What is in Greece. What are the seas in Greece, where is the country located, what is its climate? Tourist areas of Greece

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

Telephone code countries: +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, which occupy most of the 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).

Swimming season begins in May, when the water temperature rises from +17 to +19 during the month. In the summer (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 highest point of 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 agricultural 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.

The plains and almost all the foothills are covered with evergreen Mediterranean vegetation. 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. Vineyards and orchards of Mediterranean fruit trees are widespread on the plains and in the foothills. 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 the upper border of the forest; wild flowers such as anemones and cyclamens.

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 in 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: ibex and brown bear are found in Pinda and the mountains along the Bulgarian border, and wolves are found in more remote forest areas.

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. 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. The wooded areas are 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 rock 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

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 prohibition: when visiting monasteries, you cannot wear shorts, T-shirts, and for women - trousers and 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.

GREECE
The Hellenic Republic is an independent state in southeastern Europe, occupying the south of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece also owns numerous islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas, including Crete. The mainland of Greece is washed by seas on three sides, the coastline is heavily indented and has a length of 4,100 km (including the islands - about 15,000 km). The area of ​​Greece is 132 thousand square meters. km, including islands - 25 thousand square meters. km. In the north the country borders on Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria, in the east on Turkey. The southern shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the western by the Ionian and the eastern by the Aegean.

Greece. The capital is Athens. Area - 131,990 sq. km. Population - 10.493 million people (1995). Population density - 80 people per 1 sq. km. Urban population - 71.7%, rural - 28.3%. The highest point is Mount Olympus (2917 m). The official language is Greek. The main religion is Orthodox Christianity. Administrative-territorial division: 51 nomes, which are united into 13 regions (9 mainland and 4 island), and a special district (monastic region of Athos). Monetary unit: drachma = 100 lepta. National holiday: Independence Day - March 25. National anthem: "Hymn to Freedom."

NATURE
Relief. The central part of mainland Greece north of the Gulf of Corinth is occupied by a massive mountain system Pindus, which is a continuation of the Dinaric Highlands stretching across the entire former Yugoslavia and Albania. Greek Macedonia and Thrace border the northern shore of the Aegean Sea. The estuarine areas of the rivers Aliakmon, Vardar, Strymon and Nestos, originating in the interior of the Balkan Peninsula and flowing through these areas to the sea to the south, are the largest plains in Greece, separated from each other by hilly ridges that enter Greek territory from the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria. Thrace is largely formed by the southern spurs of the Rhodope Mountains, composed mainly of gneisses and crystalline schists, while the intervening plains are filled with sands, clays and pebbles. They are sparsely irrigated during the wet winter season, and during the Mediterranean summer these areas suffer from drought. On the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, the large peninsula of Halkidiki stands out, which is divided in the south into three narrow peninsulas - Kasandra, Sithonia and Aion Oros. The latter is famous for the famous Mount Athos, which rises steeply from the coast to a height of 2033 m. On the slopes of the mountain there are monasteries that played a big role in the history of the Orthodox Church. Island Greece includes the Ionian Islands, located in the Ionian Sea along west coast, and six distinct groups in the Aegean Sea. The Ionian archipelago consists of seven large islands, the largest of which is Kefalonia (717 sq. km). The island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is located near the border with Albania, and the southernmost island of Zakynthos is off the coast of the Peloponnese. The relief of the Ionian Islands is mountainous, the soils are infertile, and the population is small (with the exception of the fertile island of Kerkyra). In the northern part of the Aegean Sea there are three large islands - Thassos, Samothraki and Lemnos. Representing the peaks of ridges that have sunk under water in geologically recent times, they are distinguished by a mountainous, highly dissected topography. The shores of Samothrace are steep and rocky, and there are no harbors. Further south are the Northern Sporades Islands, where the mountains are not as high as on the northern islands. To the south of this archipelago stands out the island of Euboea, the largest in the Aegean Sea. Its medieval name is Negropont. In the east of the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor are the Greek islands of Lesbos (with the main city of Mytilene; this name is sometimes transferred to the entire island), Chios and Samos. To the east of the Peloponnese Peninsula is the Cyclades archipelago, consisting of about 20 large islands arranged in ridges, including Andros, Tinos and Naxos to the north, and Sifnos, Serifos, Milos, Paros and Thira to the south. In addition, there are many small islands and isolated rocks that do not have a permanent population. Granite, marble and other building materials are being developed in the Cyclades. Paros has been famous since ancient times for its quarries where marble is mined. The topography of most islands is mountainous, and the coastal lowlands occupy small areas. The largest and most important of the Greek islands is Crete (area 8.3 thousand sq. km), stretching 250 km in length and up to 58 km in width. Its mountains, reaching a height of 2456 m (Mount Ida), are composed mainly of massive limestones and are similar to the mountains of mainland Greece. To the east of the Cyclades are the Southern Sporades, which includes the Dodecanese (Greek for "twelve islands"). The Dodecanese includes Rhodes, off the southwestern coast of Turkey, one of the most populated islands in the Aegean Sea.

Rivers Greece are few in number. They are short in length and fast flowing. Many of them flow out of limestone caves as deep streams. In mainland Greece, the rivers Arachthos, Acheloos, Alyakmon, Pignos and Sperchios, known from Greek myths and legends, originate in the Pindus Mountains and flow from them into either the Ionian or Aegean Sea. Most of the Peloponnese is irrigated by the Alfios and Evrotas rivers. All these rivers descend steeply from the mountains into narrow valleys and then flow into the sea. In the dry summer months, the flow decreases sharply, the rivers become very shallow and dry up in places. The rivers of Macedonia and Thrace - Aksios (Vardar), Strymon (Struma) and Nestos (Mesta) begin outside the region of the Mediterranean climate with a dry summer season, and although they also have a pronounced winter maximum flow, they do not dry out in the summer. The climate of Greece is characterized by long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In such mountainous country, like Greece, local expressions climatic differences. IN southern Greece Precipitation almost always occurs during the winter months. The greatest amount of summer precipitation falls in the north. On Kerkyra, the northernmost of the Ionian islands, the average annual precipitation is 1220 mm, almost 3/4 of which falls in October - February, but it also rains in the summer. More precipitation, including in summer, falls in the Pindus Mountains. In Greek Macedonia and Thrace, most of the precipitation falls in winter, but summer is far from dry. Athens has a more typical Mediterranean climate. The average annual precipitation here is 394 mm, of which 3/4 falls in October - March, and in the summer months there is almost no rain. Low areas throughout Greece are characterized by summer heat, with average July temperatures of 26-27° C. Winter temperatures are more varied. Thessaloniki in Macedonia has cool winters, but occasionally there are periods of very cold weather when the winds blow from the Stara Planina (Balkan) mountains. Further south, winter on the plains is usually warm, but a short distance from Athens or Corfu the slopes of Pindus are covered with snow for several months, and on the summit of Olympus there is snow all year round.
Soils and vegetation. The soils of Greece depend on parent rocks and climate. Due to the widespread distribution of limestones, thin soils predominate, and limestones come to the surface in many places. The soils of the plains were formed mainly on alluvial deposits and are quite fertile, but dry out greatly in summer. It is believed that in the past the territory of Greece was densely forested, but most of these forests were removed at the beginning of antiquity. As a result of the destruction of forests, the mountain slopes were subjected to severe erosion. Plato writes in Critias (111b) that Greece represents “the backbone of a body exhausted by illness, when all the fat and soft earth was washed away, so that only a gnawed skeleton remained of the country.” The lower slopes of the mountains in Greece, in addition to cultivated lands, are covered with thickets of the so-called. maquisa. Maquis is a tall and dense thicket of xerophytic shrubs (strawberry tree, myrtle, cistus, tree heather, wild pistachio, wild olive, rosemary, juniper). Maquis degenerates into sparse and sparse plant groups known as garrigues. The original forest cover remained on the higher and more inaccessible slopes of the Pindus, Olympus and Rhodope Mountains. There, on the middle parts of the slopes, forests of oak, beech, hornbeam and chestnut grow, and coniferous trees appear higher up.
Fauna. Most of the wild animals have disappeared in Greece along with the forests. Red deer are almost extinct, but small animals such as rabbits and hares are common. Larger animals are still found in the mountains: ibex and brown bear are found in Pinda and the mountains along the Bulgarian border, and wolves are found in more remote forest areas.
POPULATION
Ethnic composition. During the period of classical Greece, from about 1000 BC. up to 4 c. BC, there was almost no mixing between the Greeks and the tribes around them. After the defeat by Philip of Macedon in 338 BC. they became part of a vast empire that united many different peoples. In the 6th-7th centuries. AD Slavic peoples penetrated almost all corners of Greece. Those of them that settled south of Macedonia were gradually absorbed into the Greek population. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, Albanians settled in the fertile valleys of Thessaly. Although Greece was under Ottoman Turkish rule for almost four centuries, from 1453 to 1829, Turkish influence on the composition of the population was small. Significant population migrations after the First World War, especially in the 1920s, increased the homogeneity of the Greek population. Over 1.2 million Greeks living in different parts Ottoman Empire, were returned to Greece, big number Turks moved from Greece to Turkey. A similar exchange took place between Greece and Bulgaria. In the middle of the 20th century. The population of the country consisted almost entirely of Greeks, and national minorities made up a small part of the population. The most numerous of the national minorities were the Turks (about 100 thousand people) living in Western Thrace and Rhodes. Macedonians, Bulgarians, Gypsies, Armenians, etc. also live in the country. last years Almost 300 thousand Albanians arrived in Greece illegally. Many Greeks live abroad. Ancient Greek communities exist in cities such as Istanbul and Alexandria. The population of the Mediterranean island state of Cyprus is more than 80% Greek. Immigrants are accepted by Greek communities in North America.
Religion. Almost the entire population of the country belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church. According to the constitution, Orthodox Christianity is the state religion. Freedom of choice of religion is guaranteed, but missionary activity of other religious groups among Orthodox Christians is prohibited. Among the followers of other religions there are 230 thousand Muslims (1990), 58 thousand Catholics, 17 thousand Protestants and 5 thousand Jews (mainly in Thessaloniki). In 1943, before the mass extermination of Jews began, there were 75 thousand of them in Greece.

Demographic data. According to the 1991 census, the population of Greece was 10,264 thousand people (according to 1996 estimates - 10,475 thousand). Natural population growth in 1961-1971 reached 0.5% per year, in 1971-1981 - 1%, in 1981-1991 - 0.6%, in 1990-1996 - 0.5%. There was large-scale emigration in the 1960s and early 1970s. Many left Greece in search of work in more prosperous European countries, especially Germany and Belgium. In 1995, the birth rate per 1000 people was 10, the death rate was 10. Infant mortality has decreased sharply over the past 50 years: from almost 49 in 1951 to 9 in 1996.
Urbanization. After the First World War there was a strong outflow of population from rural areas to the cities. In 1940, less than 1/3 of the population lived in urban areas; in 1982, the share of the urban population increased to 54%, in 1996 - to 71%. The city of Athens with its suburbs, including the port of Piraeus, had 3.1 million inhabitants in 1991, or approximately 1/3 of the country's population, and the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki, with its suburbs - 740 thousand. Greater Athens and (to a lesser extent) Thessaloniki are centers of cultural, economic and political life of the country. The third largest city in Greece, Patras (153 thousand inhabitants in 1991) is the main port of the Peloponnese and an important shipping center. Among the others major cities Heraklion stands out (116 thousand inhabitants), main city Crete with great museums; Volos (106.1 thousand, of which 77 thousand are in the city itself), the main port of Thessaly, and Larissa (113 thousand), an important railway junction in Thessaly. See below
GREECE. STATE AND POLITICS
GREECE. CULTURE
GREECE. STORY
LITERATURE

Kurbatov G.L. History of Byzantium. M., 1984 History of ancient Greece. M., 1986 Kumanetsky K. History of culture of ancient Greece and Rome. M., 1990

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "GREECE" is in other dictionaries:

Hellenic Republic, state in Southern Europe. The name Greece (from Latin Graecia), adopted in Russian. and other languages, derived from the ethnonym Greeks, a small tribe of Epirus Dorians from Illyria. In Greece itself they call their state Hellas or Hellas, t... Geographical encyclopedia

Greece- Greece. Agora in Corinth. GREECE (Greek Republic), state in Southern Europe, on Balkan Peninsula and numerous islands of the Mediterranean Sea (the largest are Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesbos). area 132 thousand km2. Population 10.3 million people,... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Greece is the cradle of European civilization, a hospitable country that the indigenous people call Hellas. From the first spring months to late autumn, tourists can expect warm seas, sunny weather, plenty of water activities and secluded beaches.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Capital: Athens.
Square: 131,957 sq. km.
Population: 11,128,981 people.
National composition: Greeks, Albanians (including Arnauts - settlers on the territory of the state), Turkish diaspora (northeast), Serbs, Jews, Armenians, Arabs.
Religion: Orthodoxy (professed by about 98% of believers).
Currency unit: euro (equal to 100 cents).
Official official language: modern Greek (derived from classical Greek), communication with foreign guests in English.
Islands and major cities: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu; Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Heraklion, Patras.
Form of government: parliamentary republic.
Administrative device: 51 prefectures (nomes), uniting 264 districts (dima); a separate region - Athos (district of the Holy Mountain), which can only be visited by men; they must have a special visa and a diamonitirion - permit-pass.
Geographical position: The peninsula is located in Southern Europe. Paradise The Mediterranean is surrounded by small islands. There are more than 1,400 of them, only 227 are fully inhabited. There are no land borders with the European Union.
In the southwest, the country is washed by the Ionian Sea (closer to the shores, the bottom is covered with soft silty sand and shell rock), in the south - by the Mediterranean (water temperature in summer varies between 21-26 degrees, landscaped coastline, beaches with fine sand, pebbles are rare) , in the west - the Aegean Sea (its feature is the rich underwater world, many caves and grottoes, sunken ships, they can be explored by swimming closer while diving). Greece neighbors Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia.
Climate: T Most days a year, the coasts and cities are enveloped in warmth and sunshine. The swimming season opens in May and lasts until the end of October. Due to the unique location of the country, it can be divided into three climatic zones:
- in the interior of the continent a temperate continental climate prevails;
- on the islands of Rhodes and Crete it is almost always warm and sunny;
- alpine type of climate in mountainous areas - ideal for lovers of steep turns.

HOLIDAY IN GREECE

Winter Greece
In December you need to go to the mountains, the ski season opens, the temperature drops below 0, but there is still no frosty freshness in the air. Thessaloniki receives heavy rainfall amount of precipitation, and frosts are observed only at night - making walking excursions is quite uncomfortable. It’s still warm on the islands and in the south, but you can’t swim anymore (10-16 degrees C). At 16.00 it is already dark, but the holiday season is open and be prepared to be invited to Christmas festivities or a fair.
Advice: on Christmas Eve, some museums and architectural monuments may not accept visitors; it is better to book a tour with an already organized New Year's program. Otherwise, you risk sitting in your room for several days. The most budget-friendly shopping starts on December 27, sales start, you can get a discount of up to 50% on some items.
The Greek winter has one peculiarity - everything is in bloom here and you can see green lawns in different parts of the city. In January, the “alkeonid days” begin - real Indian summer sets in for 7-9 days, the temperature rises to +20. Alkeonid birds hatch their chicks at this time, hence exotic name natural phenomenon.
On the islands in January there is a record amount of precipitation, the rain can be prolonged, and strong cool winds blow. This month is rich in festive programs and festivals. Thessaloniki hosts the annual traditional “parade of lights,” kites are flown, and everyone can take part in “yogurt fights.” In Naoussa I taste wine; even the city fountain is filled with sparkling drink. The Ragutsaria carnival takes place in Kastoria, the main motive is the expulsion of the spirits of evil from the houses of the townspeople. Vacation packages to Greece are inexpensive in February, and you are guaranteed a budget holiday full of emotions.
Greek spring
In March it is not yet hot, the air is warmed up to +16-17. At this time they are going to ski resorts to make it in time for the end of the season. The excursion programs are rich, you should definitely visit Crete, visit Thessaloniki, only in Athens can you traditionally encounter a downpour that does not stop for several days.
In April, celebrations are held in villages, so residents welcome spring and worship the gods of fertility. On Easter, everyone leaves their homes and goes out into the streets; festive processions do not stop until late at night. May is a good time for sightseeing; there is not such an influx of holidaymakers here yet. Even when going to Rhodes, you need to take warm clothes with you; it gets noticeably cold at night. One of the most beautiful holidays on this island is the medieval rose festival.
Summer season
It's time to go to the beach. In July it is hot, there is no precipitation, but on the mainland of the country a tourist will not be as comfortable as on the island. If on land the temperature columns break records and exceed +35, then the sea breeze cools the air to +28-29. The flow of vacationers is increasing and the beaches are more difficult to find free place. Northern winds and hurricanes are frequent. The Hellenic Festival starts - magical theatrical performances take place in all cities, the best actors perform on stage. It is very hot in August (+42-45), it is popular night life. In addition to tropical drinks and fiery discos, they attend rock concerts.
Golden Greek autumn
September - the Velvet season, the water is heated to +24, you can get an even bronze tan. In October the monsoons blow, bringing little precipitation. The most best resorts for this time of year - Crete and Rhodes, a budget holiday in Corfu is periodically overshadowed by storms that do not provide the opportunity to swim. In November, Athens is popular with its architectural and cultural monuments.

HOW TO GET THERE

Flights (travel time approximately 3 hours):
- Moscow-o. Zakynthos EL 000 (Domodedovo-D. Solomos);
- Moscow-Thessaloniki EL 909 (Sheremetyevo-Macedonia);
- St. Petersburg-Thessaloniki EL 911 (Pulkovo-1-Macedonia).
Direct flights operate Russian airlines Aeroflot (daily flights to Athens), Polet (Voronezh-Athens, Heraklion - once a week in summer).
By bus and car: Moscow-Sofia-Istanbul-Skopje highway. Flights depart from Sofia every day to Thessaloniki with the Arda Tur company (travel time approximately 6 hours).

CUSTOMS RESTRICTIONS

You can import personal items (clothing, accessories, cosmetics, diving equipment), food and drinks of no more than 10 kg, playing cards - a maximum of two decks. Cameras and video cameras are allowed, even a bicycle will be allowed through customs.
Drugs are strictly prohibited, as are medications (except those prescribed by a doctor with a prescription), weapons, and antique valuables.
Stones cannot be taken out, objects found at the bottom of the sea (shells), only copies of antique paintings, which can be bought in every souvenir shop, icons and ceramics will be allowed through.

TRANSPORT

Buses: It is convenient and inexpensive to travel around Greece by bus; tickets can be ordered in advance or purchased at special terminals. The transport is superior, all have air conditioning, some have a toilet. Along the route, Greeks always make 1-2 stops at roadside cafes so that passengers can buy water. The trip is more like an excursion program, only without a guide. The routes run along the most beautiful places, the schedule is convenient, buses run frequently.
Taxi: inexpensive, it is a comfortable way to get to know the surrounding areas. In each city, cars have a certain color - in Thessaloniki white and blue, in Athens - yellow, in other cities - gray. The name of the city must be written on the door. They don't ignore the rules here traffic, the car must have a meter and an official price list. To catch a taxi you need to raise your hand. The windshield in front of the passenger seat has a special flag - raised, free, lowered - the car is occupied. The inscription "ELEUQERO" also means that you can go right now. It is customary to leave small change from the change to the taxi driver.
Ferries: There are two main types, the first transports passengers over long distances, the second - over short distances. If you need to sail several kilometers, you can order a Dolphin hydrofoil boat. Ferries can be constructed of five or seven decks, with mirrors, marble decor, carpets everywhere, and small escalators instead of stairs. There are secluded cabins, slot machines, and cozy cafes. On some ferries, the cost of entertainment is included in the ticket price.
Only from the ferry you can see that the Ionian Sea far from the coast has a bright purple color, the Aegean Sea - a transition from emerald to turquoise.
A large ferry can carry a bus; upon arrival at the final destination, it will take you to the bus station.

OPENING HOURS

Banks: from morning to 15.00 (Saturday, Sunday - closed).
Ticket offices: until 16.00.
Shopping: a special schedule dividing days into shopping and non-shopping days. Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 to 15:00. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday work starts from morning to 14:00, after a break - from 17:00 to 21:00. On Saturday only until 16:00.
Pharmacies: from 9.00 to 15.00, on weekends and at night you can buy medicines only at duty points.
Tourist shops: when there is an influx of tourists, they can be open until 24:00.
Museums: until 15:00 (only the Acropolis until 18:30 and the National Museum until 19:00).

ATTRACTIONS

Acropolis in Lindos
The history of the city goes back more than 3000 years. The Acropolis is considered the second largest after Athens; it amazes the imagination with its grandeur. Here, the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo and the stadium where mass tournaments and ancient games in honor of God were held have been preserved to this day.
Asklepion
You can visit it on the island of Kos, many centuries ago. In ancient Greece, all temples and hospitals were called asklepions, erected in honor of the god Asclepius. People came to such temples for healing, and the method of treatment was interesting and unusual: in the evening a person came to the building and fell asleep there, in the morning he had to tell what exactly he dreamed about. Depending on the nature of the dream, treatment was prescribed. Currently, these are dilapidated ruins that have retained their grandeur to this day. It is believed that it was here that Hippocrates taught, and later medicine was born within the walls of hospitals.
White Tower in Thessaloniki
The local name is Kuli Blanca, it is located on the coastal boulevard, surrounded by a green square. The modern-style building grew up on the site of an ancient Byzantine fortification. The rulers of the Ottoman Empire turned it into creepy place torture and place of detention. In 1826, a mass execution of rebels took place within the walls of the Tower on the orders of Mahmud II, from which time it received the name Bloody. In 1912 it was reconstructed and washed white from the outside; to this day it is a symbol of a free and spiritually renewed Thessaloniki. Entrance is free for everyone.
Castle of the Knights of St. John
For some time the island of Kos was under the rule of the Knights of the Order of St. John. In order to protect against Turkish invaders, the huge Neratzia fortress was built, the period of construction of which covered approximately 2 centuries. Not only did she look impressive, but she was truly indestructible. Before the construction there was deep lake- a natural obstacle in the path of enemies. In addition to the castle, you can see numerous altars, a stone bridge, tombs, columns, giving an idea of ​​the peculiarities of the life of knights at that time. Entrance to the castle is free.
Mount Olympus
This place is known to everyone, even if you have never been to the country. A collection of ancient Greek myths is a reference book for every schoolchild, central place in many legends - the mythical Mount Olympus. According to legend, the gods lived on it. In reality, the mountain is located not far from Halkidiki, the web of paths is simple and clear, you won’t get lost. Walking excursions, which take about two days, are extremely popular. You will have to spend the night in tents; a lighted fire will add romance and allow you to prepare a simple dinner.
Sunken City of Olus
This is the pearl of Crete, an invisible city covered in legends, its ruins are located at the bottom of the Poros Canal. Olus was a major center for the export of goods, had its own self-government and currency. The most interesting thing is that it is not mentioned in either tourist brochures or guidebooks. Finding Olus is almost impossible - signs also no. The trip cannot be planned in advance - the weather may present a surprise in the form of a storm, and the search will not be crowned with success. Not all local residents they know exactly where to look for it.
Labyrinth of the Minotaur
According to legend, in Crete, King Minos gave the order to build a huge palace with a very complex system of passages. Once in it, not everyone found a way out. The king settled in him a terrible monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull - the Minotaur, instead of food, giving him 14 handsome young men every seven years. The fearless Theseus saved the islanders from the monster, and the king’s daughter Ariadne helped him get out into the world with her famous thread. The ruins of the palace are located 5 km from Heraklion; you can directly get here along the highway along the northern coast.

ENTERTAINMENT

Mountaineering
Professionals are attracted to the unexplored gorges in Crete. They are difficult to pass and require special equipment and the assistance of an instructor. Tourists are very fond of canyoning - a sport that involves overcoming canyons without using means of transportation on water (rafts, boats or kayaks). In Crete, this hobby is timeless - thanks to the mild climate, this type of holiday is popular even in winter.
Mountaineering in Athens at the Summit climbing wall is an opportunity to go through a difficult path from a beginner to a real pro. Upon completion of your studies, you can conquer one of the mountains of Greece as part of a team of amateurs thrills. Even the youngest members of the family can attend classes; during breaks between classes, they will be involved in various recreational activities.
Windsurfing
Surf Nissalia Club in Athens - provides surfing and kitesurfing services (training for beginners, rental of professional equipment, organization of public events and competitions). Anyone can get into the club; it is located 25 km from the capital, and can be reached by public transport or personal car.
On about. Rhodes has a station for kitesurfers Windsurfers’ world, allowing all guests, both experienced and beginners, to conquer the elements.
Bike tours
It is this means of transportation that allows you to reach the most inaccessible corners, where it is impossible to reach on foot or by taxi. In Corfu there is a cycling center "Corfu Mountainbike Shop", located within the walls old mansion. There are group and individual tours to choose from. The organizers have developed several unique routes that will not only allow you to get acquainted with natural monuments, but also with the customs of the indigenous people and the culture of the Greeks.
Eight-day cycling tours around Crete can be booked. The cost of such pleasure is from 1000 euros. The journey in the footsteps of the Minoan culture involves covering a distance of 58 km, so participants with good physical fitness are welcome.
Yacht rental
Organizers of your holiday in Rhodes will give you an amazing view of the sea far from the shore. More than 300 vessels equipped with the latest technology are at the service of travelers. For rent you will receive a working yacht, checked by an experienced mechanic before going to sea, service in the port and execution of all necessary documents. The highlight of this trip will be the opportunity to land on desert island and spend the night there in tents or directly on board.
Aquariums and water parks
The aquarium on the northern cape of Rhodes is a natural habitat for marine animals. Here you can see stuffed underwater plants and fish, as well as live octopuses, mollusks, sea ​​turtles and corals. Watercity Waterpark (Crete) will offer adults and children 34 types of water entertainment and exclusive tropical drinks.
Both adults and children can relax at the Waterland water park in Thessaloniki. "Crazy River", steep rafting slides, a swimming pool with waves reaching up to one and a half meters, a pirate town. There are two large swimming pools separately for children and adults, the second has hydromassage. Usually tourists come here for the whole day, but they don’t always have time to cover 150,000 square meters. m of area occupied by sectors with water activities.
Safari
Safari to Lassithi is an unforgettable adventure, the path passes through the central part of Crete. This is an opportunity to visit two plateaus as well as settlements, still retaining the flavor of the life of the aborigines.
An unusual walk is carried out in Land Rover SUVs; they can easily cope with off-road and rugged terrain. Initially, the path passes through the Kataro plateau, the group goes deep into the forest (the largest in Crete), crosses several rivers, reaching high point- Lassithi. From here you have a gorgeous view of the surrounding area and you can take exclusive photos. Lunch is planned at the top of the plateau; barbecue is fried on the grill and guests are treated to wine. Next interesting place there will be an eco-village in which you will be introduced to the folk crafts of this part of Greece, then travelers will be taken to the cave where, according to legend, the most important god of Olympus, Zeus, was born.
Horseback riding
You can explore the secluded corners of Crete on horseback (traditional offer) or on a donkey, regardless of whether you have horse riding experience. Tours can vary in duration - the maximum time on horseback without fatigue for the rider is 3 hours.
The walk includes visits to olive groves, beaches and large areas where the famous Greek oranges grow. They mostly go to the mountains on donkeys; it is possible to put a child on the animal, and the parents will accompany him on foot. The interesting walk ends with a visit to the zoo. The guest of the island himself chooses the route that is most interesting to him.

NIGHT LIFE

For lovers of entertainment in the dark, there are a lot of great offers. In summer, islands such as Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini become the center of nightlife. Bars and cafes are open until the morning; fiery discos with traditional Greek compositions will not leave anyone indifferent.
In Rhodes you can visit the casino and relax in Blue Lagoon, Veggera, Roloi. The night bars of Mykonos Island attract with a rich entertainment program. At the same time, representatives of traditional sexual orientation need to be careful. Mykonos is popular with the gay community, so you need to choose your venue with care to ensure you get exactly the holiday you were hoping for upon arrival.

RESORTS OF GREECE

The number of beaches in Greece can be the envy of any luxury resort. The most popular recreation areas are:
- Navagio (Zakynthos Island) - popular not only for its clean, fine sand, but also for the opportunity to see a dilapidated pirate ship located in the middle of the beach. This is a local legend, the ship was carrying contraband and sank, and was then thrown ashore. Thanks to this, the second name of Navagio is smugglers' bay. There are sometimes very high waves here; it is not recommended to enter the water at this time.
- Red Beach (Crete) - why it was called that becomes clear at first glance. The color of the sand is very unusual; it combines burgundy, copper and red shades. It does not pose any danger to the life and health of vacationers; swimming and sunbathing here is absolutely safe. The beach was chosen by people who prefer to relax “without complexes” and without swimsuits.
- Elafonisi (Crete) - the depth of the coastal zone is shallow, which makes the place popular for family vacation and elderly people. The purest white sand and clear water are a wonderful combination.
- Kommeno and Dassia (Corfu) - the presence of palm groves provides an opportunity to hide from the scorching midday heat. If you walk along the coastline and go around a small cape, you can hide from people in a small deserted bay. Here, the entrance to the sea is complicated by rocky areas; you need to be extremely careful and, if possible, not walk on your own.

SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS

Wool blankets and rugs, hand-embroidered tablecloths are a beautiful and practical gift from local craftsmen (25-50 euros). Such products are sold in small boutiques, It’s better to buy in Crete or Delphi. This country will compete even with Turkey in terms of the quality of leather and fur products.
The most inexpensive souvenirs from Greece are shells - but you shouldn’t collect them on the beaches, they can be confiscated during customs control. You can buy shells and compositions made from them in any boutique.
From Crete they bring high-quality olive oil (another name is “liquid gold”), alcoholic beverages, and ceramics. In Rhodes, locals will offer aromatic honey that retains its structure for a long time, sea sponges. Santorini has many jewelry stores with quality jewelry and Greek wine. Athens is a large shopping center for clothing, including furs and paintings. In the capital, all products are slightly more expensive than in provincial cities.
It is worth highlighting the gastronomic souvenirs: baklava, Turkish delight, chocolates and coffee. At the buyer's request, they are packaged in beautiful wrappers to turn them into an exquisite gift for friends. Don't forget about the famous metaxa - Greek cognac and ouzo anise vodka. Certified liqueurs provide pleasure, not a headache in the morning.
Natural cosmetics are suitable even for people with sensitive skin; they are hypoallergenic and do not cause irritation. The Greek assortment is amazing - creams, balms, shampoos, scrubs and handmade soaps.

GREEK CUISINE

Each restaurant offers visitors delicious dishes of traditional Greek cuisine. The country practices a raw food diet - a huge amount of raw vegetables with meat or side dishes is consumed. The cuisine has some common features with French and Italian, but it has strong Mediterranean traditions.
Definitely worth a try:
- tomato fish soup - usually prepared with the addition of shrimp;
- stuffed onions (an essential ingredient is olive oil), rice with spices is used as a filling;
- Greek salad with cheese (brynza or feta) - a dish familiar to everyone, only a mixture of seasonings is kept secret;
- phyllo dough - used for savory and sweet pastries;
- Tzatziki sauce is a classic addition to meat and vegetable dishes; it is prepared from cucumbers and Greek yogurt, adding herbs, garlic, spices and olive oil;
- sesame paste Tahini is a thick sauce that is used as a savory addition to baked goods.
The terrain features dictate their conditions in terms of cattle breeding; from this category, only sheep and goats are raised in the country. Accordingly, these two types of meat are mainly intended for food. The basis of the daily diet is grains and legumes. They make soup with them (fakes - with lentils, fasolada - with beans).

Holidays in Greece are an unearthly pleasure for those who come here for the first time. You will want to return to Crete and Rhodes again and again, stroll around Thessaloniki, dive into the warm sea and get that coveted bronze tan.

Brief information about the country

Independence Date

Official language

Greek

Form of government

Parliamentary republic

Territory

131,957 km² (95th in the world)

Population

10,772,967 people (75th in the world)

Timezone

EET (UTC+2, summer UTC+3)

The largest city

$294.339 billion

Internet domain

Telephone code

– one of the most amazing and uniquely beautiful countries in Europe. Located in the south of the continent, on the Balkan Peninsula, it is small both in terms of territory - the area together with the islands adjacent to the coast of Asia Minor is 131,994 km², and in terms of population, which numbers 10.3 million people. However, not every large state can compare with Greece in terms of historical, cultural, archaeological and linguistic heritage. The capital of Athens is the oldest and beautiful city world, a metropolis with a population of 4 million, founded around the 7th millennium BC.

Video: Greece

Basic moments

Hellas - as the Greeks themselves call their homeland - is filled with various attractions, much of which dates back to ancient times. It’s not for nothing that they say that in Greece antiquities are found literally at every turn. Wherever you find yourself - in Athens or Delphi, in Thebes or Meteora, on the holy Mount Athos or in rock monasteries - everywhere you will get acquainted with interesting monuments, original folk traditions. Here, in the homeland of Homer and Pythagoras, Sophocles and Democritus, Aristotle, Euripides, Plato and other famous personalities of the past, you will get such vivid impressions that you will definitely want to come here again!

Being recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and the place where the first democratic states in history appeared, Greece became the center of the emergence of the very concept of “democracy”. In Ancient Hellas, every adult citizen took an active part in discussing public affairs and could be elected to any administrative, military or judicial position. The traditions established in antiquity are preserved in Greek society today.

And Greece is gentle sun, excellent beaches, warm sea with crystal clear water and picturesque islands, the most popular of which are Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete. It is not for nothing that the country is called a paradise for tourism and recreation. The mild subtropical climate is in amazing harmony with the exquisite beauty of nature. It is unlikely that anywhere else you will see such pretty villages perched on mountain slopes, or houses surrounded by dense greenery, covered with red tiles. And it doesn’t matter at all for what purpose the traveler sets foot on this blessed land - to deeply study its historical heritage or just lazily lie on the beach. One thing is clear: in Greece everyone will find something to their liking and will never regret the trip.

Cities of Greece

All cities in Greece

Sights of Greece

All sights of Greece

Geographical features

Greece, which is also called the land of the gods, the birthplace of philosophy and the Olympic Games, has a very interesting and very advantageous geographical location. Perhaps no other European state owns so many islands - there are more than two thousand of them (although only 227 of them are inhabited). Some - for example, the famous Lesvos - are located directly off the coast of Turkey. The islands account for almost 20% of the country's territory, which is quite a lot.

Greece is washed by four seas: Mediterranean, Ionian, Libyan (southern coast of Crete) and Aegean. The latter can even be called the “inland sea” of this country, the entire coast of which is picturesquely indented by bays. Just look at the map to be convinced that no other state on the continent has similar outlines.

Mainland Greece is conventionally divided into several regions - Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly and Attica, Phthiotis, Phocis and others belonging to Central Greece. Geographically, the Ionian Islands can be classified as the central part of the country. The largest Greek island is Crete, the second largest is Euboea, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge across the Euripus Strait. The largest peninsula recognized as a hotspot ancient civilization on the territory of Europe is the Peloponnese. Here is the famous Corinth Canal, dug by a French company back in the 19th century.

Interesting fact: the farthest distance from the sea coast, no matter where you go in Greece, does not exceed 100 kilometers.

Natural landscape

Greek nature is distinguished by its enviable diversity, which was made possible by the confluence of factors such as geographical location, local climate, the presence of large mountain ranges, and a long coastline.

Mountains occupy about 60% of Greece's landscape, making it one of the highest countries in Europe after Norway and Albania. Moreover, unlike the named states, mountain ranges Hellas almost all go down to the sea. The tallest Mountain peak– Olympus (2915 meters), it is also best known from ancient Greek myths as the abode of the gods, in particular, the thunderer Zeus. Other large and beautiful mountains in Greece include Ida (Psiloritis) and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete, Grammos and Smolikas in Macedonia, Taigetos in the Peloponnese, Pindos and Atamanik Ori in the Epirus region.

The water resources of Greece are represented by a collection of natural and artificial lakes, deltas and river mouths, waterfalls and lagoons. The largest body of water in the country is Lake Trichonida, located in the Aetolia region, which is Western Greece. Lake Vouliagmeni in Attica cannot be ignored (it is famous for its thermal mineral waters), the artificial lake Tavropos in Thessaly, which is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and, of course, the highest mountain lake - Drakolimni, located on the slopes of Tymfi and Zmolikas at an altitude of 2050 meters. Of the rivers, the longest is Aliakmonas (297 km), which is inferior in length to Aheloom, Pinios, Nestos, Efros, Strymonas, Alfios, Arachthos.

The uniqueness of the natural landscape of Greece is given by local caves, many of which have internal lakes, “thickets” of stalactites and stalagmites, which attract not only ordinary tourists, but also professional speleologists. The caves will also be of interest to historians, ethnographers and cultural experts, since they are inextricably linked with the plots of ancient Greek myths. And the caves themselves are archaeological monuments that can reveal many secrets of the Paleolithic era. Not everyone knows, but the famous artifact is the skull ancient man, considered a transitional form from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens, was discovered in one of these caves in Greece. It is called Petralona and is located on the Chalkidiki peninsula.

The gorges or canyons with which the local landscape is literally dotted deserve special mention. They cannot fail to impress with their menacingly towering sheer cliffs, water streams And different types birds and animals that have preferred to settle here for many centuries. The most famous Greek gorge - Samaria - is located on the island of Crete. It can be easily crossed, and many travelers take advantage of this opportunity. The breathtaking beauty of the Vikos Gorge in national park in the Pindus (Pindos) mountains in the northeast of the Epirus district. It is located on southern slope Mount Tumfi, reaching a length of 20 kilometers.

And finally, two water parks in Greece. The first - it is called Alonissos and is located on the islands of the Northern Sporades in the Aegean Sea - in 1992 the authorities declared it a protected area. It is home to the endangered Mediterranean seal, Monachus monachus. The second is national marine park on Zakynthos, one of the Ionian Islands, which received protected area status seven years later. This is where the Caretta Caretta turtle species is mainly bred.

Cities and islands of Greece

Between historical Attica and the Peloponnese, the Saronic Islands are secluded - an archipelago, a holiday on which is usually chosen by those tourists who would not want to swim into the sea far from Athens. Only during the peak season the beaches here can be crowded, especially on the island of Aegina, which may not be to everyone’s liking. But there is an excellent coastline here, not to mention the fact that getting a bronze tan can be combined with visiting attractions, for example, the Temple of Aphaia, which has been perfectly preserved to this day.

The Peloponnese itself looks like something apart from the rest of Greece. In the sense that its landscapes are most often deserted, which, however, is compensated by the presence of priceless historical monuments. This is the citadel of Agamemnon Mycenae, and the theater in Epidaurus, and the House of Helen and Menelaus in Sparta, and the palace of Nestor in Pylos, and the same Corinth, from where one of the writers of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, addressed his epistles to the Corinthians. Acquaintance with the sights can be perfectly combined with a vacation on local beaches, considered perhaps the best in all of Southern Europe.

If you haven’t forgotten from school history lessons where the homeland of Apollo and his sister Artemis was, then you guessed that our story will be about the islands of the Cyclades. Situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, they exude a kind of serenity and tranquility. But the Cyclades archipelago is associated primarily with the island of Mykonos, whose coastline reaches 89 km. Its hallmark is its ancient narrow streets and a very modern boutique hotel - the most expensive in Greece. Important transport hub in the archipelago is Paros, famous for its beaches and ample opportunities for aquatic species sports

There are places in sunny Greece where the “Turkish coast” is just a stone’s throw away - these are the Dodecanese islands, which are part of the Southern Sporades archipelago and stretch in a chain along the western coast of the peninsula Asia Minor, almost adjacent to the territory of a neighboring state. The islands of Rhodes and Kos are the most famous of them. Their popularity came thanks to first-class beaches and hotels and, of course, rich excursion programs - especially around the historical part of the city of Rhodes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Groups of tourists, among whom there are many representatives of Christian denominations, strive to visit the legendary island of Patmos, which is called the “Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea,” and this interest is understandable. It is here that there is a cave where John the Theologian wrote down the divine “Revelation”, which became the last book of the biblical New Testament. And this place itself is also called the “Cave of the Apocalypse.”

Some of the most picturesque in Greece are, of course, the Ionian Islands. Lush greenery, harmoniously combined with the azure shades of the sea surface, creates the impression of a real Garden of Eden, and at some point it may seem that the Lord has forgiven the sins of mankind and returned them to their original conditions of existence, as in the biblical Eden. The real pearl of the archipelago is the island of Corfu - it is the most popular among tourists and, accordingly, the most expensive in terms of stay and accommodation in Greece. The island of Ithaca is also well known from Homer’s stories about Odysseus, which we were introduced to in history lessons. The island of Kefalonia also leaves vivid impressions: pretty villages, cliffs at the very edge of the sea and excellent beaches cannot be forgotten. As well as excellent local wines.

Now let's move to the second largest city in the country, which rightfully received the nickname “Greek Constantinople”. He is religious center Greece, whose population is predominantly Orthodox. Here is the Athos peninsula and the Holy Mountain with the same name. In the system of administrative division it is called the “Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain”. Over the centuries, nothing has changed here: women are still prohibited from setting foot on Mount Athos.

The Northern Aegean Islands are a kind of “mix” in which the influence of both Western and Eastern cultures is mixed. If you don’t know that this is Greece, it seems that you are in Turkey, which, in general, is not far away, and it owns two islands of the archipelago - Bozcaada and Gokceada (Greek names, respectively, Tenedos and Imvros). The most unusual of the islands is Samos, all covered with trees and famous for its vineyards. Isolated beaches attract tourists on the island of Chios, also famous for its ancient monastery of Nea Moni.

Climate and weather

The climate of Greece, 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. On the mainland weather They resemble 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. Warm weather persists for a long time in Crete: on south coast 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 everything East Coast the mainland of the country, including the capital, and the islands of the Aegean Sea are under the rule of a strong north wind. 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 actual summer heat, he 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. at its best, 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 a democratic political regime with a parliamentary form of government was again established in the country. On June 11, 1975, a new Constitution was adopted, which is 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 are 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.

Many ancient artifacts are concentrated in Crete, one of the most popular tourist destinations countries. 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. Ancient temple Apollo, preserved in the small town of Gortyn, will take you back to the Dorian era, and in Phaestos 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 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 in various species of plants and animals, and offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Olympus, although a high mountain, is for hiking quite affordable. Traveling along numerous trails, you won’t even notice how time flies.

Another famous mountain is, of course, Athos, included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO. This unique place, revered by all Orthodox believers, is inhabited and can only be visited by men. It is dedicated to 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 in local menu Fish and seafood occupy a royal position. 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 national cuisine spaghetti with lobster (“macoranada me astaco”) is considered. 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 eggplant 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 tongue”). Fortunately for tourists, many Greeks speak at least one foreign language: most often English, but also German, French or Italian.

Still, a few words in Greek 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

IN sunny Greece they go not only for beach holiday on the islands or exploring the world famous sights of ancient times, but also for shopping. For those who don't already know: 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 at a retail outlet that 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.

There is also a network in Greece railways, only experienced tourists do not recommend traveling 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 Island state However, 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 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 one is state-owned and its main advantage in the eyes of competitors can be considered a good level of customer 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 remain 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 with unknown men or walk 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 outside during a rally. To disperse protesters, the 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 mainland Greece and its islands fall under the definition of seismic zones, which means there is 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 is also used to designate the class of the hotel. 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 a kind of “anomaly” often occurs: in E-class hotels the level of service is higher than in hotels designated C.

Be prepared for the fact that you may encounter a problem with a shortage of numbers, especially on the most popular greek islands. The rush here is common, especially on weekends and holidays, when local residents join vacationing foreigners. To avoid tourist crowds, book your apartment in advance. So, using the Booking.com service, you can find excellent accommodation options in Greece with discounts of up to 60%.

Majority owners local hotels are local owners, but the largest international chains are also represented in Greece, for example, Best Western and Hilton. 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 part of the International Association hostels. 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”: returning to the monastery - for example, after an excursion - is not allowed later than the due date.

), and charter.

At peak tourist season, that is, in the summer, flights to Greece are carried out, including from Russian cities such as Krasnodar, Kazan and Perm.

To stay in the country, Russians need a foreign passport with a Schengen visa.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

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