Currency

The currency in Greece and the Greek Islands is now the Euro (EUR).

On 01 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the Euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions of all member countries;

On 01 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions with the member countries.

Some retail outlets may still display the costs in Drachmas, to help with conversion to Euros.

Weather

The Greek Islands all enjoy a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. Everywhere the summers are hot and dry with wonderfully bright and clear blue skies.

Temperatures are often in the high 80s F but can be tempered by the Meltemi winds from the North, mainly during August. Many tourists visit the Greek Islands in the spring when the sun is not so strong, but the countryside is alive with wild-flora in full colour.
The Winters are generally mild but some Greek Islands are known to get snow followed by lots of rain. From May to September most years, the weather is very settled and there are long days of regular hot sunshine.  Average sea temperatures can reach to around 28C during July and August.

Wine

Greek wines have never enjoyed much of a reputation. Red wine has often been undrinkable to most Europeans that are familiar with French, English and New World wines. Popular red wines Boutari & Rotonda and white wines Lac des Roches and Achaia Claus are generally OK.

Some Greek Islands have their own distinctive labels. Crete, Santorini and Kefalonia and are just 3 examples. Retsina is commonly nown as Greece's best wine with a distinctive taste of 'pine' inherited from pine plugs which were originally used to seal wine jars.

Try Ouzo, as many tourists have done for years, its a popular clear aniseed drink, similar to raki, and not too bad when you get used to it. Locals tend to love Greek brandy like Metaxa or Botrys  which are slightly sweet and, mixed with cola, its recently becoming a popular drink in bars.