Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Mainland / Peloponnese
 |  | Fact File : Peloponnese |
|
| | | Peloponnese | | Did you know?
Corinth has been destroyed by earthquakes twice, in 1858 and 1928.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for EU residents.
Getting there
Kalamata has the only airport in the Peloponnese but international flights are few and far between. There are plenty of buses and trains from Athens and if you're driving down you can go via the new or old national roads. Patras has ferries from Italy and the islands.
Flying time from London
Three hours 45 minutes
Getting around
Bus services are extensive but you'll need to check local and seasonal timetables if you're going off the beaten track. The Pelopponese rail network has two lines - one along the north and west coasts, the other cutting through the centre. Car and motorbike hire also available.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; bottle of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £10; 24-exposure camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride about £3. All prices may vary.
Weather
Winter temperatures from -1C to 18C (30-65F); summer from 21C to 35C (70-95F).
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT in summer, two hours ahead in winter.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 for Greece, followed by local code
Voltage
220V, 50Hz - you'll need an adaptor for the standard continental two-pin socket.
Opening hours
Banks open 8am-2pm Mon-Thur and 8.30am-1.30pm Fri. Post offices open 7.30am-8pm Mon-Fri and till 2pm on Sat. Shops vary - some open seven days a week, some close for very long lunches. Department stores usually open from 8am-8pm but close Sundays.
Health - Before you go
UK citizens are covered for health care on production of form EHIC (from UK post offices). Emergency treatment is free in hospital (though relatives must take food in for patients). However, the health service in Greece is very underfunded and one of the poorest in Europe, so if you'd prefer private treatment, decent travel insurance is essential.
Health - When you are there
Tap water is safe to drink. Sunburn is the biggest danger, especially in summer. Slap on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Warnings
Tap water is safe to drink. Be wary of the sun, and pack an insect repellent.
Emergency
Emergency services, tel 166. British Embassy, Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel 723 6211.
Customs
If you are taking medicine, get a note from your doctor as import regulations are strict on all sorts of drugs.
Pets
You may bring your pet to and from the UK provided you have the correct documentation under the Pet Travel Scheme. However, this takes time to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a small tip; same for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Peloponnese |
|
|
|
|
