Which countries does Greece border with? Greece: area, population, geographical location, climate, economy Which countries does Greece border on?

- a state in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.

Official name of Greece:
Hellenic Republic.

Territory of Greece:
The area of ​​the state of the Hellenic Republic is 131940 km².

Population of Greece:
The population of Greece is more than 10 million inhabitants (10,964,020 people).

Ethnic groups of Greece:
The majority of the population of Greece is Greek - 92%. The only official minority is the Muslims of Thrace and the Dodecanese Islands, including Turks - 0.8%, Pomaks (Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, 0.3%) and Muslim Roma (0.1%). Other minorities are distinguished mainly on linguistic grounds and are not officially recognized in Greece: Albanians (1%; including Arvanites), "Slavophone Greeks" or Macedonian Slavs (close to Macedonians, 1.6%), Aromanians (1.1% , including Meglenites), Gypsies (1.8%), Serbs (0.3%), Arabs (0.3%), Armenians (0.3%), Jews (0.05%), etc.

Average life expectancy in Greece:
The average life expectancy in Greece is 78.89 years (see Ranking of countries in the world by average life expectancy).

Capital of Greece:
Athens.

Major cities in Greece:
Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki.

Official language of Greece:
Greek.

Religion in Greece:
Article 3 of the Greek Constitution states: “The dominant religion in Greece is the religion of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ.” The absolute majority (98%, according to 2006 data) of the Greek population are members of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Geographical location of Greece:
The Greek peninsula, located in southeastern Europe, covers an area of ​​131,944 km². Greece is located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and on the islands adjacent to it and the coast of Asia Minor. Greece borders Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Greece is washed by:
The Mediterranean Sea, including: the Ionian, Aegean Seas, and the southern coast of Crete - the Libyan Sea. Greece consists of about 2,000 islands, which account for almost 20% of the entire country.

The territory of Greece is divided into three parts.
Mainland Greece includes: Macedonia is a northern region of Greece, bordering Albania (Ioannina, Igoumenitsa), Bulgaria (Rhodopi) and Macedonia (Kastoria, Chalkidiki); Thrace - northeastern region bordering Bulgaria and Turkey (Alexandropol, Komotini); Epirus is a northwestern region bordering Albania (washed by the Ionian Sea); Thessaly is the most flat region, washed from the east by the Aegean Sea (Larissa, Volos, Trikala);

Central Greece - central part of Greece (Chalkis, Lamia, Amfissa):
Attica - the area around Athens; The Peloponnese is the largest peninsula of Greece (area - 21.4 thousand km²), connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth (width 5 km), through which a canal was dug at the end of the 19th century (length 6500 m, width 23.5 m, depth 40 m).

The third region of Greece is formed by the islands of the Aegean Sea:
Euboea is the second largest island of Greece, after Crete (3.9 thousand km²), connected to the continent by a bridge; Lesvos is one of the largest islands of Greece (1.6 thousand km²); Northern Sporades - the islands of Skyros, Skopelos, Jura, Iliodrama, etc. in the northwestern part of the Aegean Sea; The Cyclades - "kyklos" in Greek - is a ring-forming archipelago in the central and southern part of the Aegean Sea (the islands of Amorgos, Andros, Sifnos, Santorini, Thymos, Kythnos, etc.); Southern Sporades - Dodecanese - an archipelago of 12 islands in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey (the islands of Rhodes, Samos, Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, etc.).

The Greek landscape is an alternation of rocky, usually treeless mountains, densely populated valleys, numerous islands, straits and bays.
Picturesque cliffs, beaches, exotic grottoes provide enormous opportunities for seaside recreation and mountain tourism. The widespread occurrence of limestone, especially in the western part of Greece, has led to the formation of karst sinkholes and caves that give the landscape a unique wild appearance and attract those who like to try their hand at speleology. Mountain ranges occupy almost a quarter of the surface of Greece. These are predominantly medium-altitude mountains (up to 1200-1800 m). The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus (2917 m). Pindus, Parnassus, the mountain range in the northern Peloponnese and Taygetos also rise above 2000 meters. There are few plains, they are concentrated in the eastern half of the country, with the exception of the Peloponnese, where plains predominate on the west coast. About 44% of the territory is under forest and bushes. National parks of Greece: Vikos-Aoos, Mikra Prespa, Eta, etc. When taking walks in the mountains, you must remember that in Greece there are many reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes, including the horned viper).

Rivers of Greece:
Large river systems could not form on the narrow and mountainous Greek peninsula. Mountain rivers predominate, short, stormy, with picturesque rapids and waterfalls, often flowing to the sea in narrow canyons. The longest river in Greece is Aljakmon (almost 300 km). Other large rivers are Ebros, Nestos, Strymon, Vardar, Acheloos. Rivers are not suitable for navigation, but play a fairly important role as sources of energy.

Administrative divisions of Greece:
The administrative division of Greece consists of 13 administrative districts (regions, or peripheries), which are then subdivided into 54 nomes, or prefectures. In addition to these 13 districts, Greece includes 1 autonomous region - Aion Oros in the region of Mount Athos. Thirteen regions are governed by general secretaries appointed by the government. Secretaries-General are representatives of the government. They support central government functions and services and also assist the government in developing regional development policies.

Greek government:
Greece is a unitary state consisting of 13 administrative units - regions. In 1983, it was legislatively established that issues of local importance are dealt with by councils elected by the population through direct elections. According to the 1975 constitution, Greece has a parliamentary form of government. The head of government is the prime minister - the head of the party that has the majority of seats in parliament. The government, headed by the prime minister, is responsible to parliament.

Legislative power in Greece belongs to the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral representative body, which is elected by direct universal elections for a period of 4 years.
The Chamber of Deputies consists of no less than 200 and no more than 300 people. The Chamber meets once a year for a regular session, which lasts at least 5 months. In order to prepare and study bills and legislative proposals, at the beginning of each session it forms parliamentary commissions from its members. Legislative activity is carried out during plenary sessions.

The head of state is the president, who is elected by parliament for a term of five years and can be re-elected for another term.
The President has the power to declare war and enter into treaties with other countries. He appoints the prime minister and, on the latter's recommendation, other members of the government. The President can convene special sessions of parliament and dissolve it on the proposal of the government or with the consent of the Council of the Republic. The Council consists of the Prime Minister, the head of the parliamentary opposition, the Speaker of Parliament and former prime ministers and presidents of democratically elected governments.

The government exercises executive power, represented by the Prime Minister and ministers (one or more of them may be appointed as deputy prime ministers).
The government is formed by the party that wins the majority of seats in Parliament. The leader of this party becomes the prime minister. Within 15 days from the moment he takes the oath, the Government must raise the issue of confidence before Parliament. The Chamber of Deputies has the right to “retract its confidence” in the Government or one of its members. A resolution of censure may only be introduced 6 months after the House has rejected the previous resolution. The resolution of censure must be signed by at least 1/6 of the deputies.

The Government carries out the general policy of the state in accordance with the Constitution and laws.
Under the provisions of ministerial liability laws, members of the Council of Ministers and Secretaries of State are held liable for omissions committed in the performance of their functions. The system of government in Greece is based on the principle of decentralization. There are local authorities of the first and second levels and regional administration. First-level local authorities consist of municipalities and communities, which are responsible for solving local issues. The total number of communities and municipalities is less than 1000. The second level of local government is 51 prefectures, headed by prefectural councils and prefects, who since 1994 have been directly elected by citizens. Second-level local authorities deal with more general issues.

Nowadays, it is a shame for a person with a secondary education not to know where Greece is. This country is the cradle of our entire European culture and civilization. The first famous philosophers, scientists, sculptors and architects, writers and poets lived here. Ancient Greek civilization gave rise to the practice of the Olympic Games - sports competitions between city-polises. During their holding, all wars stopped. But here we will not talk about the Games, but about a rich and amazing country - Greece. About its location on the world map. About its islands and rugged coastline. About the climate and the most popular resorts. And of course, about its rich and ancient history, which had such an impact on the entire European civilization.

Where is Greece on the map

Let's start with geography. If we open the political atlas of the world, we will see that the Hellenic Republic is located in the European Union, in the southeast of its territory. This state - with the exception of the holy Mount Athos - has been part of the Schengen Area since 2000. That is, to get to Greece, you need to open a visa. But a Schengen card, obtained at the embassy of this country, gives the right to travel throughout Europe. The Hellenic Republic occupies not only part of the mainland. In fact, a fifth of it is archipelagos and islands. Their total area is almost 25 thousand square kilometers. In terms of the number of islands on its territory, this country ranks sixty-ninth in the world. It is there that the main flow of tourists flocks in the summer. But mainland Greece is no less interesting. The map shows that in the north the country borders Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania. The border with Turkey mainly runs by sea, but on land it also stretches for two hundred and six kilometers.

Story

It is quite difficult to describe the eventful history of this region in a few words. In ancient times, Greek city-states were very powerful. Their ships reached the Black Sea. The ancient Greeks founded colonies in Crimea and Colchis (the coast of the Caucasus). In 146 BC, Hellas became dependent on Rome, but with the split of this empire in 395 into western and eastern parts, it could regain its former power. The capital of Byzantium moved from Athens to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). But with the strengthening of the Seljuk Turks, the empire fell. This happened in 1453. Where Greece had its colonies, the Ottoman Empire established itself. Turkish rule lasted for several centuries. Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire only after the war of national liberation in 1830.

What peninsula is Greece on?

Now it's time to reveal the geographical map of Europe. We see that Greece (at least its mainland) is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. But this part of the land, washed by the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, and Black Sea, is too large to serve as an exact coordinate. Together with Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina completely fit on the giant Balkan Peninsula. And Türkiye and Romania are partially located in the Balkans. How to more accurately determine the location of Greece? Let's put it this way: this country lies between forty-second and thirty-fifth degrees north latitude. In longitude it is limited by the 19th and 28th meridians of the Eastern Hemisphere. The area of ​​this state together with the islands is 132 thousand square kilometers.

Coastal ruggedness

We answered the question about what peninsula Greece is on, but this information is not exhaustive. The map shows that the Balkans have a very rugged coastline. And on the territory of Greece we generally see a kind of “fringe” protruding into the sea. The length of the coastline of this country is impressive: fifteen thousand kilometers! Some peninsulas are connected to the mainland by such a narrow and long isthmus that they seem completely isolated. For example, the Peloponnese. This peninsula looks like a ripe berry hanging on a thin stalk. The isthmus called Corinth, 42 km long, is not very wide. At the narrowest point (six and a half kilometers) a canal was dug in the nineteenth century. The Peloponnese is home to tourist destinations such as Sparta and Olympia.

Relief of Greece

About eighty percent of the country's territory is made up of mountains, cliffs and plateaus. This elevated relief is due to the peninsula on which Greece is located. The Balkans have several mountain systems on their territory. Bulgaria, Croatia and other countries on this giant peninsula boast winter resorts for skiers. Greece is also no exception. Most ski resorts are located in the north of the country, in the regions of Phocis and Evrytania, in the Pindus Mountains. But the highlight of the Arachova resort (on the slopes of Parnassus) is that, after skiing among the sparkling snow, you can take a bus to the warm sea in half an hour. The highest point of the country is Mount Olympus (2917 meters), where, according to pagan beliefs, the gods live. There are also plains in this country - in Boeotia, Thessaly, and the Peloponnese.

Climate

The uniqueness of the local climate is determined not only by the peninsula on which Greece is located, but also by the topography, currents and winds. In areas remote from the sea, the Central European temperate climate with cold winters and rather hot summers prevails. In the mountains there is an altitudinal zone. This climate is called alpine. Most of the country's territory lies in the subtropical natural zone. This means that a warm winter (in Crete, even in January, the average temperature is +10 C) with frequent rains gives way to a hot and dry summer. The heat is especially felt on the mainland. On the islands, thanks to the constantly blowing sea breeze, the heat is almost not felt. This circumstance has earned Greece the reputation of a world-class resort country. About twelve million people visit it every year.

How to get there

Almost all travel agencies offer trips to this wonderful country. However, in order to better know the national spirit of Greece, its culture, and the way of life of its people, it is better to travel on your own. There are several ways to get to the Balkan Peninsula, where Greece is located. Due to the large distance from Russia, it is preferable to choose air travel. Theoretically, you can get to Greece by train: Moscow-Sofia will take you to the capital of Bulgaria, and from there you can get to Athens. But such a move is too long and exhausting. Almost everyone has an airport. You can also get to the islands by plane: Crete, Kos, Rhodes and others. Buses run between cities. The islands are not isolated: ferries operate between them and the mainland. In general, water transport in the country is very developed; in addition to regular passenger flights, you can book a tourist cruise.

People

The Greeks are extremely warm and hospitable people. By religion, ninety-five percent of the population are Orthodox Christians. This religion has been elevated to the rank of a state religion: all citizens, whether they like it or not, pay a tax to support the Church. There are many Christian shrines here, where pilgrims and simply curious people flock. Suffice it to recall Mount Athos and the Meteora monasteries. Greek cuisine is beyond praise. While in the country, it would be a sin not to try souflaki, olives, meze meat appetizer and local ouzo vodka. This culture gave the world Greek salad, tzatziki, moussaka and many other dishes. Not to mention the wines. They are excellent here. And this is not surprising - after all, the god of winemaking Dionysus was born here. Greece, whose location is very advantageous, because it is located at the junction of European, Asian and African cultures, has absorbed all the best that they could give to humanity.

Islands

Greece is filled with interesting historical and cultural attractions, and this is the most significant reason to visit the country. If you are arriving in the country through the capital's airport, extend your stay in Athens by a few days. It's impossible to head to the beaches without seeing the famous Acropolis, the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus, and Hadrian's Arch. If you are a fan of Byzantine art, head to the city of Thessaloniki. Meteora, Athos, Delphi, Olympus are just a few places from the numerous list of attractions that mainland Greece is proud of. The islands (a map in Russian indicating interesting places is available at tourist information points) attract guests with their beaches and unique climate. But there is something to see here too. Crete especially stands out. This is the country's largest island. The mysterious Cretan-Mycenaean civilization once flourished there, leaving us with many beautiful artifacts. But Greece has three thousand islands - enough to choose according to your taste. By the way, most of them are still uninhabited. People live permanently on only two hundred of them. Clusters of islands form archipelagos: the Northern Sporades, Cyclades, Dodecanese and others.

Fur coat tours

All shopaholics in the world know where Greece is. Because this country has invented such an interesting type of tourism as fur tours with a commitment. What does it mean? In Greece there is a small town called Kastoria, almost all of whose residents are involved in the furrier business. Fur-bearing animals are bred here and fur coats are made from their fur. To lure buyers to remote Kastoria, the local association of furriers came up with “commitment tours”. If you sign that you will buy fur products worth at least 1400 Euros, all expenses - flights, hotel accommodation and meals - are covered by the receiving party. Thus, you can relax on the beaches (the tours include visiting more than just Kastoria) and buy a new fur coat. If you are not sure about the range and prices of furs, you can buy a ticket without obligation.

What to bring from Greece

If buying a fur coat is still a pipe dream, let's think about what souvenirs you can bring back from your trip. In addition to refrigerator magnets and pseudo-antique figurines made in China, you can buy real, authentic things in shops in Greek resort towns and islands. And it’s better not to look for a souvenir shop at all. Everything originally Greek is sold in a regular grocery store. First up is feta cheese. The Greeks themselves consume it in huge quantities - twenty-five kilograms per capita per year! Believe me, authentic feta is very different from its Russian counterpart. Next is extra virgin olive oil. Perhaps ouzo is a drink for everyone, but absolutely everyone appreciates Greek wines! If you have made a trip to the monasteries, you will not return empty-handed: you will definitely buy cypress crosses, icons, and figurines. For antiques (and not counterfeits) people go to Athens, to Monastiraki Square. Greece is at the crossroads of cultures, and you can buy anything here.

You may not know the geography of the country you have chosen for your vacation, and spend your entire vacation limiting yourself to exploring “your” resort and its surroundings. Or you can plan a great trip that covers several countries at once. And such a vacation will definitely be remembered for a long time!

Many tourists, before traveling to the Balkans, find out who it borders with. This knowledge will allow you not only to expand your horizons, but also to create an interesting trip route to a neighboring state. Such excursions take at least two days, because at best you will have to spend 5-6 hours on the road.

Countries to choose from

Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula. It includes not only part of the mainland, but also many islands of different sizes, among which there are huge ones, on which several cities and villages are built, and very small, uninhabited ones, which often go under water during storms.

On land, Greece borders four countries:

• Albania. The small state in the southwest of the Balkan Peninsula shares a 282 km long border with Greece;
• Republic. The border between this country and Greece is 228 km;
• Bulgaria. Greece has the longest border with it - 494 km;
• Turkey. Only 206 km of land and the Aegean Sea separate Greece.

All of these countries can be entered from Greece. This allows you to expand the geography of your own travels and choose convenient flights.

Macedonia – formerly Greece

The historical region of Macedonia occupied the north of present-day Greece, part of modern Greece, and the Republic of Macedonia. In the 5th century BC. e. the inhabitants of Macedonia were not considered Greeks. In Hellas of those times it was believed that Macedonia was inhabited by barbarians who did not have their own culture. But Macedonia was famous for its natural resources. There was everything here: steep mountains, including the mountain - the abode of the gods, pine forests, turquoise sea, lakes rich in fish. For a long time, Macedonia was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. At the beginning of the 20th century, all nearby countries began to lay claim to this historical province. After the First Balkan War, Macedonia was divided by Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia.

One of the republics of the former Yugoslavia is now called the Republic of Macedonia. It borders Greece and proudly bears its ancient name, which incredibly irritates the Greeks. Greece believes that Macedonia has no right to this name. Local residents call the Republic of Macedonia - this is the name of the main city of the Macedonians. This dispute has no solution: each country is confident that it is right. However, tourists care little about it. There are no bus or train connections between Greece and Macedonia, but nothing will prevent you from traveling to neighboring Macedonia with a rented car. There are no queues at the border between the two countries. Tourists in Macedonia are treated kindly.

Türkiye - eastern neighbor

There are many Turks living in Greece. Even in cities remote from the border with Turkey, such as , there are Turkish quarters. There is an excellent ferry connection between Greece and Turkey. From any large city located in the Aegean or Mediterranean Sea, such as Lemnos, Lesbos, and others, ferries run regularly, allowing you to easily reach the Turkish shores. Most tourists choose Turkish, Marmaris, etc. for holidays and excursions.

From most Greek islands, ferries travel non-stop to Turkey. From Santorini, which is especially popular among holidaymakers, you will have to get to Turkish resorts with one transfer to or Rhodes. From Kos to Bodrum, a speedboat takes tourists in just 20 minutes. The journey from Bodrum will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Travelers wishing to cross from the Turkish port of Ayvalik must be prepared to pay a large amount of money. Ferries between these cities do not operate regularly, and accordingly, the crossing itself is expensive.

Any travel agency in Greek resorts will help you with purchasing ferry tickets. The agency's staff will also select a convenient time for moving and, if necessary, book a hotel room in Turkey.

From Greece to Bulgaria and Albania

You can get to Bulgaria from the cities of Northern Greece, especially from Thessaloniki, by public transport. International luxury buses depart from the White Tower in Thessaloniki, which is the city center, and travel to, stopping along the way in several Bulgarian cities. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. From here you can take a bus or train to the Black Sea resorts.

There is also a train from Thessaloniki to Sofia. It departs once a week and goes until , stopping for two hours in Sofia.

There is no regular bus service between Greece and Greece. From Thessaloniki you can get to Albania, but you will have to find out the bus schedule only on the spot. Tourists who vacation on the island have a much greater chance of ending up in Albania. It is connected to the Albanian city by ferry service. A ferry ticket will cost about 20 euros.

Brief information about the country

Independence Date

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 uniquely beautiful 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, not every large state can compare with Greece in terms of historical, cultural, archaeological and linguistic heritage. The capital Athens is the oldest and most beautiful city in the world, a metropolis with a population of 4 million, founded approximately in the 7th millennium BC.

Video: Greece

Basic moments

Hellas - as the Greeks themselves call their homeland - is filled with various attractions, much of which dates back to ancient times. It’s not for nothing that 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 Holy Mount Athos or in rock monasteries - everywhere you will get acquainted with interesting monuments and 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!

Being recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and the place where the first democratic states in history appeared, Greece became the center of the emergence of the very concept of “democracy”. In Ancient Hellas, every adult citizen took an active part in discussing public affairs and could be elected to any administrative, military or judicial position. The traditions established in antiquity are preserved in Greek society today.

Greece also has a gentle sun, excellent beaches, a 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 mountain slopes, or houses covered with red tiles immersed in dense greenery. And it doesn’t 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.

Cities of Greece

All cities in Greece

Sights of Greece

All sights of Greece

Geographical features

Greece, which is also called the land of the gods, the birthplace of philosophy and the Olympic Games, has a very interesting and very advantageous geographical location. Perhaps no other European state owns so many islands - there are more than two thousand of them (although only 227 of them are inhabited). Some - for example, the famous Lesbos - 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 even be called the “inland sea” of this country, the entire coast of which is picturesquely indented by bays. Just look at the map to be convinced that no other state on the continent has similar outlines.

Mainland Greece is conventionally divided into several regions - Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly and Attica, Phthiotis, Phocis and others belonging to Central Greece. Geographically, the Ionian Islands can be classified as 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 Euripus Strait. The largest peninsula, recognized as the center of the most ancient civilization in Europe, is the Peloponnese. Here is the famous Corinth Canal, dug by a French company back in the 19th century.

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 its enviable diversity, which was made possible by the confluence of factors such as geographical location, local climate, the presence of large mountain ranges, and a long coastline.

Mountains occupy about 60% of Greece's landscape, making it one of the highest countries in Europe after Norway and Albania. Moreover, unlike the named states, the mountain ranges of Hellas almost all descend to the sea. The highest mountain peak is Olympus (2915 meters), which is also the most famous in ancient Greek myths as the abode of the gods, in particular, the thunderer Zeus. Other large and beautiful mountains in Greece include Ida (Psiloritis) and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete, Grammos and Smolikas in Macedonia, Taigetos in the Peloponnese, Pindos and Atamanik Ori in the Epirus region.

The water resources of Greece are represented by a collection of natural and artificial lakes, deltas and river mouths, waterfalls and lagoons. The country's largest body of water is Lake Trichonida, located in the Aetolia region in Western Greece. You cannot ignore Lake Vouliagmeni in Attica (it is famous for its thermal mineral waters), the artificial lake Tavropos in Thessaly, which is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and, of course, the highest mountain lake - Drakolimni, located on the slopes of Tymfi and Zmolikas at an altitude of 2050 meters. Of the rivers, the longest is Aliakmonas (297 km), which is inferior in length to Aheloom, Pinios, Nestos, Efros, Strymonas, Alfios, Arachthos.

The uniqueness 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. The caves will also be of interest to historians, ethnographers and cultural experts, since they are inextricably linked with the plots of ancient Greek myths. And the caves themselves are archaeological monuments that can reveal many secrets of the Paleolithic era. Not everyone knows, but the famous artifact - the skull of an 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.

The gorges or canyons with which the local landscape is literally dotted deserve special mention. They cannot fail to impress with their menacingly towering steep cliffs, water streams and various species of birds and animals that have preferred to settle here for many centuries. 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 beauty of the Vikos Gorge in the national park in the Pindus Mountains (Pindos) in the north-east of the Epirus district. 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 - in 1992 the authorities declared it a protected area. It is home to the endangered Mediterranean seal, Monachus monachus. The second is a national marine park on Zakynthos, one of the Ionian Islands, which received protected area status seven years later. This is where the Caretta Caretta turtle species is mainly bred.

Cities and islands of Greece

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

The Peloponnese itself looks like something apart from the rest of Greece. In the sense that its 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, addressed his epistles 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 haven’t forgotten from school history lessons where the homeland of Apollo and his sister Artemis was, then you guessed that our story will be about the Cyclades islands. Situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, they exude a kind of serenity and tranquility. But the Cyclades archipelago is associated primarily with the island of Mykonos, whose coastline reaches 89 km. Its hallmark is its 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 water sports.

There are places in sunny Greece where the “Turkish coast” is just a stone's throw away - these are the Dodecanese islands, which are part of the Southern Sporades archipelago and stretch in a chain along the western coast of the Asia Minor peninsula, almost adjacent to the territory of the neighboring state. The islands of Rhodes and Kos are the most famous of them. Their popularity came thanks to first-class beaches and hotels and, of course, rich excursion programs - especially around the historical part of the city of Rhodes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Groups of tourists, among whom there are many representatives of Christian denominations, strive to visit the legendary island of Patmos, which is called the “Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea,” and this interest is understandable. It is here that there is a cave 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.”

Some of the most picturesque in Greece are, of course, the Ionian Islands. 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 stay and accommodation in Greece. The island of Ithaca is also well known from 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 cannot be forgotten. 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 Athos peninsula and the Holy Mountain with the same name. In the system of administrative division it is called the “Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain”. Over the centuries, nothing has changed here: women are still prohibited from setting 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, generally speaking, is mild, and this is a huge “merit” of the Mediterranean Sea, which seems to look after and protect this small country. Summer here is hot and dry: the average monthly temperature in July varies between +30...+32 degrees Celsius, humidity reaches 55%. The beach season in Hellas begins in mid-May and lasts until November. Winter in the country is by no means severe. The temperature in January averages 10 degrees plus, and humidity is 75%.

Meanwhile, in Greece there are several climatic zones. In the mainland of the country, weather conditions resemble those 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 climate. Warm weather persists for a long time in Crete: 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, which starts in most areas in mid-October and lasts until February. In July and August, the entire eastern coast of the mainland, including the capital, and the islands of the Aegean Sea are subject to strong north winds. On the one hand, it brings coolness that dilutes the heat, on the other, it makes ferries late and causes inconvenience to vacationers by “stealing” their beach umbrellas. As for the summer heat itself, 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, let alone make appointments.

History of Greece

The first settlements on the territory of 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, which existed in 2600-1100 BC. The classical period in the history of Greece is the so-called “Golden Age”, which covered the 6th-4th centuries BC. e. It is remarkable 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 experienced several interventions - first by the armies of neighboring Persia, which invaded several times in a row, and then, in 146 BC, by Roman legionaries. 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 the best possible condition, and we, contemporaries, can judge from them the great heritage of the ancient Greeks. And after the division of the huge 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 existed for eleven centuries, until on May 29, 1453 it fell under the onslaught of the Turks.

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

The country also took part in the Second World War. First it was attacked by fascist Italy, but the Greeks were able to give a worthy 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, ending only in 1949.

After this, a period of calm development in Greece began, disrupted by the 1967 coup d'etat, 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 the “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 invasion of Cyprus by the Turkish army 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 Question” led to the overthrow of the dictatorship of the “black colonels” in 1974.

On December 8, 1974, a national 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 in force to this day. 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, it joined 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, which we will return to later.

Let’s begin our general acquaintance with some of the country’s attractions 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. Of constant interest to travelers is the temple of one of the three Olympian gods, Poseidon, located right on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the ancient quarter of Plaka, city squares living their own special, rich life, the impressive stone theater - the Odeon of Herodotus of Athens and numerous Athenian museums.

Separately, I would like to mention the breathtaking Panathinaikos Stadium. It was created from fragments of an ancient predecessor, using only white marble in construction. And in Athens you can see with your own eyes 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 luxurious Venetian-style castle in Rethymno, and enjoy views of the largest natural palm forest on the continent on Vai beach. The ancient temple of 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 shape - the palace of King Minos.

One of the most famous Greek islands is Rhodes, which has the reputation of being the largest center of knightly culture and a wonderful resort. Its calling card is the Castle of the Knights, built in the 14th 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 home 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 upon a time, judging by the myths, the thunderer Zeus, the god of the seas Poseidon and the ruler of the kingdom of the dead Hades lived here. Nowadays, this “house of the gods” has been turned into a unique biosphere reserve, rich in various species of plants and animals, and offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Although Olympus is a high mountain, it is quite accessible for hiking. Traveling along numerous trails, you won’t even notice how time flies.

Another famous mountain is, of course, Athos, included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. This unique place, revered by all Orthodox believers, is inhabited and can only be visited by men. It is dedicated to prayer, reflection and 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 desired, of course - every day. Such bureaucracy may turn many away from the intention of visiting 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

The national cuisine of Greece coexists perfectly with the culinary traditions of the Balkan peoples, the Apennines, France and even the Middle East. In general, this is typically Mediterranean cuisine with a touch 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 here they don’t just eat, but communicate and relax. A shared meal is a great way to build friendships between strangers and even business relationships. Greeks discuss whatever they want 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 royal 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 such exotic things as octopus meat - it is baked over coals with the addition of herbs. The taste and aroma of the dish are such that words cannot describe it - it’s better to try it!

What are the most popular dishes in modern Greece? To name a few: squid stuffed with cheese and baked on coals (“kalamarya yemista me tiri”), steamed mussels (“midya akhnista”), grilled shrimp (“garides sharas”). One of the signature dishes of the national cuisine is spaghetti with lobster (“macoranada me astaco”). Among the traditional fish dishes familiar to Russians, in local taverns you can taste fish in all its culinary “manifestations” - fried and stewed, stuffed and pickled, dried, smoked and simply salted - with delicious local beer!

Lovers of meat food in Greece are offered a rich selection of dishes from pork, beef, poultry, and lamb. “Brizoles” and “paidakia”, grilled meat with bones and lamb ribs, respectively, always turn out very tasty and juicy. Local kebabs come in two types: small pieces of meat (“souvlaki”) and large pieces (“kondosuvli”).

It’s 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 wire rack. True gourmets will love the rooster stewed in white wine (kokoras krasatos) and the rabbit stew (kuneli). And perhaps the most famous Greek meat dish is moussaka - minced meat, potatoes and eggplant laid in layers and baked with bechamel sauce.

It is impossible to imagine Greek cuisine 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 “kefalotyri” (hard, made from goat’s milk), “tulumotiri” (the oldest of all local varieties) and the exquisite “manuri” (white, with a very piquant taste ).

In conclusion, let’s mention the famous “Greek salad,” which in its homeland is simply called “village salad,” which Russian housewives also love to prepare. “Original” differs in taste from what is served in our cafes and restaurants or prepared at home. What exactly the difference is is also difficult to convey in words: you need to feel it by trying both options. What is needed for this? That's right: come on vacation to Greece!

Language

Modern Greek (Dimotika), derived from the vernacular language used in the late antique period, became the official language of the country only in 1976. Before this, it was kafarevusa (“purified tongue”). 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 would be appreciated. If you have some time, try to learn a couple of basic phrases and the alphabet. Although signs and indexes are often presented in Latin transcription, this does not always happen; In addition, knowledge of the alphabet will allow you to navigate banks, restaurants and other establishments.

Holidays in Greece

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

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

Money

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

Museums and archaeological sites that can be visited are closed on Mondays, sometimes on Wednesdays, and the smallest ones are closed from November to March. Opening hours are 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 are usually open 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 to explore the world-famous sights of ancient times, but also for shopping. For those who don't already know: Greece, along with Italy, is one of the best places in Europe for shopping. Despite the difference in exchange rates, finding here, for example, a relatively inexpensive fur coat or a beautiful vase that will decorate the interior of your home, will not be difficult.

A long-tested 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 begin to reduce the price small - say, from 20-30%, but immediately indicate on the price tags: 80% discount, so queues are not uncommon at such outlets. Prepare in advance to lose some time waiting, but to leave with a good purchase.

Discounts apply not only to clothing and shoes, but also to household appliances, modern electronics, decorative items, and even good, solid furniture. True, the discount on such goods does not exceed 40% of the cost, but this is not bad. In outlets and stocks, which you should also not forget about, price tags pleasing to the eye are present all year round. In large shopping centers, off-season sales are common; discounts can reach 50%.

But let's get back to buying fur coats. Especially for this purpose, shopping tours are organized to Greece, which come with or without obligations. If you choose the first (that is, a tour with obligations), then the flight to the country and hotel accommodation, usually not exceeding 3-4 days, is paid by the fur factory. To make your choice easier, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the range 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 also end up buying something that you didn’t want, and you will regret it.

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

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

You can also shop well at markets and bazaars, of which there are a lot in the country, including flea markets. The freshest and most inexpensive goods from the food basket can be bought here: olive oil, feta cheese, local wine. The main thing is to be there before 15:00, as then the markets and bazaars close until the next day.

Note to tourists: citizens of the Russian Federation, since they are not residents of the European Union, can exercise the right to a VAT refund (Tax Free), but provided that the purchase amount is not less than 120 € and it was made at a retail outlet that participates in the system. To determine this, you just have to look closely: 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 cash register or directly at the entrance to the store. On the mainland, the 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 is 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, and there are also special night flights. The most developed in terms of transport is, of course, the capital. Car traffic in it, as well as in other cities, is chaotic, and parking problems may arise. In cities, the speed limit 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 pass is valid for 1.5 hours. There are no subways in other cities.

Greece also has a network of railways, but experienced tourists do not recommend traveling on second-class trains, since they cannot boast of cleanliness and comfort, unlike first-class trains. But regardless of the category, the train was 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 partly an island state, not all parts of the country can be reached by bus or train. For sea travel 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 the cars are usually located very close to each other.

Car driving

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

The major highways are very good for motorists, and in addition, thanks to funds allocated by the EU, Greece's road network has been significantly 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 driving style of the Greeks, 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 difficult, especially in Athens, due to numerous traffic jams and one-way roads.

Communications and Internet

Mobile communications in Greece are very well developed; the network covers almost the entire territory of the country, with the exception of some small remote islands. It catches especially well in cities, and in Athens even in the metro. 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 one is state-owned and its main advantage in the eyes of competitors can be considered a good level of customer service. Wind was once a monopolist in the local market and has long established itself with high quality communications. 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 unavailable.

Moral standards

Even though summer is very hot, if you are away from the beach, be sure to dress appropriately. To visit the monastery, women should wear a skirt or dress below the knee and a headscarf, and 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 issues

Check your restaurant bill: in the most touristy places it may increase by one additional dish or drink... Also pay attention to the prices on the windows: these sometimes refer to takeaway sales and can double if you eat on site. Finally, if you choose to pay with a credit card, make sure that the tip (3-5%) is not taken without your consent. As a rule, any misunderstanding can be easily resolved if you just stay alert and remember to call the tourist police, who specialize in resolving these types of problems.

Safety

Even if one wants to, Greece cannot be classified, like, for example, Iceland or Sweden, among the safest countries on the continent for tourists. Unfortunately, petty thefts are common here, especially in crowded places: near hotels, airports, train stations, and near attractions. Pickpockets also operate in public transport. Athens, like any large city, has its own dangerous areas, these are Kolokotroni and Vathi squares and the red light district in the vicinity of Omonia Square.

Women especially should beware of... obsessive suitors or “kamaki” (from the Greek “kamakis” - “harpooner”). These are, as a rule, good-looking men, radiating charm and temperament, who very persistently seek the favor of lonely foreign tourists. Their ultimate goal is to “hook” a rich companion for a while, and if they’re lucky, for the whole season. Nice ladies are also not recommended to get into cars with unfamiliar men or walk at night, as there is a risk of becoming victims of rape.

The Greeks spend their hot southern temperament not only searching for love affairs, but also participating in all kinds of protests and strikes. And although the “righteous anger” of demonstrators is usually not directed at people, it is better not to go out into the street during a rally. To disperse protesters, the police 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 also, even if the 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 crush.

In addition to the human factor, natural factors also pose a certain danger. Both mainland Greece and its islands fall under the definition of seismic zones, which means there is a high probability of earthquakes. Tremors with high amplitude, fortunately, do not happen so often, but small vibrations of the earth’s crust are a common occurrence. Don't forget about the risk of forest fires caused by hot climates. In these cases, you should call directly the fire department at 199 or the rescue service at 112.

Hotels and accommodation in Greece

Both on the mainland and on the islands, hotels for every taste and budget are available to tourists. In Greece, in addition to the traditional classification by the number of stars, a letter system for designating the hotel class 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 quite often there is a kind of “anomaly”: in class E hotels the level of service is higher than in hotels designated C.

Be prepared to run into room shortages, especially on the most popular Greek islands. The rush here is a common occurrence, especially on weekends and holidays, when local residents join foreigners on vacation. To avoid tourist crowds, book your apartment in advance. So, using the Booking.com service, you can find excellent accommodation options in Greece with discounts of up to 60%.

Most local hotels are locally owned, but major international chains such as Best Western and Hilton are also present in Greece. You can also rent a top-class room in local chain hotels, such as 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 (pensions), which most fully convey the spirit of the local way of life and the 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 range 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 birthplace of democracy, you can also stay in monasteries, but the rules for staying in them may not seem so democratic. For example, if you are looking for an overnight stay with a companion of the opposite sex, you will be refused. In addition, you need to dress in accordance with generally accepted standards of decency, otherwise they won’t accept you either. And if you are moved in, you will have to observe a “curfew”: you are not allowed to return to the monastery - for example, after an excursion - later than expected.

), and charter.

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

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

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

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