Did you know?
The waters around the island of Alonnisos are designated a marine park and are the cleanest in the Aegean.
Visas
None required for EU residents.
Getting there
Direct charter flights from
UK to Skiathos. Domestic flights from Athens to Skiathos and Skyros. Ferries from the Greek mainland serve Skiathos,
Skopelos and Alonnisos.
Around four and a half hours
Getting around
Inter-island ferry and hydrofoil services. Varying degrees of bus service on the islands.
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; bottle of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £10; roll of camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride about £3. Prices are approximate.
Weather
May to mid-October are the warmest months of the year with a temperature range of 22-30C (72-86F). June, July and August can be dry and even hotter (up to 33C/93F), relieved only by the annual northerly meltemi wind. By the end of October the rains begin and continue until February, with temperatures from 10-20C (50-68F).
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the
UK 00 30 for Greece followed by island code - Skiathos 0427,
Skopelos 0424, Alonnisos 0424, Skyros 0222.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard continental type with two round pins. Take an adaptor with you for
UK appliances.
Opening hours
Banks open Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm, and 8am-1.30pm Friday. Post offices open 7.30am-2pm Monday to Friday. Shops in tourist areas may be open daily although most close in the heat of the afternoon and on Sunday. Some museums are closed on Monday.
Health - Before you go
No jabs necessary. The
UK has reciprocal medical agreements with Greece. Take an EHIC form with you - obtainable from any
UK post office.
Health - When you are there
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Protect yourself from the sun and pack an insect repellent. For medical services on Skiathos dial (30) (0427) 22222.
Warnings
Practise common sense and keep an eye on your belongings.
Emergency
Tel 166. Tourist police in Skiathos, Tel. (0427) 23172. British Embassy, Ploutarchou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel. (30) (1) 72 72 600. Fax: (30) (1) 72 72 722.
Customs
Around 98% of Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church and life is centred on the festivals of the Church calendar. If you want to go into a church, dress appropriately - women with skirts below the knees and men with full-length trousers and covered arms.
Pets
Under the Pet Travel Scheme you can travel with your pet dog or cat, as long as you have the correct documentation. This takes some time to set up, however - ask your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a small tip. Same goes for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street,
London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.