- Where to stay: On the most developed in terms of tourism, as well as the most central and numerous archipelago Aegean Sea- the blessed Cyclades, whose variety of hotels will satisfy every taste. On the islands of the Saronic Gulf, tourists will find a remarkable entertainment industry, while on the Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese archipelago, nature and beach holiday fun are in the right balance. The Eastern Sporades are very beautiful and secluded, while the Northern Sporades and the North Aegean archipelago are even too secluded - people come here mainly on excursions. Everything that is in Greece can be found in popular Crete.
- What to see: The Greek islands are a concentration of natural and historical attractions. Among the cozy bays of the rugged coastline picturesque fishing villages lurk, centuries-old olive groves hide the ruins of ancient civilizations, snow-white walls of houses shine in the sun, and tiled roofs are painted in bright crimson shades in the evenings. And from the Greek islands you can easily get to the mainland - for example, to see with your own eyes the greatness of Athens, Sparta or Meteora.
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When preparing for a trip to sunny Hellas, do not forget to check the time zone of Greece and the time difference with your hometown: this helpful information will protect you upon arrival in Greece from possible annoying misunderstandings, such as being late for dinner at the hotel on the first evening.
Since 1916, Greece has officially used Eastern European Time (EET) with daylight saving and winter time. Time in Greece differs from Universal Time (UTC) by 2 hours in winter (UTC+2) and by three hours in summer (UTC+3).
Time change in Greece
Organized daylight saving time has been implemented in Greece since 1975 and occurs on the last Sunday of March. One hour of lack of sleep is rewarded on a long spring evening, and the evening for a true Greek is always full of pleasures.
The switch to winter time in Greece on the last Sunday in October gives the Greek population an extra hour of sleep. After Russia abolished the seasonal clock change on February 8, 2011, the winter time difference with Greece increased. So, if previously the time difference between Greece and Moscow was 1 hour, now in the cold season we are separated by as much as 2 hours - which, of course, is less convenient.
But there is no difference at all between Athens and Kiev - neither in winter nor in summer.
By the way, there are no divisions into time zones within Greece. Thus, the time in Crete, Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Corfu is the same. The time zone and time of the fraternal state of Cyprus (UTC+2) is no different from Greece.
Difference in time:
Below we provide a small useful summary of the time difference between Greece and some cities in Russia and Europe from different time zones. The table shows how many hours the indicated cities differ from Greece.
- Moscow: +2 hours in winter, +1 hour in summer
- Ekaterinburg: +4 - in winter, +3 - in summer
- Novosibirsk: +5 - in winter, +4 - in summer
- Krasnoyarsk: +6 - in winter, +5 - in summer
- Irkutsk: +7 - in winter, +6 - in summer
- Vladivostok: +9 - in winter, +8 - in summer
- Kyiv: absent
- Berlin, Rome and Paris: -1 hour all year round
- London: -2 hours all year round
Other useful time zone and time information in Greece
- Remember that flight schedules always indicate local time!
- In response to the short call *100* familiar to Russians from a landline phone in Greece, you will be answered not by a melodious female voice announcing the exact time, but by the voice of the police station on duty.
- It is not customary to call your home phone or come to visit between approximately 15:00 and 18:00 without a special invitation from the owners: siesta time.
- The influence of time does not apply to nature and monuments.
That's all for now. Good morning!
Going to tourist trip to a European country like Greece, Russians must take into account many important points. In addition to information about the weather, excursions and entertainment, travelers also need to find out what time differences exist between Russian regions and Greek resorts. To view the time in Greece now, tourists only need a computer or smartphone connected to the Internet.
Basic information
The entire Greek territory is located in the same time zone, so local time in Greece in different regions (both on the mainland and on the islands) will always be the same. Several years ago, our country abandoned changing clocks, but the Greeks still change time in the fall and spring. This factor must be taken into account when figuring out how much this moment time in Athens, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes or other seaside resort.
The time zone of Greece in winter is UTC+2. On the last Sunday in March, Greek clocks are moved forward 60 minutes, and the entire European country For the summer it switches to the UTC+3 time zone. Cyprus lives in the same time zone. Therefore, for those who know how long it is Greek resorts Now, it will not be difficult to determine what time it is at the moment in Cypriot territory.
Difference with Moscow
Most Russians know that Moscow lives in the UTC+3 time zone. This means that the time difference between Moscow and Greece in winter is one hour, while the Russian capital is 60 minutes ahead of Greek cities (if Muscovites see 14.00 on the clock, then the Greeks will see 13.00 at the same moment). From April to October, Greece and Moscow have no time difference at all (if it is 12.00 in the Russian capital, then the clock in the European country will show the same time).
Differences with regions of the Russian Federation
The time difference with Greece is important not only for Moscow residents, but also for all other Russians. Due to the large number of time zones, different regions of Russia will be ahead (and in some cases behind) the European resort state by a different number of hours:
- in winter in Kaliningrad and Athens there is no time difference, but in summer Kaliningrad region will be 60 minutes behind the Greeks;
- in St. Petersburg in the summer months the clock will show the same time as on Greek territory, from November the northern capital of Russia will be one hour ahead of the European state;
- in winter in Samara more than in resort country for 2 hours, in summer – for 60 minutes;
- Yekaterinburg and many other cities of the Urals are 3 hours ahead of Greek resorts (from November to March) and 2 hours (from April to October);
- in Omsk more than in the regions of the euro country by 4 hours in the winter months and by 3 hours in the summer, in Krasnoyarsk - by 5 hours and by 4 hours, in Irkutsk - by 6 hours and by 5 hours. respectively;
- Yakutia is ahead of the European state by 7 hours in winter and 6 hours in summer, Vladivostok - by 8 hours and 7 hours, Kamchatka - by 10 hours and 9 hours.
Where to look?
Finding out what time it is in Greece now is quite simple. To do this, you can enter the query “ Exact time in the cities of Greece now” or go to specialized websites with tourism topics and get the necessary information online. In the age of modern technology, anyone who knows how to use a computer and has access to the Internet can find out what time it is in a particular country.
The easiest way to adapt to Greek resorts will be for those tourists who live in the city of Moscow and neighboring populated areas located in the same time zone. In the summer they will not feel any difference at all, and in the winter the difference between the times will be practically insignificant. It will be much more difficult for residents of the Urals, Siberia and Far East. To facilitate adaptation abroad, tourists from remote regions of Russia can use the following tips:
- 5-7 days before your vacation you should try to shift your routine and try to go to bed 1-2 hours earlier than usual;
- on the eve of departure you need to relax and sleep, so it is best to pack your bags 1-2 days before the trip;
- You should not take alcoholic beverages before a trip or already on the plane; alcohol will not help you better cope with changing time zones (the same rule applies to coffee);
- Do not overload your stomach with fatty, heavy food before the flight; you should drink clean water on board the airliner to prevent dehydration;
- On the plane, tourists should try to sleep, while using sleeping pills, no matter how good they are, is strictly not recommended.
Summarizing
Those planning to relax in Athens, Rhodes, Crete or other resorts in 2017 need to prepare in advance for the upcoming trip. One of the important points in preparing for vacation is to learn about the time difference and adjust your body to changing time zones.
NECESSARY INFORMATION
1. TIMECorfu is one hour behind Moscow in winter; in summer the time is the same. Greek time coincides with Kyiv time.
2. WEATHER. Daytime air temperature in summer is approximately + 30 + 35 degrees, in the evening it drops to +20 + 25. Water temperature is about +24 + 27 degrees. In winter, the average air temperature is 9-15 degrees, the rainy season is from October to March. High humidity – up to 98%. The climate is subtropical.
3. TELEPHONE. All calls from the hotel are paid and quite expensive. At any kiosk you can buy a telephone card for 4 euros (tilecard), which is enough for about 4-5 minutes of conversation with Moscow. You can also purchase a chronocard “ Smile", "Talk", "face" ”, “OTE chronocard”, etc. (5 euros - approximately two hours of conversation with Moscow). Telephone booths are located throughout the city. It is also possible to call from most hotels using a chronocard. To call to Russia you need to dial 007 + area code (for Moscow 495 or 499) and the subscriber number.
4. CURRENCY. Euro is the only one currency unit, accepted for payment in Greece. You can exchange cash currency only at banking institutions if you have a passport. See below for bank opening hours. ATTENTION. It is impossible to change rubles in Corfu. No bank accepts them. Rubles can only be changed at Athens airport.
5. CUSTOMS. It is strictly prohibited to transport liquids into hand luggage. All liquids (including honey and cosmetics) must be packed in suitcases.
6. HEALTH. If you have any health problems, you must contact your insurance company directly. The doctor will treat you free of charge under your insurance (if the insurance has a deductible, you need to pay about 30 euros) - medications are free. All questions about health insurance It's best to discuss when you meet your guide.
7. WATER. It is not recommended to drink tap water. In Corfu, the water in most areas is mixed with salts; you do not need to drink such water.
8. SAFE. For your peace of mind, we recommend storing large sums of money and jewelry in the hotel safe or in your personal safe in your room. Sometimes this service is paid; you can pay for the safe at the reception.
9. ELECTRICITY.Throughout Greece the voltage is 220 volts, European sockets.
10. RELIGIA. About 98% of the population of Greece adheres to the Orthodox faith and belongs to the Greek Independent Orthodox Church.
The Church of St. Spyridon is the most revered on the island. Saint Spyridon was the Bishop of Cyprus and took part in the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325. After the death of St. Spyridon, his relics were kept in Constantinople, and when the capital of Byzantium fell to the Turks, the refugees took the remains of their Saint with them. Thus, in 1489 his relics came to Corfu. It is impossible to say with certainty how this man became so closely identified with the fate of the island when he was only known as Saint Spyridon and how he managed to become the main saint of Corfu, but tradition claims that it was he who saved the island from disaster. According to legend, Saint Spyridon saved Kerkyra from the plague in 1630 and 1673, and most importantly from the Turks in 1716. During the attack on the island by the Turks, as legend says, Saint Spyridon appeared in the guise of a monk holding a candle, who struck panic among the Turkish troops. The church holiday of St. Spyridon is celebrated 4 times a year ( main holiday- 11th August) .
11. LANGUAGE.The language of communication in Greece is modern Greek, modified ancient Greek (kafarevusa). Accepted for communication with tourists English language. Also, many Corfu residents speak German, French, and Italian.
BRIEF DICTIONARY.
HELLO) -YASU (YASAS)
HOW ARE YOU? – TI CANIS?
OK, THANK YOU - KALA, EFKHARISTO
GOOD MORNING GOOD AFTERNOON - KALIMERA (UNTIL 15.00)
GOOD EVENING - KALISPERA (AFTER 12.00)
PLEASE - PARACAL
THANK YOU - EFKHARISTO
SORRY - SIGNOMI
YES - NE
NO - OH AND
WHAT IS THE PRICE - POSO KANI
HOW TO GET?… - POS PAME?…
1 – ENA 7 - EFTA
2 – DIO 8 - OHTO
3 – TRIA 9 -ENNYA
4 – TESERA 10 - DECA
5 – PENDE 11 - ENDEKA
6 – EXI 12 - DODECA
12.FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
JANUARY - FEBRUARY three weeks of carnival (the last Sunday of the carnival coincides with Forgiveness Sunday - before the start of Lent).
CLEAN MONDAY – Beginning of Lent
APRIL-EARLY MAY
Palm Sunday - procession with the relics of St. Spyridon
Holy Saturday – religious procession with the relics of St. Spyridon
Orthodox Easter
JUNE.
Day of the Ascension of the Lord. Celebrated 50 days after the Greek Orthodox Easter for three days. Performances of national dances and songs, various games and competitions are held in cities.
SEPTEMBER.
Traditional Arts Festival, including symphony concerts, ballet, opera and theater performances.
OCTOBER 28 – OHI Day (Greek Nation Day) – Greek President Metaxa said OHI (NO) to the arrival of fascism in Greece
NOVEMBER 17 – Polytechnic Day – the day of the beginning of the uprising of Polytechnic University students against the junta
SAINTS' DAYS
Greeks rarely celebrate their birthdays; they often invite guests to their name days. Most popular saints' days:
12. PURCHASES AND SALES. Products of local craftsmen (ceramics, bags, sandals, carpets - everything self made) are traditional souvenirs. Greece specializes in olive oil, olives, cheeses, dried fruits, tea, Greek coffee, and wine. On the island you can buy various products from kum-kuat - a dwarf Chinese orange that has taken root in Europe only in Corfu. During seasonal sales (mid-January, mid-July to the end of August), you can purchase clothes for adults and children at low prices.
13. TIPS .In restaurants - 10% of the order value, but not less than 1.50 euros, in cafeterias 0.60 - 0.90 euros.
OPENING HOURS OF SHOPS, PHARMACIES, BANKS ON THE ISLAND OF CORFU
mSTORES AND PHARMACIES– Monday, Wednesday, Saturday – from 9.00 to 14.30
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 17.30 to 21.00
Sunday is a day off.
Supermarkets are open from Mon. By Sat. 09:00 – 21:00.
Tourist and souvenir shops are open seven days a week and seven days a week.
BANKS– Monday – Thursday – from 8 to 14:30
Friday – from 8 to 14.00
Sunday is a day off.
WHAT NOT TO DO IN GREECE.
Enter the monastery in shorts or miniskirts. Leaving a restaurant without leaving a tip. Refuse treatsvillage houses. Despite the fact that Greeks love to criticize their country, they will not tolerate even irony on this topic from a foreigner.
Kekira Island, better known to tourists as, attracts those who love the full " all inclusive": here you will find historical reminders, the gentle Mediterranean Sea, natural beauty, and excellent service... To be honest, I didn’t want to leave here, but the vacation came to an end and after two days a job awaited me and “adored” by many emergency Monday.
Fortunately, this time there were no time differences, since in the summer both Corfu and Corfu live on the same time - according to UTC+3. However, if you fly from Moscow in winter, remember that at this time the time difference between the Greek island and the Russian capital is exactly 1 hour: when in winter it is 12:00, in Moscow it is already 13:00. ;)
Putting aside the confusion associated with the transition of the whole of Greece from summer to winter time and vice versa, you will not feel any discomfort after the flight, so there is no need to worry about this.
But what you definitely need to take care of in advance is plane tickets from Corfu to Moscow, especially in the summer, when there are tons of tourists in Greece. Moreover, there are very few flights in this direction:
- 9840 from Yakutia will take you to Moscow in 3 hours and 25 minutes (only on Saturdays);
- the same flight flies from Corfu to Moscow on Wednesday, but at other times, its duration does not change;
- 408 from Ellinair operates on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays (departure at 8:15) and on Wednesdays (departure at 8:45), travel time is 3 hours 15 minutes;
- Austrian/Aeroflot, transfer in Vienna, 5 hours travel;
- Finnair/Aeroflot, transfer at
