Santorini Useful Tips

Time Zone

Time Zone in Greece is GMT+2.

The Time changes during the summer time (from the last March Sunday until the last October Sunday), setting the clocks one hour back.

Currency

Currency in Greece is Euro since 2001.

Weather

Weather in Greece is temperate, mild, with wet winters and hot dry summers.

Especially in Santorini and all the aegean islands, some pleasant winds are blowing during the summer

Telephone Codes

The International country calling code of Greece is 0030 (+30)

The Santorini internal code is 2286. To call Santorini the total code is 00302286 (+302286)

Volcano

The volcano is active but don’t think that lava and magma attack in rage, not any more. The ground in the crater is really impressive but what you will see now odour of sulphur.

Visit the volcano when the sun is weak, wear flat closed shoes and hat because the course is steep and last about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you.

Newspapers

Newspapers arrive regularly and are disposed from newspaper’s agencies all over the island

Transactions

You can use any of your credit cards for you shopping.

Sunset

Without question, Santorini’s sunset is worth its fame, but you must also experience the beauty of the sunrise, on the other side of the island to Anafi.

Water

You should prefer mineral water, because Santorini water is not drinkable.

Smoking

In Greece from 1st of July 2009, smoking the nation-wide ban on smoking in public places will be applied. Smoking will be prohibited in every public and private working places, in public buildings, in schools and universities, in bars, restaurants e.c.t., in transportation media and in covered athletic facilities.

Especially in private working places and bars, restaurants e.c.t., smoking can be allowed to provide special specificated rooms for smoking.

From 1st of July 2009 will be also the juvenile's entrance to entertainment places, like bars, clubl e.t.c. prohibited. Exception is the case of adult's accompaniment.

Transportation

Coming out of the airport or the ship at Athinios port, unless you have your own car or arranged your transfer to your hotel you can either take the public bus (KTEL) from the port or the airport (low price ticket), go to Fira and take another bus to your destination, or if you are too tired, look for a taxi.

If you get tired from the turns in Athinios port, don’t jump into conclusions for the rest of the island. It isn’t but a camouflage of the natural formation of Santorini, pleasant and exciting after all.

You are in Fira by now, already convinced that the island is not a mountain, it’s in altimetry. Relax, leave your luggage in one of the travel agencies in the main square and go for a walk around the town to make sure you madethe right choice to visit this particular island, so that your companion won’t be disappointed. We strongly suggest not to follow the Caldera’s streets or you’ll be charmed by the natural beauty of the scenery and will neglect all your reservation projects. You return to the main square where you have to choose between the public bus (KTEL) or the taxis to go to your room if you have already booked one. You can also rent a car or motorcycle at one of the renting car shops in Fira or any other place of the island. There are no traffic lights on the roads or the crossroads but that’s no reason for you to overspeed. Besides, the successible turns of the island give you natural protection.

Now that you have your own transportation means you can go wherever you want. Since you are on an island it is most certain you won’t reach the frontiers. On the other hand, if your vacations are limited because your manager asked for a new production plan in the mid-summer (just like ours) you can always participate in an organized tour of Santorini. According to your interests, there are tours in the historical and archaeological places of the island as well as recreation tours in the Volcano area. Also there are little boats sailing from the port of Athinios and the old port of Thira Bay touring around the islets and the volcano area. You can also go to Fira Bay on foot (we couldn’t count more than 500 steps), on a donkey, or by lift (cable car).

You think you have seen it all yet? We disagree with you but there’s nothing we can do. Now if you want to leave, you can take the plane to Athens, Phodes, Mikonos, Iraklio of Crete and Thessaloniki or the boat to any other Aegean island. There are also flying dolphins and catamarans for Cyclades and Dodekanissa.

One more advice: provided there are no street signs in Santorini, take good notice of the villages’ signs or study your map or else you will find yourself camping at Fira Square.

Food

In Santorini as in all Cycads, the sea wind and the hot sun of the afternoon can transform any dish to a gastronomic paradise. The Greek cooking of the previous years of the island has been mixed with foreign ifluances, thus giving to the western tastes an oriental spicy aroma.

Characteristic specialities of Santorini were always the fava the tomato balls and all kinds of seafood. All these accompanied by local wine are able to make you feel the Gargantua appetite and forget the instructions of your dietologist.

The restaurants are spread all over the island and can satisfy the most difficult preferances serving plates with the recipies of the French and international cuisine adding the quality and warmth of the Greek hospitality.

To those who want to remain faithful to the familiar and friendly atmosphere of the taverna the island will not disappoint them. Cosy small tavernas with wonderful view wait for you in different spots serving traditional dishes of the Greek cooking.

Because while wondering around you can’t avoid your stomach demanding, something caused by the sea atmosphere, you can make a stop in snack shops and buy a sandwich, crepes or a souvlaki. Even if you are vegetarian, you can tell to the waiter who will suggest to you the right food.

During your food explorations you can find some desert taverna where the land lady can offer you local white fried egg-plants, Santorini’s white cheese don’t make the mistake to deny it.

Seafood abound in the island and are not for exportation. They are cooked in tavernas and seaside restaurants.

Fruit comes from Crete and other places but don’t miss the opportunity to taste the small and dry melons produced there.

Emergency Phone Numbers

For emergency calls (Police, Ambulance,or Fire Brigade) you can call the European Emergency Number 112. In the event of any omission or violations of the above, you may submit a complaint or claim to the Greek National Tourism Organization, by telephone on 1572