The capital of the ancient state in Greece. Tourism in Greece. Flora and fauna
brief information about country
Date of Independence
Official language
Greek
Form of government
Parliamentary republic
Territory
131,957 km² (95th in the world)
Population
10 772 967 people (75th in the world)
Timezone
EET (UTC+2, summer UTC+3)
The largest city
$294.339 billion
Internet domain
- one of the most amazing and unique in its beauty countries in Europe. Located in the south of the continent, on the Balkan Peninsula, it is small both in terms of territory - the area, together with the islands adjacent to the coast of Asia Minor, is 131,994 km², and in terms of population, which numbers 10.3 million people. However, in terms of historical, cultural, archaeological and linguistic heritage, not every large state can compare with Greece. The capital of Athens is the oldest and most beautiful city in the world, a metropolis with a population of 4 million, founded around the 7th millennium BC.
Video: Greece
Basic moments
Hellas - as the Greeks themselves call their homeland - is filled with various sights, a significant part of which dates back to ancient times. No wonder they say that in Greece, antiquities are found literally at every turn. Wherever you find yourself - in Athens or Delphi, in Thebes or Meteora, on the holy Mount Athos or in rock monasteries - everywhere you will get acquainted with interesting monuments, original folk traditions. Here, in the homeland of Homer and Pythagoras, Sophocles and Democritus, Aristotle, Euripides, Plato and others famous people past, you will get such vivid impressions that you will definitely want to come here again!
Recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and the place where the first democratic states in history appeared, Greece became the center of the birth of the very concept of "democracy". In Ancient Hellas, every adult citizen took an active part in the discussion of public affairs and could be elected to any administrative, military or judicial position. Traditions laid down in antiquity are preserved in Greek society today.
Greece is also a gentle sun, excellent beaches, a warm sea with crystal clear water and picturesque islands, the most popular of which are Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete. It is not for nothing that the country is called a paradise for tourism and recreation. The mild subtropical climate is in amazing harmony with the exquisite beauty of nature. It is unlikely that anywhere else you will see such pretty villages perched on the mountain slopes, or red-tiled houses immersed in dense greenery. And it does not matter at all for what purpose the traveler sets foot on this blessed land - to deeply study its historical heritage or just lazily lie on the beach. One thing is clear: in Greece, everyone will find something to their liking and will never regret the trip.
Greek cities
All cities in Greece
Sights of Greece
All sights of Greece
Geographic features
Greece, which is also called the country of the gods, the birthplace of philosophy and Olympic Games, has a very interesting and very advantageous geographical location. Perhaps no European state owns so many islands - there are more than two thousand of them here (although only 227 of them are inhabited). Some - for example, the famous Lesvos - are located directly off the coast of Turkey. The islands account for almost 20% of the country's territory, which is quite a lot.
Greece is washed by four seas: Mediterranean, Ionian, Libyan (southern coast of Crete) and Aegean. The last one can be called inland sea» of this country, the entire coast of which is picturesquely indented by bays. It is enough to look at the map to make sure that no other state on the continent has similar outlines.
Mainland Greece is conditionally divided into several regions - these are Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly and Attica, Phthiotis, Phokis and others related to Central Greece. Geographically, the Ionian Islands can be attributed to the central part of the country. The largest Greek island is Crete, the second largest is Euboea, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge across the Evrip Strait. largest peninsula, recognized as the center of the most ancient civilization in Europe, is the Peloponnese. Here is the famous Corinth Canal, dug by a French company in the 19th century.
An interesting fact: the farthest distance from the sea coast, no matter where in Greece you go, does not exceed 100 kilometers.
natural landscape
Greek nature is distinguished by an enviable diversity, which became possible due to the confluence of factors such as geographical location, features local climate, the presence of large mountain ranges, a large length of the coastline.
Mountains occupy about 60% of the landscape of Greece, which makes it one of the highest mountainous countries in Europe after Norway and Albania. Moreover, unlike the named states, the mountain ranges of Hellas almost all descend to the sea. The highest mountain peak is Olympus (2915 meters), it is also the most famous according to ancient Greek myths as the abode of the gods, in particular, the Thunderer Zeus. from other large and beautiful mountains Greece can be named such as Ida (Psiloritis) and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete, Grammos and Smolikas in Macedonia, Taigetos in the Peloponnese, Pindos and Atamanika Ori in the Epirus region.
Water resources Greece is represented by a combination of natural and artificial lakes, deltas and estuaries, waterfalls and lagoons. The largest body of water in the country is Lake Trihonida, located in the region of Aetolia, in Western Greece. One cannot ignore Lake Vouliagmeni in Attica (it is famous for its thermal mineral waters), the artificial lake Tauropos in Thessaly, which is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and, of course, the most alpine lake– Drakolimni, located on the slopes of Timfi and Zmolikas at an altitude of 2050 meters. Of the rivers, the longest is Aliakmonas (297 km), which is inferior in length to Aheoloom, Pinios, Nestos, Efros, Strymonas, Alfios, Arahfos.
originality natural landscape Greece is given local caves, many of which have internal lakes, "thickets" of stalactites and stalagmites, which attract not only ordinary tourists, but also professional speleologists. It will be interesting in the caves and historians, ethnographers and culturologists, because they are inextricably linked with the plots of ancient Greek myths. And the caves themselves are archaeological sites that can reveal many secrets of the Paleolithic era. Not everyone knows, but the famous artifact - the skull of an ancient man, considered a transitional form from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens - was discovered in one of these caves in Greece. It is called Petralona and is located on the Chalkidiki peninsula.
Gorges or canyons, with which the local landscape is literally dotted, deserve special mention. They cannot but impress with their menacingly towering sheer cliffs, water streams and different types birds and animals that for many centuries prefer to settle here. The most famous Greek gorge - Samaria - is located on the island of Crete. It can be easily crossed, and many travelers take advantage of this opportunity. The breathtaking beauty of the Vikos Gorge in the national park in the mountains of Pindus (Pindos) in the northeast of Epirus. It is located on the southern slope of Mount Tumfi, reaching a length of 20 kilometers.
And finally two water park Greece. The first - it is called Alonissos and is located on the islands of the Northern Sporades in the Aegean Sea - was declared a protected area by the authorities in 1992. The endangered species of Mediterranean seals, Monachus Monachus, lives here. The second is national marine park on Zakynthos, one of the Ionian Islands, which received the status of a protected area seven years later. It is here that such a type of turtle as Caretta Caretta is mainly bred.
Cities and islands of Greece
Between historical Attica and the Peloponnese, the Saronic Islands are secluded - an archipelago, the rest on which is usually chosen by those tourists who would not like to swim in the sea far from Athens. Only here, at the peak of the season, the local beaches are crowded, especially on the island of Aegina, which may not be to everyone's liking. But there is a great coast here, not to mention the fact that getting a bronze tan can be combined with visiting attractions, such as the Temple of Aphaia, which has been perfectly preserved to this day.
The Peloponnese itself, against the background of the rest of Greece, looks as if apart. In the sense that his landscapes are most often deserted, which, however, is compensated by the presence of priceless historical monuments. This is the citadel of Agamemnon Mycenae, and the theater in Epidaurus, and the House of Helen and Menelaus in Sparta, and the palace of Nestor in Pylos, and the same Corinth, from where one of the writers of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul turned with messages to the Corinthians. Acquaintance with the sights can be perfectly combined with relaxing on local beaches, which are considered perhaps the best in all of Southern Europe.
If you have not forgotten from your school history lessons where the birthplace of Apollo and his sister Artemis is, then you guessed that our story will be about the islands of the Cyclades. From them, spread out in the southern part Aegean Sea, breathes some kind of serenity and tranquility. But the Cyclades archipelago is associated, first of all, with the island of Mykonos, whose coastline reaches 89 km. Its hallmarks are ancient narrow streets and a very modern boutique hotel - the most expensive in Greece. An important transport hub in the archipelago is Paros, famous for its beaches and ample opportunities for water sports.
There are places in sunny Greece where the “Turkish coast” is within easy reach - these are the Dodecanese Islands, which are part of the Southern Sporades archipelago and stretch along the western coast of the Asia Minor peninsula, almost closely adjoining the territory neighboring state. The islands of Rhodes and Kos are the most famous of them. Popularity came to them thanks to first-class beaches and hotels and, of course, rich excursion programs - especially in the historical part of the city of Rhodes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Groups of tourists, among whom there are many representatives of Christian denominations, tend to visit the legendary island of Patmos, which is called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean", and this interest is quite understandable. It is here that the cave is located, where John the Theologian wrote down the divine "Revelation", which became the last book of the biblical New Testament. And this place itself is also called the "cave of the Apocalypse."
One of the most picturesque in Greece is, of course, the Ionian Islands. The lush greenery, harmoniously combined with the azure shades of the sea surface, creates the impression of a real Garden of Eden, and at some point it may seem that the Lord has forgiven the sins of mankind and returned them to their original conditions of existence, as in the biblical Eden. The real pearl of the archipelago is the island of Corfu - it is the most popular among tourists and, accordingly, the most expensive in terms of staying and living in Greece. The island of Ithaca is also well known - according to Homer's stories about Odysseus, which we were introduced to in history lessons. The island of Kefalonia also leaves vivid impressions: pretty villages, cliffs at the very edge of the sea and excellent beaches are impossible to forget. As well as excellent local wines.
Now let's move to - the second largest city in the country, which rightfully received the nickname "Greek Constantinople." It is the religious center of Greece, whose population is predominantly Orthodox. Here is the peninsula of Athos and the Holy Mountain with the same name. It is called the "Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain" in the system of administrative division. Nothing has changed here over the centuries: women are still forbidden to set foot on Mount Athos.
Northern aegean islands- a kind of "mix" in which the influence of both Western and Eastern cultures. If you don’t know that this is Greece, it seems that you are in Turkey, which, in general, is not far away, and it owns two islands of the archipelago - Bozcaada and Gokceada ( Greek names, respectively, Tenedos and Imvros). The most unusual of the islands is Samos, all covered with trees and famous for its vineyards. Isolated beaches attract tourists on the island of Chios, also famous for its ancient monastery of Nea Moni.
Climate and weather
The climate of Greece, speaking in general, is mild, and this is a huge "merit" of the Mediterranean Sea, which seems to take care and protect this small country. Summers are hot and dry here. average monthly temperature July varies between +30 ... +32 degrees Celsius, humidity reaches 55%. beach season in Hellas begins in mid-May and continues until November. Winter in the country is by no means severe. The temperature in January averages 10 degrees with a plus sign, and the humidity is 75%.
Meanwhile, in Greece there are several climatic zones. In the mainland of the country, the weather conditions are reminiscent of the Balkans, which are characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. Attica, Crete, Dodecanese, Cyclades, the center and east of the Peloponnese are typically Mediterranean regions in terms of climate. Warm weather persists in Crete for a long time: on the southern coast of the largest Greek island, you can swim and sunbathe from April to November.
There is also a rainy season in Greece, starting in most areas in mid-October and lasting until February. In July and August, the entire east coast of the mainland, including the capital, and the islands of the Aegean Sea are under the power of a strong north wind. On the one hand, it brings coolness diluting the heat, on the other hand, it makes ferries late and inconveniences vacationers, “stealing” their beach umbrellas. As for the actual summer heat, it still influenced the habits of the Greeks, shifting the afternoon rest of the Hellenes to 15:00-18:00. During these hours, it is not customary to disturb anyone, not to mention making appointments.
History of Greece
The first settlements in Greece, as evidenced by archaeological excavations, arose during the Paleolithic period, which corresponds to 11000-3000 BC. It is Hellas that is the birthplace of the Minoan, Mycenaean and Cycladic civilizations that existed in 2600-1100 BC. The classical period in the history of Greece is the so-called "Golden Age", which covered the VI-IV centuries BC. e. It is notable for the fact that it gave the world a galaxy of the greatest scientists and outstanding artists - historians and philosophers, doctors and architects, architects and sculptors, poets, mathematicians and playwrights. The active development of Greek civilization occurred after the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. The colonial expansion of Ancient Greece began, city-states appeared - in particular, on the Black Sea coast.
Ancient Hellas experienced several interventions - first by the armies of neighboring Persia, which invaded several times in a row, and then, in 146 BC, by Roman legionnaires. But the Romans not only did not persecute Greek culture, but also became its conscious successors. This can be judged by the monuments of the Roman era, the prototypes for which were similar Hellenic works of architecture. Moreover, Roman artifacts have survived to this day in the best possible way, and we, contemporaries, can judge by them the great heritage of the ancient Greeks. And after the division of the vast Roman Empire into the western and eastern parts, the latter, that is, Byzantium with its capital in Constantinople, became the bearer of the Greek language and culture and lasted eleven centuries, until May 29, 1453, it fell under the onslaught of the Turks.
Greece itself was ruled Ottoman Empire almost 400 years old. The national liberation struggle of the Greek people ended in 1821 with the proclamation of an independent Greek state, which became a monarchy a decade later. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Greece made great efforts to return its ancestral lands, which were still under the occupation of the Ottoman Porte. Participation in the Balkan wars of that time and the First World War helped to partially realize these tasks.
The country also participated in World War II. First, fascist Italy attacked her, but the Greeks were able to give a fitting rebuff. When the Germans and their allies intervened, Greece fell and was under their occupation from 1941 to 1945. However, the victory over the Third Reich did not bring the long-awaited peace: a civil war broke out in the country, which ended only in 1949.
This was followed by a period of calm development in Greece, disrupted by a coup d'état in 1967, which resulted in the overthrow of King Constantine II and the establishment of a military dictatorship in the country. This period went down in history as the regime of "black colonels" led by Georgios Papadopoulos (1967-1973) and Dimitrios Ioannidis (1973-1974). The military junta made many mistakes, including strategic ones, in the international arena. This provoked the invasion of the Turkish army in 1974 in Cyprus and the occupation of part of its territory with the formation of the unrecognized "Republic of Turkey". Northern Cyprus". Failures in the so-called "Cyprus issue" led to the fact that in 1974 the dictatorship of the "black colonels" was overthrown.
On December 8, 1974, a nationwide referendum was held in Greece, as a result of which a democratic political regime with a parliamentary form of government was again established in the country. On June 11, 1975, a new Constitution was adopted, which is still in force today. In 1986 and 2001, some changes were made to it, which, however, did not affect the democratic foundations of the state. Greece has been a member of NATO since 1952. True, in 1973 she left the organization, and returned to it only in 1981. In the same year, Greece joined the European Union, and on January 1, 2002, the euro zone.
Sights of Greece
Greece is a country ancient monuments, Orthodox shrines and very open, sincere and incredibly charming people. Having been here at least once, you will forever fall in love with its architecture, unique nature, original culture and, of course, national cuisine, to which we will return.
Let's start a general acquaintance with some of the sights of the country from the capital of Ancient Hellas. In Athens, which carefully preserves its historical, cultural and architectural heritage, you should definitely visit the famous Acropolis, whose temples have been partially restored. The constant interest of travelers is caused by the temple of one of the three Olympic gods - Poseidon, located right on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the ancient quarter of Plaka, city squares living their own special, rich life, the impressive stone theater - the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus and numerous Athenian museums.
Separately, I would like to mention the breathtaking Panathinaikos Stadium. It was created according to fragments of the ancient predecessor, using only white marble in construction. And in Athens with your own eyes you can see the ancient temples of Zeus, Agora and Hephaestus, mentioned in the myths and legends of ancient Greece.
Quite a few ancient artifacts are concentrated in Crete, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Here you can see the archaeological sites of the Minoan era, the Venetian-style castle in Rethymnon, luxurious, enjoy the views of the largest natural palm forest on the continent on Vai beach. The ancient temple of Apollo, preserved in the small town of Gortyna, will take you back to the Dorian era, and in Phaistos you should definitely see one of the most outlandish in form architectural structures the palace of King Minos.
The most famous Greek islands include Rhodes, which has the glory of the largest center of knightly culture and a wonderful resort. His business card- Castle of the Knights, built in the XIV century and restored in the first half of the last century. It houses a large collection of antiques, not to mention the accurately recreated atmosphere of the home of a knightly order, giving a unique sense of realism.
One of the most iconic sights, Mount Olympus, will allow you to feel like a contemporary of the legendary deities of ancient Greece. Once upon a time, judging by the myths, the Thunderer Zeus, the god of the seas Poseidon and the ruler of the kingdom of the dead Hades lived here. Now this "house of the gods" has been turned into a unique biosphere reserve, rich in various plant and animal species, and offering stunning views of the surroundings. Olympus, although a high mountain, is quite accessible for hiking. Traveling along numerous trails, you will not even notice how time flies.
Another famous mountain is, of course, Athos, included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO. This unique place, revered by all Orthodox believers, is inhabited and can only be visited by men. It is dedicated to prayers, reflections and initiation to spirituality. The Holy Mountain has de facto autonomy, but under the sovereignty of the Greek state. To get here, you need to get a special permit, and only 110 people (100 of them must be Orthodox believers) can visit it - if they wish, of course - every day. Such bureaucracy can turn many away from the intention to visit Mount Athos, but if such inconveniences do not frighten you, then an excursion here with a visit to two dozen local monasteries will become an unforgettable episode in your life.
National cuisine
In the national cuisine of Greece get along well culinary traditions Balkan peoples, Apennines, France and even the Middle East. In general, this is a typical Mediterranean cuisine with a “mixture” of love with which each dish is prepared, and the original Greek temperament. For the Greeks, as, for example, for the Japanese, eating is a whole ritual. At the table, they not only eat, but communicate and relax. General meal - great way establishing friendships between unfamiliar people and even business relationships. Whatever the Greeks discuss at dinner, but most of all, in addition to purely family topics, they like to talk about football and politics.
Many have already guessed that fish and seafood occupy a regal position in the local menu. The Greeks cook squid very tasty: they roll them in flour, and then fry them in olive oil. Be sure to try freshly caught mussels cooked in tomato sauce and exotics such as octopus meat - it is baked on coals with the addition of herbs. The taste and aroma of the dish is such that words cannot describe - it's better to try it!
What are the most popular dishes in modern Greece? Let's name some of them: squids stuffed with cheese and baked on coals (“kalamaria yemista me tiri”), steamed mussels (“midya akhnista”), grilled shrimp (“garides sharas”). Spaghetti with lobster (“macoranada me astako”) is considered one of the crown dishes of the national cuisine. From traditional and familiar to Russian fish dishes in local taverns, you can taste fish in all its culinary "manifestations" - fried and stewed, stuffed and pickled, dried, smoked and just salted - to delicious local beer!
Meat lovers in Greece are offered a rich selection of pork, beef, poultry, and lamb dishes. Grilled “brizoles” and “paidakya”, respectively, meat with bone and lamb ribs, always turn out very tasty and juicy. There are two types of local kebabs: from small pieces of meat (“suvlaki”) and large ones (“kondosuvli”).
It is also worth trying “kokoretsi” - this is the name of a dish that is somewhat reminiscent of our homemade sausage: the intestines are filled with lamb offal and baked on a grill. True gourmets cannot fail to like rooster stewed in white wine (“kokoras krasatos”) and stewed rabbit (“kuneli”). And perhaps the most famous Greek meat dish is moussaka - minced meat, potatoes and eggplants laid in layers and baked with bechamel sauce.
Greek cuisine is impossible to imagine without cheese and one of its most famous varieties - "feta". It is made only from sheep's milk and stored in wooden barrels. Popular in the country and, accordingly, among tourists are such varieties of cheese as "kefalotiri" (hard, made from goat's milk), "tulumotiri" (the oldest of all local varieties) and exquisite "manuri" (white, with a very spicy taste ).
In conclusion, let's mention the famous "Greek salad", in their homeland simply called "village", which Russian housewives also like to cook. "Original" differs in taste from that served in our cafes and restaurants or cooked at home. What exactly is the difference is also difficult to convey in words: you need to feel it by trying both options. And what is needed for this? That's right: come to rest in Greece!
Language
Modern Greek (Dimotica), derived from the vernacular used in the Late Antique period, did not become the country's official language until 1976. Before that, this was kafarevusa (“purified language”). Fortunately for tourists, many Greeks speak at least one foreign language: most often English, but also German, French or Italian.
Still, a few words in Greek will be appreciated. If you have some time, try learning a couple of basic phrases and the alphabet. Although signs and signs are often presented in Latin transcription, this is not always the case; in addition, knowledge of the alphabet will allow you to navigate in banks, restaurants and other establishments.
Holidays in Greece
- January 1 - New Year.
- January 6 - Epiphany.
- March 25 - Independence Day.
- May 1 - Labor Day.
- August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin.
- October 28 is Ohi Day, commemorating the Greek resistance to the Italian occupation of 1940.
- December 25 - Christmas.
- December 26 - Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin.
Holidays that do not have an exact date are the First Day of Great Lent (Clean Monday), Holy Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Spirits Day.
Money
The national currency of Greece is the euro, divided into 100 euro cents. Basically, all payments are made in cash, which naturally leads to an increase in the shadow economy. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, however, accept credit cards, but some of them charge an additional 3% to 5%, sometimes without even notifying you. If you have Visa or MasterCard cards, then you can easily withdraw money from an ATM. Traveler's checks can be cashed at a bank or hotel, just don't forget your passport.
Opening hours
Despite some general trends, such as a long break in work during the siesta, the opening hours of organizations in Greece are quite fluid. Shops are usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from about 8.30-10.00 to 15.00, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 14.00 and then from 17.00 to 20.00-21.00. This rule does not affect local shops, especially grocery stores, which sometimes work even on Sunday.
Museums and places archaeological sites that you can visit are closed on Monday, sometimes on Wednesday, and the smallest - the entire period from November to March. Opening hours - from 8.00-8.30 to 15.00 out of season, and until 17.00 and even 19.00 in July and August. Remember that the last visitors are allowed in half an hour before closing.
Banks, as a rule, work from 8.00-8.30 to 14.00 from Monday to Thursday and until 13.30 on Friday; some make exchange transactions on Saturday.
Shopping in Greece
IN sunny Greece travel not only for beach holiday on the islands or exploring the world-famous sights of ancient times, but also for shopping. For those of you who don't know yet, Greece, along with Italy, is one of the best shopping destinations in Europe. Despite the difference in exchange rates, it will not be difficult to find, for example, a relatively inexpensive fur coat or a beautiful vase that will decorate the interior of your home.
A long-tried way to save money is, of course, to shop during the sales season. Winter sales in Greece begin in mid-January and continue through February, while summer sales cover the second half of July and all of August. Moreover, in many stores they do not start to reduce the price from a small amount - say, from 20-30%, but immediately indicate on the price tags: an 80% discount, therefore queues are not uncommon in such outlets. Be prepared to lose some time waiting, but leave with a good purchase.
Discounts apply not only to clothes and shoes, but also to household appliances, modern electronics, decor items and even good, solid furniture. True, for such goods the discount does not exceed 40% of the cost, but this is not bad either. In outlets and stocks, which should not be forgotten either, eye-pleasing price tags are present all year round. In large shopping centers, off-season sales are common, discounts can reach 50%.
But back to buying fur coats. Especially for this, shopping tours are organized in Greece, which come with and without obligations. If you choose the former (i.e., a tour with obligations), then the flight to the country and hotel accommodation, usually not exceeding 3-4 days, are paid by the fur factory. For convenience of choice, it is recommended to get acquainted with the assortment of different manufacturers in advance, and save photos of the models you like. Otherwise, if you start trying on all the models in a row, you will not only waste time and get tired, but you may end up buying not what you wanted and you will regret it.
The birthplace of Greek fur products is traditionally considered to be Kastoria, a city in the north-west of the country, in western Macedonia. There are a lot of fur factories here, the most famous among which are Ego Group, Rizos Furs, Estel Furs, Avanti Furs. Do not look for prices on the official websites of these and other manufacturers - it is not customary to indicate them, which makes it possible to bargain on the spot. There are usually no language barriers, since almost all sellers speak Russian.
But not everyone goes to Greece for clothes or household items - many would like to buy local products. In this case, welcome to the Greek supermarkets: in Athens - Sklavenitis, in Crete - Ariadni, in Thessaloniki - Masoutis. Popular among tourists are also premium-class supermarkets AB Vasilopoulos, a chain of German supermarkets Lidi.
You can also shop well in markets and bazaars, which are very numerous in the country, including flea markets. You can buy the freshest and cheapest items from the food basket right here: olive oil, feta cheese, local wine. The main thing is to be in time before 15:00, because then the markets and bazaars are closed until the next day.
For the information of tourists: citizens of the Russian Federation, since they are not residents of the European Union, can use the right to a VAT refund ( Tax Free), but provided that the purchase amount is not less than 120 € and it is made at a point of sale that participates in the system. To determine this, you just need to take a closer look: the designation "tax-free for tourists", which literally translates from English as "for tourists without tax", in this case is applied to the windows, the cashier or directly to the entrance to the store. On the mainland, the amount of value added tax refund will be 23%, on the island territories - 16%.
Public transport
It is convenient to travel around Greece by bus, and the trip will also be inexpensive. However, there are very, very few drivers who understand English, not to mention Russian. City public transport runs from 5:30 am until midnight, there are also special night flights. The most developed in terms of transport is, of course, the capital. Car communication in it, as well as in other cities, is chaotic, there may be problems with parking. The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h.
An alternative to buses is electric transport (trams and trolleybuses). Athens, as befits a metropolitan metropolis, has its own metro, the ticket is valid for 1.5 hours. There are no subways in other cities.
Greece also has a network railways, only experienced tourists are not advised to travel on second-class trains, since they cannot boast of cleanliness and comfort, unlike first-class trains. But regardless of the category, the train has been and remains a popular option specifically for night trips: you fell asleep in one city, and woke up in the morning - you are already rested and fresh at your destination!
Since Greece is partly Island state, bus or train can not be reached in all points of the country. For sea travel, you will have to choose one of the types of water transport: ferry or speedboat. When parking your own or rented car on the ferry, you should be careful, as cars are usually located very close to each other.
Car driving
A driving license valid in Russia will be enough to rent a car in Greece. Prices in numerous local companies are quite reasonable, but check the condition of the car and the availability of insurance in case of an accident. The minimum age of the driver is 21 years old, sometimes 25 years old. Driving experience must be at least one year.
The major highways are very good for motorists, and in addition, thanks to EU funds, Greece's road network has been greatly improved in recent years. There are also dirt roads leading mainly to beaches and secluded monasteries. The speed limit is 50 km/h in the city (sometimes less), 80 km/h on highways, 120 km/h on motorways, although sometimes, looking at the way the Greeks drive, it's hard to believe... If you happen to drive at night, beware of unlit areas and herds of animals crossing the road. Driving in the city can be tricky, especially in Athens, due to the many traffic jams and one-way roads.
Communication and Internet
Mobile communications in Greece are very well developed, the network covers almost the entire territory of the country, except for some small remote islands. Especially good "catches" in the cities, and in Athens, even in the subway. If you are going to call Greek numbers, then it makes sense to buy a SIM card from one of the local mobile operators. If there is no such need, and you plan to call only home in the Russian Federation, then you can use the roaming service that all Russian operators provide to their subscribers.
The leaders of the Greek mobile communications market are companies such as Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone. The first is the state and its main advantage in the eyes of competitors can be considered a good level of customer service. Wind was once a monopoly in the local market and has long established itself as a high quality connection. Well, Vodafone, as a transnational operator, does not need any additional introduction. The quality of coverage is not inferior to competitors, but it has a little more "dead zones" where communication is not available.
Moral standards
Even though it is very hot in summer, if you are off the beach, please dress appropriately. To visit the monastery, women should wear a skirt or dress below the knee and a headscarf, men should wear trousers.
If you are offered a drink or invited to dinner, do not refuse, as this may offend the Greeks. Also remember that everything related to relations with Turkey is a rather sensitive issue, avoid joking on this topic.
controversial points
Check your restaurant bill: in the most touristy places, it can increase by one extra dish or drink ... Also pay attention to the prices in the windows: they are sometimes for take-out and can double if you eat on the spot. Finally, if you want to pay by credit card, make sure that the tip (3-5%) is not charged without your consent. As a rule, any misunderstanding can be easily resolved, you just have to stay alert and remember to call the tourist police, who specialize in settling this kind of problem.
Safety
Greece, with all the desire, cannot be attributed, like, for example, Iceland or Sweden, to the safest countries for tourists on the continent. Unfortunately, petty theft is common here, especially in crowded places: at hotels, at airports, railway stations, near attractions. Pickpockets operate in public transport. Athens, as in any major city, has its own dangerous areas, these are Kolokotroni and Vathi squares and the red-light district in the vicinity of Omonia square.
Women should especially beware of ... obsessive suitors or "kamaks" (from the Greek "kamakis" - "harpooner"). These are, as a rule, good-looking men, radiating charm and temperament, who are very persistent in seeking the favor of single foreign tourists. Their ultimate goal is to "hook" for some time, and if you're lucky, then for the whole season, a rich companion. Lovely ladies are also not recommended to get into a car with strangers or walk at night, as there is a risk of becoming victims of rape.
The Greeks spend their hot southern temperament not only looking for love affairs, but also participating in all kinds of protests and strikes. And although the "righteous anger" of the demonstrators is usually not directed at people, it is better not to go outside during the rally. Police to disperse protesters usually use tear gas, which acts not only for its intended purpose, that is, on the eyes. It can cause serious complications in patients with bronchitis and asthma. And yet, even if law enforcement officers with their means of restraint are far from you, there is a risk of falling under someone's hot hand or getting injured in a stampede.
In addition to the human factor, natural factors also pose a certain danger. AND mainland Greece and its islands fall under the definition of seismically hazardous areas, which means a high probability of earthquakes. High-amplitude tremors, fortunately, do not happen so often, but small-scale vibrations of the earth's crust are a common occurrence. Don't forget about the risk posed by forest fires due to the hot climate. In these cases, call the fire department directly on 199 or the rescue service on 112.
Hotels and accommodation in Greece
Both on the mainland and on the islands, hotels for every taste and budget are at the service of tourists. In Greece, in addition to their traditional classification by the number of stars, an alphabetic system for designating the class of a hotel is also used. So, the letter L means that you are in a luxury hotel, which corresponds to five stars; C - three stars; and E corresponds to the level of 1-2 stars. But there is often a kind of “anomaly”: in hotels of class E, the level of service is higher than in hotels with the designation C.
Be prepared for the fact that you may run into a shortage of rooms, especially on the most popular Greek islands. Excitement is common here, especially on weekends and holidays, when foreigners join the holiday locals. To avoid tourist "pandemonium", book apartments in advance. So, using the Booking.com service, you can find excellent accommodation options in Greece with up to 60% discounts.
Most of the local hotels are owned by local owners, but Greece also has some of the largest international networks such as Best Western and Hilton. You can also rent an extra-class room at local chain hotels, such as the Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Louis and Chandris. The cost of living in them is from 150-200 euros.
Many tourists prefer to stay in private hotels (boarding houses), which most fully convey the very spirit of the local way of life and hospitality inherent in the Greeks. In cities, you can rent a separate apartment for two or three people, in the suburbs - small houses, designed for four guests. Prices vary from 40-60 to 90-120 euros per night.
Hostels in Greece are not as popular as in others European countries ah, but you can stay in one of the five Athens youth hostels, members of the International Hostel Association. There are similar ones in Thessaloniki, Paros, Corfu and Ios, and they are also included in the named association. An overnight stay in a hostel will cost you about 10 €, the cost depends on its location.
In the homeland of democracy, you can also stay in monasteries, only the rules for staying in them may not seem so democratic. For example, if you are looking for an overnight stay with a partner of the opposite sex, you will be rejected. In addition, you need to dress in accordance with generally accepted standards of decency, otherwise they will not be accepted either. And if they put you in, you will have to observe " curfew”: returning to the monastery - for example, after an excursion - is not allowed later than the deadline.
), and charter.
At the peak of the tourist season, that is, in the summer, flights to Greece are carried out, including from such Russian cities as Krasnodar, Kazan and Perm.
To stay in the country, Russians need a foreign passport with a Schengen visa stamped.
Airfare low price calendar
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Useful data for tourists about Greece, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Greece, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions Greece.
Geography of Greece
Greece is a state in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey. It is washed by the Aegean and Ionian seas. Greece consists of about 2 thousand islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.
mountain ranges occupy almost a quarter of the country's territory. The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus (2917 m).
Mountain rivers predominate, short, stormy, with picturesque rapids and waterfalls, often flowing to the sea in narrow canyons. The longest river in Greece is Alyakmon (almost 300 km). In Greece, there are over 20 lakes with an area of 10-100 square kilometers.
State
State structure
Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister.
Language
Official language: Greek
Also used: English, German, Italian, French.
Religion
Orthodox (97.6%), Muslims (1.3%), Catholics (0.4%) and others.
Currency
International name: EUR
History of Greece
The emergence of the first settlements in the Aegean basin dates back to the Neolithic era. Already from the III millennium BC on the island of Crete appear state organizations early feudal type. Later cultural centers arise in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) - the common name of the ancient Greek states. The centuries-old history tells about their formation, development, rapid prosperity, wars (Greco-Persian, Peloponnesian), victories and defeats. In the 2nd century BC, these states became a Roman province, in the 4th-15th centuries AD they were part of the state formed during the collapse of the Roman Empire - Byzantium. The capital of this state was Constantinople.
Since the 15th century, Greece has been under Turkish rule. During the Greek national liberation revolution (1821-1829), the independence of Greece was proclaimed, after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia, its autonomy was recognized by the Treaty of Andriapolis. Since 1830 - Greece - an independent state.
Until 1973, Greece was a constitutional monarchy, the official head of state was King Constantine II, who ascended the throne in 1964 after the death of Paul I. In April 1967, the junta of "black colonels" led by Georgios Popadopoulos carried out a coup d'état and established a military dictatorship. On June 1, 1973, the government's decision to overthrow Constantine II was announced, and Greece was proclaimed a presidential republic. After the fall of the reactionary regime in July 1974, a civilian government headed by Konstantinos Karamanlis came to power. Since the November 17, 1974 elections, Greece has been a parliamentary republic with a presidential form of government. The final liquidation of the monarchy was, therefore, not the result of the maneuvers of the dictatorial regime, but the expression of the will of the Greek people, one of the largest political events in the country in the post-war years.
The emergence of the first settlements in the Aegean basin dates back to the Neolithic era. From the 3rd millennium BC, state organizations of the early feudal type appeared on the island of Crete. Later, cultural centers appear in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) - the common name of the ancient Greek states. The centuries-old history tells about their formation, development, rapid prosperity, wars (Greco-Persian, Peloponnesian), victories and defeats. In the 2nd century BC, these states became a Roman province, in the 4th-15th centuries AD they were part of the state formed during the collapse of the Roman Empire - Byzantium. The capital of this state was Constantinople. ...
Popular Attractions
Greece Tourism
Where to stay
Today, Greece attracts tourists not only with its amazing beauty of nature, but also with a developed tourist infrastructure. The hotel infrastructure of Greece is represented by hotels from economy class to luxury, both on the mainland and on the islands. Many hotels are all-inclusive, although there is also a fine selection of half-board or breakfast-only hotels. It is worth noting that in Greece there is an “old” gradation system for hotels - a letter one. That is, the level of the hotel class is indicated by letters, that is, the gradation goes from L - luxury, an analogue of European five stars, and up to E - hotels that have not been assigned any category.
Most family-type hotels are located in Halkidiki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. Thanks to the rapid development of tourism infrastructure, over the past 10 years, many new hotels have been built in Greece, as well as old ones have been modernized. In the competitive struggle, hotel owners have begun to pay more and more attention to creating special conditions for recreation with children, which today allows us to state with confidence that Greece is an ideal place for a family vacation. As a rule, such hotels are equipped with children's playgrounds, attractions, sports grounds, a babysitting service is provided, animators work.
For those who care about their health and want to combine relaxation with wellness, then in Greece you will find many hotels that have at their disposal well-equipped fitness rooms, gyms, spas, saunas, beauty salons and much more.
It is worth booking hotels in Greece in advance, especially during the season. The cost of living in the coastal zone in July-August can increase significantly.
Rest in the private sector continues to be very popular, namely the rental of villas, cottages or apartments in close proximity to the sea. This vacation option is the most optimal for large companies, families with children, as it allows you to save on the accommodation of a large number of people. Plus accommodation in a cottage - you feel like in your own home, minus - service (food, cleaning, laundry) is not included in the rent. The cost of living varies depending on the location of the property, as well as the season.
No less common are Greek boarding houses (paradosiakoi oikismoi). They can be found in big cities as well as in the province. Boarding houses are either separate apartments with a shower, designed for 2-3 people, or small cottages with rooms for 4 people. The cost of living per person in such boarding houses depends on the capacity of one room and is comparable to the "upper D-class".
Greece has a large number of well-equipped campsites. It should be noted that parking outside of them is prohibited. As a rule, the cost of spending the night in a campsite is 5-7 euros per person (accommodation in a house), within 8 euros for a "caravan" and a little less for spending the night in a tent. However, many travelers note that the security situation in Greek campsites is a little worse than in European countries, and cases of theft of personal belongings have become repeated.
There are 10 youth hostels in Greece, which are members of the International Association. However, here you can also find a large number of hostels that are members of the Greek Youth Hostel Association. If you want to stay in such a hostel, you will need an IYHF card. In many cases, you can purchase it directly from the hostel, or you can pay a little extra on top of the rate. Towels and bed linen must be paid separately. Standard prices for accommodation range from 7-9 euros per day, however, they may vary depending on the location of the hostel.
For pilgrims, and just believing tourists, there is the possibility of living in monasteries. It is worth considering that while living in such a place, you will need to fully comply with the monastery’s routine, as well as the requirements for dress code. The option of gender placement is also very likely, that is, men can only stay in the men's monastery, women - respectively, in the women's one.
Greek cuisine is simple, wholesome, unpretentious and uses the very best ingredients: tempting olives, fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish cooked in the finest local olive oil. The meat - usually lamb or pork - is stewed, baked or barbecued. Cheeses are very important: salted feta is used in salads, halloumi is often grilled, and amari, a mild, mild cheese like ricotta, is used in sweet and spicy dishes....
Tips
Tips to waiters are usually 5-10% of the order amount, but this is solely the goodwill of the client. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
Visa
Office Hours
Churches and monasteries are open to the public, each according to their own rules. Churches are open during services. As a rule, museums are open daily, except Mondays, from 8 am to 3 pm. In summer, some museums are open until 7 pm. The Acropolis is open on full moon summer evenings.
Stores are usually open on weekdays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00 and from 17:30 to 20:30. Supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm.
IN weekdays banks are usually open from 8.30 to 14.00 (on Friday until 13.30).
Purchases
In Greece, value added tax (VAT) ranges from 8% to 36%. VAT refund is possible for purchases in stores that have the inscription "tax-free". The store issues a special receipt to the buyer, which must be shown at customs when leaving Greece, along with the purchased item. Customs officers put a stamp on the receipt and send it to the store, which must transfer the amount of VAT to you within a month.
Medicine
Pharmacies are open all days except Sunday, and on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday they close at 13:00. In case of acute ailment, you should call an ambulance, and not look for the nearest hospital.
Safety
Beware of pickpockets and bag thieves. Be especially vigilant in the center of Athens, in public transport, in historical places of Greece popular among tourists.
Emergency Phones
Tourist Police - 171 (in Athens), 922-7777 (outside Athens)
Police - 100
Fire Department - 199
Ambulance - 166
National features of Greece. Traditions
Shaking the head from the bottom up, in Greek means "no", and from top to bottom - "yes". In Greek, the sound "ne" means "yes", and the denial sounds like "oh".
The Greek "tomorrow" ("avrio") means something indefinite or refusal.
It is not customary to take off your shoes in a Greek house.
Questions and opinions about Greece
Corfu Island - Q&A
Question answer
Crete - Q&A
Greece (Ελλάδα) is a European country on the Balkan Peninsula bordering Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia. Greece is washed by the seas: Ionian, Aegean, Mediterranean, Cretan and Libyan.
The length of the coastline of Greece is - 13.676 km
Greece owns many islands - about 2500, of which 165 are inhabited. The largest of them is Crete, with north side washed by the Cretan Sea (this is part of the Aegean Sea) and from the south - by the Libyan. There are also numerous islands in the Aegean Sea, the so-called Cyclades, the islands of the Dodecanese (southern Sporades), the eastern Sporades, Euboea. The main islands of the Ionian Sea are Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada and. The islands of the Saronic Gulf include Aegina, Salomina, Paros, Hydra and others.
The terrain in Greece is mostly mountainous and hilly, most of it is dry and rocky, 45% of the land is arable.
The highest mountain - Olympus 2918 m
capital and largest city in Greece are Athens
Greece has an area of 131958 km²
11.4 million people live in the country
The main population is Greeks, 98% Orthodox
Official language - Greek
Monetary unit - euro
Phone code +30
Form of government - parliamentary republic
Political regime - democratic
President of the Republic - Prokopis Pavlopoulos (Προκόπης Παυλόπουλος)
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (Aλέξης Τσίπρας)
Despite the fact that Greece turned out to be the poorest Roman province, the Romans admired the richness of Greek culture and became its followers. When the Roman Empire was divided into two parts, western and eastern, Hellas found itself in the eastern part, which was later called the Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople. In the future, Roman and Hellenic cultures interacted in the culture of Byzantium, the empire lasted for more than a thousand years and throughout all the time remained the main world cultural center.
Starting in 1953, Byzantium was gradually conquered by the Ottoman Empire and Greece was enslaved by the Turks for a long 400 years.
Turkish domination continued until 1821, at which time the Greeks rebelled for independence, the armed struggle ended in 1828.
MODERN HISTORY OF GREECE
In 1830, the independence of the new Greek state was officially recognized (Protocol of London).
In 1833 a monarchy was established in Greece.
In 1940, Greece entered World War II in response to an Italian attack, repulsing the Italians and winning a major victory. But with the intervention of Nazi Germany (1941-1944), Greece could not resist. Immediately after the end of the war, a civil war broke out, which lasted until 1949.
In 1952 Greece became a member of NATO.
In 1967, the army took power through a coup, in 1973 the junta abolished the monarchy, in 1974 the dictatorial regime ended (after the failure of the coup in Cyprus).
After a referendum, on December 8, 1974, Greece is again proclaimed a Republic, on June 11, 1975, a new constitution was drawn up, which is still in force today, amended in 1986, 2001 and 2008.
Greece became a member of the European Union in 1981 and in 2002 the European Union's common currency, the euro, was adopted.
TOURISM IN GREECE
An important factor in the Greek economy and development is tourism.
Greece is considered popular place in the world, mainly for summer holiday, the popularity of winter destinations is growing every year.
In 2017, Greece was visited by about 30 million tourists, it entered the top ten tourist destinations.
Travelers in Hellas are attracted by clean beaches and warm azure sea, good climate, historical places, tasty and healthy cuisine, beauty of nature, nightlife.
The most popular tourist destinations are Athens, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, Nafplion, Thessaloniki, the island of Lesbos (Mytilini), in the Ionian Islands - Corfu and Zakynthos, in the Cyclades - Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, as well as the island of Rhodes and the island of Crete.
Popular resorts for winter holidays are Metsovo, Zagorohoria, Arakhova, Karpenisi, Kalavryta and the regions of Arcadia.
More than 80% of those who come to Greece are tourists from European countries, the flow of travelers from other countries of the world is increasing every year.
Nowadays, a person with a secondary education is ashamed not to know where Greece is. This country is the cradle of our entire European culture and civilization. The first famous philosophers, scientists, sculptors and architects, writers and poets lived here. Ancient Greek civilization gave rise to the practice of the Olympic Games - sports competitions between city-states. During their conduct, all wars ceased. But here we will not talk about the Games, but about the rich and amazing country- Greece. About its location on the world map. About its islands and rugged coastline. About the climate and the most popular resorts. And of course, about its rich and ancient history, which had such an impact on the entire European civilization.
Where is Greece located on the map
Let's start with geography. If we open the political atlas of the world, we will see that the Hellenic Republic is located in the European Union, in the southeast of its territory. This state - with the exception of the holy Mount Athos - since 2000 has been part of the Schengen Agreement. That is, to get to Greece, you need to open a visa. But the "Schengen" received at the embassy of this country gives the right to travel throughout Europe. The Hellenic Republic occupies not only part of the mainland. In fact, a fifth of it is archipelagos and islands. Their total area is almost 25 thousand square kilometers. By the number of islands on its territory, this country ranks sixty-ninth in the world. It is there that the main flow of tourists rushes in the summer. But mainland Greece is no less interesting. The map shows that in the north the country borders with Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania. The border with Turkey mainly runs by sea, but also on land it stretches for two hundred and six kilometers.
Story
It is rather difficult to describe in a few words the eventful history of this region. IN ancient times Greek policies were very powerful. Their ships reached the Black Sea. The ancient Greeks founded colonies in the Crimea and in Colchis (the coast of the Caucasus). In 146 BC, Hellas became dependent on Rome, but with the split of this empire in 395 into western and eastern parts, it could regain its former power. The capital of Byzantium moved from Athens to Constantinople (now Istanbul). But with the strengthening of the Seljuk Turks, the empire fell. This happened in 1453. Where Greece had its colonies, the Ottoman Empire established itself. Turkish rule lasted for several centuries. Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire only after the national liberation war in 1830.
What peninsula is Greece on?
Now it's time to reveal geographical map Europe. We see that Greece (at least its mainland) is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. But this part of the land, washed by the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Black, is too large to serve as an accurate coordinate. Together with Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina completely fit on the giant Balkan Peninsula. And Turkey and Romania are partly located in the Balkans. How to more accurately determine the location of Greece? Let's put it this way: this country lies between the forty-second and thirty-fifth degrees of northern latitude. In longitude, it is limited by the 19th and 28th meridians of the Eastern Hemisphere. The area of this state, together with the islands, is 132 thousand square kilometers.
indented coast
We answered the question about which peninsula Greece is on, but this information is not exhaustive. The map shows that the Balkans have a very rugged coastline. And on the territory of Greece, we generally see, as it were, a “fringe” protruding into the sea. The length of the coastline of this country is impressive: fifteen thousand kilometers! Some peninsulas are connected to the mainland by such a narrow and long isthmus that they seem completely isolated. For example, the Peloponnese. This peninsula looks like a ripe berry hanging on a thin stalk. The isthmus called the Corinthian, 42 km long, is not very wide. At its narrowest point (six and a half kilometers), a canal was dug in the nineteenth century. On the territory of the Peloponnese are located such tourist places like Sparta and Olympia.
Relief of Greece
About eighty percent of the country's territory is made up of mountains, cliffs and plateaus. Such an elevated relief is due to the peninsula on which Greece is located. The Balkans have several mountain systems on their territory. Bulgaria, Croatia and other countries of this gigantic peninsula can boast winter resorts for skiers. Greece is also no exception. Most of the ski resorts are located in the north of the country, in the nomes of Phokis and Evrytania, in the mountains of Pindus. But the highlight of the Arachova resort (on the slopes of Parnassus) is that, after skiing among the sparkling snow, you can take a bus to warm sea. The highest point of the country is Mount Olympus (2917 meters), where, according to pagan beliefs, the gods live. There are also plains in this country - in Boeotia, Thessaly, in the Peloponnese.
Climate
The uniqueness of the local climate is due not only to which peninsula Greece is located on, but also to the relief, currents and winds. In the territories remote from the sea, the Central European temperate climate prevails with cold winters and rather hot summers. Altitude zonality is observed in the mountains. Such a climate is called alpine. Most of the country lies in the subtropical natural zone. It means that warm winter(on Crete even in January average temperature+10 C) with frequent rains gives way to hot and dry summers. The heat is especially felt on the mainland. On the islands, due to the constantly blowing sea breeze, the heat is almost not felt. This circumstance has earned Greece the glory of a world-class resort country. About twelve million people visit it every year.
How to get there
Almost all travel agencies offer trips to this wonderful country. However, in order to better know the national spirit of Greece, its culture, the life of its people, it is better to go on a trip on your own. The Balkan Peninsula, where Greece is located, can be reached in several ways. Due to the large distance from Russia, it is preferable to choose air travel. Theoretically, you can get to Greece by train: Moscow-Sofia will take you to the capital of Bulgaria, and from there you can get to Athens. But such a move is too long and exhausting. Almost every city has an airport. By plane you can also get to the islands: Crete, Kos, Rhodes and others. Buses run between cities. The islands are not isolated: there are ferries between them and the mainland. In general, water transport in the country is very developed, in addition to regular passenger flights, you can order a tourist cruise.
People
The Greeks are extremely hospitable and hospitable people. By religion, ninety-five percent of the population are Orthodox Christians. This religion has been elevated to the rank of a state religion: all citizens, whether they like it or not, pay a tax on the upkeep of the Church. There are many Christian shrines here, where pilgrims and just curious people rush. Suffice it to recall Mount Athos and the monasteries of Meteora. Greek cuisine is beyond praise. While in the country, it’s a sin not to try soufflés, olives, meze meat appetizers and local ouzo vodka. This culture gave the world Greek salad, tzatziki, moussaka and many other dishes. Not to mention the wines. They are excellent here. And this is not surprising - after all, the god of winemaking Dionysus was born here. Greece, whose location is very advantageous, because it is at the crossroads of European, Asian and African cultures, has absorbed all the best that they could give to humanity.
Islands
Greece is full of interesting historical and cultural attractions, and this is the most essential reason to visit the country. If you are arriving in the country through the capital's airport, extend your stay in Athens by a few days. It is impossible to go to the beaches without seeing the famous Acropolis, the temples of Zeus and Hephaestus, and the Arch of Hadrian. If you are a fan of Byzantine art, head to Thessaloniki. Meteora, Athos, Delphi, Olympus are just a few places from the numerous list of attractions that mainland Greece is proud of. Islands (a map in Russian with interesting places is available at points tourist information) attract guests with their beaches and unique climate. But there is also something to see here. Crete stands out in particular. This is the largest island in the country. The mysterious Cretan-Mycenaean civilization once flourished on it, leaving us many beautiful artifacts. But Greece has three thousand islands - enough to choose to your liking. By the way, most of them are still uninhabited. People permanently live only on two hundred of them. Clusters of islands form archipelagos: Northern Sporades, Cyclades, Dodecanese and others.
Fur coat tours
All shopaholics in the world know where Greece is. Since this country invented such interesting view tourism, like fur-tours with an obligation. What does it mean? In Greece, there is a small town of Kastoria, almost all of whose inhabitants are involved in the furrier business. Fur-bearing animals are bred here and fur coats and sheepskin coats are made from their fur. To lure buyers to inland Kastoria, the local furriers' association came up with "tours with commitment". If you sign that you will buy fur products in the amount of at least 1400 Euros, all expenses - flights, hotel accommodation and meals - are covered by the receiving party. Thus, you can relax on the beaches (tours involve visiting not only Kastoria), and buy a new fur coat. If you are not sure about the range and prices of furs, you can buy a ticket without obligation.
What to bring from Greece
If buying a fur coat is still an unrealizable dream, let's think about what souvenirs you can bring back from your trip. In addition to fridge magnets and pseudo-antique figurines made in China, you can buy real, authentic things in the shops of Greek resort towns and islands. And it’s better not to look for a souvenir shop at all. Everything originally Greek is sold in a regular grocery store. First, it's feta cheese. The Greeks themselves consume it in huge quantities - twenty-five kilograms per capita per year! Believe me, authentic feta is very different from the Russian counterpart. Next is extra virgin olive oil. Maybe ouzo is a drink for everyone, but absolutely everyone appreciates Greek wines! If you have made a trip to the monasteries, you will not return empty-handed: you will definitely buy cypress crosses, icons, figurines. For antiques (and not a fake for it) they go to Athens, to Monastiraki Square. Greece is at the crossroads of cultures, and here you can buy anything you want.
- a state in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
Official name of Greece:
Greek Republic.
Territory of Greece:
The area of the state of the Hellenic Republic is 131,940 km².
Greece population:
The population of Greece is more than 10 million inhabitants (10964020 people).
Ethnic groups of Greece:
The majority of the population of Greece are Greeks - 92%. The only official minority are the Muslims of Thrace and the Dodecanese, including Turks - 0.8%, Pomaks (Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, 0.3%) and Muslim Gypsies (0.1%). Other minorities are distinguished mainly on linguistic grounds and are not officially recognized in Greece: Albanians (1%; including Arvanites), "Slavophone Greeks" or Macedonian Slavs (close to Macedonians, 1.6%), Aromanians (1.1% , including Meglenites), Gypsies (1.8%), Serbs (0.3%), Arabs (0.3%), Armenians (0.3%), Jews (0.05%), etc.
Average life expectancy in Greece:
The average life expectancy in Greece is - 78.89 years (see. Rating of countries in the world by average life expectancy).
Capital of Greece:
Athens.
Major cities in Greece:
Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki.
Official language of Greece:
Greek.
Religion in Greece:
Article 3 of the Greek Constitution states: "The dominant religion in Greece is the religion of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ." The absolute majority (98%, according to 2006 data) of the Greek population are members of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Geographical position of Greece:
The Greek peninsula, located in southeastern Europe, covers an area of 131,944 km². Greece is located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and on the islands adjacent to it and to the coast of Asia Minor. Greece borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
Greece is washed by:
the Mediterranean Sea, including: the Ionian, Aegean Seas, and the southern coast of Crete - the Libyan Sea. Greece consists of about 2,000 islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.
The territory of Greece is divided into three parts.
IN mainland Greece includes:
Macedonia - the northern region of Greece, bordering on Albania (Janina, Igoumenitsa), Bulgaria (Rhodopi) and Macedonia (Kastoria, Chalkidiki); Thrace - the northeastern region bordering Bulgaria and Turkey (Alexandropol, Komotini); Epirus - the northwestern region bordering Albania (washed by the Ionian Sea); Thessaly is the most flat region, from the east it is washed by the Aegean Sea (Larisa, Volos, Trikala);
Central Greece - the central part of Greece (Chalcis, Lamia, Amfissa):
Attica - the area around Athens; Peloponnese is the most large peninsula Greece (area - 21.4 thousand km²), connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth (5 km wide), through which a canal was dug at the end of the 19th century (length 6500 m, width 23.5 m, depth 40 m).
The third region of Greece is formed by the islands of the Aegean Sea:
Euboea - the second largest, after Crete, the island of Greece (3.9 thousand km²), connected to the continent by a bridge; Lesvos is one of the major islands of Greece (1.6 thousand km²); Northern Sporades - the islands of Skyros, Skopelos, Jura, Iliodramia, and others in the northwestern part of the Aegean Sea; Cyclades - "kyklos" in Greek - forming a ring, an archipelago in the central and southern parts of the Aegean Sea (the islands of Amorgos, Andros, Sifnos, Santorini, Timos, Kitnos, etc.); Southern Sporades - Dodecanese - an archipelago of 12 islands in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey (the islands of Rhodes, Samos, Astypalea, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, etc.).
The Greek landscape is an alternation of rocky, usually treeless mountains, densely populated valleys, numerous islands, straits and bays.
Picturesque rocks, beaches, exotic grottoes provide great opportunities for seaside recreation and mountain tourism. The wide distribution of limestones, especially in the western part of Greece, has led to the formation of sinkholes, caves, giving the landscape a peculiar wild look and attracting lovers to try their hand at speleology. Mountain ranges occupy almost a quarter of the surface of the territory of Greece. These are predominantly medium-altitude mountains (up to 1200-1800 m). The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus (2917 m). Above 2000 meters also rise Pindus, Parnassus, Mountain chain in the north of the Peloponnese and Taygetos. There are few plains, they are concentrated in the eastern half of the country, with the exception of the Peloponnese, where the plains prevail on the western coast. About 44% of the territory is under forest and shrubs. National parks of Greece: Vikos-Aoos, Mikra-Prespa, Eta and others. When walking in the mountains, it must be remembered that there are many reptiles in Greece (turtles, lizards and snakes, including the horned viper).
Rivers of Greece:
On the narrow and mountainous Greek peninsula, large river systems. Mountain rivers predominate, short, stormy, with picturesque rapids and waterfalls, often flowing to the sea in narrow canyons. The longest river in Greece is Alyakmon (almost 300 km). Other major rivers are the Ebros, Nestos, Strymon, Vardar, Acheloos. Rivers are not suitable for navigation, but they play a rather large role as sources of energy.
Administrative-territorial division of Greece:
The administrative division of Greece includes 13 administrative districts (regions, or peripheries), which are then subdivided into 54 nomes, or prefectures. In addition to these 13 districts, Greece includes 1 autonomous region - Aion Oros in the region of Mount Athos. Thirteen regions are governed by general secretaries who are appointed by the government. The secretaries general are representatives of the government. They support central government functions and services and assist the government in formulating regional development policies.
The state structure of Greece:
Greece is a unitary state, consisting of 13 administrative units - regions. In 1983, it was legally established that questions local importance are in charge of councils elected by the population through direct elections. According to the 1975 constitution, Greece has a parliamentary form of government. The head of government is the prime minister - the head of the party that has the most seats in parliament. The government headed by the prime minister is responsible to the parliament.
Legislative power in Greece is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral representative body elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 4 years.
The Chamber of Deputies consists of not less than 200 and not more than 300 people. The chamber meets once a year for a regular session, which lasts at least 5 months. In order to prepare and study bills and legislative proposals, at the beginning of each session, it forms parliamentary commissions from its members. Legislative activity is carried out during plenary sessions.
The head of state is the president, who is elected by parliament for a term of five years and may be re-elected for another term.
The President is empowered to declare war and conclude treaties with other countries. He appoints the prime minister and, on the recommendation of the latter, the other members of the government. The President may call special sittings of Parliament and dissolve it on the proposal of the government or with the consent of the Council of the Republic. The Council is composed of the Prime Minister, the head of the parliamentary opposition, the Speaker of Parliament, and former prime ministers and presidents of democratically elected governments.
The Government exercises executive power, represented by the Prime Minister and ministers (one or more of them may be appointed vice-premiers).
The government is formed by the party that wins the majority of seats in Parliament. The leader of that party becomes prime minister. Within 15 days from the moment he takes the oath, the Government must raise the issue of confidence before the Parliament. The Chamber of Deputies has the right to "take back its confidence" in the Government or one of its members. A resolution of reproof may only be introduced 6 months after the House has rejected the previous resolution. The resolution of reprimand must be signed by at least 1/6 of the deputies.
The government carries out the general policy of the state in accordance with the Constitution and laws.
Under the provisions of the ministerial liability laws, members of the Council of Ministers and state secretaries are liable for omissions committed in the performance of their functions. The system of government in Greece is based on the principle of decentralization. There are local authorities of the first and second levels and the regional administration. The first level of local authorities consists of municipalities and communities, which are responsible for solving local issues. Total number communities and municipalities - less than 1000. The second level of local government - 51 prefectures, headed by prefectural councils and prefects, who since 1994 have been directly elected by citizens. Local authorities of the second level deal with more general issues.
