Directory A-Z

PRACTICALITIES

Weights & Measures The metric system is used.

Post To send post abroad, use the yellow post boxes labelled exoteriko (for overseas).

Newspapers Greek current affairs are covered in the daily English-language edition of Kathimerini (www.ekathimerini.com) within the New York Times International Edition.

DVDs Greece is region code 2 if buying DVDs to watch back home.

Book Your Stay Online

For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out http://lonelyplanet.com/hotels/. You’ll find independent reviews, as well as recommendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you can book online.

Accommodation

Greece's plethora of accommodation means that, whatever your taste or budget, there is somewhere to suit your needs. All places to stay are subject to strict price controls set by the tourist police. By law, a notice must be displayed in every room, stating the category of the room and the price charged in each season. It’s difficult to generalise accommodation prices in Greece as rates depend entirely on the season and location. Don’t expect to pay the same price for a double room on one of the islands as you would in central Greece or Athens.

When considering hotel prices, take note of the following points.

APrices include community tax and VAT (value-added tax).

AA 10% surcharge may be added for stays of fewer than three nights, but this is not mandatory.

AA mandatory charge of 20% is levied for an additional bed (although this is often waived if the bed is for a child).

ADuring July and August accommodation owners will charge the maximum price, which can be as much as double the low-season price. In spring and autumn prices can drop by 20%.

ARip-offs are rare; if you suspect that you have been exploited make a report to the tourist police or the regular police, and they will act swiftly.

Camping

Camping is a decent option, especially in summer. There are almost 350 campgrounds in Greece, found on the majority of islands (with the notable exception of the Saronic Gulf Islands). Standard facilities include hot showers, kitchens, restaurants and minimarkets – and often a swimming pool.

Most camping grounds are open only between May and October although always check ahead; particularly in the north, some don’t open until June. The Panhellenic Camping Association (%21036 21560; www.greececamping.gr) website lists all of its campgrounds and relevant details.

If you’re camping in the height of summer, bring a silver fly sheet to reflect the heat off your tent (dark tents become sweat lodges). Between May and mid-September the weather is warm enough to sleep out under the stars. Many campgrounds have covered areas where tourists who don’t have tents can sleep in summer; you can get by with a lightweight sleeping bag. It’s a good idea to have a foam pad to lie on, a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag and plenty of bug repellent.

ACamping fees are highest from mid-June through to the end of August.

ACampgrounds charge €6 to €12 per adult and €3 to €5 for children aged four to 12. There’s no charge for children under four.

ATent sites cost from €5 per night.

AYou can often rent tents for around €5.

ACaravan sites start at around €7; car costs are typically €4 to €5.

Domatia

Domatia (literally 'rooms') are the Greek equivalent of the British B&B, minus the breakfast. Once upon a time, domatia were little more than spare rooms in the family home; nowadays, many are purpose-built appendages with fully equipped kitchens. Standards of cleanliness are generally high.

Domatia remain a popular option for budget travellers. Expect to pay from €30 to €60 for a single, and €40 to €80 for a double, depending on whether bathrooms are shared or private, the season and how long you plan to stay. Domatia are found throughout the mainland (except in large cities) and on almost every island that has a permanent population. Many domatia are open only between April and October.

From June to September, domatia owners are out in force, touting for customers. They meet buses and boats, shouting 'room, room!' and often carry photographs of their rooms. In peak season it can prove a mistake not to take up an offer – but be wary of owners who are vague about the location of their accommodation.

Hostels

Most youth hostels in Greece are run by the Greek Youth Hostel Organisation (www.athensyhostel.com/index.php/g-y-h-o). There are affiliated hostels in Athens, Olympia, Patra and Thessaloniki on the mainland, and on the island of Crete.

Hostel rates vary from around €10 to €20 for a bed in a dorm and you don’t have to be a member to stay in them. Few have curfews.

Hotels

Hotels in Greece are divided into six categories: deluxe, A, B, C, D and E. Hotels are categorised according to the size of the rooms, whether or not they have a bar, and the ratio of bathrooms to beds, rather than standards of cleanliness, comfort of beds and friendliness of staff – all elements that may be of greater relevance to guests.

Prices listed here refer to the high season:

AA and B class Full amenities, private bathrooms and constant hot water; prices range from €60 to €85 for a single and upwards of €100 for a double.

AC class A snack bar and rooms with private bathrooms, but not necessarily constant hot water; prices range from €40 to €70 for a single in high season and €50 to €90 for a double.

AD class Generally have shared bathrooms and they may have solar-heated water, meaning hot water is not guaranteed; prices range from €30 to €50 for a single and €40 to €70 for a double.

AE class Shared bathrooms and hot water may cost extra; prices are around €25 for a single and €35 for a double.

Mountain Refuges

There are 55 mountain refuges dotted around the Greek mainland, Crete and Evia. They range from small huts with outdoor toilets and no cooking facilities to very comfortable modern lodges. They are run by the country's various mountaineering and skiing clubs. Prices start at around €10 per person, depending on the facilities. The EOT (Greek National Tourist Organisation; www.visitgreece.gr) publication Greece: Mountain Refuges & Ski Centres has details about each refuge; copies are available at all EOT branches.

Pensions

Pensions are indistinguishable from hotels. They are categorised as A, B or C class. An A-class pension is equivalent in amenities and price to a B-class hotel, a B-class pension is equivalent to a C-class hotel, and a C-class pension is equivalent to a D- or E-class hotel.

Rental Accommodation

A practical way to save money and maximise comfort is to rent a furnished apartment or villa. Many are purpose-built for tourists while others – villas in particular – may be owners' homes that they are not using. Some owners may insist on a minimum stay of a week. A good site to spot prospective villas is www.greekislands.com.

SLEEPING PRICE RANGES

We have divided accommodation into budgets based on the rate for a double room in high season (May to August). Unless otherwise stated, all rooms have private bathroom facilities.

€ less than €60 (under €90 in Athens)

€€ €60–€150 (from €90–€180 in Athens)

€€€ more than €150 (more than €180 in Athens)

For the Cyclades, the budgets are based on the rates in July and August. For Mykonos and Santorini only, the price ranges are as follows.

€ less than €100

€€ €100–€250

€€€ more than €250

Customs Regulations

There are no longer duty-free restrictions within the EU. Upon entering Greece from outside the EU, customs inspection is usually cursory for foreign tourists and a verbal declaration is generally all that is required. Random searches are still occasionally made for drugs. Import regulations for medicines are strict; if you are taking medication, make sure you get a statement from your doctor before you leave home. It is illegal, for instance, to take codeine into Greece without an accompanying doctor's certificate.

It is strictly forbidden to export antiquities (anything more than 100 years old) without an export permit. This crime is second only to drug smuggling in the penalties imposed. It is an offence to remove even the smallest article from an archaeological site. The place to apply for an export permit is the Antique Dealers and Private Collections section of the Athens Archaeological Service ( GOOGLE MAP ; http://nam.culture.gr; Polygnotou 13, Plaka).

Vehicles

Cars can be brought into Greece for six months without a carnet; only a green card (international third-party insurance) is required. If arriving from Italy, your only proof of entry into the country may be your ferry ticket stub, so don't lose it. From other countries, a passport stamp will be ample evidence.

Discount Cards

Camping Card International (CCI; www.campingcardinternational.com) Gives up to 25% savings in camping fees and third-party liability insurance while in the campground. Valid in over 2900 campsites across Europe.

European Youth Card (www.eyca.org) Available for anyone up to the age of 26 or 30, depending on the country. You don’t have to be a resident of Europe. It provides discounts of up to 20% at sights, shops and for some transport. Available from the website or travel agencies in Athens and Thessaloniki for €10.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC; www.isic.org) Entitles the holder to half-price admission to museums and ancient sites, and discounts at some budget hotels and hostels. Available from travel agencies in Athens. Applicants require documents proving their student status, a passport photo and €10. Available to students aged 12 to 30.

Seniors cards Card-carrying EU pensioners can claim a range of benefits such as reduced admission to ancient sites and museums, and discounts on bus and train fares.

Electricity

Embassies & Consulates

All foreign embassies in Greece are in Athens and its suburbs, with a few consulates in Thessaloniki.

Albanian Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 687 6200; embassy.athens@mfa.gov.al; Vekiareli 7, Filothei)

Australian Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 870 4000; www.greece.embassy.gov.au; 6th fl, Thon Bldg, cnr Leoforos Alexandras & Leoforos Kifisias, Ambelokipi)

Bulgarian Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 674 8105; www.mfa.bg/embassies/greece; Stratigou Kalari 33a, Psychiko)

Canadian Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 727 3400; www.greece.gc.ca; Ethnikis Antistaseos 48, Halandri)

Cypriot Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 373 4800; Xenofontos 2a, Syntagma; h8am-3.30pm Mon-Fri)

French Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 339 1000; www.ambafrance-gr.org; Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 7, Syntagma)

German Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 728 5111; www.athen.diplo.de; Dimitriou Karaoli 3, Kolonaki)

Irish Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 723 2771; www.embassyofireland.gr; Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou 5-7, Pangrati)

Italian Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 361 7260; www.ambatene.esteri.it; Sekeri 2, Kolonaki)

Netherlands Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 725 4900; www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/griekenland; Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou 5-7, Pangrati)

Turkish Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 726 3000; http://athens.emb.mfa.gov.tr; Vasileos Georgiou II 11, Syntagma) Has an additional branch in Athens ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 672 9830; Vasileos Pavlou 22, Psyhiko) and one in Thessaloniki ( GOOGLE MAP ; %2310 248 452; turkbaskon@kom.forthnet.gr; Agiou Dimitriou 151).

UK Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 727 2600; www.ukingreece.fco.gov.uk; Ploutarhou 1, Kolonaki) Also has a branch in Thessaloniki ( GOOGLE MAP ; %2310 278 006; www.british-consulate.net/Thessaloniki; Tsimiski 43).

US Embassy ( GOOGLE MAP ; %210 721 2951; http://athens.usembassy.gov; 91 Vasilissis Sofias, Ilissia) Also has a branch in Thessaloniki ( GOOGLE MAP ; %2310 242 905; https://gr.usembassy.gov; 7th fl, Tsimiski 43).

Gay & Lesbian Travellers

In a country where the Church still plays a prominent role in shaping society's views on issues such as sexuality, it comes as no surprise that homosexuality is generally frowned upon by many locals – especially outside major cities. While there is no legislation against homosexual activity, it pays to be discreet.

Some areas of Greece are, however, extremely popular destinations for gay and lesbian travellers. Athens has a busy gay scene, but most gay and lesbian travellers head for the islands. Mykonos has long been famous for its bars, beaches and general hedonism, while Skiathos also has its share of gay hang-outs. The island of Lesvos (Mytilini), birthplace of the lesbian poet Sappho, has become something of a place of pilgrimage for lesbians.

The Spartacus International Gay Guide (www.spartacusworld.com), published by Bruno Gmünder (Berlin), is widely regarded as the leading authority on gay travel. The Greece section contains a wealth of information on gay venues everywhere from Alexandroupoli to Xanthi.

Health

Availability & Cost of Healthcare

Although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the public health service is badly underfunded. Hospitals can be overcrowded, hygiene is not always what it should be, and relatives are expected to bring in food for the patient – which can be a problem for a tourist. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, which are expensive. All this means that a good health-insurance policy is essential.

AIf you need an ambulance in Greece call 166.

AThere is at least one doctor on every island, and larger islands have hospitals.

APharmacies can dispense medicines that are available only on prescription in most European countries.

AConsult a pharmacist for minor ailments.

Environmental Hazards

ADangerous snakes include the adder and the less common viper and coral snakes. To minimise the possibilities of being bitten, always wear boots, socks and long trousers when walking through undergrowth where snakes may be present.

AMosquitoes can be an annoying problem, though there is no danger of contracting malaria. The electric mosquito-repellent devices are usually sufficient to keep the insects at bay at night. Choose accommodation that has flyscreen on the windows wherever possible. Some mosquitoes in northern Greece can provoke a severe reaction.

AThe Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) may be encountered in mountainous areas. It can be a voracious daytime biter and is known to carry several viruses, including Eastern equine encephalitis, which can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications and death. Use protective sprays or lotion if you suspect you are being bitten during the day.

Insurance

If you're an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers you for most medical care but not emergency repatriation or nonemergencies. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Greece. If you do need health insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

Worldwide travel insurance is available at www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance. You can buy, extend and claim online anytime – even if you're already on the road.

Water

Tap water is drinkable and safe in much of Greece but not always in small villages and on some of the islands. Always ask locally if the water is safe and, if in doubt, drink boiled or bought water. Even when water is safe, the substances and bacteria in it may be different from those you are used to and can cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Bottled water is widely available.

Internet Access

There has been a huge increase in the number of hotels and businesses using the internet, and free wi-fi is available in most cafes, restaurants and hotels. Some cities even have free wi-fi zones in shopping and eating areas. There are fewer and fewer internet cafes or computers for guests to use as people increasingly carry their own smartphone or tablet.

Legal Matters

It is a good idea to have your passport with you at all times in case you are stopped by the police and questioned. This is particularly true if you are travelling in border areas. Greek citizens are presumed always to have identification on them and the police presume foreign visitors do too. If you are arrested by police insist on an interpreter (diermi̱néas; say "the-lo dhi-ermi-nea") and/or a lawyer (diki̱góros; say "the-lo dhi-ki-go-ro").

Drugs

Greek drug laws are the strictest in Europe. Greek courts make no distinction between possession and pushing. Possession of even a small amount of marijuana is likely to land you in jail.

Maps

Unless you are going to hike or drive, the free maps given out by the EOT and larger hotels will probably suffice, although they are not 100% accurate.

Anavasi (www.mountains.gr) Athens-based company publishing maps with excellent coverage. Hikers should consider its Topo series, which has durable, waterproof paper and detailed walking trails for many of the Aegean islands.

Terrain (www.terrainmaps.gr) Maps published in Athens and offering equally good coverage. All maps can be bought online or at major bookstores in Greece.

Money

ATMS

ATMs are found in every town large enough to support a bank and in almost all the tourist areas. If you have MasterCard or Visa, there are plenty of places to withdraw money. Cirrus and Maestro users can make withdrawals in all major towns and tourist areas. Be aware that many ATMs on the islands can lose their connection for a day or two at a time, making it impossible for anyone (locals included) to withdraw money. It's useful to have a backup source of money.

Automated foreign-exchange machines are common in major tourist areas. They take all major European currencies, Australian and US dollars and Japanese yen, and are useful in an emergency, although they charge a hefty commission.

Be warned that many card companies can put an automatic block on your card after your first withdrawal abroad, as an antifraud mechanism. To avoid this happening, inform your bank of your travel plans.

Cash

Nothing beats cash for convenience – or for risk. If you lose cash, it's gone for good and very few travel insurers will come to your rescue. Those that will normally limit the amount to approximately US$300. That said, in the current financial climate, many businesses are requesting cash only. It's best to carry no more cash than you need for the next few days. It's also a good idea to set aside a small amount, say US$100, as an emergency stash.

Note that Greek shopkeepers and small-business owners have a perennial problem with having small change. When buying small items it is better to tender coins or small-denomination notes.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are an accepted part of the commercial scene in Greece, although they're often not accepted on many of the smaller islands or in small villages. In larger places, credit cards can be used at top-end hotels, restaurants and shops. Some C-class hotels will accept credit cards, but D- and E-class hotels very seldom do.

The main credit cards are MasterCard and Visa, both of which are widely accepted. They can also be used as cash cards to draw cash from the ATMs of affiliated Greek banks. Daily withdrawal limits are set by the issuing bank and are given in local currency only.

Tipping

ARestaurants If a service charge is included, a small tip is appreciated. If there's no service charge, leave 10% to 20%.

ATaxis Round up the fare by a couple of euros. There's a small fee for handling bags; this is an official charge, not a tip.

ABellhops Bellhops in hotels and stewards on ferries expect a small gratuity of €1 to €3.

Travellers Cheques

The main reason to carry travellers cheques rather than cash is the protection they offer against theft. They are, however, losing popularity as more and more travellers opt to put their money in a bank at home and withdraw it at ATMs as they go. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are available in euros and are all widely accepted and have efficient replacement policies.

Opening Hours

Opening hours vary throughout the year. We've provided high-season opening hours; hours decrease significantly in the shoulder and low seasons, when many places shut completely.

Banks 8.30am–2.30pm Monday to Thursday, 8am–2pm Friday

Restaurants 11am–3pm and 7pm–1am

Cafes 10am–midnight

Bars 8pm–late

Clubs 10pm–4am

Post Offices 7.30am–2pm Monday to Friday (rural); 7.30am–8pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am–2pm Saturday (urban)

Shops 8am–3pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; 8am–2.30pm and 5–8pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Photography

ADigital memory cards are readily available from camera stores.

ANever photograph a military installation; some are less than obvious and near to wildlife viewing areas.

AFlash photography is not allowed inside churches and it's considered taboo to photograph the main altar.

AGreeks usually love having their photos taken, but always ask permission first.

AAt archaeological sites you will be stopped from using a tripod as it marks you as a 'professional'.

Public Holidays

All banks and shops and most museums and ancient sites close on public holidays.

Many sites (including the ancient sites in Athens) offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, with the exception of July and August. You may also gain free entry on other locally celebrated holidays, although this varies across the country.

National public holidays:

New Year's Day 1 January

Epiphany 6 January

First Sunday in Lent February

Greek Independence Day 25 March

Good Friday March/April

Orthodox Easter Sunday 8 April 2018, 28 April 2019, 19 April 2020, 2 May 2021

May Day (Protomagia) 1 May

Whit Monday (Agiou Pnevmatos) 50 days after Easter Sunday

Feast of the Assumption 15 August

Ohi Day 28 October

Christmas Day 25 December

St Stephen's Day 26 December

Safe Travel

Drinks

Adulterated drinks (known as bombes) are served in some bars and clubs in Athens and at resorts known for partying. These drinks are diluted with cheap illegal imports that leave you feeling worse for wear the next day.

At many of the party resorts catering to large budget-tour groups, spiked drinks are not uncommon; keep your hand over the top of your glass. More often than not, the perpetrators are foreign tourists rather than locals.

Tourist Police

The touristikí̱ astynomía (tourist police) work in cooperation with the regular Greek police and are found in cities and popular tourist destinations. Each tourist police office has at least one member of staff who speaks English. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tourist shops, tourist guides, waiters, taxi drivers and bus drivers all come under the jurisdiction of the tourist police. If you have a complaint about any of these, report it to the tourist police and they will investigate. If you need to report a theft or loss of passport, go to the tourist police first, and they will act as interpreters between you and the regular police.

GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE

The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hotspots.

AAustralian Department of Foreign Affairs (dfat.gov.au)

ABritish Foreign Office (www.fco.gov.uk)

ACanadian Department of Foreign Affairs (travel.gc.ca)

AUS State Department (travel.state.gov)

Smoking

In July 2009 Greece brought in antismoking laws similar to those found in most of Europe. Smoking is now banned inside public places, with the penalty being fines placed on the business owners. Greece is home to some of the heaviest smokers in Europe, so enforcement is a challenge. The laws are often imposed in only a nominal way in remote locations where proprietors fear they would lose business.

Telephone

The Greek telephone service is maintained by the public corporation OTE (pronounced o-teh; Organismos Tilepikoinonion Ellados). There are public telephones just about everywhere, including in some unbelievably isolated spots. The phones are easy to operate and can be used for local, long-distance and international calls. The 'i' at the top left of the push-button dialling panel brings up the operating instructions in English.

Note that in Greece the area code must always be dialled when making a call (ie all Greek phone numbers are 10-digit).

Mobile Phones

Local SIM cards can be used in European and Australian phones. Most other phones can be set to roaming. US/Canadian phones need to have a dual- or tri-band system.

There are several mobile service providers in Greece, among which Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind are the best known. Of these three, Cosmote tends to have the best coverage in remote areas. All offer 2G connectivity and pay-as-you-talk services for which you can buy a rechargeable SIM card and have your own Greek mobile number. If you're buying a package, be sure to triple-check the fine print. There are restrictions on deals such as 'free minutes' only being available to phones using the same provider.

The use of a mobile phone while driving in Greece is prohibited, but the use of a Bluetooth headset is allowed.

Phonecards

All public phones use OTE phonecards, known as telekarta, not coins. These cards are widely available at periptera (street kiosks), corner shops and tourist shops. A local call costs around €0.30 for three minutes.

It's also possible to use payphones with the growing range of discount-card schemes. This involves dialling an access code and then punching in your card number. The OTE version of this card is known as 'Hronokarta'. The cards come with instructions in Greek and English and the talk time is enormous compared with the standard phonecard rates.

Time

Greece maintains one time zone throughout the country. It is two hours ahead of GMT/UTC and three hours ahead on daylight-saving time – which begins on the last Sunday in March, when clocks are put forward one hour. Daylight saving ends on the last Sunday in October.

Toilets

AMost places in Greece have Western-style toilets, especially hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists. You'll occasionally come across Asian-style squat toilets in older houses, kafeneia (coffee houses) and public toilets.

APublic toilets are a rarity, except at airports and bus and train stations. Cafes are the best option if you get caught short, but you'll be expected to buy something for the privilege.

AThe Greek plumbing system can't handle toilet paper; apparently the pipes are too narrow and anything larger than a postage stamp seems to cause a problem. Toilet paper etc should be placed in the small bin provided next to every toilet.

Tourist Information

The Greek National Tourist Organisation (www.visitgreece.gr) is known as GNTO abroad and EOT within Greece. The quality of service from office to office varies dramatically; in some you'll get information aplenty and in others you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone behind the desk. EOT offices can be found in major tourist locations, though they are increasingly being supplemented or even replaced by local municipality tourist offices (such as in the Peloponnese).

The tourist police also fulfil the same functions as the EOT and municipal tourist offices, dispensing maps and brochures, and giving information on transport. If you're really stuck, the tourist police may be able to help find accommodation.

Travellers with Disabilities

Access for travellers with disabilities has improved somewhat in recent years, though mostly in Athens where there are more accessible sights, hotels and restaurants. Much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible to wheelchairs, and the abundance of stones, marble, slippery cobbles and stepped alleys creates a further challenge. People who have visual or hearing impairments are also rarely catered to.

Careful planning before you go can make a world of difference.

Travel Guide to Greece (www.greecetravel.com/handicapped) Links to local articles, resorts and tour groups catering to tourists with physical disabilities.

Sailing Holidays (www.charterayachtingreece.com/dryachting/index.html) Two-day to two-week sailing trips around the Greek islands in fully accessible yachts.

Sirens Resort ( GOOGLE MAP ; %27410 91161; www.disableds-resort.gr; Skalouma) Family-friendly resort with accessible apartments, tours and ramps into the sea.

Visas

The list of countries whose nationals can stay in Greece for up to three months without a visa includes Australia, Canada, all EU countries, Iceland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the USA. Other countries included are the European principalities of Monaco and San Marino and most South American countries. The list changes though – contact Greek embassies for the latest.

If you wish to stay in Greece for longer than three months within a six-month period, you require a visa from the Greek embassy in your country of residence. You are unable to apply for this in Greece. Unlike student and work visas, tourist visas are rarely granted for more than three months.

Volunteering

Hellenic Wildlife Hospital (www.ekpazp.gr) Volunteers head to Aegina (particularly during winter) to this large wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Mouries Farm Help with the breeding and care of rare Skyrian horses.

Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (%21052 31342; www.archelon.gr) Includes monitoring sea turtles in the Peloponnese.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms; www.wwoofgreece.org) Offers opportunities for volunteers at one of more than 50 farms in Greece.

Women Travellers

Many women travel alone in Greece. The crime rate remains relatively low and solo travel is probably safer than in most European countries. This does not mean that you should be lulled into complacency; bag snatching and sexual assault do occur, particularly at party resorts on the islands.

The biggest nuisance to foreign women travelling alone is the guys the Greeks have nicknamed kamaki. The word means 'fishing trident' and refers to the kamaki’s favourite pastime: 'fishing' for foreign women. You'll find them wherever there are lots of tourists: young (for the most part), smooth-talking guys who aren't in the least bashful about approaching women in the street. They can be very persistent, but they are usually a hassle rather than a threat. The majority of Greek men treat foreign women with respect.

Working

EU nationals don't need a work permit, but they need a residency permit and a Greek tax-file number if they intend to stay longer than three months. Nationals of other countries require a work permit.

English Tutoring

If you're looking for a permanent job, the most widely available option is to teach English. A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or a university degree is an advantage but not essential. In the UK, look through the Times educational supplement or Tuesday's edition of the Guardian newspaper for opportunities; in other countries, contact the Greek embassy.

Another possibility is to find a job teaching English once you are in Greece. You will see language schools everywhere. Strictly speaking, you need a licence to teach in these schools, but many will employ teachers without one. The best time to look around for such a job is late summer.

The noticeboard at the Compendium bookshop (www.compendium.gr) in Athens sometimes has advertisements looking for private English lessons.