Greece

The capital of Greece, Athens
The Greek Language
Map of Greece Currency - the Euro.
The area of ​​132,000 square kilometers.
Has 11 million people, most of the population (almost 97%) - Orthodox Christians. Four-fifths of the country occupied by mountains. The climate is basically - subtropical Mediterranean.
After the fall of Byzantium in 1453, the territory of Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1828, after a seven-year war of liberation, the Turks recognized the independence of the country.
In 1831 Greece was proclaimed a kingdom, with the 1976 - Hellenic Republic.
Since 1981 - Member of the European Union. Located in south-eastern Europe, the southern Balkan Peninsula and more than 2,000 islands of the Mediterranean Sea, the largest island of Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes.
Events
The festivities begin in Greece, as well as throughout Europe from mid-December. Cities and embankments are decorated with lights and Christmas lights. Numerous concerts and show programs.
January 1 - New Year's Day and St. Basil.
January 6, Epiphany.
January 8 in the Greek cities Monoklisiya (Monocclissia) and Nea Petra (Nea Petra) festival Ginaikratiya women. This time, the exchange of family roles. Women spend the day in "kafeteniya" (cafe), or in other public institutions, which usually only go to men, and men sit at home and do housework.
25 March - Greek Independence Day, one of the most important national holidays of the country.
March-April - a three-week carnival that precedes Lent to Easter, Clean Monday.
Climate
The Greek climate makes it possible to rest here in any season. Winter in the country is warm, the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees. The coldest month - February. Very rarely snows, and he holds no more than 3 days. However, the mountain peaks of almost the entire winter are white.
Greece - it's amazing natural beauty! The country is an intertwining of the majestic mountain landscapes and stunning forests, combines great shape coastlines, picturesque bays and others worthy of your attention to natural objects.
Currency
The monetary unit of Greece - Euro.
Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 to 14:00, Fridays till 13:30. The exchange rate is usually the same in all banks. Currency exchange is possible in hotels, but less favorable rate.
Most hotels and supermarkets in the tourist centers take "credit" the major international payment systems (sometimes - with charge 3-5% commission). Traveler's checks at banks and exchange offices of their respective companies.
Flag of Greece
Flag of Greece
Transport
Prior to any major city can be reached by taxi or bus. Taxis in Greece a lot and they are inexpensive. A car can be taken in the presence of international driver's license and driving experience of at least 3 years. In this age of the driver should be - from 25 to 70 years. Credit card is required everywhere except the island of Greece. In private companies, the requirements of rolling a little bit easier. The cost of rental cars - from 25 euros per day.
It should be noted that in large cities (Athens, Thessaloniki), there is a problem congestion and parking spaces, so please consider these factors when planning a trip.
Entertainment
Journey to Greece is simply impossible without familiarity with the famous Greek dance sirtaki. Learn a plain movement, take part in dance programs, and you will certainly remember the country as an oasis of endless fun and joy.
Also, you will not be indifferent to nightlife in Greece, which lasts until the morning, it will catch you in their networks and do not let go until the very end of the holiday. Night clubs, casinos, discos, bouzouki are always happy to receive their visitors. All sorts of entertainment facilities are located, usually together, forming a number of entertainment centers with the cities, no less enjoyable pastime becomes a campaign by the Greek shops. You are waiting for the famous wine olive oils, spices, natural cosmetics. as well as magnificent fur-rounds. Typically, the coats are in the city of Kastoria. Greek master furrier business for many centuries dressed in a fur rulers throughout Europe.
Food and Drink
Throughout its history, Greek cooking has been influenced by Arabic, Turkish and Italian cuisines, but despite this, many dishes have retained their original identity, almost unchanged. Now the Greek cuisine - is, first of all, the traditions, plus olives, feta cheese, wine, and lots of vegetables, seafood and meat. All this is richly flavored with olive oil, lemon juice, basil and other spices. The Greeks love to meat products made ​​from beef, lamb or pork as a garnish which is usually served the potatoes, vegetables or rice. Although each area has its own traditional local is evident, the general trend in the daily food - fries and stews.
The Greeks - a sweet tooth, so in the country so many different cakes and sweets, jam and marmalade, which produce all kinds of fruit, rose petals, flowers, orange, watermelon peel, and even tiny eggplants.
And this is a country winery. The most famous dry wine - retsina. His unusual taste due to the fact that the wine is aged in barrels of resin, which made it acquires a light taste of resin.
In Greece, collected a wide variety of cozy eateries, wonderful tavernas, beautiful restaurants and lovely coffee house. Above all, define for yourself what you need.
The average cost of dinner at the cafe - from 15 euros in a restaurant - from 20-30 euros. Customary to leave a tip for the service at a rate of 10% of the bill.
Where to live
As is well known around the Greek does not assign a "star" and the categories: Deluxe (5 *), A (4 *), B (3 *) and C (2 *). Economy Class Hotels (2 * and 3 *) are usually small rooms with everything you need.
Staff (and indeed the people) in Greece is very welcome and will be happy to assist you in any situation.

Things to Do in Greece

To enlarge click on image

Acropolis of Athens Delphi Mykonos Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Theater Olympus Meteors
Acropolis of Athens. Delphi. Mykonos. Sanctuary Asclepius and theater. Olympus. Meteors. The Meteora - monasteries are located east of the Pindos mountain range in Thessaly.

Greece - the birthplace of the great ancient civilizations, a center of Christianity and one of the best spa areas in Europe. Attractions of the country are so numerous that the mere description of them will be not a guide, and to visit all of them require more than one year! However, familiarity with the major monuments is possible! Visit the Acropolis of Athens with its Parthenon and the Erechtheion, Ancient Corinth, with its ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Sparta, or the fortress city of Mycenae, founded the legendary Perseus. No less interesting are the ancient Greek city of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, Epidaurus, Delphi, Olintos, Dion, Vergina of Pella, capital of northern Greece, Thessaloniki, Meteora fantastic.
Customs
At the entrance to recommend to carry currency - a rate of 50 euros per person per day, as cash can check on the Greek customs.
Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars), up to a liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine), as well as gifts of not more than 150 euros. Banned the export of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological excavations, as well as objects found at the bottom of the sea.
What to Buy
Above all, why go to Greece, is, of course, fur coats and fur quality and cheap stuff. In addition, you can buy all sorts of handicrafts, wine, rugs pottery, weaving, embroidery, icons, jewelry (particularly interested in gold jewelery from ancient Greek motifs in silver and beautiful sets with precious stones) and other national products.