Health
There are no exotic diseases reported in Greece. But its generally not a bad idea to be cautious about what you eat and drink. Greek food is tasty but is often heavy on the oil and can cause upset stomach. So don’t overdo it. Don’t drink tap water in Santorini. Do as the locals do and use bottled water. Don’t go bonkers with the booze. And if you do don’t drive. Many people get killed every year by drinking and driving. Don’t use drugs. Greece has reportedly banned many medications containing codeine. Without a physician’s note explaining the need for the drug, anyone bringing it into the country faces fines of $850 to $85,000 or up to 10 years in prison. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first. Take also care about the effect that climate differences may have on you. Greece, and especially islands like Santorini, where there is almost no vegetation, can be extremely hot in the day time, but can be chilly at night. Think twice before ripping off your clothes.
On the road!
The point is to stay on the road. Santorini’s caldera is beautiful but you don’t wan’t to measure it, trust me. The fields are not very friendly either, they are full of rocks. The roads aren’t in very good shape – they are full of potholes and they have nasty curves. Donkeys and dogs don’t obey the traffic rules, small children neither. Every summer many people get hurt in traffic accidents. Speeding, and driving while drinking are the main causes. You party, get a taxi!
Did you forget something?
Be carefull not to forget any of your personal items at home! Id cards, passeports, drivers licence, special medication, appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Don’t forget to bring your camera (I always do!), agendas, and keep all your travel documents handy.
The sun can be friend
or our enemy. It depends on how you expose yourself to it. Moderation is the key word. But I guess you know all that. What you don’t know is that you can get a severe sunburn by driving your motorbike around for one hour, or by sitting on one of our black beaches in the shade of your multicolored umbrella… Rocky islands like Santorini, have the tendency to amplify the effects of the sun. Protect yourself by wearing a light shirt in the first days, and then use a high protection sun tan lotion. Getting in and out of the sea won’t help you. It will cool your body but it won’t do you any good. Swimming and especially snorkling can give you such a bad burn on your back that you can’t sleep for days. But if you get burned, aloe lotions are the best – you can find them in many stores. . Yoghurt works too. If you feel dizzy after a day in the sun, contact a doctor or visit a local medical care center.
