Some sailing essentials before you go…
If you’re off on your first sailing adventure, congratulations! Here are some hints and tips – the sailing essentials if you will – but if you’ve got a question that isn’t answered, we’re always happy to chat boats.
- Visas & Passports – must be valid for 6 months as per normal airline requirements. There are no visa requirements for EU passport holders.
- Electricity – there is 230V power on board and a European plug adaptor is needed (two-pin). There will be a few on board but always useful to bring an extra one! Click here for more technical details.
- Health – mosquitoes can be irritating in the summer, it’s a good idea to bring some repellant and after-bite. There is no malaria in Greece. There are occasionally jellyfish but these are no more irritating than a mosquito bite and can be treated in the same way.
- Greek Holidays – Greek Easter (19th April 2020) and Oxi Day (28th October 2020) are two holidays where many of the islands will be celebrating and shut down for business. This does not typically affect the yachts, however is worth noting for travel purposes.
- Currency – currency in Greece is Euros, you can also pay your boat bill in Sterling or by all major credit and debit cards. Cash is king in Greece, although most larger tavernas will grudgingly take card.
- Clothing – May, the first half of June can be cooler, it’s worth bringing a layer. July, August and September are typically very warm. Temperatures start to drop again in October. There is wet-weather clothing on board.
- Driving Licence – photocard type UK driving licence is accepted by car rental companies. It is essential to bring a driving license if you wish to hire a car.
While you are there
- Laws & Customs – There are no particular laws or customs that should be adhered to by visitors, although if you visit a Greek Orthodox church it’s polite to dress respectfully. Respect for elders is important in Greece.
- Time difference – Greece is GMT+2
- Telephone – code dial 0044 or +44 for a UK number. The Greek international code is 0030.
- Prices – haggling is customary in Greece, especially in hotspots. If you’re buying trinkets, it’s OK to enjoy a little haggle. Go with your gut but remember: if you’re on a small island, goods have had to be transported there by boat, so don’t be surprised if the price is higher than the mainland!
- Dining out – eating ashore in Greece is wonderful, your crew will be able to make recommendations for you in every harbour. It is also lovely to eat on board once or twice in the week, too!
- Vegetarian food – Greece has vegetarian options in most tavernas, and gluten free and vegan options are becoming more widely available, too. If you have allergies, it is worth having them translated into Greek so smaller tavernas understand exactly what the allergy is.
