Medication and Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Athens

Greek pharmacies (farmakeio / farmakeía in plural) are easy to spot by their green cross sign, which is usually illuminated. Greek pharmacists can provide medical advice, take blood pressure readings, and recommend over-the-counter treatments for minor ailments. Greece has a relatively relaxed approach to over-the-counter medication compared to northern European countries, and pharmacists can sell some medications without a prescription that would require one in the US or UK.

Pharmacy Hours

Greek pharmacies typically follow a complex split schedule:

• Monday, Wednesday: 8:00am to 2:30pm
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm
• Saturday: Morning hours only (8:00am to 2:00pm)
• Sunday: Closed (except duty pharmacies)

These hours vary by pharmacy and may change seasonally. The afternoon break is traditional across Greece.

Duty Pharmacies (Efimereúon)

Athens operates a rotation system (efimereúon) where certain pharmacies stay open nights, weekends, and holidays. At any given time, there are always pharmacies open somewhere in the city.

To find the nearest open pharmacy:

• Call 1434: Automated duty pharmacy information line
• Check the door: Every closed pharmacy posts a sign listing the nearest open pharmacy
• Search online: Search "efimereúonta farmakeía Athína" (duty pharmacies Athens)

Prescription Rules in Greece

Greek prescription rules differ from many other countries:

• Over-the-counter flexibility: Many medications that require a prescription in the US or UK are available over the counter in Greek pharmacies. Ask the pharmacist directly.
• EU/EEA prescriptions: Under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, prescriptions issued in any EU or EEA country are valid in Greece. Greek pharmacies can fill them directly, though the medication may be sold under a different brand name. Bring prescriptions that use the generic (INN) name.
• Non-EU prescriptions: Greek pharmacies cannot fill prescriptions from non-EU countries directly. However, a doctor's letter explaining your condition and medication can help a Greek doctor write a local prescription quickly.
• Generic names: Always know the generic (chemical) name of your medication, not just the brand name. Brand names differ between countries.

Importing Medication

When bringing medication into Greece:

• Carry medication in original packaging with the pharmacy label showing your name
• Bring a doctor's letter in English listing your medications, dosages, and your medical conditions
• Controlled substances: If you take opioids, benzodiazepines, or other controlled medications, carry a Schengen certificate (for EU travelers) or a doctor's letter plus your prescription
• Supply: Bring enough medication for your entire trip plus a few extra days in case of travel delays
• Carry-on luggage: Always keep medication in your carry-on, never in checked baggage

Emergency Medical Care

Emergency Room (Epeigousa Eisagogi)

For emergencies, call 112 (the European emergency number) or go directly to a hospital emergency department. Major hospitals in Athens:

• Evangelismos Hospital (Ypsilantou 45-47, near Syntagma): Central location, major public hospital
• Attikon University Hospital (Rimini 1, Haidari): Modern teaching hospital
• Hygeia Hospital (Erythrou Stavrou 4, Maroussi): Private hospital, English-speaking staff

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

EU and EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state-provided healthcare at reduced cost or free. This covers necessary medical treatment during your stay.

UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

UK citizens should carry their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to state-provided healthcare in Greece.

Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment in Greece.

Practical Tips

• Learn the phrase "Chreiázomai aftó to fármako" (I need this medication) and show the generic name
• Larger pharmacies near Syntagma and Ermou Street are more likely to have English-speaking staff
• If you need a local prescription, your hotel can arrange a doctor visit. Private doctors typically charge 50 to 100 euros for a consultation
• Keep a written list of all your medications with generic names, dosages, and your doctor's contact information