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
