Things to Know Before You Go

Advance Passenger Information (API) is required by governments for border control and security when entering or leaving a country. Before you travel, you’ll need to provide: Full name / Date of birth / Gender / Nationality / Passport type & number / Country of issue / Expiry date

1. We’ll need this in advance for The Hellenic Port Authority - for holidays with onward sea transfers. An automated email will be sent with a link to a form for you to fill in.
2. You will need to provide this when checking in for your flights. You can information & instructions on Airline Seats & Check-In page.

The air conditioning is operated by remote control. During the hotter summer months it is typically set to 22˚C. For the A/C to function effectively, it requires that all doors and windows be closed. If it doesn’t work initially, please check that this is the case. Please do not set the temperature below 21˚C as this can cause the system to freeze and the A/C unit to fail.

Please turn off the A/C when you leave the property. When you switch it back on, on your return, it will only take a short time to get the property to your temperature of preference.

Should you be holidaying in low season when the evenings are a little chillier, these units can also be used to warm the air.

Banks in Greece do not work a full day as in the UK. Usual banking hours are: Monday – Thursday: 08.00 – 14.00 / Friday: 08.00 – 13.30. The property books or your local representative will be able to give you information on where to find the most convenient cash point.

The use of BBQs is usually permitted at most self-catering properties in Greece, except in extraordinary circumstances. Some of your most enjoyable meals will be dining alfresco by the pool for lunch or early evenings. The local butcher will be able to supply you with choice cuts of meat suitable for barbequing, not forgetting the fishmonger who can suggest the best catch of the day. Don’t forget to try local sausages, too! Please remember to leave the BBQ in good, clean condition for the arrival of the incoming guests. 

We ask that you use extreme caution - especially using portable BBQs - as in some areas the surrounding land can be very dry during the summer months. Never let your BBQ get out of control, and always have a supply of water close by in case of an accident. Should the country experience any wildfires, the permission to use BBQs could be revoked, in this instance your representative will inform you. 

All our remote controls are fitted with new batteries at the beginning of each season. We kindly ask that guests refrain from taking batteries from remote controls for use in their own appliances. Please inform your local representative if these are indeed missing or are no longer working. 

Often when sleeping in a strange bed it takes a couple of days to get used to a different mattress. Some mattresses are orthopaedic ones and may be deemed firm by some who prefer softer ones. If you find your bed too hard, a simple solution is to put a blanket under the sheet to make it softer. 

The British Consulate is located in Athens. Should you need to reach them in the event of emergency, contact details are as follows: BRITISH EMBASSY, ATHENS, 1 Ploutarchou Street, 106 75 Athens, Greece, Tel: +30 210 7272 600. General enquiries, email: [email protected]. To call 24/7 in an emergency or send an online enquiry go to: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/greece/british-embassy-athens

Local bus services in rural areas and islands are infrequent to say the least, but as with most transport services in Greece, when they do operate they run a very punctual service. Having said that, islands such as Corfu and Skiathos have a regular bus service operating to a schedule which you will find posted at the bus stops. Buses are very cheap and a good way to get around the island if you don’t want to drive. Ask your representative for more details on services.

Where car hire is included in your holiday package this also includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). You will be offered the opportunity in resort to upgrade to FDW (Full Damage Waiver) at a daily rate (depending on the type of car), by the car hire agent. This is an OPTIONAL charge and you are under no obligation to take up this offer. Please make sure you are fully aware of what you are covered for in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Discuss this with the agent and check you are happy with the details on the contract. If car hire is not included in your package, this can be arranged prior to your departure, or in resort through our local agents. If you are travelling in high season and are considering car hire, we recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. It is customary to leave the petrol tank at the same level as it was when you picked up the car, otherwise the agent will charge you an additional fee as well as a service charge. Petrol, parking charges, or any fines you may incur, are your responsibility. 

For further information please visit our Car Hire Prices page and our Car Hire Insurance page.

Child Car Seat Laws in Greece – Summary:

• Children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system (car seat).
• The car seat must be suitable for the child's height, weight, and age—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Rear-facing car seats are strongly recommended for infants and toddlers, ideally until at least age 2, or as long as the seat allows.
• Once a child is 135 cm or taller, they can use a standard seatbelt, but only if it fits properly. The belt should lie flat across the chest and rest on the upper thighs, not on the stomach or neck.
• Front seat use is generally discouraged for young children, especially with active airbags, unless the child is in a rear-facing seat and the airbag is deactivated.
• Car seats are not mandatory in taxis, tourist coaches, or on public transport.

Car seats are available free of charge. Please request what you require at the time of booking.

For Spring and Autumn departures, we recommend that you pack cardigans and light jackets which may be needed as the evenings can be rather cool. Make sure you do not forget sun hats - especially if you are travelling with children. For those visiting areas with pebble beaches, waterproof shoes such as jelly or neoprene shoes, are really useful when entering and exiting the sea.

Cots & highchairs are available on request, free of charge. If you are travelling with an infant please request this at the time of booking. If you have booked online, drop us an email at [email protected] and we can add this to your booking. Do remember to bring bedlinen with you for the cot, as we do not supply this.

It is recommended you carry a valid credit/debit card with you as this will be required by the car hire agencies in the various resorts and is useful in the event of any emergency. Charges may apply if you use your card abroad, and some banks don’t charge for transactions, but do for withdrawing cash. Please check with your bank for further details.

If withdrawing money, its advisable to select to be charged in the local currency when withdrawing cash or making purchases abroad, as this typically offers a better exchange rate than opting to be charged in pounds.

Prepaid cards also now exist which allow you to preload money in the local currency which can help you keep a tab on your expenditure and avoid excess bank charges.

Greece is an incredibly safe country, particularly on the islands. Crime is very low, as a general rule, but cannot of course be ruled out. In the unlikely event you are a victim of crime in Greece, contact your representative and/or the tourist police immediately. If you lose an item whilst on holiday, you must contact the local Police who will ask you to complete a form should you wish to claim on your insurance. Your representative may also be able to issue you with a letter for your insurance company, attesting to the loss.

The currency is the Euro, which is available in the following denominations: It is issued in €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 & €5 notes. Coins are issued in €2, €1 and 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents and 1 cent pieces (€500 are no longer issued but some are still circulating).

Should the need arise for you to visit a Doctor or Dentist locally, their details may be found on the Emergency Contact Sheet you will receive with your welcome letter on arrival. If you require further information, or help booking an appointment, please contact your representative who will be happy to help.

Please remember that you must have adequate Travel Insurance to cover any eventuality. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad.

Should you need medical assistance whilst you are abroad, you will need to contact your insurers, so keep their details handy and keep any receipts for any claims you may wish to make upon your return. Please keep your representative informed of your situation.

It can be a little nerve-wracking driving abroad - especially if it’s your first time. The key to safe driving is to remember that even if you obey all the rules, others may not, so caution is essential at all times. However, here are a few tips which may make driving in Greece a more pleasurable experience:

• When driving on the national highways it is custom (if driving slowly) to move over into the slow lane crossing the thick white line to let others overtake. Staying in the middle of the lane, may cause irritation.
• Not all Traffic lights have an amber light, so they will go from red to green. As soon as the lights turn green, you may find some impatient drivers behind you hooting their horns. Do not let this unnerve you, its normal behaviour!
• If you park illegally, you are liable for a fine. Check for parking signs. The “No Parking” sign is a blue circle bounded by an outer red circle with a red diagonal line through it. Illegal parking is widespread, so don’t assume because everyone else is doing it that it’s ok to park there, too! If you are unsure of where to park in town, ask your representative for information.
• Check the road signs for speed limits and please adhere to them. Greek Traffic Police are now out and about much more than they ever were before so do not take anything for granted.
• Road signs are in both Greek and English. When you see a Greek sign, some metres after you will usually see the same in English.
• If you do intend to hire a moped or motorbike, check that your travel insurance covers you for this as some policies do not - especially if you hire a quad bike.
• It is law in Greece to wear a helmet whilst using a moped/motorbike.
• It goes without saying: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!

A full, clean, British driving licence held for a minimum of one year, is required. The driver must be aged over 21 years. 

Some areas of Greece are susceptible to earthquakes. All the properties are reinforced to withstand tremors according to anti-seismic regulations. Here are some instructions to follow in case of an earthquake, should one occur during your stay:

• Don’t panic.
• Take any children and elderly people with you and make your way to a door or window frame, or table, and stay beneath until the tremor has stopped.
• Do not leave the house unless the tremor has stopped, to avoid being hit by falling tiles or debris.

Electrical sockets are 230v/50hz – UK appliances will require a two-pin adaptor which you should bring with you as these are not readily available in Greece. UK airport stores often stock them.

It is very important you take care when removing plugs from the wall sockets. We recommend to pull the plug with one hand whilst holding the wall socket with your other hand. This will prevent the socket coming away from the wall, as Greek sockets can be quite stiff to remove. Make sure your hands are dry when touching any electrical appliances or outer sockets. 

General Emergency details can be found on the Emergency Contact sheet given to you by your representative in the envelope with your welcome letter.

Here are some details for your peace of mind:
General European-wide Emergency No.: 112 (calling 999 will also redirect you here if you are abroad)
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Fire Department: 199
Tourist Police: 171

These can be called directly from your UK mobile.

It is entirely at your discretion whether or not to leave a tip at your accommodation for your housekeeper. Should you choose to, we can offer the following information to be used as a guideline:

APARTMENTS: 10 -15 Euros / per week
VILLAS: 20 Euros / per week

In Greece, stray animals are a common sight, with many dogs and cats left to roam the streets due to a lack of widespread animal welfare infrastructure. Small, volunteer-run charities work tirelessly to care for these animals, providing food, medical care, and helping with rehoming, however, resources are limited, and the need for support is constant.

How You Can Help
Try and avoid feeding strays directly such as at restaurants, or in and around your holiday property, as that could pose problems with the locals or the next holidaying guests. Ask your representative or some of the locals where it might be acceptable to feed the strays. Some areas have specific feeding stations where the cats are fed, but please feel free to offer fresh water, particularly in the hot summer months.

If you wish to make a difference you can either donate directly to local charities, or pop your spare change in the charity envelope included with your departure letter. Donations will help fund vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, vet bills, and rehoming efforts. As the charities are volunteer-run, every penny goes directly to helping animals in need.

This section deserves a whole book on its own! Indeed, many have already been written, however, here are some good tips to get the most enjoyment from your food:

• When arriving at a taverna, it is usual to wait to be seated but if the taverna is busy you may also make your way to a vacant table if there is one.
• It is still customary to go into the kitchen of traditional tavernas and see what’s cooking – don’t be shy! Then point, or let the waiter know what you would like to order.
• Ask the waiter for the “specials of the day”, which may not be listed on the menu as everything on the menu will not always be available.
• Don’t expect food to be piping hot. Greeks believe very hot food is bad for the stomach and digestion. This is not a sign of poor service, this is how Greeks enjoy their food.
• Do not expect fast service. Greeks take their time over meals, so sit back, relax and get used to enjoying watching the world go by.
• Remember, Greeks love using olive oil, it’s on everything! In many tourist places, oil is left on the tables for you to apply as you wish.
• When ordering fish, we recommend you agree the price before ordering. Fish is sold by the kilo uncooked weight - so make sure you know what you are paying for before you eat it!
• Greeks rarely eat any meal without bread. If you require butter, please ask for it as it would not be usually served in a traditional taverna.
• A Greek salad will always come with feta cheese. If any in your party do not wish to eat feta, ask for it to be served separately.
• For Vegetarians, Greek cuisine is a haven of choice, not only because of the fantastic salads such as the famous Greek salad, but also the pulses served, such as: lentils (Fakes), large butter beans (Gigantes), yellow-split peas (Fava). There are many vegetable based dishes such as: Stuffed Tomatoes*, Stuffed Vine Leaves*, artichokes are a favourite, as well as spinach and rice dishes, Bream (Greek ratatouille) and Imam Bayildi (stuffed aubergine). (*Check these are not cooked with mince as some are.)
• Greek fast food must be tried if you are a meat-eater. Souvlaki or gyros are fantastic meals in themselves and consists of pitta bread filled with meat usually pork or lamb, tzatziki, tomatoes and chips, great as a snack or even as a meal if you can eat two or more!

HERE ARE A FEW DISHES:

MOUSSAKA - Meat dish cooked with mince, aubergines, béchamel sauce

PASTICHIO - Baked pasta with mince & béchamel sauce

KOKKINISTO - Meat usually veal cooked in tomato sauce served with potatoes, pasta or rice

STIFADO - Rabbit or beef cooked with shallots in tomato sauce

GIGANTES - Butter beans cooked with carrots & celery in tomato sauce

FAKES - Brown lentils

TZATZIKI - Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber & dill

KEFTEDAKIA - Mincemeat and herbs rolled into meatballs can be served on its own or in tomato sauce

DOLMADES - Stuffed cabbage leaves sometimes with mincemeat and rice in an egg and lemon sauce.

PSAROSOUPA - Fish soup: fish cooked with onions, celery and carrots.

GEMISTA - Stuffed tomatoes/peppers, sometimes contain meat, otherwise stuffed with rice and herbs

KOLOKITHIA - Fried courgettes: Fried courgettes in batter (great dipped in Tzanziki).

HORIATIKI - Greek salad, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, peppers, onions, feta cheese, olive oil.

We at Ionian, take an active role in assuring that we do our utmost to be energy-aware. We do all we can to aid conservation and help preserve the environment. Here are some great energy-saving tips so you can help too.

WATER CONSERVATION

• Please turn off taps when brushing teeth and shaving - turning the tap back on to rinse your toothbrush or razor.
• Try to take shorter showers.
• Fully load the washing machine or dishwasher (or use the half-load setting).
• Use lower economy settings on the washing machine and the dishwasher.
• Only flush the toilet if you need to.
• Don’t leave the tap running to wash dishes or vegetables.
• Remember, you are in a hot climate where water can be scarce - especially in the hot summer months - so please use water sparingly.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

• Switch lights off when not in use.
• Kettles use a lot of electricity: only boil the water you actually need.
• Turn off TV’s, DVD’s & CD players during long periods of non-use as units left on stand-by still use electricity.
• Use a microwave or toaster to cook small portions and conventional ovens for larger items or meals.
• If it’s not too hot avoid using air-conditioning – open doors and windows to let the cool summer breezes in.
• When using air-conditioning, make sure all doors and windows are closed to ensure maximum benefit and minimal energy wastage.
• Please turn off all air-conditioning units when you leave the building.
• Keep the air-conditioning temperature around 22-24° to conserve energy and avoid damaging the unit. Remember that we recommend not to sleep with it on as you may catch a chill.
• If the water heater is operated by switch, please turn it off when you don’t need it. Remember the water will take approx. 20 mins to heat up when you need it.
• Do not leave your phone charging overnight - charge it up and unplug it .

No vaccinations are required for Greece. The biggest health risk is the sun. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear high sun factor and when in the sun for long periods, cover your head and shoulders. You must ensure that you have adequate and valid travel insurance.

Should you experience an accident or become ill during your holiday, please contact your representative immediately. You will be given a contact sheet on arrival with a list of emergency numbers.

If you decide you would prefer to stay overnight in a hotel close to the airport prior to departure from the UK - and you require parking for your car while you are are away - we have a useful link on our website from which you can prebook those Airport Extras.

As the Greek language is an expressive one, it is usual when trying to express oneself that hand gestures are used quite dramatically - so you might want to stand back on occasion!

• Greeting each other is usually with a kiss on each cheek.
• The word for “No”, is “Ochi”, but this can also be expressed by tutting and flicking the head back.
• It is not deemed rude at meal times to lean across the table to reach the salt, for example.
• Don’t be surprised to see Greeks using toothpicks at the table.
• Even if they speak English, it is not thought to be rude to speak Greek to each other when in the company of foreigners.
• Greeks are not the most punctual of people so remember the acronym: GMT (Greek Maybe Time)!
• When eating at a table, knives may not always be served as bread is usually used as a replacement. It is also custom to all eat from the same plates.
• It is not considered bad manners to eat meat or fish with your fingers.
• When drinking alcohol, it is customary to leave a small amount in the glass.
• Every meal is served with bread.
• In many local tavernas, even if you do not order a dessert, fruit is sometimes offered as Greeks believe this aids digestion.
• Siesta time is usually between 14.00 – 17.00 daily, so please keep noise to minimum during this time.

UK mobile providers typically allow customers to use their phones in most European countries without incurring extra fees for calls, texts, and data, under the same terms as domestic use. It is still important, however, to check with your network provider beforehand, as some may have specific roaming policies or limits, particularly after Brexit.

Remember that when dialling the UK from abroad from your mobile phone, to preface the number (removing the 0) with the international dialling code: 0044. And similarly, to add the Greek dialling code of 0030 when calling Greek numbers.

These are available for hire in most resorts. We would remind you to check your insurance policy to ensure it covers you in the event of an accident. It is the law to wear crash helmets. In the event of an accident, failure to do so will likely invalidate your insurance. (N.B: The use of quad bikes is not advised due to the lack of insurance cover.) 

Here are some tips to keep them at bay:

• When inside at night, close doors and windows before switching on lights.
• Before going out in the evening, close all windows and spray some insect repellent, or use the plugins with the insect-repellent tablets.
• Use repellent on exposed areas of the skin, in particular when going outside at night.
• A few repellent tablets are supplied in all welcome packs to get you started, and mosquito machines are available in each property. Simply slip the tablet into the slot and plug into a electrical socket in the room you wish to protect. Further supplies are available at your local mini-market.
• Avoid using perfumes.
• If you do get bitten, the result is persisting itching. You can purchase ammonia sticks from the Pharmacy which will ease the urge to scratch.
• Alternatively, a handy hint is to apply a little freshly- squeezed lemon juice, or vinegar, directly to the bite. Whilst it may sting slightly, it will give much relief, will dry up the bite, and it will heal much faster.
• If you wish to dine in the evening al fresco, we suggest burning a spiral, or citronella candles, to keep mosquitoes at bay.

We supply each property with a number of mosquito machines. You can purchase tablets at the local mini markets. We kindly ask that these be left at the properties in place for incoming guests, and not removed. Please do not leave the machines plugged in during the day, as the machines can overheat and become a potential fire hazard. 

If you have pre-booked motor boat hire, please remember to adhere to the local laws and regulations so that everyone can enjoy the sea safely. Even if you have previous experience, it is very important you listen to the instructions given, as there may be some important, updated, information you need to know. Please note that petrol is payable locally and any issues or disputes regarding payment or boat hire must be dealt with in resort. 

Greece can also experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in English):

• for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the bottom
• for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
• for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option

English newspapers are available in some newsagents or mini-markets. Most of the popular titles are printed in Greece and therefore do not come with any supplements, otherwise expect them to be a day or so older. 

Whilst we do everything possible to ensure you get the most out of your holiday, but alas we cannot guarantee your holiday will be free from daily life noises such as cars, trucks, dogs barking, children playing, music, local DIY activity, noise from local bars or tavernas; or, if staying in more remote areas, farm life such as cockerels and chickens, or roaming goats and their bells. 

During Greek siesta time - during the hottest hours of the day, especially in the summer (approx. 1400 - 1730) - you will find that many businesses close and workers down tools. We ask if you could kindly bear that in mind and respect the peace and quiet, as many locals take a break to rest and recharge.

You are responsible for the hire car and that includes where you park. Before you park take a good look around for signs. Check for parking signs: the “No Parking” sign is a blue circle bounded by an outer red circle with a red diagonal line through it. Illegal parking is widespread, so don’t assume because everyone else is doing it that it’s ok to park there, too! If you park illegally you are liable to pay a fine. Unfortunately, police do not turn a blind eye to foreigners and their hire cars, as all signs are in English as well as Greek - so please park responsibly!

British citizens require a passport which must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and valid for a minimum of three months after your return date. UK citizens do not currently require a visa for Greece. For Essential Travel Advice visit the UK government’s Travel Aware https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

If you are a non-UK/EU citizen, we recommend to contact the Greek Consulate in London on 020 7229 3850 for further information on visa requirements. Alternatively, contact the National Tourism Organisation of Greece, on: 020 7495 9300, or visit their website: www.visitgreece.gr.

Petrol stations can be found easily in Greece and prices can vary between suppliers. Petrol stations are not self-service in Greece - simply let the attendant know how many Euros worth you want to put in. Opening hours do vary, but they are usually open all day until 10pm or 11pm Monday – Saturday (sometimes closed Sundays or during national holidays) - so make sure you have enough petrol for the weekend! 

Pharmacies are common, they are recognisable from their large green crosses. Pharmacists usually speak very good English and can often deal with minor ailments you may have. For more serious matters, contact your representative or refer to the list of emergency contact details. 

To prevent blockages, please only flush small amounts of paper down the toilet. DO NOT FLUSH nappies, sanitary items, wipes or anything else down the toilet. Please dispose of them in the bin provided next to the lavatory.

When showering, do not be alarmed if you see bubbles coming back through the drains usually found on the bathroom floor. In most cases this is a result of the angle of the pipes used, and not because the system is blocked.

Opening hours are usually from 8am-2pm. Stamps for postcards can be purchased from the shop where you brought the cards from, or directly from the Post Office. Post boxes in Greece are distinctive and are recognised by their bright yellow colour. 

Property information books (except for hotels) are available to view via your holiday booking on our website’s client portal, Manage My Booking, giving general details on your accommodation and local amenities. If you require further information, please contact your local representative.

There are a number of national - and local - public holidays in Greece, a combination of religious celebrations and the marking of historical events. Some of the key ones are:

• 25th March - Independence Day (commemorating the start of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821)
• 1st May - May Day - Labour Day (celebrated on the day it falls on)
• 15th August - Assumption Day (Feast of the Virgin Mary)
• 28th October - “Ochi” Day (Greeks celebrate rejecting Mussolini’s ultimatum Oct 1940)

Greek Orthodox Christianity is the religion practiced in Greece. You will find churches everywhere. Should you wish to visit a church it is advisable for women to wear skirts below the knee and to make sure their shoulders are covered. Men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. It is gradually beginning to be accepted that women can wear trousers into church, however it is regarded as disrespectful by some. 

Greeks celebrate Saints days and as most Greeks are named after Saints. It is common to hear the phrase, “Chronia Polla”, wishing them “many years”. The biggest celebrations are: Greek Easter, 21st May (Kostantinos & Eleni), 15th August (Maria and Panayiotis). 

In major cities and towns shops are generally open during the following times: Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays: 09.00 – 14.00; Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 09.00 – 14.00, then again 17.30 – 21.00; Sundays: Closed. In tourist resorts many shops including mini-markets open from approximately 09.00, until 22.30 in high season. 

Smoking is widely accepted in Greece and very common. As with all EU countries a nationwide ban came into effect in July 2009, banning smoking in public places (whether the Greeks conform to this or not, is another matter...), therefore, you are not permitted to smoke on public transport or in public places - pretty much the same as in the UK.

All our properties are fitted with smoke alarms and these are fitted with new batteries at the start of each season. If for any reason your property does not have one, please inform your representative. 

• Please note all pools are unattended.
• The water is safety checked ahead of your stay.
• DO NOT dive into the pool.
• If you have a shared pool always have respect for other swimmers and be aware of your surroundings.
• On arrival, please familiarise yourself with the general depth of your pool, the deep and shallow ends, and the steepness of the slopes inside the pool
• Pay close attention to the depth markings.
• Please note that inflatables are not permitted in infinity pools.
• Always shower thoroughly before entering the pool - especially to remove any sun cream – this will help maintain good hygiene standards and avoid discolouring the pool rim or blocking the filters.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that children are supervised at all times in and around the pool area.
• Please avoid using drinking glasses, glass bottles and anything breakable around the pool.
• Please do not run around the pool area.

Taxis are readily available for hire in most location. The drivers will start the meter and charge accordingly. Tipping is expected, but not obligatory. For longer journeys, it is advisable to agree a price before you go. Please be advised taxi-sharing in Greece is commonplace. The driver will not necessarily ask so be prepared that you may have to share. This is relevant to cities and the busier islands, or at airports. 

Greece is on Eastern European time so 2-hours ahead of British Standard Time. Clocks usually change at end of March and end of October as in the UK. 

Tips are not included in the service charges and are discretionary. A good guide is to tip around 10% of the bill in restaurants, and a few coins in cafes or tavernas. Go with your gut: tip if you feel you have received good service. As a general rule, however, tipping is expected especially by service personnel and taxi drivers. 

All our properties are supplied with hand and bath towels, and some with pool towels. Beach towels are not included and it is recommended you bring your own. If luggage is an issue, you can purchase beach towels in most resorts for around €8 depending on the quality required. 

It is important that you purchase travel insurance to properly protect against unforeseen circumstances and covers you and your loved ones. Further information is available on the Government’s website Travel Aware.

When travelling to your departure airports in the UK, please leave ample time for any delays due to traffic en route. Check-in is at least two hours prior to departure. If you find there are queues when checking in, or passing through security, and your flight is being called to board, please approach a member of the airport staff and inform them of your flight details and imminent departure. Always check the screens to see when your flight is departing and make your way as early as possible to the departure gate. The same applies for Greece - although some airports require a 3-hour check-in. 

If you’ve ever been in a hot country during the summer you will have had some experience of wasps at some point. Whilst they can be a nuisance, wasps play an important role in nature as a natural pest controller.

Often our natural instinct is to brush them away but this only attracts more in their defence. If you find them irritating, here are a few tips to try to keep them at bay:

• Try to let them just fly by.
• Wasps are looking for nectar, so if you have anything sweet and sticky, remove or cover it.
• Use insect repellent spray.
• Wasps will come to drink water. They usually land, drink, and take off. If you ignore them they usually go away.
• Buy some Greek coffee and put in an earthenware bowl or pot and light it to set it smouldering, the smoke from the coffee usually deters them from the area.

If you or a member of your party is stung by a wasp, bee, hornet, etc, then scrape out the sting as quickly as possible. Do not pluck it out as this may squeeze more venom into the skin. In most cases the sting causes pain and slight swelling, but has little other effect. Some people are allergic to stings and can develop reactions that can be life-threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction soon after being stung. Insect bites (not stings) rarely cause serious allergic reactions but can cause small itchy lumps to appear on the skin. The itch may be eased by a soothing ointment, antihistamine tablets, or steroid cream.

Greece often experiences significant rainfall during the winter months. Often, however, it is not enough to see through the whole year and in the height of summer water shortages can occur. Water in Greece is safe to drink, but at times of water shortage it may be a good idea to have a supply of bottled water for drinking purposes.

On the occasion of water shortage, please inform your representative who will report the matter for immediate attention. We kindly ask that you are patient whilst a water truck delivery is organised to refill the tanks. Whilst this can happen quite quickly, it may not be immediately as everyone in the vicinity will also be ordering.

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and cool, but wet, winters. Temperatures vary in early season: 

Month               Average Temp
JANUARY      -     12 C - 53 F
FEBRUARY    -     13 C - 55 F
MARCH        -     16 C - 60 F
APRIL           -     19 C - 66 F
MAY             -     25 C - 77 F 
JUNE            -     29 C - 84 F
JULY             -     32 C - 89 F
AUGUST       -    32 C - 89 F
SEPTEMBER  -    28 C - 82 F
OCTOBER     -    23 C - 73 F
NOVEMBER  -    18 C - 64 F
DECEMBER   -    14 C - 57 F

Upon arrival at our self-catering properties you will find a welcome pack which contains a bottle of wine, orange juice, a bottle of water, tea bags, instant coffee, long life milk, sugar, breadsticks, mini crackers, crisps, olive or sundried tomato spread, honey, pita breads. On some islands/properties toilet paper is included at the accommodation, otherwise a supply will be included in the welcome pack - but you will need to replenish when it runs out. Please note when you book a twin centre holiday (self-catering properties), you will receive the pack at the first property only. Items above may vary locally.

Most accommodation has internet access, which is usually mentioned in the property description. In most cases, connection is sufficient for checking emails and light web browsing. Bandwidth restrictions may apply if the connection is used for downloading large files or streaming video content. WiFi is available in most villages and many local cafés also advertise free access. Please note we cannot guarantee WiFi availability as this is dependent on local ISPs, technical issues, etc. This facility does not form part of our contract with you. 

Greece is home to rare, protected bird and animal species, as well as sensitive forests, wetlands and ecosystems. Greece presents an extremely rich landscape of unique natural beauty, which, along with some unusual animal activity, constitutes very attractive scenery for the traveller to explore. 

There is an ancient culture of wine in Greece. A range of indigenous varieties throughout the country, such as Kefalonia’s, “Robola”, for example, whose grapes grow on the slopes of Mount Aenos. Most taverna owners produce and sell their own wine from the barrel by the kilo. Perhaps the best advice, as it is an acquired taste, would be to start by buying half a kilo to see if it’s to your liking. Most tavernas will have a good wine list usually of local Greek wines. Do not expect to find an extensive European wine list, unless you are eating at an upmarket restaurant or hotel. 

Your villa will be equipped with the following items:

• Sufficient cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils for preparing simple meals, kettle, toaster, cooker (or mini cooker) oven, or hot plate, iron, ironing board, tea towels and where specified a dishwasher, washing machine and/or microwave.
• Linen changes on arrivals and midweek.
• Cleaning staff will visit your property during your stay, details of which you will find in the property information book or your Welcome letter. If you do require any clarity regarding this, please contact your representative.
• Welcome Pack
• Hand and bath towels - with pool towels provided in some properties.

Your apartment will be equipped with the following items:

• Sufficient cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils for preparing simple meals, kettle, toaster, tea towels – may contain a microwave.
• Linen changes on arrivals and midweek.
• Cleaning staff will visit your property during your stay, details of which you will find in the property information book or your Welcome letter. If you do require any clarity regarding this, please contact your representative.
• Welcome pack
• Hand & bath towels

N.B.: there should be at least one hairdryer provided in each property. Hairdryers are available at the hotels featured.

• If you are in any difficulty or need assistance.
• If you are lost.
• If you break or damage anything (we will need to repair or replace/change for the incoming guests).
• If you notice anything missing or you do not have enough of a specific item such as cutlery, glasses, cup, etc.

You are in a foreign country and not everything will be the same as in the UK.

• The pictures in our brochure and website are often taken in advance and therefore some of the décor and facilities may have been updated or changed; trees too, may have grown, and as a result some views obscured.
• Many of our properties are equipped with solar panels which heat the water. You may find the water to be tepid rather than piping hot in the mornings until the sun has had time to warm it up. All solar systems have an electrical back up to ensure hot water at all times. Please use water sparingly.
• These are working properties and occasionally things do go wrong. In an effort to help us help you make the most of your holiday, we kindly ask that you inform your representative of any items which perhaps have been broken, and/ or require repair, or our attention.