Greece is the birthplace of Aeschylus and Socrates, site of the great Acropolis and the 5,000 year-old Minoan civilization. Upon arriving in modern-day Athens, one might overlook the divine beauty extolled by Zeus and Apollo. But travelers soon discover the charm and harmonious blending of the ancient and new, Plato and ouzo, Minotaur and mousakka. Ancient Greece with its wonders such as the Parthenon can be seen throughout the daily fabric of Greek life.
Officially known as the Hellenic Republic, mainland Greece is situated at the tip of the Balkan Peninsula and is bordered by Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. Greece has more than 3,000 islands scattered throughout the Mediterranean, Ionian, Aegean and Crete seas. Many island destinations can be reached by plane, and an extensive ferry service operates throughout the islands. Cruises to the islands of Greece is a very popular vacation and a number of cruise lines offer packages that include excursions, tours and extended stays.
There are a number of airline options to Greece. Most major US carriers and many major European carriers offer flights to Athens. Taxis are readily available from Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, which opened in March 2001. Most locations have efficient and inexpensive local bus service, and tour buses abound. Car rental is also an option in the mainland and many of the larger islands, but you will need an International Driving Permit. Mopeds are also available. Roads in Greece are generally good, but traffic is quite heavy during peak season (May-October). Trains operate between Athens and Thessaloniki and Corinth, and between Patras and Kalamata, with international connections.
The climate in northern Greece is similar to that in other Balkans, with hot, humid summers and freezing, snowy winters. Highs in the summer reach 40 C (104 F). By contrast, the island of Crete in the central Mediterranean stays pleasantly warm from April-November before the cold rains of winter set in.
Tourists to Greece have a number of hotel options ranging in price.
Communications service varies by location. In Athens, pay phones are common, but on smaller islands, the local OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) phone center is your best option. Cellular coverage (GSM 900 and 1800) is virtually nationwide. English language newspapers are available at most large international hotels and kiosks, especially in Athens.
Greece is a parliamentary democracy headed by a president. Greece has a long history of territory disputes with the Turkish government. While in Greece, exercise caution when traveling in the eastern Aegean Sea near Turkish territories as well as near the Turkish border on the mainland.
The official language is Greek; however most people speak some English, particularly in the tourist areas. Cost of living in Greece is somewhat less than in the West.
While violent civil unrest is uncommon, demonstrations and protests sometimes occur at U.S. or Greek government buildings. Avoid all demonstrations and political rallies. The rate of violent crime involving travelers is low, but petty crimes involving travelers are common, especially in the larger cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Piraeus, and Rhodes.
Local Etiquette Tips from our Partner Geobeats.com
Going to Greece soon? These etiquette tips will come in handy during your visit.
Public Transportation Tips from our Partner Geobeats.com
Birgit shows you the best transport options from Athens to the Greek Islands.
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