Sail Your Soul

According to Greek law, in order to charter a sailing yacht in Greece, it is compulsory that, at least one crew member has a sailing license and a second crew member has sailing experience.

"kri-kri"

Send your request with details such as dates, ports, size of yacht and number of crew/passengers. 
You will receive from us a complete offer, in the shortest possible time.
If any of the yachts proposed is of interest, please ask us to hold her for you on "option". The option is valid for 4 days and gives you the time to finalize trip details.
You are ready to book the yacht. Please send us written your confirmation mentioning also any special requests you might have such as skipper, blister etc.
Immediately you will receive from us a re-confirmation as well as the charter contract.
As soon as you return to us the charter agreement signed and the down payment is wired to our Bank, as per the terms of our re-confirmation, then your charter is considered firm.

Down payment must be through a bank transfer according to our invoice. The remaining charter fee has to be wired to our Bank 30 days prior to embarkation. 
The refundable or non-refundable security deposit, which is compulsory for bareboat or skippered charter, is to be paid upon embarkation, only by credit card.

 

Any extras are to be paid upon embarkation in cash or credit card.

If we don’t receive the down payment 30 days after the confirmation then the booking is considered cancelled. 
If we don’t receive the remaining charter fee 30 days prior to embarkation the booking is considered cancelled, unless our agreement is different.

For cancellation between 90 and 60 days before embarkation there is a 30% cancellation fee of the total charter price. 
For cancellation between 60 and 30 days before embarkation there is a 50% cancellation fee of the total charter price. 
For cancellation less than 30 days before embarkation there is 100% cancellation fee of the total charter price.            

Any payment can be refunded only according to the charter contract clause 11.

Thinks You Need To Known

Here are twenty essential sailing rules you have to follow if you are sailing for the first time, or if you are getting ready to get some sailing courses and classes.

  1. Leaving the dock is non mandatory; returning is!
  2. If you are wondering where you need to go, try to turn the wheel towards the shore. Buildings will get bigger as you go.
  3. On the contrary, if you turn the wheel on the opposite direction, they will probably get smaller.
  4. Who ever told you that sailing is dangerous was wrong; what is dangerous is sinking.
  5. If you are on board wishing you were on the shore you are doing something wrong – usually people wish to be on board rather on the shore.
  6. The only time you can think that you have enough fuel is if you are on fire.
  7. If you are traveling with a skipper, learn from his mistakes. You will have as much time as you want to commit your own mistakes.
  8. Try to keep the number of departures from the dock equal to the number of arrivals
  9. The probability of a sailing yacht’s arrival is inversely proportional to the speed; the higher the speed the least the possibility to get to the dock safe, and vice versa.
  10. Making smooth return with a slip is easy if you follow the rules; the only problem is that no one really knows which these rules are.
  11. If you see a huge boat coming against you and not changing route, maybe you should decide to change yours.
  12. If you keep the pointy end of the vessel going straight, you are probably doing something right
  13. Looking around always helps you; you are most likely to miss things anyway
  14. Good judgment is the result of experience; experience usually comes as result of good judgment.
  15. If you are stepping up from a life raft you are good; the opposite is not something to brag about
  16. If you see the skipper sweating, it’s not because it’s warm
  17. According to reliable sources, if you see clouds gathering avoid taking pictures and try to berth somewhere safe – chances are there is something called storm coming.
  18. If your brain didn’t take you somewhere ten minutes ago, you shouldn’t take your sailing boat there
  19. If you see from the cabin’s windows water going around the vessel, there is something terribly wrong outside
  20. When sailing, you always have two bags with you. One is luck and the other is experience. If you bag with experience empties before the one with luck, you are probably back to the shore.

Making a Mayday Call while sailing in Greece is not something we wish you; Mayday calls are made when everything else has failed.

However, you are supposed to know how to make a mayday call in Greece, even if you have a skipper on board, because something might happen to him and you need to be prepared. In any case, knowing something that can potentially save your life is not a bad idea…

How to make a Mayday Call while sailing in Greece

Mayday is a request for immediate assistance in an imminent life-threatening situation. If you hear a Mayday call, listen—do not transmit. Determine if you are in a position to assist. If not, maintain radio silence and monitor the call.

To make a Mayday call, tune to channel 16 and follow the instructions below. Remain calm, and speak clearly. Remember that calling MayDay means that people and boat are in danger, and the situation is out of control and you request for resque.

  • Press the PPT and saying, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is (name of your boat repeated three times).
  • Repeat “Mayday, this is (your boat name)” one more time
  • Report your position as accurately as possible
  • Report the nature of the emergency
  • Report the kind of assistance required
  • Report the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured
  • Describe the boat (length, design, color, distinguishing marks) and her present condition and seaworthiness. The message should not exceed one minute
  • If there is no response, repeat the entire message. If there is still no response, try another channel

Making a Pan-Pan Call while sailing in Greece

PAN-PAN announces an emergency when a boat and/or people face a difficult situation but not in imminent danger. As with a Mayday call, listen to the pan-pan call, determine if you are in a position to assist, and keep radio silence if you are not.

To make a “pan-Pan” call, follow the same procedure but substitute “Pan-Pan” (pronounced pahn-pahn) for “Mayday.” Such a situation could be a fire on board, a man over board etc

Making a Security Call in Greece

SÉCURITÉ (see-cure-i-tay) is the signal that navigation information or weather warnings will be broadcast.

In case you wish to inform other ships or “Radio Olympia” about a general danger concerning navigation in your area (i.e. afloating object) , follow the same procedure but substitute “Securite” (pronounced secureitee) for “Mayday.”

How to Make a DSC Distress Call in Greece

  • Lift the protective cover over the distress button and press and hold the button until the radio’s display shows that the call has been sent.
  • Once the message has been sent, the transceiver will sound an audible distress alarm.
  • The transceiver will automatically monitor channel 70 for a DSC acknowledgement and will also receive calls on channel 16.
  • If no DSC acknowledgement is received, the transceiver will repeat the distress call at four-minute intervals until acknowledgement is received.
  • When the DSC acknowledgement signal is received, an alarm sounds, channel 16 is automatically selected, and the radio’s LCD screen shows the MMSI of the responding transceiver.
  • If the Distress button was pushed in error, many radios will cancel a distress call when the Clr and then Ent buttons are pushed.

Whether you are experienced or not, you need to know how to use the VHF device while sailing in Greece, if you want to be completely assured about your safety in a potentially hazardous occasion.

Your marine VHF radio is obviously your only link to the land while sailing and a very important piece of safety equipment, whose use is regulated by local and international law. When used properly, it provides a critical communication link to potential rescuers in an emergency and access to weather forecasts, navigation alerts, and notices to mariners. It can be also used to communicate with passing ships.

Tips on how to use the VHF device while sailing

• VHF radios are not toys. Don’t clog important channels with idle chatter, and never, never make a false Mayday call. You are putting lives at risk, and you can be prosecuted.
• Always monitor channel 16. If you receive a distress call, record it and your position in your log, and be prepared to render assistance if at all possible.
• When sending a message, press the handset’s push-to-talk (PTT) button, and speak slowly and clearly into the microphone. Use the phonetic alphabet to spell out important information, and always confirm a received message.
• Don’t attempt to hail another user while the hailing channel is active. Breaking into an active radio transmission is bad VHF etiquette at best and could possibly interfere with an emergency transmission. When hailing another boat (on channel 9 or 16), establish contact and then quickly switch to an established working channel.
• Never use profanity, always transmit using minimum power, keep conversations as brief as possible, and remember that most VHF calls are audible to any radio in range that is monitoring your channel. So watch what you say; you never know who is listening.
• When you go shopping for a VHF, make sure that it has the proper NMEA connections to allow it to interface easily with your GPS.
• Last but not least, never say “over and out” at the end of a transmission. “Over” means “over to you”; “out” means you are ending the transmission. When you have completed your conversation, just say “out.” Same holds true for “roger, wilco.” Nothing says VHF rookie like “roger, wilco” followed by “over and out.”

Tune to Channel 16 when sailing in Greece

When tuned to channel 16, “Radio Olympia” is the name of the Coast Guard station in Greece. Calling “Radio Olympia” you can ask for weather forecast, medicine support, or a MayDay. To make a call:
1. Press the PTT and say “Radio Olympia” – “Radio Olympia” (up to three times)
2. “This is sail boat “X” (up to three times)
3. “We would like a weather forecast for Saronic golf, Over”
If you have no reply, you call again three minutes later.

Staying safe when sailing in Greece is important and absolutely necessary if you wish to visit all the amazing places in the Greek islands.

Your goal is to charter a yacht in Greece, start sailing and having fun. But you know already that the only thing which can really ensure a pleasant and joyful sailing journey in Greece is staying safe.  The essential safety gear to have on board includes many things, but the most important and the absolute must have is the life jacket.

Even if you can swim the Aegean Sea in your sleep, always make sure that each person aboard has a life jacket before going sailing in the Greek islands, especially if you have children on board. Safety is the number one purpose of life jackets, but on a wet or windy day, the life jacket can be welcome additional layer of clothing!

 

Requirements for life jackets in Sailing Boats in Greece

Recognizing that staying safe is of significant importance, the Greek laws refer to the requirements for the number of life jackets you need on board.

  1. For boats shorter than 16 feet (5 meters), Greek regulations require one wearable life jacket for each person on board.
  2. For boats longer than 16 feet, you must have one life jacket for each person plus one throwable flotation device, which must be immediately accessible. Each life jacket must be approved by the authorities, in good and serviceable condition, of appropriate size for the intended user, and readily accessible.
  3. Most boat owners and sailing schools keep the required number of life jackets on board all the time, but you should double-check and ask before you leave the dock. If you think that there are less life jackets than normal, you should check with the marina officials and make sure that you are abiding by the laws.

Choosing the right jacket for sailing in Greece

Choosing the right jacket for sailing in Greece is very important; if you want to ensure your safety, you need to wear the right life jacket for you. Life jackets are sized by the weight or chest size of the person intending to wear them; user chest size or weight information should be clearly marked on the inside label. The Greek Laws classify life jackets based upon their use and performance.

  • Type I is a bulkier jacket that floats the wearer face up even when he or she is unconscious.
  • Type II is shown in the safety icon in this book — this type is quite common because it’s the cheapest life jacket. It’s safe, just not as comfortable as the next type.
  • Type III is a comfortable vest that you can easily wear all day. If you’re going to buy a life jacket for your own personal use, this will likely be the one — we both own one of these and wear it more than any other type. They’re best suited for use on dinghies and for day sails on bigger keelboats in protected waters.
  • Type IV is the throwable life ring or float that you should keep on deck (on boats longer than 16 feet) to throw to a person in the water.
  • Type V is an inflatable life jacket with a compressed air canister. Many offshore keelboat racers wear this type of life jacket because it’s the least bulky of all.

 

Using life jackets correctly

When wearing your life jacket, you want to ensure that it fits properly. You put on most life jackets like a vest. A snug fit is the most comfortable and safe so always zip them up and tighten any adjustment straps. The following list provides some important safety tips to help you:

  • Always wear a life jacket on a dinghy, because the dinghy can capsize.
  • Wear a life jacket on a keelboat any time you feel the conditions warrant it.
  • As with all safety equipment, make sure that everyone knows where the life jackets are stored before you set sail.
  • Children, non swimmers, and anyone requiring extra assistance should always wear a life jacket on any boat.
  • If your life jacket is waterlogged or damaged, replace it.
  • Make sure that the life jacket fits, especially for children. Don’t put an adult’s jacket on a small child — it may slip off in the water. Children life jackets are always sized by their weight.

Life jackets don’t guarantee your children’s safety around the water — you still must watch them vigilantly and know where they are at all times. Making sure that the life jacket fits properly and that the child feels comfortable wearing it are very important while sailing in Greece.

Do you know the rules for sailing in Greece? If you have some experience in sailing, you probably know about most of the rules of the road (as they are called) while at sea.

However, when sailing in Greece, you will find yourself among ferry boats, motor boats, sailing yachts, motor sailers, catamarans, flying dolphins and anything that floats and carries people.

Therefore, you need to be extra cautious and follow the rules for sailing in Greece religiously.

 

Rules for sailing in Greece

ust like cars, boats have rules which govern what happens when they meet each other on the sea.

In the rules for sailing in Greece given below, a rule with a lower number takes precedence over a rule with a higher number (e.g. If a power boat approaches a sailing boat head-on [rule 7], the power boat gives way [rule 2]).

  1. Everyone gives way to vessels constrained by depth or at anchor
  2. Power gives way to sail
  3. Sail vs sail : a boat port tack gives way to starboard tack
  4. Sail vs sail : if on the same tact, the windward boat gives way to leeward boat
  5. Sail vs sail : gybing or tacking gives way to sailing
  6. Power vs Power (at an angle) : give way to starboard
  7. Power vs Power (head on) : turn to starboard, pass port to port
  8. Overtaking : boat overtaking gives way

In some areas, like marinas or sea lanes, there might be special rules. For example in a shipping lane used by big ships all other vessels must give way since these ships take about an hour to stop or turn.

Small boats approaching a sea lane must cross at right angles and not travel within the lane. Note: a sailing boat is only a sailing boat when the sails are up, if the motor is on, it’s a power boat, therefore the proper rules apply in this case.

 

Additional navigational rules for sailing in Greece

  • Navigation lights are required by law to prevent collisions, damage to boats, injuries and loss of life.
  • Lights are white, red, and green. Power boats, tow boats and sailing boats have different lighting.
  • Power boats – The forward white light must be seen from forward and either side. An aft light must be higher than the forward light and at a distance from the forward light to permit oncoming boats to estimate a direction. The two lights form a “range” so that if one is seen directly over the other, the approaching boat will know they are headed for a head-on collision. If the forward lower light is left of the higher aft light the red port side light will be seen and the boats can pass port-to-port safely as each boat holds its course.
  • If a boat does not have an aft range light, it must carry a stern white light.
  • Boats underway might carry a red light to port and a green light to starboard.
  • Tug boats – A tug with tow alongside or pushed ahead must carry a bow white light plus two vertical white lights on a mast at a distance behind the bow light. A tug with a tow astern must carry a bow white light plus three vertical white lights on a mast at a distance behind the bow light.
  • Sail boats – A boat propelled by sails alone must carry a combination red-green bow light plus a stern white light.

Sailing in Greece is a chance for fun and relaxation, but only if you are following certain rules and have in mind a few important tips that will make your sailing vacation in Greece easier and definitely more enjoyable.

Ten tips for successful sailing in Greece

Sailing vacation is, for most of us, a very important period of the year! We spent our winter dreaming, planning, organizing, waiting for summer and we do not wish to be disappointed at the end of the day!

Greece is a truly lovely place, ideal for sailing in summertime, but it is also a unique place in many things that you should keep in mind.

All sailors know that many things can go wrong during a sailing trip, but we can always try to avoid problems paying a little bit of attention in a few points, more or less important, like the following:

  1. It is important to understand and agree with the charter party before you sign it and pay any down payment. Do not hesitate to ask anything you need to know about the service you are going to buy. Try to make clear all the point of the agreement between you and the charter company. Avoiding misunderstanding you avoid disappointment!
  2. During embarkation, follow carefully the check in procedure. Be sure that you have understood everything about the boat and make as more questions as you can. Before you sign the delivery statement, check that the engine and all devices work properly, that the safety equipment is complete and that you have written down on your statement all possible previous damages that you my find.
  3. Study well your cruising area. Be sure that you are well informed about all the dangerous points (shallow waters, reefs, prevailing winds etc.). Do not rely only on your GPS! Try a little bit of traditional navigation confirming the GPS data!
  4. Before you start sailing in the Greek islands, check the engine oil and the navigation lights.
  5. Ask for the weather forecast at the local coast guard office or through channel 16.
  6. Sail cautiously, without pushing too much the rigging and the sails.
  7. Approach the ports of the Greek Islands carefully. Prepare the anchor, the fenders and the mooring ropes before enter the port. Organize your crew for the anchorage. Not all ports are perfectly organized, so you have to be!
  8. Secure your yacht when at anchor. If you spend the night in a bay do not hesitate to dive to have an eye to the anchor’s holding. When sailing in Greece you should be aware of the differences of the deep, as well as the possible currents, so as to know what kind of anchoring is required each time.
  9. Pay attention to small things (do not through papers in the toilet, turn off the water pump if you run out of water, love your boat as if she were yours !).
  10. Take care of your crew (heads down while tacking!)

Greece offers a feeling of being part of a big family. The warmth and intimacy that locals openhandedly offer make you forget you are simply visiting and having your vacation here!  Hospitality, security, nature’s beauty and the great Mediterranean diet make Greece a unique and perfect family destination.

Fancy a ravishing sunshine and the turquoise sea while eating in small picturesque tavernas? Diving in those clear blue waters enjoying your family moments? Want to see all those archaeological sites you studied about in school and make it a family experience? Greece has all that and to offer and makes it the ideal family destination all year round.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler there is no need to wrestle carrying all the baby gear and the high cost and hassle of airline baggage restrictions and fees that can get any vacation off to a rough start. Make things easier on yourself and travel light to Greece without missing out on essentials for your little ones by using My Baby In Greece unique services.

As parents themselves they were always stressed by the quantity of baby equipment they had to pack for their holidays with their twins and often had to “load a truck”. To make life easier for all the parents visiting Greece with young children, they created a unique baby gear rental service with a simple objective in mind: make travelling with children safe, simple and hassle free. They offer top of the line equipment for rent such as strollers, car seats, travel cots, bouncing chairs, baby monitors, trikes, bottle & food warmers and other essentials from well-known brands and delivers them upon your arrival at your hotel or villa. For an added convenience you may also purchase baby supplies such as diapers, baby wipes and personal care products.

Let your baby gear at home and leave it to My Baby In Greece to supply you with all you need and have worry free holidays with your family enjoying the sea, sunshine, nature, sites and gastronomy in Greece!

In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent social security agency.

In these cases, the necessary treatment in Greece is provided by:

  • the Social Security Institute Health Units (polyclinics) or doctor’s offices in the region; 
  • Regional clinics (former rural clinics) or the Health Centres of the National Health System; and
  • the outpatients’ departments of the hospitals on contract

In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union wishing to visit Greece must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.

In case of emergency call:

Ambulance Service: 166
SOS Doctors : 1016
Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434
Pharmacies: 1434
Open Line for alcohol drug Addiction: 210 3617089
Poisoning First Aid: 210 7793777
Police: 100
Tourist Police: 1571

When travelling to Greece, it is advisable to bear in mind the following:

As a consumer, you are protected by Greek consumer protection law for all transactions you make while travelling in the country. All enterprises, regardless of their nature (tourist or otherwise), are obliged to issue written receipts for the total amount they receive. Possession of a receipt safeguards the consumer in the event of any claim or dispute with the enterprises. Foreign visitors must ensure that they have valid medical cover before departing.

The following is valid during your stay:

  • The hotelier is obliged to lisence vacant rooms to customers and provide all advertised amenities.
  • Within 3 days of receiving an enquiry for a room, by any means (telephone, letter, or email), the hotelier is obliged to inform the customer  by print whether or not they accept the booking, and include details on the booking (type of room, length of stay, price). A written response protects both the customer and the hotelier.
  • The deposit for the booking cannot exceed the 25% of the total accommodation cost, and on the other hand cannot be less than the charge for one night.
  • In the event that the customer wishes to cancel a booking, and the cancellation is made 21 days prior to the agreed arrival date, the hotelier is obliged to refund the deposit in full, while for cancellations made within 21 days, the customer must pay the hotelier the 50% of the total cost of the cancelled booking.
  • In the event that the hotelier is unable to provide rooms they have confirmed with customers, they are obliged to secure customers’ stay in alternative accommodation of at least the same category, in the same town, which offers the same amenities and services as those advertised by their own establishment.
  • The hotelier is only responsible for valuable belongings entrusted to them by the customer, and for which they have issued the relevant receipt.
  • Keeping pets of any kind in a hotel is forbidden, unless the hotel provides a designated area for pets. In all cases, a prior arrangement on this issue must be made between the hotelier and the tourist-consumer.

The following is valid for transactions with tourist agencies:

  • The tourist agency is responsible to the consumer for all the services they have sold, including those provided by third parties (hotels, restaurants, car rentals, etc.), except in cases of personal or third party liability, or force majeure.
  • In all cases, the customers of a tourist agency or car rental agency must be informed by print about the terms under which services or products are provided prior to making a purchase.

Specifically, for Organized Trips (P.O. 339/96), which Greek law defines as a fixed combination of at least two of the following elements, i.e. transport, accommodation or other services (participation in meetings or events of a professional, cultural or artistic nature, meals, guided tours etc.), it is obligatory to sign a relevant contract, which includes:

1. The terms attached to the services included in the contract (cost and category of accommodation).

2. Means of transport, meals included, itinerary, information pertaining to passports and necessary visas, cancellation policy, guided tours, entry to archaeological sites and museums, other recreational services, etc.).

3. An insurance policy which will state by print that in case of insolvency or bankruptcy of the tourist agency, the consumer, above and beyond other claims, will be entitled to a refund of the full amount paid, as well as immediate payment of repatriation expenses.

In all cases, the tourist-consumer:

  • Should acquire, for their own convenience, detailed information regarding the use of public transport at their destination, especially with regards to the cost of the journey, ticket validity and cancellations, and recommended arrival times in advance of the departure of the service.
  • Has to be aware, when using taxis, that drivers are obliged, upon request, to issue official receipts for the total cost of the journey, which include vehicle’s registration number and  owner’s name.
  • In the event of any omission or violations of the above, you may submit a complaint or claim on a 24h basis to the Tourist Police at the number 1571.

Here you'll find useful information for preparing your trip to Greece. We give you practical tips on documentation, safety, healthcare, what clothes to pack, currency, tourist cards, public holidays… so you're all set when you arrive. You'll find the whole list below. Enjoy!

Capital of Greece : Athens

Official language: Greek

The currency : Euro(€)

Climate: Mediterranean

Population: 11.306.183 (2010 estimate)

The country is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy 

Calling code: The international calling code of Greece is +30

 

Exchange Currencies

Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro. Greece, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents (lepta in Greek) and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.

Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Greek banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 14:30 Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 to 13:30 on Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. 

Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

Time Zone & Local Holidays

Time Greece: GMT +2

National celebrations and Holidays

-New Years Day: 1st of January

-Epiphany: 6th of January. Sea water is consecrated in the area of Piraeus. The priests throw the Cross into the sea and young men dive to catch it.

-Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. It is the day people begin the Lent. On Ash Monday Greeks fly kites, eat meatless food and celebrate Koulouma. Athenians gather on Philopappou Hill.

-Independence Day & Celebration of Evaggelismos: 25th of March. Military parade.

-Easter: From Holy Friday until Easter Monday. On Holy Friday evening every church decorates the Epitaph (Bier of Christ). During the procession of the Epitaph the streets of every city or village in the country are full of people. It is a religious procession where everybody holds lit candles in their hands and sings hymns.

-Night of the Resurrection: It is celebrated in midnight before Easter Sunday with fireworks and candles.

-Easter Sunday: On Easter Sunday Greeks eat barbecue lamb. The celebrations include singing and dancing all day long.

-Labor Day: 1st of May. Flower feasts all around Athens.

-Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter.

-Assumption of the Virgin Mary: 15th of August.

-28th of October: National Celebration. Military parade.

-Christmas: 25th-26th of December.

Health & Safety

In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent social security agency. You can find more information about the EHIC here

In these cases, the necessary treatment in Greece is provided by:

-Social Security Institute Health Units (polyclinics) or doctor’s offices in the region; 

-Regional clinics (former rural clinics) or the Health Centres of the National Health System; and

-the outpatients’ departments of the hospitals on contract

In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union wishing to visit Greece must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.

In case of emergency call:

-Ambulance Service: 166
-SOS Doctors : 1016
-Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434
-Pharmacies: 1434
-Open Line for alcohol drug Addiction: 210 36 17 089
-Poisoning First Aid: 210 77 93 777
-Police: 100
-Tourist Police: 1571

For further information and news regarding Greek domestic politics, Greece’s international affairs, social issues, business, culture and sports, you can also visit:

Athens News Agency (A.N.A.) & Macedonian Press Agency (M.P.A.)

The daily online bulletin (Greek News Agenda) issued by the Greek Secretariat General of Information

Travel FAQs

Before you travel in Greece, it is advisable to bear in mind the following:

-Depending on your country of origin, you might need a passport and a visa; you could obtain a visa through the Greek consulate nearest to your residence.

-Call your bank or your credit card company to let them know that you will be using it in Greece.

-The Electric Current in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor.

-In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent social security agency. Tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.

-Contact your phone company in order to make sure that your can use your mobile phone in Greece.

-As a consumer, you are protected by Greek consumer protection law for all transactions you make while travelling in the country.

Learn more about tourist protection

Travel FAQs

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