Matt Barrett’s Greece Travel Newsletter

This is some of the most important info from my websites condensed and put in a form that is easy to print out and take with you. I used to send it out by request but spam-filters made it difficult for many people to receive it so I put it on-line. If you are the type who finds reading things on the internet difficult you can also print this out and visit the suggested websites for more information and making arrangements. If you have trouble printing this out please let me know. Questions about Greece? You can e-mail me at matt@greecetravel.com

My Greece Travel Guides are at www.GreekTravel.com
There are lots of links and lots more info and pictures. I have an index page, which lists all the pages on my websites. It is at www.greecetravel.com and what people often do when they are planning their trip to Greece is to use it as their home-page on their web browser. Here's how you do it: Go to www.greecetravel.com and on your Internet Explorer web browser go to Tools and then to Internet Options and click on 'use current'. If you have Mozilla Firefox go to tools-options-general and click on 'use current page'. Then instead of reading about Iraq or Paris Hilton or what your team did last night you can get right down to exploring my sites and planning your trip.

For the latest from Greece see my blog at www.greecetravel.com/matt-blog

Index of Testimonials: For travelers who want proof of the reliability of my websites and customer reviews of the hotels and agencies listed on them I have created the Index of Testimonials which contains hundreds of e-mails from happy readers and clients. If you are nervous about booking your holiday over the internet or through an agency in Greece, I encourage you to visit this page. It may also give you some ideas for your trip because some of the e-mails go into detail about theirs.
See www.greektravel.com/testimonials

My Guide to the island of Lesvos is at www.Lesvos.com
Not only is it perhaps the most beautiful island in Greece but because tourism is down there are bargains to be found. A vacation in Lesvos will cost you half of what you will pay in Mykonos and Santorini and it is a much more diverse island with more beautiful beaches, good restaurants and fantastic scenary then Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Naxos combined.

New! If my info is too overwhelming and you want me to suggest an itinerary see www.greektravel.com/suggestions or if you know what you want to do but need the details taken care of and a price go to www.greecetravel.com/create-an-itinerary

If you are the type who needs to be inspired by photos then see my massive collection of Greece Pictures at www.greecetravel.com/photos and be sure to see my father's photos of Greece in the Sixties

The BEST SEASON for GREECE

July and August are fine if you are prepared. It's more crowded and rooms are harder to find, but the island nightlife is jumping and the beaches are lively. If you are of college age or mind this is the time for you. If you are older bring plenty of sunscreen and alka-seltzer. August all of Athens is on vacation so book rooms and ferries in advance. Be aware August 15th is the biggest holiday of the summer. If you are in Athens you will find it very quiet. You can even find parking spaces.

May-June and September-October are my favorite months. The weather is perfect and the kids are in school so it's quieter. There is still some nightlife but the beaches are almost free of people on the less mainstream islands. You may get a day of rain but it usually adds a little excitement. This is a time to go to the islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes because most of the tourists are gone.

November to March can be cold and rainy but it can also be like Indian Summer. Winters are mild in Greece, even more so since global warming. Athens comes alive during these months and there is nothing like a night out in the city. If you are thinking about going to Athens for the Christmas Holidays (a great time to be there!) see www.athensguide.com/christmas

Aprokreas is Greece's Mardi Gras and one of the most fun times to be in Athens. There are parades, the Plaka and Psiri and other areas are full of people celebrating, wearing costumes, throwing confetti and spending hours in the tavernas, clubs and parties. Then it is 40 days of fasting until Easter. This is a good time to get low fares to Greece and in hotels. See www.greecetravel.com/holidays/apokreas

Easter is a very special time to be in Greece and is also considered high-season on the islands. This is the most spiritual time to be in Greece. Athens is quiet and the Plaka takes on that island atmosphere because most of the Athenians are on the islands and the villages which are magical. See www.greecetravel.com/easter

New! See my new pages for Off-Season travel in Greece at www.greektravel.com/winter
If you like hiking, skiing , mountain-climbing, rafting, kayaking or exploring the mainland by jeep, this is the time to go. It's cheaper too!

Getting to Greece

GREECE-FLIGHTS : I am always looking for the best deals to Greece. By booking early you can lock up a good fare. If you wait you will pay more. David Econopouly at www.greeceflights.com specializes in finding inexpensive flights to Greece. Think about it. You contact a travel agent and ask him to find the cheapest flight to Greece and you are putting them in a position of spending more time looking, to make less money. But by specializing in flights to Greece David does not have to search because he knows where the flights are and when they are because that is his job. And because he specializes in Greece the airlines contact him when they have deals knowing he can sell the tickets. So if you are looking for the best deal try David. If you dislike flying as much as I do see my Guide to Flying at www.greektravel.com/flying

Packing for Greece

The most important thing is don't over-pack. You won't need a change of clothes for every day of your trip. I bring a couple pairs of pants, 3 or 4 T-shirts, one nice shirt and a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes. Don't buy new shoes for your trip to Greece. Bring shoes your feet are familiar with so you don't end up crippled with blisters. Don't buy new clothes for Greece. Olive-oil stains are epidemic. I bring clothing on its last legs and leave it in Greece when I leave. Sandals you can buy in Athens. (The Poet on Ag Theklas street by the Monastiraki train station is the best). Stuff like shampoo and toothpaste you can buy anywhere in containers small enough to not be a burden. People in Greece dress casually but neatly. You won't need a suit and tie. You may need a sweater for cool evenings in May-June or Sept-October and there may even be a cool night or two in the summer on the islands and certainly in the mountains. For winter bring a comfortable winter jacket, nothing too bulky. It only gets to about 40 degrees but on the islands this can seem like 20 degrees because of the dampness in some places. There are great shopping areas in central Athens, department stores and you can buy handmade wool sweaters on the islands if you need to. I pack very lightly and then shop in Greece, bringing home clothes that I can't find in the USA, and becoming the envy of my fashion conscious friends who are fooled into believing I actually have good taste. Bring sunglasses and a hat though these too you can find in Athens and on the islands.

Athens is a Wonderful City when you get to know it. But most guidebooks are as confusing as Athens seems to be for those unfamiliar with it. Not my guide book. Athens Survival Guide makes the city and surrounding areas simple and enjoyable by following my steps and just doing what I do. See www.athensguide.com

Desirable Hotel Locations in Athens
When in Athens the desirable areas to stay in are the Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monistiraki. These areas all border the Acropolis and the archeological park around it. Everything you need including shops, restaurants, the metro to the ferries, buses, taxis and nightlife is within walking distance. See www.athensguide.com/hotels.html

For quality accommodations at budget prices try the Attalos Hotel . Five minute walk from the Plaka, the Acropolis, and right by the Flea Market and Monastiraki train station (convenient for getting to and from the islands). It has AC, a rooftop cafe garden with a great view of the Acropolis. Cheap, clean, very professional and friendly and free high-speed wireless internet. Not bringing your laptop? Thats OK. They have 2 computers with highspeed connections in the lounge, also free. For more info see www.greecetravel.com/attalos

If you are a student on a serious budget see my new Youth Hostels page at www.greecetravel.com/youth-hostels where you can actually book in advance with no fees. You can also try my Hotel Search page to compare prices at: www.hotelsofgreece.com/search

New! If you want to see the sites of Athens but don't want to stay in the city check out the island of Poros, just one hour from Athens! See www.greektravel.com/greekislands/poros

The Island of Aegina is even closer. You can be in Agia Marina in about 15 minutes by highspeed or the main town of Aegina in an hour bt ferry. Great for day-trips or overnights and is active even in the winter. See www.greektravel.com/greekislands/aegina

Airport Hotel: If you have only a short time in Athens between your trip to or from home and the islands then you may want to stay near the airport. But the airport hotel is expensive and it is in the airport surrounded by parking lots, terminals and jets. Your best bet is the Armonia, on the beach at Vouliagmeni and only about 25 minutes from the airport. See www.greecetravel.com/hotels/armonia
But really, if you have an early flight you can take a taxi from central Athens and be in the terminal in half an hour. A taxi will cost about 30 euros (55 euros for a pre-arranged taxi transfer) and you will have the option of staying in cheaper hotels and having a nice meal downtown. My favorite central Athens hotels are (from expensive to cheap): The Grande Bretagne, The Plaza, Electra Palace, Athens Cypria, Hotel Hera, Hotel Central, Hotel Adonis, Hotel Attalos, Hotel Cecil. For more Athens and coast hotels see www.hotelsofgreece.com/athens

Restaurants: Most of the restaurants I go to are in the Plaka and Psiri neighborhoods. They are reviewed at www.athensguide.com/restaurants.html and this is probably one page that you will want to print out.

Beaches: There are a number of nice beaches on the coast of Attika within an hour of Athens. See www.athensguide.com/beaches

Archaeological Sites and Museums: I made it really easy for you. Go to www.athensguide.com/top-10

Athens Maps: I asked my friend George from Fantasy Travel to send me a few Athens maps to give out. He did. 1000 of them! They are pretty good maps of downtown Athens on one side and Greece on the other. There are also inserts of the Athens Metro System and the new Tram that runs along the coast. There's info on transportation within Athens (buses, trolly's, ferries, trains), helpful phone numbers and some sightseeing ideas. If you want a map of Athens (and Greece) send $2 for shipping and handling to Greecetravel.com/102 Old Pittsboro Rd/Carrboro/NC 27510. If you are writing from Europe or Australia better make that $3.

Touring Athens: If you have the time central Athens can be done on foot. But many people use a driver like George the Famous Taxi Driver (www.greecetravel.com/taxi) especially if their time is limited for example if they are in Athens for one day on a cruise. Athens Walking Tours (www.athensguide.com/athens-walking-tours) do several guided tours of the city. There is also a sightseeing bus similar to the Hop-on Buses in London where you can get on and off. See http://www.athensguide.com/sightseeing-bus.htm As for what to see you can find all that in my Athens Survival Guide.

Airport Info
When you arrive in Athens, if you are not being picked up by anyone, go out the front door of the terminal. You will see a line of people and a line of taxis. No matter where you are going in the city you should not have to pay more than 30 Euros, including luggage fee. Make sure he turns on the meter and it stays on 1 unless you arrive after midnight. Sometimes they say it's broken or it's a set fee. If you challenge him he will back down rather then lose the fare. Another scam is when the Taxi asks you where you are staying and says not to stay there because it is a dump or in a bad neighborhood and takes you to another 'better' hotel. Be aware that taxi drivers are paid by the head to re-direct travelers to hotels. (They do the same with restaurants) Personally I think the taxi transfer with George Kokkotos the Famous Taxi Driver (www.greecetravel.com/taxi) is the way to go. No hassles, no arguments, he is there and waiting and even gives you information and advice about Athens on the way into town, which takes between 45 minutes and two hours depending on traffic.

Buses
There are three bus lines to and from the airport. All buses depart from the designated area on the inner curbside of the arrivals level of the Main Terminal Building exactly outside the Exit (doors 4-5). They pretty much all rn 24 hours but there are fewer after midnight.
X92 goes to Kifissia
X93 goes to Daphni (the one with the monastery) by way of the Intercity Bus Station.
X94 connects the Ethniki Amina Metro Station with the Airport. Passengers can transfer from the Metro line to the Airport Bus at this departure point. This bus runs 24 hours but the metro only runs til midnight.
X95 Syntagma Square - Airport Express has its departure point at the center of Athens (Syntagma Square) and via Vas. Sofias Avenue, Mesogion Avenue and Attiki Odos terminates at the airport.
X96 Pireaus - Airport Express starts from the center of Pireaus (Karaiskaki Square) and via Posidonos Avenue, Varis-Varkizas, and Varis-Koropiou Roads terminates at the airport. Both the Syntagma and the Pireaus buses run for 24 hours, generally every twenty minutes but every 40 minutes after midnight.
For Express Lines the ticket costs about 3 Euro and is valid for 24 hours on all public transport means (buses, trolley-buses and metro).

Metro from the Airport.
There is a train to Syntagma and Monastiraki which leaves every half hour from the airport and costs around 8 euro per person. There is a lso a train to Corinth and places in between.

Changing Money
I usually change around $100 at the airport in America before I get on my flight. There are places to change it in Athens airport too so don't worry. Once you get into the city there are banks and exchange services, especially around Syntagma(Constitution) Square and in the Plaka.

There is a place to leave luggage at the airport. There are also lots of shops and restaurants with pretty good food for an airport so if you have to hang out there for a long time it is not the end of the world.

Got time between flights? Looking for something to do after seeing the Acropolis? Go to the zoo! The Attika Zoological Park opened in May of 2001 and after the Acropolis it is probably the most interesting place in Athens. If you have a layover in Athens before your flight to the islands or home, why sit around and look at stressed people when you can see one of the happiest collections of animals in the world. The zoo in Spata is one of the most humane and is the third largest bird collection in the world! It is a short ride from the airport and if you are traveling with kids it is a surefire way to keep them happy and interested in what would normally be wasted time. For more information see www.athensguide.com/zoo

The key to getting what you want in July and August is to keep it simple and don't wait til the last minute to book. The more complicated your plans the less chance of them being arranged. See what the travel agents have to offer in the way of island combinations, packages , crusies and so on. They know Greece better then you do. Rather then make them jump through hoops creating an itinerary for you that has you spending half your vacation waiting for ferries and airplanes see what they have to offer. It is their job to know what makes visitors to Greece happy.

Warning: The internet is now flooded with websites that book your hotels on the islands and in fact all over the world. They are very simple. You click on the hotel you like on the island you want to go to and then you pay with your credit card. But they don't book your ferry or flights and many people who have booked this way have sent desperate e-mails to me because they have booked their hotels on the islands and there are no ferries between the islands they have booked. (Not to mention the fact that these internet travel sites are really just programs that make a few people rich while putting thousands of travel agents out of business.)

Also some hotels in Greece are trying to by-pass the travel agencies and keep more money for themselves, offering reduced rates for internet bookings. But again they can't book your flights or ferries and when you find yourself unable to reach the island for the night you are booked they charge you a cancellation fee (which if it is a day or two before your booking is about 100%). You can spend hours searching the net for ferry schedules but there has not been an accurate inter-island schedule available to travelers...ever. In fact the travel agents have to call the ferry companies to verify a ferry departure sometimes up to the day of departure. That is why I strongly recommend booking hotels on the islands with an Athens based travel agent who will make sure there is a boat and make alternative plans (at no cost to you) if there is none and changes have to be made. Even your home travel agent is as helpless as you unless he has an agency in Athens that he cooperates with that has access to the ferries and can handle any problems. The few dollars you save booking directly with the hotels or through a giant web-hotel site are not worth the hassle and the extra money you will pay if things go astray. Plus the hotel won't give you an objective opinion of itself and an automated site is just another step towards a cold and impersonal world. Take my advice and use an agency that knows the territory and can offer you personal service. Especially if you plan on going to more than one island.

Travel Agencies in Athens that I highly recommend and that I use myself:

I wholeheartedly endorse DOLPHIN HELLAS , an old and respected travel agency in Athens. They can help you book reservations in hotels all over Greece, Flights, Cruises, Tours, Buses, Ferries and supply you with all the information you need. It's very helpful to have an agent who is actually in Greece.(Cheaper too!) Besides having more knowledge of the country, they are also in a position to help you should something go wrong (i.e. strikes, overbookings etc.) in a country where anything can go wrong at anytime. As for cruising the islands there are many ships and companies, some excellent and some not so good. A travel agent outside of Greece may not know one from the other. Not only can Dolphin put you on the right boat but they can save you a small fortune as well since the cruise companies give special rates to the Greek agencies.

If you choose to have Dolphin take care of all your arrangements you will be well taken care of from the time you get off the plane in Athens and find them waiting for you at the airport. They will get you to and from your hotel, ferries, domestic flights, tours and excursions until the time they take you to the airport for your flight home.
It's like having a friend in Greece. www.greecetravel.com/dolphinhellas

Fantasy Travel Agency

Established in 1983 by former Dolphin Hellas Prodigy Mr George Gerassimidis, Fantasy is a team of 15 experienced travel agents, who make every effort to insure each client feels the warmth of the famous Greek hospitality and has an unforgettable holiday in Greece. They also do Turkey and Egypt. Very professional, they all speak English and are very easy to work with. The specialize in the Cylcades islands, especially Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Naxos and they also do Rhodes and Crete and have excellent rates on island-hopping packages. If you are planning to see one or more islands this is a great way to go because they take care of all the details and in the end can save you money. Like Dolphin they get great discounts on Cruises . Also because they buy their hotel rooms in advance they may have availability when others don't if you are booking for high-season. They have dozens and dozens of itineraries and island combinations to choose from and these can be customized to suit your needs. Great service! I highly recommend them! www.fantasytravelofgreece.com

If you are just going to show up in Greece and plan your trip from there my suggestion is to at least book your hotel in Athens so you are not wandering around looking for one. Then visit Fantasy's office at 19, FILELLINON ST.
(two blocks from Syntagma Square) and they can help you with the rest of your trip....ferry tickets, island hotels...day tours etc. If you need directions call 210 322-8410

SPECIAL: Fantasy Travel has extra low rates for The beautiful Princess of Mykonos Hotel. So if you want to stay in this popular A-Class hotel for what you would pay for a C-class contact Fantasy Travel. Also very low rates for the Hotel Volcano View on the cliffs of Santorini which has been described as 'simply amazing'. For budget travelers see www.greecetravel.com/budget-travel for a trip I put together with the help of Fantasy for people who want to be taken care of but don't want to spend a lot. It includes hotels, ferries, tours and transfers and even breakfast.

If you book a Greek Cruise with Dolphin Hellas or Fantasy Travel you will probably pay less than if you book with a non-Greek agency or with the cruise companies. For the international cruises like Carnival etc you should do this on your own or with a local travel agency. However if you book your cruise on-line or with your neighborhood travel agency don't let tjem get carried away and start booking tours, hotels and other aspects of travel in Greece. Let the Greek agency do that. Things will run more smoothley and you will pay less for more. For informaton on Cruises go to www.greecetravel.com/cruise

Some people complain that the tours the cruise companies offer are too expensive especially considering you are a large group plodding around trying to get close enough to hear the guide. Many people book private tours with local guides and experienced taxi drivers. For information see www.greecetravel.com/cruise/mediterranean-cruise-tours

If you go to Fantasy Travel's website ( www.fantasytravelofgreece.com ) and click on 'Tours' there is a list of half-day to 4 day tours all over the mainland and even a one-day cruise to the Saronic Gulf. These are probably the most cost-efficient way to see the major archaeological sites ands people who have done them have told me that they are a lot of fun. If you have a small group of three or four people another option is George the Famous Taxi Driver who will give you a more personal view, more freedom and will cost about the same since the tours charge by the person and he charges by the trip so it is the same price whether you are 1 person or four. See the info on George below.

Athens best Taxi driver is GEORGE THE FAMOUS TAXI DRIVER. Having your own air-conditioned personal taxi in Athens is like having your own chauffer and guide for a fraction of the cost. Taxi drivers have a reputation of taking advantage of travelers, especially those not yet familiar with the currency. Plus, not only is getting a taxi difficult, but getting it to take you where you want to go is hard too. George speaks perfect English and knows all there is to know about Athens. When you arrive in Greece there is no better feeling than knowing that someone is waiting to take you to your hotel, who speaks your language and has a comfortable car.

George's Tours are highly acclaimed at www.greektravel.com/testimonials/taxi.html
It's a great way to see the real Greece. I recommend him for excursions such as Delphi, Epidavros or anywhere on the mainland. (He says he will go to the islands too.) If you are in a group of three or more people it is cheaper to use George then to go on the guided tour bus, and more fun since he will be more flexible. George knows the country and will help you find many bargains and hidden places not on most tourist itineraries. He can also take you on a guided tour of Athens nightlife. If you are in Athens and need a car at your disposal for business or pleasure, George is at your service. One of the few taxi drivers in Greece who does not smoke. For sightseeing, guided tours, excursions all over Greece, or even a day of golf. 8-seat Limo available as well.
FAX
From the USA:01130 210 9637029
From Europe: 0030 210 9637029
Within Greece dial: 210 9637029

Phone
From the USA:01130 210 9637030
From Europe: 0030 210 9637030
Within Greece dial: 210 9637030
or mobile phone 693-2205887.(from USA dial 01130 693-2205887)
E-Mail to georgetaxitours@yahoo.com

See George's website at www.greecetravel.com/taxi

Rent a Yacht? The Best Way to Experience Greece
(and more affordable than you think!)

I took a 5-day cruise on a sailboat with 6 cabins and plenty of room and Captain Billy Joe Leck, a true renaissance man from the UK, skilled in the arts of sailing, story-telling, guitar-playing and baby-sitting who knew more about the islands than I could learn in a lifetime! I am not a sailor so I was a little reluctant to go but when the trip was over I wished I had booked 10 days or a month. We swam in sheltered coves in incredibly clear sea and sailed into ports in the late afternoon for dinner and entertainment. (The boat had AC but we never needed it.) This is the best way to see the islands, (like a cruise but you choose your own itinerary). If you like a particular island you stay longer or even return to it. The captain doubles as a guide/host and knows the best restaurants, bars, beaches and is your private interpreter making ordering in restaurants easy. The surprising thing is that it is actually cheaper then staying in a hotel and a lot more interesting! If you are still in the planning stages of your trip to Greece contact David Econopouly who has a company based in the USA called GM Charters that works with several sailboat companies and individual skipper-owners in Greece to find the customer the best and most suitable boats at the best price. Whether you want to charter a large sailboat with some friends with a skipper or on your own, or join a group of boats called a flotilla, he does the research and gives you the choices. A great service and very helpful whether you know little about sailing or are an experienced skipper bringing a group and looking for the right boat. He also does power yachts and sail cruises. See www.greecetravel.com/sailing

Are you a confident driver? If so and don't suffer from ADD then renting a car is a great way to explore the mainland and many of the islands. Read my Guide to Driving in Greece at www.athensguide.com/driving

SWIFT Rent a Car
If you are a confident driver I recommend SWIFT Rent-a-car. The owner, Elias Manoua will deliver the car to your hotel, the airport or wherever you like and if you feel like you can handle driving in Greece but would rather face the challenge of Athens after you have had more experience, he will drive you out of town and let you begin from there. (He will also give a generous discount if you tell him you heard about him from me.)
See www.greektravel.com/swift
Tel: 01130 210 322-1623, 324-7875, 324-7855
FAX: 01130 210 325-0671
E-mail: swift@avanti.com.gr

Misc Info (Computer Access-phones etc)

Red Tape
If you need help with visas, customs, anything official, finding a home or job, or making your way through the Greek bureaucratic jungle talk to Dorian Kokas by phone at 01130 210 8212445 or visit his website at www.greektravel.com/dorian

Internet Cafes and Access in Greece
The Museum Internet Cafe at 46 Patision street, is an actual cafe. It is located right next to the National Archeological Museum. There are also internet cafes in Mykonos , Santorini, Lesvos and probably every other island by now. In the Monastiraki Flea Market is the Plaka Internet World at #29 Pondrossou. Just keep climbing the stairs till you get to the top. Bits and Bytes has several locations around Athens.
Most of the computer shops are located in Exarchia near the Polytechnic but there are others throughout the city including the giant Public in Syntagma Square. The guys who work at the Germanos electronic shops scattered around the city are pretty helpful and it is rare to find one who does not speak English. On Voulis there is a shop called Plesio across from the Ariston Bakery just below Syntagma Square and this is the equivelant of a Best Buy or Comp USA though smaller. Still you can find just about anything and they have guys that can fix just about anything.

If you are bringing a laptop chances are it will convert to 220 current automatically. But you will still need to buy an adapter so the plug will fit in the socket. You can buy one at any electric store, many of which are located on Praxitelous street below Syntagma Square or at any Germanos shop. But you should be aware that if one of your plug protrusions (or whatever those things are called) is a little bit bigger then the other, make sure that the adapter you buy also has one hole bigger then the other or you will only meet with frustration and sorrow.

If you have any trouble with your laptop contact Diamantis Melitas of E-Commerce who makes house-calls (or hotel-calls as the case may be.) His e-mail is diamantis@ecommerce.com.gr but most likely if you are having problems a phone number is what you will really want: 210 9401784.

Getting on-line can be a pain and varies from hotel to hotel and you can end up paying a lot even for local access numbers. There is worse news. AOL for example charges a $6 an hour fee to sign on and the reliability of their service in Greece may cause you to throw your laptop out the window. If you have to do work then bring a laptop but if you just need to e-mail use the Internet Cafes. The Hotel Attalos (www.hotelsofgreece.com/athens/attalos) has free wireless for your laptop and use of two computers with DSL if that makes a difference. Most hotels charge and the better the hotel, the more they charge.

Phones in Greece
Making a phone call from anywhere in Greece has always been a pain. Some people buy the phone cards that are usable in some of the phones some of the time. (See www.greecetravel.com/phones/phone-cards) You can call from your hotel for five times the normal rate or find a phone card that enables you to just pay the local rate through the hotel. Or you can ask in every store, restaurant, cafe or newsstand if you can make a call. A few years ago I bought a phone thrugh Greece Travel Phones. I got a phone, with my own number that I gave to all my friends in America and Greece. No contracts like in the USA. You buy the phone and the cards for outgoing calls (It comes with $20 worth of outgoing calls). Incoming calls are free. Then when you leave you can sell back your phone for $50. People can find you at anytime and if you don't want them to find you (or want to be selective) there is free voice mail service.

Greece Travel-Phones will sell you a phone charged and ready to go and will give you your phone number before you leave home so you can put it on your answering machine and give to your family and friends (if you want them to have it). Not only that but you can send them the numbers of your family and friends and they will be programed into your phone for quick and easy dialing. (no trying to figure out access codes). For more info see www.greecetravel.com/phones
This is a great service which I highly recommend. You can be reached anywhere in Greece, even on a boat.

OUZO
The best ouzo in Athens comes from BRETTOS, on the corner of Kydatheneon and Adrianou streets. These are the main pedestrian streets in the Plaka. The shop is full of colorful bottles. You can buy the ouzo in a cannister that can take even the roughest trans-Atlantic flight. For those of you who think you hate ouzo try this. It's smooth and different from anything you can get in America.Their 35 year olf VSOP Brandy is excellent too. If my info is helpful bring me back a bottle. They can ship to the USA or anywhere in the world but take care of this while you are there. Don't buy a bottle and then decide you can't live without it once you have gotten back home and ask me to help you get a case. Another good place to buy ouzo if you want a variety is Angelo the Ouzo King in the Plaka at 120 Adrianou Street (or somewhere near there) just up the street from Byzantino Jewelry. See www.athensguide.com/shops/ouzo

Traveling with Kids
Be sure to visit my Greece: Traveling with Children page for helpful hints at www.greecetravel.com/kids .
And have your kids visit Amarandi Barrett’s www.Greece4kids.com which is written by an actual kid, not a person who has kids.

BOOK STORES
There are several English language bookstores in Athens. Eleftherodakis is on Nikis Street one block from Syntagma Square. There is a giant Eleftherodakis on Panapistimiou street across from the Nuimismatic Museum which has lots of English-language books, seven floors worth. Compendium formerly on Nikis Street has moved to a new location on the corner of Nikis Street and Nikodimou. Compendium is to Athens as Shakespeare and Company is to Paris, a place where ex-pats come to browse and famous poets and authors drop in to do a reading. You can find lots of books about Greece, plus a large variety of books in English including current best-sellers, maps, guides, newspapers and magazines.

JEWELLERY
Hand-crafted Gold is inexpensive. I never buy it because my wife, Andrea makes Greek 22k and hers is as nice as anything you can find in Athens with the exception of a store called BYZANTIUM at 120 Adrianou on the Plaka. Their work is so good and so inexpensive that Andrea, (who is considered one of the finest goldsmith in America), even buys from them. If you are a lover of Gold jewelery don't buy anything until you have seen their work. If you walk down Adrianou it is on your left at #120(next to an ice-cream shop). For directions you can call them at 210 324-6606. Let them know I sent you. You can see their work at www.athensguide.com/byzantino

Greek Islands

For an overview of all the Greek islands with links for photos and more information see Matt's Greek island Guide at www.greektravel.com/greekislands

When planning your trip to the Greek Islands you may notice that some hotels offer special rates for internet bookings. While these are tempting there are problems involved. The biggest problem is the ferries. With no reliable ferry info available you may book yourself into a hotel and find yourself unable to get there. The hotel will still charge you. The other problem is overbooking. When a hotel is overbooked who will be the first person to lose the room? The foreigner who has booked over the net? The foreigner who has booked with his local travel agent? Or the Greek travel agency that provides the hotel with most of its business during the year? The client using the Greek agency has the best chance of keeping the room and if there are no rooms the hotel will go out of their way to find something somewhere rather than risk losing business from the agency. Plus the travel agency will have access to ferry schedules and if there is a change can adapt your itinerary to fit those changes. If you are backpacking and staying in campsites or cheap rooms in houses or whatever you can find when you arrive then this won't matter (though I advise booking in advance in the high season even for you) but if you are a family, or you already know which islands you want to visit, then work with one of the recommended agencies and your trip will go a lot smoother.

Ferryboats
Flying is easy and for some preferable though for some islands a highspeed ferry will get you there before the plane. But I prefer going to the islands by boat regardless. They are cheap and relaxing with restaurants, snack bars and beautiful scenery. The boats to the far islands like Crete, Rhodes, Lesvos & Kos leave in the evening. With a cabin it's like going to sleep in a hotel and waking up in a new place. Frequency of boats vary from island to island. To get to the port of Pireaus take the metro from the stop closest to you (probably Monistiraki or Omonia) to the last stop:Pireaus. The boats are across the street. There is a map on the dock that tells you where to find the ferries for each island. If you don't have a ticket you can buy them at the boat too. There's a shuttle bus that can take you to the further boats. See www.athensguide.com/ferries.html

My step by step instructions on How to Visit a Greek Island , from getting on the metro and buying ferry tickets to what to do when you arrive. See www.greektravel.com/lesson1

The Athens News now has the weekly ferry schedules from Pireaus, Rafina and Lavrion so get a copy at the newstand in the airport when you arrive or at most kiosks and newstands in Athens. You can also find them at www.athensguide.com/greek-island-ferry-schedules

Another cool idea is Fantasy Travel's Create Your Own Itinerary page where you click to choose the islands and they number of days you want to spend on each, category of hotels, days in Athens, land tours or whatever and submit it to the travel agency. They come back with a price within 24 hours. See www.greecetravel.com/create-an-itinerary

Backpackers and Budget Travelers see www.greecetravel.com/backpacking and www.greecetravel.com/budget-travel for a truly affordable package that includes Santorini and Mykonos, two of the most expensive islands. You can also find family-run C-catagory hotels at www.hotelsofgreece.com along with booking forms. Tip: If you book hotels with a Greek travel agency they will assist you with the ferries and it should not cost anymore than booking directly with the hotels or a mass-consumption booking site.

ISLAND OF SIFNOS
This is a nice way to start your trip. It's a quiet and beautiful island that has retained it's Greek character. A great way to relax and get yourself acclimated to Greek life. A stepping-stone to the more popular islands but you may never want to leave. For people traveling with children Kamares is a great place to stay because the hotels, cafes, restaurants and beach are all in the same area and within site of each other so you can let your kids play on the beach. Plus the sea is very shallow. You can walk out 100 yards and it still won't be up to your waist. See Matt's Sifnos Page at www.greektravel.com/sifnos

HOTEL STAVROS in the port of Kamares a few steps from the ferry and a long beautiful beach. Stavros and Sarah both speak English (She's British). They also rent cars and can help you make connections and find accommodations on other islands. See www.greektravel.com/sifnos/stavros

For Traditional Greek food try Kambourakis on the waterfront. The best spot for ouzo and octopus. Don't leave without buying a piece of pottery from Adonis the famous potter and Casanova, known world-wide for both. His shop is across from The Old Captain Bar owned by Tony and Lefteris, two of the nicest guys in Greece. Their English is as good as yours and they are very helpful. Besides being famous for it's traditional food and pottery, Sifnos also has two fine Italian restaurants, Claudios in Kamares and Mama Mia's in Plati Yiallos and on the walking road from Appolonia to Artemona.

You can also make arrangements for hotels and activities through Aegean Thesaurus, the island's best travel agent at www.greecetravel.com/aegean
They can also handle tickets, your accomodations on other islands and in Athens and they do weddings!

For backpackers there is camping at Makis campground in Kamares. Great facilities. Next door is the Morpheas Pension owned by my pal Kostas Kambourakis, the nicest guy in Greece. This is also very inexpensive. More upscale is the Alkyonis Villas which are nice apartments right off the beach with lots of privacy and a staff that somehow keeps your room clean and is around when you need them while at the same time remaining invisible. See www.greektravel.com/sifnos/hotels.html

The Elies Resort in the quiet village of Vathi is one of the most beautiful hotels in Greece and in an ideal setting. Perfect for families. See www.hotelsofgreece.com/cyclades/sifnos/elies

LESVOS
Lesvos is in my opinion the best island in Greece, almost a country in itself. Food and accommodations are much less expensive then the more popular Cyclades islands. The island is fertile with pine forests, olive groves and an abundance of fish. It is the third largest island with a variety of landscapes, including some fantastic beaches, mountains, and two large inland seas that are rich in marine and bird life. (It is one of the finest places in Europe for bird watching with an amazing variety of birds and wildflowers.) But the best thing about it is the people of the towns and villages who have not been impacted by mass-tourism and are courteous, generous and friendly. If you are looking for a truly special holiday this is the place to go. Most people who visit Lesvos return. Many make it a yearly trip.
See my Lesvos web pages at www.Lesvos.com
IMPORTANT: LESVOS is inexpensive and you get quality accommodations and food for very little money!
There is a Guide to Lesvos Hotels at www.lesvos.com/hotels.html and at www.hotelsofgreece.com

SKALA ERESSOS Beach in Lesvos
Birthplace of Sapho and Mecca for women from all over the world. Beautiful beach and village. It's a wonderful place, perhaps the best kept secret in Greece and a popular family and honeymoon location. Hotels and apartments available as well as island tours to Mytilini, Molyvos, thermal springs and spas, monasteries, traditional villages, donkey treks and day trips to Turkey and nightlife. Not even mentioning the best sunsets in Greece. For info on Eressos see www.lesvos.com/erressos.html

Vatera could be the best beach in Greece and is my number 1 choice for a family destination on Lesvos. The beach is 7 kilometers long with several Canadian and American owned hotels and some great restaurants and the surrounding area is one of the most facinating parts of Lesvos with hot springs, fishing villages and pine forests. I love the Hotel Aphrodite. It is owned by Canadians: John and Maria and they have kids. If you have kids you will appreciate this because it means your kids will have other kids to play with and since you are reading this and thinking about going you can bet that there are others doing the same which means there will probably be lots of English-speaking kids to play with. Plus they have a trampoline which keeps children busy for hours, if not days, while the parents can sit in the taverna and relax while the kids play. The Hotel Aphrodite is a great place to stay and they also have their own travel agency and car rental agency with special rates for their guests. See www.lesvos.com/vatera.html or visit the Hotel Aphrodite website at www.lesvos.com/aphrodite

Molyvos is the cultural capital of the island. Fantastic town with a medieval castle, nice beaches, excellent nightlife, cultural events, and great restaurants too. See www.lesvos.com/molyvos.html

If you are looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path place to spend your holiday check out Sigri and stay at the Sigrion Villas owned by a Greek-American family from Mississippi of all places. Country comfort in a remote corner of Greece. Great beaches of all types including a beautiful sandy cove perfect for familes with kids. Great fish tavernas and a petrified forest, the largest in the world. See www.lesvos.com/sigri.html and www.hotelsofgreece.com/northaegean/lesvos/sigrion-villas/

Hyphenology is an English language academic and travel summer program designed for high school students between the ages of 14-18. It combines academic excellence with cultural enrichment, an exclusive teaching faculty and a diverse student body, to provide participants with a unique and unforgettable summer experience. For two weeks in July, students come to Lesvos, Greece, a center of learning since ancient times and a bridge between Europe and Asia. Here, they attend courses on subjects of their choice. They will also travel extensively throughout the island on daily excursions to the ancient sites, museums, and monasteries, and the day trip across the Aegean to Pergammon and Ayvalik, Turkey. See www.lesvos.com/hyphenology

SANTORINI
Visually spectacular. Should be approached by sea to get the full effect of sailing into a giant crater so don't fly there and arrive before dark. Thira is touristy, Oia is a little quieter but the island is probably the most popular in Greece and for good reason. The daytime action is at the beaches, Perissa and Kamari. Good Raki and domatokeftedes (fried tomato-balls). Ruins of Ancient Thira are worth the trip if you are unimpressed by the most spectacular sunsets on this planet. Most people want to stay in the beautiful hotels overlooking the caldera but if you have children you will sleep a lot easier in Akrotiri rather then on the edge of a 1000 foot cliff. I have a Santorini page at www.greektravel.com/greekislands/santorini.html

For hotel descriptions, bookings and rates and great Santorini itineraries with Athens, the mainland and other islands visit Fantasy Travel at www.fantasytravelofgreece.com

You can also get help booking your trip to Santorini with Aegean Thesaurus Travel at www.greecetravel.com/aegean and Dolphin Hellas Travel at www.greecetravel.com/dolphinhellas

Are you single and want to go to Santorini? Good News. See Fantasy Travel's programs for singles to Mykonos and Santorini at www.fantasytravelofgreece.com and click on 'singles paradise'.

The Volcano View Villas are cliff houses with an amazing view of the volcano, swimming pools, restaurants and bars. See www.greecetravel.com/hotels/volcanoviewvillas

Going to Santorini and on a budget? Try the Hotel Ether at www.hotelsofgreece.com/cyclades/santorini/ether

Captain Ted Stathis does one-day cruises on his luxury catamaran that includes a gourmet lunch or dinner cooked by he and his wife, both excellent chefs. See www.greektravel.com/greekislands/santorini/sailing/

MYKONOS
Mykonos is the most elegant island in Greece and has been visited by just about every famous person on the planet. White cube houses and amazing beaches including the famous Paradise beach where clothes are optional and a beautiful body if not essential is certainly to be desired. The best nightlife in Greece and some of the best restaurants too. In the summer this island never sleeps and in the off-season life can actually be quite sane. For my review of the island of Mykonos see www.greektravel.com/greekislands/mykonos

For information on the very lovely Princess of Mykonos Hotel see www.greecetravel.com/hotels/princessof mykonos

If you are looking for a budget hotel in a good location in Mykonos there is good news. Try the Hotel Adonis at www.hotelsofgreece.com/cyclades/mykonos/adonis

RHODES
One of the most amazing cities in the world is the Medieval city of Rhodes and the modern town is not bad either. With a milder climate than the other islands this is a great off-season destination. Terrific beaches and plenty to see. You could easily spend several weeks here. See www.greecetravel.com/rhodes

More Greek Islands:

Paros is the Windsurfing Center of Greece! My Paros Page is at www.greektravel.com/greekislands/paros

Naxos: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/naxos
Milos: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/milos
Crete: www.greecetravel.com/crete
Ios: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/ios
Tinos: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/tinos
Chios: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/chios
Syros: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/syros
Kea: www.greektravel.com/greekislands/kea

The Hot Springs in Edipsos have been healing people for 3000 years. If you are in need of rejuvenation or want to experience a European Spa that combines hot mineral baths with ancient and modern therapies, see www.greecetravel.com/edipsos

Islands Close To Athens

If you only have a few days then check out the nearby Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetsis and Angistri by going to www.greektravel.com/greekislands/saronic.htm
The Island of Kea is just one hour from the mainland. See www.greektravel.com/greekislands/kea

Greek Mainland Pages

Other Greece Information

Villas
Ana Kamais has a number of homes and villas for rent on the islands and mainland.
See her website at www.greecetravel.com/villas and see what is available. If you are traveling as a group or a large family this is a great way to get to know the Greek culture and it can be economical as well. She has apartments and smaller houses too.

Weddings
If you want to get married in Greece see my my article on the subject at www.greecetravel.com/weddings

Undecided?
If you still have not made up your mind and want to try one of my suggestions for where to go and what to do in Greece see www.greektravel.com/suggestions

Worried about your budget?
Try going to www.greecetravel.com/create-an-itinerary , pick your islands, tours and whatever you want to do and under comments let the agent know that you are on a budget and they will find the best hotels for the least money. It can't hurt to try and will just take a few minutes of your time. Or see www.greecetravel.com/budget-travel which also has some tips for people who want to make the most of a declining dollar.

Preparatory Reading Material for Travel in Greece

I used to have a list here of recommended books but it got way out of control. So I made a whole site for books which I think you will enjoy. There is a section on Guidebooks and Travelogues, history, cookbooks, novels, poetry and more. It's at www.greektravel.com/books

There are a number of Greek Language programs in Greece at www.greecetravel.com/schools Also listed on this site are study abroad programs, yoga and alternative healing centers and art schools, colleges and high schools. There are some CD-Rom and Taped Greek language courses listed at www.greektravel.com/preparation.htm

Going to Turkey:

If you are going to Greece and want to do Turkey as well then have a look at this site: www.GreeceTurkeyGuide.com It has listings of tours, hotels, cruises, a great travel agency and can help you have a seamless trip combining the two countries. Also if you are looking for interesting tours of Turkey and Greece check out the website of Hahathakis Tours in Lesvos at www.greecetravel.com/hahathakis-tours

Other interesting and helpful sites are:
History of Greece: www.ahistoryofgreece.com
Greek Food Guide: www.greeecfoods.com
Greek Music: www.greecetravel.com/music
Frequently Asked Questions: www.greektravel.com/faq

Please help to spread the word about my Greece Travel Guides if you find them useful. I can't afford the advertising like the big companies but word of mouth is better (as are travel bulletin boards) because who are you going to trust, your fellow travelers or Madison Avenue? This website began as a hobby about ten years ago and since then it has grown in popularity and size. It would be even bigger if I did not spend 5 hours a day answering e-mail from travelers going to Greece. People have been asking me how they can contribute. You can contribute by using the agencies and services I recommend. Without their support this site could not exist.

Have a Great time in Greece!
Matt Barrett
GreeceTravel.com
matt@greecetravel.com