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F.A.Q.

FAQ - United-Hellas.com Greek Business & Travel Portal in Greece

 
  1. How can I contact a business that is presented in United-Hellas.com?
  2. Does the www.United-Hellas.com portal collaborate with hotels, car rental agencies or travel agencies?
  3. How can I make a reservation?
  4. How can I find out about special vacation offers in Greece?
  5. How can I find out about vacation packages in Greece?
  6. How can I rent a car in Greece?
  7. What do I need to drive in Greece?
  8. What are the basic rules and regulations for driving in Greece?
  9. If I rent a car in Greece, can it be delivered and collected at the airport or port?
  10. Where can I get information about honeymoon packages?
  11. Can I have my wedding on a Greek island without having to deal with all the planning and documentation?
  12. Which time of the year is best for budget vacations in Greece?
  13. What kind of weather does Greece have?
  14. What is the best time of the year for vacationing on the Greek Islands?
  15. What kind of clothing should I pack for my vacation in Greece?
  16. Must I wear specific apparel to visit the monasteries in Greece?
  17. Where can I find a map of the area I want to go to on vacation in Greece?
  18. Which credit cards are accepted in Greece? Are travellers' cheques accepted, as well?
  19. Do the hotels in Greece have sufficient facilities and amenities?
  20. What kind of water do the swimming pools have at the hotels in Greece?
  21. Can I bring my pet to Greece?
  22. Are there mosquitos or other insects on the Greek islands? Do hotels in Greece provide insect repellent creams or devices?
  23. Which Greek islands are best for winter vacations?
  24. What is the tipping ‘policy' in Greece?
  25. Are there hospitals on the Greek islands?
  26. Is the water drinkable in Greece?
  27. What is the currency of Greece?
  28. What is the power voltage in Greece?
  29. I'm a citizen of the EU. Do I need a passport to travel to Greece?
  30. I'm a non-EU national. What documents must I have in order to stay in Greece?
  31. Should I be concerned about crime or terrorism in Greece?
  32. Do I need traveller ' s insurance during my stay in Greece?
  33. Can I acquire a mobile phone in Greece?
  34. How can I communicate with others in Greece? Apart from Greek, is there another language that is widely spoken in Greece?
  35. What is the best time to visit the archaeological, historical and natural sites in Greece?
  36. I take prescribed medication. What do I need to bring with me to Greece?
  37. What is VAT?
  38. I'm making a transatlantic trip to come to Greece. How can a recover from jet lag?
  39. I ' m a vegetarian / my religion prohibits the consumption of some particular foods. Will I find foods in Greece that cover my dietary needs?
  40. I'm bringing my laptop computer with me. Is there good internet access in Greece?
  41. Is Greece a vacation destination where I can easily travel with my children?
  42. Is Greece a good destination for gay / lesbian tourism?
  43. Behaviour and etiquette of Greeks – What should I be aware of in regards to my behaviour in Greece?
  44. How can I contact my country's embassy or consulate in Greece?
  45. How can I travel in Greece?
  46. Can you tell me some words and phrases that will help me during my stay in Greece?
  47. Where can I find foreign press and magazines in Greece?
  48. Which traditional Greek dishes do you recommend I try during my stay in Greece?
  49. I am a music aficionado and would like to purchase some cds with good Greek music. Which composers and singers do you recommend?
  50. Which are the sites and attractions I shouldn't miss touring during my stay in Greece?
 
1. How can I contact a business that is presented in United-Hellas.com?
Select the general category you are interested in from the main menu on the left. Then choose the business you want from the list provided for the particular category. By clicking on the name of the business, you will be directed to its web site. Select the “Contact” or “Contact & Reservations” category from the web site's menu. Complete as many fields as possible on the contact form, mentioning what you are interested in. The person in charge of contacts will answer all your questions.
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2. Does the www.United-Hellas.com portal collaborate with hotels, car rental agencies or travel agencies?
The www.United-Hellas.com portal presents hotels, car rental agencies and travel agencies that provide travel services, accommodation and car rental services in various regions in Greece. The www.United-Hellas.com portal has no other collaboration with these businesses other than presenting and promoting them via said portal. You can, though, directly contact the business that interests you by e-mail, fax or phone. How can you do this? Select the general category you are interested in from the main menu on the left (eg. travel agencies). Then, choose from the list that is presented for the specific category. Click on the name of the business you desire and you will be directed to its web site. Select the “Contact” or “Contact & Reservations” category from the web site's menu. Complete as many fields as possible on the contact form, stating what you are interested in. The person in charge of contacts will contact you.
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3. How can I make a reservation?
Select the “All Travel Destinations” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit. On the area's page, click on the “Accommodation” category and you will be provided with a list of hotels and lodgings in the area. Click on the name of the hotel or lodging you desire and you will be directed to its web site. Select the “Contact” or “Contact & Reservations” category from the web site's menu. Complete as many fields as possible on the contact form, expressing your interest in accommodation. The person in charge of contacts and reservations of the hotel or lodging will contact you.
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4. How can I find out about special vacation offers in Greece?
Every business presents its own special offers in its web site. Select the “All Travel Destinations” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit. Click on the category you are interested in (eg. Accommodation, Travel Agencies, etc), and you will be provided with a list of businesses in the area. Click on the name of the business you desire and you will be directed to its web site. Special offers are usually presented on the home page or on the accommodation page near the price list.
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5. How can I find out about vacation packages in Greece?
In most travel agency web sites, you will find many vacation packages that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Select the “Travel Agencies” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and click on the name of the travel agency you desire. You will be directed to its web site where you will be informed of the Greece vacation packages it provides.
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6. How can I rent a car in Greece?
The car rental agencies presented in the www.United-Hellas.com portal have a great deal of experience in the rent a car field and provide cars of all categories. Select the “Car Rentals” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and click on the name of the car rental agency you desire. You will be directed to its web site where you will be informed of its services and rental car fleet.
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7. What do I need to drive in Greece?
It is necessary that you hold an International Driver's Permit that has its front cover written in all European languages. You can acquire this type of permit from authorized travel associations. It is valid in most countries in the world and should be accompanied by your valid driver's license.
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8. What are the basic rules and regulations for driving in Greece?
Driving in Greece is done on the right side of the road, and therefore the steering wheel and the driver are on the left side of the car. Driving behaviour is the same as in the US and Europe. When driving, always apply the right of way. Passing on the right is prohibited for safety reasons. On highways with at least 2 lanes, driving in the right lane is recommended, allowing cars going at high speed in the left lane. The car coming into roundabouts has the right of way, unless there is a stop sign indicating otherwise. Athens has a traffic zone that is applied from Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 20:00 and Friday from 07:00 to 15:00. On days with an odd number, only cars whose license plates end in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can circulate within the traffic zone, while on days with an even number, only cars whose license plates end in an even number 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) can circulate within the traffic zone. This traffic zone doesn't apply to drivers who hold driver's licenses that have been issued outside Greece. In Athens there are public bus and trolley lanes, and entrance to any other type of vehicle is prohibited, except for turning onto another street. Finally, most road signs are in both Greek and Latin charaters, facilitating drivers from all over the world.
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9. If I rent a car in Greece, can it be delivered and collected at the airport or port?
Most car rental agencies in Greece provide delivery and collection services at the airport and/or port in their area. Select the “Car Rentals” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and click on the name of the car rental agency you desire. You will be directed to its web site, where it mentions if it offers delivery and collection services at the airport and/or port in its area.
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10. Where can I get information about honeymoon packages?
There are many professional travel agencies and hotels that provide comprehensive honeymoon packages in Greece. Select the “Weddings & Honeymoons” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and click on the name of the travel agency or hotel you desire. You will be directed to its web site where you will be informed of the honeymoon packages it offers and the services included.
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11. Can I have my wedding on a Greek island without having to deal with all the planning and documentation?
Most travel agencies and hotels that handle wedding organization and honeymoon accommodation on the Greek Islands also deal with the planning and documentation. Of course, you will have to suppy some documents from the proper authorites in your area, about which your hotel or travel agency will inform you. As far as the hotel accommodation and wedding receptions are concerned, you can leave all matters up to the wedding planner or give them your own guidelines as to the menu, decorations, music, etc. Select the “Weddings & Honeymoons” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and click on the name of the travel agency or hotel you desire and you will be directed to its web site.
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12. Which time of the year is best for budget vacations in Greece?
You will find budget accommodation offers in Greece all year round, except for the high tourist season from June to August. Many hotels offer special accommodation prices for the low and middle tourist seasons. Select the “All Travel Destinations” category from the main menu on the left. Then choose the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit. A list of hotels and lodgings in the area will appear, with icons that signify their categories. For more information special prices and budget accommodation offers, click on the name of the hotel or lodging you desire and you will be directed to its web site.
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13. What kind of weather does Greece have?
The weather in Greece is mild all year long, making it an ideal destination for vacations during any season. Of course, every area has its own climate, depending on its geographical characteristics and its location. For more information concerning the weather in Greece, click on the “Weather in Greece ” link on the lower right side of this page.
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14. What is the best time of the year for vacationing on the Greek Islands?
It depends on the type of vacation you desire. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best that you come to the Greek Islands from April to June or in September, when the weather is very pleasant and visitors are few. On the other hand, if you prefer vacationing with the crowds, July and August are the best months to visit the Greek Islands, when they are packed with tourists from Greece and abroad.
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15. What kind of clothing should I pack for my vacation in Greece?
The weather in Greece is typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you are coming to Greece in the summer, you should pack light clothes, preferably cotton, a light jacket for cool evenings, as well as a hat and sun glasses, which you should always wear on the beach and while touring the sites. If you are vacationing in spring or autumn, we suggest packing warmer clothes, such as jackets, long-sleeve shirts and long pants. The sun in Greece is strong in spring and autumn, so you should bring a hat and sunglasses. For those who plan to come in winter, we recommend packing warm clothes, a heavy coat and appropriate shoes. If you are spending your vacation in the mountainous regions and the winter tourist resorts, don't forget to bring a scarf, gloves and a ski cap.
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16. Must I wear specific apparel to visit the monasteries in Greece?
When you visit churches and monasteries, you must wear the appropriate clothing; long dresses, long skirts and shirts with sleeves for women, long pants and shirts with sleeves for men. In other words, your clothing should cover your knees and shoulders. Most monasteries supply skirts and shawls on loan at the entrance, for those who are not aware of the dress code. We suggest not wearing your bathing suit to archaeological sites, museums and other attraction because you will be forbidden to enter.
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17. Where can I find a map of the area I want to go to on vacation in Greece?
You can request a map of the area from your hotel or the travel agency that booked your holiday package. Otherwise, you can find maps at the airports, ports and the tourist kiosks in Athens and the areas where you are vacationing.
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18. Which credit cards are accepted in Greece? Are travellers' cheques accepted, as well?
In Greece, you can use all major credit cards in hotels, shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, etc. There are many businesses that accept travelers' cheques, as Greece is a popular tourist destination. If you want to use travellers' cheques, we suggest asking beforehand if the business you have selected accepts them.
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19. Do the hotels in Greece have sufficient facilities and amenities?
All the hotels and lodgings that are presented in the www.United-Hellas.com portal provide sufficient facilities because they are quality tourism businesses. Depending on the category of the hotel or lodging, guests are offered a variety of facilities and amenities. Select the “All Travel Destinations” category from the main menu on the left. Click on the area (island, prefecture, etc) you want to visit and choose the ‘Accommodation” category. A list of hotels and lodgings in the area will appear, with icons that signify their categories. For more information about hotel facilities and amenities, click on the name of the hotel or lodging you desire and you will be directed to its web site.
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20. What kind of water do the swimming pools have at the hotels in Greece?
Most hotels that are presented in the www.United-Hellas.com portal have a swimming pool. Most of them are sweet water pools and very few are salt water pools. If you specifically want one kind or the other, we suggest confirming this when booking your room. In the regions that are preferred by visitors from Scandanavian countries, such as Chalkidiki, you will find more pools with sweet water, which is less dangerous to those with white, sensitive skin that burn easily in the sun.
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21. Can I bring my pet to Greece?
There are quite a few hotels and accommodations that accept pets. We recommend informing them of the kind and size of your pet beforehand, so they can arrange for the most suitable room with the necessary facilities and space. If you plan on bringing your pet with you, you must have a certificate that states that your pet has no infectious deseases and that has received all the necessary inoculations during the 6 days before its arrival in Greece, and in particular that it has had it rabies shot (in the last 6 months for cats and the last 12 months for dogs). If you have a dog, you will also need to have with you a certificate that states that your pet has been thoroughly examined and doesn't have echinococcus. These certificates are issued by the veterinary authority in your area and must be authenticated and notarized by the proper medical authority and by the Greek embassy or consulate in your area.
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22. Are there mosquitos or other insects on the Greek islands? Do hotels in Greece provide insect repellent creams or devices?
In Greece you will have no problem with mosquitos or other insects. Nevertheless, most hotels in Greece provide insect repellent devices. If you are sensitive to insect stings, we suggest you bring the insect repellent cream of your choice with you.
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23. Which Greek islands are best for winter vacations?
Greek islands are also ideal for vacations in winter time. Your best bet is Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, which all have a large permanent population, an excellent tourist infrastructure all year round, as well as splendid sightseeing and a plethora of natural areas that are breathtaking during the winter months.
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24. What is the tipping ‘policy' in Greece?
There is no tipping ‘policy' in Greece, and therefore you can leave as much as you wish. It is common practice to leave a symbolic amount in restaurants and cafes, where you actually sit at a table. You can also tip hotel personel, such as bellhops and cleaning staff. You are not obliged to tip taxi drivers, although passengers usually round-off the total. In some cases, you may have to tip travel guides during your tour of the sites.
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25. Are there hospitals on the Greek islands?
The large Greek islands have well-equipped general hospitals. The smaller Greek islands have health centers and many rural clinics. Some hotels in Greece provide a doctor on a 24-hour call to ensure speedy first aid care for their guests.
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26. Is the water drinkable in Greece?
In most areas in Greece, the water is drinkable and completely safe, but if you are used to drinking bottled water, you can purchase it anywhere in the country. In some areas, the water has a mineraly taste, while in other areas, the water comes from springs and is of very high quality.
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27. What is the currency of Greece?
The currency of Greece is the euro, being a member of the Economic & Monetary Union of the EU. The euro comes in paper denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros, and coin denominations of 2, 1 euros and 0,50, 0,20, 0,10, 0,05, 0,02, and 0,01 cents. You can exchange currencies at many places in Greece, such as banks, special exchange kiosks and at a large number of hotels. There are currecy exchange kiosks at the airports, ports, and train stations, as well. If you have a credit card that functions as a cash card, you can make your withdrawls from the ATMs at all major banks.
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28. What is the power voltage in Greece?
The power voltage in Greece is 220 V AC. If you plan on bringing appliances from your country that are compatible with another voltage, you can usually purchase a converter from any electronics shop or ask your hotel if they supply converters. For more general information about Greece, click on the “A Brief Overview of Greece” link on the right side of this page.
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29. I'm a citizen of the EU. Do I need a passport to travel to Greece?
You are not obliged to carry your passport, as long as you have a European ID card. Only British nationals are required to have their passports when traveling to Greece.
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30. I'm a non-EU national. What documents must I have in order to stay in Greece?
If you are a citizen of the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, Iceland, Norway, Israel and several nations in South Africa, you will require only your valid passport to stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. If you are a citizen of any other country, you are permitted to stay in Greece without a visa for up to 60 days. To get an extension on your visa, it is necessary that you submit an application and pay an extension fee to the proper authorities. In addition, you are required to present documentation that shows that you can financially support yourself without a job in Greece, such as bank documentation. Staying in Greece without a valid visa is prohibited and strictly punished. Entrance into Greece is forbidden to individuals whose passport confirms that they have visited the occupied region of Northern Cyprus after November 1983.
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31. Should I be concerned about crime or terrorism in Greece? Greece has a very low crime rate and an extremely low number of isolated terrorist acts. Greeks are well-liked throughout the world and have good relations with all nations. Like any other country, though, you should be careful with your valuables.
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32. Do I need traveller' s insurance during my stay in Greece?
Greece has public hospitals and health centers in every area, which offer medical attention to all, without charge. In Athens, Thessaloniki and the other big cities, there are many hospitals that will provide you with the necessary medical care. Which hospitals are on duty, depend on the day in question. You can find out which hospitals are on duty by calling the phone number 1434. If you have traveller's insurance, you can also request medical care from the private hospitals throughout Greece.
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33. Can I acquire a mobile phone in Greece?

There are shops throughout Greece that provide mobile services and can supply you with a mobile phone with a pre-paid phone card and a SIM number card. Prices start at approximately € 30, depending on the phone apparatus you select. In countries where GSM system operates, you can use your own mobile phone, by asking your provider to connect you with their roaming service
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34. How can I communicate with others in Greece? Apart from Greek, is there another language that is widely spoken in Greece?
Greece is a very popular tourist destination that receives thousands of visitors from other countries every year. You will find it extremely easy communicating, as the majority of Greeks speak enough English to hold a regular conversation. A good number of young Greeks speak fluent English and can answer any questions you may have. Taxi drivers are experts in communicating and know a bit of every language, facilitating visitors from all over the world. You can also state your queries to the hotel management and staff.
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35. What is the best time to visit the archaeological, historical and natural sites in Greece?
Most archaeological sites open at 08:00 and close in the afternoon. During high season, from mid-June to mid-September, the archaeological sites are crowded from 11:00 to 14:00. To avoid the crowds, as well as the strong rays of the sun and the heat, it is best to arrange your visits from opening time to 10:30.
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36. I take prescribed medication. What do I need to bring with me to Greece?
You should have your doctor ' s prescription which clearly states the name / s of the medication you're taking. If possible, have the prescription translated at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country. In case the medication requires refrigeration, ask a flight attendant to take care of it. You must always have your doctor's prescription on you, in case you urgently need to purchase the same medication in Greece. It is forbidden to bring any medication that contains codeine, which can often be found in painkillers. A wide selection of painkillers is available in pharmacies in Greece.
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37. What is VAT?
Value Added Tax is the indirect tax that is added to the value of the good at each stage, from production to consumption, and is returned to the Greek State. The 19% VAT has already been added to the price of every good or service, unless specified otherwise.
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38. I'm making a transatlantic trip to come to Greece. How can a recover from jet lag?
Drink lots of water during your flight, because dehydration is a major cause of jet lag. If your flight arrives in Greece in the morning or afternoon, get some sleep on the airplane so you are awake upon your arrival. If your flight arrives in Greece at night, stay awake on the airplane so you can sleep when you arrive at your hotel. Don't drink large amounts of caffeine, because your sleep cycle will be disrupted. Try to go to sleep the previous day at the time you would sleep if you were already in Greece. Don't overdo it the first couple of days. If you are tired, you can sleep for an hour, but only if it is before late afternoon, so you can sleep regularly at night. Eat small meals during the first days so that your body gradually gets used to your new eating schedule.
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39. I' m a vegetarian or my religion prohibits the consumption of some particular foods. Will I find foods in Greece that cover my dietary needs?
The Mediterranean cuisine offers a wide variety of foods, and is based on vegetables, fruit, dairy products, bread and olive oil. Greek food is typically Mediterranean and one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Vegetarians will be astonished at the selection of dishes provided, including vegetable dishes with eggplant, squash, tomatos, onions, greens, as well as salads and legumes. Apart from vegetable dishes, there is a wide range of meat (chicken, lamb, goat, pork, and beef) and fish dishes are also available, satifying all dietary needs, including diets based on religious faith.
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40. I'm bringing my laptop computer with me. Is there good internet access in Greece?
You will find quick and easy internet access in almost every corner of Greece. Most hotels in Greece provide this services, both in-room and in the reception desk. If internet access isn't offered at your hotel, don't worry. It is almost certain that the area you are staying in has an internet cafe where you can surf the net.
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41. Is Greece a vacation destination where I can easily travel with my children?
On the whole, Greece is a wonderful place to travel with children. There are a plethora of hotels that offer family rooms, as well as special facilities for kids, such as children's pools, clubs, animation, playgrounds, etc. Some hotels in Greece provide services, such as baby sitting and activities coordination. You will notice a unique feeling of freedom and leisure in Greece, and often see children playing together in the squares while parents enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee. However, most restaurants don't provide booster seats or have changing facilities in the bathrooms Most areas in Greece have at least a sufficient infrastructure, and you will be able to find everything your child requires, from diapers to formula and baby food. Mini markets and pharmacies offer a wide selection on children's products, many of which are sold abroad While on the beach, you should make sure you protect you child from the sun. We recommend visiting the beach early in the morning to avoid the intense heat and the crowds. Bring along a beach umbrella, sun screen, and an insulated shouder-carried fridgebag filled with water and snacks, such as cheese pies, yogurt and fruit Small children are charged reduced rates in archaeological sites, museums and other attractions, as well as boats, buses and trains. In some cases, admittance is free We suggest using a baby carrier that fits on your back or your chest, instead of a stroller, as Greece lacks ramps and spacious sidewalks.
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42. Is Greece a good destination for gay / lesbian tourism?
There are an abundance of travel agencies, travel operators and hotels that specialize in gay/lesbian vacation packages. Mykonos is the most popular gay friendly destination in Greece, as it has a very good tourist infrastructure, including gay friendly hotels and entertainment venues. Most areas in Greece offer organized facilities and activites catering to gay tourists.
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43. Behaviour and etiquette of Greeks – What should I be aware of in regards to my behaviour in Greece?
The Greeks are very outgoing, friendly people, with a lot of passion and enthusiasm. It isn't strange to see friends hugging and kissing in the middle of the street. The Greeks' passion is evident in their discussions, which are often carried on in loud voices. This doesn't mean that they are arguing; they are just expessing their opinion enthusiastically.

During your stay in Greece you will often hear the word “yia”, as in “yia sou” or “yia sas”, which means “hello” in singular and plural, respectively. “Yia” is also used when clinking glasses of wine or of other alcoholic beverages, as in “yia mas”, which means “to our health”. After the second glass of wine, spirits are especially high, you will hear “yia mas” with practically every sip! Many Greeks call a waiter over by snapping their fingers. You can do this as well, but it is best to avoid snapping your fingers, especially if you are dining in a high-class restaurant. A brief look or a nod of the head is usually enough for the waiter to understand that you want his assistance.

In Greece you will notice some unusual facial expressions and gestures. “No” may be expressed by a quick lifting of the head upwards and raising of the eyebrows. Sometimes this is accompanied by a sharp “tisk” sound. You may see someone holding his hand in front of him, palm out and fingers spread, in the direction of a particular person or thing. This is called a “moutza” and it is considered a great insult, so don't do it ! If a Greek hasn't understood what you have said, he may crinkle his brow and rotate his hand in your general direction, like he is wondering what you are trying to say. You will also notice that Greeks thank people by resting their hand on their heart. If a Greek acts like he is spitting on you three times, he is trying to prevent something bad from happening to you. This is not an insult, but done because you are beautiful, successful or something else that others would envy.

Greeks are very hospitable and may want to be friends with you. They like conversing with people from other countries. Most often, intentions are pure and they just want to welcome you in their group of friends. In rare cases, intentions may not be that pure, so proceed accordingly.

Cross streets only where there are traffic lights, and only when the light is green for people and you have made sure that the cars have stopped. Many drivers don't respect the pedestrian crossings. You may observe that there is quite a lot of pushing going on in the vehicles of mass transportation. This happens mainly due to stress and haste, rather that rudeness. Greece is a country where public protests and demonstrations are permitted. During your stay, you may come across a demonstration going on in the streets in the center of Athens. Don't fret, there are other roads that you can take to get to your destination that aren't blocked be the demonstration. Just ask one of the policemen monitoring the protest.

Taxi drivers are prone to take more than one customer in their vehicle. If you don't want to share your taxi with other people, inform the driver after you have started off for your destination. On the other hand, if you don't mind sharing the taxi cab with other customers, you will have the opportunity to meet new people and perhaps make a new friend in Greece.

The internationally famous Evzones, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament Building on Syntagma Square, are similar to the guards at Buckingham Palace. They are on duty, and they are forbidden to speak, look around, or smile. You can take a photograph with them, but don't disturb them in any way, for it is disrespectful.

Finally, Greeks are extremely proud of their culture and their country. Always respect the archaeological, historical and natural sites, and avoid saying disparaging remarks about the country and the people because many Greeks are knowledgable in foreign languages.
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45. How can I travel in Greece?
Greece has an extensive mass transportation network that makes travelling from one place to the next very easy. You can get around Greece in airplanes, boats, trains, buses and cars. It has 38 commercial airports, 110 ports and marinas, as well as train stations and bus stations throughout Greece, and a road network that has countless national and rural roads, covering every corner of the country. Choose “Map of Greece” on the right side of the page to be directed to another page that contains the telephone numbers of airports, ports, bus stations, and train stations for information regarding flights, boat departures and arrivals, and train and bus timetables.

If you plan on traveling in Greece by train, contact the major train stations for informatopm about daily and weekly passes. You should do the same if you are planning on using the Athens Metro extensively.

If you are traveling by taxi, you should be aware that the flag is € 1 (the starting fare). The minimum fare in € 2,65 in Athens and Thessaloniki, and € 2,85 in all other areas. The flag from Athens Airport is € 3,20, from Thessaloniki Airport € 2,65 and the other aiports € 2,15, and this is additional to the standard € 1 flag. The flag from the KTEL intercity bus stations and from ports is € 0,86 and this is additional fee to the standard € 1 flag.
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47. Where can I find foreign press and magazines in Greece?
You won't have difficulty finding foreign press, magazines and books in Greece, especially if you plan on visiting the touristy destinations. You can purchase newspapers, magazines and books at the Athens Airport upon your arrival. There are many kiosks that have foreign press, magazines and books in Athens City center, around Omonia Square, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki and Plaka, but also in the suburbs of Kifissia and Glyfada. If your destination is a Greek island, you can purchase foreign press at shops and kiosks near the port and airport, as well as the shops and mini markets in the tourist hot spots.
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49. I am a music aficionado and would like to purchase some cds with good Greek music. Which composers and singers do you recommend?
There are many different types of Greek music, from traditional to contemporary. Many reputable composers and singers are already well-known beyond the borders of Greece. If you want to purchase cd with good Greek music, we suggest (in alphabetical order):

  • Mikis Theodorakis, Yiannis Markopoulos and Stavros Xarchakos for syrtaki and traditional Greek dance music.
  • Manos Hadjidakis for contemporary popular music with classical overtones.
  • Vassilis Tsitsanis and Markos Vamvakaris for rembetiko music.
  • Charis Alexiou, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Giorgos Dalaras, Maria Farandouri, Marios Frangoulis, Dimitra Galani, Glykeria, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Stelios Kazantzidis, Yiannis Kotsiras, Manos Loizos, Marinella, Dimitris Mitropanos, Yiannis Parios, Alkistis Protopsalti, and Nikos Xylouris for vocal performances.
  • Eleni Karaindrou and Vaggelis Papathanassiou for contemporary orchestral music and film scores.
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50. Which are the sites and attractions I shouldn't miss touring during my stay in Greece?
Greece has countless impressive sites that are worth visiting. There are, of course, some that are historically very important and extremely attractive. We recommend visiting as many sites and experiencing as many attractions as you can from the list below:

Athens - Attica
  • Acropolis
  • National Archaeological Museum
  • Monastiraki Bazaar
  • Plaka, Psiri, Thisseion
  • Syntagma Square - Evzones
  • Lycabettus Hill
  • Temple of Poseidon in Sounion

Peloponnese, Greece
  • The Cave of the Lakes (Achaea)
  • Mt. Helmos (Achaea)
  • Vouraekos River (Achaea)
  • Rack Railway in the Vaouraekos Gorge (Achaea)
  • Gorge of Lousiou River (Arcadia)
  • Ancient Epidaurus (Argolida)
  • Mycenae (Argolida)
  • Nafplion (Argolida)
  • Ancient Olympia (Elia)
  • Nedas Gorge (Elia)
  • Mystras (Laconia)
  • Monemvasia (Laconia)
  • Diros Cave (Laconia)

Thessaly, Greece
  • Plastira Lake (Karditsa)
  • embi (Larissa)
  • Pilio (Magnesia)
  • Meteora (Trikala)

Sterea, Greece
  • Mountainous Nafpaktia (Etoloakarnania)
  • Arachova (Viotia)
  • Parnassos National Park (Viotia)
  • Karpenissi Villages (Evritania)
  • Delphi (Fokida)

Epiros, Greece
  • Zagorochoria (Ioannina)
  • Metsovo (Ioannina)
  • Vikos Gorge (Ioannina)
  • Parga (Preveza)
  • Acheronda Springs (Preveza)

Macedonia, Greece
  • Valia Kalda National Park (Grevena)
  • Kastoria (Kastoria - town, Kastoria Lake)
  • Vergina (Emathia – archaeological site)
  • Prespes (Florina)
  • Edessa Waterfalls (Pella)
  • Kaemakstalan Snow Center (Pella)
  • t. Athos (Chalkidiki)
  • 3-5 Pigadia Snow Center (Emathia)
  • erkini Lake (Serres)
  • Evros Delta (Evros)
  • anthi (Xanthi - town)
  • Kavala (Kavala - town)
  • Nestos River Reserve (Kavala)

Thrace
  • Nestos River (Xanthi)

Greek Islands
  • Crete (Knossos, Phaistos, Palm Tree Forest, Samaria Gorge, Preveli Lake)
  • Santorini (volcano, Akrotiri, Ancient Thira)
  • Mykonos (windmills, Alefkandra, night life)
  • Rhodes (medieval town, valley with the butterflies, Ialyssos)
  • Patmos (Cave of the Apocalypse, Monastery of St. John the Theologian)
  • Corfu (Town, Achillion)
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