Greece Travel

Greece is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages.

People & Languages

The inhabitants of Greece are around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Home Civilization

The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

Travel Attractions

• The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
• Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
• The Parthenon in Athens
• Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
• Easter Celebrations
• Thessaloniki’s White Tower and country’s rich Byzantine culture
• The south of Corinth
• The beaches in Lesvos
• The wine vineyards in the countryside
• The islands near the Aegean Sea
• The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
• The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

By Air – The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

By Sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

Hotels & Travel Services in Greek Areas

• Attica: Athens
• Crete: Chania : Heraklion : Lassithi : Rethymno
• Cyclades: Amorgos : Andros : Antiparos : Folegandros : Ios : Kea : Koufonisia : Kythnos : Milos : Mykonos : Naxos : Paros : Santorini : Serifos : Sifnos : Sikinos : Syros : Tinos
• Dodecanese: Astypalea : Kalymnos : Karpathos : Kos : Leros : Nisyros : Patmos : Rhodes : Simi :
• Eastern Aegean: Chios : Ikaria : Lemnos : Lesvos : Samos : Thassos
• Epirus: Parga : Zagoria
• Ionian: Corfu : Ithaca : Kefalonia : Kythira : Lefkada : Meganisi : Paxi : Zakynthos
• Macedonia: Halkidiki : Thessaloniki
• Peloponnese: Elafonissos : Epidaurus : Ermioni : Gythio : Kalavryta : Kyparissia : Monemvasia
• Saronic: Aegina : Agistri : Hydra : Poros : Spetses
• Sporades: Alonissos : Skiathos : Skopelos : Skyros
• Sterea: Arachova : Delphi : Mesolongi : Nafpaktos
• Thessaly: Meteora : Pelion