ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

& DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC (GREECE)

GENERAL INFO

Capital of Greece: Athens

Official language: Greek. English widely spoken, even by those not in the tourism industry.

Official Currency: EURO (€) {1 Euro = 100 Cent}

Climate: Mediterranean

Population: 11,306,183 (2011, estimate)

System of Government: Presidential Parliamentary Democracy

President of the Republic: Mr. Karolos Papoulias

Prime Minister: Mr. Antonis Samaras

International Calling Code: (+30)

Electricity: 230 volts

Post: Stamps can be bought in most tobacconists and kiosks selling postcards.

Time Zone: GMT +2. Daylight saving time (GMT +3) from March to October.

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NATIONALITY

Nationality: Greeks

Major ethnic: Greeks

Minor ethnic: Albanians, Roma, Turks, Bulgarians and Pomaks, Romanians, Russians,
Georgians and Armenians.

LANGUAGE

Official: Greek

Spoken: Greek

RELIGION

According to the Greek constitution, Eastern Orthodox Christianity is recognized as the "prevailing
religion" in Greece. During the centuries that Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire, besides its spiritual
mandate, the Orthodox Church, based in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), also functioned as an
official representative of the Christian population of the empire. The Church is often credited with the
preservation of the Greek language, values, and national identity during Ottoman times. The Church was
also an important rallying point in the war for independence, although this latter position is somewhat
controversial as the official Church in Constantinople initially condemned the breakout of armed struggle
against the Empire. The Church of Greece was established shortly after the formation of a Greek national
state. Its authority to this day extends only to the areas included in the independent Greek state before the
Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. There is a Muslim minority concentrated in Thrace and officially protected by
the Treaty of Lausanne. Besides Pomaks (Muslim Bulgarian speakers) and Roma, it consists mainly of
ethnic Turks, who speak Turkish and receive instruction in Turkish at special government-funded schools.
There are also a number of Jews in Greece, most of whom live in Thessaloniki. There are also some
Greeks who adhere to a reconstruction of the ancient Greek religion. A place of worship has been
recognized as such by court.

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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:
- the IKA (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

NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS & PUBLIC 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.

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DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Growth rate: 0.146% (2008 est.)

Birth rate: 9.45 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate: 10.51 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Life expectancy: 79.66 years

–male: 77.11 years

–female: 82.37 years (2010 est.)

Fertility rate: 1.42 children born/woman (2011 est.)[2]

Infant mortality rate: 4.92 deaths per 1,000 live births (2012 est.) [3]

AGE STRUCTURE

0-14 years: 14.3%

15-64 years: 66.6%

65-over: 19.1%

SEX RATIO

At birth: 1.06 male(s)/female (2008 est.)

Under 15: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.00 male(s)/female

65-over: 0.78 male(s)/female

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TRAVELLING TO GREECE

By plane, ship, train or car, or even a combination of transportation means, traveling to Greece is relatively
simple and quick, even though it is situated at the southernmost corner of Europe and the Balkan
Peninsula. Apart from the large airports in Athens in Thessaloniki, there are also smaller airports that
service trips to and from the other large cities and the more famous islands in the Aegean and Ionian
Seas. The railway and road networks link Greece with the rest of Europe via the neighboring Balkan
countries, while the large ports of Piraeus and Igoumenitsa handle the arrival of coastal ships via mainly
Italy.

By plane
The most important entry point by air in Greece is “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport in Athens.
From the first day it began operations in March 2001 has won international awards and distinctions, but
more significantly, it has won the hearts of the visitors who consider it to be one of the most functional and
comfortable airports in Europe. It is situated 33 km southeast of Athens and there is rapid access to the
airport via the Attiki Odos, a central road artery connecting Athens with the Mesogeia (Mediterranean)
region, as well as through dense scheduling of the Metro and Proastiako Suburban Systems.
More info about El. Venizelos Airport. www.aia.gr
However, other airports also handle direct flights from certain foreign countries, by regular and special
airlines (especially during the summer months), as well as from charter flights, such as
theThessaloniki “Macedonia” State Airport, the Heraklion “Nikos Kazantazkis” International Airport, the
Alexandroupolis “Dimokritos” International Airport and the Corfu “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Airport, as well as
some smaller islands.
Click here for more detailed information on Greek airports.

By sea
The main volume of European tourists travelling to Greece by car uses ferries that have been built
recently, sailing between Greek ports and ports in neighboring Italy. There are daily routes from Patras
and Igoumenitsa to Italy, from the ports of Ancona, Bari, Brindizi, Venice and Trieste.
It acts as a “bridge”over which several million people pass. These routes are serviced with new ships that
offer all modern comforts and speeds, while proper scheduling to and from Italy provide as many
departures and arrivals as possible, thus giving tourists a wide selection to chose from. In order to better
cover the ever increasing demand for mobile home transportation, shipping companies have scheduled
ships with specially configurated areas for campers and caravans (towed and automotive).
Travelling with these ships in a comfortable and sophisticated environment and experiencing their
hospitality and modern services provides relaxation and pleasure at very reasonable prices. These ships
offer various categories of cabins -from outside cabins with WC and shower to more economical inside
cabins- but in every instance your overnight stay is comfortable. They usually include air-conditioning, bar,
restaurants and clothing stores, as well as satellite communications (telex and fax), video games and
gambling (slot machines, casino, card rooms), pools, self-service facilities, disco, cinema, children’s
playroom, escalators, camping on board, etc.Other than facilities for daily departures -which are mainly
late at night- and the option to buy return tickets, passengers are assured that they will arrive at their
destination on time, while at the same time providing them with an extra vacation day.
Passenger Passport Control
With the application of the terms of the Schengen Agreement in our country, all passenger ships/ferries
sailing regular routes from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Italy and back (without visiting any non-Schenken
third-country ports) are included in the category of ships executing domestic routes.As a result,
passengers travelling in these ships, whose only destinantion is to those ports situated on the sovereign
land of the Schenken countries, do not have to undergo passport control.
Piraeus Harbor
Patras Harbor

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Patras Port authority Tel: +30 2610 341002, 341024 ,361470

Igoumenitsa Harbor
Igoumenitsa port authority Tel: +30 26650 99400, 26650 99460

By train
Greece’s railway network is approximately 2,500 km long, covering the greater part of the mainland and
linking the country to Central Europe and Turkey. The transportation of passengers, luggage and driver-
accompanied vehicles is carried out through regularly scheduled routes that are amended every year. The
routes are carried out by high-quality Intercity-type trains (express and regular) and by regular trains (high-
speed), etc). When traveling by train, it is worth looking at the architecture of the old stations along the
line, most of which had been built at the end of the 19th C. and are of unique workmanship and symbols of
early industrial architecture.
*For more information on time-tables, ticket prices and special O.S.E. services, contact:
Hellenic Railways Organization (O.S.E.):

 Call 1440 for pre-recorded information giving train departures (domestic and Athens-Thessaloniki)
 Call 1110 for telephone reservations for passengers from Attica to Thessaloniki
 O.S.E. Central Information 1-3 Karolou St, Athens, Tel: +30 210 5297777
 Thessaloniki Railway Station. +30 2310 517517 - 8,
Off: Νο 4 Trips, 18 Aristotelous St, Tel: +30 2310 598120
 Patras: Railway Station. +30 2610 639108 - 9
 Larisa Railway Station. +30 2410 236250
Off: Νο 3 Trips, 37 Papakyriazi St, Tel: +30 2410 590239
 Volos Railway Station. +30 24210 24056
Off: Νο 8 Trips, 17 Iasonas St, Tel: +30 24210 28555
 For special information and assistance for persons with special needs (ΑΜΕΑ), call: +30 210
5298838 (for Athens) and +30 2410 590263 (for Larisa). There are competent O.S.E. staff at the
Athens and Larisa Railway Stations to assist persons with special needs who are traveling by train.
 For information on foreign bus routes, call: +30 210 5298739 - 40, +30 210 5135768 - 9

By car
Greece 's road network covers 117,000 kilometres. Following the modernization of the two large national
highways, the construction of a major section of the Egnatia Road, etc., driving along most of the national
highway network is now easier and without problems. There are numerous gas stations, restaurants and
parking areas sited along the length of the road network, allowing drivers and passengers to stop and rest
briefly.
The border crossing points for entering Greece by road from the neighboring Balkan countries are Exochi
Drama for Bulgaria, Evzones Kilkis for FYROM, Kakavia in the Ioannina Prefecture for Albania and Kipoi
Evrou for Turkey.
The main road axes in Greece are listed below, followed by the European road number :
Athens- Thessaloniki (E 75 )
Athens- Corinth (E 94 )
Corinth- Patras (E 65 )
Corinth-Tripoli- Kalamata (E 65 )
Patras-Pyrgos-Oly mpia (E 55 )
Thessaloniki-Kavala- Alexandroupoli (E 90 )
Igoumenitsa-Alexandroupoli (Egnatia Odos Motorway)
Chania-Agios Nikolaos ( Crete E 75)

Driving Licenses
E.U. Member-State citizens may use their own national driving license, while citizens of other countries
must have an international driving license together with their own valid national driving license.

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PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS

Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and has ratified the Schengen Agreement.
Citizens traveling inside the E.U. just need to display their police I.D. Card without the need of a passport.
However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange,
purchases, etc.

Visas are not required by citizens of Member-States of the Schengen Agreement. Greece follows the
provisions of the Schengen Agreement, which abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea
borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to
three (3) months. However, airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or police I.D. Card or
other form of official identification means.
Citizens of the majority of the countries that are not Member-States of the Schengen Agreement require a
visa to enter Greece and the E.U. Visitors from these countries can obtain further information from the
Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or even from their travel agencies.

Visas are not required by holders of valid passports from the following non-E.U. countries if they want to
visit Greece and remain in the country for up to 3 months (90 days) within a chronological period of 6
months:
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Israel
Japan
Malaysia
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Vatican
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Saint Marino
Singapore
South Korea
USA
Uruguay
Venezuela
Note: During their stay in Greece, visitors with a visa must also have suitable insurance coverage for
emergency medical or other needs.

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TOURIST PROTECTION LINE

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 in accommodation licensed by the GNTO and displaying the Special
Function Sign:

 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 licensed by the GNTO and displaying the
Special Function Sign:

 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

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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 to the
Greek National Tourism Organization, by email to complaints@gnto.gr

For tourist information:

call +30 210 3310392, +30 210 3310716 send you email to info@gnto.gr
Call the Tourist Police: 171

CLIMATE - WEATHER

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of
rainfall.
Due to the country's geographical position, its rugged relief and its distribution between the mainland and
the sea, there is great variation in Greece's climate.
In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi, while mountainous regions
have generally lower temperatures.
The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are
usually snow-covered. Moreover, a common phenomenon is the occurrence of different climactic
conditions during the same season (for instance, mild heat in coastal areas and cool temperatures in
mountainous regions).

GEOGRAPHY

Greece is located in south-eastern Europe, on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula (Haemus
peninsula); it lies at the meeting point of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa. Greece borders to the
North on Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.), to the Northwest on
Albania, to the Northeast on Turkey; to the West it is washed by the Ionian Sea; to the South by the
Mediterranean Sea and to the East by the Aegean Sea.The total area of Greece is 131,957 km2 and
consists of three main geographic areas:

 a peninsular mainland (that extends from the region of Central Greece on the South to the region
of Thrace on the North) being the biggest geographic feature of the country
 the Peloponnese peninsula that is separated from the mainland by the canal of the Corinth
Isthmus,
 and around 6.000 islands and islets, scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, most of them
grouped in clusters, that constitute the unique Greek archipelago. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu,
the Dodecanese and the Cyclades are some of the famous and popular islands and island clusters
in Greece.

Eighty percent of the country consists of mountains or hills, making Greece one of the most mountainous
countries of Europe; furthermore, it has 16.000 kilometres of coastline of which 7500 are found around the
thousands islands of the Greek archipelago, a truly unparalleled phenomenon on the European continent.

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ACCOMMODATION

Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide, as every year it welcomes more
than 12 million tourists, placing it among the top ranked countries on the World Tourism Organization’s list
of countries with inbound tourists (according to WTO data).

Over the past several decades, a large- or small-scaled polymorphic and modern tourist
complexes have developed in order to cater to the demands and accommodation needs of every visitor.

Greece’s hotel accommodation potential amounts to around 8,900 units with a total number of 352,000
rooms.
Moreover, most of the tourist areas have a significant number of rooms for rent, which operate under the
special operational seal of G.N.T.O., while more than 340 camp-sites with 30,000 spots and 2,500 small
houses are operating throughout the country. Most tourist lodgings have been recently renovated and
upgraded and now offer high-quality modern facilities.

Types of Accommodation

 Hotels: (Worldwide Hotel Chains, standard type, traditional guesthouses, agrotourist lodgings, etc).
 Rooms for rent
 Apartments for rent
 Tourist residences and villas: self-catering dwellings provided in various sizes as holiday
accommodations, depending on the needs of the tourists.
 Campings: organized places for camping throughout Greece which operate under the official
G.N.T.O. seal. They provide places for tents or caravans, as well as small bungalows, while their
facilities provide a wide range of services. Places can be booked through travel agencies.
You can get information through the search form of the Pan-Hellenic Campings Association.
Free-range camping or parking outside legal camp-sites is not permitted.
 Youth hostels

ELECTRICITY

The electric current used in Greece is 220 volts AC, alternating at 50 cycles. (Some larger hotels have
110-volt low-wattage outlets for electric shavers, but they aren't good for hair dryers and most other
appliances.) Electrical outlets require Continental-type plugs with two round prongs. U.S. travelers will
need an adapter plug and a transformer/converter, unless their appliances are dual-voltage. (Such
transformers can be bought in stores like Radio Shack.) Laptop-computer users will want to check their
requirements; a transformer may be necessary, and surge protectors are recommended.

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GASTRONOMY

One of the authentic cultural elements of a region is gastronomy. The distinctiveness of the “kitchen taste”
(gustation) is many times associated with the quality characteristics of its society, while “revealing”
information concerning its cultural and economic history.
At the same time, gustation seems to be a way of communicating. A way for someone to “talk” to the heart
of someone else.
Greek gastronomy has recorded a history of around 4,000 years, with especial characteristics based on
pure and unique quality goods produced on Greek land. In fact, it was Archestratos who wrote the first
cookbook in history (330 B.C.).
In Greek nutritional tradition the gustative result blends harmonically with the high nutritional value.
Dozens of scientific studies have shown the positive effect of a balanced Greek diet on a person’s health,
beauty and longevity. In addition, the nutritional culture of the Greeks has traditionally added an
extraverted social dimension to the table, combining gustative satisfaction with recreation and
communication, and thus maintaining even today some overtones from ancient feasts.
In contrast to what many people believe about Greek cuisine, you will discoverer that “moussaka”,
“souvlaki” and “choriatiki” (Greek salad) are not the only worthwhile Greek dishes. Greek cuisine consists
of a large variety of dishes that can fully satisfy the gastronomic quests of both vegetarians and meat
lovers.

Basic ingredients
Greek cuisine has four secrets: good quality fresh ingredients, correct use of flavourings (herbs) and
spices, the famous Greek olive oil and simplicity.
Greek olive oil deserves a special note. It accompanies almost all Greek dishes, it is used abundantly in
most of them, it is of excellent quality and it is very good for your health. It is also known that artificial
cultivation of vegetables is not carried out due to the mild Greek climate. Consequently, most vegetables
are cultivated in natural ways and they therefore maintain their aroma and their flavour. You will be happy
and content after tasting a Greek tomato, cabbage, carrot, onion, parsley and garlic. At the same time, you
should not forget the rich flavour and aroma of fresh Greek fruits, such as grapes, apricots, peaches,
cherries, melons, watermelons, etc.

As far as flavourings (herbs) are concerned, which almost every Greek gathers from the hills and the
countryside, they are renowned for their gustativeness, aromas and curative properties. As you taste some
of the many different dishes, you will be mesmerized by the amazing aroma
of oregano, thyme, mint androsemary. Do not forget to also try the Greek cheeses, especially feta
cheese. Taking as fact that the sheep and goats are free-ranging and the pastures are especially lush and
green, Greek meat has a unique taste that cannot be compared. Mediterranean seafood is much tastier
than those from the oceans. The Aegean and Ionian Seas are crystal clear and rich with fish. Fresh fish on
the grill is considered to be a true delight.

Greek philosophy
The time of the day when Greeks gather around the table to enjoy a meal or various hors d’oeuvres
(mezedes) with ouzo is a tradition that every Greek maintains with reverence. A deeply entrenched social
custom is when Greeks share a meal with friends at home, in a restaurant or a tavern. The Greek word
“symposium” -a word that is as old as Greece itself- literally means “drinking with friends”. The atmosphere
in an ordinary Greek restaurant or tavern is relaxing, simple and informal. The preparation of the food on
the other hand has its own sacred rules. Good amateur cooks are highly respected in their social circle,
while a good housewife in Greece mainly signifies a good cook. And a good cook can spend days
preparing a meal for his/her friends.

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The atmosphere
Sip a glass of ouzo or wine with grilled octopus or any other Greek dish while sitting under the shade of a
tree in a small tavern by the sea on an island in the Aegean. When you return home, try to repeat this
experience by preparing the same meal and serving the same drink. Wherever you try to repeat this, you
will soon realize that it does not taste the same. It’s not that something is wrong with your palate or your
culinary skills; it’s that the Greek ritual when eating a meal –mainly a combination of what you are eating
and where you are eating it- cannot be repeated, extracted or copied. It is simply something you can only
find, taste and enjoy in Greece.

GOING OUT

Greece is famous for its vivid lifestyle. All visitors may have an excellent stay and experience a lot of
pleasant activities. Apart from getting to know the culture, the idyllic countryside, the Greek gastronomy,
visitors should meet the tingling Greek life style.

To start with, a lot of theatres, music cafes, trendy shops, music stages, cinemas, bars, night clubs,
dancing clubs, funky restaurants, classy meeting points, casinos and after hours bars are easy to access
everywhere in Greece, all year round.

FASHION & SHOPPING GUIDE

Greek fashion is undergoing its most creative period, with quite a few designers being recognized at the
European level. Their creations are both impressive and innovative In addition, the markets in Athens and
Thessaloniki –as well as in other large Greek cities- are an absolutely enthralling experience that hide
many surprises.
Novel window displays, luxury commercial centers, together with quite a few “sterling” stores that offer that
something special, are scattered throughout the large cities. It is a sure bet that those seeking clothes
(brand-names or not), jewelry and accessories or even traditional items and antiques, will find what they
want at the price they want. However, if a visitor wants to buy something in a Greek city, he/she should
follow the example of the Greeks: a stroll along the stores must always be accompanied by coffee or a
meal.
The best shopping streets are Voukourestiou, Patriarhou Ioakim, Skoufa, Tsakalof, Kanari and the side
streets around Kolonaki. There are many designer clothes, expensive boutiques and jewellers. Try, for
example, Emporiko Centro, an exclusive galleria of several floors with gold, ties, clocks and watches,
glasses and a Gucci boutique. In this area is also Old Athens—a shoe and handbag shop with a 1960s
flavour, when ladies wore gloves and pearl necklaces à la Jackie O and Maria Callas. The shop owner
was a fashion editor before setting up on his own, putting Greek handmade accessories on the map.
In the middle of Athinas street which runs between Monastiraki and Omonia square is the covered market
hall which occupies a whole block, with a fish market in the middle. All around are butchers and spice
shops, and around the market are several simple but good places to eat. Like onion soup in the Paris
markets, here you eat patsa or tripe soup to ease the effects of ouzo. You will also find little shops selling
specialties like Pastourma (a kind of Pastrami) and Armenian and Russian specialties brought here by the
Greeks who once resided in the Black Sea region and now belong to the Greek cuisine. This is the area to
go if you are a foodie.
Most of the commercial shops within Athens, Thessaloniki and rest major cities are opened as follows:
- Mon, Wed, Sat 09:00-15:30h
- Tue, Thu, Fri 09:00-14:30h & 17:30-21:00h
Thus, Big Malls, Outlet stores and souvenir shops downtown and within tourism attraction places are open
daily Mon-Sat 09:00 – 21:00h.

ARGO TRAVEL GROUP Page 12 of 12