- Why book through a local agent?
Usually the prices are more favourable when booking through a local agency, but the major advantage is, that the local agent is present when a problem arises.
- What services can you book through Dolphin Hellas?
The services we can provide are the following:
- Accommodation reservations (hotels,apartments, bungalows, villas) almost all over Greece
- Excursions and tours either as guided group tours or as private tours by car with or without a guide.
- Cruises
- Tickets for domestic air and sea transportation and plane tickets from Greece to all destinations as well as ferries from Greece to Italy
- Transfers on the mainland and the islands
- Car rental all over Greece
- Packaged travel deals
- What is the best time of the year to travel to Greece?
It depends on where you want to go. The best months to visit the islands are May, June, early July, September and early October. Avoid the dates July 20th to August 20th which are the busiest of the tourist season, and late October because the weather gradually becomes rough. If you want to visit the mainland, then March, April, May, June, September and October are suitable months. July and August are very warm and busy.
- How can one spend one’s holidays in Greece during the Winter period (November - February)?
The winter months in Greece are much milder than they are in Northern Europe, but still we get heavy rains, low temperatures, strong winds and snow (in the North). The majority of the tourist related enterprises on the islands - hotels, shops, restaurants - close down, the transportation to/from/between the islands becomes irregular and weather dependent, the sights and museums close earlier and many hotels on the mainland close down for renovation and maintenance. Good destinations are Athens, bigger islands with many permanent inhabitants like Crete and Rhodes, and certain mainland areas in Greece that offer Winter activities (e.g. ski centres) or can be easily visited throughout the year like Delphi, Nafplion, Meteora, Karpenissi, Mani etc….
- What are the average temperatures in Greece?
Get information on weather all over Greece at EMY or at e.g. OpenWeather.
| High Temp. (oC) | Low Temp. (oC) | Humidity (%) | Precipitation (mm) | Winds (m/s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. | 12.9 | 6.5 | 72 | 45 | 2.1 |
| Feb. | 13.6 | 6.9 | 71 | 48 | 2.1 |
| Mar. | 16 | 8.4 | 68 | 43 | 2 |
| Apr. | 20.3 | 11.6 | 61 | 28 | 1.8 |
| May | 25.3 | 15.4 | 58 | 17 | 1.6 |
| Jun. | 29.8 | 20.1 | 52 | 10 | 1.8 |
| Jul. | 32.6 | 22.5 | 48 | 4 | 2.1 |
| Aug. | 32.3 | 22.3 | 49 | 5 | 2.2 |
| Sep. | 28.9 | 19.2 | 56 | 12 | 1.9 |
| Oct. | 23.1 | 14.9 | 66 | 48 | 2 |
| Nov. | 18.6 | 11.4 | 73 | 51 | 1.8 |
| Dec. | 14.7 | 8.3 | 73 | 67 | 2 |
- What should I pack?
It depends on the time of the year and the kind of holiday you have booked. Overall, bring casual clothes with only a few formal pieces for evening outings. If you go on a cruise, ask for the evening dress code. In all cases, bring good, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and your hat.
- Passports & Visas: What is required?
Overall E.U. nationals and USA/Canadian citizens do not need a visa. For specific information, please contact the appropriate consulate or embassy in your country and visit the visas section on the website of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, with a visa or without a visa requirement, each time they cross the external borders of European countries using the system.
The EES started to be operational on 12 October 2025; European countries using it (including Greece) are introducing the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.
The EES collects, records and stores:
- data listed in the travel document(s), e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.
- date and place of each entry and exit.
- facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’). If one holds a short-stay visa to enter the Schengen area, the fingerprints will already be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and will not be stored again in the EES.
- whether a person was refused entry.
The above process will definitely affect the time required to enter the country. If the passenger holds a biometric passport and a self-service system is available at that border crossing point, the procedure will be faster. A biometric passport, however, is not a prerequisite for travel to the European Union.
If one has crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once since the EES started, the photo of the face and/or the fingerprints will already be recorded in the EES. The passport control officers will only verify them, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record the data again.
There is also a Travel to Europe mobile application which currently (Oct. 2025) is operational only in Sweden but it will gradually become available in all EU countries. It is designed for non-EU travellers who hold a biometric passport. It allows people to pre-register their passport data and facial image before reaching a border crossing point where the EES is in use. Through the app, travellers can also fill in the entry conditions questionnaire in advance. They can pre-register their data within 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country using the app.
The app does not replace border checks but makes border crossing smoother and faster and more efficient.
For more information, please visit the official EES website.
- Health requirements
No vaccinations or immunisations are needed when traveling to Greece.
- Pregnancy and wheelchairs
Most airlines require a medical certificate stating fitness to travel for pregnancies of over 28 weeks on the date of return travel. For pregnancies of over 32 weeks on the date of return travel, permission to fly is normally refused. Wheelchairs can usually be pre-arranged (adequate notice is 2 weeks minimum).
- Airport delays
Delays can occur for a variety of reasons - industrial action, mechanical failure, weather conditions, air traffic control problems - and we are intensely aware of the frustration they can cause. If you have heard that delays are likely, here are some precautionary measures you can take to ease the discomfort:
Carry enough spending money in local currency for your needs.
If you are travelling with babies or young children, have the necessary items to hand; and a good book or two might be useful. Remember to carry the above in your hand luggage, therefore do not pack them.
Even if delays seem probable, you must still check in at the time specified, unless advised otherwise by the air carrier. This is simply because delay situations can alter very rapidly, and a departure slot for your flight could be allocated at short notice. If a delay is caused by aircraft technical faults, then any refreshments or meals are at the airline's discretion.
Carry enough spending money in local currency for your needs.
If you are travelling with babies or young children, have the necessary items to hand; and a good book or two might be useful. Remember to carry the above in your hand luggage, therefore do not pack them.
Even if delays seem probable, you must still check in at the time specified, unless advised otherwise by the air carrier. This is simply because delay situations can alter very rapidly, and a departure slot for your flight could be allocated at short notice. If a delay is caused by aircraft technical faults, then any refreshments or meals are at the airline's discretion.
- Airline Regulations - Safety
For safety or security reasons any explosive or flammable material (e.g. gas cartridges/refills, firearms including toy guns, lighter fuel, ammunition, acid, knives, paint, explosives, mercury, weapons) cannot be taken onto aircraft.
Any valuables, fragile items and electronic devices (laptops, video cameras, chargers, etc.) must be carried in hand baggage only. And by newest regulations any kind of liquids, nail accessories etc.
According to the European Regulation, liquids (e.g. water, alcohol and beverages, gel, cream, glue, lotion, perfume, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving foam, aerosols, contact lens solution, honey, marmalade, soup, olive oil etc) have been added to the list of prohibited articles that you may not carry on board, unless conditions are met. Detailed information is provided upon flight booking and check-in.
Any valuables, fragile items and electronic devices (laptops, video cameras, chargers, etc.) must be carried in hand baggage only. And by newest regulations any kind of liquids, nail accessories etc.
According to the European Regulation, liquids (e.g. water, alcohol and beverages, gel, cream, glue, lotion, perfume, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving foam, aerosols, contact lens solution, honey, marmalade, soup, olive oil etc) have been added to the list of prohibited articles that you may not carry on board, unless conditions are met. Detailed information is provided upon flight booking and check-in.
- Lost or damaged luggage
The world's airlines carry over 800 million pieces of luggage in a year so it is not surprising that occasionally luggage may go missing, although usually this is only temporary. Should you find at your arrival airport that your baggage is missing or in any way damaged, you should immediately report the matter to the airline representative in the Baggage Reclaim area and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Please ask for one if it is not given to you, as this is your proof that you have reported the loss or damage. Such evidence is required by insurance companies should you need to make a claim on your return home.
- Is an international driver's license needed?
For citizens of E.U., Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, UK: No
All other nationalities: It is suggested that you check with your country's relevant authority in order to check if you need an international driving permit.
- What is the voltage in Greece?
220 V (an adapter may be needed for most visitors).
- To which time zone does Greece belong?
Time in Greece is GMT/UTC +2:00
- Public Holidays in Greece
You may refer to our calendar.
- Useful telephone numbers (while in Greece):
European Emergency Number (reachable also by mobile phones):
Doctors on call:
105
Police:
100
Tourist Police:
171
Greek National Tourism Organisation:
1572
First Aid:
166
Fire Brigade:
199
Airport of Athens ("Eleftherios Venizelos"):
2103530000
US Embassy (Athens):
2107212951
UK Embassy (Athens):
2107272600
Canadian Embassy (Athens):
2107273400
Australian Embassy (Athens):
2108704000
- Bus and train schedules to the mainland
It is not so long ago that tickets for buses and trains could only be bought on the spot. Nowadays, however, tickets for most routes can be purchased online (see below links). Our company can also assist with the issuance of bus tickets (for specific routes only, please specify on your request) as well as train tickets. There is a fee of EUR 15 per booking.
- Rural/Long-distance bus service: KTEL
- Train service: Hellenic Train
- Rural/Long-distance bus service: KTEL
- Train service: Hellenic Train
- Discounts on ferries, hydrofoils, planes and sites.
Domestic airfare: age groups entitled to discounts are children under the age of 12
Domestic ferries: age groups entitled to discounts are children from age 4-10. Children under 4 are free of charge, when not occupying a bed in a cabin.
Domestic hydrofoils/catamarans: age groups entitled to discounts are children from age 4 to 10.
Children under 4 are free of charge, when not occupying a seat.
Eurail passes: see www.eurail.com
International airfares: here the cases are too many to be listed under a regular FAQ list. Please contact us when having a specific request.
- What are the hydrofoils, catamarans, flying dolphins?
Hydrofoil (also met as "Flying Dolphin"): fast passenger only vessel (speed of about 30 knots, capacity of about 100 passengers)
Catamaran: fast passenger and car vessels. There are two main types travelling in the Greek seas: the HighSpead ones (capacity of about 650 passengers and 70 vehicles) and the smaller FlyingCat and SeaJet ones (about 400 passengers, no cars). Catamarans travel at a maximum speed of about 40 knots.
Regular Ferries: The older ones travel at a maximum speed of 19 knots and carry about 1500 passengers and 200 cars. These ferries are being gradually replaced by new, bigger, faster and more comfortable ferries, for example: The Knossos and Festos Palace -Crete (32 knots, 2200 passengers, 750 cars) The Kriti I & II -Crete (22 knots, 1500 passengers, 700 cars) The Blue Star Ferries -Cyclades (25 knots, 1500 passengers)
See also our ticketing information page.
- Country codes you should be familiar with
GR: International 2-letter code of Greece
EUR ( € ): International 3-letter code for Euro
GRD: International 3-letter code for Greek drachma (also occasionally written DRS) (Information in effect till end 12/2001)
+30: when calling Greece, dial 0030 and then the area code and the number (e.g. 0030-210-9227772). If you are calling from the USA or Canada dial 01130 and then the area code and the number (e.g. 01130-210-9227772).
- What currency or credit cards should I bring?
All major credit cards (Master card, Visa, American Express) are accepted in Greece, but small restaurants and shops may only accept cash. Bring enough cash for the first days to cover such expenses as a taxi ride, dinner or a tip and the rest in Traveller's Cheques or use your credit card. ATM's are widely available.
- How much should a taxi cost?
The taxis in Athens and big cities have a meter; in Athens it starts at EUR 1,29. The minimum fare is EURO 3,44. The fee when taking a taxi from ports, railway stations and main bus stations is EUR 1,17. For every piece of luggage over 10kg there is a supplement of EURO 0,43. After midnight the per kilometer tariff is almost doubled. Specifically for rides from/to the Athens Airport to/from the city center (ring) depending on the time of disembarkation from the taxi, the flat rate is EUR 38 between 05:00-23:59 while the night fare is EUR 54. You can only pay cash but credit card remote POS machines are gradually making their appearance. Taxi drivers are obliged to issue computerized receipts.
- How much to tip?
The prices in most restaurants already include the tip, it is mentioned on the price list. In most of the cases, it is left to the client's discretion.
- Restaurant recommendations while in Athens?
Geros tou Moria in Plaka (Greek cuisine) : Mnisikleous Street 27 (lunch, dinner and Greek folk dances)
Thanassis and/or Bairaktaris: the most famous Souvlaki in Athens right at the end of Mitropoleos Street (near the metro station Monastiraki) - no reservation but patience required.
Strofi : 25, Rovertou Galli Street, Makrigianni area, near the Acropolis. Good Greek cuisine with nice view over Acropolis from its terrace.
Mani-Mani: a charming little restaurant, housed in a renovated neoclassical building. Greek cuisine with a twist, very good service, pleasant ambiance. Advance reservations are recommended.
Kouzina: right across the entrance of the Ancient Agora, it is housed in a beautiful, neoclassical mansion with a fantastic roof terrace with panoramic view. Innovative recipes that combine Greek and international ingredients, excellent service, lovely atmosphere. Advance reservations are required, especially for the roof section.