GREECE 

Geography

Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula, is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty, the European Union and the euro area. Greece consists of a piece of the continent and three thousand islands. A fifth of the country is occupied by islands.

Neighbours

In northern Greece are Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, in the East – Turkey and south and from east to west, is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Ionian Sea.

Greece consists of 13 administrative regions known as peripheries, which are subdivided into 51 prefectures. Peripheries are: Attica, Central Greece, Central Macedonia, Crete, East Macedonia and Thrace, Epirus, Ionian Islands, North Aegean, Peloponnese, South Aegean, Thessaly, Greece Western Macedonia Western. There is also an autonomous region, Mount Athos (Ayion Oros – Holy Mountain), a monastic state under Greek sovereignty.

Relief

Greece consists of a mainland peninsula with numerous bays and islands and a part (about 3000 islands in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean). Most important islands are Crete, Rhodes, Dodecanese and Cyclades Corfu and groups. Greece has about 15,000 km of coastline.

Climate

Greece belongs to the Mediterranean area. The climate is mild country. Per year are 300 sunny days. Summer rains are rare, and winter storms are common. The best time to visit Greece during late March – mid-June or September – late October.

Tourism

Greece, resorts agitated, rocky landscapes, beaches hidden ancient cities. Greece every visitor will be impressed throughout life. There is so much variety here, with each island offers a wonderful blend that can not miss them. But Greece is not only the beauty of its islands. The whole country is a large and friendly seaside. Along the strip of land increases, the Aegean and Ionian Sea, the oldest civilizations, legendary times and customs deeply rooted in the past and live together with young meet millennium. Past and present alternate, as well as landscape changes, from the sea to the mountains, offering visitors memorable experiences. You live in this country, surrounded by priceless historical value and museums, old age – pre-Classical, Roman, Byzantine – all in one day, or you can simply enjoy life, practicing water sports, cruises by sea , fishing, relaxing in your luxurious hotels, tasting of traditional food appetizing and ending the day in one of the hundreds of night clubs or discos. Adequate infrastructure, the roads, air or water, make Greece a very accessible destination for all those who arrive here, will be free to choose their own lifestyle and certainly to make new friends.

The largest cities in Greece:
Athens, Piraeus, Saloniki, Patra, Volos, Rhodes.

Recommended Activities in Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

The second largest city in Greece and the main administrative center of the northern region, the city has a history that dates back over 4,000 years, which is seeing today in the many monuments, artifacts and buildings of all ages who have succeeded. Culturally and geographically divided, Thessaloniki has something to offer for everyone. The main attractions are the White Tower (the main tourist landmarks of the city), esplanade along the Gulf of Thermaikos, animated and full of shops, banks, taverns and bars modern Archaeological Museum and Byzantine Museum, the Arch of Galerius, St. Dumitru, the old center, Modiano Market.

Mount Athos, Greece

A wonderful trip on the yacht for a day with clear waters of the Aegean Sea, around Mount Athos, an opportunity to admire some of the great monasteries scattered among the mountain peaks. Good photo opportunity and possibilities of beach on the deck.

Meteora, Greece

One of the most attractive sights in Greece, the Meteora monastic complex offers unique views of monasteries built on top of steep cliffs, rising in the air like they were up eight decades ago by the monks accesebile just pulled the rope, now tourists can visit climbing the stairs carved into dozens of mountain. Opportunity to stop in Kalambaka famous icons workshops.

Waterland

Water park is located near Thessaloniki and is recommended for those who love adventure and extreme thrill eager. Numerous slides for various age groups. Those with weak hearts can relax sunbathing and swimming bath complex.

Crozier Toroneos Bay

An unforgettable adventure at sea, with breakfast fishing, beach and bath seats with the clearest waters on board accompanied by Greek music and traditional dances. Opportunities for snorkeling.

Scuba Diving

Discover the rich fauna and flora of the Aegean Sea with suitable equipment for diving. Minimum of one day courses, available for both beginners and professionals.

Other information about Greece

Transport

Most places on the island are accessible by local transport, but it is recommended to rent a car, they can explore the island freely.

Shopping

Shops are generally open morning till late afternoon. Banks and post short program. In most resorts, shops are open on weekends.

Tipping

Tipping is included in most bills at restaurants and hotels, but it is customary to leave around May. 10% of the total consumptions. Staff and taxi drivers hotels usually receive tips.

Greek cuisine

Are preferred fatty food, spicy generous. Sheep and cattle are the foundation of many national dishes. Pork and poultry gives them much before. For frying dishes use olive oil exclusively.
The international restaurant menu is offered in two languages. In small restaurants and taverns often allow direct election of local cuisine dishes. The most popular dishes of traditional Greek cuisine are: “avgolemono” – rice soup with egg and lemon, “domates hemistes” – baked tomato stuffed with rice and meat, “garides” – shrimp, Omar, “calamarakia” – squid; “melitsanes” – eggplant, “taramosalata” – salad from fish eggs Greece Travel Guide.