Do not forget your passport
Do not forget your passport and other needed travel documents. Note the phone number of your country's embassy in Greece, just in case.
Do not try to see too many islands/locations
Enjoy every region and relax; after all, that is the meaning of vacations! Do not organize trips every other day to see as many islands or other locations as possible. Give every island time to enchant you.
Make your bookings early
The earlier you book your hotels or airline tickets, the lower the prices.
Concerning ferry tickets, it is better to book the Greek ferries early if you plan to travel between mid-July and late August. Always book at your earliest convenience if you need a cabin or want to travel with a car.
Hotels ratings
As a hotel rating in Greece may be a bit different than the international hotel rating, make sure the accommodation you book has all the facilities you need.
The two rating scales used for lodging facilities are stars and keys. Hotels are rated with stars while other accommodations (apartments, rooms, studios, etc) are rated with keys.
People with special needs
Greece is not equipped with adequate facilities for disabled individuals.
If you are a person with special needs, book your special cabin for disabled in the Greek ferries as early as possible. Unfortunately, ferries in Greece have only a few cabins of that kind.
Also, make sure that the ferry and your hotel are easily accessible for you.
Moreover, some Greek islands, like the Cyclades, are much more troublesome for disabled people due to their rugged terrain and narrow alleys. We believe you should opt for "flatter" islands.
On the positive side, sea ramps have been added to numerous beaches all over Greece to help people with mobility limitations to enjoy the refreshing azure waters!
Read our blog articles: Traveling in Greece as a disabled person and Sea Ramps for People with Mobility Limitations in Greece
Have cash with you
Make sure you have enough money on you or know ways to get some, through an ATM for example.
Always have a credit card with you. All retail and consumer/customer service businesses, like restaurants and hotels, are legally obligated to have POS machines.
Nevertheless, we advise travelers to carry cash, especially when visiting non-touristy places.
Visit some mainland areas
Apart from visiting the popular islands, it would also be a good idea to visit some mainland areas, too.
This is the best chance to get to know some less-known, traditional aspects of Greece and also discover some of the most important ancient sites of Greece.
Smoking country
Smoking is a bad yet common habit of Greeks that tourists usually find quite annoying.
In the past, smoking was allowed almost everywhere, yet a law prohibiting smoking in interior spaces like restaurants and bars has been in force since 2008.
In general, this law is respected, especially in the morning and midday. However, there are occasions when people start smoking in enclosed night venus after a certain point.
Stray animals
Another problem in Greece is the stray animals. You will see several dogs and cats on the streets of every single city or island.
Some sensitive locals feed them and sterilize them, but the problem remains unsolved, with many locals abandoning newborn or elderly animals.
Once on holiday, you can visit and support local shelters by donating a small amount of money.
Churches and monasteries
You will find churches and monasteries everywhere in Greece. As the Greeks are much bonded with religion, there are numerous chapels in all towns and islands.
In fact, there is a particular dress code to enter a church or a monastery. Visitors should be properly dressed, that means no swimming tanks, no short trousers for men and no short skirts for women.
Greek toilette system
Keep in mind that the waste management system in Greece is not as advanced as it is in other European countries.
Almost everywhere, there is a sign requesting visitors to not throw paper in the toilet. There are small bins next to the toilets to put the paper after you're done. The bins are emptied by the cleaning staff.
Internet connection
Having access to the internet is pretty easy in Greece. If you have a laptop, you can connect it to the several free WiFi spots in many squares or malls in Greece.
Moreover, you can buy a mobile internet card from a telecommunications company. Note that you need to present your ID to purchase it.
Also, many hotels offer internet connection and, of course, you can go to the many coffee shops available.
Note that there are no roaming charges for European countries and 4G signal is available in Greece.
Museums
Get informed on the opening hours of each museum in Greece or archaeological site in advance.
Every museum has different working days and hours. Usually, they are open from early in the morning till midday. Some may be closed on one day of the week.
Famous archaeological sites are open till sunset, but still, there may be differences between one site and another.
Read our Greece Museums Guide.
Do not forget
There are a few things you shouldn't forget when you travel to Greece: Camera, sunglasses, bathing suit, mosquito repellant and sunscreen!
Do not worry if you forget something, though, as you can easily find it in Greek shops.
Pack lightly
Do not take too many pieces of luggage with you, even if your stay will be long. Getting on and off planes or ferries will be very tiring if you have to drag your over-packed suitcase.
Moreover, the paths on the islands are paved and it will be difficult to carry heavy baggage.
After all, you will not need but a couple of swimming suits, some light summer clothes and a couple of flat shoes or comfortable sneakers for walking if you visit during the high season.
Also, have a light sweater for some chilly evenings because the wind blows on the islands. Pack something even warmer if you are going to rent a scooter.
Spring and Autumn weather
If you are coming in spring or autumn, make sure you have some heavier clothes with you because the temperature in Greece is still low (about 20-27oC in May and September but nights and mornings are cool).
Also have a small umbrella as rainstorms are frequent and sometimes sudden, although they usually last no more than half an hour.
Take your camera
You will regret coming to Greece without a camera! Having a camera allows you to return home with plenty of memories and photos.
In some archaeological sites or museums, you are not permitted to take photos. In most other museums, you can't use flash because it damages the quality of the exhibits.
Don't forget to share your beautiful shots with our online community!
Have some maps
Have a map of the different regions as well as travel guides with you or collect all the information from the Internet, before you come to Greece.
You can find free maps in every city and island.
Plug adaptor
A few years ago, if your country had 110V electricity, you would need an electric adaptor because Greece has 220V electricity.
Nowadays most current electric equipment (laptops, cell phones, etc) use chargers that adapt to voltage changes automatically, so you do not need a transformer for those.
However, you do need a plug adapter, which only changes the shape of your electric plug but not the voltage.
Easy to communicate
It will be easy to communicate in Greece, even if you are not fluent in English.
Most Greeks are familiar with tourists and will help you if you need directions or an explanation.
Moreover, most road signs are in both Greek and English, yet most of the time there are not enough signs and many streets have no names.
Greeks are friendly people
Locals will be more friendly and eager to help if you try to speak Greek. Just a couple of words are fine, they love it when they hear a stranger speaking their language.
So, say kalimera instead of "good morning" and efkharisto instead of "thank you", and you will see some big proud smiles on their faces.
Be kind to be treated kindly
Greeks like tourists and feel proud to welcome them, however, they get mad when tourists bother them.
Ask questions nicely and do not cause problems, because locals expect tourists to be decent. For example, if you are making a noise because you are drunk, the Greeks will probably call the police.
Some Greeks can be rude
The Greeks are generally polite, although in some cases they may look bored, irritated, or indifferent.
Do not take it personally, some people are like that with everyone. You may encounter such indifferent waiters, for example. Don't be upset; ask politely to be served and you will be served, even without a smile on your face.
Ask for help
Although Greeks may see that you are having a problem (e.g. you may desperately search your destination on a map in the middle of the street and look confused), they will probably not deal with you unless you ask them a question.
If you do ask a question, they will turn their head with a big smile. Their philosophy is not to bother tourists and let you make the first move.
Hand communication
A very common gesture you will see in Greece is the mountza: hand extended, five fingers open. This is a rude gesture to demonstrate disapproval and is frequently used by drivers.
Do not do that gesture - the Greeks will find it very offensive.
Monetary unit
The official monetary unit of Greece is the Euro and no other currency is accepted, so you will have to exchange your currency with the euro. You can do it in the banks, currency exchange offices, or at the airport.
Payments with credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in all stores (big shopping stores, large supermarkets, malls, restaurants), but always have cash with you, just in case.
Also, even if the store window has signs that they accept credit cards, ask before you buy to avoid any unpleasant surprise at the cashier's desk.
ATMs
The best way to get money in Greece is through the ATMs that can be found almost everywhere. There are plenty in the large cities and popular islands, but some small towns or remote islands might lack a bank or an ATM. Make sure there is an ATM in your destination. Alternatively, take more cash with you.
There is usually a daily withdrawal limit in ATMs, so if you have to pay a large amount (like the hotel bill) make sure you have enough money beforehand.
Also, get your money from the ATM a day or two before you need it and do not wait till the last minute. What if there is only one ATM on the island and it has broken down or left out of money?
Note: Avoid ATMs that do not belong to the systemic Greek banks (Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank) as the commissions are much higher.
Personal checks
Personal checks are not widely accepted in Greece unless you have made an agreement with the other party.
Safe country
Although the crime rate has been on the increase, Greece remains a very safe country.
Except for some neighborhoods in Athens, like Omonia and Metaxourgio, where it would be preferable not to walk alone at night, the country is safe. Crime in smaller cities and villages is almost nonexistent.
Pickpockets
The only crime you might experience (mostly in large cities) is thefts in crowded places or the public means of transport.
Pay attention to your wallet, smartphone and bag, especially on the buses, subway, or trains, and do not leave it exposed.
Drugs
Using or selling drugs is strictly prohibited in Greece. The country has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe.
You are prohibited from using even light drugs, like marijuana. Tourists do not form exceptions in the application of these drug laws.
The only exception is CBD products made from hemp, which are legal.
Woman travelers
Women do not need to be afraid of walking alone in Greece, they just need to stay away from some specific areas of Athens (or other cities) at night. Any other time in any other place is safe. There is no reason to worry at all in touristy areas like Plaka.
Lock valuables in your hotel safes
It would be a good idea to lock valuables in your hotel safes, just in case. Although hotel thefts are very rare, there is no need to take the risk.
Drivers
Pay attention when you cross a street because car drivers seem to ignore pedestrian signs if there are no traffic lights (or pointsman). Do not expect them to slow down when they see you wanting to cross the street, so be careful.
No lifeguards
Very few beaches in Greece have lifeguards, so pay attention when you swim. The Greek sea is not dangerous but you never know, especially if you are not a prompt swimmer.
It's always better to go where the locals go to avoid any water wells, urchins, or jellyfish. Pay extra attention when the beach is pretty remote or if you go for a night swim.
Never go for a night swim alone and at a beach, you haven't visited before.
Emergency call
In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police and 166 for an ambulance. If you come from an EU country, you can dial 112, the European emergency service line.
Hiking & trekking journeys
It would not be advisable to trek in some areas by yourself.
Some parts of the islands and the mainland can be extremely sparsely populated and it may take you hours to reach a village or meet someone.
Always take water with you, wear appropriate shoes and do not forget sun protection during summer.
Drink a lot of water
Drink a lot of water if you go to Athens or the Greek islands in the middle of summer. Temperatures can get very high and you want to avoid dehydration.
Stores are everywhere
Greece has stores everywhere, hence you will not have a problem finding what you need. There are large malls, regular shopping stores, super- or mini-markets, many kiosks (periptero), groceries and gift shops.
There are also flea markets and open grocery markets (laiki) in many areas.
The center of Athens is the most popular shopping spot in Greece but the flea market of Monastiraki is also very famous to tourists.
However, even on small islands, you will not be deprived of basic products and amenities.
Credit cards
Most stores accept credit cards but do not take it for granted. For example, people in small grocery stores, remote taverns and the flea market will probably not accept credit cards, so it's better to ask before you buy.
Shopping and restaurant hours
Shopping hours vary in Greece. The general shopping hours are:
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00 | Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
The Greek shop owners keep the siesta at noon, which might be inconvenient for some, but yet it is a nice tradition.
Large malls in the cities as well as international brands are continuously open till the evening on the weekdays and till the afternoon on Saturdays.
Gift shops on the islands are usually open all day, every day during the tourist season.
Concerning restaurants, Greeks eat late, so you can go to a restaurant at 22:00 and be served normally.
Beggars
Beggars are frequently seen in Athens and other large towns. If you are sitting at a cafe and a beggar approaches you, be aware of pickpocketing. You can either give them a coin or kindly ask them to leave.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory and there is no rule or norm for tipping in Greece.
People do not expect you to tip in anywhere else than in cafeterias, taverns, restaurants and maybe room service in the hotels. But still, it is not compulsory.
You can tip as much as you want or you can still not tip at all. The unwritten rule, however, states that you should leave around 10% of the value of the bill as a tip.
Variety of food and drinks
In Greece, you will find any food or drink you expect to find in a Western country.
There are, of course, international brands of cafeterias and fast-food restaurants (like McDonalds or Starbucks) in big cities and popular islands, but there are many more traditional coffee houses (known as kafenion) and taverns.
Gyros
The best-known Greek food is gyros, a type of folded sandwich with pork or chicken, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki.
You can find it everywhere in Greece and people eat it for lunch or dinner. You can ask for the (folded) gyros, just for the stick (called kalamaki) or for the plate.
When you order, make sure you define what you want because if you don't, you may get the plate than the sandwich, which is double or triple the price.
Other famous Greek dishes
The most common dishes you can order in a Greek tavern are Greek salad (choriatiki), grilled fish of any kind (pay attention because big fish are sold by the kilo and they can be very expensive), fried squids (kalamari), moussaka and traditional pies (cheese pie or spinach pie mostly).
Vegetarian
Although vegetarian-targeted dishes rarely exist on the menus of taverns, many Greek dishes are vegetarian and vegan. Due to the country's love for meat, you will not find many dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Greece.
Bread
It is inconceivable for the Greeks to have lunch without bread, which is why bread is almost always included in the meal.
Even if you don't ask for it, the waiter will bring a basket of bread slices to your table and you may pay extra for it.
Greek eating hours
Greek eating hours are much different than the typical Western ones. Greeks usually eat lunch around 15:00 and dinner between 21:00 and 00:00.
Taverns in summer are usually open from midday until late at night.
Greek taverns
The atmosphere in Greek taverns is very festive, especially if the locals frequent them. Greeks usually speak loudly, laugh and start conversations. Even if they finish eating, they do not leave but stay for an hour or two more to discuss with their company.
Groups of Greek people are usually large and include family members and friends.
The same happens with cafeterias, where people take their time when drinking coffee. Having a coffee in a cafeteria usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. Leisure is important for Greeks.
Taverns closing time
Greek taverns usually don't have a fixed closing time, but close when the guests leave. This means they may close at 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning.
If there is live music, the closing time extends even more.
Hotel breakfast
Breakfast is sometimes not included in hotel rates. Therefore, you can either pay for it separately or have breakfast in a cafeteria.
Some people just have a cheese or spinach pie from the local bakery for breakfast.
Saturday night in Greece
As people eat late, they also go out late. Usually, they go out for a drink after midnight.
Nightclubs in Greece
Nightclubs in Greece open at midnight and close when the sun rises. There is usually a ticket entrance that includes one drink.
Most Greeks prefer Greek music to international songs.
Drinking age limit
According to the law, alcohol consumption is only allowed to people over 18, which is why many cafes, bars, clubs, kiosks and even supermarkets have a sign on the counter that says just that.
In some venues, such as large clubs, people at the entrance may ask for an ID if someone looks young, but this is not the norm. If the person serving you believes that you are old enough to drink just by looking at you, they will most likely not ask for an ID.
Drinking Attitude
Although Greeks drink frequently, they expect you to be decent even if you are drunk.
Public displays of drunkenness are highly disapproved by Greek society and locals may call the police if you start becoming annoying.
Wine and Beer
People in Greece drink wine or beer on almost all occasions, even with their everyday lunch or dinner. The traditional Greek wine is retsina and the most common Greek beers are Mythos and Alpha.
Ouzo, tsipouro, and raki are also traditional Greek beverages and are frequently consumed by the locals along with some delicacies (mezedes).
Water
Water is usually drinkable in most cities of the Greek mainland, but you must drink bottled water on the islands. Most islands are not water-sufficient and they have to carry water with the tank. This water is used for bathing or doing the laundry, but not for consumption.
Driving behavior
It is a common fact that the Greeks drive like crazy, especially in Athens. If you want to rent a car and drive in Greece, always be careful, particularly if drivers in your country are typical with the traffic code!
Do not drive a car within the city limits
First-time tourists in Athens are advised not to drive a car within the city limits.
Better use public transportation or private transfers. Buses go almost everywhere in Athens and it is pretty easy to find a taxi, so why bother? After all, if you are a tourist, it is most possible that you will want to move around the center, where cars will not be of use for two reasons: first, the metro (subway) goes to all the sights you will want to visit and secondly, finding a parking spot is a huge problem in the city center and will probably ruin your mood.
It is better to rent a car if you want to drive to the mainland, away from Athens.
Traffic Jam
One of the biggest problems you will face when driving in Athens (and the major Greek cities) is traffic congestion.
Peak hours
Avoid driving a car in the city center from 08:00 to 10:00 and between 15:00 and 18:00.
Don't miss your turn
If you miss your turn, do not expect that you can circle the block and get back where you wanted. Many streets in Greece are one-way, so you may need to pass several blocks until you find a (legal) turn.
Huge trucks, lorries, and vans
Huge trucks, lorries, and vans are allowed to move anywhere at any time, even in the most popular or narrow streets.
Don't get upset with Greeks' attitude
Even if you think that you bother nobody with your driving, people will get annoyed: if you drive fast, you will be yelled at that you drive like crazy; if you drive slow, you will be yelled at that you block the cars behind and not everyone has time to waste!
Try not to pay attention or get upset, just go on!
High speeds
If you are stopped in a traffic line, someone will try to pass through the tiny space between you and the other car, just to get in front of you. People go fast even if they are not in a hurry.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes will never stay behind your car. They will either go in front of you or at least at your side. They will squeeze past cars to get in front of the lane.
Horns often used
If the traffic light goes from red to green and you don't leave in the first second, you will hear horns and yellings from behind.
Horn in Greece is used in all cases, from preventing an accident to greeting someone familiar you saw on the street. The noise of horns may drive you crazy sometimes, especially in the Athens center.
Change lane when nobody is watching!
If you turn on the signal to change lanes when driving, the car behind might speed up to get in front of you. Change lane when nobody is watching!
Be aware of taxis and motorbikes
Most of all beware of motorcycles and taxis.
Taxi drivers spend half a day driving and have too many nerves, so they lack patience and may result in unpredictability. Be careful if you drive behind a taxi as they might stop at the last minute to pick up a passenger.
At the same time, drivers of motorbikes try to take advantage of the vehicle's maneuverability and may try to overtake you from the right (which is forbidden).
As food and coffee delivery is done by motorbikes and drivers want to buy time to deliver more orders, it is not unlikely to see motorbikes going backward on one-way streets.
Seatbelts
Always wear your seatbelt. The accident rate in Greece is among the biggest in Europe and extra attention is required.
Parking
Unless you are in the countryside or the forest, be patient when you are looking for a parking spot in Greek cities.
We recommend leaving your car in one of the many off-street parkings available.
Highways
The national highways around Athens are in good condition but always pay attention because drivers usually accelerate a lot.
Always conform to the speed signs. Usually, the speed rate on the highways is 100-120 km/h.
However, some roads in the mountainsides are one-lined, winding, and pass through villages, so the speed limit is much lower.
The driver might pass you on the right
There are many chances that a Greek driver gets past you on the right (illegally) rather than on the left (legally). Especially on the highway during high-traffic days, many drivers will (unofrtunately) use the emergency lane!
No signs
Most road signs are written in Greek and English, but there may also be no signs at all.
Automatic cars
Most cars in Greece are manual.
If you want to rent an automatic car, ask for it in advance from the car rental agency. Do not take it for granted that they have automatic cars.
The same applies to electric cars.
Gas stations
Gas stations are usually open from early in the morning until the evening and some stay open 24 hours.
On the islands and in the countryside, there is usually a gas station in the area open all night.
Apart from fuel, gas stations offer free air pumps and a squeegee to wash the windshield. You are not expected to leave a tip at the gas station, but some tip the person cleaning their cars' windows.
Fuel is expensive in Greece. If your destination is far away, make sure you have enough fuel, especially if you don't know where the next gas station is. Lack of fuel is not included in most road assistance contracts.
Driving in the center of Athens
Driving in the center of Athens and some major Greek cities is allowed in turns, depending on the days and the number of your plate.
Sheep and goats on roads
Do not be surprised if you have to stop the car and let sheep or other agricultural animals cross in front of you on rural roads!
Tolls
Be prepared to pay tolls on the highways. A lot of tolls!
Map and GPS
Always have a detailed map or a GPS with you.
International Driving Permit
Driving licenses issued in EU countries are accepted in Greece.
On the contrary, a driving license from any other country is invalid in Greece. In this case, you must hold an International Driving Permit.
Renting a car
You can rent a car in most areas of Greece and the Greek Islands. You need a valid driving license, to be older than 21 years old, and to have at least 2 years of driving experience.
Insurance is like in other countries in Europe. You have third-party car insurance but must pay extra for insuring yourself and the rented car.
Renting a motorbike or ATV
Tourists get killed every summer on Greek roads as they are not experienced with motorbikes and ATVs. It's not only that Greek people drive like crazy sometimes, but also that, especially on the islands, many roads are narrow and on the edge of a cliff, so one wrong handling can be fatal.
Developed and comfortable transportation
Public transportation is adequately developed in Greece.
There are (some) trains, suburban and urban buses, taxis and a subway system (metro) in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Metro
The Metro serves a lot of neighborhoods and is a real-time-saver in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Tickets can be bought from kiosks or machines inside the stations of Thessaloniki Metro.
Athens Metro offers an extra choice; passengers can place their bank card over the validation machine and will be charged the value of the ticket.
Athens Buses
Buses in Athens are very frequent. Itineraries start around 06:00 and stop around 22:00 or 23:00, but there are also a couple of night buses. Tickets cannot be bought inside the bus, but only from special kiosks and machines.
Buses in other areas
There are buses in other mainland towns and on most islands, too. However, the frequency of itineraries varies and, in some areas, they may not be that comfortable. We recommend renting a car.
Suburban buses (KTEL)
Suburban (KTEL) buses leave from Kifissos or Liosion stations in Athens.
Make sure you know exactly where your bus departs from because these two stations are far from each other.
People usually buy tickets last minute, unless there are few itineraries to some destinations.
Suburban buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and clean. Almost always, they leave on time.
Tram
Tram is another means of transport that only operates in Athens. Trams are like the subway, only above the ground and much, much slower. They start from Syntagma Square and connect it with the southern neighborhoods and the Athens Riviera. Except from Syntagma, trams also depart from Voula and Agia Triada (Piraeus).
Taxis are frequent
You can find taxis in ranks (called piatsa) or you can stop one on the road. To hail a taxi, stand on the sidewalk, raise your hand when a taxi passes by, and look the driver in the eyes.
Some may stop and wait for you to get in. Others will stop and you are expected to tell the driver your destination. If he doesn't like your destination, he will just leave and you have to look for another cab.
Nowadays, in Athens, in order to avoid any surprises, the best way to deal with taxis is to download the application "FREENOW" on your smartphone.
Taxi trip sharing but the fare is not shared
Do not be surprised if you share a taxi with other people. In Athens, it is illegal to get as many passengers as the taxi can get but the practice is common.
Unless you have pre-scheduled your taxi pick-up, it is possible that the driver stops to ask other people where they are going. If the route fits, these other people will come on board.
However, you don't share the fare; each one pays the individual taxi fare.
Night hours fares
Keep in mind that the fare is doubled between 00:00 and 05:00.
The taximeter must be activated
When you get in a taxi, the driver usually sets the meter. If he doesn't do it, ask him to, so that you avoid excessive and illegal costs. Sometimes, on islands or remote locations, taxi fares are fixed so you will always pay the same amount from one point to another. The same applies to some popular routes in Athens (e.g. from the port of Piraeus to the airport). Just ask before in order to avoid surprises.
Also, be aware that you have to pay some extra money for the luggage.
Ask taxi or bus drivers for info
Do not hesitate to ask taxi or bus drivers for information. Even if some don't feel like talking, they will eventually answer you showing you the way.
Donkey and Horse Rides
Another way to get around on the islands is a donkey ride or a horse carriage, which usually have specific routes and fares.
Yet, we do not recommend this as the treatment of animals is questionable.
Hospitals
There are three types of hospitals in Greece: large hospitals with all the proper equipment, small hospitals in the country towns and some islands and medical centers for even smaller or remote areas.
If a patient needs special care on an island where there is no hospital, then he is transferred by ferry or helicopter to the nearest hospital, depending on the degree of emergency.
There are, of course, private doctors in Greece who offer high-quality services and speak excellent English, so it is very easy to communicate. Private doctors usually work in the afternoon.
Prices are not standard but they usually range between 40 and 60 euros for a visit.
Emergency rooms
Every hospital has an emergency room, so some hospitals are on duty each night.
You have to make an appointment to visit the hospital in the morning, but the date of the appointment may be after a few days, so it's better to go directly to the emergency room.
The medical emergency service phone number in Greece is 166.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Greece have a large Green Cross outside and are open during business hours and closed on Sundays.
During the hours that the pharmacies are closed, there is a schedule/announcement with the open ones on the window of each pharmacy, but it is only in Greek, so ask for the help of a local to show you the directions if there is an emergency.
Prescribed medicine and glasses
Always have your prescribed medicine and glasses with you, when you travel to Greece.
Also, a mosquito repellant would be of great help, but you can buy that locally as well.
