Greece
Local SIM cards from providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind offer prepaid data packages. A passport is needed for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speeds typically suffice for browsing and streaming.
The official language is Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators.
Learning a few basic Greek phrases meets appreciation from locals.
Priority Pass access for independent airport lounges. For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Fira's operating hours vary by business type and season.
Typically 9:00 AM/10:00 AM - 9:00 PM or later during high season. Some smaller shops might close for a mid-day siesta (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
Lunch from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, dinner from 7:00 PM onwards, often until midnight or later. Peak dinner time is usually after 9:00 PM in summer.
Usually 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, extended in summer. Verify specific hours online or locally.
Greece observes several public and religious holidays where most businesses, banks, and public services close. Plan your visit accordingly.
Many tourism-focused businesses in Fira and Santorini close for the low season, typically November through March.
Verify specific opening hours for museums and sites before your visit, especially during shoulder or off-season periods.
A handshake serves as a common greeting for formal introductions. Close friends and family may exchange kisses on the cheek.
Casual dress generally works in tourist areas. Modest attire is needed for religious sites.
Photographing public spaces and attractions is generally fine. Always seek permission before photographing individuals.
Certain gestures have different meanings in Greece.
Greeks are generally very hospitable. Locals often go out of their way to aid visitors, even with a language barrier. A smile and a few Greek words make a positive impression.
Santorini's unique topography poses challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
Fira's caldera towns present significant challenges for travelers with mobility impairments. The terrain features steep hills, numerous steps, and narrow, uneven cobblestone paths.
Accessible attractions are few. Public buses are not wheelchair accessible. Taxis might work if foldable wheelchairs are used.
Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are less widely available than in larger cities.
Specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible travel to Greece deliver detailed and specific advice.
Be patient and flexible. Greeks are generally very hospitable, and locals often go out of their way to aid visitors, even with a language barrier. A smile and a few Greek words make a positive impression.
