The most interesting places in Greece. Which resort to choose in Greece? Sights of the island part of Greece

Greece has everything. There is so much entertainment, food and beautiful places that it’s dizzying. We collected all the best in one place. Don't thank me.

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10 must-do things in Athens

1. Go to Sounion

Historical site located 45 minutes from Athens. First of all, for some reason, everyone heads to the Acropolis, and at this time Cape Sounion modestly stands aside (in every sense). The interesting thing on the cape is the Temple of Poseidon, and the stunning thing is the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

2. Drink on the roof at A for Athens

This is a hotel with a cool bar for those who don't want to walk up the hill to the Acropolis. That's right, it's better to enjoy the beauty in Greek style - from the rooftop bar. The crowd here is a bit snobbish, but the price tag is reasonable.

3. Hang out at GazARTE

An art space located in the recently renovated city center of Gazi. There is a cinema with indie films and a bookstore, as well as a library room that is very reminiscent of the Hudson Bar in New York. You can go to GazARTE just for the terrace among the pomegranate and tangerine trees.

4. Have a highly intellectual holiday (or not)

Technopolis is an art space in an old natural gas processing plant. Open from Tuesday to Sunday. Here you can learn the history of the plant and its activities during the 19th century. However, locals will advise you not to do nonsense, check the calendar of events and go to an exhibition, concert or party.

5. Suddenly find yourself in New York

Kolonaki - New York's Soho in Athens: a great little area for walking, shopping and a coffee or a couple of cocktails in the open air. The bars are very trendy at night, but be aware that they fill up quickly on weekends, so get there early.

6. Try the best rum cocktail at Baba Au Rum

This bar is included in the list of the 50 best bars in the world. Cozy place in the style of the 50s, located on a small pedestrian street near Syntagma Square. There are rums from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the list goes on. The bartenders are simply darling - they mix amazing cocktails and skillfully improvise based on your preferences.

Example from the menu:

7. Go mainstream and go to the National Garden

The public park in the center of Athens is, of course, in all city guides. But you really can't ignore this place: 15.5 hectares of greenery with a duck pond, small zoo, cafe and botanical museum. It is especially beautiful here in spring.

8. Go down to the basement of the Six dogs bar

From the outside it looks like an ordinary bar with good music. Well, exhibitions are sometimes held - what's wrong with that? The whole trick is in the secret garden - head straight to the basement, which will take you to the back area, surrounded by trees, which, given the central location of the bar, is extremely rare. Enjoy.

9. Exarchy

In general, tourists are advised not to venture into this part of the city, but only here you can see the intellectual and countercultural side of the city. Everyone is here: Greek families, immigrants, students, anarchists and drug addicts. Everyone except the police. Still, be careful and be ready to get out quickly.

10. Piraeus

This is the ancient port of Athens and is still one of the largest in the world. Take a walk, go to the Vaekeio open-air theater or Allou Fun Park (the largest amusement park in Athens), but most importantly, this port has many restaurants that serve amazing seafood. And quite cheap, by the way.

Santorini: 15 must-do things

1. Watch a movie in an open-air cinema

Evening weather in Santorini is ideal for going to the Kamari Village outdoor cinema. This is one of the best cinemas under open air in the world: director's chairs and delicious cocktails - very nice.

2. Attend a wine tasting

Not only will you be able to watch the most tearful and touching sunset of your life at Santo Winery, but you can also try 18 types of wine. Yes, 18 different wines served with cheese and an impressive view. You'll taste everything from rich Crescendo to dry Assyrtiko.

3. Spend the night in a mill

At Villa Windmill in Imerovigli (a small town 2 km from Santorini), you can spend the night in a luxurious windmill with a swimming pool, terrace and panoramic view to the Aegean Sea.

4. Explore an archaeological site

Akrotiri was literally buried by a volcanic eruption in 1700 BC and has recently undergone extensive reconstruction. Wander the streets and squares of this prehistoric city that 30,000 people once called home.

5. Relax on the red sand beach

The red sand beach in Santorini is located next to Akrotiri. It is better to observe the beauty from the capes - so we advise you to walk along the rocky road along the mountain.

6. Dine in a classic tavern

You simply cannot leave Santorini or any city in Greece without trying some classic tavern food. Visit Taverna Aeolus on your way to Akrotiri and Red Beach.

Salt & Pepper in Fira is also a good place, plus it's closer to the city. You will never forget the local tomato fritters.

7. Decide to go on a hike

The 9 km road that connects the towns of Fira and Oia (aka Oia and Oia) has been named the most scenic spot in Santorini. The walk will take about 3 hours (depending on how many stops you need). Be sure to wear proper shoes as there are many sharp rocks along the way.

8. Romantic dinner overlooking the caldera

One of the most romantic things you can do in Santorini is have a candlelit dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the caldera (a crater from a volcano that is filled with the sea).

• Wine restaurant Assyrtico
• Archipelago
• Fanari

9. Visit Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay is a small picturesque bay just below Oia. You can get there by going down the stairs. There are many restaurants in Amoudi, but we recommend the Katina Tavern, where you must try seafood.

10. Eat a Santorini salad

This is a version of the usual Greek salad, but with the addition of secret ingredients. They say the best is at the Salt & Pepper tavern in Fira.

11. Watch the view from the Akrotiri lighthouse

The lighthouse is located in the south of Santorini. The lighthouse itself is not as attractive as the view from it. This is another great place to share a bottle of wine and watch the perfect sunset.

12. Drink a bottle of Donkey

In many cafes and restaurants around the island you will find bottles of local Yellow Donkey beer made by Santorini Brewing Company. In addition to the “yellow donkey” there are options with “red” and “crazy”.

13. Cable car ride from the Old Port to Fira

Walk down the stairs to the Old Port, grab a drink, then head straight to cable car. From May to October it works from 6:30 to 22:00, in July and August a little longer, from November to April - on a reduced schedule. The fare costs about 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.

14. Get lost in Emborio

Emborio can be found on the way to Perissa Beach in the south of Santorini. There are almost never tourists here. Although the town is quite small, it is easy to get lost in its alleys.

15. Check out Atlantis Books

This is a small, cozy bookstore that is among the top 10 bookstores in the world. They sell their own homemade map of Santorini (€5) with workers' favorite spots. The thing is necessary.

20 Greek dishes you must try

• Amygdalota (how is that in Russian?) are macaroons that are wildly popular in Greece and perfect for a warm cup of Greek coffee. The flavor of the biscuits may vary slightly in different parts of the country, but almonds are consistently the dominant ingredient.
• Bougatsa is a sweet pie made from phyllo and semolina filled with custard and cheese.
• Tomatokeftedes / Tomato fritters are a staple vegetarian dish in Santorini and Syros. Inside there is mint, tomatoes and a little onion.
• Ellinikos / Ellinikos is the most popular coffee in Greece. Served in a traditional copper coffee pot with a long handle.
• Feta me meli / Feta Me Meli - a piece of magical feta cheese, wrapped in thin crispy dough and drizzled with honey. God…
• Frappe / Frappe is a cold coffee drink that comes in handy in hot weather.
• Galaktoboureko / Galaktoboureko is an ancient Greek dessert made from crispy phyllo (remember, this is dough) drizzled with melted butter. The Greeks use the creamiest custard and the richest flavored syrup to enhance and prolong the pleasure.
• Giros / Gyros - meat vertically fried on a huge skewer (like our shawarma). Wait, that's not all. Then the pieces of gyros are carefully wrapped in pita bread along with all sorts of goodies: sauce, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and fried potatoes.

• Kantaifi / Kantafi is one of the most popular Greek desserts with nuts and crunch.
• Tiropita / Tiropita - cheese pie.
• Souvlaki / Souvlaki - kebab with tzatziki yoghurt sauce.
• Pasteli / Pastels is a Greek delicacy consisting of two ingredients: honey and sesame.
• Pastitsio / Pastitsio - pasta baked with minced meat and bechamel sauce. Served with green salad.
• Spanikopita / Spanakopita - Greek spinach pie. The preparation is simple: Feta cheese, butter, olive oil and spinach are mixed and baked to golden, crispy perfection.
• Yemista / Yemista - stuffed tomatoes (sometimes other vegetables). Rice, minced meat, various spices and herbs were found in the filling.

This amazing country has a huge number of historical, cultural, architectural and natural attractions. Tourists from all over the world come to Greece not just to relax on the beaches. Here you can expand your knowledge of how modern Europe was born and formed, a huge part of which belongs to the classical era of Hellenism and pre-Hellenic history and culture.

TOP 20 attractions in Greece

The sights of Greece will also tell you about the birth of the European democratic tradition, the golden era in mythology, literature, sculpture, architecture, theater, sports, etc. Hospitable people live in this beautiful country, loving Russia, they are always friendly to Russian tourists. Don’t forget the well-known phrase from Russian cinema: “Greece has everything!”

1. The ancient Greek city of Delphi

This city in ancient times was religious center worship of the god Apollo. According to legend, it is named after his son Delphi. In addition, the city is known for hosting the famous Pythian Games for many centuries. Delphi is included in the UNESCO list. This is a world-class historical and cultural attraction.

Delphi arose approximately 1.6 thousand years BC. and at first Mother Earth was worshiped there. And later the myths of classical Ancient Greece arose, associated with Zeus and the pantheon of gods. During excavations in the second half of the 20th century, here, on the slope of Mount Parnassus, a temple of Apollo, an ancient theater, a stadium, treasuries, etc. were discovered.

2. Medieval city of Rhodes

And this famous Greek landmark dates back to the era of Antiquity and the Middle Ages with its crusading knights. Also this is famous beach resort. The most interesting thing you can see here is the Rhodes Fortress, which was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 13th century on the site of an ancient acropolis.

Behind the powerful walls of this fortress is the Palace of the Grand Masters, built on the site of the ancient Temple of Helios. In the old town of Rhodes, you can wander along the Street of Knights and plunge into the Middle Ages. There are ancient forts and ports that played a significant role in the history of Rhodes, and much more.

3. Palace of the Grand Masters

It is worth mentioning separately about such a historical and cultural landmark of the Rhodes Fortress as this Palace. It is also on the UNESCO list, as part of the Rhodes Fortress. This is a very impressive structure, built according to all the rules of medieval fortification.

For many centuries, the Palace of the Grand Masters served as the residence of the leader of the Hospitaller Order, which once controlled the entire Mediterranean. Today, the Palace of the Grand Masters has turned into a huge museum, the exhibits of which tell visitors about the history of the island and the city of Rhodes from Antiquity to the present day.

4. Paleokastritsa Beach

This is a world famous beach and a Greek landmark. It is located on the island of Corfu in the north of the Ionian Sea at the resort of the same name. Tourists can fully enjoy the purest turquoise water, bright but not burning sun, as well as beautiful olive, lemon and orange groves around.

On Paleokastritsa beach you can have a great rest, it is one of the ten best European beaches, and at the same time get acquainted with cultural and historical beaches, of which there are extremely many here since ancient times.

The Acropolis is the calling card of the modern Greek capital. The first thing you should see in this city is Acropolis of Athens. From here begins an acquaintance with classical Ancient Greece, with its myths and legends, gods and heroes, scientists and philosophers.

It should be noted that on the hill where today you can see the Acropolis of Athens, back in the Mycenaean era stood royal palace. In the 7th century BC. e. The construction of the most famous temple, the Parthenon, began in the acropolis, and a century later the temple of Athena was erected, of which only the foundation remains today.

During the time when Greece was under the Ottoman yoke, the Acropolis of Athens was a mosque. Later it became an arsenal. At one time, the pasha’s harem was located in one of its temples. The Acropolis of Athens was repeatedly attacked by barbarians and vandals. Today it is a magnificent open-air museum.

Many tourists strive to visit Cape Sounion to see this ancient temple. Once upon a time, the ancient Greek Poseidon, the god of the sea, patronized fishermen and sea travelers who lived in Attica and all of Hellas. They brought gifts and sacrifices to their god, and he gave them good luck.

The Temple of Poseidon was built in 400 BC. Among scientists there is a version that it was erected by the Atlanteans - the inhabitants of the legendary Atlantis. Today, only the ruins of the temple and 12 columns remain. Archaeologists near the temple discovered a huge statue of a man, possibly Poseidon, and several smaller statues.

Olympus is the most high mountain in the country, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. But this is not what made her famous. As you know, it was this mountain that the gods of Ancient Greece chose as their place of residence, which is why Olympus acquired a sacred status. The area around the mountain range is today a national reserve.

What mere mortal does not dream of visiting the home of the gods? That is why this mythological landmark of Greece is a favorite among travelers from all over the world. Fortunately, there is also an excellent tourist infrastructure there, incl. ski resort.

8. Santorini Island

This island is considered by many to be the best tourist destination on earth. It's ideal for family vacation. It's beautifully clean here sandy beaches from white to black, the houses look like something out of a fairy tale. Santorini often hosts wedding ceremonies between couples who dream of a family life like in a fairy tale.

For so much tiny island a huge number of attractions. First of all, these are Catholic and Orthodox churches, there are about three hundred of them. There are also many ancient ruins of the Minoan era of Greek civilization. Live in local hotels, sunbathe on the beaches - you will have unforgettable memories.

9. Samaria Gorge

This is a famous natural attraction of the island of Crete. The Samaria Gorge is the largest in Europe, it is named after the ancient village located nearby. This is an incredibly beautiful place, visiting which you can take many unique, beautiful photographs.

This gorge is worth going with tourist excursion, to once again appreciate the great Greek past, see the ancient Cretan civilization, marvel at the beauty of the nature of Crete, its flora and fauna, get acquainted with the ancient way of life, way of life, customs and traditions of the islanders.

Greece is a port of 4 seas: Aegean, Ionian, Mediterranean and Cretan. Rich cultural heritage and profitable geographical position making it one of the most visited countries in the world, Greece ranks 15th in the world tourism rankings.

Features of tourist holidays in Greece

Tourist seasons in Greece are divided into 3 types:

• Beach holidays lasting from May to October.
• Ski. Winter in Greece is the time of the ski slopes, it lasts for ski resorts from December to April.
• Shubtury. They are seasonal and reach their peak during seasonal sales in summer and winter.

Greece has a well developed tourism infrastructure. Tourists with different wishes and financial capabilities will be able to determine what to see in Greece; the main thing is to choose the right tour. Thus, connoisseurs of a relaxing and elite holiday choose the island of Corfu, and a quiet family holiday - the island of Kos.

The sunniest holiday in Greece is on the island of Rhodes. Resorts located on the mainland are in no way inferior to their island counterparts, but are distinguished by a wider selection of excursion programs and a variety of attractions.

Majority greek beaches sandy, entry to them is free almost everywhere.

Greek cuisine is replete with dairy (especially cheese) and seafood, vegetables and fruits, olives and wine. Among meat dishes, the most popular are lamb and poultry, although pork and beef are not prohibited. And, of course, Greek salad, it’s worth trying at least for comparison.

Important! In Greece, drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited; you can be fined or even arrested for doing so.

Greece has more than 300 sunny days a year. In summer it is hot and dry here, and this is felt more strongly on the islands, while on the mainland the climate is somewhat milder, so high temperatures are more easily tolerated.

The infrastructure in Greece includes all types of transport: land, sea and air.

Hotels in Greece are graded not by stars, but by categories:

• deluxe - 5 stars;
• A - 4 stars;
• B - 3 stars;
• C - 2 stars.

And in Greece, the most romantic resorts open to lovers scenic spots for weddings. A wedding on one of its unique islands or on the continent itself is a real fairy tale.

What to visit in Greece first

There is an unspoken list of places in Greece that you must visit. And the first of them is the Acropolis - a kind of calling card of the country. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year to see the ancient landmark with their own eyes. The first temples of the Acropolis were founded in archaic times and, gradually expanding, turned into a small city. Now in its place there are majestic ruins, and sculptures of the Acropolis are exhibited in museums around the world.

Temples of the Acropolis

Then you can go straight to Panathinaikos Stadium. After restoration, the first recorded Olympic Games were held here. The building is in excellent condition; the stadium hosts sporting events and various concerts.

And then you can go to the Temple of Zeus. Its size exceeds even the famous Parthenon, and the construction of the temple took 650 years. And although now the Temple is not in the best condition, it would not be a bad idea to visit it.

Note! In Greece, it is prohibited to export items recovered from the seabed from the country. It is important to remember this when purchasing souvenirs and gifts. .

When visiting the island of Rhodes, a must see is the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Templars, the pompous palace was the center of ceremonial receptions and negotiations.

What to see in Greece on the mainland

The most beautiful places in Greece are spread throughout its territory. While vacationing on the mainland, tourists can see and visit great amount attractions.

In the city of Delphi, which is located north of Athens, its main star awaits vacationers - the Temple of Pythian Apollo. Despite the fact that the temple has not survived to this day in its original form, a visit to this beautiful place is included in most local excursions. Among other things, Delphi is famous for its well-preserved statues of athletes and its ancient stadium, built back in the 5th century. BC e. and the Ancient Delphic Theater, overlooking the Temple of Apollo.

Amazing views of Greece are complemented by the Meteora monastery complex. This place is distinguished not only by its beauty, but also by its unusual history. It was formed under the influence natural phenomena, over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed here, some reaching 600 meters in height. Climbing such rocks is dangerous even for climbers, which did not stop hermits from building temples on the tops of the pillars.

Temple of Apollo

Adjacent to this area is the famous Greek Macedonia- the birthplace of the great conqueror Alexander the Great. There is also the holy peninsula of Athos and a whole host of attractions with the prefix “must-see” - for example, the White Tower in Thessaloniki or the Petralona Cave, as well as the monasteries of Holy Mount Athos.

Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki) is currently listed as cultural capital countries. This is a city with more than 4,000 years of history, bearing the imprints of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Cyril and Methodius were born here.

Note! The beaches in the vicinity of Solonniki are covered with sand mixed with tiny pebbles, and the coast is flat almost everywhere, this is important when vacationing with the family when there is a child.

When wondering where to visit in Greece when planning a trip, you should definitely include in your list of places to visit Lion Gate Acropolis in the city of Mycenae.

Unforgettable landscapes of Greece

What else is interesting in Greece besides its historical and cultural values, beaches and endless blue sea? These are her landscapes.

Mount Olympus can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Surrounded by a national park, the mountain rises above the picturesque shore of the Aegean Sea, and the beauty located near Olympus defies description, because it was not for nothing that the Greek gods chose this place as their home.

Mount Olympus

Another amazing reserve is located on the island of Rhodes - the Valley of the Butterflies. This is true unique place will surprise even a seasoned tourist. Myriads of colorful butterflies, attracted by the smell of storax, intertwine into a magical dance. You can get here along a mountain path, and the journey is not an easy one, but tourists who reach the goal are in for another surprise - at the top there is a 17th-century monastery built by Alexander Ypsilanti.

Interesting! A map of Greek attractions would not be complete without the Peloponnese island. A visit to the Diru cave, replete with stalactites and stalagmites, will be remembered for a long time. For the incredible spectacle that opens up when exploring the Samaria Gorge, tourists are ready to go even to the most difficult route on the island of Crete. The landscapes of Greece are rich in variety; they truly have it all.

The most beautiful cities in Greece and their streets

Tourist Greece is rich in historical and cultural values. Both newly minted and experienced traveler there will always be something to see here.

When going to the island of Crete, you can’t help but visit its cities of Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno. Chania is the former capital of the island. The city is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate streets. Chania provides a unique opportunity to admire the historical heritage of Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian culture.

The town of Naxos, located on the island of the same name, boasts great natural diversity. In the city, Venetian mansions juxtapose with Catholic cathedrals and a museum filled with Cycladic figurines.

In the town of Molyvos on the island of Lesvos, hundreds of stone houses are located on the mountain slopes, forming an interesting network of streets, and the Eftalou hot springs are also nearby.

Chora and Mykonos are the most popular cities on the island of Mykonos. Chora, for example, is famous for its picturesque alleys, closed to traffic; there are no cars at all. The city preserves the authenticity of the Cycladic culture, which slips through literally all the buildings.

What is the name of the most famous street in Athens? Controversial issue. Perhaps this is Adriana, which has preserved its layout from antiquity to our times. Or maybe it’s the rows of fountains that decorate Athens Street, or Iera Odos Street, whose name means “sacred path.”

Note! One of the most beautiful towns in Santorini is Oia. It is he who is most often depicted in photographs describing the delights of Greek holiday. Tourists are drawn here like a magnet by snow-white houses with blue domes, impressive landscapes, windmills and boutique hotels in caves.

The city of Rhodes is the capital island of the same name, And his Old city included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists can stroll along medieval streets fenced off with stone walls, or go to a pub or tavern with local flavor in the evening.

You can endlessly describe the beauty of Greek cities, but it’s better to see for yourself. In addition to those mentioned, there are also Monemvasia, Parga, Meteora, Nafplion, Lindos, Assos and Symi.

Adviсe:

• Photography of military installations is prohibited in the country.
• Greece has a problem with compliance traffic, therefore, when crossing streets, you need to look around carefully to see if there are any cars nearby.
• When departing from Greece, there is the possibility of a tax refund (TaxFree).
• It is better to bring money into the country on a card, in euros or rubles. For cashing out, the bank charges a commission of around 3-5%.
• Despite the fact that the crime rate in the country is low, it is better to keep your wallet “closer to your body” when visiting markets.
• When visiting religious institutions, you must dress modestly, trying to cover your body as much as possible. The female half will have to exchange shorts and trousers for a long skirt, but there is no need to cover their heads.
• Smoking on the streets in Greece is prohibited by law. Although this does not bother anyone, the Greeks themselves smoke on the street. But it is worth knowing that the fine for smoking in the wrong place can range from 50 to 200 euros*.

The Greeks are a leisurely people, a week in Greece drags on like thick honey, slowly and languidly, and after spending a little time here, guests no longer want to rush somewhere. And they want to come back even more later, and they won’t be able to see everything in one go.

*Fine amounts are current as of January 2018.

Traveling is not only an opportunity to take a break from the usual hustle and bustle and plunge into the world of unknown exoticism, but also an acquaintance with the culture and history of the country chosen to visit. Tourists interested in the origins of Europe often choose Greece for their holiday - the state from which the formation of Western civilization began.

Bizarre mixture ancient architecture and modern achievements, sunny beaches and mysterious caves create a unique image of an eternally young and at the same time incredibly ancient country.

Historical sights of Greece

The famous Delphic oracles, which predicted the future for those who decided to visit their home, have long since sunk into oblivion. However, the temples where the mysterious priests lived and worshiped the god Apollo have been preserved. Now they are a famous attraction in Greece, attracting mystery lovers. In addition to the archaeological park, which the once grandiose complex has now turned into, there is a spring on Mount Parnassus, where, according to legend, the muses, who enjoyed the special patronage of the god of art and light, bathed.

The well-known legend about the Greek Labyrinth and the Minotaur who lives in it has very real origins: on the island of Crete there is a palace that seems to have come out of the pages of ancient Greek myths. On the ancient walls in some places there is an ancient sign “labros”, which designates a labyrinth.

Partial reconstruction carried out in the 20th century gave visitors the opportunity not only to admire the picturesque ruins, but also to see with their own eyes the appearance of ancient buildings. Among the seemingly chaotically located structures is a throne room with a porphyry bowl at the entrance, and in the courtyard you can see deep wells intended for ritual sacrifices.

The hallmark of Athens and one of the most famous attractions of Greece is the Acropolis - a magnificent religious complex, on which the most famous masters of Hellas worked many centuries ago. It included many temples, most of which were dedicated to the city's patroness, Athena.

The best preserved of all the religious buildings that once stood here is the Parthenon, the center of the temple ensemble. The once majestic structure was decorated with beautiful frescoes and statues telling about the lives of gods and people. Unfortunately, only a small part of them has survived to this day, for example, a bas-relief frieze under the colonnade. However, even the destroyed Parthenon is a magnificent sight.

Even in ancient times, the Athenians could predict the weather, although not as accurately as modern instruments. The “Tower of the Winds”, a 12-meter high marble structure topped with a beautiful weather vane in the shape of a triton, helped to find out the direction of the wind and understand what the coming day had in store. The latter was lost throughout the centuries-long history of the Greek landmark. However, the unique bas-relief, decorated with images of the 8 winds, is perfectly preserved.

The head of the heavenly pantheon of the Greeks is Zeus, the god of thunder and lightning. It was in his honor that the most grandiose and beautiful temples were built, some of which have survived to this day. One of them is located in the sacred grove at Olympia.

Once in the main hall of the temple there was a statue of Zeus, which came out from under the hands of the master Phidias, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Now tourists can only admire the ruins of the grandiose structure and admire the miniature reconstruction and preserved sculptures exhibited in the city museum.

The center of secular and religious life in Athens was a huge square called the Agora. The largest market was located here, religious services were held in numerous temples, and from the stage Concert hall famous minds of antiquity spoke.

Now on the site of the ancient heart of Athens is located museum complex, open to tourists. Travelers can admire the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus, the perfectly preserved Stoa of Attalus, and also take part in thematic festivals that will allow them to feel the spirit of the past even more.

The sights of Greece are not only buildings, which are unsurpassed monuments of the ancient era. The Middle Ages also gave the country many buildings that are striking in their grandeur to this day. One of them is the Palace of the Grand Masters, which was once the residence of the head of the order, from which the history of the Knights of Malta began.

The ancient fort, built in accordance with the classical canons of the Middle Ages, is an impregnable fortress with thick walls and high observation towers. But, despite the external roughness, inside you can find magnificent decoration: you can study the beautiful mosaic floors, unique frescoes, statues and paintings will have to spend more than a single hour.

Abandoned and forgotten by residents back in the 18th century medieval city these days it is filled with people again. The unique mixture of cultures that emerged from ever-changing host states has created bizarre historical monuments. People from all over the world come to admire them. The city has been perfectly preserved: it seems that the narrow streets, ancient houses and beautiful cathedrals were abandoned recently.

The rock formations soaring upward became a haven for Orthodox monasteries. Small monasteries are literally located between heaven and earth: to get to them, you will have to overcome stone steps carved right into the rock.

Of the two dozen monasteries that were once united in the complex, only six have survived. The decoration is fully consistent with Christian canons: gilded faces, lamps and candles decorate the small halls. However, it is unlikely that it will be possible to find an atmosphere similar to that reigning inside the aerial abodes anywhere else.

Built in the 19th century by order of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the palace is most interesting monument European culture, located on the island of Corfu. The landmark of Greece is decorated in the style typical of the country and is named after the famous ancient hero Achilles.

In the courtyard and on the facade of the building there are classical columns that have become business card Greek culture. And the interior of each room revives scenes from ancient Greek myths. Despite the fact that the palace is only a few centuries old, the spirit of antiquity permeates it through and through, reflected in every statue and carved furniture with mythological images depicted on it.

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

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

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

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

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

How to get there

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

The cost of tours to Greece due to its popularity is not so high, and simply lying on the beach with a couple of excursions will most often be cheaper on your own organized trip. However, organizing the trip yourself will be more interesting and eventful. By the way, it’s not a fact that this kind of travel will cost more, because there are often sales on European routes.

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

Regular flights to Greece

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

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

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

Charter flights to Greece

Charters from Moscow

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

Charters from St. Petersburg

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

Charters from Ekaterinburg

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

Charters from Rostov

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

Charters from Samara

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

Charters from Kazan

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

Charters from Voronezh

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

Charters from Perm

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

Charters from Ufa

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

Charters from Volgograd

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Krasnodar

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

Charters from Nizhny Novgorod

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Novosibirsk

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Omsk

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Orenburg

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

Charters from Saratov

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

Charters from Tyumen

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Kyiv

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

Charters from Minsk

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

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Climate and weather in Greece

Despite its small size, Greece has a varied climate.

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

height holiday season begins in mid-July and usually lasts until mid-August, when the northern "meltemi" winds begin to cool the country. During this period, the midday sun is very hot and during this time most Greeks avoid outdoor physical activity between 13:00 and 17:00. It's best to tailor your daily routine to suit the local lifestyle: get up early, sightseeing in the cool morning hours, and then spend the afternoon in the pleasant shade or on the beach.

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

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

Cities and regions

Main cities of Greece

• Athens is the capital of Greece, the center of the Attica region. The first settlement appeared in this area around 3,000 BC.
• Thessaloniki is the second most important and largest city in Greece, proudly bearing the title of the northern capital.
• Heraklion - The largest city, the airport and port of Crete, has become one of the most visited places in Greece due to its excellent recreational conditions and rich cultural heritage.

Tourist areas of Greece

Crete is the largest and most south island Greek archipelago. Located in the Mediterranean, Crete is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. The area of ​​the island of Crete is over 8000 square kilometers. The topography of Crete is predominantly mountainous, highest peak— Mount Ida rises above sea level to 2457 meters. Numerous mountain ranges dissected by gorges, many fertile valleys are covered with date and olive groves, vineyards and orange orchards. The island's numerous (more than three thousand) caves are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites.

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

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

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

The island of Corfu (Greek name - Kerkyra) belongs to the group of Greek islands located in the Ionian Sea. Its area is 592 sq. km, length about 64 kilometers, the widest part is 32 kilometers, total coastline— 217 kilometers. The island, stretching along the mainland, is home to more than 107,600 thousand inhabitants. The western part of the island of Corfu is washed by waters Adriatic Sea, And his eastern part- Ionian waters. Being in the north of the island, you can see the coast of Albania, located 1.5 kilometers from Kerkyra.

13 administrative districts Greece

Regions of Greece

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

What to see

Undoubtedly, it will not be possible to cover all of Greece in a two-week vacation; the country is too rich in interesting places. However, it doesn’t hurt to choose the most interesting things for yourself before the trip, so as not to waste precious time while already in place. To do this, you can look at the section “attractions of Greece”, or select a specific location just below from the list.

Athens

Crete

Rhodes

Kos

Where to go in Greece

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Private guides in Greece

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Greece in more detail.
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Things to do

Leisure

Holidays and festivals

List of public holidays:

• New Year - January 1
• Epiphany - January 6
• End of Maslenitsa (First day of Lent) - floating (February 19, 2007)
• Independence Day and Annunciation - March 25
• Good Friday - Floating (April 25, 2008)
• Easter - floating (April 27, 2008)
• Second day of Easter - floating (April 28, 2008)
• May Day, Workers' Solidarity Day - May 1st
• Trinity - floating (June 15, 2008)
• Dormition Holy Mother of God- August 15
• Liberation Day in World War II - October 28
• Christmas – December 25
• St. Stephen - December 26

The three main public holidays are Christmas, Easter and Dormition. Christmas is usually a personal, family holiday, but illuminations and decorations are put up in squares throughout the country. On the day of the Assumption, large festivals are held in many cities and festivals. The Easter weekend is perhaps the most lavish of all the holidays, with religious processions on Good Friday and Saturday evening culminating in multiple fireworks displays at midnight before Easter morning.

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

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

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

Please note that the way Holy Week and Easter are calculated in the Greek Orthodox Church is different from that of the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches. Therefore, Holy Week and Easter in the Greek Orthodox Church are usually somewhat later than in the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, however, they also often coincide (as in 2007).

Getting around the country

Bus

Intercity buses - popular look transport for travel within the country. - a state-sponsored network of independent carriers united together in a dense transport system covering almost the entire country. The system is effective, reliable and relatively inexpensive. It operates over both long and short distances, even including routes from big cities to islands close to the mainland such as Corfu and Cephalonia (in which case the cost of the ferry is included in the cost of the bus ticket).

Train

Trains are another inexpensive way to get where you need to go, but the national rail system is very limited. Railway transport fell into disrepair after the arrival of large road and air carriers, as well as due to technological difficulties in laying tracks through the difficult terrain of the country. IN last years A large-scale modernization of the country's railways was carried out. A brand new suburban (regional) railway system, Proastiakos, serving Attica and surrounding areas, opened in 2004 and is expanding further. The Athens-Thessaloniki route was also modernized, which reduced travel time.

Automobile

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

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

For some, Greek minor roads, such as those in towns and villages, may seem surprisingly narrow. If two cars meet on a narrow stretch of road, usually one of the drivers is looking for a place where he can pull off the road and give way to the other. Sometimes one driver must yield to another. Following these traditions is the norm, and deviating from them may anger other drivers. Because of this, and also because pedestrians often walk on the roadway, slow down in villages and avoid big cities.

Another distinctive feature of driving in Greece is the range of speeds at which traffic travels, especially on the highway. Although the maximum speed is 120 km/h, some cars can travel at a speed of 60 km/h. Others, on the contrary, drive beyond the specified limits and can approach from behind very quickly. It is recommended to drive in the leftmost lane, overtaking only slower cars.

Car rental agencies are present throughout the country, especially in big cities and in places popular with tourists. The cars offered are mainly cars with manual box There are also automatic transmissions, but it is advisable to reserve them in advance. Gasoline prices are high compared to Russia, although not higher than in other EU countries. Some agencies and insurance policies do not allow you to drive your vehicle outside the country.

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

Ferry

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

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

Athens has 3 ports: the main port of Piraeus and the remote ports of Rafina and Lavrio. They serve all the islands, but the central Cyclades islands such as Tinos are best sailed from Rafina.

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

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

The main ferry companies operating in Greece are:

• (Cyclades)
• (Crete and international transport)
• (Italy - Greece and Aegean Islands)
• (Saronic Gulf)
• (Aegean Islands)
• (Italy - Greece and Crete)
• (Aegean Islands and Northern part mainland)
• (Italy - Greece)
• (Italy - Greece)

Airplane

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

Taxi

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

When you need to get to the beaches of the southern suburbs, you can find a hotel and take a taxi from the hotel, it's much easier. A taxi driver, as a rule, will not take more than three people, but he can load the trunk so that it does not close - the car can be very small. The taxi situation has improved somewhat since Olympic Games, now that all drivers have been trained to be polite, but finding a taxi in Athens is still a problem.

Communication

Greek - official language countries, and native language majority of the population, but the English-speaking visitor does not have any particular language problems. English is the most widely spoken and understood foreign language. Next come French, Italian and German. Basic English can be expected from almost all personnel working in the tourism and public transport industries, as well as from Greeks under the age of 40. However, knowing a few Greek words such as "hello" and "thank you" is warmly appreciated.

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

Culture

Norms of behavior in society

The Greeks judge a person's politeness by his behavior, not by his words. Moreover, the spirit of informality is everywhere, everyone is considered a relative. Greeks love to gesticulate a lot. Sometimes politeness that is excessively expressed in words is regarded by the interlocutor as pretentiousness. It would be kind of you to learn the basic words: “thank you” (Ευχαριστa - Eucharist O), "please" (Παρακαλώ - Parakal O), "Hello" ( Καλημέρα - Kalim uh ra).

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

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

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

Also, be careful when talking about the Byzantine Empire, which is a symbol of their national pride and greatness. However, the majority will express the opposite opinion about the military junta of the late 1960s and mid-1970s. Many Greeks, not just communists or members of other leftist groups, were subjected to severe repression and speak of those leaders with clear resentment. Also be polite when inquiring about their relationship with the Turks, the Turkish occupation and the Cyprus Civil War of 1974, as this causes heated, sometimes violent debate, adding turmoil to the relationship between the two nations.

Indecent gestures

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

Smoking

Greeks smoke an awful lot, considering it their birthright. However, new laws already restrictions on smoking are being imposed, and awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke has increased in recent years. Don't be afraid to ask your taxi driver or neighbor to put away your cigarette butt if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Kitchen

Food

Greek cuisine is a mixture of local traditions and borrowings from other cultures. Neighboring Italy and Türkiye have had a significant influence on Greek cuisine, so much so that there are many common dishes. Traditional Greek food includes many vegetables, herbs and grains, and seafood. Lamb, beef, and pork dishes are very popular here, and chicken is especially popular. Olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, with lemon and tomato paste being other common ingredients. Bread and wine are always served on the dinner table.

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

Eating out is a common pastime for Greeks and a rewarding experience for visitors, but not knowing where to go or what to do can ruin the experience. In the past, restaurants aimed more at tourists tended to disappoint. Fortunately, the national restaurant industry has greatly improved in sophistication over the past decade, and now popular tourist places You can find many excellent restaurants, especially in those resorts that are also popular among Greek tourists. So it's a good idea to dine where the Greeks themselves dine. Best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine (with local characteristics), but also the latest culinary trends in Greece.

The country also has international restaurants offering a wide range of different dishes, such as Chinese, French, Italian and modern international.

Vegetarian cuisine

Vegetarianism has never existed in Greece popular destination, and you can count the number of restaurants catering to vegetarians on one hand. However, Greeks consume less meat per capita than residents of northern Europe or North America, V Greek cuisine countless plant-based dishes. Greeks eat meat and milk, but because so much of their diet consists of legumes, vegetables, greens and fruits, vegans or vegetarians visiting Greece will have no problem finding vegetarian food. There is a special travel agency offering many tours designed specifically for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular local dishes

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

Thanks to the long coastline and the presence of islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try the grilled octopus or aquinosalat (eggs sea ​​urchin with lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood on menus must be labeled. Some fried fish sold by the pound can be very expensive, so if you're watching your budget, check how much a particular portion will cost before ordering it.

Greek salad (called in some places “country salad”, “Horl” A tiki") - a mixture of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and onions, with a couple of olives, with the addition of green capsicum or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is flavored only with olive oil; Vinegar or lettuce is added only in restaurants aimed at tourists.

Also pay attention to the following dishes:

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

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

For dessert, try baklava, a thin pastry topped with honey and chopped nuts, or galaktoburiko, a napoleon-like pie filled with sweet custard. It's worth trying other baked goods. Be sure to try yoghurt with honey: yoghurts in Greece are very different from what you are used to. Fruits like watermelon are also popular during the summer months.

For breakfast, head to the nearest bakery (fourno) and try a fresh tiropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach pie), or bougatsa (pie filled with custard or even "goriatko psomi"), a traditional crusty country bread, a home staple. It's also very tasty on its own. These are all delicious and popular among Greeks as a quick breakfast. Each bakery has its own recipe, so you'll never be disappointed. Order some Greek coffee to go with it to feel like a real Greek.

For products such as bread and fresh orange juice, a just-in-time approach is often used: the cafe purchases bread or oranges as soon as the first order is received. So don’t be surprised if the waiter returns to the cafe with a bag of oranges after taking your order. This is also how most places guarantee the freshness of the bread.

A popular drink is frappe, which is made from instant Nescafe, water, sugar and sometimes milk. Whip all this until foamy and serve with ice.

Tips

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

Fast food

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

Safety

First of all, it should be emphasized that Greece is one of the most safe places for travelers. A significant part of the people with whom you will have to communicate are open and helpful. However, ideal and absolutely safe countries does not happen, so you can also run into trouble in Greece.

Crime and theft

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

According to Athens car rental agencies, you can freely leave luggage, car radio and other property in your car throughout mainland Greece.

Scammers

The most common type of fraud against travelers is the Greek version of the classic “money scam.” This occurs mainly in the center of Athens, but sometimes there are cases in other large cities and even on the islands. A lone tourist in an area filled with bars may be approached in the evening and asked to go out for a drink. During the fun, the company grows, and at the end of the party, a bill for an astronomical amount is brought, which the tourist has to pay - because around him there is already a whole group of people who have lost their friendliness. In general, it’s quite easy not to fall for such a scam, but you shouldn’t be suspicious of the Greeks - most of them really open people who can talk to a tourist without any second thought.

Prohibitions on photography

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

Antiques

Greece also has very strict laws regarding the export of antiques, which includes not only antiquities, but also coins, folk art and even pieces of stones from excavation sites. Before purchasing anything that could be considered an antique, you should carefully review the laws regarding what can be taken out of the country.

Drugs

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

Road traffic

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

Health

Healthcare is free and covers all Greek citizens as well as EU citizens upon presentation of Form E111. For residents of non-EU countries, only emergency care is provided free of charge.

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

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

The Mediterranean sun can be very strong and can cause severe burns to skin that has not been exposed to sunlight for a long time. So it is worth purchasing sunscreens in advance, which are available everywhere in Greece in supermarkets, groceries, pharmacies and specialty stores that sell beach products.

Precautionary measures

During the hottest months, when visiting archaeological sites, wear a T-shirt, carry an umbrella and carry water with you. Daytime temperatures can reach 35-38 C. Summer heat waves are common in Athens, when temperatures can exceed 38 C, putting some people at risk of breathing problems and heatstroke. Please note that many islands, especially the Cyclades, have very little shade to escape the summer heat. Therefore, when going for a walk along the island, it is especially important in hot weather to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, take water with you and try to avoid the hottest time of the day on your way.

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

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

In Greece there are no required vaccinations and the water is completely safe. Tap water on some islands is demineralised seawater, which can taste disgusting. Residents of these islands prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores and kiosks.

Where to stay

If you enjoy local traditions and a leisurely pace of life, then small family-type guesthouses are the best way to explore Greece. The owners and staff there are friendly and open, compared to the coldness you usually find in big hotels in Greece. By using convenient form with many filters of the Booking.com service you can both in a big city and in small villages. Don't forget that by booking a hotel on Booking.com using the links above, you are taking part in a drawing for valuable prizes!

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

It should be noted that the structure of small hotels in Greece, especially on the islands, and even in Athens and other big cities, is quite modest. The rooms are small, the bathrooms even smaller, with showers, often with a hand-held sprayer; if there is a bathroom, then it is sometimes sedentary. On the other hand, these hotels often have balconies (though sometimes small) or verandas, either individual or shared by all rooms (they are usually spacious enough to not feel cramped). The hotels are quite clean and tidy. Those wishing to live in luxury can look for options in cities and on the most popular islands, but it is better to check the quality of the hotel with a reliable source to be sure of the level of service.

 

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