The impression of Greece is brief and interesting. Geographic location and climate. Holidays in Greece

Greece, which is called the cradle of European culture, is located in the south of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Relatively small in area, the country is invaluable in terms of historical and cultural heritage.

Geographic characteristics

The capital of Greece is Athens, it is one of ancient cities in the world, but the youngest European capital, since Athens acquired the status of the capital only in the middle of the 19th century.

Greece is a republic. The northern border of Greece passes with Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria, in the east the state borders on Turkey.

According to the peculiarities of natural conditions, the country can be divided into 8 regions:

1. Northern Greece (subtropics),
2. Thessaly (an area combining mountains and plains),
3. Western Greece (most mountainous area),
4. Ionian Islands (subtropics with fertile lands),
5. Central Greece(the driest part of the country, hot and dry),
6. Southern Greece (the mildest climate),
7. Crete (an attractive tourist area with a comfortable climate, clean bays and beaches),
8. Islands of the Aegean Sea (more rocky and less fertile than the islands in the Ionian Sea).

Nature

The relief of the country is defined as mountainous, since plateaus, rocks and mountain ranges occupy up to 80% of the country's territory. The mountains are mostly medium-altitude, not exceeding 1800 meters. Plains prevail in the east of the country. A large and ancient Pindus mountain system runs along the central part.

The height of the famous Mount Olympus is 2917 meters, it is part of the Pindus system. The competition in height to Olympus is no less famous Parnassus (2457 meters).

The Pindus mountains continue in the Peloponnese in the form of ridges and headlands. The eastern shore is heavily lined with rocks...

Wetter is the western part of Greece - there are more permanent rivers than in the east. In the east of the country, where the rivers are mostly fed by snow, the rivers often dry up in summer.

The rivers of Greece are few: natural conditions it was predetermined that large river systems could not form on a narrow peninsula heavily indented by rocks. Therefore, Greek rivers are predominantly short, swift, originating in the mountains and rushing to the sea along wedge-shaped valleys.

The Greek river with the greatest length is Alyakmon (the length is 300 meters, and the river is completely within the country). Rivers also flow through the territory of Greece, originating in other countries: Moritsa, Nestos, Strymon, Vardar.

The rivers Aheloos, Tnyos, flowing along the western edge of the country, are the most full-flowing. During the summer periods, they do not dry up, as happens with the eastern rivers.

There are over 20 large lakes in Greece. Areas over 90 sq. km reach Trichonis and Volvi, and Lake Prespa, with an area of ​​more than 280 sq. km, only one edge invades Greece, occupying the territories of two more countries.

Small Greek lakes, such as Ioannina, are karst - the most ancient in origin. They are powered by groundwater...

Greece is washed by several seas - the Mediterranean, Ionian, Aegean and Libyan. The largest of them is the Mediterranean, and the locals consider all other seas to be part of the Mediterranean.

The Aegean washes Greece on the right, the Ionian - the left side, the Cretan - the southern coast. The Aegean Sea is the largest, northernmost and coldest of the three more shallow seas. There are many small archipelagos in the sea, as East End peninsulas when it was dry land, over time sank and flooded. The Aegean Sea is very clean and transparent, the water has a turquoise hue.

The Ionian Sea washes the peninsula from Corfu to Zakynthos. It is the deepest and saltiest of the Greek seas.

The Cretan Sea is located to the north of the island of Crete, it is famous for its gentle descent into the water, clean, flat beaches, cozy bays, where comfortable resort towns are located one after another...

There is almost no natural vegetation left in the country, although extensive Greek forests were once reported, today almost exterminated. The same fate befell representatives of the animal world - today it is poor in large mammals - deer, wild boars, mountain goats and bears.

IN forest areas on the border with Bulgaria there are still bears, wolves, wild cats, foxes, lynxes, jackals, martens, rabbits.

In the coastal part of the country, there are many animals that are endangered today - this is the Mediterranean sea turtle and the endemic "monk" seal.

A variety of turtles, lizards and snakes - snakes and vipers, which easily adapted to a lack of moisture, are considered natural in a hot climate. Land Greek, endemic rock lizards, as well as Peloponnesian, Ionic and green lizards are common.

Partridges and hoopoes are found in the mountains; kingfishers are considered to be the decoration of the forests. The world of birds of prey is diverse - owls, kites, vultures, falcons.

There are more than 100 species of mollusks on the island of Crete, more than 70 of which are found only on this island and nowhere else in the world...

The climate of a small country is heterogeneous, it is strongly influenced by mountains - only on the plains and near the sea is the climate comfortable, Mediterranean subtropical. Winters are mild, summers are hot and dry.

In the mountains, there is more humidity and more precipitation, while the temperatures are much lower, and there is a chance of snowfall. The western part of the country is marked by a milder climate than the eastern part due to the influence western currents. The eastern part is drier.

The dry months are July and August, when the temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius. High temperature contributes to the ripening of grapes, peaches, figs, pomegranates. In October, rains come, dragging on for a whole period, but after the autumn rains, a semblance of spring comes again - meadows turn green, rivers draw water ...

Resources

There are few useful natural resources in Greece - brown coal, lignite, insignificant reserves of gas and oil, iron, nickel, manganese ore. There are reserves of silver and copper.

The reserves of limestone, sandstone, granite, marble are abundant - all this is successfully exported as the most valuable building materials.

Animal husbandry and agriculture have a very small share in the country's industry - most of the residents involved in animal breeding or farming do it for personal subsidiary plots. Greek animals are not exported - goats, sheep, horses are grown here, but all this is what is called “for themselves”.

Soils in Greece require indispensable irrigation, so important crops are not produced here either. Important export products from Greece are tomatoes, olives, sugar beets, and potatoes. Produce and import legumes, corn...

culture

The familiar word "Greek", denoting nationality today, was previously called the Greek colonists in southern Italy, and the Greeks themselves called themselves Hellenes.

The vast majority of the population modern Greece- 96% - Greeks, they speak one Greek language, but for the most part they also speak English. Among the population there are shares of Turks, Macedonians, Bulgarians, Albanians. Most Greeks are Orthodox Christians...

Greece is one of the most visited countries in Europe. And it's not just that she has beautiful beaches climate suitable for summer holidays and clear sea. Greece is an open air museum. Each city is imbued with the spirit of antiquity. Even in the smallest villages of Greece, you can find the ruins of an ancient fortress or fragments of ancient temples. The middle and end of May are the best time to visit Greece. At this time it is still not hot, there are few tourists and it is already possible to swim. The velvet season in Greece is September and October. In July - August it is better to relax on the islands, where the heat is easier to bear due to the breeze.

Geography

Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, on numerous islands, in the eastern part mediterranean sea. Its territory of 132 thousand square kilometers is divided into several large historical areas: Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, the islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete, the islands of the Ionian Sea.
Greece is predominantly a mountainous country. Its highest peak Olympus (2917 m) is located in northern Thessaly. Pindus, Parnassus, the mountain range in the north of the Peloponnese and Taygetos also rise above the two thousand-meter mark.
Geographically, Greece is diverse. On the one side - high mountains and mountain ranges, on the other hand, countless surprises of the lacy border of the land framing the sea. It is this deep indentation of the coast that gives Greece that unusual beauty that makes it one and only in the Mediterranean region. The same variety of relief is characteristic of the seabed of the Greek depths, which once, millions of years ago, were a continuation of the land.

Time

The difference with Moscow is 1 hour.

Climate

The climate of Greece is subtropical Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild rainy winters. There are 300-310 sunny days in a year. April and May are the most beautiful months when everything blooms and turns green. Exactly this best time for travel around historical places. In June, the weather is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The hottest months are July and August, when the average air temperature is set at around 32 degrees, and the sea warms up to 27-29 degrees. On the islands, the heat is more easily tolerated due to the proximity of the sea, from where a light refreshing breeze blows. Velvet season - September and October. The heat subsides, and the swimming season is still in full swing. From April to November, the weather is mostly cloudless, rains are rare and short-lived, and in July-August they are completely absent.

Language

The official language is Modern Greek. The staff of hotels, shops and restaurants, as a rule, speaks fluently in English and German.

Religion

Almost 98% of the population of Greece adhere to the autocephalous (independent) Greek Orthodox faith. Visiting the church on weekends and holidays is not only an obligatory ritual, but also an opportunity to chat with neighbors, and at the same time demonstrate a new elegant costume.

Population

The population of Greece is approaching 10 million people, of which approximately 1.4 million live on the islands. Average density population - 79 km2 per person. After the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1922-1923, there were practically no other nationalities left in the country, except for small groups of Albanians, Bulgarians, Armenians and Turks in the northern regions of the country.
The language of communication in Greece is Modern Greek, which developed from the classical Greek language. Literary and official language very close to ancient Greek, but the pronunciation has changed so much that it would be difficult for the ancient Greeks today to communicate with the inhabitants of the country.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 volts. European standard sockets are usually installed in hotels.

Emergency Phones

Tourist Police - 171 (in Athens), 922-7777 (outside Athens)
Police - 100
Fire Department - 199
Ambulance - 166
Pharmacy Information Service - 107 (all over Greece)
Help for drivers - 104

Connection

There should be no problems with searching for telephone boxes in Greece: they are found in almost all settlements, as well as with sufficient frequency come across on the streets major cities installed at bus stops and gas stations. To use them, you need to buy a phone card for 100 or 500 units. The most convenient and most commonly used is the 100 unit card. It allows you to make 100 calls within the city (regardless of the duration of the call) or talk about 7 minutes with Moscow. You can buy a card in hotels in Greece, where you will definitely find a pay phone, at newsstands, at the post office, at bank branches. Telephone boxes are standard, with a vertical card slot on the right side. However, it is necessary to take into account that, having finished the conversation, the card can be removed from the slot only after the inscription "take out the card" appears. Otherwise, you will "lose" a few units.
In addition to payphones, there are also red machines with a slot for coins. They can be found in public places, and you can call them only within the city.

Currency exchange

IN major cities and tourist centers exist exchange offices with a sign "EXCHANGE". They are open not only on weekends, but also on weekends.
You can also exchange currency in hotels, international airports and seaports, where bank branches work around the clock.
When exchanging currency at a bank, you must have a passport with you. In all Greek banks it is forbidden to give change in foreign currency.
Therefore, it is better to have banknotes of different denominations with you. For a currency exchange operation in a bank, a commission fee of 1-2% of the amount is withheld.
Difficulties may arise with the reverse exchange, since foreigners from countries outside the EEC are given no more than $ 100 in their hands during the exchange.

Visa

Consular fee
The consular fee for all types of visas is 35 euros. Payment is made in rubles at the time of submission of documents.
The following are exempt from paying the fee:
- close relatives of citizens of the Russian Federation legally residing in Greece;
- close relatives of EU citizens;
- schoolchildren, students of higher educational institutions, graduate students and teachers accompanying them (provided that the purpose of the trip is education);
- children under 6 years old;
- children entered in the parents' passport.
Legalization of documents:
1. Application - free of charge.
2. Confirmation of signature - 10 euros for a Greek citizen, 20 euros for a foreign citizen.
3. Confirmation of the authenticity of a copy of the document - 5 euros
4. General power of attorney - 50 euros (1900 rubles) per page.
The term for obtaining a visa to Greece is from 3 working days.
Schengen visa to Greece
A visa to Greece is a Schengen visa, as Greece is one of the 25 countries that have signed the Schengen agreement.
It gives the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area for a short time (no more than 90 days within six months), within the periods specified in the visa.

Customs regulations

To enter the country, you must have currency with you at the rate of $ 50 per person for each day of stay. Cash can be checked at Greek customs. Large sums of money when importing and exporting must be declared.
From Greece, the export of original antiques is prohibited. For the export of fur products, you should take an invoice from the store.

Holidays and non-working days

March-April is a three-week carnival preceding Lent.
March 25 - Greek Independence Day.
April-May - Easter.
May 1 is the May Day of Workers and the day of the official Greek Spring Festival.
August 15 - Assumption of the Mother of God. All the churches of the Virgin Mary in Greece hold services.
October 28 - Day "Ohi". A celebration to commemorate the Greek resistance when the Greeks said "ooh!" ("No!") to Mussolini's fascism in 1940. Military parades and schoolchildren's demonstrations are held.
Saints Days. Greeks rarely celebrate their birthdays, more often they invite guests to their name days.

Transport

Bus service within Greece
Traveling by bus within Greece is very convenient and quite cheap, and often much faster than by train.
Greek public transport
Buses run from 5.00 to 24.00, there are night buses on the main routes. One trip by ground means of transport costs 0.3 euros, tickets can be bought at the main bus stations and in street stalls for ten pieces, but no discounts for "bulk purchase" are provided. When traveling on buses of the same line, you can make transfers on one ticket. Urban bus routes complemented by trolleybus and tram lines. There are only monthly tickets valid from the first day of the month to the last (15-20 euros), they do not apply to the metro. When boarding, the ticket is validated with a note of the flight number, landing time and direction. For travel without a ticket - a fine of 3 euros.
Metro
The Athens metro is one of the very first in Europe (was built in 1868) and quite convenient. The only line operates from 5.00 to 24.00 and stretches from Piraeus to Kifissia (20 stops). A ticket costs from 0.2 to 0.3 euros depending on the distance, they should be marked in special orange turnstiles at the entrance to the platform.
Taxi in Greece
Taxis can be ordered by phone from the hotel (extra €1 for immediate departure and €1.5 if booked in advance) or "caught" at designated locations on the street. Fare - for landing 0.7 euros, per 1 km. way - 0.1-0.5 euros (depending on the class of the car), at night (from 1.00 to 5.00) fares increase by 50%. For calling a radio taxi (marked with a corresponding inscription on the roof of the car), 0.7-0.9 euros are paid extra. An additional amount is paid on holidays (0.3 euros), for trips to and from the airport (1 euro), for trips from ports, train stations and bus stations (0.5 euros) and for each piece of baggage weighing more than 100 kg. (0.6 euros). An hour of waiting for a taxi costs 6-7 euros. Taxi drivers usually pick up other passengers along the way, although the rules require that they first ask permission from a passenger already in the cabin. In this case, each of the passengers pays the full price for his route.

Tips

When in Greece, don't forget to tip! Bills almost always include a 10-15% service surcharge, but the busboy - usually a young man - relies on tips, which are often his only income. Tipping is usually left on the table. Taxi drivers and hotel employees also receive tips. In a restaurant, it is customary to leave 10% of the order amount or 1-2 euros, in a cafeteria - up to 1 euro, in a taxi - 0.5-1 euro (the main fee is strictly according to the meter), to a porter - 30-50 cents for one piece of luggage .

The shops

Greece is an ideal place for shopping, because, as the proverb says, "Greece has everything!". With high quality, Greek products are very affordable and you can always find something to your taste and pocket.
The opening hours of the shops are not the same, as a rule, they are closed during the siesta, on weekends and public holidays. Usually trading goes from 9.00 to 14.00 and lasts from 17.30 to 20.30. Supermarkets are open all days of the week, except Sunday, from 8.00 to 18.00 or 19.00 without a lunch break.
Duty free shops have a sign: "Hellenic Duty Free Shop". They accept both drachmas and convertible currency for payment. Bargaining is possible in bazaars and small shops, especially when buying several items. You should also bargain in the markets where they sell souvenirs and folk art products. The most famous such market "Monastyraki" is located in the center of Athens. Sale of winter things takes place in January-February, summer - in August-September. Prices for shoes and leather goods good quality always low. Many Russians combine holidays in Greece with the purchase of a fur coat. When buying a fur coat, you need to get two sales receipts. The receipts must indicate the name and surname of the buyer, the name of the product and its value in local currency. It is more expedient to buy a fur coat at a large factory or in stores. In this case, when leaving Greece, there will be no complications at customs.
Products of local craftsmen (ceramics, bags, sandals, carpets - all handmade) are traditional souvenirs.

National cuisine

The meal in the life of the Greeks has long occupied an important place. For them, this is both relaxation and communication. In addition, they just love to eat delicious food. In the afternoon, the whole family gathers for dinner, eternal topics are discussed: politics, household and business. Then everyone goes to bed, it's time for the traditional siesta. In the evening and at night, the Greeks like to sit in taverns with friends. Greek culinary traditions are so diverse that tourists who decide to spend their holidays in Greece rarely manage to fully cover the list of local delicacies.
Snacks- an integral part of any meal. Cold snacks, called "mezedes", are especially popular, among which the most famous and loved are:
- melizanosalata - eggplant salad with lemon, olive oil and garlic;
- dolmadakya - minced meat with rice in grape leaves;
- kalamarakya - fried or baked squid in dough;
- Tiropitakya - small triangular patties with cheese;
- kolokmtakya - zucchini fried until crispy.
Very popular is the so-called village salad - "horiatiki": slices of tomatoes and cucumbers with onions, olives and pieces of cheese, poured with olive oil. It is also interesting to taste the exotic salad of dandelions - "horta" or "radikyu".
As a seasoning for some snacks, a sauce of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil and garlic - "tzatziki" is served.
The spices used in Greek cuisine are known and common in our country. These are black and red pepper, cloves, nutmeg, bay leaf, coriander, etc. However, there are some spices that are not widely used in our cuisine, for example, "rigani" (not to be confused with Caucasian rigan), an herb used for salads, meat, fish, poultry.
On the Greek table, invariably, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is cheese. It is eaten simply as a snack, and added to salads, and used as a filling for pies and an ingredient for many dishes. national cuisine.
The most famous varieties of Greek cheese:
- feta - semi-soft salty cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk;
- graviera - hard yellow cheese;
- kasseri - spicy light yellow cheese;
- kefalotiri - hard salty cheese with small holes;
- mizithra - soft unsalted cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk.
Meat. The most widely used meats are beef, dairy lamb and lean pork. The most common cooking method is on the grill. Stew with various types of sauces is also popular: wine, tomato, onion and the famous "avgolemono", an egg sauce with lemon. Typical meat dishes include:
- brizola - beef or pork chops;
- paidakya - lamb ribs;
- kokoretsi - lamb giblets fried on coals;
- moshari lemonato - beef in lemon sauce;
- arnaki souvlas - lamb fried on a spit.
Meat dishes are usually served with a side dish: french fries, rice with corn kernels or green peas, boiled or stewed vegetables, and often various salads.
In meat cuisine, stuffed vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and eggplants are extremely common. Among the most famous stuffed dishes are "papuzakia", "shoes". Moussakas is also considered traditional - a casserole of eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, onions, cheese and bechamel sauce.
It is hard to imagine Greek cuisine without fish dishes and other seafood. They eat only sea fish: tuna, mackerel, anchovy - in the freshest form.
It is worth trying "garides", shrimp fried in boiling oil with onions and spinach, garnished with pieces of cheese. A particularly delicious dish is grilled octopus, drizzled with olive oil and grape vinegar.
Tea in Greece, it is not customary to drink, it is used as a cure for colds and other ailments.
Coffee, on the contrary, is a drink for all occasions. There are several popular varieties of coffee: "Greek", which we call "Turkish", "nescafe" (instant coffee), which is served hot and cold, whipped in a shaker. Cold coffee is served in a glass with a straw, "Turkish" - in small cups with a glass cold water.
Greece is a country of winemaking. Here, thanks to the mild and warm climate, grapes have been cultivated since ancient times. Therefore, the range of wines produced is very diverse.
The most famous dry wine is retsina. Its unusual taste is explained by the fact that a little pine resin is added to it.

Attractions

Athens
It is customary to start each tour to Athens with a tour of the Acropolis - the cradle of the modern city and the ancient Greek culture. When planning to visit Athens, you should not neglect the excursion to the Acropolis for several reasons. Firstly, one of the most interesting museums (the Acropolis Museum) is located here, where you can wander for hours. Secondly, Athens in ancient times used the Acropolis as defensive structures, and later it was the center of the cultural, political and economic life of Greece. And, finally, a wonderful view of Athens opens from the Acropolis, because this place is located at an altitude of 156 meters above sea level. Being on vacation in Greece and not visiting the Acropolis is an unacceptable mistake!
Loutraki
It is in Greece that there is a place where "live" mineral water flows literally from the tap. This is the city - the resort of Loutraki. Loutraki - a health resort of world renown - annually receives the Blue Flag from the International Association of Ecologists. Tens of thousands of tourists come here to improve their health, enjoy the beauty, silence, peace and bow to Christian shrines. The location of the resort is unique. It is located on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf, 85 km from Athens. Nearby is the Corinth Canal, connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas and separating Attica and the Peloponnese, the Temple of the Goddess Hera and the Golden Mycenae discovered by the archaeologist Schliemann ... In the air mist, one can see the mountain of Acrocorinth, where the winged horse Pegasus landed, and on top of which Sisyphus rolled his stone. There are 55 hotels of all categories here to receive guests at any time of the year. Loutraki is a resort town immersed in greenery, with clean beaches, a promenade, bars and restaurants. This is the best place for a summer holiday in Central Greece: the bustling capital is not far away, and around the main sights of Ancient Greece and many interesting excursions. Nearby is a water park.
Chalkidiki
Today Halkidiki is one of the largest tourist centers Greece. The Halkidiki peninsula is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, southeast of Thessaloniki. The picturesque mountain ranges here are covered with green forests, and there are many long sandy beaches along the coast. Halkidiki is shaped like a trident turned down. Three "cloves" protrude far into the sea - these are the peninsulas of Kasandra, Sithonia and Aion-Oros (Athos). The capital of the peninsula is the city of Poligiros.
Those wishing to spend their vacation most actively should pay attention to the westernmost peninsula of Kassandra with lively resort centers and round-the-clock entertainment. On the easternmost "clove" rest is the most calm and peaceful - this is facilitated by the proximity of the sacred Mount Athos, which sheltered hundreds of Christian monasteries. The middle peninsula of Sithonia does not have as many attractions as Kassandra, but the picturesque bays and beautiful beaches make holidays here just as popular.

Crete
Crete is located in the southern part of Greece and is the largest island that is part of Greece. It is located in the center of the Mediterranean and is washed by three seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan.
The capital of the island is Heraklion.
Crete consists of four parts. The central part of Crete is called Heraklion. This is the largest part of Crete.
The western part, Chania, is located on the sea coast.
Between Heraklion and Chania is Rethymno.
In the east of Crete is part of Elounda (Lassithi).
Crete has a mild subtropical climate.
It has long been considered one of the healthiest in Europe. Holiday season last from April to October. But not only interesting history and ancient monuments attract tourists here. The nature of Crete is unusually picturesque. There are three mountain ranges on the island - Levka Ori, Psiloriti and Dikti, dissected by picturesque gorges with green trees and shrubs climbing up the steep slopes, in which there are more than 3 thousand caves, including those with stalactites and stalagmites. Generous variety of landscapes, mountain villages, crystal clear sea with blue-green transparent water of the Aegean Sea, long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife made the island an ideal place for a resort holiday. Two strips of beautiful beaches stretch on the northern coast: from Rethymno to Georgiopuli and from Chania to Kolymbari. On the western side of the island are magnificent beaches Falasarna and Elafonisi. In the east, it is worth noting the coast from Agios Nikolaos to Plaka and the sandy beaches of Sitia. In the south, the resorts of Loutro, Frangokastello, Agia Galini, Myrtos are popular. Large tourist complexes and hotels scattered around the island have everything you need for classes water sports sports such as water skiing and windsurfing, sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented everywhere. Most hotels have gyms, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts. In addition to beach holidays, people of all ages are attracted by the vibrant nightlife of Crete, which is organically combined with the unique romantic charm of Cretan evenings and nights.
And the hospitality of the Cretans can be legendary, because the locals see you as a friend, even if you meet for the first time. Those who want to spend their vacation most actively should pay attention to the westernmost peninsula of Kassandra with lively resort centers and round-the-clock entertainment. On the easternmost "clove" rest is the most calm and peaceful - this is facilitated by the proximity of the sacred Mount Athos, which sheltered hundreds of Christian monasteries. The middle peninsula of Sithonia does not have as many attractions as Kassandra, but the picturesque bays and beautiful beaches make holidays here just as popular.
Delphi
Delphi is located high in the mountains above the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth. This is the place where the famous oracle was located and the priests of the god Apollo interpreted his mysterious prophecies. A tourist visiting Delphi will be able to enjoy the amazing beauty of nature and stunning ancient ruins. Temple of Apollo, treasuries, theater and stadium - all these monuments of ancient culture that have survived the centuries are open to the public. Here you can wash yourself with the water of the Kastal spring (according to legend, it heals and rejuvenates) and experience the power of the “Delphic echo” (a whispered word is picked up by an echo and spreads throughout the neighborhood, becoming louder and louder until it reaches maximum strength and won't go down). In the Delphic Museum, you can see the bronze sculpture Charioteer and a lot of other valuable archaeological finds. In general, this museum is one of the best in Greece. The tourist will also be able to see the "navel of the Earth" and the Sibylla stone.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is an island in the Ionian Sea. The coasts of the island are indented with white cliffs, with grottoes and caves that captivate with their beauty, where you can swim in small boats. One of the seven Ionian Islands, with beautiful bays, white sand, crystal clear waters and huge caretta caretta sea turtles. On this beautiful green island you can meet mountain villages, monasteries, fertile valleys and landscapes of rare beauty. Tourist complexes are concentrated in Laganas, where a strip of soft sand beach stretches for 14 km. More calm beaches are located on the northern coast in Tsilivi and Alykes. In the very north of the island there are extraordinary Blue Caves, formed under the influence of waves on the rocks. Zakynthos is the most south island Ionian archipelago - almost triangular idyllic Zakynthos - an island of poetry, music and hospitality. This island has something to captivate tourists. Rich in cultural heritage and traditions, an island of wonderful natural beauty, inhabited by rare species of marine animals. The emerald sea, mountains densely overgrown with pine forests, cordial and hospitable inhabitants will remain in memory for a long time. High above the modern city with its beautiful buildings in the characteristic Zakynthos architectural style, a Venetian fortress rises above the squares. The abundance of churches is another feature of the city of St. Dionysius - the patron saint of the island of Zakynthos. A blooming island with azure shores and an unforgettable sunset. Having been to Zakynthos.
Silhouettes of very diverse islands jut out of the blue sea waters. Life on the island is narrow village streets and paths, countless churches, windmills. The locals, with their very special perception of life, is also one of the reasons for the extraordinary attraction of the islands. For visitors here - an abundance of taverns, restaurants and eateries. Despite many common features- first of all, landscapes and architecture - each of the islands is unique. And this uniqueness can be felt only by traveling through them.
Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki has a rich historical past and is now a significant industrial and cultural center that plays an important role in the life of the entire Balkan Peninsula due to its location and major port, which ranks second after Athens in its economic importance. The combination of past and present make this city attractive for hundreds of thousands of tourists. In 1997 - Thessaloniki was elected cultural capital Europe.
From the day of its foundation by King Cassander, it has always been a crossroads leading from west to east and from the Balkans to the countries of the Aegean. Named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great, the port city was an important strategic center for both Rome and Byzantium. Its former greatness can be traced in the monuments of different eras preserved on the territory of the fortress walls, no doubt, the location of the city was the reason for the constant threat of conquest, and after the decline of Byzantium, it more than once fell victim to the invasion of the Saracens, the ruin and conquest of the Franks, many times passed from hand to hand until it was conquered by the Turks in 1430. The liberation of Thessaloniki and joining the modern Greek state took place only in 1912, two world wars, especially the second, left a deep imprint. Now it is a modern city, with a flourishing trade and industry. Streets, spacious squares, pavement cafes, gourmet restaurants invite guests to relax after visiting archaeological sites, trendy shops and commercial centers (offering leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, and more).

Resorts

Kos island
The island of Kos, known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, is located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. This is the third largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago and the second most popular among tourists after Rhodes. The capital of the island is the coastal city of Kos, which is also the largest local resort. Only in the east of the island are located low mountains, and plains and plateaus are buried in gardens and greenery. The island is small: its length from west to east is 40 kilometers, and its width is only 8 kilometers.
Kefalonia
The largest of the islands of the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia is famous for its amazing landscape diversity. Steep cliffs, covered with greenery, seemed to be immersed in the blue of the sea. Here you will see old aristocratic mansions, as well as "modest" rural villas, and nearby - the ruins of some ancient city. The ruins are Roman, Venetian or reminiscent of the Byzantine era. Here are the well-known coasts and beaches. In the central part of the island of Kefalonia, next to the tourist village of Divarata, is the highlight of all Greece, Myrtos beach. Myrtos is famous all over the world for its clean water and a natural coast that has not yet been touched by the hand of civilization.
Catherine
In northern Greece, off the coast of Thermaikos Gulf, there is a small modern resort town of Paralia Katerinis. This small town with wide golden beaches nestled under the shadow of the sacred Mount Olympus - the same mountain where the ancient Greeks settled their twelve gods. Therefore, it is in Paralia Katerinis that you can visit Zeus, but be careful not to disturb or anger him. It is said that at such moments, lightning comes from the top of Olympus, shrouded in clouds, and menacing thunder is heard.
In general, the climate in Paralia Katerinis during the beach season, which lasts from May to October, pleases vacationers with gentle sun and calm, clear weather. The purest golden sand of the spacious beaches, the clear turquoise sea, the intoxicating air with the scent of the sea mixed with the smell of coniferous trees - all this is the best way to promote complete relaxation and amazing unity with nature.
Cozy coves along the entire coast and a shallow bottom are ideal for comfortable swimming for both adults and children.

Thessaly
Thessaly is two plains surrounded by a ring of mountains. On the territory of Thessaly is the home of the immortal gods - Mount Olympus. In the western part of Thessaly, there is a unique natural formation - 24 sheer cliffs, on which 600 years ago Byzantine monks built the stunning monastery complex of Meteora. Winter and summer are pronounced here, in summer it often rains heavily, generously moistening the fertile soil. The capital of Thessaly is Larissa.
Epirus
Epirus is the most mountainous part of mainland Greece. Greek part Epirus stretches from Valona Bay in Albania to the Gulf of Arta. The coast is rocky and steep, the soil is not very fertile. The capital of Epirus, Ioannina, lies among the most beautiful lakes in Greece. The local rivers are considered the best in Europe for canoeing and trout fishing.
Rhodes island
Rhodes is an island in the east of the Aegean Sea, almost off the coast of Turkey. This is the most big Island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The swimming season here lasts from May to October. The northwestern coast is washed by the Aegean Sea, from the southeastern side of the island - the Mediterranean. The capital of the island - the city and port of Rhodes - is located on its northern tip. The coast of the Aegean Sea is more windy, it is characterized by pebble beaches and constant excitement. The beaches on the Mediterranean side are mostly sandy and very gentle. The Mediterranean Sea is calmer and colder than the Aegean. Accordingly, the east coast of the island is best suited for a traditional beach holiday, and its west (Ixia and Ialyssos resorts) attract mainly windsurfers.
Evia Island
Evia (or Euboea) is an island located north of Athens and stretched along the northern coast of Attica. The island comes so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a 14-meter bridge. The strait through which this bridge is thrown is an attraction in itself: the water here changes the direction of the flow several times an hour. The island is covered with mountains and forests, it has many hard-to-reach places and impassable roads. When they talk about Evia as a resort, they mean only a small part of its coast, mainly the Eretria region, 15 km from the capital of the island of Chalkis. Eretria is located 95 km from Athens and you can get there from the mainland through the aforementioned bridge or by ferry.

Greece - general information about country

Greece map

Greece

Greece (self-name - Hellas (Greek Ελλάδα), official name- The Greek Republic is a state in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
The current Greek Constitution came into force on June 11, 1975. According to the form of government, Greece is a parliamentary republic. The political regime is democratic.

The recognized cradle of Western civilization, the place where the first democratic states known in history appeared. A member of the EU since 1981, NATO - since 1952 (in 1973-1981 the country left the organization).

Geography

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 and covers an area of ​​131,994 km². It borders with Albania, the former Yugoslav Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. It 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 thousand islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.

The territory of Greece can be divided into three parts:
mainland Greece, which includes Macedonia (Florina, Slavic name Lerins, Pella Kavala, Kastoria, Chalkidiki, etc.), Thrace (Rhodope, Xanthi and Evros), Epirus (Thesprotia, Preveza Janina, etc.), Thessaly (Larisa, Magnesia, etc.) ) and Central Greece (Phthiotis, Phokis, Attica, etc.). Also geographically, the Ionian Islands can be attributed to this region;

Peloponnese - largest peninsula Greece and the center of the most ancient civilization of Europe, includes the nomes of Arcadia, Laconia, Messinia, etc. The famous Corinth Canal, dug by a French company for the Greek state in the 19th century, is also located here;

Aegean islands, the largest of which are Crete - largest island Greece and the eighth in Europe (8259 km²) and Euboea - the second largest, after Crete, the island of Greece (3654 km²), connected to the continent by a bridge thrown over the Evrip Strait, as well as Lesvos (1630 km²), located off the coast of Turkey. There are also many groups here. small islands- Northern Sporades, Cyclades, Dodecanese.

Climate
The climate of Greece can be divided into three types: Mediterranean, Alpine and temperate, each of which affects a strictly defined area. The Pindus mountain range strongly influences the climate of the mainland of the country: regions located west of the slopes Pinda (Epirus) receives more rain than the regions located on the eastern side of the range (Thessaly).

The Mediterranean type of climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, the eastern part of the Peloponnese and part of Central Greece are located in this type of climate. Temperatures here don't often hit record highs, and in winter, even in the Cyclades and Dodecanese, snow can occasionally fall during the winter months.

The Alpine type of climate is more typical for the mountainous regions of the country: Epirus, Central Greece, Western Macedonia, part of Thessaly, as well as the nomes of Achaea, Arcadia and Laconia.

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace can be classified as regions with a temperate climate type, with relatively cold and wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Athens is located in a transitional zone where two types of climate are combined: Mediterranean and temperate. In the northern part of Athens, a temperate climate prevails, while in central and southern regions features of the Mediterranean climate are observed.

Story

The history of Greece is very rich and has more than 5 millennia. By 2000 B.C. e. one of the most ancient civilizations, the Cretan-Mycenaean, was born on its territory. At this time, luxurious palaces are being built, science and art are developing, writing is taking shape. In subsequent centuries, the country reaches unprecedented heights in development: city-polises with a well-developed political system, trade, crafts. The cultural, political and social achievements of this era became the basis for the formation of many European civilizations. But against the background of this prosperity, a fierce struggle for supremacy was waged between the city-states, which over the years weakened the forces of the state. As a result, in 146 BC. Greece was subject to Rome. Fortunately, the Romans were the successors of Greek culture and brought it to the modern world. During this period, Christianity was born. Like any civilization, the Roman did not escape the decline. The collapse of the empire formally took place in 1054 due to the division of the church into Orthodox (Eastern) and Catholic (Western). But the reasons for the collapse were deeper - the slave system has become obsolete, the uprisings of slaves and the poor led to the creation of a new feudal system. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Greece was ceded to Byzantium. In 1453, the country was conquered by the Turks, and from that time on, decline began in all areas of activity. Liberation from the Ottoman yoke occurred only in 1821 as a result of the victory of the national liberation movement. The end of the 19th - the beginning of the 20th century became a period of military cataclysms. There were national unrest in Greece, she became a participant in the Balkan, First and Second World Wars. In 1974, as a result of a referendum, the monarchy was abolished and Greece became a republic. A new republican constitution was adopted in 1975. Greece is a member of the UN, GATT, IMF, WHO, ILO, Council of Europe, NATO, CFE, Organization economic cooperation and Development, EU.

Population

The majority of the population of Greece are Greeks (95%), although these data are disputed due to inconsistencies in data on minorities, especially linguistic ones. It is believed that Greek statistics do not keep records of the population by nationality, but this is a false conclusion. The main officially recognized religious minority of modern Greece are the Muslims of Thrace and the Dodecanese Islands, including Turks (1% of the Greek population), Pomaks (Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, 0.3%) and Muslim gypsies (0.1%). But here Greece follows the letter of the Lausanne Accords of 1924 and demands the same from Turkey, since this part of the population remained within Greece on the same terms that they were supposed to protect the Greek minority of Constantinople and the islands of Imvros and Tenedos. But only the Greek side follows the agreements - there is practically no Greek minority in Constantinople anymore.
There are minorities that are distinguished mainly by ethnographers on linguistic grounds, but they have their own specifics: Albanians (4%; including Arvanites) are a bilingual population with Greek self-consciousness, which gave the country dozens of national heroes in the fight against Turks and Muslim Arvanites, “Slavic-speaking Greeks” or Macedonian Slavs (1.2%), who at the beginning of the 20th century called themselves Bulgarians and were recognized as such, Aromunians (1.1%, including Meglenites) are a bilingual group with Greek self-consciousness, which gave the country national heroes and good half of its patrons are Orthodox gypsies (another 0.8%).
Armenians, Serbs (0.3%), Arabs (0.3%), Jews (0.05%), etc. are officially recognized

Religion

Almost the entire population of Greece professes Orthodoxy. According to the Constitution, Orthodox Christianity is the state religion.

culture

The culture of Greece was formed over many thousands of years, starting from the time Minoan civilization, the formation took place during Classical Greece and Greece during the Roman domination. The Ottoman yoke also had an impact on the culture of the Greeks, mainly by slowing down the active development of ancient Greek culture. But even during the Greek Revolution, great works of literature, music, and painting were created. Orthodox Christianity had a huge impact on the entire culture of modern Greece. Some researchers believe that modern culture Greece is much more connected with the cultural heritage of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires than with the culture of ancient Hellas.

Tourism

Greece is visited by more than 19 million tourists annually, bringing, thereby, about 15% of the gross domestic product of the entire country. Greece attracts foreign visitors with its rich history and traditions from ancient times. But in recent decades, beach tourism has grown significantly. In 2005, only the capital of Greece - Athens, was visited by more than 6 million tourists.
Crete, Peloponnese, Rhodes - are corners of extraordinary beauty and are well suited for a vacation. On Crete, not far from the village of Hersonissos, there is a beautiful cape, from which the view opens up to the whole island, it is here that you can have a great time, because there is everything. On Rhodes, you can feel all the hospitality of Greece, if you relax near Kallithea. The island of Peloponnese in the town of Pyrgos (Tower gr.) has the longest sandy beach in the entire Mediterranean.
Mykonos and Santorini have long been among the most popular island tourist destinations in the world. In 2006, about 16.5 million tourists arrived in Greece. The number of jobs provided by the tourism and related industries was 659,719 in 2006. This is 16% of all workers employed in the Greek economy.

Transport

In Greece, all types of transport are represented.
Metro (Athens). It operates from 5:30 to 23:50, the interval between trains is 5 minutes during the day, 10 minutes in the morning and evening. A trip on new lines costs 0.73 euros, on old ground lines - 0.59 euros.
Bus and trolleybus. Most buses and trolleybuses operate from 05:30 to 00:00. The fare is 0.44 euros. The ticket must be purchased in advance at the stall of the city transport company at the end station or at the stall from a street vendor. To stop the bus, you need to raise your hand, to exit you need to press the button on the handrail.
Taxi. There are many taxis and this is relatively inexpensive way movement. It should be noted that a taxi driver may turn out to be not very decent and take you through the night counter during the day or, using your ignorance, circle around the city. You need to be prepared for the fact that the taxi driver will pick up passengers during the trip. The minimum fare is 1.47 euros, when traveling to the airport, railway and bus stations, an additional fee is charged in favor of a taxi driver in the amount of 0.44 euros; 0.44 euros is charged for each additional piece of baggage. Athens taxi drivers often choose to take a longer route or do not turn on the meter. Such acts are severely punished - you must write down the taxi number and report it to the tourist police.
Transport rental. Renting a car is not difficult. There are both international firms and local ones. When using the services of an international rental company, a car can be returned anywhere in the country, but in a local one it will be 1.5 times cheaper. The longer the period for which the car is taken, the greater the discount. For a weekly rental, a minicar like the Fiat Seicento will cost 25-30 euros per day. A variety of models are available for rent - from small-sized to minibuses.
To rent a car, you need a category "B" license, driving experience must be at least a year, and the minimum age of the driver can range from 21 to 25 years.

Kitchen

Greek cuisine is an example of a typical Mediterranean or Balkan cuisine. But in many ways the cuisine of the Greeks is different from the cuisines of its closest neighbors - Bulgaria, Albania and Italy. First of all, spices. Greeks add them to their food more often than others in Europe. However, Greek cuisine is not spicy.
Another distinctive feature of Greek cuisine is the abundance of olive oil. It is added to almost all dishes and is used not only as an aromatic seasoning, but also during the heat treatment of food. Another essential ingredient is lemon.
The special pride of the Greeks is cheese. In Greece, it is produced at least 50 varieties (each region has its own special recipe). The Greeks consume the most cheese in the world - more than 25 kg per person per year. The most popular variety is called "Feta": it is he who is used in the preparation of the famous "Greek salad". In Greece, this salad is called "horiatiki" (rustic).
No less popular in Greece is meat. Preference is given to pork, lamb and goat meat. Moussaka is one of the most famous dishes prepared with the addition of both meat and traditional Greek vegetables. Pastizio is another favorite dish of the Greeks. Fish, shellfish and other seafood are popular.

The shops
Shop opening hours:
Monday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 14:00 or 15:00
Tuesday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 14:00 or 15:00; 17:00 - 20:00 (summer 21:00)
Wednesday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 14:00 or 15:00
Thursday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 14:00 or 15:00; 17:00 - 20:00 (summer 21:00)
Friday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 14:00 or 15:00; 17:00 - 20:00 (summer 21:00)
Saturday 9:00 (summer 8:30) - 15:00
Sunday is a day off

Before Christmas and Easter, all shops are open until the evening.
Supermarkets are open daily from 8:00 to 20:00. It should be borne in mind that goods in supermarkets located in tourist areas more expensive than regular stores.
There are streets in Athens where all the shops sell one particular product.

Tips
In restaurants and cafes in Greece, it is customary to give a tip (about 10% of the order amount), they can be left on a plate on which the bill was brought. Sometimes tips are included in the bill.
Tipping can be given to a taxi driver or a hotel worker who helps carry luggage to your room (about 1 euro).

Beaches
Most beaches in Greece are municipal. Therefore, the use of sun loungers and umbrellas on them is paid. The cost is about 4 EUR per day. The vast majority of beaches are sandy.

Attractions

The main center of tourism in the country is its capital - Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world.

The National Archaeological Museum is undoubtedly the most important museum in Athens, its collections contain the brightest works of art created during different periods of ancient Greek civilization.

There are 250 museums, galleries and more modern temple complexes in Athens.

Other attractions

Acropolis - in the ancient Greek city-states, the acropolis was called the elevated and fortified part.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum - The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Europe.
Delphi - Delphi, one of the oldest cities in Greece, located on the slope of Mount Parnassus, was famous in the ancient world for its temple of Apollo and the famous Delphic oracle.
Cyclades - a group of almost 2 thousand large and small islands, forming a ring ("kyklos") around the ancient sacred island of Delos with its sanctuaries of Apollo.
Meteora is a unique medieval monastery complex. About a thousand huge rocks rise perpendicularly above the city of Kalambaka and the village of Kastraki.
Museum of Greek folk instruments- this museum houses a collection of 1200 Greek folk instruments from the 18th century to the present, they have been collected for half a century by the musicologist Fivos Anogyanakis.

Interesting Facts
The national anthem of Greece - "Hymn to Liberty" by Dionysios Solomos, has 158 quatrains. Of these, the first 18 are adopted by the National Anthem, but, as a rule, the first 4 quatrains are sung.

Souvenirs

The best purchase in Greece will undoubtedly be a fur or leather product. Moreover, leather clothes are twice cheaper in Greece than in Turkey. Especially good prices in Kastoria. However! Keep in mind, if an "escort" is attached to you, in any store, then you will pay a much larger amount for the product.
Orthodox icons made in the Byzantine style are also interesting.
Of course, as in almost any country in the world, you will find original ceramics, leather goods and colored glass.
From Greece you can bring unique, natural washcloths that are not sold anywhere else in the world. There are especially many of them on the island of Kalymnos.
A great souvenir from Greece - olive oil, with and without seasonings. No wonder Greece is considered his homeland.
Huge selection of souvenirs and products made from shells.
An interesting souvenir from Greece is ouzo - aniseed vodka, which is sold in bottles and vessels made in antique style.
Of course, Greek cognac *Metaxa*, especially Prive Reserve, is a kind that is very rarely found on sale in other countries.
In Greece, you can buy very fragrant dried herbs, goat cheese, peanuts (considered the best in the world), olives, dried fruits, honey.
Many people like wine from the island of Santorini (the island itself is of volcanic origin).

It is difficult to list everything that the ancient Greek civilization gave to the world. The modern world is essentially a continuation of the cultural and scientific achievements of Ancient Greece. It is considered the "cradle" of world civilization.

website - Let's dream together, offers to get to know this amazing country closer.

Quick facts about Greece

The ancient Greeks are the founders of mathematics and physics, many literary genres. Achieved great success in architecture, sculpture, jewelry and fine arts.

Nature beckons and calls

The nature of Greece is striking in its beauty. It is a land of mountains and islands. And each island is beautiful and original in its own way. According to mythology, the highest mountains of Olympus are considered the abode of the ancient Greek gods, headed by the all-powerful Zeus, who owns the whole world.

Sea of ​​amazing purity and transparency. You can watch how small impudent fish try to pinch your legs.

Huge number of olive plantations. Trees planted in the 13th century bear fruit. Moreover, the size of the olives is twice as large as what we buy in our stores.

When you are in Greece, try to visit the island of Rhodes. It is famous for the Butterfly Valley. During the summer, the valley is like a fairy tale, due to the abundance of fluttering butterflies of all kinds and sizes.

Valley of the Butterflies in Rhodes

Briefly about tourism

• Greece is a unique place for any kind of holiday. Every tourist will get what he came here for. Some seek relaxation on the Mediterranean beaches. Others immerse themselves in the noisy nightlife.
• Some people come for shopping. Many make religious pilgrimages to historical holy sites or undergo treatment at numerous spas.
• From January to March, all kinds of events take place in Greece, which can compete with the beauty and scale of the celebration.
• The tourism industry is well developed and brings up to 20% of income to the state treasury. About half of the working-age population is employed in the tourism sector.
• Every year the number of tourists (20 million) is twice the population of Greece - 10 million.
• Pleased with the level - the lowest in Europe, although the police are not visible on the streets.
• By the number of historical sights, the country ranks first in the world.

Greeks spend a lot of time enjoying life

Briefly about myths and legends

Unfortunately, it has not survived to our times. famous statue the ancient Greek god of the Sun - the Colossus of Rhodes, which is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world. It has been in the making for 12 years.

It was destroyed in 225 BC. as a result of an earthquake and lay on the earth for almost a thousand years. It is thanks to the size of this statue, about 60 meters high, that the word "colossal" appeared.

From the video, you can imagine the colossality of this monument, if it had survived to this day.

Measured and calm mentality of the inhabitants

1. Greeks live slowly and have an amazing ability to rejoice and enjoy life in the here and now. They are not in a hurry and are not distinguished by punctuality.
2. Friendly, hospitable, cheerful and freedom-loving nation. In temperament they are second only to Italians.
3. Residents of the country are big fans of football. Given the national temperament, it is wiser for tourists not to visit stadiums during the games.
4. Greeks spend a lot of time in cafes, enjoying their favorite coffee drink and chatting with friends.
5. The craving for discussions has been laid down in them since the time of the Greek philosopher Socrates. Everyone knows his expression "truth is born in a dispute."
6. Greeks quickly get drunk from alcohol, but at the same time they behave quite decently. Do not scandal and do not wallow in the streets. A lot of people smoke in any place, despite the law banning smoking in public places.
7. Don't rush to pay taxes. Obviously this is one of the reasons for the financial problems of the country at the present time. Although the residents themselves, thanks to tourists, do not live badly.
8. 85% of the population have their own housing. Despite the warm climate, in three-room and more apartments, the installation of fireplaces is provided. Solar panels are installed on the roofs of many houses.
9. Due to the crisis, real estate prices are very low. Lots of empty houses.
10. There are no homeless people, except for representatives of the Roma nationality (Gypsies, Albanians).

Measured and calm mentality of the inhabitants

Family in Greece

Families in Greece are large and friendly. The number of relatives is in the hundreds. The older generation, even great-grandparents, always live with their children. Sons live with their parents before marriage.

When applying for a job, it is important to have family ties, otherwise you will get a good place problematic.

Marriage takes about 30 years. Their surnames, after marriage, do not change. According to tradition, the first born child is given the father's surname, after the obligatory baptism.

They breed very rarely. Mixed marriages are undesirable, but there are exceptions.

The main religion is Orthodoxy. Believers about 98%, but without fanaticism. Many traditions and holidays have pagan roots.

Easter is also considered the most beloved holiday. Going to visit, you need to bring the owners ... a stone, with a wish for prosperity in the house.

A popular dance is not sirtaki, as is commonly believed, but zeybeko. It is also called the "Drunk Sailor's Dance". And the sirtaki dance was invented in 1964 for the film "Greek Zobra". After the screening of the film, it gained popularity and has since been considered the national Greek dance.

The number of tourists is twice the population of Greece

About cuisine in Greece

Few people know that the first cookbook was written by the Greeks. And the recipes of many popular dishes were from seafood.

The prototype of the famous buffet"is a popular way of treating the Greeks -" Meze ". It gives you the opportunity to test a wide range of dishes.

The favorite dish of the residents is souvlaki, hearty and tasty. These are small kebabs, usually pork.

Fast food in Greece is considered the highest quality in all of Europe.

We checked it for ourselves: the most inexpensive pita with chicken cost only $ 1.3, and we ate and were full for half a day!

Popular alcoholic drink Metaxa, brandy cocktail with muscat wine. And aniseed vodka (ouzo).

Feta is considered the national variety of cheese, it is made from goat's milk.

Transport strictly on schedule

The call to "be mutually polite" does not apply to Greek drivers and pedestrians. Both those and others feel like masters on the road, not yielding to each other. Pedestrians cross the road in any place, not paying attention to the traffic lights.

The entire public city is public. At almost all bus stops there is an information board about the arrival time of the next bus.

At 23 o'clock movement public transport stops.

A small subway with three lines is only in Athens.

We hope that you have an idea of ​​the unhurried and measured country of olives and cheese. Read soon about our travels around the island of Aegina...

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Location

On the Balkan Peninsula, in its southern part, there is an extraordinary country of Greece. It is washed by three seas at once - the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian. It is impossible to describe in words the beauty of this amazing country - it intertwines modern architectural solutions with monuments ancient culture, stunning nature and bewitching landscapes, as well as beautiful cities and warm waters of sea bays.

The wealth of Greece lies not only in its unique nature, but also in its ancient history. Every time you come to Greece, you will discover something new and unknown, because every corner of Hellas is saturated with interesting history.

The people of Greece are known for their hospitality. Since ancient times, there has been a belief that at any moment God can enter the house of a local resident in the guise of a wanderer, so every guest here is treated like God. It is believed that each of the ancient Greek gods had his favorite island or city, and this deity was worshiped in such places.

Capital

The capital of Greece is the city of Athens, which got its name in honor of the ancient goddess. The legend says that Athena gave an olive branch to the city, which later made it rich and prosperous, since having olive groves is a very profitable business.

Today, Athens is a modern city with both old and new buildings and Turkish markets alongside rich restaurants.

To plunge into the era ancient greece, there are many museums for tourists, including the National Archaeological Museum, but the main attraction of the capital is the Acropolis - ancient city. Although it originated before our era began, many of its buildings have survived to this day.

Indescribable emotions are caused by the temple of Athena - the Parthenon, which was built in the 5th century BC. Not far from it is the Erechtheion - a temple created in honor of the victory of Athena over Poseidon in a difficult dispute over who will be the patron of the city.

Islands

The largest island in Greece is Crete, located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. There are so many legends about this island: Zeus was born here, Theseus fought the Minotaur right there and many other legends. The remains of the Minoan civilization have been preserved on the island of Crete in the form of the ruins of the palace of Knossos, Phaistos and Malia.

There are numerous museums on the island, which contain archaeological finds from various eras of development and existence of the island.

The rich past of Crete is not the only pride of the island. The best resorts in Greece are located in Crete. Those tourists who want to spend time in an atmosphere of peace and complete harmony choose Rethymno and Chania, fans of outdoor activities are perfect for Hersonissos, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

The islands of the Santorini archipelago include five islands - Thira, Terasia, New and Old Kameni and Aspronisi. The capital of the Santorini archipelago is Thira - a city of extraordinary beauty with snow-white stone buildings and blue roofs, colorful beaches and marvelous sunsets. Antiquities can be viewed in the museums of the city. The island of Thira itself is called Santorini by tourists.

The island of Rhodes is the pearl of the Mediterranean. Tourists buy tours to Greece on the island of Rhodes in order to enjoy the mild climate and beautiful nature, rich cultural heritage and excellent hotels with excellent restaurants. The symbol that personifies Rhodes is a statue with two deer, which stands in the place where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. According to another legend, the island arose after Zeus made a gift to Olympus Helios in the form of land raised from the bottom of the sea. It was decided to leave the gift and name it in honor of the nymph Rhoda, the beloved of Olympus.

It is impossible to describe all the good that awaits tourists on the island of Rhodes. Here you can dive into ancient history and see incredible landscapes. Butterfly Valley and Petaludes will not leave indifferent even the most seasoned travelers. If you climb to the top of Mount Montreux, you can see the stadium, which was built in the Second century BC, the ruins of the temple of Athena Polias, Zeus Polnaeus and Pythian Apollo. If you walk through the old city, you can feel the history through museums and souvenir shops.

Kitchen

Greek cuisine is worth talking about separately. For the local population, a meal means not just a meal, but also relaxation, it is possible to communicate and gather all family members. Traditional Greek dishes - feta cheese, olives, seafood dishes. It is impossible to imagine Greek cuisine without wine and strong, aromatic coffee, which is served in every restaurant and cafe.

The Greeks are very fond of vegetables, meat and fish dishes. In Greek taverns, you can taste real seafood - octopuses, mussels, shrimps and oysters cooked incredibly tasty. Grilled meat dishes are popular.

Greece is the birthplace of the god of winemaking, Dionysus. It is in this country that the best wines are revered and made, which are known for their tart and sweet taste. Muscat wines are usually served with sweets and fruits; Retsina wine is excellent for seafood and meat.

Weather and climate

Holidays in Greece are always pleasant and unforgettable thanks to the local Mediterranean climate. Summers in Greece are very warm and dry, while winters are mild and wet. The air temperature in summer is about + 32 degrees Celsius. In autumn and spring, the weather is not stable and is constantly changing. It is best to devote your vacation to studying the history of the country and visiting sights at this time.

Thanks to the breezes, the summer heat is easily perceived on the islands and coasts of Greece. IN big cities summer heat is more strongly felt in the absence of wind. By the beginning of summer, the water in the sea warms up quite well and does not cool down until November. In Crete and other islands of the Aegean, winters are the mildest. The air temperature is generally around +10 degrees Celsius.

Religion

Greece is a country of Orthodox Christianity. Almost all Greeks practice this religion. Chapter residence Orthodox Church located in Athens.

Pilgrims from all over the world come to Greece to visit local churches, as this country is the world center of Orthodoxy. Travelers appreciate the churches, temples and monasteries of Greece, built in the Byzantine era.

The main shrines of Orthodox Greece are the relics of Spyridon Trimifutsky, the relics of the Holy Queen Theodora, Meteora, Holy Mount Athos and the churches of Byzantine times.

Religion plays a big role in every Greek home. The Greeks are very serious about the sacraments and customs that are sacredly observed. On Sundays it is customary to visit temples, and Orthodox holidays celebrated on a grand scale.

Beaches

The beaches in Greece are mostly sandy, with occasional pebbles. On municipal beaches countries will have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas, private beaches of hotels provide them for free. The mainland has more crowded and noisy beaches than the islands. Island beaches are often located in cozy bays and the sea in such places is cleaner and calmer.

Souvenirs from Greece

Every tourist, leaving Greece, wants to take with him not only memorable photos and unforgettable impressions, but also a small part of Hellas, its extraordinary history and culture.

As in other countries, Greece has a rich selection of souvenirs. But I want to choose just such a memorable gift that will personify Greece in the best possible way. What will best emphasize the zest of the country? These can be papyrus notebooks and woven bags, jewelry made of real pearls that no girl can deprive of attention, ceramics and porcelain with Greek painting, as well as marble figurines.

Amazing Greece attracts many tourists whose interests are diverse. Some want to learn more about antiquity, others about excavations, others go to the country to soak up the snow-white beaches in the warm rays of the sun, and some are attracted by myths read at school.

Greece is the country you want to know everything about! Each piece of the country is not like the other, and each one wants to be explored completely. Thousands of tourists come to Greece again and again, captivated by the beauty and history of this extraordinary country. But one life alone is not enough to know what has been created for centuries.