Greece (Southeastern Europe)

Useful information and history:

Officially known as the Hellenic Republic, Greece is a country in southeastern Europe that's located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The nation is renowned for its rich historical heritage, being the birthplace of Western civilization, democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. It is also famous for its ancient ruins dating back up to 8,000 years, which include the Parthenon in Athens, the sanctuary of Delphi, and the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete. Additionally, Greece consists of a mountainous mainland and thousands of islands scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas, with beautiful beaches, traditional villages and vibrant communities through-out. Its capital, Athens, is one of the world's oldest cities, with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. It was the heart of Ancient Greece and remains a powerful symbol of classical civilization; a bustling metropolis that blends ancient landmarks with modern life, with key attractions like the Acropolis, the neighbourhood of Plaka, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Time difference:

UTC+2 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.

Natural Hazards:

Earthquakes and floods are the most frequent, but wildfires, extreme temperatures and droughts can happen.

Fines:

Greece has rules towards tourist, which the fines can be very high. These include the following:

• Wearing high heels at archaeological and historic sites like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Epidaurus Theatre is prohibited (Fines up to €900).
• It is illegal to take pebbles, stones, or seashells from protected beaches, such as Lalaria Beach in Skiathos (€400 to €900).
• Businesses or individuals cannot occupy beach areas and restrict public access to them without proper permits (€2,000 to €60,000, depending on violation severity).
• Improper parking on islands like Santorini can result in fines around €68–€80 (Tourists often receive fines higher than the locals - sometimes double the amount).

Also, motorhome and wild camping is generally illegal without specific town permissions, and could lead to fines around €300 per person (Repeated violations may result in €3,000 or jail time), and during quiet hours (typically 15:00–17:30 and 23:00–07:00), excessive noise in residential areas cna lead to police intervention and warnings (repeated violations may result in fines or even arrest).

Additional Information:

The official language of Greece is Greek, but Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish are also spoken.

Motor information to keep in mind:

Fuel:

Speed Limits:

Drinking & Driving:

Seat Belts:

When driving, all passengers including driver must be wearing seatbelts.

Passengers/Children:

Items/Documents Required when Driving: