With your comfort and pleasure in mind, Villa Despina Green Suites has prepared a brief list of useful travel information and tips that will come in handy before and during your vacation in Halkidiki. So, please take the following information into careful consideration:
- Climate: The climate of Halkidiki is typical Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters with limited rainfalls and lots of sunshine. The hilly countryside of Halkidiki is endowed with verdant forests that are gently touched by the sea breeze providing a feeling of freshness on the hot summer days. The lowest temperatures occur during December to February ranging between 3.5°C to 19°C, while highest temperatures occur during summer months and range between 23°C and 38°C.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink although bottled water is recommended in some areas.
- Transportation: Halkidiki has a really good road network which makes it easy for travelers to reach every place without a hassle. Leaving from Thessaloniki may be a little frustrating especially if you are travelling during the peak summer season due to a lot of traffic congestion that you may encounter. The bus is the easiest and the cheapest way to get around Halkidiki. Taxis are also easily available in the region of Halkidiki as well.
- Banks and Credit Cards: Banks in Halkidiki are open from 08:00 – 14:30 from Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 14:00 on Friday. Wherever you are, you will find a Greek bank branch in a short distance. Numerous ATM’s can be also found in most of Halkidiki’s villages. Visa, Master and American Express card, as well as debit cards from internationally recognized financial networks, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and camping sites. Avoid using them at the beach, the bars, the buses and taxis.
- Currency: The currency in Greece is Euro. Notes in circulation are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro bills. Coins come in denominations of 1 and 2 Euro, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
- Emergencies: You can call 100 for the Police,199 for the Fire Department, or call 166 for an ambulance.
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies are scattered throughout the regions of Halkidiki and there is always a local pharmacy that will be open any time of the day. A list of duty pharmacies can be found on all pharmacy windows.
- Postal Services: The Hellenic Post Office, called “ELTA” has outposts throughout the region of Halkidiki. A Post Office is available in Polichrono village and can be easily recognizable by the blue and yellow color combination of their signs. It operates from 08:00 – 14:00 from Monday to Friday.
- International Press: Travelers can easily find magazines, books and international press all over Halkidiki.
- Electrical Appliances: The electricity supply in Greece is 220-250 volt, 50-cycle, alternating current.
