Greece, a land steeped in history and the birthplace of democracy, has a postal service with roots tracing back to the very dawn of its modern state. Hellenic Post (ELTA), as it’s officially known, is the national postal operator of Greece, providing vital communication and delivery services across its mainland and numerous islands.
A Legacy of Communication: The History of Greece Post (ELTA)
The history of Greece Post is almost as old as independent Greece itself. Founded on September 24, 1828, by Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece, the postal service has been an integral part of the nation’s development. Initially operating alongside telegraphic and telephone services under the “T.T.T.” moniker, the postal service gained independent status as a Private Law Legal Entity under the name “ELTA” in 1970.
Over the decades, ELTA has undergone significant modernization and restructuring. Key milestones include:
- 1861: Issuance of the first Greek stamps, known as “Large Hermes heads.”
- 1874: Becoming one of the founding members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
- 1909: Inauguration of the crucial rural postal service, connecting remote communities.
- 2000: Establishment of ELTA COURIER S.A. for express deliveries.
- 2008: Major investment in automating post offices and sorting centers, and upgrading IT infrastructure.
- 2013: Full liberalization of Greece’s postal market, leading to a new institutional framework for ELTA.
Today, ELTA operates with a wide network of branches and post offices, employing thousands to ensure postal services reach every corner of Greece. It remains committed to providing universal postal services and adapting to the evolving needs of its customers.
Services Offered by Greece Post (ELTA)
ELTA offers a comprehensive suite of postal and related services, including:
- Letter Post: Domestic and international mail delivery.
- Parcel Service: Standard and express parcel delivery, both nationally and internationally.
- Swiftpost & EMS: Nationwide next-day delivery and international express mail services for urgent shipments.
- Registered Mail: For secure delivery requiring a signature upon receipt.
- Financial Services: Through partnerships, ELTA also provides certain banking services.
- Retail Products: Sale of stamps, envelopes, and other postal supplies.
Tracking Your Deliveries: Greece Post (ELTA) Tracking
In a country with a diverse geography like Greece, reliable tracking is essential for both senders and recipients. ELTA provides robust tracking capabilities to keep you informed about your shipment’s journey.
How to Track Your Greece Post (ELTA) Package:
- Official ELTA Website:
- Navigate to the “Track an Item” section on the official Hellenic Post (ELTA) website (elta.gr).
- You will find a dedicated field to enter your tracking number.
- Important Note: ELTA tracking numbers typically consist of 13 characters: two Latin letters, followed by nine numeric characters, and then two more Latin letters (e.g., PP123456785GR).
- Enter your tracking number (you can often enter up to 5 tracking numbers separated by commas).
- Click the “Track” button to view the detailed tracking history and current status of your item.
- Third-Party Tracking Platforms:
- Many international tracking websites and apps (e.g., 17TRACK, PostTrack.com) offer support for ELTA tracking.
- Simply enter your ELTA tracking number on these platforms.
- The system will automatically identify ELTA as the carrier and display the tracking information, providing a comprehensive overview, especially for international shipments that might involve multiple postal operators.
With Greece Post (ELTA), whether you’re sending a postcard from a picturesque island or receiving an e-commerce order, you can easily stay updated on your shipment’s progress, ensuring a smooth and transparent delivery experience.