Key Facts

Location

Southeast Europe.

Time

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area

131,957 sq km (50,949 sq miles).

Population

11.1 million (National Statistical Service of Greece, 2005).

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Money

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008

1 Jan New Year's Day.

6 Jan Epiphany.

10 Mar Orthodox Shrove Monday.

25 Mar Independence Day.

25 Apr Orthodox Good Friday.

28 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday.

1 May Labour Day.

16 Jun Orthodox Whit Monday.

15 Aug Assumption.

28 Oct Ochi Day.

25 Dec Christmas Day.

26 Dec Boxing Day.

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day.

6 Jan Epiphany.

10 Mar Orthodox Shrove Monday.

25 Mar Independence Day.

17 Apr Orthodox Good Friday.

20 Apr Orthodox Easter Monday.

1 May Labour Day.

16 Jun* Orthodox Whit Monday.

15 Aug Assumption.

28 Oct Ochi Day.

25 Dec Christmas Day.

26 Dec Boxing Day.

Climate

Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.