MileHacker Logo
Essential Planning Information

Essential Planning Information

Greece

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June-August) experiences hot and dry conditions, with temperatures from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). July and August often have the highest temperatures, minimal precipitation, and warm sea temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F).

Spring (April-May) brings mild weather, 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), lower humidity, and occasional light rain. Sea temperatures warm to 19-22°C (66-72°F) by late May.

Climate Details

  • Autumn (September-October) continues mild weather, 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Sea temperatures stay warm (23-24°C/73-75°F) through September, with increasing rain in October.
  • Winter (November-March) is cool and wetter, 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Many tourist businesses close.
  • Occasional "Meltemi" winds in summer create rough sea conditions, potentially disrupting ferry schedules.
  • Ideal for swimming: June to September. Ideal for hiking: April-May and September-October.

Season Analysis

High Season (Mid-July to August) is the busiest. Warmest sea temperatures, all businesses operational, frequent ferry connections. Crowded, higher prices, booking needed.

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October) offers a balance. Pleasant weather for activities, fewer crowds, lower prices. Most businesses open. Limited hours for some small businesses early May or late October.

Low Season Nov-Apr

Quietest period

Benefits

Genuine local life, very few tourists, lowest prices, peaceful.

Considerations

Many businesses closed, very limited ferry connections, cooler and wetter weather.

Shoulder Season May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Best balance

Benefits

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, most businesses open, green landscapes.

Considerations

Some seasonal businesses limited, slightly less frequent ferries.

High Season Mid-Jul to Aug

Busiest & warmest

Benefits

Warmest sea, all businesses fully operational, most frequent ferries.

Considerations

Most crowded, highest prices, booking accommodations and tours is difficult without advance planning.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Schengen Area

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, meaning visa rules for the entire zone apply. US, Canadian, Australian, UK, and New Zealand citizens typically enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This entry is for short tourism or business visits. Other nationalities may require a Schengen Visa, applied for at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, with processing taking several weeks. For detailed information and assistance with visa applications, consider consulting IVisa or VisaHQ.

ETIAS Authorization

From mid-2025, visa-exempt non-EU nationals will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization. This electronic travel authorization is obtained online before travel.

Required Documents

  • Passport:

    Valid for at least three months beyond departure from Schengen, issued within 10 years, two blank pages.

  • Proof of travel:

    Onward/return flight or ferry booking.

  • Accommodation:

    Hotel bookings or invitation letter.

  • Financial means:

    Bank statements or credit card limits (€50-€100 per day).

  • Travel insurance:

    Required for Schengen Visa applicants and recommended for all travelers.

Entry & Park Regulations

  • No general entry fees for tourists upon arrival in Greece.
  • Special regulations apply within the National Marine Park, especially in Zone A (Piperi island), to protect monk seals.
  • Private boats may need permits for certain park areas. Rules for anchoring, swimming, and fishing apply. Obtain current information from the Alonnisos Marine Park Information Center.

Budgeting & Costs

Prices vary by season and travel style. The official currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are available in Patitiri and Chora. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller purchases or remote areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans.

Daily Cost Estimates per person

These estimates factor in accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.

Budget Traveler €40-€70

Accommodation: €25-€40 (basic guesthouse/studio). Meals: €10-€20 (gyros, local tavernas, supermarket items).

Details

  • Transportation: €5-€10 (local bus, walking).
  • Activities: €0-€5 (free beaches, hiking, Chora exploration).
  • Money-saving: Eat locally, use buses, rent scooters, buy groceries, enjoy free activities.

Mid-Range Traveler €80-€150

Accommodation: €50-€90 (comfortable mid-range hotel/apartment). Meals: €30-€50 (mix of traditional and nicer restaurants).

Details

  • Transportation: €10-€20 (scooter rental, some taxi use).
  • Activities: €10-€20 (group boat trips, museum entry).
  • Money-saving: Visit during shoulder season for lower prices.

Luxury Traveler €200+

Cost Breakdown

  • Accommodation: €120+ (boutique hotels, private villas).
  • Meals: €60+ (fine dining, premium seafood).
  • Transportation: €30+ (car rental, private transfers, water taxis).
  • Activities: €30+ (private boat tours, diving excursions, spa).

Tipping Culture

  • Customary but not obligatory.
  • Restaurants: Round up or 5-10% for good service.
  • Cafes/Bars: Round up or leave small change.
  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest Euro.

Health & Safety Considerations

  • No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Greece for US or EU citizens. Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, varicella, polio, flu shot) are current. Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are for most travelers. Consult a travel health clinic or doctor for specific needs.
  • Sunburn and Heatstroke prevention: Use high-SPF Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30-50+), wear Wide-brimmed hats and Sunglasses. Seek shade between 12 PM and 4 PM.
  • Dehydration prevention: Drink plenty of water. Carry a Reusable water bottle and refill frequently. Avoid excessive alcohol in the hottest parts of the day.
  • Insect Bites: Use Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin). Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings.

Medical Access & Water Safety

Alonnisos has a local health center (Polyclinic) in Patitiri for basic medical care. Several pharmacies operate in Patitiri and Chora. For serious conditions, evacuation to a mainland hospital may occur. The European Emergency Number is 112.

Water & Food Hygiene

  • Tap water in Alonnisos is generally safe to drink, especially in Patitiri and Chora.
  • Some visitors prefer Bottled water due to taste.
  • A Portable water filter (Sawyer Mini Water Filter) provides extra confidence.
  • Greece holds high food safety standards. Eat at busy establishments. Fresh seafood is a specialty.

Crime & Natural Risks

  • Alonnisos is very safe, with a remarkably low crime rate. Petty crime is uncommon.
  • No specific "no-go" neighborhoods.
  • Earthquakes: Greece is in an active seismic zone; minor tremors occur.
  • Wildfires: Risk increases in hot, dry summers. Adhere to warnings and restrictions.

Travel Insurance & Emergency Contacts

Travel Insurance:Highly recommended.
Coverage:Medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss.
Flight Compensation:AirHelp for delays/cancellations.
Emergency numbers:112 (EU emergency), 166 (Ambulance), 100 (Police), 199 (Fire).
Safety:Share itinerary, register with embassy (e.g., STEP for US).

Health Note

  • Jellyfish can appear; observe local warnings.
  • Sea urchins inhabit rocky seabeds; wear Water shoes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to cover all eventualities.
  • Keep a physical and digital list of emergency numbers and your itinerary.
  • Contact the Health Center in Patitiri or dial 112 for immediate assistance.

Price Ranges Per Person

Estimated costs for various aspects of your trip.

Accommodation & Dining

  • Accommodation (per night):

    Hostel/Guesthouse: €25-€50, Mid-range: €60-€150, Luxury: €180-€400+.

  • Meals (per person):

    Street food: €3-€6, Casual: €10-€20, Mid-range: €25-€40, Fine dining: €50+.

  • Money-saving meals:

    Eat at local tavernas away from main tourist areas. Buy groceries and prepare some meals.

Transportation & Activities

Transportation

Local bus ticket: €1.80-€3.00. Taxi Patitiri to Chora: €8-€12. Scooter rental: €20-€35/day. Car rental: €35-€70/day. Ferry from Skiathos: €10-€20.

Activities: Alonnisos Museum: €5-€7. Marine Park excursions: €30-€60 (group trip). Diving: €50-€100 per dive.

Utilize local buses. Consider a scooter rental for personal transport. Look for free activities like hiking and beach exploration.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

  • 1
    Medical Coverage:

    Hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications.

  • 2
    Emergency Evacuation:

    Transport to a larger medical facility if needed.

  • 3
    Trip Protection:

    Trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay.

Safety Protocols

Be prepared for common concerns and access help if needed.

Marine Park Specifics

  • Strict regulations in Zone A for monk seal protection.
  • Private boats may need permits for entry into certain areas.
  • Rules for anchoring, swimming, and fishing apply.

Important Reminders

  • Carry a copy of vaccination records and a list of prescription medications.
  • Exercise general vigilance with belongings in crowded areas.
  • Monitor weather forecasts for Meltemi winds which can affect ferry services.

Price Ranges: Accommodation, Meals, Transportation

Detailed cost breakdown for various travel aspects in Alonnisos.

Accommodation per night

Hostel/Guesthouse: €25-€50, Mid-range hotel/apartment: €60-€150, Luxury hotel/villa: €180-€400+

Meals per person

Street food (gyros, souvlaki): €3-€6, Casual taverna meal: €10-€20, Mid-range restaurant meal: €25-€40, Fine dining: €50+

Transportation

Local bus ticket: €1.80-€3.00, Taxi Patitiri to Chora: €8-€12, Scooter rental: €20-€35/day, Car rental: €35-€70/day, Ferry from Skiathos: €10-€20

Useful Safety Details

Emergency Information

  • European Emergency Number:112
  • Medical Emergency (Ambulance):166
  • Police:100
  • Fire Department:199

Safety Practices

  • Inform family/friends of itinerary:Yes
  • Register trip with embassy:Consider
  • Crime risk:Very low
  • Pickpocketing:Uncommon

Health Center Note

The Alonnisos Health Center in Patitiri provides local medical services.