Athens is the capital of Greece which is a country belonging to the European Union on the continent of Europe.

Location: Athens is a peninsula located southern part of Greece and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, the Gulf of Evoikos, the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth. Surronding mountains are Mt.Pendeli and Mt.Parnassus to the north, Mt.Hymettus to the east and Mt.Egaleo to the west.

Altitude: 91m / 300ft Above the sea level

Climate: Mediterranean. Averange days of sunshine approximately 250 and about 110 of rain. The wettest month is December, the coldest is January, the dryest is July and the Hottest is August.

Temperatures: Attica and Athens climate is mild with temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 Celsius in the summer month and from 5 to 15 in winter.

Time zone: Eastern European Time EET / UTC+2

Currency: EURO and no other currency is accepted. It is best to exchange money at banks or official exchenge agencies. If you are low on cash ATM machines are readily available.

Language spoken: Greek

Population: 4,157,858 (taken from 2012 Census)

Religions: Greek Orthodox (official) 98%, Muslim 13%, other 0,7%

Public and national holidays: December 25 & 26, Januari 1 ,January 6, Clean Monday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, March 25, August 15, October 28.

Tourist Information                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Athens international airport “El. Venizelos”         Tel.+30 210 3530000  Piraeus Port Authority  Tel +30 14541 ( Emergencies) +30 213 2147600    Rafina Port Authority    Tel. +30 22943 21202              Alimos Marina Tel. +30 210 9880000       Flisvos Marina  Tel. +30 210 9871000-2                                            

Useful information concerning your health and safety while in Athens

In the event that you are injured or in need of medical attention while you are in Greece the National Health System of Greece is required to provide you with first aid and emergency services if you go to a public hospital or health centre.                                                                      Pharmacies are plentiful in Greece and offer a wide range of products ranging from over the counter and prescription pharmaceuticals toiletries and other medical supplies. They are open Monday & Wednesdays from 8am to 2pm, Thursdays & Fridays from 8am to 1:30pm & from 5pm to 8pm. To locate a pharmacy which is open on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays call the 149444 hotline.                                                                                                         

Health Care in Greece is provided by:                                                                                                                                                                                              Private Hospital & Clinics                                     Public & Private Rural Hospitals

In case of emergency call from a landline: European Emergency           Call number     112            Ambulance Services      166                                          On-Dutty Hospital & Clinics    14944(1)              Pharmacies       14944(1)           Poisoning Firs Aid   +30 210 7793777                                                              Police     100

Tap Water: Water quality in Athens is very good so drinking water from the tap in Athens and in most major cities of Greece is perfectly safe . Drinking botteled water on most island is advised.

Pickpocketing: As in most major cities of the world with heavy tourist activity pickpocketing and minor theft is a common occurrence. But with various safety precautions it can be completely avoided to a large extent. When on the metro and other public transport always wear a money belt and keep valuables in a backpack. Avoid wearning expensive jewellery. Be especially vigilant in areas like Omonia,Monastiraki, Piraeus, Syntagma and the Acropolis- generally where many tourists/people congregate.

Athens visitors help office of Hellenic Police:                                                

For incident and problems that are reported by visitors in Athens ( file complaints or charges concerning loss/theft of travel documents or objects and issuing of the necessarycertificates).For providing assistance and necessary information to visitors/tourists about Police and Tourism issues. It is connected to the electronic nationwide network “Police on Line”.    For the prompt service to visitors/tourists in English, French, Italian, Spanish.      Operating Hours: Daili 7:30am-10pm   Tel. 1571                                                                                                                            Central Athens; 4 Dragatsaniou st. ( inside the arcade) Klafthmonos Sq. Metro station “Panepistimio”  Tel.+30 210 3222230

Embassy; For Embassy Contacts, please call the National Directory Inquiries (OTE)  Tel 11888                                                                                American Embassy     210 7212951                 British  Embassy  210 7272600                 Italian Embassy 210 3617260                                                                  French Embassy  210 3391000                       German Embassy  210 7285111