in Germany

The Greek embassy is located in a four-storey building on Jägerstrasse – in the immediate vicinity of one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin – the Gendarmenmarkt with the French and German Cathedral and the concert hall of Karl Friedrich Schinkel. By the way, there is a fine restaurant on the ground floor of the neighboring building.

Due to the mostly occupied parking spaces, it is advisable to go to the embassy by public transport or a taxi. A few 100 m away on Gendarmenmarkt – in Mohrenstrasse – is the “Stadtmitte” station on underground line 2 and roughly the same distance from “Hausvogteiplatz” – also on the U 2.

Embassy in Berlin

Jägerstrasse 54/55

10117 Berlin

Tel: 030 – 206 260

greekembassyberlin@t-online.de

www.griechische-botschaft.de

Consulate in Berlin

Wittenbergplatz 3a

10789 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 213 70 33/34

Consulate General in Düsseldorf

Grafenberger Allee 128 a

40237 Düsseldorf

Tel: 0211 – 6 87 85 00

Consulate General in Frankfurt/Main

Zeppelinallee 43

60325 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 9 79 91 20/-15

Consulate General in Hamburg

Neue ABC-Strasse 10

20354 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 4 13 24 30

Fax: 0049 – (0) 40 – 44 96 48

Consulate General in Hanover

Gellertstrasse 43

30175 Hanover

Tel: 0049 – (0) 511 – 2 81 91 10

Consulate General in Cologne

Venloerstraße 151 – 153

50672 Cologne

Tel: 0049 – (0) 221 – 9 42 03 90/-45

Consulate General in Leipzig

Mehringstraße 20

04416 Leipzig

Tel: 0049 – (0) 341 – 56 48 090

Consulate General in Munich

Möhlstrasse 22

81675 Munich

Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 99 88 67 23

Consulate General in Stuttgart

Hauptstätterstraße 54

70182 Stuttgart

Tel: 0049 – (0) 711 – 2 22 98 70

German representations in Greece

Embassy in Athens

Karaoli & Dimitriou 3

10675 Athens

Tel: 0030 – (0) 210 – 728 51 11

Fax: 0030 – (0) 210 – 728 53 35

Email: info@athen.diplo.de

Web: www.athen.diplo. de

Consulate General in Thessaloniki

Leoforos Megalou Alexandrou 33

54641 Thessaloniki

Tel: 0030 – (0) 2310 – 25 11 20

Email: info@thessaloniki.diplo.de

Web: www.thessaloniki.diplo.de

Honorary Consulate in Chania/Crete

Digeni Akrita 1

73100 Chania/Crete

Tel: 0030 – (0) 28 210 – 688 76

Email: aganros@otenet.gr

Honorary Consulate in Igoumenitsa

Pythagora & Agiou Georgiou-Ladochori

46100 Igoumenitsa

Tel: 0030 – (0) 26650 – 253 35

E-Mail: HK-igoumenitsa@linos-travel.gr

Honorary Consulate in Heraklion/Crete

Dikeossinis-Straße 7

71202 Iraklion, Crete

Tel: 0030 – (0) 28 810 – 22 62 88

Email: honkons@her.forthnet.gr

Honorary Consulate in Corfu

Kapodistriou 23

49100 Corfu

Tel: 0030 – (0) 26610 – 368 16

E-Mail: gisdakis@infoware.gr

Honorary Consulate in Rhodes

Amerikis 55

85100 Rhodes

Tel: 0030 – (0) 2410 – 371 25

E-Mail: dgiortso@otenet.gr

Honorary Consulate in Patras

Odos Mesonos 98

262 21 Patras

Tel: 0030 – (0) 2610 – 22 19 43

Email: abageo@otenet.gr

Honorary Consulate in Samos

Themistokli-Sofouli & Grammou-Str. 2

831 00 Samos

Tel. & Fax: +30 – 2273 023 657

Mobile: +30 – 699 770 9302

E-Mail: myliotis@gmail.com, samos@hk-diplo.de

Opening times: daily 10: 30-12: 30 Clock

Honorary Consulate in Volos

Konstanta 154

38221 Volos

Tel: 0030 – (0) 24210 – 359 88

E-Mail: paparizos.g@dsvol.gr

Austrian representations in Greece

Embassy in Athens

4, Vass. Sofias

10674 Athens

Tel: 0030 – (0) 210 – 725 72 70

Email: athen-ob@bmaa.gv.at

Web: www.aussenministerium.at/athen

Other honorary consulates are located in: Athens, Heraklion/Crete, Hermoupolis, Patras, Rhodes and Thessaloniki

Representations of Greece in Austria

Embassy in Vienna

Argentinierstrasse 14

1040 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 506 15

Email: gremb@griechischebotschaft.at

Web: www.griechische-botschaft.at

Honorary Consulate General in Salzburg

Innsbrucker Bundesstrasse 111

5020 Salzburg

Tel: 0043 – (0) 662 – 44 845 111

Swiss representations in Greece

Embassy in Athens

Iassiou 2

115 21 Athens

Tel: 0030 – (0) 210 – 723 03 64

Email: ath.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/athens

Consulate in Corfu

Agion Panton 1

491 00 Corfu

Tel: 0030 – (0) 266 104 31 64

E-Mail: korfu@honorarvertretung.ch

Consulate in Patras

Ermou 15

262 21 Patras

Tel: 0030 – (0) 261 027 76 88

E-Mail: patras@honorarvertretung.ch

Consulate in Rhodes

c/o Hellenic Island Services

Grigoriou Seferi 108

851 00 Rhodes

Tel: 0030 – (0) 224 107 36 90

E-Mail: rhodos@honorarvertretung.ch

Consulate in Thessaloniki

Leoforos Nikis 47

546 22 Thessaloniki

Tel: 0030 – (0) 231 028 22

14/15 E-Mail: thessaloniki@honorarvertretung.ch

Representations of Greece in Switzerland

Embassy in Bern

Weltpoststrasse 4

3000 Bern 15

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 356 14 14

Consulate General in Geneva

Rue Pedro Meylan 1

1208 Geneva

Tel: 0041 – (0) 22 – 735 73 90

Email: consulate.greece@ties.itu.int

Consulate in Lugano

Via Frasca 10

6900 Lugano

Tel: 0041 – (0) 91 – 912 31 26

Email: studio@masoniavv.ch

Consulate General in Zurich

Bellerivestrasse 67

8034 Zurich

Tel: 0041 – (0) 44 – 388 55 77

Email: grconszh@mpx.ch

Travel to Greece