Hospitality Management
Hospitality management in Greece
TOURIST REGIONS:
Greece's beaches are renowned not only for their sparkling blue water but for their diversity: sandy beaches, pebbly shores, small coves and bays and steep rocks can all be found along the Greek coast. However, there is more to Greece than the beaches as it is above all a mountainous country with beautiful National parks and stunning landscapes. For example, Mount Olympus in the North of Greece became the first National Park in 1938 and contains the highest mountain peak in Greece.
See detailed map of Greece
CULTURE
A single person sitting at a taverna, can wait quite a long time for the waiter to show up. In Greece it's very unlikely that anybody eats alone. He/she must be waiting for someone. For the waiter it will be very impolite and presumptuous to ask for the order before all the guests have arrived.
The rosary that most of the Greek men are holding in their hands, sitting outside the kafeneion (cafe in Greece), has no religious meaning, but is only a way of killing time
You see the Greek priest - or pappas, as they are called - everywhere, as you can't miss them in their long, black dress and high hat. They are not obliged to wear their priest clothes all the time, but they do, as it's most practical and they are easier to identify this way. The Greek priests can marry and have children, just like in the Lutheran church. But you will never see a woman priest. This is not allowed by the Greek Orthodox Church.
LANGUAGE:
The dominant language in Greece is Modern Greek but English, French and a little German are also used.
The Greek alphabet differs from the Roman alphabet.
COMMERCIAL HOURS:
Shops are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 until 14.30. In addition, shops open from 17.30 until 20.30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Shops open on Saturdays from 9.00 until 15.00 but are closed on Sundays. Commercial hours are often extended in tourist regions.
WEATHER:
The best times to visit Greece are either before or after the high tourist season (mid June to end of August) as it will be quieter and easier to find accommodation. Greece's Mediterranean climate means mild temperatures, lots of sunshine and limited rainfall. However, during one season there can be a large difference between the regions, particularly between the coast and the mountains. Western Greece has an alpine climate and Central and Eastern Greece have a temperate climate.
VISAS:
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Cyprus, EU countries, the European principalities of Monaco and San Marino, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the USA and most South American countries are allowed to stay in Greece for up to three months without a visa; most others can enter Greece for up to two months without a visa.
Please note that Greece will refuse entry to anyone whose passport indicates that they have visited North Cyprus since 1983.
HEALTHCARE:
The EHIC card entitles European citizens to free medical treatment. Visitors from other countries are advised to take out a decent insurance policy.
OTHER:
Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled water is better for you and avoid dishes with ground meats.
