Detailed information about Greece. Cheat sheet for tourists: what you need to know about holidays in Greece? Find flights to Greece

Greece is a country where everything is there! Luxurious beaches, clear waters mediterranean sea, many amazing architectural monuments, excellent cuisine and cozy hotels... The "Cradle of Civilization", as Greece is also called, is located in the south of Europe - on a part of the Balkan Peninsula and on more than 1400 islands.

Visa

To travel to Greece you will need. The requirements for a passport are standard - it must be valid for 3 months from the date of completion of the trip, and 2 pages must be free from marks in the document itself.

Currency

The currency in Greece is the euro. Until 2000, the Greek drachma was in use. There are many in the country exchange offices and ATMs, in large resorts you can easily pay with a bank card. However, if you are going on vacation to Greece on the outlying islands, it is better to stock up on cash.

Weather

Navajo beach. Zakynthos, Greece

It is best to go to Greece in the warm season - from May to September. The swimming season in the sea on the island opens at the end of April and ends in October. In other resorts, the sea warms up a little later - by the end of May. In Greece, it is almost always warm and sunny, you can come on excursions at any time of the year.

Resorts

Chania, Crete island, Greece

The most popular resorts in Greece are the islands and. Here you can easily choose a suitable tour option - a wide variety of beaches and hotels, fairly inexpensive prices, there are good hotels for families with children. If you are going to Greece for the first time, then it is better to choose these resorts. Crete is associated with ancient Greek myths and the birthplace of the minotaur. Rhodes is known for the fact that it was here that one of the wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes, was located.

Round trip flights to Greece

Ticket prices shown are for 1 person departing from Berlin

sights

Parthenon. Athens, Greece

By the number of attractions, Greece confidently holds a place in the top ten countries in the world. Ancient ruins, picturesque islands, magnificent beaches, amazing excursions, hospitable taverns... There are probably even more attractions in Greece than residents and tourists combined!

Many famous sights are found on the Greek mainland. Athens is the capital-museum where you literally cannot take a step without discovering traces of history. Ruins in central Greece ancient city Delphi. Also, tourists go to Greece on pilgrimage tours to the monasteries.

On the islands, vacationers are interested in ancient ruins, architectural monuments and stunning landscapes. The most famous sights of island Greece are located on and.

Kitchen

Souvlaki and moussaka skewers take pride of place in the national cuisine of Greece - they will be on the menu of any restaurant. In Greece, the famous Greek salad is called "horiatiki", that is, "village". For a quick snack, pita is suitable - a flatbread with meat and vegetable filling.

Portions in Greece are very generous, keep this in mind when ordering. Before serving the main courses, the café offers freshly baked bread and olive oil free of charge.

You should definitely try the snails (escargot), the sarca (beef with tomatoes, garlic and special sheep’s cheese ladotiri), the pastitia (lasagna with a Greek accent) or the swordfish kebab (ksifias souvlaki), the white eggplant with grilled octopus.

Greeks love to drink coffee - both hot and cold, with ice. For a hearty dinner or lunch, retsina (white wine), ouzo (aniseed vodka) or Greek beer Mythos are often ordered. If you are on, be sure to try kumquat liqueurs, and on - assyrtiko wine.

What to bring

The main Greek souvenir is olives. Oil, soap, pate - that only the Greeks do not make from the fruits of the olive-nurse. Olive oil costs about 10 euros per litre.

Sweets take second place in the ranking of Greek souvenirs. Nougat and Turkish delight (2-5 euros per box) here are not at all the same as in. Local honey is especially interesting - a small jar will cost 8-10 euros. Many people bring alcohol from Greece - ouzo, metaxa, rakia, kumquat liquor.

The famous handmade Greek leather sandals will cost 30-60 euros per pair. You can take measurements and make shoes exactly on the leg for 120-200 euros. In addition to them, you can look at linen clothes with a national pattern - a meander.

Another souvenir from Orthodox Greece is an icon. The faces of the saints, made on a cypress board and consecrated in one of the monasteries of the country, will be a wonderful gift for yourself or believing loved ones.

Prices for souvenirs in Greece depend on the resort and the distance of the outlet from the center - the farther from the well-trodden tourist trail, the cheaper.

Good to know

• It takes 3.5-4 hours to fly from Moscow to Athens. Flight time to Crete or Rhodes is 3-3.5 hours.
• In winter, time in Greece is one hour behind Moscow, in summer there is no time difference.
• Restaurants and taverns in Greece are open from 12:00 to 16:00 and from 20:00 to midnight, and some of them accept guests until 2:00 at night.
• Greek hotels are not assigned "stars", but categories: deluxe (5 *), A (4 *), B (3 *) and C (2 *).
• In Greece, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-20% of the bill. In places popular with tourists, the mark-up is already included in the bill.
• Museums throughout Greece can be visited free of charge on all Sundays between November 1st and March 31st. On major holidays (both secular and church), admission to museums is also free.
• Greece has a well-developed bus service. Tickets are sold at newsstands or small shops near the bus stops. On the islands, you can negotiate and buy a ticket from the driver - however, it will cost more. "Vote" - otherwise the bus will not stop.
• Taxis in Greece are not very expensive. The color of the cars is different: in Athens they are yellow, in Thessaloniki they are blue or white, and in Rhodes they are black.
• Entrance to Athos is allowed only for men. There are no exceptions, even female animals are not allowed on Athos - for more than a thousand years. To get there, men need to apply for a special visa and written permission - diamontirion.

Greece is a country of unique beauty, culture and history in southern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. Although Greece occupies a small territory (about 132 thousand square kilometers), and its population is only 10.3 million inhabitants, it is difficult to find equals in terms of historical and archaeological heritage. Just imagine: the capital of Greece - Athens - was founded in the seventh millennium BC!

In Hellas (as they call their country locals) interesting sights and cultural monuments can be found in literally every city and village. But first of all, Greece attracts tourists with amazing beaches, clean water Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean seas, picturesque islands, mild subtropical climate and amazing nature.

It is not surprising that the country has been called a real paradise for holidays: more than 11 million tourists come here every year, and each of them finds entertainment to their liking. More than 90% of travelers visiting Greece are from Europe, but in recent years tourists from other continents have also arrived.

Main tourist centers countries are islands and large resorts. But for lovers of tranquility and solitude in Greece, there are many small resorts that have not yet reached mass tourism. Whichever place you choose, one thing is clear: a holiday in Greece will not disappoint you.

Short story

Greece is the cradle of Western civilization. This is the place where democracy was born. It is surprising that already in Ancient Greece all citizens actively participated in the discussion of public issues and could become state representatives. Modern Greece still maintains its ancient traditions, but some states of the world have not come to this until now.

According to archaeological excavations, the first human settlements in Greece appeared in the period from 11,000 to 3000 BC. A little later, the first civilizations (Minoan, Cycladic and Mycenaean) were born here. The most fruitful period in the development of Greece is the legendary Golden Age, which lasted from the 6th to the 4th century BC. It was at this time that the state gave us dozens of exceptional representatives of science and art.

The rise of civilization

Ancient Greece was repeatedly faced with military invasions. Several times the Persian army invaded the country, and in 146 BC. Roman legionnaires came here. They did not destroy the local culture, but admired it and adopted a lot from the Greeks. Therefore, the most important Roman sites are considered to be ancient Greek heritage.

When the Roman Empire split in two, Greece entered eastern Byzantium, with Constantinople as its capital. Byzantium existed for 11 centuries in a row, but in 1453 it was conquered by the Turks.

As part of Ottoman Empire Greece was about four centuries old. In 1821, as a result of an uprising of the local population, the country regained independence.

XX century and our time

In the 20th century, the country was engaged in the return of ancestral territories. Partially, these goals were achieved during the Balkan wars and in the First World War. Greece was also affected by the Second World War. The Greeks repelled the attack of fascist Italy, but were occupied by the Germans until 1945. After the victory over the Nazis, a civil war began in the country, which lasted until 1949.

From that time on, the country developed quietly until the coup d'état that took place in 1967. The rebels overthrew King Constantine II and established a military dictatorship known as the rule of the "Black Colonels".

The dictatorial rule of Greece made a large number of strategic mistakes, as a result of which the Turkish army invaded Cyprus in 1974. The Turks occupied the northern part of the island and founded an unrecognized republic here. Such a major setback led to the overthrow of the dictatorship.

In 1974, a referendum was held in Greece, after which parliamentary democracy was again established in the country, and a year later they adopted the Constitution, which is still in force today.

Greece was part of NATO from 1952 to 1973. After a break, the country rejoined NATO and the European Union in 1981, and since 2002 has joined the Eurozone.

Economy

Political and economic situation Greece today is quite shaky. The country receives its main income from the agro-industrial sector and, of course, tourism. Back in 2007, the state was on the 25th position in the world in the Population Development Rating and was included in the group of developed countries. After the economic crisis of 2008, Greece returned to developing countries again.

If we talk about the sectors of the Greek economy, then 27.3% of GDP falls on industry; 8.3% - on Agriculture and almost 65% for services. Tourism accounts for more than 15% of income.

In Greece, the agricultural region is well developed, but industrial development is hampered by a low level of production. The most profitable industries are food, metallurgy, petrochemicals and textiles. Industrial sectors employ 21% of the working population, but most of them work in small factories with a low level of technical development.

At the beginning of the 21st century, significant financial changes took place in Greece - with the arrival of foreign investors and creditors. This made it possible to make the local economy more stable, but it required them to adapt to Western integration, yielding to partners from other EU countries.

To support the economy, the government used huge loans from foreign banks. The investment debts of the country continue to increase. Now the country's external debt has exceeded 450 billion euros, which is twice the state's GDP.

Briefly, the modern economy of Greece can be characterized by two definitions: the stagnation of the banking system and the slow increase in GDP. The shadow economy (20%) and corruption remain a serious problem in the country. Unfortunately, the economy has been so successful in the past and highly developed country now literally hanging by a thread.

Regions, cities and resorts

Main cities of Greece

Athens is the capital of Greece and the cradle of world culture. In an urban agglomeration with an area of ​​more than 410 sq. km (almost six times less than Moscow) is home to 3 million people. In Athens, as elsewhere, you can see neighborhoods with prefabricated houses and industrial zones. But tourists come here for historical center, over which it rises (it began to be built as early as 447 BC).

Thessaloniki

North Aegean

The Northern Aegean Islands occupy 3,840 sq. km, the capital is Mytilene. In the northern part Aegean Sea there are several large, attractive islands for tourists. The mountains there often exceed 1,000 m, and the nature resembles a fairy tale. This region is very similar to the coast of Turkey. Many local islands are known all over the world. Homer was born on the island of Chios, and delicious wine is made on Samos. Lesvos is interesting not only as a place of work for Sappho, but also as an area with petrified trees that are over 700,000 years old.

You can find out more details about Samos.

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Attractions and entertainment

Greece is a place of concentration of sights of antiquity, Orthodox churches and monasteries, unique nature and hospitable residents. It is impossible not to fall in love with its architectural and natural beauties, just as it is impossible to list here absolutely all the sights of the country worth visiting.

Entertainment in Greece will be found for tourists with any preferences. This is a beach holiday, and active leisure, and cultural and educational events, and exciting excursions to natural attractions. We list here the most famous places in Greece that are definitely worth a visit.

Sights of Athens

The capital of Ancient Hellas, the modern metropolis of Athens, has preserved unique historical and cultural monuments architecture. In Athens, first of all, it is worth visiting the Acropolis and seeing its ancient temples, which have been partially restored.

We also recommend visiting the Temple of Poseidon on the shore of the Aegean Sea and the historical district of Plaka. Walk through the city streets and squares and see the unusual stone theater called the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus. If you have time, you can walk around the Athenian museums, of which there are a lot in the city.

The Panathinaikos marble stadium deserves special attention, from one glance it takes your breath away. It was recreated from snow-white marble based on fragments of an ancient stadium. In addition, it is in the city that the temples of the Greek gods, which were mentioned in ancient Greek myths, have been preserved.

Castle of the Knights on Rhodes

Acropolis in Lindos

The second most famous Acropolis after the Athenian is located in. It is worth a visit just for the amazing views of the coast. Now the Acropolis has become a museum of archeological monuments from different eras and civilizations. It was built by the ancient Greeks, but later strengthened and improved by all the conquerors of the country.

Cave Lake Melissani

Karst cave on the island of Kefalonia delights unique lake with clear waters. The turquoise water in the lake is so clear that the boats seem to float through the air. According to legend, in this cave, surrounded by forests and beautiful nature, nymphs used to live.

Amphitheater at Delphi

The ancient amphitheater at Delphi overlooking the temple of Apollo is designed for 5,000 people. The ancient attraction, built in the 4th century BC, has undergone many reconstructions and has survived to this day. Original cultural events are still going on here.

Lake Plastira

Of course, Greece is a maritime country with some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. But many people are interested in an artificial lake named after its creator, General Plastir. This unique place is located on a hill, and the landscapes surrounding the lake delight with beauty. In addition, there are many opportunities for active rest Activities: biking, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, etc.

The 16 km long Samaria Gorge was formed by the flow of a river on the island of Crete. In this protected place you can see all kinds of birds, but the main local attraction is the Gorge Gate. This is an abyss between 300-meter walls, only 4 meters wide.

Monument to Yuri Gagarin

Imagine that in Greece there is also a monument to the world's first cosmonaut - Yuri Gagarin. It is located on the island of Crete, in the city of Heraklion. What is he doing among the pearls of ancient architecture? According to the official version, it attracts Russian tourists - who were not impressed by the previous sights.

culture

Greece has an Orthodox culture, so the main public holidays of the country are Christmas, Assumption and Easter. During Christmas, the squares of all cities are beautifully decorated with illumination, but they celebrate the holiday at home, in the family. Festivals are organized on the Assumption in many places, but Easter is celebrated most magnificently. From Friday, religious processions and services are held throughout the country, and on Saturday at midnight, colorful fireworks rumble.

Another unusual Greek holiday is the Apokries carnival, which is held on the eve of Lent. Festive events take place throughout Greece, and the main ones are visited by the patriarch. Costumed processions and festivities end 7 days before the end of Lent.

It should be noted that in addition to common national holidays, residents of most cities in Greece celebrate regional holidays - grape harvest festivals, historical and religious celebrations.

Features of the local population

The Greeks gesticulate a lot, appreciate openness and politeness in people. They treat their friends and acquaintances as relatives, which may be unusual for Russian-speaking people. Residents of Greece are very fond of relaxing, many of them are interested in football and politics.

The majority of the population professes Orthodoxy, which is the state religion and is even indicated in the passport. In churches, women must cover their shoulders and legs. Men are also not allowed to enter the temple with bare shoulders, although this rule is not observed by many during the tourist season.

Residents of Greece smoke a lot, but recently the state has begun to pass laws to combat smoking. If a taxi driver smokes in front of you, you can safely ask him not to.

Kitchen

Greek cuisine combines national traditions and culinary features of other nations. A particularly noticeable effect on local cuisine provided by Italy and Turkey. Greek chefs love to use various vegetables, herbs and seafood in their dishes. Also, the Greeks often cook meat dishes (lamb, pork, beef), but the most popular, after all, is chicken.

One of the most important ingredients in Greek cuisine is olive oil (it is added literally everywhere), as well as tomato paste and lemons. At dinner, you can always see wine and bread on the table. Be sure to try seafood dishes, they are simply delicious in Greece. Order fried fish, octopus or a local delicacy - eggs sea ​​urchin seasoned with olive oil and lemon.

Useful data for tourists about Greece, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Greece, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Greece.

Geography of Greece

Greece is a state in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey. It is washed by the Aegean and Ionian seas. Greece consists of about 2 thousand islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.

Mountain ranges occupy almost a quarter of the country's surface. The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus (2917 m).

Mountain rivers predominate, short, stormy, with picturesque rapids and waterfalls, often flowing to the sea in narrow canyons. The longest river in Greece is Alyakmon (almost 300 km). In Greece, there are over 20 lakes with an area of ​​10-100 square kilometers.

State

State structure

Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister.

Language

Official language: Greek

Also used: English, German, Italian, French.

Religion

Orthodox (97.6%), Muslims (1.3%), Catholics (0.4%) and others.

Currency

International name: EUR

History of Greece

The emergence of the first settlements in the Aegean basin dates back to the Neolithic era. From the 3rd millennium BC, state organizations of the early feudal type appeared on the island of Crete. Later, cultural centers appear in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) - the common name of the ancient Greek states. The centuries-old history tells about their formation, development, rapid prosperity, wars (Greco-Persian, Peloponnesian), victories and defeats. In the 2nd century BC, these states became a Roman province, in the 4th-15th centuries AD they were part of the state formed during the collapse of the Roman Empire - Byzantium. The capital of this state was Constantinople.

Since the 15th century, Greece has been under Turkish rule. During the Greek national liberation revolution (1821-1829), the independence of Greece was proclaimed, after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia, its autonomy was recognized by the Treaty of Andriapol. Since 1830 - Greece - independent state.

Until 1973, Greece was a constitutional monarchy, the official head of state was King Constantine II, who ascended the throne in 1964 after the death of Paul I. In April 1967, the junta of "black colonels" led by Georgios Popadopoulos carried out a coup d'état and established a military dictatorship. On June 1, 1973, the government's decision to overthrow Constantine II was announced, and Greece was proclaimed a presidential republic. After the fall of the reactionary regime in July 1974, a civilian government headed by Konstantinos Karamanlis came to power. Since the November 17, 1974 elections, Greece has been a parliamentary republic with a presidential form of government. The final liquidation of the monarchy was, therefore, not the result of the maneuvers of the dictatorial regime, but the expression of the will of the Greek people, one of the largest political events in the country in the post-war years.

The emergence of the first settlements in the Aegean basin dates back to the Neolithic era. From the 3rd millennium BC, state organizations of the early feudal type appeared on the island of Crete. Later, cultural centers appear in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace, the western coast of Asia Minor. Ancient Greece (Hellas) - the common name of the ancient Greek states. The centuries-old history tells about their formation, development, rapid prosperity, wars (Greco-Persian, Peloponnesian), victories and defeats. In the 2nd century BC, these states became a Roman province, in the 4th-15th centuries AD they were part of the state formed during the collapse of the Roman Empire - Byzantium. The capital of this state was Constantinople. ...

Popular Attractions

Greece Tourism

Where to stay

Today, Greece attracts tourists not only with its amazing beauty of nature, but also with a developed tourist infrastructure. The hotel infrastructure of Greece is represented by hotels from economy class to luxury, both on the mainland and on the islands. Many hotels are all-inclusive, although there is also a fine selection of half-board or breakfast-only hotels. It is worth noting that in Greece there is an “old” gradation system for hotels - a letter one. That is, the level of the hotel class is indicated by letters, that is, the gradation goes from L - luxury, an analogue of European five stars, and up to E - hotels that have not been assigned any category.

Most family-type hotels are located in Halkidiki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. Thanks to the rapid development of tourism infrastructure, over the past 10 years, many new hotels have been built in Greece, as well as old ones have been modernized. In the competitive struggle, hotel owners began to pay more and more attention to creating special conditions for recreation with children, which today allows us to say with confidence that Greece is perfect place for a family vacation. As a rule, such hotels are equipped with children's playgrounds, attractions, sports grounds, a childcare service is provided, and animators work.

For those who care about their health and want to combine relaxation with wellness, then in Greece you will find many hotels that have at their disposal well-equipped fitness rooms, GYM's, SPA, saunas, beauty salons and much more.

It is worth booking hotels in Greece in advance, especially during the season. The cost of living in the coastal zone in July-August can increase significantly.

Rest in the private sector continues to be very popular, namely the rental of villas, cottages or apartments in close proximity to the sea. This vacation option is the most optimal for large companies, families with children, as it allows you to save on the accommodation of a large number of people. Plus accommodation in a cottage - you feel like in your own home, minus - service (food, cleaning, laundry) is not included in the rent. The cost of living varies depending on the location of the property, as well as the season.

No less common are Greek boarding houses (paradosiakoi oikismoi). They can be found both in big cities and in the provinces. Boarding houses are either separate apartments with a shower, designed for 2-3 people, or small cottages with rooms for 4 people. The cost of living per person in such boarding houses depends on the capacity of one room and is comparable to the "upper D-class".

Greece has a large number of well-equipped campsites. It should be noted that parking outside of them is prohibited. As a rule, the cost of spending the night in a campsite is 5-7 euros per person (accommodation in a house), within 8 euros for a "caravan" and a little less for spending the night in a tent. However, many travelers note that the security situation in Greek campsites is a little worse than in European countries, and cases of theft of personal belongings have become repeated.

There are 10 youth hostels in Greece, which are part of International Association. However, here you can also find a large number of hostels that are members of the Greek Youth Hostel Association. If you want to stay in such a hostel, you will need an IYHF card. In many cases, you can purchase it directly from the hostel, or you can pay a little extra on top of the rate. Towels and bed linen must be paid separately. Standard prices for accommodation range from 7-9 euros per day, however, they may vary depending on the location of the hostel.

For pilgrims, and just believing tourists, there is the possibility of living in monasteries. It is worth considering that while living in such a place, you will need to fully comply with the monastery’s routine, as well as the requirements for dress code. Gender accommodation is also highly likely, i.e. men can only stay in monastery, women - respectively, in the feminine.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Greece

The history of Greece is rooted in the distant past. The ancient country is rightfully considered the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. Unique natural landscapes, wonderful climate, an abundance of historical and architectural sights, impressive religious shrines and, of course, traditional Greek cuisine annually attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the most beautiful and ancient European cities with an abundance of museums, exquisite architectural structures, unique ancient monuments and temples of different historical eras. The real pearl of Athens is the Ancient Acropolis with its majestic ancient buildings, which perfectly illustrate the skill of ancient architects. The National Archaeological Museum has a unique collection of ancient artifacts of great historical value.

The most interesting sights of Greece include the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Delphi, located on the slope of Mount Parnassus, which in the ancient world was considered the center of the earth. Here was the sanctuary of Apollo with his famous Delphic oracle (the most revered oracle in the ancient Greek world). An important historical monument is the ancient Greek city of Eleusis, famous for its Eleusinian mysteries.

Among the abundance of religious shrines in Greece, the most impressive is the famous monastery complex Meteor, which is located near the town of Kalambaka. Meteora gained its fame due to its unique location on the tops of huge sheer cliffs in the Thesalian valley.

Greece consists of about 2 thousand islands. Crete is the largest island in Greece. In ancient times it was the center of the Minoan civilization (approximately 2600-1400 BC). The island is rich in beautiful architectural structures, especially from the period of Venetian domination, but the most interesting attraction is the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Crete is famous for its picturesque gorges.

Rhodes is considered the pearl of the Mediterranean and is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Its picturesque bays, clear azure waters, the most important archaeological sites and knights' castles create a unique flavor. Rhodes gained world fame thanks to the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, which was located here in antiquity.

The natural beauty of Corfu is also impressive. Its picturesque scenery is in perfect harmony with the unique architectural landmarks left behind from the mixture of different cultures that have ever flourished on the island. The main square of the island's capital Spianada (Esplanade) is the second largest square in Europe.

In the southern part of the Aegean Sea is the Cyclades archipelago, in the center of which is the island of Delos. It is one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. The uninhabited island of Delos is a unique place that is, in fact, a huge open-air museum. Among the popular tourist destinations of the Cyclades archipelago, it is worth highlighting such islands as Naxos, Mykonos, Thira and Paros. The island of Thira (Santorini) gained its historical fame thanks to the active volcano Santorini, the eruption of which 3500 years ago is considered the most powerful in the history of the earth. There is a hypothesis that it was this volcanic eruption that destroyed the legendary Atlantis.

Stunning nature and an abundance of various attractions that perfectly illustrate the centuries-old history of Greece will certainly provide an unforgettable vacation and a lot of impressions.

Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is simple, wholesome, unpretentious and uses the very best ingredients: tempting olives, fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish cooked in the finest local olive oil. The meat - usually lamb or pork - is stewed, baked or barbecued. Cheeses are very important: salty feta is used in salads, halloumi is often grilled, and amari, a mild, mild cheese like ricotta, is used in sweet and spicy dishes.

The unusual aroma of Greek cuisine is also achieved by the use of rosemary, basil, parsley, coriander, oregano and mint.

Greek cuisine is based on simplicity of flavors, quality fresh produce transformed with fragrant, sun-dried herbs and excellent cold-pressed Greek extra virgin olive oil. The result is a traditional yet lively cuisine, light and full of freshness, rich in Mediterranean flavours. The roots of Greek cuisine are sharing meals with family and friends, so meals are prepared in a relaxed and simple manner.

Much of the cuisine is based on the fresh produce that thrives in the dry climate of the Greek islands: sweet tomatoes, plump olives, sour lemons, chillies, wild greens, shiny zucchini, long green peppers, majestic eggplants, juicy melons and figs.

The main meat - mutton - is used in everything from small cubes to whole carcasses on a spit, which are often baked to mark the end of religious holidays.

The waters in Greece are crystal clear and rich in fish, which is usually barbecued. Delicious goulash is often prepared from other types of seafood.

From Greek cuisine, mezzes are very popular - a set of Greek appetizers that everyone can try - similar to Spanish tapas - creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Greeks are also very fond of pies, both sweet and savory. Goulash is cooked thick and rich, seasonal products are added to them; also the composition depends on local culinary customs. Risoli - cutlets-patties, in which everything that is tasty is added - vegetables and legumes, meat and seafood.

Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, spices up desserts, sauces, soups, dips and spreads, or served plain with honey.

Olives - which are most often exported - are used in a variety of dishes. Juicy and fragrant Kalamata olives with purple rinds and red wine vinegar aroma are among the best. They are often stuffed with jeera, fengel and pimiento.

Finally, the quality of olive oil is uncompromising. The Greeks hold this "liquid gold" in high regard and sprinkle it lightly on almost everything. It is impossible to imagine life in Greece without him.

Greek cuisine is simple, wholesome, unpretentious and uses the very best ingredients: tempting olives, fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish cooked in the finest local olive oil. The meat - usually lamb or pork - is stewed, baked or barbecued. Cheeses are very important: salted feta is used in salads, halloumi is often grilled, and amari, a mild, mild cheese like ricotta, is used in sweet and spicy dishes....

Tips

Tips to waiters are usually 5-10% of the order amount, but this is solely the goodwill of the client. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.

Visa

Office Hours

Churches and monasteries are open to the public, each according to their own rules. Churches are open during services. As a rule, museums are open daily, except Mondays, from 8 am to 3 pm. In summer, some museums are open until 7 pm. The Acropolis is open on full moon summer evenings.

Stores are usually open on weekdays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00 and from 17:30 to 20:30. Supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm.

On weekdays, banks are usually open from 8.30 to 14.00 (on Friday until 13.30).

Purchases

In Greece, value added tax (VAT) ranges from 8% to 36%. VAT refund is possible for purchases in stores that have the inscription "tax-free". The store issues a special receipt to the buyer, which must be shown at customs when leaving Greece, along with the purchased item. Customs officers put a stamp on the receipt and send it to the store, which must transfer the amount of VAT to you within a month.

The medicine

Pharmacies are open all days except Sunday, and on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday they close at 13:00. In case of acute ailment, you should call an ambulance, and not look for the nearest hospital.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets and bag thieves. Be especially vigilant in the center of Athens, in public transport, in popular tourist historical places Greece.

Emergency Phones

Tourist Police - 171 (in Athens), 922-7777 (outside Athens)
Police - 100
Fire Department - 199
Ambulance - 166

National features of Greece. Traditions

Shaking the head from the bottom up, in Greek means "no", and from top to bottom - "yes". In Greek, the sound "ne" means "yes", and the denial sounds like "oh".

The Greek "tomorrow" ("avrio") means something indefinite or refusal.

It is not customary to take off your shoes in a Greek house.

Questions and opinions about Greece

Corfu Island - Q&A

Question answer

Crete - Q&A

Brief information about the country

Date of Independence

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 unique in its beauty 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, in terms of historical, cultural, archaeological and linguistic heritage, not every large state can compare with Greece. The capital of Athens is the oldest and most beautiful city in the 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 sights, a significant part of which dates back to ancient times. No wonder 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 meet 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!

Recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of the first democratic states in history, Greece was the birthplace of the very concept of "democracy". In Ancient Hellas, every adult citizen took an active part in the discussion of public affairs and could be elected to any administrative, military or judicial position. Traditions laid down in antiquity are preserved in Greek society today.

And Greece is a gentle sun, great 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 the mountain slopes, or red-tiled houses buried in dense greenery. And it does not 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.

Greek cities

All cities in Greece

Sights of Greece

All sights of Greece

Geographic features

Greece, which is also called the country of the gods, the birthplace of philosophy and the Olympic Games, has a very interesting and very advantageous geographical location. Perhaps no state in Europe owns so many islands - there are more than two thousand of them here (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 be called the “inland sea” of this country, the entire coast of which is picturesquely indented with bays. It is enough to look at the map to make sure that no other state on the continent has similar outlines.

Mainland Greece is conditionally divided into several regions - these are Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly and related to Central Greece Attica, Phthiotis, Phokis and others. Geographically, the Ionian Islands can be attributed to 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 Evrip Strait. The largest peninsula recognized as a hotbed ancient civilization in Europe is the Peloponnese. Here is the famous Corinth Canal, dug by a French company in the 19th century.

An 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 an enviable diversity, which became possible due to the confluence of factors such as geographical location, local climate, the presence of large mountain ranges, a large extent coastline.

Mountains occupy about 60% of the landscape of Greece, which makes it one of the highest mountainous countries in Europe after Norway and Albania. Moreover, in contrast to these countries, mountain ranges Hellas almost all go down to the sea. The highest mountain peak is Olympus (2915 meters), it is also the most famous according to ancient Greek myths as the abode of the gods, in particular, the Thunderer Zeus. from other large and beautiful mountains Greece can be named such as Ida (Psiloritis) and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete, Grammos and Smolikas in Macedonia, Taigetos in the Peloponnese, Pindos and Atamanika Ori in the Epirus region.

The water resources of Greece are represented by a combination of natural and artificial lakes, deltas and estuaries, waterfalls and lagoons. The largest body of water in the country is Lake Trihonida, located in the region of Aetolia, in Western Greece. You can not ignore Lake Vouliagmeni in Attica (it is known for its thermal mineral waters), the artificial lake Tauropos in Thessaly, which is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and, of course, the highest mountain lake - Drakolimni, located on the slopes of Timfi and Zmolikas at an altitude of 2050 meters. Of the rivers, the longest is Aliakmonas (297 km), which is inferior in length to Aheoloom, Pinios, Nestos, Efros, Strymonas, Alfios, Arahfos.

The originality 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. It will be interesting in the caves and historians, ethnographers and culturologists, as they are inextricably linked with the plots of ancient Greek myths. And the caves themselves are archaeological sites that can reveal many secrets of the Paleolithic era. Not everyone knows, but the famous artifact is a 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.

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 species of birds and animals, which for many centuries prefer to settle here. 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 and beauty of the Vikos Gorge national park in the mountains of Pindus (Pindos) in the northeast of the district of Epirus. It is located on the southern slope of 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 - was declared a protected area by the authorities in 1992. The endangered species of Mediterranean seals, Monachus Monachus, lives here. The second is national marine park on Zakynthos, one of the Ionian Islands, which received the status of a protected area seven years later. It is here that such a type of turtle as Caretta Caretta is mainly bred.

Cities and islands of Greece

Between historical Attica and the Peloponnese, the Saronic Islands are secluded - an archipelago, the rest on which is usually chosen by those tourists who would not like to swim in the sea far from Athens. Only here, at the peak of the season, the local beaches are crowded, especially on the island of Aegina, which may not be to everyone's liking. But there is a great coast here, not to mention the fact that getting a bronze tan can be combined with visiting attractions, such as the Temple of Aphaia, which has been perfectly preserved to this day.

The Peloponnese itself, against the background of the rest of Greece, looks as if apart. In the sense that his 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 turned with messages to the Corinthians. Acquaintance with the sights can be perfectly combined with relaxation on local beaches, which are considered perhaps the best in all of Southern Europe.

If you have not forgotten from your school history lessons where the birthplace of Apollo and his sister Artemis is, then you guessed that our story will be about the islands of the Cyclades. From them, spread out in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, some kind of serenity and tranquility emanates. But the Cyclades archipelago is associated, first of all, with the island of Mykonos, whose coastline reaches 89 km. Its hallmarks are ancient narrow streets and a very modern boutique hotel - the most expensive in Greece. An 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 within easy reach - these are the Dodecanese Islands, which are part of the Southern Sporades archipelago and stretch along the western coast of the Asia Minor peninsula, almost closely adjoining the territory of a neighboring state. The islands of Rhodes and Kos are the most famous of them. Popularity came to them thanks to first-class beaches and hotels and, of course, rich excursion programs - especially in the historical part of the city of Rhodes, included in the list world heritage UNESCO.

Groups of tourists, among whom there are many representatives of Christian denominations, tend to visit the legendary island of Patmos, which is called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean", and this interest is quite understandable. It is here that the cave is located, 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."

One of the most picturesque in Greece is, of course, the Ionian Islands. The 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 staying and living in Greece. The island of Ithaca is also well known - according to 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 are impossible to forget. 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." It is the religious center of Greece, whose population is predominantly Orthodox. Here is the peninsula of Athos and the Holy Mountain with the same name. She's in the system administrative division called the "Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain". Nothing has changed here over the centuries: women are still forbidden to set 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, speaking in general, is mild, and this is a huge "merit" of the Mediterranean Sea, which seems to take care and protect this small country. Summers are hot and dry here. average monthly temperature July varies between +30 ... +32 degrees Celsius, humidity reaches 55%. The beach season in Hellas begins in mid-May and continues until November. Winter in the country is by no means severe. The temperature in January averages 10 degrees with a plus sign, and the humidity is 75%.

Meanwhile, in Greece there are several climatic zones. In the mainland of the country, the weather conditions are reminiscent of 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 terms of climate. Warm weather persists in Crete for a long time: on the southern coast of the largest Greek island, you can swim and sunbathe from April to November.

Greece also has its own rainy season, starting in most areas in mid-October and lasting until February. In July and August, the entire east coast of the mainland, 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 diluting the heat, on the other hand, it makes ferries late and inconveniences vacationers, “stealing” their beach umbrellas. As for the actual summer heat, it 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, not to mention making appointments.

History of Greece

The first settlements in 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 that existed in 2600-1100 BC. The classical period in the history of Greece is the so-called "Golden Age", which covered the VI-IV centuries BC. e. It is notable 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 survived several interventions - first by the armies of neighboring Persia, which invaded several times in a row, and then, in 146 BC, by Roman legionnaires. 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 in at its best, and we, contemporaries, can judge by them the great heritage of the ancient Greeks. And after the division of the vast 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 lasted eleven centuries, until May 29, 1453, it fell under the onslaught of the Turks.

Greece itself was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. The national liberation struggle of the Greek people ended in 1821 with the proclamation of an independent Greek state, which became a monarchy a decade later. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Greece made great efforts to return its ancestral lands, which were still under the occupation of the Ottoman Porte. Participation in the Balkan wars of that time and the First World War helped to partially realize these tasks.

The country also participated in World War II. First, fascist Italy attacked her, but the Greeks were able to give a fitting 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, which ended only in 1949.

This was followed by a period of calm development in Greece, interrupted by a coup d'état in 1967, 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 "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 Turkish army's invasion of Cyprus 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 issue" led to the fact that in 1974 the dictatorship of the "black colonels" was overthrown.

On December 8, 1974, a nationwide 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 still in force today. 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, 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, to which we will return.

Let's start a general acquaintance with some of the sights of the country 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. The temple of one of the three Olympian gods, Poseidon, located right on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the ancient quarter of Plaka, the city squares that live their own special, rich life, the impressive stone theater - the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus and numerous Athenian museums are of constant interest to travelers.

Separately, I would like to mention the breathtaking Panathinaikos Stadium. It was created according to fragments of the ancient predecessor, using only white marble in construction. And in Athens with your own eyes you can see the ancient temples of Zeus, Agora and Hephaestus, mentioned in the myths and legends of ancient Greece.

Quite a few ancient artifacts are concentrated in Crete, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Here you can see the archaeological sites of the Minoan era, the Venetian-style castle in Rethymnon, luxurious, enjoy the views of the largest natural palm forest on the continent on Vai beach. ancient temple Apollo, preserved in the small town of Gortyna, will take you back to the Dorian era, and in Phaistos you should definitely see one of the most outlandish architectural structures in form - the palace of King Minos.

The most famous Greek islands include Rhodes, which has the glory of the largest center of knightly culture and wonderful resort. His business card- Castle of the Knights, built in the XIV 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 dwelling 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 here, judging by the myths, the Thunderer Zeus, the god of the seas Poseidon and the ruler of the kingdom of the dead Hades lived. Now this "house of the gods" has been turned into a unique biosphere reserve, rich in various plant and animal species, and offering stunning views of the surroundings. Olympus, although a high mountain, is quite accessible for hiking. Traveling along numerous trails, you will not 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 prayers, reflections and initiation to 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 they wish, of course - every day. Such bureaucracy can turn many away from the intention to visit 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

In the national cuisine of Greece, the culinary traditions of the Balkan peoples, the Apennines, France and even the Middle East coexist perfectly. In general, this is a typical Mediterranean cuisine with a “mixture” 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, they not only eat, but communicate and relax. A shared meal is a great way to build friendships between strangers and even business relationships. Whatever the Greeks discuss 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 fish and seafood occupy a regal position in the local menu. 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 exotics such as octopus meat - it is baked on coals with the addition of herbs. The taste and aroma of the dish is such that words cannot describe - it's better to try it!

What are the most popular dishes in modern Greece? Let's name some of them: squids stuffed with cheese and baked on coals (“kalamaria yemista me tiri”), steamed mussels (“midya akhnista”), grilled shrimp (“garides sharas”). Spaghetti with lobster (“macoranada me astako”) is considered one of the crown dishes of the national cuisine. From the traditional and familiar to Russian fish dishes in local taverns, you can taste fish in all its culinary "manifestations" - fried and stewed, stuffed and pickled, dried, smoked and simply salted - to delicious local beer!

Meat lovers in Greece are offered a rich selection of pork, beef, poultry, and lamb dishes. Grilled “brizoles” and “paidakya”, respectively, meat with bone and lamb ribs, always turn out very tasty and juicy. There are two types of local kebabs: from small pieces of meat (“suvlaki”) and large ones (“kondosuvli”).

It is also 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 grill. True gourmets cannot fail to like rooster stewed in white wine (“kokoras krasatos”) and stewed rabbit (“kuneli”). And perhaps the most famous Greek meat dish is moussaka - minced meat, potatoes and eggplants laid in layers and baked with bechamel sauce.

Greek cuisine is impossible to imagine 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 "kefalotiri" (hard, made from goat's milk), "tulumotiri" (the oldest of all local varieties) and exquisite "manuri" (white, with a very spicy taste ).

In conclusion, let's mention the famous "Greek salad", in their homeland simply called "village", which Russian housewives also like to cook. "Original" differs in taste from that served in our cafes and restaurants or cooked at home. What exactly is the difference is also difficult to convey in words: you need to feel it by trying both options. And what is needed for this? That's right: come to rest in Greece!

Language

Modern Greek (Dimotica), derived from the vernacular used in the Late Antique period, did not become the country's official language until 1976. Before that, this was kafarevusa (“purified language”). 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 will be appreciated. If you have some time, try learning a couple of basic phrases and the alphabet. Although signs and signs are often presented in Latin transcription, this is not always the case; in addition, knowledge of the alphabet will allow you to navigate in banks, restaurants and other establishments.

Holidays in Greece

• January 1 - New Year.
• January 6 - Epiphany.
• March 25 - Independence Day.
• May 1 - Labor Day.
• August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin.
• October 28 is Ohi Day, commemorating the Greek resistance to the Italian occupation of 1940.
• December 25 - Christmas.
• December 26 - Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin.

Holidays that do not have an exact date are the First Day of Great Lent (Clean Monday), Holy Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Spirits Day.

Money

The national currency of Greece is the euro, divided into 100 euro cents. Basically, all payments are made in cash, which naturally leads to an increase in the shadow economy. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, however, accept credit cards, but some of them charge an additional 3% to 5%, sometimes without even notifying you. If you have Visa or MasterCard cards, 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 in work during the siesta, the opening hours of organizations in Greece are quite fluid. Shops are usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from about 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 sometimes work even on Sunday.

Museums and places archaeological sites that you can visit are closed on Monday, sometimes on Wednesday, and the smallest - the entire period from November to March. Opening hours - 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, as a rule, work 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

People go to sunny Greece not only for a beach holiday on the islands or exploring the world-famous sights of ancient times, but also for shopping. For the information of those who do not yet know: Greece, along with Italy, is one of the the best places in Europe for shopping. Despite the difference in exchange rates, it will not be difficult to find, for example, a relatively inexpensive fur coat or a beautiful vase that will decorate the interior of your home.

A long-tried 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 start to reduce the price from a small amount - say, from 20-30%, but immediately indicate on the price tags: an 80% discount, therefore queues are not uncommon in such outlets. Be prepared to lose some time waiting, but leave with a good purchase.

Discounts apply not only to clothes and shoes, but also to household appliances, modern electronics, decor items and even good, solid furniture. True, for such goods the discount does not exceed 40% of the cost, but this is not bad either. In outlets and stocks, which should not be forgotten either, eye-pleasing price tags are present all year round. In large shopping malls off-season sales are common, discounts can reach 50%.

But back to buying fur coats. Especially for this, shopping tours are organized in Greece, which come with and without obligations. If you choose the former (i.e., a tour with obligations), then the flight to the country and hotel accommodation, usually not exceeding 3-4 days, are paid by the fur factory. For convenience of choice, it is recommended to get acquainted with the assortment 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 end up buying not what you wanted and you will regret it.

The birthplace of Greek fur products is traditionally considered to be Kastoria, a city in the north-west of the country, in western Macedonia. 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 makes it possible to bargain on the spot. There are usually no language barriers, since almost all sellers speak Russian.

But not everyone goes to Greece for clothes or household items - many would like to buy local products. In this case, welcome to the Greek supermarkets: in Athens - Sklavenitis, in Crete - Ariadni, in Thessaloniki - Masoutis. Popular among tourists are also premium-class supermarkets AB Vasilopoulos, a chain of German supermarkets Lidi.

You can also shop well in markets and bazaars, which are very numerous in the country, including flea markets. You can buy the freshest and cheapest items from the food basket right here: olive oil, feta cheese, local wine. The main thing is to be in time before 15:00, because then the markets and bazaars are closed until the next day.

For the information of tourists: citizens of the Russian Federation, since they are not residents of the European Union, can use the right to a VAT refund ( Tax Free), but on condition that the purchase amount is not less than 120 € and it is made at a point of sale that participates in the system. To determine this, you just need to take a closer look: 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 cashier or directly to the entrance to the store. On the mainland, the amount of 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 will also be 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, there are also special night flights. The most developed in terms of transport is, of course, the capital. Car communication in it, as well as in other cities, is chaotic, there may be problems with parking. The speed limit in cities 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 ticket is valid for 1.5 hours. There are no subways in other cities.

Greece also has a network of railways, only experienced tourists are not advised to travel on second-class trains, since they cannot boast of cleanliness and comfort, unlike first-class trains. But regardless of the category, the train has been 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 a partially island nation, not all parts of the country can be reached by bus or train. For sea ​​voyages you will have to choose one of the types of water transport: ferry or speedboat. When parking your own or rented car on the ferry, you should be careful, as cars are usually located very close to each other.

Car driving

A driving license valid in Russia will be enough to rent a car in Greece. Prices in numerous local companies are quite reasonable, but check the condition of the car and the availability of insurance in case of an accident. The minimum age of the driver is 21 years old, sometimes 25 years old. Driving experience must be at least one year.

The major highways are very good for motorists, and in addition, thanks to EU funds, Greece's road network has been greatly 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 way the Greeks drive, 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 tricky, especially in Athens, due to the many traffic jams and one-way roads.

Communication and Internet

Mobile communications in Greece are very well developed, the network covers almost the entire territory of the country, except for some small remote islands. Especially good "catches" in the cities, and in Athens, even in the subway. 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.

The leaders of the Greek mobile communications market are companies such as Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone. The first is the state and its main advantage in the eyes of competitors can be considered a good level of customer service. Wind was once a monopoly in the local market and has long established itself as a high quality connection. 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 not available.

Moral standards

Even though it is very hot in summer, if you are off the beach, please dress appropriately. To visit the monastery, women should wear a skirt or dress below the knee and a headscarf, 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 points

Check your restaurant bill: in the most touristy places it can increase by one extra dish or drink ... Also pay attention to the prices in the windows: they are sometimes for takeaway and can double if you eat on the spot. Finally, if you want to pay by credit card, make sure that the tip (3-5%) is not charged without your consent. As a rule, any misunderstanding can be easily resolved, you just have to stay alert and remember to call the tourist police, who specialize in settling this kind of problem.

Safety

Greece, with all the desire, cannot be attributed, like, for example, Iceland or Sweden, to the safest countries for tourists on the continent. Unfortunately, petty theft is common here, especially in crowded places: at hotels, at airports, railway stations, near attractions. Pickpockets are also operating in public transport. In Athens, as in any major city, has its own dangerous areas, these are Kolokotroni and Vathi squares and the red-light district in the vicinity of Omonia square.

Women should especially beware of ... obsessive suitors or "kamaks" (from the Greek "kamakis" - "harpooner"). These are, as a rule, good-looking men, radiating charm and temperament, who are very persistent in seeking the favor of single foreign tourists. Their ultimate goal is to "hook" for some time, and if you're lucky, then for the whole season, a rich companion. Lovely ladies are also not recommended to get into a car with strangers or walk at night, as there is a risk of becoming victims of rape.

The Greeks spend their hot southern temperament not only looking for love affairs, but also participating in all kinds of protests and strikes. And although the "righteous anger" of the demonstrators is usually not directed at people, it is better not to go outside during the rally. Police to disperse protesters 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 yet, even if 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 stampede.

In addition to the human factor, natural factors also pose a certain danger. Both the mainland of Greece and its islands fall under the definition of seismically hazardous zones, which means a high probability of earthquakes. High-amplitude tremors, fortunately, do not happen so often, but small-scale vibrations of the earth's crust are a common occurrence. Don't forget about the risk posed by forest fires due to the hot climate. In these cases, call the fire department directly on 199 or the rescue service on 112.

Hotels and accommodation in Greece

Both on the mainland and on the islands, hotels for every taste and budget are at the service of tourists. In Greece, in addition to their traditional classification by the number of stars, an alphabetic system for designating the class of a hotel is also used. 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 there is often a kind of “anomaly”: in hotels of class E, the level of service is higher than in hotels with the designation C.

Be prepared for the fact that you may run into a shortage of rooms, especially on the most popular Greek islands. Excitement is common here, especially on weekends and holidays, when locals join the foreigners on holiday. To avoid tourist "pandemonium", book apartments in advance. So, using the Booking.com service, you can find excellent accommodation options in Greece with up to 60% discounts.

The majority of local hotels are owned by local owners, but there are also major international chains in Greece, such as Best Western and Hilton. You can also rent an extra-class room at local chain hotels, such as the 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 (boarding houses), which most fully convey the very spirit of the local way of life and 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 vary 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 members of the International Hostel Association. 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 homeland of democracy, you can also stay in monasteries, only the rules for staying in them may not seem so democratic. For example, if you are looking for an overnight stay with a partner of the opposite sex, you will be rejected. In addition, you need to dress in accordance with generally accepted standards of decency, otherwise they will not be accepted either. And if you are already moved in, you will have to observe the “curfew”: returning to the monastery - for example, after an excursion - is not allowed later than the deadline.

), and charter.

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

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

Airfare low price calendar

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Greece is an amazing and multifaceted country. Here, the sea coast is adjacent to mountain ranges, cozy fishing villages - with noisy youth discos, and a relaxed beach holiday is covered with parables and legends of Ancient Greece. Traces of the most ancient civilization can be seen here in each of the sunny Greek regions ... And it's up to you to choose - to try the cherry of this fragrant cake, experiencing all the delights of beach relaxation, or to get to know the taste of all its layers, trying to better understand Greek history and culture in the Acropolis, Meteora or Mount Olympus.

In Greece, the sun shines 300 days a year, and the country's shores are washed by four warm seas at once - the Aegean, Ionian, Mediterranean and Cretan. Here, several times a year, they harvest juicy fruits and fresh vegetables, from which the Greeks know how to cook, it seems, the most delicious salads and desserts in the world. The inhabitants of Greece are generally born culinary specialists - no matter what tavern you visit during your vacation, it will be delicious everywhere! Greece will infect you with love not only for the amazing Mediterranean cuisine, but also with its philosophical attitude to life. It is not without reason that most famous philosophers come from these parts! You will learn not to rush anywhere, to see harmony in everything and savor every hour of your stay in this country. It is impossible to return from Greece not in love - to the sea, golden sand, fresh bread with olive oil and open smiles of the Greeks.

Conventionally, mainland Greece can be divided into four favorite zones for tourists - the Athenian Riviera, the peninsula of Halkidiki with its three "fingers", Pieria, or Olympic Riviera, and the Peloponnese peninsula. Of course, Greece is inconceivable without its fabulously beautiful islands, the crown jewel of which is Santorini. Zakynthos, Corfu, Evia, Mykonos, as well as Rhodes, Crete and Thassos are loved by tourists - about 2000 islands belong to Greece. You will read in detail about the most popular regions of Greece further.

When is the best time to go on vacation to Greece?

The choice depends on your goals. If your dream is to eat ripe strawberries on the beach or huge Greek olives with cool wine, if you dream of swimming, sunbathing and not thinking about anything, then you should plan your vacation from the end of June to the end of August. It is good to go on mountain excursions at this time: to Meteora monasteries floating in the air, to Olympus - in the mountains at this time it is very fresh and comfortable. If you are an inquisitive tourist, then the best time for sightseeing holiday May, June and September. And although the beach season in Greece opens in early May and lasts until October, many people visit Greece with pleasure in the winter too - they buy fur coats, visit ski resorts, are heated in thermal springs resort of Loutraki and… celebrate the New Year!

How to get to Greece

There is no regular communication between Belarus and Greece, but this is more than compensated by charter flights, which are organized by tour operators to almost any region of the country of the Hellenes. The closest region is Halkidiki, the flight from Minsk to Thessaloniki takes only 2 hours and 15 minutes. Belarus and Greece have the same time zone, so you can forget about acclimatization, you won’t have to adapt to the new rhythm - this is especially important for those who fly to Greece on vacation with children. Thanks to a wide charter program, together with the largest Greek tour operator Mouzenidis Travel, you can get to the resorts of Halkidiki, Pieria, Peloponnese, Corfu and Zakynthos.

Visa to Greece

You can travel to Greece with a Schengen visa. You can get it yourself at the Greece visa center in Minsk (Zheleznodorozhnaya st., 33), or you can entrust this process to professionals. When buying a tour, your Travel Company takes care of all the hassle of obtaining a visa to Greece. However, if you have not yet been fingerprinted, you will need to visit the Greece Visa Application Center in person to submit your documents. Children under the age of 12 are exempted from submitting biometric data. The fee for issuing a visa is 95 EUR at the rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus + 1% for adults, 30 EUR for children from 6 to 11 inclusive, for children under 5 years of age inclusive, a visa is free.

To obtain a visa to Greece, you need:

• profile,
• a passport valid for another 3 months after the end of the trip, and a copy of the passport.
• two color photographs
• certificate from the place of work indicating the position and salary for the last six months,
• medical insurance.

Greece Hotels

Greek beaches

The entire coast of Greece is beautifully indented with large and small bays with azure water - it deserves the glory of one of the most picturesque in Europe. Most of the country's beaches are sandy, with soft golden sand. In some regions there are pebble beaches, but pontoon beaches are rare for Greece. When choosing a tour to Greece, check this question with a Mouzenidis Travel specialist.

All beaches in Greece are municipal. This means that anyone can access them. However, hotels and beach cafes take the adjacent beaches under their wings, monitor cleanliness and safety, and charge for sunbeds and umbrellas. Some cafes practice renting beach equipment for a cocktail - you buy a cocktail and can use the beach equipment for free on the coastal strip near the cafe or bar.

Shopping in Greece

Greece is famous all over the world for its production of fur coats - every year thousands of fashionistas from all over the world fly to Kastoria and similar factory towns to choose a warm new thing for themselves. The Mouzenidis Travel company offers special conditions for those who want to combine a vacation at sea with the purchase of a fur coat - a tour costing 1 EUR * in winter and from 69 EUR in summer.

But not only for fur coats it is worth going to the country of the Hellenes. New collections of European brands are the first to appear in the stores of Patras, the third largest city in Greece, located in the Peloponnese. It is here that ferries from Italy arrive, loaded with fashionable items from European designers.

Those who like to plunge into shopping will appreciate the shopping centers of Athens and Thessaloniki - two largest cities Greece, the capital and ... the northern capital of Greece, as Thessaloniki is called. Bags and wallets from Axel, European brands, Greek cosmetics Apivita, Korres, Macrovita, clothing by Greek designers Toi&Moi - all this and more can be found in ATTICA and Mediterranean Cosmos shopping centers. The amount of the required purchase amount for VAT refund in Greece (Tax Free) is 50 EUR.

For exclusive gizmos, exclusive clothes of Greek designers, handmade jewelry, you should go to the main shopping streets of Athens and Thessaloniki, in the very heart of the cities.

And, of course, it is impossible to imagine the suitcase of a tourist flying away from a Greek resort without olive oil, huge local olives, spices and sets for tzatziki - a traditional Greek snack. And also - without a ceramic souvenir, for example, a pomegranate, a Greek symbol of prosperity and well-being, and a symbol of the region: for example, on Zakynthos it is a turtle, on the Athenian Riviera - an owl.

Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is considered the basis of the Mediterranean diet. And this means that not only the sea and air in Greece contribute to health, but also food. Everything here is prepared from local organic and fresh products. The greatest variety of crops is grown on the Halkidiki peninsula, so prices in the markets of local resorts will be lower, and the choice of vegetables and fruits will be larger.

Greek cuisine is based on two principles - freshness and simplicity. All food for cooking should be fresh, freshly picked (for greens) or caught (for fish and marine life), and the dish should be simple. Therefore, do not look for frills, intricate culinary masterpieces in Greece. Already on the first day you will understand that you do not need them, and the Greeks were right again - the simpler, the tastier, the brighter the taste of each component and the more accessible the harmony. As you can see, the Greeks turned out to be philosophers in the kitchen too!

What is worth trying in Greece?

First of all, horiatiki is the famous Greek salad seasoned with olive oil. From meat dishes - eggplant moussaka casserole and souvlaki kebab with tzatziki sauce. Of course, being in a country on four seas, it is unforgivable not to experience all the diversity sea ​​food- in the taverns of Greece, fish is served in a variety of variations, mussels, shrimps, grilled octapodi, or fried octopus. Be sure to order Greek wine for such a variety - one of the best in the world. Or a special Greek wine with a signature resinous flavor - retsinu. For lovers of stronger drinks, there is ouzo - anise vodka or metaxa cognac.

For those who adhere to a sober lifestyle, there is always a cup of iced frappe coffee - ideal on a hot day. Greeks drink tea in very rare cases - with a cold. There are no soups in Greek cuisine that are familiar to us. Recently, however, some hotels have been introducing soups into their menus - this is done mainly for families vacationing with children, so that the kids feel at home without adjusting to a new diet.

Holidays with children in Greece

Greeks love all children as their own. Therefore, be prepared for increased attention to your child at the resorts. Your baby will be complimented, treated to sweets and pampered in every possible way. This is typical not only for ordinary Greeks, but also for owners of hotels that provide free accommodation and other bonuses for children. Details about holidays in Greece with children can be found in one of the previous articles.

• To Greece - with children: the benefits of relaxation and the best hotels

Guide to the regions of Greece

Chalkidiki

The peninsula of Halkidiki is figuratively called the "Poseidon's trident" - its three long peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos really resemble a trident. Halkidiki is Northern Greece with its capital Thessaloniki. About a million people live in the country's second largest city. In Thessaloniki, not only business and trade, but also the party life of the region is concentrated. From Thessaloniki Airport to the nearest resorts - only 40 minutes drive. From Minsk to Thessaloniki you can fly directly in 2 hours 15 minutes - this is the fastest flight from Belarus. And, accordingly, the most inexpensive - due to this, tours to the resorts of Halkidiki can be a little more pleasant in price.

Due to the not so hot climate as in the south of the country, Halkidiki can boast of amazing coniferous forests - here the salty sea air is filled with phytoncides, forming a special healing cocktail. And here, along 500 km of the coastline, there are beaches with fine golden sand, which is so suitable for the delicate legs of the smallest tourists. The most popular resorts of Halkidiki are Kallikratia, Kallithea, Afytos and Chanioti.

Halkidiki is not very rich in attractions. The most important of them - and what! - Holy Mount Athos, where pilgrims come from all over the world. Only men can enter here, having previously received a special permit. Women can go on a cruise along the shores of Mount Athos and bow to the Belt of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is brought by monks from the Vatopedi monastery on a boat. In addition, from Halkidiki it is convenient to go for a new fur thing - on an excursion to the town of Kastoria.

• Bomo Club Aqua Mare 3* . Price: 7 days in June - from 497 EUR, breakfasts
• Bomo Club Olympic Kosma 3* . Price: 7 days in June - from 558 EUR, breakfasts + dinners, from 615 EUR, all inclusive.
• Athos Palace Hotel 4* . Price: 7 days in June - from 636 EUR, breakfasts + dinners, from 797 EUR, all inclusive.

Pieria

Olympic Riviera, in addition to having famous mountain Olympus, rich in beautiful natural views. This coast of Greece is as if in an embrace - on the one hand it is washed by warm sea ​​waves, on the other hand, it pampers with the most beautiful views of the mountain range. And the creation of human hands - a string of resort villages - can compete with natural creations for the palm in picturesqueness. The most popular of them are Paralia Katerini, Litochoro, Nei Pori, Neos Panteleimon.

What else is good about Pieria is its location. It is located just south of Thessaloniki, which makes it very convenient to go on excursions around Greece from Pieria, and for special connoisseurs - to the islands of the Northern Sporades, where the filming of the film "Mamma mia!" with Meryl Streep.

• SKS Boutique Rooms. Price: 7 days in June - from 478 EUR, no power
• Poseidon Palace 4*+ Price: 7 days in June - from 744 EUR, all inclusive

Peloponnese

"Greece in miniature" - this is the name of this peninsula, here you can touch with your hand the legends that you read about in school textbooks, watched movies: Sparta, Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia ... It was on these lands that Hercules accomplished most of his exploits, from here they set off troops to conquer Troy. The entire medieval heritage of Greece is concentrated in the Peloponnese, adjacent to the leisurely rural life of villages and resorts. The largest of them is Patras, a city of students and great shopping. But it is famous not only for youth entertainment. In Patras, there is the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called - the largest basilica on the Balkan Peninsula. And the whole north of the peninsula seems to be dotted with small monasteries.

The ancient Venetian town of Nafpaktos is also popular in this region, within the medieval walls of which history converges with relaxed beach holiday. Due to the location of the resort, Nafpaktos is a convenient place to explore both mainland Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula. You can rent a car, or you can use the KTEL network buses - although there may be problems with punctuality in the company, this is more than offset by the variety and range of routes.

• Akti Hotel 2* . Price: 7 days in June - from 548 EUR, breakfast
• Grecotel Lakopetra Beach 4* . Price: 7 days in June - from 900 EUR, all inclusive

Corfu

The greenest Ionian island in Greece, where "stick a stick into the ground - it will turn green," according to the Greeks. Corfu is called "Venice in Greece" - once the island was under the auspices of the Venetians. The architecture and some sights are still reminiscent of those times. As some of the details are reminiscent of the times of the protectorate of Britain, there are English pubs in Corfu, which are very popular with British tourists. As, by the way, the island itself, because here is the most party resort in Greece - Kavos.

Kavos deserves the name of "Greek Ibiza" and "the second Kazantip" - discos rumble here until the morning, and alcohol flows like water. If you love Corfu, but do not intend to sacrifice your sleep, choose the slightly calmer Gouvia or Benitses.

• Messonghi Beach Resort 3* . Price: 7 days in June - from 636 EUR, all inclusive
• Corfu Dassia Chandris & Spa Hotel 4* . Price: 7 days in June - from 804 EUR, breakfasts + dinners

Zakynthos

The southernmost Ionian island of Greece, divided in half - the southern part is occupied by resorts, the northwestern - by a nature reserve. A rare breed of carriage-carriage turtles lives here, which the Greeks have chosen as the main symbol of the island. Zakynthos is no less dearly loved by British tourists, and main resort Laganas may well compete for the title of the most rave with Kavos. Young people settle in the center of Laganas with pleasure - closer to bars, restaurants and discos. Families with children choose the outskirts of the resort, where urban-type hotels are replaced by good ones. family hotels. Or choose picturesque Vasilikos, calm Tsilivi, Agios Sostis and other villages.

Ekaterina KULBITSKA

+375 17 392 88 88
office on st. Kalvariyskaya, 17
[email protected]

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

Travel company "Mouzenidis Travel" exists in Belarus since 2000 and during this time has achieved success in the market of travel services, having won a strong position as the leading tour operator in Greece. In 2016, the company also offers a novelty - the island of Cyprus, where the high standards of service quality that have been developed in the Greek direction will be transferred. In these areas, the scope of the company's activities includes: booking villas, hotels and apartments, an extensive excursion program, tours with sea holidays, cruises, medical and recreational holidays, pilgrimage tours, educational programs, real estate tours, business trips and VIP tourism. The Mouzenidis Travel company, like no other, knows how to present Greece in all its grandeur.