Local Information

A country of Mediterranean culture and a link between the East and West, Greece has maintained a strong national identity in spite of the huge influx of international tourists. Traditions and customs are firmly implanted and the Greeks have cultivated a true art of living; they go out more than any other Europeans. In summer especially, outdoor cafés, restaurants and movies are always full.
Greek hospitality is legendary and if today it isn't exactly the same as a few years ago, it's due to the general abuses of the development of tourism. Foreigners are judged by their actions. Since the language is very difficult, and Greeks realize this, all efforts to learn it are appreciated.
In a country with such a prestigious cultural heritage, education is the big priority. Happily for Greek students, a university education is totally free. Textbooks are also furnished by the government. And the sea is never very far away!

Climate:
Mediterranean: Summers are hot and dry; winter is mild. Rain in autumn and winter.

Distance:
At the southern end of the Balkan peninsula, Greece is a mountainous country with an extremely jagged coastline. In fact, more than two thirds of the country has broken and mountainous terrain. The Pindos Mountains cross the country from northwest to southeast. The continental coast is more than 4,000 km long, to which you must add 11,000 km of coastline from 9,841 islands.
Athens/Patras: 215 km
Athens/Igoumenitsa: 480 km

Currency:
the drachma
Equivalent: 100 Dr = €.29 = $.26
Phone country code: 30