Tourism in Greece

It would be an unforgivable mistake to go on vacation to Greece just to lie on the beach and sleep in a hotel room. Greece is a country surrounded by ancient structures and buildings, keeping the memory of ancient culture. The variety of Greek cuisine can amaze any gourmet with its uniqueness. But apart from the food, the antiquity and the sea, it is very nice to communicate with the local population, because the Greeks and the Russians have much in common and the mentality of our countries are the closest neighbors. In our country has long appeared not a few fans, it is travelers who want to fully enjoy: beach holidays, memorable historical excursions while being among the kindred spirits.

Greek cuisine includes many vegetables, herbs, soft cheeses, olives and olive oil, wine, and bread. Meat is mostly lamb and poultry, but beef and pork are also cooked. We recommend to try such Greek dishes as "moussaka"- casserole made of eggplant, minced meat and tomatoes, "pastizio"- something like lasagne, "stifado"- stew with onions in a wine-cinnamon sauce, "spetsofai"- spicy sausages with fresh tomatoes, "paidakia"-grilled lamb chops, grilled octopus. In any city in Greece there are many taverns, shashlik houses, pastry shops, tavernkafes and bars. Restaurants with international and Greek cuisine.

Stores are open in the summer from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. In tourist cities stores may be open until late at night. In addition to fur coats and furs, in the country you can profitably buy and leather goods, jackets, shoes, etc., quality jewelry made of gold and silver. Athens markets and stores of antique things will certainly be of interest to connoisseurs of antiques. The main product that tourists buy is the famous Greek olive oil.

Tours and attractions in Greece should begin with the ancient myths of the Greek gods, the origin of the earth or the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Once you are familiar with the myths, you can go on an excursion to Argolida with a visit to the Corinth Canal, a tour of the ancient theater, Epidaurus, the temple of Apollo the healer, the city of Nafplion.

Excursion to Delphi, where the temple of Apollo is located, and where the famous oracle is located. City of Patras, archaeological museum, temples of Zeus the Olympic and Hera the Goddess, temple of St. Andrew. Macedonia with a visit to the archaeological sites. Cruise to Holy Mount Athos, the unique Orthodox monastic republic of Athos.

Transportation: KTEL's inexpensive intercity buses, which travel to the mainland and nearby islands (the ferry is included in the ticket price). For long distances it is convenient to use the national air carriers Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. There are a lot of cabs in the country, on the mainland the payment is strictly according to the rates, the boarding is 1 EUR, 1 km - 0,43 EUR, from 00:00 to 05:00 double fare is valid. On the islands you have to agree in advance with the cab drivers. If you want to rent a car of economy class, it will cost 40 EUR per day. You must have an international driving license, the driver must be at least 25-70 years old and have at least 3 years of driving experience.

Safety: The crime rate in Greece is very low, but basic safety precautions should not be neglected. Keep money and personal valuables in the hotel safe, be careful in the markets.

Climate: Summer in Greece is hot and dry, the hottest period is from mid-July to mid-August. Tourists who prefer moderate temperatures are better to rest in May and June, in September and October in the northern part of Greece in Cairo and Rhodes. The islands are always hotter, but thanks to the mild island climate the heat is easier to bear than, for example, in Athens.

There are no private beaches in Greece, all beaches are municipal, sun loungers and umbrellas are paid. The vast majority of beaches are sandy, but there are also pebble beaches. On the mainland beaches, as a rule, are always crowded, unlike on the island, where there are many quiet bays.

Greek hotels are not given stars, the classes are divided differently deluxe- which equals 5 stars, A- 4 stars, B- 3, C- 2. Despite the category of the hotel, even the economy rooms are always clean and have everything you need (refrigerator, TV, etc.). There are beach quality hotels are not inferior to their Mediterranean neighbors, with luxury suites.