Greece - Korina Miller [2]
* * *
See Climate Click here for more information.
* * *
By November the endless blue skies of summer have disappeared. November to February are the wettest months and it can get surprisingly cold. Snow is common on the mainland and in the mountains of Evia and Crete; it even occasionally snows in Athens. But there are also plenty of sunny days and some visitors prefer the tranquillity that reigns at this time of year.
Return to beginning of chapter
COSTS & MONEY
* * *
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…
Bags feel twice as heavy in the heat. Clothes also dry super fast under the Greek sun, so don’t take more than you really need.
A few novels or a deck of cards to while away the hours spent riding ferries.
A shady hat, sunglasses and sunblock – indispensable in Greece’s hot climate.
An inflatable neck pillow and eye shades – for those long bus and train journeys.
Lonely Planet’s Greek phrasebook – talk like the locals.
CDs – life-saving if you rent a car in a remote area.
A bathing suit in your daypack – for those unexpected coves and beaches.
Sturdy, nonslip shoes – many sights, historic towns and villages have slippery, rocky paths.
A penchant for octopus – it’s on nearly every island menu.
Insect repellent – to ward off mosquitoes and sand fleas.
* * *
Prices have rocketed since the adoption of the euro in 2002 and, although they appear to be levelling off, Greece is no longer the cheap country it once was. While tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants continue to deliver hearty meals for low prices, eating out anywhere more upmarket has become a pricey venture. Accommodation has also skyrocketed, making many of the budget options not really worth the price and many of the midrange options appearing much more worthwhile.
A rock-bottom daily budget for a solo traveller is about €50. This would mean buses, staying in youth hostels or camping, and only occasionally eating in restaurants or taking ferries. Allow €100 per day if you want your own room and plan to eat out, travel about and see the sights. If you want comfortable rooms and restaurants all the way, you will need closer to €150 per day. These budgets are for individuals travelling in high season (mid-June to late August). Couples sharing a room can get by on less.
Your money will go much further if you travel during the quieter months of May to mid-June and September to October. Particularly on the islands, accommodation is a lot cheaper outside high season. You will also be able to negotiate better deals if you stay a few days. Families can achieve considerable savings by looking for self-catering apartments and shopping for food and drink at supermarkets and local produce markets. Travelling by boat can also save money as children under five board for free and you can save a night’s accommodation.
Prices quoted throughout this book are for the high season of mid-June to late August.
* * *
HOW MUCH?
Local telephone call per minute €0.30
Minimum taxi fare €4
Single Greek coffee €2
City bus ticket €1
Greek salad €6
* * *
Return to beginning of chapter
TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY
As with many popular European destinations, Greece’s environment is pushed to the limit each year by the massive influx of tourists. While the bigger picture can seem rather overwhelming to an individual tourist Click here, there are a number of things you can do that can help lessen the impact without compromising your holiday.
The first thing to consider is how you will travel to Greece. While short vacations don’t always offer the luxury of avoiding the carbon footprints involved in flying (Click here), reaching Greece from the rest of Europe by train and/or boat is a viable option for those with a little more time. Click here for options. The experience of long-distance train travel can also be a highlight of your trip.
Next consider when you’re going to travel. Visiting Greece on the shoulder seasons – early spring or autumn – means the weather is more