Jul
12
Greece : Getting Around The Country
July 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment
This part of our guide to holidays in Greece sees us covering transportation…
Consider hiring a car or moped in Greece – all you will need is a passport and an internationally recognized driving license. This is a cost-effective option that will give you the freedom to travel wherever you wish. Prices start at roughly $15 a day for a moped and $40 a day for a car, but be careful to ensure that the price you agree to includes all taxes and insurance. While most roads are in good condition, take extra care driving on the islands or in the countryside as some rural roads can be badly maintained and narrow.
The bus system is very efficient and you can travel anywhere on the Greek mainland on the ‘KTEL’ (intercity) buses. It’s great value for money and lets you travel through parts of Greece that you would otherwise never get to see. The bus system was never created to accommodate tourists though so you might encounter some language problems; if you do, most young people in Greece speak a little English and most would be more than happy to assist you.
Taxis are abundant and inexpensive. Meters are mandatory and tips are not required. In Greece, taxis often keep picking up passengers until they’re full, so even if a taxi already has some passengers you can still try to hail it providing it is heading in the direction you want to go. (But you also must be prepared to share your cab with strangers). Most, but not all, drivers in the cities and on the islands will have a smattering of English.
Getting to the islands requires either a boat ride or a short flight. For islands further away, you can fly to them (many islands have airports) from Athens or Thessaloniki; the distances within Greece are small, so even the furthest destination is less than an hour flight.
Ferries are the best option for islands near the mainland. These boats run regularly throughout the day, but trips may be more leisurely than you expect as the ferries can making stop at several islands before reaching their final destination.
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