Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Aegean Islands
 |  | Fact File : Aegean Islands |
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| | | Aegean Islands | | Did you know?
Inspired by the ancient erotic love poetry of Sappho, the island of Lesbos has become a mecca for lesbians from around the world.
Language
Greek.
Visas
None needed for UK citizens.
Getting there
Lesbos has air links from Athens airport. There are also numerous ferry and hydrofoil routes between the island chain and the Greek mainland. You can fly from across the UK to Athens international and head for the Port of Piraeus. Or fly to Kavala and take a ferry from there or nearby Keramoti for Thassos.
Flying time from London
Four hours.
Getting around
There are daily ferries between Lesbos, Ikaria and Samos and Chios. The island has a good bus service, boats, cars and bikes for hire and taxis.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Roll of film £3, moderate restaurant meal £6, bottle of beer 80p, night in a moderate hotel £10-£30, litre of petrol 50p, four-mile taxi ride £3. All prices will vary.
Weather
Summers are long and hot — average 32C/87F, so it's best to go then. During the mild but wet winters (15C/59F), many tourist facilities shut down, especially on the islands.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 for Greece followed by the Lesbos island code 2251.
Voltage
220V. You need an adaptor if you are using electrical goods from the UK.
Opening hours
Banks open 8am-2pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-1.20pm on Friday. Some banks in large cities open from 3.30pm-6.30pm and on Saturday mornings.
Health — before you go
No jabs required. You are eligible for healthcare in Greece but it is wise to buy additional travel insurance before you go.
Health — when you are there
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Be wary of the sun and pack an insect repellent. Residents of EU countries are eligible to receive free emergency medical care.
Warnings
Codeine is banned in Greece so make sure you don't unwittingly smuggle any in, in the form of headache pills! Don't offend locals by sunbathing topless or nude in an undesignated area. Remember that small villages are often quite conservative in their attitudes — behave accordingly when visiting churches, etc.
Emergency
For police, ambulance or fire, call 166. The British Embassy is at Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel 01 723 6211.
Customs
Toilets are usually western-style, but some are still squatting-style and neither will manage to flush away loo paper — put it in the bin next to the loo or watch as the bathroom floods with unmentionables.
Pets
Greece is part of the Pet Travel Scheme. Pets that are eligible to leave the UK and return need health checks and vaccinations before and after their trip. See your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it's customary to leave a small tip; the same for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
Did you know?
Inspired by the ancient erotic love poetry of Sappho, the island of Lesbos has become a Mecca for lesbians from around the world.
Language
Greek.
Visas
None needed for UK citizens.
Getting there
Samos, Chios, Lesbos, Limnos and Ikaria all have air links to Athens airports. There are numerous ferry and hydrofoil routes between the island chain and the Greek mainland. You can fly from across the UK to Athens international and head for the Port of Piraeus. Or fly to Kavala and take a ferry from there or nearby Keramoti for Thassos.
Flying time from London
Four hours.
Getting around
There are daily ferries between Ikaria and Samos, Chios and Lesbos. Ferries operate less frequently between Lesbos and Limnos and Chios and Samos. Lesbos is also connected by air to both Limnos and Chios. The larger islands have bus services, tourist bus services, boats for hire and taxis. Also expect to do a lot of walking.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Roll of film £3, moderate restaurant meal £6, bottle of beer 80p, night in a moderate hotel £10-£30, litre of petrol 50p, four-mile taxi ride £3. All prices will vary.
Weather
Summers are long and hot — average 32C/87F, so it's best to go then. During the mild but wet winters (15C/59F), many tourist facilities shut down, especially on the islands.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 for Greece followed by island code: Samos 0273, Ikaria and Fourni 0275, Chios 0271, Psara 0274, Lesbos 0251, Limnos 0254, Samothraki 0551, Thassos 0593
Voltage
220V. You need an adaptor if you are using electrical goods from the UK.
Opening hours
Banks open 8am-2pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-1.20pm on Friday. Some banks in large cities open from 3.30pm-6.30pm and on Saturday mornings.
Health — before you go
No jabs required. You are eligible for healthcare in Greece but it is wise to buy additional travel insurance before you go.
Health — when you are there
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Be wary of the sun and pack an insect repellent. Residents of EU countries are eligible to receive free emergency medical care.
Warnings
Codeine is banned in Greece so make sure you don't unwittingly smuggle any in, in the form of headache pills! Don't offend locals by sunbathing topless or nude in an undesignated area. Remember that small villages are often quite conservative in their attitudes — behave accordingly when visiting churches, etc.
Emergency
For police, ambulance or fire, call 166. The British Embassy is at Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel. 01 723 6211.
Customs
Toilets are usually western-style, but some are still squatting-style and neither will manage to flush away loo paper — put it in the bin next to the loo or watch as the bathroom floods with unmentionables.
Pets
Greece is part of the Pet Travel Scheme. Pets that are eligible to leave the UK and return need health checks and vaccinations before and after their trip. See your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it's customary to leave a small tip; the same for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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Amethyst is a small village house, completely renovated to very high standards. Views sweep down to the sea, and across this peaceful, gentle island
|  | | Stonehouse Panagiotis- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Lagos Whole House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Garden House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
|  | | Little House- Petrina
Petrina are beautifully restored village houses offer you the opportunity to spend a relaxing holiday in the peace and quiet of a traditional villa
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Holiday Rentals in Aegean Islands |
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