FAQs
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Like the rest of southern Greece, Spetses has a warm, Mediterranean climate which has lots of sunshine all year long, especially during summer and spring. In early June, we can expect sunny days ranging from about 77° - 82° during the day, and about 60° at night.
Question
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Answer
Running water is clean (i.e. safe for showering, brushing teeth, etc), but it is advised that you do not drink it - drink bottled water only!
Question
What kind of footwear should I pack?
Answer
We will do a LOT of walking on the island, so plan your footwear accordingly. We recommend packing a variety of footwear types, including sneakers and sandals. We recommend something durable, comfortable and with ventilation for the beach and general use.
Question
Are there hospitals and/or pharmacies?
Answer
HOSPITALS: There are no hospitals on Spetses. There is only a clinic, but fear not - there are multiple doctors on the island and the Health Clinic is well equipped to handle any medical issues. For serious injuries, you'll be taken to the mainland (5 minute water taxi), and then brought to the nearest hospital Kranidi (15 minute drive). PHARMACIES: In Greece, all pharmacies can be identified from a distance by a glowing green "+" symbol. Many medications, like antibiotics and inhalers, do not require prescriptions and can be obtained by asking a pharmacist. They also tend to be less expensive than in the US.
Question
I don't speak any Greek. How will I get by?
Answer
Over 90% of Greeks speak English, some better than others. You will find that simplifying your English will help with communication. Below are some basic phrases: Yasoo - Hello & goodbye to a single person Yasas (Ya-saas) - Hello & goodbye to more than one person. Nai (Neh) - Yes Ohi (Oh-hee) - No Efharisto (Ef-har-ee-stow) - Thank you Parakalo (Pa-rah-kah-low) - You're welcome Kalimera (Kah-li-me-rah) - Good morning Kalispera (Kah-lee-spe-ra) - Good afternoon Kalinihta (Kah-lee-nee-hta) - Goodnight Signomi - I'm sorry / excuse me Ti kaneis? (Tee kan-ees) - How are you? Kala - Well Poso einai? (Po-so ee-ne?) - How much is it?
Question
Internet & cell phone usage?
Answer
If you would like to use your cell phone you can either get an international plan with your current carrier or make sure your cell phone is unlocked to use a different carrier's SIM card. If you chose the latter option, you can pick up a SIM card either on the island or at the airport. They offer various plans each year with varying call, text or data plans without requiring an annual agreement. It is possible to avoid this altogether and leave your phone in "Airplane mode" and rely on Wifi hotspots to send messages and view emails. You can rent a mobile wifi for the week, and there are plenty of free WiFi access points across the island, (we're not going to the Sahara, after all!) Everyone's house likely has WiFi already setup, as well.
Question
What kind of voltage adapter do I need?
Answer
Greece uses type C (the thinner 2-prong), but make sure you bring the correct type for the other countries you're traveling to or have connections in.