Welcome to Greece

Greece is the kind of destination you go to once and dream forever about returning. Its artful ambience is made for pure fun and relaxation, from its sun-bleached beaches to its olive groves and white-washed villages.

Heed the call of ancient civilizations on the mainland, visiting Athens and its Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora. In Olympia, visit the site of the original Olympic Games, dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. Then it’s on to the Greek Isles, picture-perfect islands full of boisterous locals and visitors enjoying coffee and ouzo and ambling through sunny squares together.

On Mykonos, dance all night long, and in Delos, take a serious history moment in the mystical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. In the isles or on the mainland, eat to your heart’s content – there are honeyed cheese, crumbly feta, briny olives, savory breads and seafood aplenty. From Crete’s rugged Samaria Gorge to off-the-beaten path islands like Icaria, Greece is worth rejoicing.

Unique Facts

• You won’t run out of islands to visit in the Greek isles – there are more than 6,000 of them, 227 inhabited, and each with its own culture and landscape.
• You won’t run out of historical sites, either – Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sixteen of the sites are based on cultural criteria, while two – Mount Athos and Meteora – are based on cultural and natural significance.
• On Santorini, you can wiggle your toes in black, white and red beaches.
• Ikaria, Greece, is one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live the longest.
• Greece is the world’s third leading producer of olives. There are some olive trees here that were planted in the 13^th century are still producing.

Language

Greece’s official language is Greece.

When To Go

The best time to go to Greece is late spring (March through May) and early autumn (September through November), when the crowds are fewer. The fall is lovely, though sometimes rainy, but the sea remains warm.

Airports

Athens El. Venizelos Airport
International Airport of Thessaloniki

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None if staying 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Greece: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

The most efficient means of traveling around the country are airplanes and ferries. Athens has a modern subway system and a less-reliable bus system. On the islands, choose public bus service or rent a car.

Driver’s License

A US driver’s license and an international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Athens
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue
10160 Athens, Greece
Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +30 210 729-4444 or +30 210 729-4301
Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313
athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Office (Akropolis)
Aikaterini Papadopoulou
18-20, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens
Tel: +30 210 33 10 711, +30 210 3310392, +30 210 3310716, +30 210 3310347

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The rate of crimes against tourists is high at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, including pickpocketing and purse snatching. Be cautious of your belongings and your surroundings. Do not leave belongings unattended.