Greece
Content
- Important Information about Greece
- What is the Currency used in Greece
- What Language Speak in Greece
- Religion and Culture in Greece
- What is the Best time to visits and climate in Greece
- Transportations around the Greece
- Top things you can do in Greece
- Best food to eat in Greece
- Why Should You Visit Greece at least once
- Useful Information's about your Budget Insurance and Travel Tips
World Travel M J Princess Blog. Greece world class top travel and tourist destinations and places around the world.
Greece is often called the birthplace of western civilization, and it dominated most of the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. Under the rule of Alexander the Great, its empire expanded across a large part of Europe and Western Asia. Ancient Greek culture heavily influenced Roman culture, the next great European empire.
The first great civilization was found in Crete in 2000 BC the Minoans. They were conquered around 500 years later by the Mycenaean. Ancient Greece was divided into city states, with the most popular being Athens. Then came the Classical period, which is when Athens was governed by Democracy and philosophers such as Socrates and Plato were prominent figures in society. Greece passed between Venetian and Ottoman rule, and you can see the impact left by their cultures across the country.
Although Greece declared its independence in 1821, it was not recognized until 11 years later. In the early 20th century, the Balkan Wars saw Greece double its size and territory, making it recognizable as the country we know today. However, it has retained its popularity with tourists and is one of the most visited countries in the world nowadays.
Greece welcomed over 50 million visitors, making it one of the most visited countries not only in Europe but the entire world. Its rich history is part of the reason it attracts so many people. Known as the cradle of civilization, you can still see impressive ancient architecture like the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens, and many UNESCO world heritage listed monuments.
That’s not all though, the islands are home to pristine beaches and they’re a great place to top up your tan or go for a paddle in the sea.
Aside from that, Greece is the 15th largest country in Europe and has been a member state of the EU since 1981, and a member of NATO since 1952. It is located in southeast Europe and shares borders with Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Albania.
As well as a mountainous mainland, Greece is also made up of over 6,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Some, like Crete and Rhodes, have big populations and are extremely popular with tourists. However, there are many more which are uninhabited.
Importance Information about Greece
Currency used in Greece
The official currency used in Greece is the Euro. If you are traveling to Greece, you will need to exchange your currency for the Euro. The Greek drachma was an ancient currency unit used in many Greek city, states and was the basic unit of currency in Greece until 2001 when it was replaced by the euro, which is now the only official currency of Greece. and almost all establishments accept debit or credit cards.
Language speak in Greece
Greece speak Greek, which is the country's official language. The other languages spoken there are Macedonian called Slav Macedonian in Greece, Albanian, spoken in the center and the south, Turkish, spoken by Muslim communities around the Aegean, Arumanian and Bulgarian. and if you not speak Greek so not worry because in business, hotels, people speak English also or you can use google translate.
Religion and Culture in Greece
The religion of Greek people is an important aspect of Greek culture. The population in mainland Greece and the Greek islands is Christian Orthodox. The religion of the rest of the population is Muslims, Catholic, Jewish and other minorities. Greece and Russia are the only countries to have such a great proportion of the Orthodox population.
The Orthodox Church forms the third largest branch of Christianity, after the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. the founders of the orthodox church, the Schism, the connection with the Greek nation, the separation with the state and other religions in Greece.
Best Time To Visit and Climate in Greece
Summer Season
Summer Season comes to July to August is the busiest season in Greece when popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes are full of tourists. August is the month when the locals take their annual leave and add to the crowds of visitors.
Autumn Season
Autumn Season start to September to October are the best months to visit Greece for a peaceful holiday after the rush of summer. If you’re looking to enjoy yourself at the beaches, the water is warm and inviting in Autumn.
Winter Season
Winter Season start to November to March is the low season of sunny Greece. While the big islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu entertain visitors all year round, the smaller islands wind down for winter. This would be a wonderful time to visit Greece for a laid back holiday if you don’t mind the cold.
Spring Season
Spring Season start to April to June and The days are long, and the weather is mild. If you’re looking to enjoy yourself .
overall in Greece climate are very peaceful. Golden sandy beaches flanked by a clear azure sea is an enduring image of Greece that adds to its reputation as a sunny holiday destination. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece lures visitors to its shores from all around the world. With a wonderfully varied geography, Greece can boast of some stunning landscapes.
Greece is a land of incomparable beauty. It is but a reflection of its residents who will welcome you with unbridled enthusiasm and give you a taste of the legendary Greek hospitality. With a serene pace of life, it presents you with the perfect opportunity to take a step back and switch off from the daily grind. Greece operates in a relaxed mode and there’s no particular hurry to be anywhere. A holiday here is all about the simple pleasures of life.
Transportation around in Greece
By Plane
Greece is among the most popular holiday destinations in the world, many large air companies schedule flights to Greece from various places in the world. Famous European companies and low cost airlines also fly directly to regional airports in the islands and mainland cities and areas of Greece Flights to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos, Heraklion, Kalamata, Preveza and others. There are also air companies operating domestic flights in Greece, particularly from the airports of Athens and the airport of Thessaloniki.
International Flights The majority of tourists who travel to Greece every year arrive by plane. There are many airports in Greece, both in the mainland and in the Greek islands. Most visitors arrive at the International Airport of Athens and then continue to the Greek islands either by plane again or by ferry. The airport of Athens has direct international flights to many European and Asian countries, while via transfer it also receives passengers from all the world. There is also a regular connection between the airport of Athens and the Greek islands.
By Ferries
Greek ferries the most popular transportation means to go from Athens to the Greek islands is by ferry. It is the easiest way even if many flights are available to reach the islands. Although Piraeus is the central port of Athens, many ferries also depart from the ports of Rafina and Lavrion. The majority of ferries in Greece are modern and offer a convenient trip. As for international routes, there are ferries from Italy, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice to the western ports of Greece Patras, Corfu, Igoumenitsa and from Turkey to Greek islands of the Dodecanese and Eastern Aegean.
By Cars
Cars are the best and most secure way of transportation in Greece when you are in a specific location and want to get around. There are car rental agencies in the most popular places in Greece and the Greek islands. The main road networks in Greece are modern and in a good state, but the regional roads need attention as they are usually narrow and winding.
By Trains
The most popular train route in Greece is from Athens to Thessaloniki. The northern and central Greece is also well served by the rail network. However, trains in Greece are not that popular as suburban KTEL buses, although in most cases the train fare is cheaper than the bus ticket. Trains are not the best transportation way as the infrastructures are old and trains are slow.
By Buses (Ktel)
The KTEL buses are green in color and connect Athens to many towns of the mainland. Itineraries are regular and tickets can be bought just before the trip, as KTEL buses do not have an online booking system. It is the most popular way of transportation in mainland Greece.
By Taxis
Taxis are easy to find in Athens and everywhere in Greece. There are taxi ranks outside airports, train stations, ports and also outside the most popular spots in Athens and the Greek islands. To stop a taxi, just go on the side of the street and raise your hand. it is a good way of transportation for small distances and it is quite cheap if you compare it to other European countries.
Top Things you can do in Greece
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Night view |
Explore the past
Greece is where western civilization began and everywhere you turn, you will find ruins that are thousands of years old. Start in Athens with the museums, the Acropolis and surrounding ruins the Angora is wonderful, and then set off to explore the ruins of Delphi, Sparta, and Crete. If you love history, you’ll love Greece.
Remember the Spartans
Sparta was the ancient rival of Athens and known for her fierce warriors. The city has a long history and ruins to explore. There is no shortage of things to do, excursions to take, and places to eat when you visit the city. It’s an often overlooked city, but you can get all the history of Greece without the tourists of Athens if you visit. I wouldn’t suggest skipping Sparta.
Attend the Hellenic Festival
Every summer, the Hellenic Festival in Athens has concerts and performance theater, including reenactments of Greek tragedy. It’s one of the country’s top cultural events and if it coincides with your visit, you’ll see just how proud the Greeks are of their past.
Take in the sun in Corfu
The Greek Islands may get all the press but sunny Corfu on Greece’s west coast is also a good place to enjoy the beach too. It’s a popular destination for young backpackers, but once you get out of the main town, you avoid them and their partying ways and get the island to yourself.
Explore the Delphi Ruins
Delphi has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance. This is where the omniscient Oracle would contact Apollo and give advice to those seeking good fortune. Although the eternal flame no longer burns inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory.
Melissani Cave
A boat tour will take you into these caves, where you can admire the magical quality of ultramarine water and monumental walls that surround you.
Go to Santorini
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Santorini |
Hike the Samaria Gorge
For the outdoor enthusiasts out there, this is considered one of the best hiking experiences in Greece. While it isn’t the shortest or easiest trek, the Samaria Gorge does promise beautiful landscapes, fantastic photo opportunities, and a great workout.
Experience the Patra Carnival
Every year in mid-January, the city of Patra is host to what is basically a month-and-a-half-long party. There’s a slew of events, both major and minor; increasingly crazy weekends; and various costume parades, which even feature floats. It’s usually a good idea to make hotel reservations well in advance.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The number one attraction on Crete, this museum also happens to be Greece’s second largest archaeological museum next to the museum in Athens. There is a stunning collection here, which highlights the Cretan civilization dating back from Neolithic times, through to the Roman empire.
Party on the island of Ios
Ios has the wildest nightlife out of all the Greek islands. It is the summer party island where days are spent hangover on the beach while nights are spent eating cheap food and drinking. If you don’t want to do that but still want to see Ios, it’s best to go to the eastern part of the island where it’s quieter. Don’t let Ios’ party reputation deter you from visiting, it’s a beautiful, rugged island and home to the grave of Homer and only busy June-August.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
While you are walking about Athens, this is a incredible archaeological site to stop at. This temple is massive and took over 700 years to construct dating back to the sixth century. There are a number of Corinthian columns still standing, though many have fallen. It’s quite an impressive sight.
Best Food to Eat in Greece
Baklava
This cuisine mostly contains nuts and butter along with sugar. After baking, sweet syrup is poured over it so that the syrup can be absorbed by the crispy layers of phyllo. It is probably the most popular food item among all Greek desserts.
Courgette Balls
This is a very popular Cretan meze, found in most Greek restaurants. Your taste buds will be mesmerized by its flavored texture, salty & tasty feta cheese with a bit of fresh mint. The original kolokythokeftedes must be crispy on the outside with a creamy texture on the inside. if you love vegetarian than go for this Courgette balls snacks.
Ellinikos Greek Coffee
Ellinikos is still the most favorite style of coffee adopted in Greece. The coffee is served in the traditional long handled coffee copper pot which is known as briki in Greek. There are three different tastes of Ellinikos like Vari Glyko which means strong & almost honey sweet, Metrios meaning medium sweetness and Sketos meaning without sugar.
Galaktoboureko
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Dessert |
Gyros
Gyros are an economical meal choice and so yummy. When the meat is roasted vertically and turning on the spit it is known as Gyro. Wait, it is not done yet. Slices of gyro are then placed in pita with various taste enhancers including sauce, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and potato chips.
Halvas
You will be surprised by the deliciousness of such humble food especially when you are looking for a no dairy, no butter and an egg free dessert. Halva is a great combo of four ingredients oil, semolina, sugar and water. You will be mesmerized by the taste of these four ingredients when combined. In simple words, halva is semolina pudding which is sweetened by syrup and studded with nuts.
Kataifi
This is one of the most popular Greek desserts made with a special type of pastry called Kataifi. When rolled up the pastry resembles shredded wheat. A delectable nutty center is rolled inside crisp, thread like strands of pastry, baked, and then soaked in sweet syrup. The pastry is full of strand so there is always a chance to get messy when you eat this. So don’t try too much to pull them or cut them.
Yiaourti Me Meli
Yiaourti Me Meli literally means yogurt with honey. This is simple filler which is rich in protein with creamy sweet flavor. You can have this food in breakfast dishes or as a dessert. Yiaourti Me Meli is a healthy combo of Greek yogurt, honey and walnuts. The subtle sour taste of yogurt, the sweetness of thyme or wildflower honey, the depth & complexity of walnuts altogether it is a food from heaven.
Tiropita
Tiropita, otherwise known as Greek cheese pie, is traditionally popular throughout Greece and can be eaten as a starter or a mid day snack. This feta cheese food comes into different shapes & sizes. When it is rolled into individual triangular servings that’s when it is called Tiropita. The main ingredient used in this recipe is various types of cheese feta cheese mostly. Melted butter and olive oil are also used while preparing this mouthwatering dish.
Revani
Revani is a very popular dessert which is nutty and grainy with some lemony flavor. This moist cake is sweetened by simple syrup flavored with orange zest. This is not an overly sweet desserts and it is indeed a delightful addition to any dining table.
Why should you visit Greece at least once?
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Athens |
Attica
The most populous region of Greece, Attica is also known as the province of Athens, and it’s here that you’ll find the capital city Athens. In Athens, you an visit some of the best preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture, including the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and a number of archaeological museums.
However, this region isn’t only for history buffs beautiful beaches and the Saronic Gulf are only a stone’s throw away and offer beaches for every type of tourist. As Attica is home to the capital city, you’ll also find some of the country’s top restaurants and hotels here.
Central Greece
Bordering Attica and the Peloponnese, Central Greece is found on the mainland. The ancient Greeks considered this as the navel of the world, and here you will find Delphi’s temple of Apollo, one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire country.
The region is also home to one of Greece’s most renowned national parks, Mount Parnassus. The slopes of the mountain are covered in beautiful Kefalonian pine trees, and the park is a great way to get out into nature and boasts a number of hiking trails. There’s also the famous Corycian Cave, where nymphs and the God Pan were once worshiped.
Central Macedonia
The second most populous state in Greece home to just under 2 million people, is home to the country’s second city, Thessaloniki. This isn’t the only notable site here though, there’s the beautiful seaside region of Halkidiki which boasts undisturbed nature and tranquil beaches, and also the world famous Mount Athos.
As a holiday destination, it’s great for adventurers too. In this region, there’s water sports and windsurfing on the coast, while heading further inland there’s a range of dramatic scenery lakes, canyons, rivers, and forests offer fantastic trekking, bird-watching, rafting and even skiing in winter.
Crete
Known for its hospitable people, the largest island in Greece is said to have the best beaches in the country and considering there’s a huge coastline and more than 6,000 islands, they must be something really special. The most famous is properly Balos lagoon in Chania, turquoise blue waters accessible by either boat or a hike.
Away from the beaches, it’s hard to beat the Crete’s culture and history the Minoan palace of Knossos is here a Bronze age relic which is thought to be Europe’s oldest city, as well as several important monasteries from the 15th century or earlier.
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The most north eastern state of Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace shares land borders with both Bulgaria and Turkey. There are Thracian, Byzantine, and ancient Greek archaeological sites here meaning it’s the perfect holiday spot for those who are interested in ancient history and culture.
The state’s history goes back even further than that though, with prehistoric and Neolithic artwork and cemeteries in Ergani and Roussa. The region also offers a great number of beaches, including one where you can camp at Samothrace, and another with a historical lighthouse, at Alexandropouli. This is the only region where you can cross into Turkey by land.
Epirus
Situated on the Greek mainland’s west coast and just below Albania, Epirus offers a different perspective of Greece. You’ll find ancient Dodoni ruins, traditional stone villages, and medieval castles in the region that sits by the Ionian Sea.
Epirus is a great place to shop for traditional Greek gifts too, as there are a number of artisans who still work with traditional crafts. Although the rich and varied here is famous all across Greece, Epirus is one of the Greek regions less frequented by tourists, so if you’re looking for a slightly quieter and more traditional holiday destination, this could be the perfect place for you.
Ionian Islands
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Island |
The islands have a rich history with some of the country’s most impressive medieval architecture on Lefkada, Roman mosaics on Kefalonia, and Byzantine architecture on the Strofades Islands, only 37 miles off the coast of Zante.
The cuisine of the islands is unique compared to others in Greece don’t miss trying bourdeto spicy fish stew or sofrito slow cooked veal with garlic and parsley which are hearty and delicious.
North Aegean
Even though the North Aegean islands are far from the country’s centers of population (and closer to mainland Turkey than Greece), they’re really easy to reach traveling by boat or plane. A little off the tourist track, this charming cluster of islands is characterized by picturesque mountain villages and virgin beaches. They remain largely unexplored, offering a more authentic and traditional experience of Greek island life.
There is a range of beaches to be found on the islands, with more than 100 virgin sandy beaches on the island of Limos, and a unique dark volcanic pebble beach on Chios.
There are natural wonders inland too on the islands. Lesvos, for example, boasts a petrified forest. The only other similar one is in Arizona in the USA. And the island of Samothrace is home to numerous waterfalls and hot springs where you can relax after a day of hiking.
Peloponnese
Peloponnese is the southernmost state of the Greek mainland and many famous myths originate from here supposedly Hercules fought the Nemean lion, Paris of Troy ran away with Helen, and the Argonauts sailed from here in their quest to find the Golden Fleece.
Real life is just as fascinating in the Peloponnese, with Frankish, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Mycenaean having all left their mark on the region.
It's a great place for adventures too, as the Taygetos mountains offer some great opportunities for hiking, climbing, and off roading if you’re brave enough. The main cities in this region are Kalamata, Trifylia, and Argos.
South Aegean
The South Aegean Islands consist of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades groups of islands and have some of Greece’s best known tourist gems, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Kos. An extensive and reliable ferry network connects many of the islands, meaning that you can fit more than one of these beautiful destinations into the same trip.
Take in the whitewashed towns of Oia and Fira on the cliffs of Santorini, see the remains of ancient civilizations on Rhodes or party until the early hours on the beaches of Mykonos. Each island has its own distinct character and offers something different for every kind of tourist.
Thessaly and Sporades
Thessaly and Sporades are made up of a region on the mainland which borders Central Greece, and the Sporades islands in the northwest Aegean Sea. The inhabited islands and popular tourist destinations are Skiathos, Skyros, Alonnisos, and Skopelos.
As well as being known for their beaches, there’s some great coastal diving here. Animal lovers should look no further than Alonnisos, where there’s a marine park that’s home to dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals.
However, the undisputed top attraction of the region is on the mainland. The UNESCO listed Meteora monasteries are gravity defining built atop seemingly inaccessible limestone cliffs, doing justice to their name which translates as ‘suspended in space.’
Western Greece
Western Greece is made up of the southwestern part of mainland Greece and the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. For fans of water sports, it’s a great place to holiday.
The Evinos and Acheloos rivers in Aitoloakarnania are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and white water rafting. The mountains which surround these rivers are home to beautiful and varied flora, and there are hiking options aplenty.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing holiday, the extensive coastline has a number of both sandy and pebbly bays, with many having been awarded blue flag status. The main cities in Western Greece are Messolonghi and Patras.
Western Macedonia
The province of Western Macedonia shares land borders with both Macedonia and Albania and is the only landlocked region therefore no beaches. However, not to worry as there are a number of scenic forests, lakes, and mountains to make up for it.
The mountainous region also has the lowest population density out of all the country’s 13 regions. The region’s main cities are Kastoria, Kozani the capital, and Florina. The dragon’s cave in Kastoria is one of the region’s top attractions a limestone cave crammed full of stalactites, and was formerly a gold mine.
Useful information's about your Budget, Insurance and Travel Tips
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash with you in while travel in Greece. Travelers can find many options to suit their travel budgets and ATMs are available and very important tips if you visit any destinations places first collect some information about that place and your travel agency what provides you so you dont get any trouble in your trips and you travel by yourself make sure you collect all information about your destination and places you planning to visit. and make sure carry at least one credit card and 2 debits card because some time one card not working so at least you have another card so you cant trouble in your travel vacations.
Greece is one of the safest countries for female travelers. You shouldn’t have any problems if you’re travelling solo. Just keep in mind the same general safety tips you would use anywhere else in the world.
Greece is one of the safest countries in the world. However, in cities it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation. Just be aware of your surroundings and use common sense and you should be just fine.
In Greece speak some English so you shouldn’t have any language issues in an emergency. However, it won’t hurt to download the Greece language pack to your phone so you have offline access just in case. Additionally, download offline maps for each destination you visit in case you get lost or need to explain directions to a cab driver.
Solo female travelers should feel comfortable traveling alone even a night. Taxis here are quite safe and crime is rare against solo travelers. But keep your wits up and never travel alone at night if you’ve been drinking, just to be safe.
The tap water here is safe and clean in fact, it’s the cleanest in the world. There is also no real risk of natural disasters or terrorism here either.
At the end of the day, always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID as well. It never hurts to be prepared.
When you’re entering Greece, especially overland, make sure all of your paperwork and identification is in order, and check with relevant embassies about the status of borders. Greece shares land borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. Always make sure you have copies of your important travel documents. and send them also your family members so if you have any problems your family members also have documents details about your trips.
A travel insurance policy is a must If you injure yourself and you don’t have insurance, expect to pay a large sum of money.
The most important piece of advice purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can find the policy right for you. and carry all documents and travel insurance must and keep the copy all documents where you going anywhere this is very important. and whenever you choose in travel destinations collect at least basic information about that place and your budget and booking hotels while travelling solo or your family friends or your better half so you dont get any trouble in your travel trips and my blog. World Travel M J Princess Blog always provide you useful information about various world class top Travel and Tourist destinations around the world.
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