What countries can you visit while in Greece. Sights of Greece. Charter flights to Greece

26.11.2020

Greece is a country in southern Europe, located at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula, with long coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, Cretan and Mediterranean seas. The country is bordered to the north by Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and to the northeast by Turkey. The area of the country 131,957 km². In total, 10,741,165 people live here as of 2018.

The country has an ancient culture that has had a significant impact on the art, language, philosophy, politics and sports of Western society. A huge number of phenomena of Western culture originated precisely in Ancient Greece - this is theater, philosophy as such, a democratic model of government, the Olympic movement. Today, Greece is an EU member state and a popular tourist destination with numerous resorts both on the mainland and on numerous islands. In total, about 600-700 islands belong to Greece, many of which are uninhabited.

Every year, the 11 millionth country is visited by tourists, whose number is comparable to the population of Greece, and more often even exceeds. Vacationers are attracted by beaches, constant good weather in summer, nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.

More than 90% of visitors to Greece are residents of European countries, although recently the number of tourists from other parts of the world has been growing. The active tourist season lasts from April to October with a peak in July and August. The bulk of tourists come to the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos and Crete, as well as to a number of others (Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, etc.).

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Tourism is also developed in the Peloponnese and Chalkidiki in Macedonia. At the same time, there are many places in the country worthy of visiting, but not affected by mass tourism. The country is famous for its diverse architecture and many ancient and medieval historical monuments, so it is a real paradise for an inquisitive tourist.

How to get there

There are many ways to get to Greece, but the most logical, convenient, fastest and cheapest way is by plane. Both regular flights and charter flights fly to the resorts of Greece. At the same time, traditionally regular flights allow you to feel free, and charter flights are sold in most cases only as part of a tour.

The cost of tours to Greece due to its mass character is not so high, and just lying on the beach with a couple of excursions will most often be cheaper than a self-organized trip. However, it will be more interesting and richer to organize the trip yourself. By the way, it’s not a fact that this kind of trip will cost more, because there are often sales on European destinations.

In any case, it is up to you to decide how to go, and we will list the options for flights to the cities and resorts of Greece, both charter and regular flights. At the same time, the schedule of charter flights during the season (depending on the market situation, demand and other factors) changes, but in general the picture remains the same. Regular flights are less subject to change.

Regular flights to Greece

Direct regular flights from Moscow to Athens are operated by Aegean Airlines and Aeroflot.

In addition to the obvious option to get to Athens from various cities of Russia with a connection in Moscow, there are other ways: both from the Russian capital and from the regions, various European airlines fly to the capital of Greece with a connection at their home airports. Below we list these airlines (cities of connections are indicated in brackets).

Austrian Airlines (Vienna): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar to Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), Chania (Crete), Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Zakynthos.
Czech Airlines (Prague): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Samara, Ufa to Athens.
Lufthansa (Frankfurt-on-Main): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara to Athens.
AlItalia (Rome
Air France (Paris): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
KLM (Amsterdam): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
Brussels Airlines (Brussels): from Moscow to Athens.
Air Malta (La Valletta): from Moscow to Athens.
SAS (Stockholm and Copenhagen): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
Swiss (Zurich): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens. From Moscow it is also possible to connect in Geneva.
Air Baltic (Riga): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad to Athens.
Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk to Athens and Thessaloniki.

Charter flights to Greece

Charters from Moscow

Mykonos: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week)
Santorini: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week)
Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Aegean Airlines (5 times a week), Astra (7 times a week), Aeroflot (5 times a week), Vim-Avia (6 times a week)
(): Aegean Airlines (5 times a week), Aeroflot (5 times a week)
Kos: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week), Kuban Airlines (2 times a week)
: Kuban Airlines (3 times a week), Aegean Airlines (4 times a week), Aeroflot (2 times a week)
Corfu: Aegean Airlines (3 times a week), Aeroflot (2 times a week)
Kalamatu: Aegean Airlines (2 times a week)
Zakynthos: Kuban Airlines (2 times a week)

Charters from St. Petersburg

, Russia (2 times a week)
Heraklion (Crete): Russia (2 times a week)
Rhodes: Russia (2 times a week)
Corfu: Russia (once a week)

Charters from Yekaterinburg

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Ural Airlines (3 times a week), Astra Airlines (2 times a week)
Heraklion (Crete): Ural Airlines (3 times a week), Orenburg Airlines (once every 10 days)
Kos: Ural Airlines (every 15 days)

Charters from Rostov

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Donavia (once a week), Astra Airlines (2 times a week), Aegean Airlines (once a week)
Heraklion (Crete): Orenburg Airlines (once every 11 days), Aegean Airlines (once a week)
Rhodes: Aegean Airlines (2 times a week), Donavia (10 days)

Charters from Samara

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Ural Airlines (once a week), Astra (once a week)
Heraklion (Crete): Orenburg Airlines (once every 11 days), Kuban Airlines (once a week)
Rhodes: Orenburg Airlines (once every 11 days)
Kos: Sky Express (every 14 days), Kuban Airlines (every 10 days)

Charters from Kazan

Heraklion (Crete): Tatarstan (every 10 days), Aegean Airlines (every 14 days)
Chania (Crete): Tatarstan (every 10 days)
Rhodes: Aegean Airlines (1 every 10-11 days)
Kos: Tatarstan (2 times in 10-11 days)
Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Voronezh

Heraklion (Crete): Flight (2 times a week)

Charters from Perm

Kos: Kuban Airlines (every 10-11 days)
Rhodes: Kuban Airlines (once a week)

Charters from Ufa

Heraklion (Crete): Tatarstan (every 11 days)
Rhodes: Kuban Airlines (every 10-11 days)

Charters from Volgograd

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Krasnodar

Thessaloniki (Halkidiki): Kuban Airlines (once a week)
Athens: Kuban Airlines (once a week / once every 2 weeks)

Charters from Nizhny Novgorod

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Novosibirsk

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Omsk

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Orenburg

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Orenburg Airlines (once a week)

Charters from Saratov

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 10-11 days)

Charters from Tyumen

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Kyiv

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (4 times a week)
Athens: Sky Wings (3 times a week)
To Heraklion (Crete): Windrose (once a week)
Rhodes: Ukraine International Airlines (every 10 days)

Charters from Minsk

Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Belavia (3-4 times a week)
Corfu: Belavia (once a week)

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Climate and weather in Greece

Despite its small size, the climate of Greece is diverse.

Most of the country, including coastal areas, is dominated by a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Summers are hot and dry, with almost constant sunshine for 7 months, usually from April to November. The rest of the year from November to March is characterized by relatively cool and rainy weather. During the summer period, rains are quite rare. The largest amount of precipitation is on the coast of the Ionian Sea and the Ionian Islands. The driest regions of the country are the islands in the south of the Aegean Sea and the southeastern part of the mainland.

The height of the holiday season begins in mid-July and usually lasts until mid-August, when the northern meltemi winds begin to cool the country. During this period, the midday sun is very hot, and during this time, most Greeks avoid outdoor physical activity from 13:00 to 17:00. It is best to build a daily routine in accordance with the local way of life: get up early for sightseeing in the cool morning hours, and then spend the afternoon in pleasant shade or on the beach.

In the evenings, the temperature drops to a very comfortable level. In coastal areas near open water (away from bays and bays with stagnant water), especially on most islands, there is often a breeze and it can be cool at night.

Even though the Mediterranean climate dominates most of the country, there are still two more climatic zones. The first is the cold alpine climate zone, which is observed in the mountainous regions of the country, including the high plains. The second type of climate is continental, found in the northern and northeastern regions of Greece, characterized by very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.

Cities and regions

Main cities of Greece

Athens is the capital of Greece and the center of the Attica region. The first settlement appeared in this area around 3000 BC.
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, proudly bearing the title of the northern capital.
Heraklion - the largest city, airport and port of Crete, has become one of the most visited places in Greece due to excellent conditions for recreation and rich cultural heritage.

Tourist areas in Greece

Crete is the largest and southernmost island of the Greek archipelago. Located in the Mediterranean waters, Crete is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. The area of the island of Crete is over 8,000 square kilometers. The relief of Crete is predominantly mountainous, the highest peak - Mount Ida rises above sea level by 2457 meters. Numerous mountain ranges are dissected by gorges, many fertile valleys are covered with date and olive groves, vineyards and orange orchards. Numerous (more than three thousand) caves of the island are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites.

Rhodes, located in the southeast of Greece, is one of the largest islands in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group of islands. Translated from Greek, Rhodes means "island of roses". It was formed as a result of the collapse of the Aegean mainland, like most of the islands of the Aegean Sea. Among the islands, Rhodes is the fourth largest and has the mildest climate.

The island of Kos is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Historians suggest that the name of this island comes from the word "crab". The image of this crustacean was minted on coins, which first appeared in use on this island. The relief of the island is mostly flat with small hills, although there are small hills on the eastern side.

The peninsulas bathing in the Aegean Sea have become popular resort destinations, attracting lovers of family holidays, Orthodox pilgrims, and active regulars in nightclubs or casinos. Geographically, the Chalkidiki peninsula begins southeast of the second largest Greek city of Thessaloniki, where the international airport is located. Hot summers and moderate winter temperatures around 12 ° C favorably affect the vegetation, allowing the peninsula to be surrounded by greenery almost all year round. Vast olive, beech, fir and pine groves and orchards abound here.

Corfu Island (Greek name - Kerkyra) belongs to the group of Greek islands located in the Ionian Sea. Its area is 592 sq. km, length is about 64 kilometers, the widest part is 32 kilometers, the total coastline is 217 kilometers. More than 107,600 people live on the island, stretching along the mainland. The western part of the island of Corfu is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, and its eastern part is washed by the waters of the Ionian. Being in the north of the island, you can see the coast of Albanialocated 1.5 kilometers from Kerkyra.

13 administrative regions of Greece

Regions of Greece

Thrace and East Macedonia (Kavala, Drama; Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Xanthi)
Central Macedonia (Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Vergina, Edesa, Veria, Naousa)
Western Macedonia (Kastoria, Kozani)
Thessaly (Larisa, Magnesia, Volos, Karditsa, Trikala, Mount Pelion, Meteora)
Epirus (Ioannina, Igoumenitsa)
Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca)
Western Greece (Patras, Agrinio, Messolonghi)
Central Greece (Lamia, Thebes, Livadia, Chalkis, Amfisa, Delphi)
Peloponnese (Corinth, Sparta, Nafplion, Argos, Kamalata, Tripoli, Monemvasia)
Attica (Athens, Sounion, Kitira)
Crete (Heraklion, Rethymnon, Knossos, Chania, Gramvousa, Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi, Sitia, Ierapetra)
The South Aegean Islands consist of two main groups: the Cyclades: (Anafi, Andros, Amorgos, Folegandros, Ios, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos, Koufonisi) and the Southern Sporades: (Kastelorizo, Astypalea, Kalymnos, Kassos, Karpathos, Kos , Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Rhodes, Tilos)
Northern Aegean Islands (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Psara, Thassos, Samothras)

What to watch

Undoubtedly, it will not work to embrace the whole of Greece in a two-week vacation, the country is too rich in interesting places. However, it does not hurt to choose the most interesting for yourself before the trip, so as not to waste precious time while already on the spot. To do this, you can look at the "attractions in Greece" section, or select a specific location just below from the list.

Athens

Crete

Rhodes

Kos

Where to go in Greece

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Private guides in Greece

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Greece in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Leisure

Holidays and festivals

List of public holidays:

New Year - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
End of Maslenitsa (First Day of Lent) - floating (February 19, 2007)
Independence Day and Annunciation - March 25
Good Friday - floating (April 25, 2008)
Easter - floating (April 27, 2008)
The second day of Easter is floating (April 28, 2008)
May 1, Workers' Solidarity Day - May 1
Trinity - floating (June 15, 2008)
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin - August 15
Liberation Day in World War II - October 28
Christmas - December 25
Saint Stephen - December 26

The three main public holidays are Christmas, Easter and Assumption. Christmas is usually a personal, family holiday, but illuminations and decorations are set up in squares across the country. On the day of the Assumption, many cities and festivals hold big festivals. The Easter weekend is perhaps the most lavishly celebrated of all holidays, with religious processions on Good Friday and Saturday evening culminating in a multitude of fireworks displays at midnight, before Easter morning.

Apókries (apokria), the carnival before Lent, although not an official holiday, is nevertheless widely celebrated throughout the country, the Patriarch attends the largest and most famous events. The carnival season is lavish, ending with costumes, festivities and various local rites a week before the end of Lent.

In addition to national holidays, most cities and regions have their own regional festivities dedicated to various historical events, local patron saints, or the grape harvest.

Unlike most public holidays in other countries, Independence Day in Greece is a very sober holiday.

Please note that the way of calculating Holy Week and Easter in the Greek Orthodox Church differs from that accepted in the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches. Therefore, Holy Week and Easter in the Greek Orthodox Church tend to be somewhat later than in the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, however, they also often coincide (as in 2007, for example).

Movement around the country

Bus

Intercity buses are a popular mode of transport for travel within the country. - a state-sponsored network of independent carriers, united together in a dense transport system that covers almost the entire country. The system is efficient, reliable and relatively inexpensive. It operates on both long and short distances, even including routes from large cities to islands located near the mainland, such as Corfu and Kefalonia (in this case, the cost of the ferry is included in the price of the bus ticket).

Train

Trains are another inexpensive way to get to your destination, but the national rail system is quite limited. Rail transport declined after the arrival of large road and air carriers, as well as due to technological difficulties in laying tracks through the country's difficult terrain. In recent years, a large-scale modernization of the country's railways has been carried out. A brand new suburban (regional) railway system Proastiakos (Proastiakos), serving Attica and the surrounding areas, was opened in 2004 and is being expanded further. The Athens-Thessaloniki direction was also modernized, which reduced the travel time.

Automobile

A trip around the country by car can bring an unforgettable experience, giving you the opportunity to discover incredibly picturesque, dissimilar areas of coasts, mainland and islands on your own. However, the number of victims of road accidents is quite high, and Greece is in the "leaders" among the EU countries. Most Greeks drive aggressively, and the country's topographical realities create problems, causing most of the narrow roads in the mountainous regions to twist and turn. On the positive side, the death rate on the roads is constantly decreasing due to government campaigns, tightening controls and legislative initiatives.

Roads are generally well marked and well maintained. The state network of multi-lane highways is being expanded. Due to the many changes, it is recommended to have the most up-to-date roadmap. Most new highways charge tolls, often hefty. Road signs in Greek are usually duplicated by inscriptions in Latin.

For some, secondary Greek roads, such as those in towns and villages, may seem surprisingly narrow. If two cars meet on a narrow stretch of road, usually one of the drivers is looking for a place to pull off the road and let the other pass. Sometimes one driver must yield to another. Following these traditions is the norm, and a departure from them may cause the wrath of other drivers. Because of this, and also due to the fact that pedestrians often walk on the roadway, slow down in villages and small towns.

Another distinguishing feature of driving in Greece is the range of speeds at which vehicles move, especially on highways. Although the top speed is 120 km/h, some cars can go as fast as 60 km/h. Others, on the contrary, drive beyond the specified limits, and can approach from behind very quickly. It is recommended to drive in the leftmost lane, overtaking only slower vehicles.

Car rental agencies are present throughout the country, especially in big cities and in places popular with tourists. The offered cars are mostly manual transmission cars, there are also automatic ones, but it is advisable to reserve them in advance. Gasoline prices are high compared to Russia, although not higher than in other EU countries. Some insurance agencies and regulations do not allow you to drive a car outside the country.

Drivers who do not have a European license must have an international driving license obtained in their home country. They may not be required when renting a car, but they will definitely be needed in the event of an accident or when checking on the road. The insurance conditions may not be valid if the non-EU driver does not have an international license.

Ferry

One common way to get to the islands is by ferry. The frequency, reliability and availability of ferries is highly dependent on the time of year. For example, during the low season in winter (January to March), the weather in the Aegean Sea can be unfavorable, and ships often stay in ports for several days. This type of delay is completely unpredictable (the decision is not made by the ferry companies, but rather by the port authorities) and it is almost impossible to determine when ships in the harbor will be able to go to sea. On the other hand, ferries in August are full on the eve of the public holiday (August 15), so it is better for the traveler to plan ahead.

In the high season, the number of routes from Athens is large, and only a few intermediate islands cannot be reached by anything other than "shuttles". And again, in winter, some ferries run once or twice a week.

There are 3 ports in Athens: the main port of Piraeus and remote ports - Rafina and Lavrio. They serve all the islands, but for the central islands of the Cyclades, such as Tinos, it is better to sail from Rafina.

The average sailing time for ferries from Athens (port of Piraeus): to Paros - 4 hours, to Mykonos - 5.5 hours, to Santorini - 8 hours, to Heraklion (to Crete) - 9 hours.

Ferries are perhaps the only transport in Greece that leaves on time. The new "fast ferries" cut the time by almost half, but the prices are slightly higher. Sometimes it is more practical to travel by air, especially to Crete and Rhodes. However, the flight will cost more. The passage from Athens to Santorini by regular ferry takes 8 hours, but the view from the ship on the approaches to the island is amazing.

The main ferry companies operating in Greece are:

(Cyclades)
(Crete and international transport)
(Italy - Greece and the Aegean Islands)
(Saronic Gulf)
(Aegean Islands)
(Italy - Greece and Crete)
(Aegean Islands and northern part of the mainland)
(Italy - Greece)
(Italy - Greece)

Airplane

Domestic air travel in the country is dominated by a state-owned company and its competitor. Both airlines offer a wide range of destinations, including links to some of the islands from the mainland. Tickets can be booked directly on the websites of the airlines. Both have a number of convenient Internet services, special offers, etc.

Taxi

There are many taxis in Greece, and in resort areas they are not a particular problem. But in big cities, especially in Athens, it can be difficult to catch him. Taxi drivers are notorious for being rude and they won't take you if they don't like something. Taxis can be hailed just like in any other big city, but in Athens, many taxi drivers can refuse if they don't like the direction. If you need to catch a taxi during rush hour, it's almost impossible to find a car that would go outside of Athens (they'll all say they're going home, or worse, ignore you).

When you need to get to the beaches of the southern suburbs, you can find a hotel, and take a taxi from the hotel, it's much easier. A taxi driver, as a rule, will not take more than three people, but can load the trunk so that it does not close - the car can be very small. The situation with taxis improved somewhat after the Olympics, when all drivers were taught courtesy, but finding a taxi in Athens is still a problem.

Communication

Greek is the official language of the country, and the mother tongue of the majority of the population, but the English-speaking visitor has no particular language problems. English is the most widely spoken and understood foreign language. This is followed by French, Italian and German. Basic English can be expected from almost all personnel working in the tourism and public transport industry, as well as from Greeks under the age of 40. However, knowledge of a few Greek words such as "hello" and "thank you" is warmly welcomed.

The Latin and Cyrillic letters are descended from the Greek alphabet, and almost half of the Greek letters look like their Latin counterparts, as well as most Greek letters are similar in style to their Cyrillic counterparts. With a little practice, it becomes easy to decipher written names and common names, such as "hotel", "cafeteria", etc. In addition, the names of cities on road signs throughout the country are often transliterated in Latin letters (some signs, especially on new roads, even fully translated into English).

culture

Norms of behavior in society

The Greeks judge a person's politeness by their behavior, not by their words. Moreover, the spirit of informality is everywhere, everyone is considered a relative. Greeks love to gesticulate a lot. Sometimes excessively verbal politeness is regarded by the interlocutor as pretentiousness. It will be kind of you to learn the basic words: "thank you" (Ευχαριστa - Eucharist about), "please" (Παρακαλώ - Parakal about), "hello" ( Καλημέρα - Kalim uh ra).

The Greeks take their leisure time very seriously. Don't take apparent laziness or rudeness too personally. However, the Greeks take politics and football very seriously.

It is also not customary for women to appear in churches with bare shoulders and for men and women with bare legs. During the tourist season, this rule is not strictly followed.

Don't call Greece part of Eastern Europe, Greece was the only openly pro-Western country on the coast among its pro-Soviet and neutral communist neighbors. Geographically speaking this is also wrong. The Macedonian question is also very acute: the Greeks believe that the name "Macedonians" was stolen from them and used as a name by Tito's partisans in southern Yugoslavia.

Also, be careful when talking about the Byzantine Empire, which is a symbol of their national pride and greatness. However, the majority will express the opposite opinion about the military junta of the late 1960s, mid-1970s. Many Greeks, not only communists or members of other left groups, have been subjected to brutal repression and speak of those leaders with obvious resentment. Also, be polite when asking about their relations with the Turks, the Turkish occupation and the civil war in Cyprus in 1974, as this provokes a heated, sometimes furious debate, causing turmoil between the two nations.

Indecent gestures

To "scold" someone with their hands, the Greeks show an open palm, as if calling them to stop. This is called "munza". Sometimes they do this by saying "on" (here). Thus, the Greeks can "send" a person, or say that he did some kind of absurdity. "Muntza" comes from a gesture used in the Byzantine era, when the judge smeared ashes over the condemned person's face with his hand in order to expose him to ridicule.

Smoking

Greeks smoke an awful lot, considering it their birthright. However, new laws already impose restrictions on smoking, and awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke has grown in recent years. Don't be afraid to ask the taxi driver or neighbor to remove your cigarette butt if it's inconvenient.

Kitchen

Food

Greek cuisine is a mixture of local traditions and borrowings from other cultures. Neighboring Italy and Turkey have had a significant impact on Greek cuisine, so there are even many common dishes. Traditional Greek food includes a lot of vegetables, herbs and cereals, seafood. People here are very fond of lamb, beef, pork dishes, chicken meat is especially popular. Olive oil is one of the staples in Greek cooking, other common ingredients are lemon and tomato paste. Bread and wine are always served at the dinner table.

Greek restaurants around the world try to cater more to the expectations of visitors than to offer a truly authentic Greek dish. For example, gyros is a traditional dish on the Greek menu outside of Greece. While today in Greece, the Greeks themselves consider it an everyday food that can be bought in any cafe.

Eating out is a common pastime for Greeks and a rewarding experience for visitors, but not knowing where to go or what to do can ruin the experience. In the past, restaurants catering more to tourists tended to be disappointing. Luckily, the national restaurant industry has grown a lot in sophistication over the past decade, and there are now many great restaurants to be found in popular tourist destinations, especially in resorts that are also popular with Greek tourists. So it's a good idea to dine where the Greeks themselves dine. The best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine (with local specialties), but also the latest Greek culinary trends.

There are also international restaurants in the country offering a wide variety of dishes such as Chinese, French, Italian and modern international.

Vegetarian cuisine

In Greece, vegetarianism has never been a popular trend, and vegetarian restaurants can be counted on the fingers. However, Greeks consume less meat per capita than northern Europeans or North Americans, and there are countless plant-based dishes in Greek cuisine. Greeks eat meat and milk, but due to the fact that a large part of their diet consists of legumes, vegetables, herbs and fruits, vegans or vegetarians visiting Greece will have no problem finding vegetarian food. There is a special travel agency offering many tours designed specifically for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular local dishes

Traditional fast food dishes: gyros (γiρος) - fried pork or chicken (rarely beef) and a side dish wrapped in fried pita or on an open plate; souvlaki (σουβλaκι), meat fried on a spit; the Greek dish tzatziki (τζατζiκι) is made from filtered yogurt, olive oil, garlic, finely chopped cucumbers, and dill or mint; and scordalia (σκορδαλιya), a potato cream sauce with garlic, usually served with deep-fried cod.

Thanks to the large length of the coasts and the presence of islands, Greece has excellent sea food. Try fried octopus or achinosalate (sea urchin eggs with lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood must be labeled on the menu. Some fried fish sold by weight can be very expensive, so if you're on the lookout for a budget, check how much a particular portion will cost before you order it.

Greek salad (called in some places "village salad", "Khorl a tiki") - a mixture of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and onions, with a couple of olives, with the addition of green capsicum or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. It is traditionally seasoned with olive oil only; vinegar or lettuce is added only in tourist-oriented restaurants.

Also check out the following dishes:

moussaka - a spicy, oven-baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes and white sauce;
pasticio - a type of lasagna;
stifado - pieces of meat stewed with onions in wine and cinnamon;
spetsofay - stewed sausages with peppers and tomatoes, a hearty dish from the region of Mount Pelion;
saganaki - fried semi-hard cheese;
paidakia - fried lamb chops, also a popular dish. They have a strange smell and are tougher than North American lamb chops, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Fried potatoes (often written on the menu as chips) is a naturalized Greek dish found almost everywhere. Very good if served fresh and hot. Tzatziki is a good sauce for potatoes, although the chips are delicious on their own.

For dessert, take baklava, a thin dough with honey and chopped nuts, or galaktoburiko, a sweet custard pie similar to Napoleon. Worth a try and other baked goods. Be sure to try the yoghurt with honey: yoghurts in Greece are very different from what you are used to. Fruits such as watermelon are also popular during the summer months.

For breakfast, head to your nearest bakery (furno) and sample fresh tiropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach pie), or bougatsa (custard-filled pie or even "goriatko psomi"), a traditional crispy country bread, a staple of the home. also very tasty on its own. All this is delicious and popular among Greeks as a quick breakfast. Each bakery has its own recipe, so you will never be disappointed. Order more Greek coffee to this to feel like a real Greek.

For products such as bread and fresh orange juice, the just-in-time principle is often used: the cafe purchases bread or oranges immediately after the first order is received. Therefore, do not be surprised if the waiter returns to the cafe with a bag of oranges after taking your order. In the same way, in most places, the freshness of the bread is guaranteed.

A popular drink is frappe, which is made with instant Nescafe, water, sugar, and sometimes milk. All this is whipped until foamy and served with ice.

Tips

Tipping is sometimes indicated officially in a cafe (i.e., paid into the bill), usually from 0.4 € to 2.0 € per person, sometimes they leave the amount at their discretion.

Fast food

McDonald's and Pizza Hut have significantly expanded their presence in Greece over the past 15 years. However, they have strong competitors in the form of popular local chains.

Connection

Safety

First of all, it should be emphasized that Greece is one of the safest places for travelers. A significant part of the people with whom you have to communicate are open and helpful. However, there are no ideal and absolutely safe countries, so in Greece you can also run into trouble.

Crime and theft

The number of violent thefts and crimes is relatively low. At the same time, recently, due to the protracted economic crisis, there has been a sharp increase in social unrest, but it concerns Athens - everything is calm in the resorts. Foreign tourists are always advised to take basic safety precautions, just as they would at home.

According to the Athens car hire agencies, you can freely leave your luggage, car radio and other belongings in the car throughout the Greek mainland.

scammers

The most common travel scam is the Greek version of the classic "money scam". This happens mainly in the center of Athens, but sometimes there are cases in other big cities and even on the islands. A lone tourist in an area filled with bars may be approached in the evening and offered to go out for a drink. During the fun, the company is replenished, and at the end of the party an invoice is brought for an astronomical amount, which the tourist has to pay - because there is already a whole group of people around him who have lost their friendliness. On the whole, it’s enough just not to get caught on such a layout, but you shouldn’t be suspicious of the Greeks - most of them are really open people who can talk to a tourist without any ulterior motive.

Photography bans

It is strictly forbidden to photograph military installations or other strategic places. Government officials take violations quite seriously. Follow the signs forbidding photography. It would be best not to photograph everything that is in any way connected with the army, including Greek military vessels, airports and any aircraft, even civilian ones: representatives of the Greek authorities can be very scrupulous in such matters. Most museums prohibit photography without permission, however, some prohibit only flashes or tripods, and may ask visitors not to photograph objects (statues, etc.) that are near people, as this is considered disrespectful. But these specific warnings should not prevent photographing the rest of Greece, which is admittedly one of the most interesting countries for photographers.

antiques

Greece also has very strict laws regarding the export of antiques, which includes not only objects of antiquity, but also coins, folk art and even pieces of stones from excavation sites. Before you buy anything that could be mistaken for antiques, you should carefully read the laws that indicate what exactly can be taken out of the country.

drugs

Greece's drug laws are among the most stringent and closely enforced in Europe. Tourists are no exception. The legislation here is very strict, so it is quite difficult to purchase marijuana, although it is certainly possible in resort areas.

road traffic

The biggest danger for travelers in Greece can be simply trying to cross the road: traffic is erratic even in small towns and absolutely disgusting in Athens and other Greek cities, so the number of accidents is very high. Pedestrians should take precautions even if they cross the road at a green light or at a pedestrian crossing. In general, the behavior of a pedestrian in Greece should correspond to the behavior of a pedestrian in Russia.

Health

Health care is free and covers all Greek citizens in the same way as EU citizens upon presentation of the E111 form. For residents of countries outside the EU, only emergency care is provided free of charge.

A network of helicopter ambulances serve the islands, transporting a patient in need of immediate care to the nearest island or city with a major hospital.

In the pharmaceutical field in Greece, everything is in order - highly qualified specialists work in this area, and many medicines that can only be purchased with a prescription in the US or UK are sold without a prescription in Greece. In the case of a simple illness, general malaise, the pharmacist will be able to independently select the necessary medicine for you. If there is a need for a special medicine, you need to remember the common name of the drug, since brand names may differ. Most pharmacies are closed on Sunday, but there will be a sign posted on the door to find the nearest pharmacy on duty.

The Mediterranean sun can be very strong and can cause severe burns to skin that has not been exposed to the sun for a long time. So it is worth buying sunscreen in advance, which are available everywhere in Greece in supermarkets, grocers, pharmacies and specialty shops selling beach products.

Precautionary measures

During the hottest months, when visiting archaeological sites, wear T-shirts, carry an umbrella, and carry water with you. Daytime temperatures can reach 35-38 C. Summer heatwaves are not uncommon in Athens, when temperatures can exceed 38 C, putting some people at risk of breathing problems and heat stroke. Be aware that on many islands, especially in the Cyclades, there is very little shade to escape the summer heat. Therefore, when going for a walk along the island, it is especially important in hot weather to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, take water with you and try not to get caught up in the hottest part of the day.

Jellyfish, which can sting painfully, periodically flood some beaches.

It is not recommended to walk around the area alone: even in popular places, the area can be surprisingly deserted, and if you get into trouble while out of sight of houses or roads, it can be a long time before anyone notices you.

There are no required vaccinations in Greece and the water is perfectly safe. The tap water on some islands is demineralized sea water, which can taste disgusting. The inhabitants of these islands prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available in supermarkets, grocers and kiosks.

Where to stay

If you enjoy local traditions and a leisurely pace of life, then small family-style guesthouses are the best way to get to know Greece. The owners and staff there are friendly and open compared to the coldness you usually find in big hotels in Greece. With the help of a convenient form with many filters of the Booking.com service, it is possible both in a big city and in small villages. Don't forget that when you book a hotel on Booking.com using the links above, you are participating in a drawing of valuable prizes!

If the budget allows, a luxury idea is to rent a villa. They are usually located near the beach and provide residents with more space and great views. You can also use the AirBnB service not only to book a villa, but also, it can be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children who prefer to cook for themselves and so on.

It should be noted that the arrangement of small hotels in Greece, especially on the islands, and even in Athens and other large cities, is quite modest. Rooms are small, bathrooms even smaller, with showers, often with hand sprayers; if there is a bathroom, then it is sometimes sedentary. On the other hand, such hotels often have balconies (although sometimes small) or a veranda, individual or common to all rooms (they are usually spacious enough not to feel cramped). The hotels are quite clean and tidy. Those who want to live in luxury can look for options in cities and on the most popular islands, but it is better to check the quality of the hotel with a reliable source to be sure of the level of service.

As A.P. Chekhov wrote in The Wedding, “Greece has everything”. What is worth visiting and seeing after visiting this Mediterranean country, what sights of Greece may be of interest to a tourist or a travel lover?

Which month to choose for sightseeing in Greece

Of course, vacationers are sent to the Mediterranean for different purposes. Someone wants to bask on the beach, someone is interested in a rich cultural and educational program, visiting and examining the monuments of Ancient Greece, of which there are a lot in the country.

It must be borne in mind that geographically the country is located in the subtropics. This allows the swimming season to start in May. By the beginning of summer, the water has time to warm up to + 19C. In summer the sea is even warmer, +20..+25C, in autumn at +21..+23C it is also comfortable to swim.

November and winter are the rainy season, in January-February the temperature during the day drops below + 10C, at night it reaches zero values. It is warmest in July and August, even at night the temperature rarely drops below the twenty-degree mark. During the day, the thermometer often overcomes + 30C. Dry weather without significant precipitation lasts until the end of September. On the Greek islands, the nights are hotter than on the mainland, but during the day the heat is easier to bear due to the cool breeze from the sea.

Thus, beach lovers are best to choose July-August. At this time, visiting the sights of Greece is not very comfortable due to the summer heat. In addition, it is necessary to take care of the rest on the beach in advance by reserving a place in the hotel, since the situation with accommodation becomes tense during the season.

The best time for cultural rest is spring or autumn. At this time, the number of tourists is significantly reduced, which is why everyone is given even more attention by the attendants. In spring, it is interesting to visit the country on Orthodox Easter, which is celebrated very solemnly. In winter, there are even fewer visitors to Greek attractions, but frequent rains interfere a little with truly enjoying your vacation.

What to visit in Athens

Arriving in Athens, the first thing to do is to visit the main attraction of the city - the Acropolis, which in ancient Greek means "upper city". This is a fortified fortress that serves as a shelter for residents in case of war.

On the territory of the modern Athenian acropolis there are temples of Athena, the goddess of victory Nike, the Erechtheion, and sculptural compositions. Their age is more than two and a half thousand years. When visiting the Acropolis, it is better to wear comfortable shoes, as you will have to climb the mountain, walk a lot, and many of the steps are quite slippery.

There is a museum in the Acropolis, the exposition of which has preserved carved ornaments and borders. Many archaeological finds are in the British Museum.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum has a rich collection of works of art, which is a must-see in Greece. The exposition is extensive and therefore a full inspection can take quite a lot of time:

The two-meter statue of Zeus from Cape Artemisoin is made in bronze.
The Hegesso stele, discovered in the territory of the ancient cemetery of Keramik, depicts a melancholy young woman sorting through jewelry.
Visitors can enjoy part of the statue, the head of the goddess of health Hygieia, found in the temple of Athena Alea in Tegea.
Attention is drawn to the so-called golden mask of Agamemnon, which is actually the funeral mask of a king who died much earlier. The exhibit was found in Mycenae.

The museum presents other interesting Mycenaean finds: jewelry, golden weapons.

Monument of Ancient Greece - Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, or Olympion, is located in the center of Athens. In its classical form, it was completed by Phidias between 472 and 456 BC. The Greek attraction for a long time remained the largest temple. During its construction, marble from Mount Pantelus was used. The building was supported by 104 columns 17 meters high each.

Today, ruins remain of it, only 15 columns survived. The sixteenth column fell during a violent storm in 1852. It is believed that the temple was destroyed in the Middle Ages due to earthquakes. In addition, it was used as a source of building materials.

A Greek landmark, the ancient monument is clearly visible from the Acropolis, as it is only half a kilometer from it.

Many of the historical sites of Athens are also easy to get around on foot, since they are all located in close proximity to the Acropolis.

Holidays in Greece on the island of Crete

The most famous and popular architectural monument of the island is the Palace of Knossos. According to legend, it was built by Daedalus for King Minos. The palace is located 5 km from Heraklion, the administrative center of the island of Crete.

According to legend, in the depths of the palace, consisting of more than 300 rooms intricately connected with each other, lived a monster, half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Every year, 7 Athenian boys and girls were sacrificed to him to be eaten. The Minotaur fell at the hands of Theseus, the son of King Aegeus.

A Greek landmark, the palace at Knossos was destroyed in a fire that happened during an earthquake. The excavations were carried out by the English archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 20th century.

In the middle of the palace there was a courtyard, where various rooms opened. The palace was equipped with baths, pools, which were connected to a sewer network laid out of clay pipes. A library containing 2,000 clay tablets was discovered in the palace. The premises were illuminated from above, through the ceiling, through the so-called light columns.

Samaria Gorge

Vacationers on the island of Crete should visit the reserve - the Samaria Gorge, 18 km long, the longest in Europe. Rare species of animals and birds, flowers and plants live here. The reserve is open to tourists from May to October.

After enjoying the beauties of the protected nature, it is especially pleasant to be on the beach of the Libyan Sea to swim and relax.

Toplu Monastery and Vai Palm Plantation

Toplou Monastery is located a couple of tens of kilometers from the town of Sitia. Built in the 14th century and restored to the way it looked in the 17th century, it attracts holidaymakers on the island of Crete with a collection of icons.

Approximately 30 km from the monastery, in a valley formed by two hills, there is another Greek landmark, the only plantation in Europe of 5000 date palms Vai.

Holidays in Greece on the island of Rhodes

Known for the famous Colossus of Rhodes, the island served as the base of the Crusader Knights in the Middle Ages, which explains the abundance of sights of the Middle Ages and the era of Turkish rule. It is worth visiting the Palace of the Grand Master, the ruins of a medieval castle. Fans of antiquity monuments will be interested in seeing the ruins of the temple of Pallas Athena, the Maly Theater and the Stadium.

Tourists enjoy visiting Rodini Park, watching the life of peacocks, as well as the famous Valley of the Butterflies, which is 25 km from the city of Rhodes.

Greek Landmark - Delphic Oracle

The city of Delphi is located 170 km from Athens. The Delphic temple is located in the natural stone amphitheater of Mount Parnassus in the Sacred Valley. For a long time it was considered a sacred place, without the opinion of the Delphic oracle, that is, the soothsayer in the sanctuary of Apollo, not a single important decision was made. Today, several columns remain from the sanctuary of Apollo.

Visiting the archaeological museum of Delphi, among the most interesting and numerous exhibits, you can see the bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi. It is well preserved, although it was cast in the 5th century BC.

Foods to try while traveling in Greece

When visiting Greek sights, you should definitely pay tribute to the national cuisine. It is represented by the following popular dishes:

avgolemono, lemon, egg and rice soup;
domates gemistes, baked tomatoes with rice and meat;
choriatiki, vegetable salad with cheese;
taramosalata, fish caviar salad;
souvlaki, meat on skewers;
yuvarlakia, baked rice and meat balls in white sauce;
for dessert there is baklava, a cake with almond syrup and honey, as well as galaktoboureko, a sweet cake;
popular brands of white wines: "Demestika", "Kambas", "Pallini" and "Tsantali", red wines are represented by "Mavrodafna" and "Demestika";
strong drinks: the world-famous Ouzo anise vodka produced on the island of Lesbos, strong grape vodka Raka infused with honey. "Mastic" is called both a weak liquor and "real" grape vodka on wood resin. It is served chilled, when mixed with water or ice, the drink acquires a milky hue. Greek cognac is, of course, Metaxa.

Coffee in Greece is served in 50 ml cups along with a glass of water. It can be ordered:

without sugar, sketos;
sweetened, maeoligizahari, about a quarter tsp. Sahara;
medium, matrios, half tsp Sahara;
sweet, glycos, 1 tsp

Modified: 26.10.2016

Conventionally, the weather in Greece can be divided into three seasons. The beach season lasts from May to October, when the air temperature reaches +25C and above. The most comfortable for tourists in the first half of May and early June.

From December to April, people come to the country to ski, and fashionistas who buy fur coats in Greece are also becoming more active.

The high season lasts from June to September, when prices skyrocket, as does the flow of vacationers. In July and August it is very hot, about +40C and higher, and the water temperature rises to +27C.

Velvet season starts in September. In autumn, the heat subsides, but the sea is still warm. There are already much fewer tourists, but there are a lot of fresh fruits.

Where to stay in Greece

The choice of hotels in Greece is very large for every taste and budget. Consider the most popular of them.

Five star hotels

Candia Maris- offers a choice of vacationers 220 rooms 8 suites in the main building, 28 bungalows with views of the Mediterranean Sea. A private sandy beach, several swimming pools, restaurants and bars, tennis courts, a fitness center and even an Orthodox church on site will ensure a comfortable stay all year round.
Minos Imperial- in addition to standard rooms, it offers VIP suites with private pools. The hotel has its own sandy beach, equipped with everything you need. For children there is a mini water park, a mini club and a playground.
Terra Maris- another hotel with a bungalow and a sandy beach. The hotel infrastructure includes outdoor and indoor swimming pools, restaurants, bars, shops, a beauty salon, a fitness center and much more. There are water rides for children.

Four star hotels

Agapi Beach- the hotel is located on the first coastline. Includes the main five-story building and a bungalow. For vacationers, there is a sandy beach with free sun loungers and umbrellas, several swimming pools, shops, a conference room, playgrounds.
Aldemar Cretan Village- a complex of bungalows on the beach. Beach accessories are provided free of charge. For vacationers, there is a pizzeria, a tavern, swimming pools, including those with sea water, a laundry, an amphitheater, a nightclub and much more.
Grecotel Club Marine Palace- another decent hotel offering standard rooms and bungalows. The hotel's beach is sandy, they give out all the accessories necessary for relaxing at sea.

Three star hotels

Forum Hotel- the hotel is located on the second coastline, about 100 meters to the pebble beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee. On the territory there is a water sports center, several restaurants, a shop, bars, a fitness center.
Stella Village- located 150 meters from the sandy beach. The hotel has an amphitheater, a small church, a shop, a tavern, several swimming pools.
Nautilus Barbati- from it to the sand and pebble beach about 600 meters. A restaurant, a bar, a TV lounge, two swimming pools for adults and children are open for vacationers.

Popular resorts in Greece

Crete- the most popular tourist island in Europe. The swimming season here is the longest, opening in April. On the north coast, the water is warmer, so the best hotels are located here. The developed infrastructure of the island is combined with ancient monuments and secluded villages. Cultural life is concentrated in the city of Heraklion.
Rhodes- the coast of the island is indented by capes and bays. In the west, Rhodes is washed by the Aegean Sea, here you can often meet surfers on pebbly beaches, and in the east the beaches are sandy, and the Mediterranean Sea is quieter and calmer. Known as a medieval city with high fortified walls.
Corfu- a resort with picturesque villages and lush vegetation. There is a large medieval complex with valuable architectural monuments. The most popular tourist resorts are Moraitika and Messonghi with long sandy beaches and a gentle slope into the sea.
Santorini- a colorful island dotted with snow-white houses, and the beaches of the Aegean Sea attract with black sand and views of the volcano. Monuments of the ancient Cycladic civilization have been preserved here.
Zakynthos- known for beautiful bays, pebbly and sandy beaches, bizarre rocks and grottoes. The island has a reserve with rare animals - caretta turtles and monachus seals.
Kos- for the amazing beauty of nature was called the "garden of the Aegean". It attracts tourists with the cleanest beaches and rich cultural and historical heritage. It is comfortable to relax here for both families with children and young people, for whom the doors of dozens of entertainment venues open at night.
Chalkidiki- a peninsula with impressively picturesque landscapes and the best sandy beaches in the country. Here are the largest hotel complexes in the Eastern Mediterranean. You can find everything on the peninsula - from nightclubs and bars to casinos and snow-white yachts.
Athens- the capital of the country, a large city with unique historical monuments. Athens is primarily interesting for lovers of excursions, so it’s better to go here not in the hot season in order to comfortably explore interesting places without queues and heat.
Thessaloniki- the city was built in the IV century BC, for a long time remained the center of Christianity. It was here that Cyril and Methodius were born. There are many interesting places in Thessaloniki that are definitely worth a visit.

Greek beaches

More than four hundred beaches in Greece are marked with the "blue flag", which is given only to the cleanest, most comfortable and safe beaches in Europe. The most popular and beautiful:

Balos- quiet and not crowded on the island of Crete. There are no restaurants or bars nearby, but on the other hand, the bay offers a beautiful view of the meeting of the three seas washing the island.
Kamari- a beach on the island of Santorini with black volcanic sand. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also engage in water sports. For children there is a children's area with attractions and animators.
Faliraki- a beach in Rhodes. The sandy strip stretches for 4 km, nearby is a popular party city with an abundance of entertainment venues. Families with children are not recommended to relax here, the beach is more suitable for active youth, and part of it is even occupied by nudists.
Bay of Navajo- located northwest of Zakynthos. A small beach has been ranked among the ten most beautiful on the planet more than once. It is surrounded by rocks on all sides. The main pride of the bay is a shipwrecked ship of smugglers. The beach is wild, so it is more suitable for excursions than for swimming.
Paradise in Kos- there is snow-white sand and small waves, and volcanic gas comes out to the surface of the water from the bottom in the form of bubbles. It will not be possible to get bored here - bars and taverns work, you can do water sports.

What to see in Greece

To see all the sights of Greece, you will need to come here more than once. The unique architectural and historical values that have survived to this day are visited by thousands of tourists and scientists every year.

If you are in Athens, be sure to check out:

Parthenon,
Acropolis,
Hills of Lycabettus,

On the island of Rhodes noteworthy:

The quarter of Collachio, where the knights once lived,
Palace of the Grand Masters
Archaeological Museum,
Socrates Street with souvenir shops and cafes,
castles of Kastelos, Fekalos, Monolithos, Lindos, Asklipoi.

In Thessaloniki visit:

white tower,
Arc de Triomphe Galerius,
monument to Aristotle.

And the top five most interesting sights of the country include:

Acropolis - the pearl of Athens, the legendary temple of Athena.
Thermopylae. In this gorge once King Leonidas stopped the warriors of Xerxes.
Monastery complex "Meteora". Located on top of the rocks at an altitude of 600 meters. There are 24 Orthodox monasteries here.
Olympus. The Greek gods lived on this mythical mountain.
Blue caves. Located on the island of Zakynthos.

How to get to Greece

The most convenient and easiest way to get to Greece is by plane. Flights to this country are regular, and not only from Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also from other large Russian cities. Many use connecting flights with transfers in European cities.

Another option is to take a bus tour. Trips are irregular, so check with tour operators for information.

Greece is not only a resort country, it is the "cradle of civilization", which you should definitely visit at least once in your life!

Last Minute Tours to Greece

Thessaloniki is the cultural capital of the country, the city of festivals and celebrations. It was founded in the 4th century BC. e. Tsar Cassander in honor of his wife - the half-sister of Alexander the Great. But according to archaeological excavations, scientists have concluded that life originated here long before that. Modern Thessaloniki confidently looks to the future, but also

What to see in Greece
The expression "Greece has everything" perfectly describes this country! Sunny beach, friendly locals, beautiful nature, sights and monuments. Eyes just run up! What to see in this amazing country in order to remember it forever only from the best side?

Athens and the Athenian Riviera - Attica

In Athens, many make a stop for a few days, and then go to the islands. But if your goal is to spend your holidays close to this great city and fully enjoy its monuments and modern life - the Athenian Riviera is waiting for you.

The resort of Kifisia is 14 km north of Athens, where the best Athenian restaurants, pastry shops and cafes are located. A strip of beaches is located near Athens in such places as - Faliro, Glyfada, Voura, Varkiza, Kavouri and Vouliagmeni. A little further are the famous resorts of Attica - Mati, Marathonas, Vravrona, Lagonisi, Nea Makri, Loutraki (famous for its healing mineral waters, beautiful nature and unique climatic conditions).

Athens

Athena is the capital of Greece, a city of amazing fate and living evidence of the highest achievements expressed in the monuments of various eras. During the tours you can see. what made the glory of Greece: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with the famous caryatids, the Propylaea, the temple of the Wingless Nike. You will also visit the Acropolis Museum with its unique collection, see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus, on the stage of which performances are still given to this day, the white marble stadium, where the Olympic Games were held for the first time in 1896. You can not even doubt that the colorful ceremony of changing the guard at the monument to the Unknown Soldier will remain in your memory. At the end of the tour, you can walk around the "old" Athens Plaka area, where there are a huge number of souvenir shops, traditional taverns and cafes.

Peloponnese

The most beautiful area of the country with an abundance of historical monuments and ruins, dense forests and an unusual blue sea.

What to see in the Peloponnese. Take a look at Corinthia - this region is known as a summer resort on the coast, as well as a huge number of archaeological sites. On the shores of the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs there are small villages and cities that attract tourists from all over the world. In addition to architectural monuments, Messinia, in turn, attracts and enchants with its nature - a warm climate, green landscapes, a sea with a sandy shore and traditional villages.

Macedonia

The largest region of Greece, which occupies its northern part. In Macedonia, tourists are attracted by Thessaloniki, which is famous as the largest commercial and cultural center of the country. Here you can also have a great rest on the coast of the Thermic Gulf. On the south side of Thessaloniki is the Chalkidiki region - a popular resort with three narrow and long peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Agios Oros. To the east of Thessaloniki there are three nomes: Serres, Drama and Kavala. Behind Serres is the archaeological area of the ancient city of Phillipi and everywhere - the seashore with crystal clear water.

Meteora

You should definitely visit the geological wonder of nature - the Christian monasteries of Meteora. The name of this place is translated as "soaring in the air" and evokes a feeling of fear and admiration at the same time. Until today, how this place was built remains a mystery. During the tour, an inspection of the rocks of Meteora is provided, as well as a visit to the active monastery. In our time, out of 24 active monasteries, 6 remain - 4 male and 2 female. All of them are available for tourists.

There are rules for visitors:

Women - it is forbidden to visit the monastery in trousers, shorts, mini-skirts and blouses with bare shoulders.

Men - it is forbidden to enter the monastery in shorts and blouses with bare shoulders.

Monastery, Meteora

Kastoria

The most colorful city in Greece, which is known as the "kingdom of fur coats" or "the birthplace of fur." The city is located on the shores of the alpine lake Orestiada and never ceases to fascinate tourists with its narrow streets, the mansions of the local nobility of the 18th-19th centuries. and Byzantine churches.

High craftsmanship and love for its furrier craft have turned this city into a world center for the production of fur products. Today, more than 2,000 fur factories operate in Kastoria, which are immediately sold at factory prices.

Therefore, an excursion to Kastoria is primarily a business trip. Those who wish to purchase the coveted fur coat can visit dozens of fur salons at manufacturing factories, where the tourist will have as much time as he needs to make a choice and make a long-awaited purchase.

Cave of Petralona

A unique place for lovers of history and paleontology and unusual in principle. Here were found the remains of an archanthrope who lived in Europe. The Petralona Museum presents skulls and bones of prehistoric animals, as well as bone and wood ash, which are about 1 million years old. The beauty of the Petralona cave is due to the creations of nature - stalactites and stalagmites.

Greek evening

Do you know how you received guests in Hellas? Not? So visit the Greek evening! Dancers will perform for you, who will introduce not only all the dances of different regions of Greece, but also teach you how to dance sirtaki! Gourmets will appreciate Greek cuisine with its delicacies and unusually delicious wine, which is made from grapes grown in Halkidiki.

Waterland Waterpark

A great opportunity to relax with the whole family - go to the water park! A modern water park is 150 thousand square meters of pleasure and fun. "Water Town" is located 8 km from Thessaloniki. On the territory of the water park you will find not only rivers, lakes, pools with hydromassage and artificial waves, water slides, but also tennis courts, a basketball court, restaurants and cafes. In addition, there is an animation group that diversifies your stay in the water park with show programs, dances and games.