Useful information for tourists about Greece, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Greece, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in 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 includes about 2 thousand islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.
Mountain ranges occupy almost a quarter of the country's surface. The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus (2917 m).
Prevail mountain rivers, short, stormy, with picturesque rapids and waterfalls, often flowing to the sea in narrow canyons. The longest river in Greece is Aljakmon (almost 300 km). In Greece there are over 20 lakes with an area of 10-100 sq km.
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 Sea basin dates back to the Neolithic era. Already from the 3rd millennium BC, state organizations of the early feudal type appeared on the island of Crete. Later, cultural centers appeared in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, and the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) is the general name of the ancient Greek states. Centuries-old history talks 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 Turkey’s defeat in the war with Russia, its autonomy was recognized under the Treaty of Andriapolis. Since 1830 - Greece - 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 regime of 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 led by Konstantinos Karamanlis came to power. Since the elections on November 17, 1974, Greece has been a parliamentary republic with a presidential form of government. The final liquidation of the monarchy was thus not the result of maneuvers of the dictatorial regime, but an expression of the will of the Greek people, one of the largest political events in the country in post-war years.
The emergence of the first settlements in the Aegean Sea basin dates back to the Neolithic era. Already from the 3rd millennium BC, state organizations of the early feudal type appeared on the island of Crete. Later, cultural centers appeared in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, and the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) is the general 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
Tourism in Greece
Where to stay
Today, Greece attracts tourists not only amazing beauty nature, but also developed tourist infrastructure. The hotel infrastructure of Greece is represented by hotels from economy class to luxury ones, both on the mainland and on the islands. Many hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, although there is also an excellent selection of hotels offering half board or breakfast only. It is worth noting that in Greece there is an “old” hotel grading system - the letter one. That is, the level of hotel class is indicated using letters, that is, the gradation goes from L - luxury, an analogue of European five stars, and to E - hotels that are not assigned any category.
Most family-type hotels are located in Chalkidiki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. Thanks to the rapid development of tourism infrastructure, over the past 10 years many new hotels have been built in Greece, and old ones have been modernized. IN competition, hotel owners have begun to pay more and more attention to creating special conditions for families with children, which today allows us to confidently say that Greece is an ideal place for a family vacation. As a rule, such hotels are equipped with children's playgrounds, attractions, sports grounds, childcare services are provided, and 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, GYM's, SPA, saunas, beauty salons and much more.
It is worth booking hotels in Greece in advance, especially during the high season. Cost of living in coastal zone in July-August it can increase significantly.
Holidays in the private sector continue to be very popular, namely the rental of villas, cottages or apartments in close proximity to the sea. This holiday option is most optimal for large groups, families with children, as it allows you to save on accommodation large quantity Human. The advantage of staying in a cottage is that you feel like you are in your own home, the disadvantage is that services (food, cleaning, laundry) are not included in the rental. 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 both in big cities and in the provinces. 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”.
There are a large number of well-equipped camping sites in Greece. It is worth considering that parking outside their boundaries is prohibited. As a rule, the cost of an overnight stay at a campsite is 5-7 euros per person (accommodation in a house), within 8 euros for a “caravan” and a little less for an overnight stay in a tent. However, many travelers note that the security situation in Greek campsites is a little worse than in European countries, and there have been repeated cases of theft of personal belongings.
There are 10 youth hostels in Greece that are members of the International Association. However, here you can also find a large number of hostels that are members of the Greek Association of Youth Hostels. If you want to stay in such a hostel, you will be required to have an IYHF card. In many cases, you can purchase it directly from the hostel, or 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 simply religious tourists, there is the possibility of living in monasteries. It is worth considering that living in such a place, you will need to fully comply with the monastery’s routine, as well as the requirements for clothing. The option of gender accommodation is also very likely, that is, men can only stay in a monastery, women - accordingly, in a women’s monastery.
Greek cuisine is simple, healthy, unpretentious and uses the best ingredients: tempting olives, fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish, cooked in the best local olive oil. The meat - usually lamb or pork - is stewed, baked or barbecued. Cheeses are very important: salty feta is used in salads, halloumi is often grilled, and amari, a soft, mild cheese like ricotta, is used in sweet and spicy dishes....
Tips
Tips to waiters usually amount to 5-10% of the order amount, but this is solely the good will of the client. It is not customary to leave tips for taxi drivers.
Visa
Office hours
Churches and monasteries are open to public visitation each according to their own rules. Churches are open during services. As a rule, museums are open every day, except Monday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In summer, some museums are open until 7 p.m. The Acropolis is open summer evenings on the full moon.
Shops are usually open on weekdays and Saturdays from 9 to 15 and from 17.30 to 20.30. Supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On 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 the buyer a special receipt, which must be shown at customs when leaving Greece along with the purchased item. Customs officers stamp the receipt and send it to the store, which must transfer the VAT amount to you within a month.
Medicine
Pharmacies are open every day except Sunday, and on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday they close at 13:00. In case of acute illness, you should call an ambulance rather than look for the nearest hospital.
Safety
Beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Be especially vigilant in the center of Athens, in public transport, in historical places popular among tourists in Greece.
Emergency numbers
Tourist Police - 171 (in Athens), 922-7777 (outside Athens)
Police - 100
Fire protection - 199
Ambulance - 166
National characteristics of Greece. Traditions
Shaking your head from bottom to top means "no" in Greece, and shaking your head from top to bottom means "yes." In Greek, the sound "ne" means "yes", and the negation sounds like "oh".
The Greek "tomorrow" ("avrio") means something uncertain or failure.
In a Greek home, it is not customary to take off your shoes.
Questions and feedback about Greece
Corfu Island - Questions and Answers
Question answer
Crete Island - Questions and Answers
Greece is a picturesque Balkan country with a rich culture, delicious cuisine and a very long history. Modern state located on the territory where the center of the great ancient civilization was once located. What is the country like now? What is Greece's area, climate and economy? You will learn all the details about the country below.
Geographical position
Greece belongs to the countries of Southern Europe. It is located in the very south of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as on the islands closest to it. On land, the country is surrounded by Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania, and has both land and sea borders with Turkey.
The seas surrounding Greece (Ionian, Mediterranean, Aegean and Libyan) belong to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline stretches for 15 thousand kilometers. total area Greece is 131,944 km 2 . Geographically, the state is divided into three large areas:
- Mainland Greece and the Ionian Islands.
- Peloponnese Peninsula.
- Islands of the Aegean Sea.
The mainland includes the Central Region, Greek Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Epirus. Medium-altitude mountainous terrain prevails here. Rocky mountains alternate with valleys, and on the coast with bays and lagoons.
The narrow Isthmus of Corinth connects the main part of the country with the Peloponnese. Its width is only 6 kilometers. Previously, it separated the Ionian and Aegean seas, but in the 19th century a canal was built here, connecting the reservoirs for ease of navigation.
In the Middle Ages, the peninsula was called Morea. It is located in the southwest of the country, covering 22,200 km2. Its shores are very indented, and from above the peninsula resembles the leaf of some plant.
Islands
Approximately 20% of Greece's area is islands. They cover an area of 24,800 km2. There are about 3,000 islands in total, some of them are combined into archipelagos. Only 230 are inhabited. All islands are divided into groups:
- Crete.
- Northern Sporades and Euboea.
- Dodecanese.
- Cyclades.
- Northern Aegean Islands.
- Ionian Islands.
The largest island in Greece is Crete, followed by Euboea. Crete is also one of the largest in the Mediterranean and the most popular tourist island countries. The Minoan civilization, the oldest in Europe, was born on it.
Lesbos is the third largest in Greece. It belongs to the North Aegean Islands, which are located near the Turkish coast. Many famous names are associated with Lesbos, including the poet Alcaeus and the poetess Sappho.
Rhodes, part of the Dodecanese archipelago, is one of the largest islands. It is called the “pearl of Greece” because of its incredible beautiful nature and many surviving ancient monuments. The old part of its main city was even included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
Climate
The climate of Greece is temperate, alpine and Mediterranean. From the central regions and the Peloponnese to Crete and the Dodecanese islands the Mediterranean subtropical type is characteristic. Winters here are mild and humid, and summers are dry and hot. The island of Rhodes, which is the most fertile in the country, has the most favorable conditions.
The climate of Greece on the mainland is determined by the topography. In the local mountains it is of the alpine type. The Pindus range separating Thessaly and Epirus influences the amount of rainfall in these regions. Thus, the slopes of Epirus receive much more moisture than the Thessalian slopes located in the east.
The Alpine climate also applies to the mountains of Western Macedonia, Central Greece, Achaea, Laconia and Arcadia. Eastern Macedonia and Thrace have moderate subtropical climate conditions with cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers.
There are about 300 sunny days a year. At night in summer, a breeze appears on the coasts, making the air cooler. On the islands, the holiday season lasts from April to October; on the mainland, especially in the northern part, it is shorter - from May to September.
Nature
Mountains occupy approximately 4/5 of the entire area of Greece, so soils and vegetation in most of the territory vary zonally. The mountains contain a lot of limestone, which makes the soil not very suitable for farming. In the plains they are more fertile, but dry out quickly during hot periods.
The nature of modern Greece has been significantly influenced by people. The region was inhabited even before our era. Continuous deforestation and their conversion into pastures and gardens, as well as hunting of wild animals, have significantly reduced the diversity of local flora and fauna.
More than 6 thousand plants grow in the country. These are mainly shrubs (maquis, freegana, etc.). Deciduous and coniferous forests, today they occupy only 12% of the country's area. In Greece you can see olive trees, oaks, beeches, black spruces, fir and plane trees.
The animal world is much poorer than the plant world. Best preserved in the country small mammals and reptiles such as hares, porcupines, badgers, mice, snakes and lizards. Large animals include bears, jackals, wild boars, lynx. Noble deer almost completely exterminated by humans. Red-listed monk seals and carriage turtles live in local waters.
History of Greece
From the history of this Balkan state, we usually remember the classical or “golden” period (VI-IV centuries BC). It was then that ancient policies appeared with majestic temples and sculptures, spacious squares, houses with sewerage and heating. The art, architecture, science and philosophy of that time influenced the development of European civilization.
But people inhabited the country much earlier. From the III-II millennium BC. e. There was a non-Greek population living here. It was a developed Aegean civilization. Later, it was captured and assimilated by the ancient Greek tribes of the Achaeans, Ionians, and Dorians who came here. With the advent of the latter came the Dark Ages, described in the poems of Homer.
Culture and language decline, but over time navigation develops, which is facilitated by geographical position Greece. Active trade leads to the expansion of possessions, the emergence of trade and craft centers, and economic and social prosperity.
In 146 BC. Greece is captured by the Roman Empire, and after its collapse, it becomes part of the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, many different kingdoms, duchies, principalities and counties were formed on its territory. And from the 15th to the 19th centuries, Greek lands were part of the Ottoman Empire.
In 1821, Greece declares its independence, conflicting with Turkey until the end of the First World War. In the 40s, military coups and civil wars followed, after which the country took a democratic course. In 1981, Greece joined the European Union.
Economy
At the end of World War II, the Greek economy experienced a strong recovery. In the 2000s, it was one of the 30 developed countries in the world. In recent years, it has been experiencing a crisis and has again returned to the status of developing states. External debt in 2010 amounted to more than $300 billion.
It is an industrial-agrarian country in which the main industries are metallurgy, chemical, textile, food and mining industries. Production is developing at an average level, and agriculture is mainly represented by small private farms. The country grows olives, soybeans, tobacco, wheat, barley, vegetables, citrus fruits, and grapes.
A quarter of GDP comes from tourism. About 20 million people visit it annually. About 17% of the country's population works in the service sector. The Greek economy also consists of shipping. Foreign ships are allowed to register under the country's flag, making the Greek merchant fleet the third largest in the world.
Population
The population of Greece is 10.853 million people, and is characterized by negative growth. In 2016 alone, it decreased by almost 45,000 people. The population belongs to the declining or aging type - the majority of residents (66%) are between 15 and 65 years old, and only 14% of residents are under 15 years of age.
The country can be considered mono-ethnic; about 93% of the population of Greece is Greek. In addition, it is inhabited by Turks, Gypsies, Pomaks, Albanians, Armenians, Serbs, Jews and Arabs. About 4 million ethnic Greeks live outside the state, mainly in Australia, the USA and Canada.
According to the constitution, the leading religion in Greece is the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ. The population of several Aegean islands professes Catholicism, while Muslims live in Thrace and the Dodecanese Islands. Some groups profess Protestantism, Greek neo-paganism, and Judaism. About 30,000 people are Jehovah's Witnesses.
Athens
There is no clear administrative division into cities and villages in the country. They are classified into one group or another based on the number of inhabitants. The largest cities in Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa, Volos, Heraklion, Acharnes.
Athens is the capital of a state with a population of 3,090 million people. The city is named after the goddess of wisdom, who was considered its patron. It was here that classical Greek culture and democracy were born 2.5 thousand years ago.
The city is located on a plain surrounded by mountains and the Saronicus Gulf. Now it is not only an administrative and cultural center, but also a major port. From here you can reach many islands and cities in Greece by sea.
The main tourist sites are located in the Plaka and Thissio areas. On a hill in the old city is the Acropolis with the Parthenon and other temples, an amphitheater and ancient sculptures. The center of trade in modern Athens is the Monastiraki area.
Nafplio
The city of Nafplion is located on the Peloponnese island. It is home to only 13 thousand people. According to legend, Nafplio was founded by the son of the god of the seas, Poseidon. This is one of the oldest cities in Greece, whose population lives mainly from tourism.
Local residents also engage in fishing. The region of Argolis, which includes the city, specializes in the cultivation of citrus fruits, and the port of Nafplio is the center of their export.
The city has preserved monuments from different eras and cultures. There is orthodox churches, Catholic churches and Muslim mosques. From the time of the Venetian state, mansions, the fortresses of Budzi and Palamidi remained in it. Near the city there are numerous ancient ruins, as well as the Kanaf spring, in which the goddess Hera herself bathed to regain her virginity.
And I
One of the most vibrant cities in Greece is Oia, located on Santorini. This is the northernmost locality islands. Many people find it very romantic: tangled streets lined with mosaics of stones, snow-white walls of houses and blue domes of temples.
The city is picturesquely located on a hill above the sea. It has many mini-hotels designed for just one or two families. Some of them have special apartments for newlyweds.
People come here to enjoy nature and silence. Car traffic is prohibited in Oia. By car you are only allowed to visit the fishing port of Ammoudi. You can reach it on foot only by climbing more than 200 steps.
Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula and on the adjacent 2,000 islands of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas, which account for almost 20% of its territory and of which only 166 are inhabited. By land, Greece borders Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. From west to east the Aegean Sea stretches a chain of islands - the Cyclades, and from north to south along the coast of Asia Minor - the Sporades (Dodecanese). In the south, the Aegean Sea is closed by Crete, the largest island of Greece. Along the western shores are the Ionian Islands.
The country is named after the ethnonym of the people - the Greeks.
Official name: Hellenic Republic
Capital: Athens
The area of the land: 132 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 11.3 million people
Administrative division: 51 nomes (prefectures), which are divided into 264 dimas (districts), and a special administrative unit - the region of the Holy Mountain - Athos.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: The president.
Population composition: 93% are Greeks, 7% are Turks, Albanians, Bulgarians, Macedonians and Armenians.
Official language: Greek
Religion: 98% are Greek Orthodox. There are Muslims, Catholics and Protestants.
Internet domain: .gr
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +30
Country barcode: 520
Climate
The climate of Greece is subtropical Mediterranean. It varies somewhat throughout the country. In the northern half of Greece, the coldest months are January and February. At this time, at night, the air temperature drops to slightly positive values (+1...+3), and in some years to slightly negative (0...-2), during the daytime it is 8...10 degrees .
The warmest time of the year is July and August. Even at night in these months the temperature does not drop below +20; during the day it often climbs over the thirty-degree mark. The rainiest period in the north of the country lasts from November to January. At this time, the number of days with precipitation ranges from 10 to 12 days per month. Driest period: from July to September (monthly number of days with precipitation from 3 to 5).
The climate of the plains and foothills of central Greece is almost the same as in the north. But in the mountainous regions occupying most territory, the temperature is much lower, and some mountain peaks are covered with snow all year round.
In the south of Greece, the coldest months are January and February, when at night the air temperature is about +6o, during the day 12...13o. The hottest time is July. In it at night its value is 22...23 degrees, during the day on average +30...+33 degrees. The maximum number of days with precipitation occurs in November - January (the number of days with precipitation during the month is 12-16), the driest period is from June to September (the number of days with precipitation during the month is 2-4).
On the islands, temperatures are higher at night, and the heat of the day is moderated by the cool breeze blowing from the sea. The coldest time of the year is from December to March. At night at this time it is from 5 to 8 degrees, during the day 11...16 degrees. The warmest time of the year is from June to September, when the temperature at night is 21...22, during the day 27...30 degrees. The wettest time is from December to February (the number of days with precipitation in each month is 9-12), the driest is from June to September (not a drop of rain may fall during the entire month of this period).
The swimming season begins in May, when the water temperature rises from +17 to +19 throughout the month. IN summer period(from June to August) it is 20...25 degrees, in September and October 21...23 degrees. During the rest of the year, the water temperature off the coast of Greece does not drop below +15 degrees.
Geography
Greece occupies the southeastern and southern parts of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as a number of islands, which account for a fifth of the territory. The largest islands are Crete, Rhodes, Lesbos, Euboea. Greece's neighbors in the north are Macedonia and Bulgaria, in the northwest - Albania, in the northeast - Turkey. From the south the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, from the west by the Ionian Sea, and from the east by the Aegean Sea.
On the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, called Thrace, are the southern spurs of the Rhodope Mountains. The central part of mainland Greece is occupied by the Pindus mountain range, the most high point which is Olympus, the home of the ancient mythological gods. Olympus rises to a height of 2917 m. On the peninsulas the mountains are rocky, but in some places they retreat inland, giving way to flat areas. The relief of numerous islands is also mountainous. The largest plains of Greece, Thessalian and Thessaloniki, are located along the coast of the Aegean Sea.
The rivers of Greece are short in length. They mainly flow along faults in the mountains, so they have a fast flow. The main rivers are Arachthos, Aheloos, Aliakmon, Pinyos and Sperchios (mainland), Alfios and Evrotas (Peloponnese), Axios (Vardar), Strymon (Struma) and Nestos (Mesta) (Macedonia and Thrace). There are many lakes of karst origin in Greece, there are also mineral springs. The area of Greece is 132 thousand sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
The vegetation of Greece is very diverse (there are more than 6 thousand plant species) and varies depending on the altitude. Shrubs predominate: they cover 25% of the country's territory, while forests cover only 19%. In ancient times, only a small part of the land was suitable for cultivation and cultivation of crops. In order to obtain new territories for arable land and gardens, they began to cut down the forests covering the mountain slopes. Therefore, now only 12% of the country’s territory is occupied by forests.
They say that "Greece was eaten by goats." Indeed, sheep and goats, bred by the Greeks for a long time, ate and trampled the young shoots of trees. Thickets of evergreens – maquis and shiblyak – are widespread here. Thickets of freegana - low, poorly leafed, thorny subshrubs - are also typical for Greece. Many scientists believe that this is secondary vegetation that formed on the site of oak forests cut down in ancient times.
Evergreen Mediterranean vegetation The plains and almost all the foothills are covered. The most characteristic features of this belt are maquis and freegana. There are groves of pines, evergreen oaks, cypresses and plane trees. The mastic pistachio, a deciduous plant, grows on the peninsula. If you make a notch on it, juice will flow out - mastic; it is used to make a transparent varnish that is used to cover paintings.
The so-called “evergreen belt” mainly consists of cultivated vegetation. Its most typical representative is the olive tree. It is impossible to imagine Greece without olive groves. The olive branch has long been a symbol of Greek culture, the Greek land. Meanwhile, the olive tree is as alien here as the Greek tribes. The birthplace of the olive tree is the sultry shores of Phenicia. The Phoenicians, fearless sailors, were the first to master the waters Mediterranean Sea. They brought the seeds of an unprecedented plant to Crete. In Crete they loved curiosities. This is how the first olive grove appeared near the palace of Minos.
In the coastal lowlands (especially in Central and Northern Greece), most of the land is occupied by grain fields, as well as cotton and tobacco plantations. On the plains and in the foothills, vineyards and gardens from Mediterranean fruit trees. Pyramidal cypress trees are often found near settlements. Orchards are often bordered by tall natural hedges of agaves and prickly pears, which complement the colorful picture of the cultivated vegetation of the evergreen belt.
Evergreen and deciduous forests grow from 120 to 460 m - oak, black spruce, walnut, beech, sumac. Following the “evergreen belt” is a belt of mountain forests and shrubs, in which, with increasing altitude, cultivated vegetation is increasingly replaced by natural vegetation, evergreen forests and shrubs are replaced by deciduous ones, and the latter by coniferous ones, reaching upper limit forests, and wild flowers such as anemones and cyclamen grow here.
Higher up the slopes, first deciduous (oak, maple, plane tree, ash, linden, chestnut, beech in the upper part) and then coniferous (fir, pine) forests grow; above 2000 m – subalpine meadows.
Greece, like the Balkans in general, abounds walnuts. They are called acorns of the gods, and they grow on deciduous trees with a spreading crown up to 30 meters high. Jam is made from unripe nuts; ripe nuts and nut butter are very healthy and tasty.
Animal world
Little natural vegetation has been preserved in Greece; the country's fauna is poor in mammals, especially large ones, which were exterminated by humans for several millennia. Red deer are almost extinct, but small animals such as rabbits and hares are common. Larger animals are still found in the mountains: in Pinda and the mountains along the border with Bulgaria Mountain goat And Brown bear, in more distant forest areas there is a wolf.
Also among the predators in Greece you can see a wild cat, a fox, a jackal, a stone marten, a badger, a wild boar, a European bear, and a lynx. Among the ungulates there are the Cretan wild goat, fallow deer, roe deer, and wild boar. The territory of Greece is home to many animals listed in the Red Book, among them: the Mediterranean sea turtle, the monk seal.
The most numerous mammals are rodents (porcupine, gray hamster, mice, dormouse, voles, etc.), southern species of bats and insectivores - shrews, hedgehogs, moles. Greece has a variety of reptiles - turtles, lizards, snakes. They easily tolerate heat and lack of moisture during the dry summer season. IN wooded areas home to the Greek land tortoise, the most commonly found tortoise species in the country. Of the numerous lizards, the most typical for Greece are the rock or wall lizard, the Greek sharp-headed lizard, the Peloponnesian lizard, the Ionian lizard, and the largest in Europe, the green lizard. Among snakes, snakes, grass snakes, and horned vipers are especially common.
The world of birds is also diverse. Quails, wild ducks, wood pigeons and clint pigeons, gray and especially mountain partridges, brightly feathered hoopoes, rollers, kingfishers, and among predators - kites, black vultures, eagles, falcons, owls are the most typical representatives of the bird fauna of Greece and the entire Mediterranean. There are numerous flocks of seagulls on the sea coasts.
The long-billed cormorant, Dalmatian pelican, and stork are also typical for Greece. The forests are home to the southern green woodpecker and mountain bunting. Representatives of the passerine order are typical for the country - the stone sparrow, the canary finch, and the Greek swallow. There are also many species of terrestrial mollusks (snails). Thus, in Crete there are 120 species of mollusks, of which 77 are unique to this territory.
Attractions
- Athens Acropolis
- White Tower in Thessaloniki
- Mount Olympus
- Sunken City of Olus
- Castle of the Knights of St. John
- Knossos palace
- Labyrinth of the Minotaur
- Lake Vulizmeni
- Zeus statue in Olympia
- Theater of Dionysus
- Samaria Gorge
- Temple at Delphi
Banks and currency
Since 2002, Greece introduced a new currency - the euro. Only euros and credit cards are accepted for payment everywhere. Euros can be easily purchased at exchange offices, including at hotels, and exchanged back into dollars when leaving the country. Banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents are used. There are 100 cents in one euro. There is no “black market” for currency exchange.
Fur shops often accept US dollars as payment.
The working day of Greek banks is very short - from 8:00 to 13:00, at the latest - until 14:00. Exchange offices are open until 20.00 even on weekends, but they charge 1 to 2% for the exchange operation. There are many ATMs in the country that accept Visa, MasterCard, etc. Traveler's checks are also widely used.
Useful information for tourists
In restaurants, taverns and cafes it is customary to tip 5-10% of the order amount. To pay, you don’t have to wait for the waiter - you can simply leave the money on the plate on which the bill was brought.
There is only one strict ban: When visiting monasteries, you cannot wear shorts, T-shirts, and women should not wear trousers or miniskirts. It is not necessary to wear hats. Many monasteries have a small room in front of the entrance where long skirts and loose trousers hang, which you can wear if your clothes are too frivolous.
brief information
Greece is of interest to almost anyone. Some are interested in the history of Ancient Hellas, some strive to visit this country, considering it the cradle of Orthodoxy, and some tourists, and they seem to be the majority, simply want to relax at the beautiful Greek beach resorts. More than 15 million tourists visit Greece every year from different countries peace.
In the 5th century BC, Greece was the center of the ecumene, the undisputed leader in the fields of art, architecture, science, mathematics, philosophy, theater and literature. Now Greece is famous for its amazing landscape, natural beauty, numerous historical monuments, as well as beautiful beach resorts.
Geography of Greece
Greece is located in southeastern Europe. In the east and northeast, Greece borders with Turkey, in the north with Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania, in the south it is washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in the west by the Ionian Sea, and in the east by the Aegean Sea.
The total area of Greece is almost 132 thousand square kilometers, including islands (approximately 20% of the territory of Greece are islands), and the total length of the state border is 1,228 km.
A significant part of the territory of Greece is occupied by mountains. Moreover, the highest of them is the famous Mount Olympus in Thessaly (2,917 m).
There are approximately 3,053 islands in Greece. The largest Greek islands are Crete in the Mediterranean Sea and Euboea in the Aegean Sea.
Capital
Capital of Greece - ancient city Athens, which is now home to more than 5 million people. This city was founded approximately 3,500 years ago.
Official language of Greece
The official language of Greece is Greek, which is a branch of the Indo-European languages. The first archaeological evidence of the existence of the Greek language dates back to the 15th century BC.
Religion
About 97% of the population of Greece consider themselves Orthodox Christians belonging to the Greek Catholic Church. According to a Eurostat poll, 81% of Greeks believe that “God exists.”
State structure
Greece is a parliamentary republic in which the head of state is the President (he is elected by Parliament). The current Greek Constitution was adopted relatively long ago, in 1975.
Legislative power in this country belongs to the unicameral Parliament (300 deputies).
The main political parties are the liberal New Democracy, the left-wing Panhellenic Social Movement, the Coalition of the Radical Left, the People's Orthodox Appeal, and the Communist Party of Greece.
Climate and weather
IN coastal areas Greece (Athens, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, Peloponnese and part of Central Hellas), predominates Mediterranean climate(winter is mild and humid, and summer is dry and hot).
The mountainous regions of northwestern Greece (some of Epirus, Central Greece, Thessaly and Western Macedonia), as well as the mountainous Peloponnese, including Achaia, Arcadia and Laconia, have an alpine climate with heavy snowfall.
Inland central Greece, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace have a temperate climate.
In July, the average air temperature in Athens is +28.7C, on the island of Corfu – +27.8C, and on the island of Rhodes – 26.8C.
Sea in Greece
Greece is washed by the waters of the Ionian (in the west), Mediterranean (in the south) and Aegean (in the east) seas. The total coastline is about 17,000 km. Approximately 85% of the population of all Greece lives in coastal areas (up to 50 km from the coast).
Sea water in Greece amazes and surprises all tourists. Its deep blue color is due in part to the reflection of the blue sky and the fact that it does not contain much solid matter (such as plankton, dirt and dust).
There are about 450 species of fish and 12 species of cetaceans in the Greek seas.
There are about 3,053 islands in Greece. The largest of them are Crete in the Ionian Sea, Euboea in the Aegean Sea, and Corfu in the Ionian Sea.
Average sea temperature in Greece:
January - +15C
- February - +14C
- March - +14C
- April - +15C
- May - +18C
- June - +22C
- July - +24C
- August - +25C
- September - +23C
- October - +21C
- November - +19C
- December - +16C
The average water temperature near the island of Crete in May is +19C, in August - +25C, and in October - +23C.
Rivers and lakes of Greece
Despite the fact that a significant part of the territory of Greece is occupied by mountains, this country also has many rivers. In ancient times, the Greeks believed that rivers belonged to the world of the gods and worshiped them as separate deities.
The most big rivers in Greece - Alyakmon (297 km), Acheloos (217 km), and Mesta (230 km).
Perhaps tourists will be interested in Greek lakes, among which we highlight Trichonis, Volvi, and Vegoritis.
History of Greece
Greece marked the beginning of European civilization. The Greek city-states of Athens, Corinth and Sparta only joined forces when they were threatened by Persian invasion.
In the 5th century BC. Athens was the political, economic, and, of course, cultural center of the Mediterranean. Then Sparta, led by Alexander the Great, received a dominant role over the Greek lands. At this time, the Greeks defeated the Persians and spread their influence over vast territories, right up to India.
In 146 BC. Greece was conquered by the Roman Empire. In 395 AD, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, Byzantium was formed ( official name- Eastern Roman Empire), whose capital was Constantinople (modern Istanbul).
In 1453, the Byzantine Empire was liquidated, and the territory of modern Greece came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. For the next 350 years, Greece was part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire.
As a result of the liberation war of 1821-1829, Greece finally gained independence. In 1833, Otto from Bavaria became king of Greece. Monarchy in Greece (from 1863 the Greeks were ruled by the Danish The Royal Family) existed until 1973.
After World War II, Greece descended into civil war until right-wing monarchists won in 1954. From 1967 to 1974, Greece was ruled by the so-called. "black colonels".
In 1981, after years of consultations, Greece became a member of the EU.
Greek culture
Greek culture begins with the Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations (for example, 2000 BC). After this, there was a period in the history of Greece that historians call the classical period. At this time, Greek culture was formed, which began to influence neighboring peoples. In general, Greece is the birthplace of humanity, and in one way or another Greek culture has influenced a huge number of countries. The successors of Greek culture are Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire.
In the Middle Ages, the culture of Greece was greatly influenced by the Ottoman Empire. But this is understandable, because... For about 350 years, Greece was just one of the provinces of the Ottoman Empire.
It was in Ancient Greece that science was born. Modern philosophy, mathematics and astronomy are based on the knowledge gained by the ancient Greeks.
The most famous ancient Greek philosophers are Aristotle, Plato, Diogenes, Crates of Athens, Diogenes and Socrates.
The most famous ancient Greek mathematicians are Archimedes, Pythagoras, Democritus and Euclid.
The Greeks are very superstitious; they believe not only in God, but also in supernatural forces. Until now, the Greeks take the myths of Ancient Greece seriously. Moreover, every region of Greece, every village, every island has its own superstitions and traditions.
Greeks will never personally hand over a knife to a person who asks them for it, but will simply place it, for example, on a table. It is believed that if you give someone a knife, you will have to fight with that person.
The most popular Greek folk (and very often religious) holidays are Epiphany, Gynecocracy, Tsiknopempti (Meat Thursday), Maundy Monday, Annunciation, Good Friday, Easter, Remembrance Day of the Pontic Genocide, Whitsun, Polytechnio and Nativity.
If two Greeks say the same words at the same time, they will definitely touch some red object, otherwise it is believed that they will fight and become enemies. History is silent about where this superstition came from.
Greek cuisine
We definitely advise tourists to visit local restaurants in Greece and enjoy Greek cuisine. The variety of dishes, as well as their taste, make Greek cuisine unique. A characteristic feature of Greek cuisine is the use of olive oil in absolutely every dish.
Also, Greeks usually use a lot of vegetables and spices when preparing food. However, the spices are mild enough that there is no need to worry about too much heat.
We all know Greek salad and moussaka. However, these dishes are only a prelude to real Greek cuisine. Each region of Greece, each island has its own dishes and methods of preparing them. Therefore, the taste of moussaka on the island of Corfu will be completely different from that of moussaka on the Dedecanese islands.
We definitely advise tourists in Greece to try the bean soup “Fasolada”, shrimp fried in butter, “souvlaki” (kebabs on wooden sticks), fish fillet in Greek, flatbread with meat, potatoes and tomatoes “gyro”, “fritta” from vegetables with “zazyki” sauce, as well as fish soup"kakavia".
The ancient Greeks considered wine to be the drink of the gods, and in modern Greece this alcoholic drink is extremely popular. True, the ancient Greeks diluted wine with spring water, but modern Greeks for some reason forgot this, generally very useful, tradition.
The most famous Greek strong alcoholic drinks are tsipouro (also called tsikoudia or raki), with a strength of 38-47% alcohol, ouzo (aniseed vodka with a strength of 40% alcohol), and Metaxa brandy.
Sights of Greece
Greece ranks first in the world in terms of the number of attractions (in second and third places are Italy and Bulgaria, respectively). Therefore, we will highlight, in our opinion, the ten best attractions in Greece, although in fact there are many more.
Top 10 best attractions in Greece:
Acropolis in Athens
Agora in Athens
Archaeological National Museum(Athens)
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Mount Athos
The ruined city of Mystras in Sparta
Theater at Delphi (IV century BC)
Monasteries of Meteora in the mountains of Thessaly
Ancient city of Mycenae in the Peloponnese
Mount Lykabettos in Athens
Cities and resorts
The largest Greek cities are Athens, Piraeus, Patras, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
The coastline in Greece is 13,676 kilometers, which means that there are a huge number of beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, which are surrounded by cliffs with pine trees and palm trees.
The most popular beach resorts in Greece are Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Chania and Halkidiki.
Souvenirs/shopping
Greek shoes (in particular, handmade sandals);
- Gold jewelry;
- Folk talismans that “drive away the evil eye”;
- Bouzouki (baglama) – a small stringed musical instrument;
- CDs with Greek folk music;
- Olives, olive oil;
- Greek cheese;
- Kitchen utensils;
- Alcoholic drinks – ouzo, tsipuro (tsikudya or raki) and Metaxa brandy.
The climate of Greece, generally speaking, is mild, and this is a huge “merit” of the Mediterranean Sea, which seems to look after and protect this small country. Summer here is hot and dry: the average monthly temperature in July varies between +30...+32 degrees Celsius, humidity reaches 55%. The beach season in Hellas begins in mid-May and lasts until November. Winter in the country is by no means severe. The temperature in January averages 10 degrees plus, and humidity is 75%.
Meanwhile, in Greece there are several climatic zones. In the mainland of the country, weather conditions resemble those 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 climate. Long lasting warm weather in Crete: on the south coast of the largest Greek island you can swim and sunbathe from April to November.
Greece also has its own rainy season, which starts in most areas in mid-October and lasts until February. In July and August, the entire eastern coast of the mainland, including the capital, and the islands of the Aegean Sea are subject to strong north winds. On the one hand, it brings coolness that dilutes the heat, on the other, it makes ferries late and causes inconvenience to vacationers by “stealing” their beach umbrellas. As for the summer heat itself, 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, let alone make appointments.
History of Greece
The first settlements on the territory of 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, which existed in 2600-1100 BC. The classical period in the history of Greece is the so-called “Golden Age”, which covered the 6th-4th centuries BC. e. It is remarkable 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 legionaries. 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 condition, and we, contemporaries, can judge from them the great heritage of the ancient Greeks. And after the division of the huge 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 existed for eleven centuries, until on May 29, 1453 it fell under the onslaught of the Turks.
Greece itself was under Ottoman rule for almost 400 years. The national liberation struggle of the Greek people ended in 1821 with the proclamation of an independent Greek state, which a decade later became monarchical. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Greece made great efforts to return its ancestral lands that still remained under the occupation of the Ottoman Porte. Participation in the Balkan Wars of that time and the First World War helped partially realize these goals.
The country also took part in the Second World War. First it was attacked by fascist Italy, but the Greeks were able to give a worthy 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, ending only in 1949.
After this, a period of calm development in Greece began, disrupted by the 1967 coup d'etat, as a result of which King Constantine II was overthrown and a military dictatorship was established in the country. This period went down in history as the regime of the “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 Cyprus by the Turkish army in 1974 and the occupation of part of its territory with the formation of the unrecognized “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. Failures in the so-called “Cyprus Question” led to the overthrow of the dictatorship of the “black colonels” in 1974.
On December 8, 1974, a national referendum was held in Greece, as a result of which democracy was re-established in the country. political regime with a parliamentary form of government. On June 11, 1975, a new Constitution was adopted, which is in force to this day. 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, it joined the euro zone.
Sights of Greece
Greece is a country of 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, which we will return to later.
Let’s begin our general acquaintance with some of the country’s attractions 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. Of constant interest to travelers is the temple of one of the three Olympian 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 of Athens and numerous Athenian museums.
Separately, I would like to mention the breathtaking Panathinaikos Stadium. It was created from fragments of an ancient predecessor, using only white marble in construction. And in Athens you can see with your own eyes 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 luxurious Venetian-style castle in Rethymno, and enjoy 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 architectural structures in shape - the palace of King Minos.
One of the most famous Greek islands is Rhodes, which has the reputation of being the largest center of knightly culture and a wonderful resort. His business card– The castle of the knights, built in the 14th 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. Nowadays this “house of the gods” has been turned into a unique biosphere reserve, rich various types plants and animals, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Olympus though high mountain, but quite accessible for walking. Traveling along numerous trails, you won’t even notice how time flies.
Another famous mountain is, of course, Athos, included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. This unique place, revered by all Orthodox believers, is inhabited and can only be visited by men. It is dedicated to prayer, reflection and 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 desired, of course - every day. Such bureaucracy may turn many away from the intention of visiting 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
The national cuisine of Greece coexists perfectly with the culinary traditions of the Balkan peoples, the Apennines, France and even the Middle East. In general, this is typically Mediterranean cuisine with a touch 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 here they don’t just eat, but communicate and relax. A shared meal is a great way to build friendships between strangers and even business relationships. Greeks discuss whatever they want 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 royal 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 such exotic things as octopus meat - it is baked over coals with the addition of herbs. The taste and aroma of the dish are such that words cannot describe it - it’s better to try it!
What are the most popular dishes in modern Greece? To name a few: squid stuffed with cheese and baked on coals (“kalamarya yemista me tiri”), steamed mussels (“midya akhnista”), grilled shrimp (“garides sharas”). One of the signature dishes of the national cuisine is spaghetti with lobster (“macoranada me astaco”). Among the traditional fish dishes familiar to Russians, in local taverns you can taste fish in all its culinary “manifestations” - fried and stewed, stuffed and pickled, dried, smoked and simply salted - with delicious local beer!
Lovers of meat food in Greece are offered a rich selection of dishes from pork, beef, poultry, and lamb. “Brizoles” and “paidakia”, grilled meat with bones and lamb ribs, respectively, always turn out very tasty and juicy. Local kebabs come in two types: small pieces of meat (“souvlaki”) and large pieces (“kondosuvli”).
It’s 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 wire rack. True gourmets will love the rooster stewed in white wine (kokoras krasatos) and the rabbit stew (kuneli). And perhaps the most famous Greek meat dish is moussaka - minced meat, potatoes and eggplants laid in layers and baked with bechamel sauce.
It is impossible to imagine Greek cuisine 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 “kefalotyri” (hard, made from goat’s milk), “tulumotiri” (the oldest of all local varieties) and the exquisite “manuri” (white, with a very piquant taste ).
In conclusion, let’s mention the famous “Greek salad,” which in its homeland is simply called “village salad,” which Russian housewives also love to prepare. “Original” differs in taste from what is served in our cafes and restaurants or prepared at home. What exactly the difference is is also difficult to convey in words: you need to feel it by trying both options. What is needed for this? That's right: come on vacation to Greece!
Language
Modern Greek (Dimotika), derived from the vernacular language used in the late antique period, became the official language of the country only in 1976. Before this, it was kafarevusa (“purified language”). Fortunately for tourists, many Greeks speak at least one foreign language: Most often in English, but also in German, French or Italian.
Still, a few words in Greek would be appreciated. If you have some time, try to learn a couple of basic phrases and the alphabet. Although signs and indexes are often presented in Latin transcription, this does not always happen; In addition, knowledge of the alphabet will allow you to navigate banks, restaurants and other establishments.
Holidays in Greece
- January 1 – New Year.
- January 6 – Epiphany.
- March 25 is Independence Day.
- May 1 – Labor Day.
- August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
- October 28 is Okha Day, in memory of the Greek resistance to the Italian occupation of 1940.
- December 25 – Christmas.
- December 26 – Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Holidays that do not have an exact date are the First Day of Lent (Clean Monday), Holy Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension, Spiritual Day.
Money
The national currency of Greece is the euro, divided into 100 eurocents. Basically, all payments are made in cash, which naturally leads to a strengthening of the shadow economy. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, however, accept credit cards, but some charge an additional 3% to 5%, sometimes without even notifying you. If you have a Visa or MasterCard card, 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 from work during the siesta, the opening hours of organizations in Greece are quite flexible. Shops are usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from approximately 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 are sometimes open even on Sunday.
Museums and archaeological sites that can be visited are closed on Mondays, sometimes on Wednesdays, and the smallest ones are closed from November to March. Opening hours are 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 are usually open 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
People go to sunny Greece not only for a beach holiday on the islands or to explore the world-famous sights of ancient times, but also for shopping. For those who don’t know yet: Greece, along with Italy, is one of the best places in Europe for shopping. Despite the difference in exchange rates, finding here, for example, a relatively inexpensive fur coat or a beautiful vase that will decorate the interior of your home, will not be difficult.
A long-tested 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 begin to reduce the price small - say, from 20-30%, but immediately indicate on the price tags: 80% discount, so queues are not uncommon at such outlets. Prepare in advance to lose some time waiting, but to leave with a good purchase.
Discounts apply not only to clothing and shoes, but also to household appliances, modern electronics, decorative items, and even good, solid furniture. True, the discount on such goods does not exceed 40% of the cost, but this is not bad. In outlets and stocks, which you should also not forget about, price tags pleasing to the eye are present all year round. In large shopping centers, off-season sales are common; discounts can reach 50%.
But let's get back to buying fur coats. Especially for this purpose, shopping tours are organized to Greece, which come with or without obligations. If you choose the first (that is, a tour with obligations), then the flight to the country and hotel accommodation, usually not exceeding 3-4 days, is paid by the fur factory. To make your choice easier, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the range 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 also end up buying something that you didn’t want, and you will regret it.
Kastoria, a city in the north-west of the country, in western Macedonia, is traditionally considered the birthplace of Greek fur products. 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 gives you the opportunity to bargain on the spot. There are usually no language barriers, since almost all sellers speak Russian.
But not everyone goes to Greece to buy clothes or household items - many would like to buy local products. In this case, welcome to Greek supermarkets: in Athens - Sklavenitis, in Crete - Ariadni, in Thessaloniki - Masoutis. Premium supermarkets AB Vasilopoulos and the German supermarket chain Lidi are also popular among tourists.
You can also shop well at markets and bazaars, of which there are a lot in the country, including flea markets. The freshest and most inexpensive goods from the food basket can be bought here: olive oil, feta cheese, local wine. The main thing is to be there before 15:00, as then the markets and bazaars close until the next day.
Note to tourists: citizens of the Russian Federation, since they are not residents of the European Union, can exercise the right to a VAT refund ( Tax Free), but provided that the purchase amount is not less than 120 € and it is made in point of sale, which participates in the system. To determine this, you just have to look closely: 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 cash register or directly at the entrance to the store. On the mainland, the 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 is 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, and there are also special night flights. The most developed in terms of transport is, of course, the capital. Car traffic in it, as well as in other cities, is chaotic, and parking problems may arise. In cities, the speed limit 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 pass is valid for 1.5 hours. There are no subways in other cities.
Greece also has a network of railways, only experienced tourists It is not recommended 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 was 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 an island state, not all parts of the country can be reached by bus or train. 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 the cars are usually located very close to each other.
Car driving
A driver's license valid in Russia will be enough to rent a car in Greece. Prices from numerous local companies are reasonable, but check the condition of the car and whether you have insurance in case of an accident. The minimum driver age is 21 years, sometimes 25 years. Driving experience must be at least one year.
The major highways are very good for motorists, and in addition, thanks to funds allocated by the EU, Greece's road network has been significantly 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 driving style of the Greeks, 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 difficult, especially in Athens, due to numerous traffic jams and one-way roads.
Communications and Internet
Mobile communications in Greece are very well developed; the network covers almost the entire territory of the country, with the exception of some small remote islands. It catches especially well in cities, and in Athens even in the metro. 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.
Leaders of the Greek market mobile communications are companies such as Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone. The first is state-owned and its main advantage in the eyes of competitors can be considered good level client service. Wind was once a monopolist in the local market and has long established itself high quality communications. 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 unavailable.
Moral standards
Even though summer is very hot, if you are away from the beach, be sure to dress appropriately. To visit the monastery, women should wear a skirt or dress below the knee and a headscarf, and 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 issues
Check your restaurant bill: in the most tourist places it may increase by one additional dish or drink... Also pay attention to the prices on display: these are sometimes for takeaway sales and can double if you eat in. Finally, if you want to pay credit card, make sure that the tip (3-5%) is not taken without your consent. As a rule, any misunderstanding can be easily resolved if you just stay alert and remember to call the tourist police, who specialize in resolving these types of problems.
Safety
Even if one wants to, Greece cannot be classified, like, for example, Iceland or Sweden, among the safest countries on the continent for tourists. Unfortunately, petty thefts are common here, especially in crowded places: near hotels, airports, train stations, and near attractions. Pickpockets also operate in public transport. In Athens, as in any big city, have their own dangerous areas, these are Kolokotroni and Vathi squares and the red light district in the vicinity of Omonia Square.
Women especially should beware of... obsessive suitors or “kamaki” (from the Greek “kamakis” - “harpooner”). These are, as a rule, good-looking men, radiating charm and temperament, who very persistently seek the favor of lonely foreign tourists. Their ultimate goal is to “hook” a rich companion for a while, and if they’re lucky, for the whole season. Dear ladies are also not recommended to get into cars unknown men or walking at night, as there is a risk of becoming victims of rape.
The Greeks spend their hot southern temperament not only searching for love affairs, but also participating in all kinds of protests and strikes. And although the “righteous anger” of demonstrators is usually not directed at people, it is better not to go out into the street during a rally. Police 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 also, even if the 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 crush.
Besides human factor Natural factors also pose a certain danger. Both the Greek mainland and its islands fall under the definition of seismic hazardous areas, which means a high probability of earthquakes. Tremors with high amplitude, fortunately, do not happen so often, but small vibrations of the earth’s crust are a common occurrence. Don't forget about the risk of forest fires caused by hot climates. In these cases, you should call directly the fire department at 199 or the rescue service at 112.
Hotels and accommodation in Greece
Both on the mainland and on the islands, hotels for every taste and budget are available to tourists. In Greece, in addition to the traditional classification by the number of stars, a letter system for designating the hotel class 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 quite often there is a kind of “anomaly”: in class E hotels the level of service is higher than in hotels designated C.
Be prepared to run into room shortages, especially on the most popular Greek islands. The rush here is a common occurrence, especially on weekends and holidays, when foreigners join the vacationers local residents. To avoid tourist crowds, book your apartment in advance. So, using the Booking.com service, you can find great options accommodation in Greece with discounts up to 60%.
Most local hotels are locally owned, but major international chains such as Best Western and Hilton are also present in Greece. You can also rent a top-class room in local chain hotels, such as 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 (pensions), which most fully convey the spirit of the local way of life and the 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 range from 40-60 to 90-120 euros per night.
Hostels in Greece are not as popular as in other European countries, but you can stay in one of the five Athens youth hostels that are 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 birthplace of democracy, you can also stay in monasteries, but the rules for staying in them may not seem so democratic. For example, if you are looking for an overnight stay with a companion of the opposite sex, you will be refused. In addition, you need to dress in accordance with generally accepted standards of decency, otherwise they won’t accept you either. And if you are moved in, you will have to observe a “curfew”: you are not allowed to return to the monastery - for example, after an excursion - later than expected.
), and charter.
During the peak tourist season, that is, in the summer, flights to Greece are carried out, among other things, from Russian cities such as Krasnodar, Kazan and Perm.
To stay in the country, Russians need a foreign passport with a Schengen visa.
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