Visiting Greece: practical information

Tourism is one of the most important industries in Greece, and as a consequence, visitors to the country are well catered for: transport networks are relatively efficient, there are banks and exchange facilities in all the main tourist centres, and telecommunications have improved dramatically. in recent years. The country’s warm climate, coupled with the laid-back attitude of its people, are conducive to a laid-back vacation, and it’s usually best to adopt the follow-through philosophy. In summer, almost everything closes for a few hours after lunch and reopens later when the air cools and Greece comes to life.

when to visit

The tourist season in Greece, from the end of June to the beginning of September, is the hottest and most expensive time to visit, as well as being very crowded.

December to March are the coldest and rainiest months, with reduced public transport facilities and many hotels and restaurants closed for the winter. Spring is a great time to visit; there are fewer tourists, and the weather and countryside are at their best.

Tourist information

Tourist information is available in many cities and towns in Greece, from government-run EOT offices (Ellinikos Organismos Tourismou), tourist offices run by municipalities, the local tourist police, or private travel agencies. However, visitors should be aware that not all information published by the EOT is reliable or up-to-date.

opening hours

Opening hours tend to be imprecise in Greece, varying from day to day, season to season, and location to location. To avoid disappointment, visitors are advised to confirm the opening hours of the sites covered in this chapter once they arrive in the country.

All post offices and banks, and most shops, offices, state museums, and archaeological sites are closed on public holidays. Some facilities may also be closed on local holidays.

The main public holidays in Greece are as follows: January 1, March 25, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25 and 26.

The climate of Greece

On the mainland, summers are very hot, while spring and fall generally bring milder but more humid weather. In winter, rainfall is maximum everywhere. Mountainous regions often get heavy snowfall, but around Athens, temperatures rarely drop below freezing. On all the islands, the trend is for long, dry summers and mild but rainy winters.