Greece

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Why visit Greece?

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Greece, a crossroad of civilizations, had left their traces everywhere: the architecture of the museums and settlements, miniature art, daily life, nutritional customs and in all forms of popular art in the various regions of the country. The visitor can come into contact with this multihued and impressive mosaic through trips into historical, cultural, artistic and folkloric traditions.

What does Greece bring in mind?

World Heritage Site

During your stay in Greece, explore the treasures made by man and nature over the centuries. Discover 17 monuments and sites and be seduced by their uniqueness. The first monument in Greece to be included on UNESCO’s list was the Temple of Apollo Epicurius in 1986. Since then number of entries on the list has dramatically increased. Today it includes seventeen monuments throughout the country.

Tantalizing Temptation Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine that makes wide use of olive oil, vegetables and herbs. For this cuisine, olives, cheese, eggplants and zucchini are among the most important ingredients. Greek desserts are characterized by the dominant use of nuts and honey. Mezés is a collective name for a variety of small dishes, typically served with wines or anise- flavored liqueurs as ouzo or homemade tsipouro. Orektika is the formal name for appetizers and is often used as a reference to eat a first course of a cuisine other than Greek cuisine.

A white escape

With the winter at the gates, five renowned mountain resorts welcome you to the joys of cold and snow. Arachova, Karpenissi, Zagorochoria, Mount Pilion and the scenic traditional villages of mountainous Arcadia will offer you a winter holiday to remember.

Mountaineering on Olympus Mt Olympus, the abode of the Gods, is the first Greek national forest as well as a world heritage site. It’s no surprise that thousands of trekkers and climbers from all over the world choose it for a once in a lifetime myth-packed Olympian experience.

Mount Athos

Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula, the easternmost “leg” of the larger Halkidiki peninsula houses some 1,400 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. An autonomous state under Greek sovereignty, entry into Mount Athos is strictly controlled and only males are allowed entrance.

Things NOT TO MISS in Greece

• Sunset on Santorini

• Shipwreck Bay, Zakynthos

• Méteora Monasteries

• Climbing Mount Olympus

• Mykonos nightlife

• Mezédhes (A platter of starters and dips accompanied by a glass of Ouzo)

• Samaria Gorge, Crete

• Windsurfing

• The Acropolis, Athens

Top Destinations in Greece

Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. This bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis is the centre of economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural activity in Greece. The main port of Athens, Piraeus, is one of the biggest and most important in the Mediterranean. At first glance, Athens might discourage visitors due to its seemingly unorganized appearance. However, its charm lies beyond that. The historic centre, major sites and dining and entertainment venues are all clustered together, making Athens a great place to walk in. One is certain: Athens is truly a lively city that will not disappoint you.

Mykonos

One of the smallest islands of the group and the most expensive one: Mykonos. It is the favorite destination of tourists and celebrities from all around the world. The island gets overcrowded during peak season, and it is an ideal destination for those who enjoy crowds, fun and night- long entertainment. The island is very beautiful with a wonderful mountainous landscape, clear waters, long sandy organized beaches, churches, chapels and windmills

Santorini

Santorini, also called Thira, the southernmost member of the Cyclades cluster, formed 3500 years ago by a monstrous volcanic eruption. The eruption created a large hole in the middle of the island, which turned into a bay when the waters of the Aegean filled it in. Santorini is a cosmopolitan resort. It is famous for its geology and landscape, its history and culture, its ancient ruins, its museums and its climate. As for those who enjoy nightlife, Santorini is the right place and caters for all tastes.

Crete

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. The island is a very popular tourist destination and its attractions include the Minoan cities of Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches.

Rhodes

18km west of the Turkish shores, between the Greek mainland and the island of Cyprus, Rhodes mainly consists of hills and low mountains, which are mostly covered in forests. The island is known as the “island of light” because there are hardly any days without sun. The natural beauty of the island, historical monuments, a Cosmopolitan character, as well as the warm hospitality of the inhabitants, and an excellent tourist infrastructure thrill visitors.

Corfu

Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian islands, at the entrance of the Adriatic, towards Albania. It is the second largest island of the group and was one of the first Greek Islands that opened its doors to tourists, and since then, has evolved into an international tourist centre, attracting visitors from all over the world, and offering well-equipped and modern tourist facilities. Despite the fact that the tourism rate here is among the highest in Greece, Corfu has managed to keep its authenticity with its local colors. It is a place where you can find peace and tranquility, wild nightlife and amazing crowded and deserted beaches, all in one.