Page 299 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

car hire and adventure activities. EU nationals pedestrian crossings – when parked vehicles
with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), aren’t blocking them – but announcements for
available online through national health ser­ the visually impaired to cross safely are rare.
vices, are entitled to free care in state­run clinics
or hospitals, provided you enter via the casualty Language
ward. It is highly recommended travellers get
comprehensive travel insurance covering private Greek is the official language. The level of
clinics, par ticularly if you don’t have an EHIC . English and other foreign languages spoken
EHIC can be limited, particularly in rural areas, and
∑ gov.uk/european­health­insurance­card locals appreciate visitors’ efforts to speak
Greek. Larger towns have tourist police who
Vaccinations speak at least one foreign language well.
No vaccinations are required for travel in the Closures
Greek Islands.
Opening hours tend to be vague in Greece,
Money varying from day to day, season to season, and
place to place. Although the opening times have
Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most been checked at the time of going to print, it is
shops and restaurants, while pre­paid currency advisable to use the times given in this book as a
cards are accepted in some, as well as contact­ rough guideline only and to check locally before
less credit cards. However, it is always worth visiting a remote or inconvenient sight.
carrying some cash, as many smaller businesses Afternoon Many shops stay closed after
and markets still operate on a cash­only policy. 2:30pm but are open from 5:30–8:30pm on
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; monasteries
Booking Accommodation and churches close for a few hours.
Mondays Many archaeological museums and
Booking accommodation far in advance is minor sites are closed for the day.
recommended in high season and you should Sundays Most shops outside of major resorts
be aware that prices can double (at least) in stay closed, though there is usually at least
major tourist centres. Santoríni, Mýkonos, Crete one town supermarket with limited hours.
and Rhodes in particular have hotels where Public holidays Major sights, shops and
you can spend four­figure sums per night on restaurants are closed.
luxury suites. Only smaller, off­the­radar places Low season Many hotels, restaurants and
like Anáfi, Nísyros or Arkí will be significantly smaller attractions close during winter.
cheaper. These islands offer enikiazómena
domátia (rented rooms) and small apartments, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
alongside fully fledged hotels.
It is also advisable to book during low season, 1 Jan
as beachside accommodation is closed during New Year’s Day
this time, though there will be a few town hotels 6 Jan Epiphany
that should remain open. 25 Mar Greek Independence Day
April/May Orthodox Easter
Travellers with Specific Needs 1 May May Day/Labour Day
Early June Whit (Penecost) Monday
Greece has made some progress in meeting
the requirements of travellers with accessibility 15 Aug Dormition Day
requirements. As of 2018, all hotels must by 28 Oct Ohi Day
law provide at least one wheelchair­adapted 25 Dec Christmas Day
en­suite room, but compliance will vary. Most 26 Dec Gathering of the Mother
museums built recently have disabled access. of God
Many island towns have ramps to access

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