Travel tips to European Countries: Greece 

About the county

Being one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind, Greece is a country with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not.

It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages.

The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one of the most memorable to remember in one’s life.

Best Time To Visit

Easter to mid June for the weather and fewer crowds

Population & Languages

The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

Electricity

The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated in the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Local Customs

The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

Attractions

      The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)  

§          Mardi Grass Celebrations in February

§          The Parthenon in Athens

§          Dining out beneath the floodlit Acropolis in Athens

§          Taking a walk in spring through the Mani or Arcadia mountains in the Peloponnese

§          Island-hopping from Piraeus to Mykonos, Delos and Naxos

§          Hiking through Crete’s dramatic Samaria Gorge

§          Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March

§          Easter Celebrations

§          Thessaloniki ’s White Tower and country’s rich Byzantine culture

§          The south of Corinth

§          The beaches in Lesvos

§          The wine vineyards in the countryside

§          The islands near the Aegean Sea

§          The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)

§          The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

§          Wondering at the monasteries of Meteora, perched high on their pinnacles of rocks.

§          Catching the first glimpse of Santorini’s sheer cliffs and whitewashed buildings

Try local delicacies:

Spanakopita (Spinach pie), moussaka (layers of eggplant or zucchini, minced meat and potatoes topped with cheese and baked), or for something sweet, baklava (layers of filo pastry filled with honey and nuts)

Greek coffee, the national drink – it is served in a small cup with the grounds and no milk.  Ouzo, the most popular aperitif in Greece, is instilled from grape stems and flavoured with anise

Further Pleasures:

To read: Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis-a tale about living life to the fullest by Greece’s most celebrated contemporary author: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres-a captivating WWII era love story set on Kefallonia

To listen: Demks Roussos-the larger than life singer who spent the 1980’s strutting the world stage clad in his kaftan.  Yanni is a US-based techno wizard who hails from Greece.

To watch:  Eternity and a Day, directed by Theodoros Angelopoulos-traces the last days of a celebrated Greek writer: Orgasmos tis Ageladas (The Cow’s Orgasm), directed by Olga Malea-a light-hearted comedy about two girls from Larissa who are frustrated by the restrictions of small town society.

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

By Sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

By Rail – If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

Duty Free Items

Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco

100 cigarillos or 50 cigars

1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine

Perfumes – 50 gm or 250 ml

Gifts up to €175

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.