Rent a Car Greece provides the following city guide:
Hellenic Republic- Form of government: republic
- Area: 132,000 sq km
- Population: 10,700,000 inhabitants
- Official language: Greek, for conversation with English speaking tourists
- Religion: 95% Orthodox, 2% Islam
- Capital: Athens
- Currency: EUR
- National Day: March 25
- All times are GMT +2 / 3
- Internet domain:. Gr
- Area code: 00 30
Geographic location
Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula, is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty, European Union and euro area. Greece consists of a piece of the continent and three thousand islands. A fifth of the country is occupied by islands.
Neighbors
In northern Greece are Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, in the East - Turkey and east to the south and west, is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Ionian Sea.
Greece consists of 13 administrative regions known as peripheries, which in turn are divided into 51 prefectures. Peripherals are: Attica, Central Greece, Central Macedonia, Crete, East Macedonia and Thrace, Epirus, Ionian Islands, North Aegean, Peloponnese, South Aegean, Thessaly, West Greece, West Macedonia. There is also an autonomous region, Mount Athos (Ayion Oros - Holy Mountain), a monastic state under Greek sovereignty.
Relief
Greece consists of a mainland with many bays and peninsulas and part island (about 3 000 islands in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean). The most important are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and groups Dodecanese and the Cyclades. Greece has about 15,000 kilometers of coastline.
Climate
Greece belongs to the Mediterranean area. Country's climate is mild. Per year are 300 sunny days. Summer rains are very rare, and winter storms are common. The best time to visit Greece during late March - mid-June or September - late October.
Tourism
Greece, resorts disturbed, rocky landscapes, hidden beaches, ancient cities. Who visit once Greece, will impress all my life. There is so much variety here, in which each island offers a wonderful mix that you can not miss them. But Greece is not only the beauty of its islands. The whole country is a vast and friendly season. The strip of land along the increasing of the Aegean and Ionian Sea, ancient civilizations, legendary times and strongly rooted in past traditions, come together and live together with young millennium. The past and present alternate, like the change of scenery, from the sea to the mountains, offering visitors memorable experiences. You live in this country, surrounded by priceless historical value and museums, old age - pre-Classical, Roman, Byzantine - all in a single day, or you can enjoy simply by living, practicing water sports, making sea cruises , fishing, relaxing in your luxurious hotels, tasting of appetizing traditional or ending the day in one of the hundreds of night clubs or discos. Adequate infrastructure, by road, air or water, making Greece a very accessible destination for all those who arrive here, will be free to choose their own lifestyle and certainly to make new friends.
The major cities
Athens, Pire, Saloniki, Patri, Volos, Rhodes.
Athens
It is located on the Attica peninsula in the south-east of Greece. Athens is the city with an incredible destiny, but being one of the oldest and one of the newest European capital. The city was recognized as the cultural center of the ancient world while many European capitals, there were still no. He saw a glorious development, especially in ancient Greece. Athens has been inhabited since the Bronze Age people and governed until around 1000 BC the Ionian kings.The town takes its name from the goddess of Athens, which means wisdom in Greek mythology. Legend has it that the gods of Athens and Poseidon have found the city and strove to grasp it. Poseidon offered residents a horse for war, and Athens to tame the horse and gave oil. The original name was Athena, plural Athena, goddess names in local dialect.
Is shared between ancient culture and beach areas, is one of the great cities of Europe, which offers a unique vacation: museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and if you want a change of scenery, seaside resorts are waiting for you brilliant and full of life . You can only visit Athens Acropolis, Parthenon and the National Museum where you'll find some of the finest traces of ancient Greece and feel the charm of monuments and sacred art. If you climb the Acropolis and Athens look every time you discover another city full of contrasts and surprises: the ancient, Byzantine, neoclassical, modern, happy. Fun city can be seen everywhere: in the ancient theaters in modern exhibitions, to sports competitions, near an ancient temple columns at a concert or beside a glass of Raki in a tavern. Or, still here, you can enjoy the nightlife that this city offers you a generous with its restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Athens benefits from an excellent location, offering visitors the opportunity to know the ancient theater of Epidavros, Delphi and Mycenae - home of King Agamemnon. Also, you can cruises up to nearby islands: Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Artistic events, festivals, sports competitions, birthdays and many other fun moments choose their host here in the city of the Olympic Games.
Tourist attractions and events in Athens
Acropolis of Athens
Acropolis hill, so called "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of Atenei.in during Golden's Perikle, there were built some of the most representative architectural masterpieces of the era. The remains of the first settlement on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic peerioada. For centuries the hill was to continue Pitra be used for places of worship or for dwellings. During the classic period (450-330BC) three important temples were built on the ruins of the old: Pantheon, Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, Athena Polias, and that Athena Nike-Apter.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the most important museums in the world. Time, it houses masterpieces of ancient Greek civilization, dedicated to the most important sanctuaries currently atheniene.la contruirea began preparations for a new museum. Many unique pieces of art that were stolen and ornamental Acroplolele transferred abroad. The biggest robbery of this kind took place in 19 century by Lord Elgin.
Temple Olympus
Traditionally, the foundation of the sanctuary goes back to mythical times of his
Deucalion. The place was inhabited in prehistoric times and the cult of the god Zeus, INAC attested from the beginning. In 515 BC Peisistratos the young, begin CONSTRUCTION monumental temple but not completed due to end tyranny in Athens. Later the temple is completed by the Roman Emperor Adrian in 124/125 AD. Inside the temple there was a colossal statue (gold and ivory) of Zeus.
Exotic Destinations
Halkidiki
Halkidiki is located in northern Greece, Macedonia, and consists of 3 branches of Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos. With a coastline that stretches over a distance of 522 km, of which both the beaches varies in size as well as forms, from long beaches with fine sand, the small beaches on picturesque bays, harbors, small, traditional fishing villages.
The most beautiful area in northern Greece, the peninsula has always kept the same charm. Forests, fine beaches, golfuletele hidden, historic towns and picturesque satucurile are the delight of tourists. The peninsula is composed of three strips of land that enters the Aegean Sea. Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The first two are the most developed. Athos eastern strip, is known by the twenty monasteries scattered throughout them. Boat trips along the coast offers the most unusual views.
Thassos
Thassos Island, the northernmost island in the Aegean Sea, has 22 km from east to west and 26 km from north to south, surrounded by 93 km of coastline. "Emerald Isle" is a place with a fascinating history and a rare beauty. Whether you're sporty, love nature, or do you like nightlife, you will have a wide variety of places to visit. As tourist attractions remember Archaeological Museum in Limenas, the Museum of Kallirachi People, Museum of Skala Vaghis Potamias, archaeological sites and Alyki Limenas, the castle of Potos, Skala monastery Sf.Pantelimon of Sotira and Archangel Michael in Alyki. The beaches of the island (by, Kallirachis Skala, Skala Marion, Trip, Psili Amos, Potosi, Pefkari, Makryammos, Crys Ammoudia, Paradise Beach) have a special charm.
Entertainment possibilities start from taverns and restaurants with specific menus, go to nightclubs and small bars on the seafront, with music and traditional dances, with myriad shops and ends with the possibility to practice sports (water skiing, surfing, diving, tennis , riding).
The hosts are very welcoming, tourism meaning for them, first, hospitality, is renowned for the respect they have towards local traditions and customs.
Santorini
Santorini is a small island, very beautiful, located in southern Greece Cyclades islands complex. His first name was Strongyli (Round), later was called Callista (most beautiful), and eventually There, in honor of Theras, son Autesion (TheBat hero, descendant of Kadmus). Santorini name but is a more recent and comes from the church on the island, dedicated to St. Irene, called Aghia Irini of Greek and foreign seamen Santa Rini of. In the middle of the island is a blue water lake that has formed on a very old volcano that, according to legend, destroyed the lost continent, Atlantis, when it erupted 3500 years ago, burying the ancient city of Akrotiri (now is excavated ) under tons of ash. Santorini island has two towns, Fira and Ia, located in the highest areas of the island. Here are built hotels, restaurantae, bars and plenty of other tourist facilities to keep tourists well when dispusiatunci relax between visits to the archaeological ruins of ancient Thera.
Santorini has two accessible beaches, Perissa and Kamari, both characterized by black volcanic sand.
Tourist attractions and events in Santorini
Museum Archontiko Argyrou
On the island of Santorini in the Cyclades, just 2 km from Fira town, the museum is Archontiko Argyrou guesthouse. In 1888, George Argyros owner and wine merchant contrueste over a traditional house and a neoclassical villa decorates with paintings, furniture and ornaments.
In 1985 The Ministry of Culture house was characterized as a great piece of art of architecture.
Akrotiri archaeological site
It is one of the most important prehistoric settlements (Aegean). The first settlement dates from the late Neolithic (4 million BC). Archaeological discoveries indicate ola momendat a settlement reached an important stage of development and prosperity, with a vast network of Notable residents. Akrotiri have contact with Crete but also in Cyprus, Syria and Egypt. Life of the city knows a quick end to dry. BC following an earthquake.
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera was placed in Mesa Vound, 396m above sea level. It was founded in the nineteenth century by 9 BC by Dorian colonists led by Theras, and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period as.
Zakynthoos
Zakinthos is the southernmost island of the Ionian Sea, with a lush forest, hills, plains and mountains, olive groves and grape. Famous poets and composers have created famous pieces here, the painting begins to develop in the eighteenth - century, when it was founded the famous school of painting. Was the most beautiful beaches in the south, there is and tourist center of the island. Modern hotels, quality, many possibilities of entertainment and sports tourists waiting an.celor year Carew want to know the famous places to recommend the north, where you can Anafonitria mountain vista village, with its monasteries, cave Abastra, bays with the remains of ships shipwrecked.
Corfu Island
Corfu, the island of miracles and forests in which, according to Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus did last stop on his way back to Ithaca. Island is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated, which happily combines fun and relaxation with intense night life. Covered by olive groves, cypress and lemon, plus, sun, sand, blue sea are irresistible reasons for which tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world come and return here every year.
Corfu Town, the capital island, is situated on the relics of various civilizations that have blended here over time, creating an atmosphere unica.Orasul Corfu is a combination of Venice and Naples, France and a bit of a drop in England and course is Greece.
Achillion
Located in the village Gastouri Palace was built in 1890 for Elizabeth (Sissy), Empress of Austria as a place of consolation being used as a place of rest and relaxation in summer. Later Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany bought the palace which is near the sea, was used as a holiday for his travels with yacht.
Crete - realm of eternity
With its wild beaches and cliffs, is probably the most beautiful island of Greece and the fifth largest in Europe, she Aegean Sea separating Libya. Fine beaches, washed by turquoise waters, elongated, different from the rest of Greece (a chain of mountains which divide into several province), Minoan civilization and traces its long history are proof that make this island the Browse destinations in Greece. It is a tourist paradise equipped with first class hotels, holiday villages and bungalows located on or near the seashore.
Castle Franco
About 11 miles east of Chora Sfakion, was added to the site of the old castle, Franco, built by the Venetians in 1371 as defense against pirates, Turks and Cretan rebels.
Knossos
Knossos is the largest and best known Minoniene civilization. According to tradition was the site of the legendary King Minos. Palace is linked to the sensational stories of the maze and the Minotaur, and that of Daidalos and Icarus.
Phaistos
Phaistos was one of the most impo \ rtante centers of Minoan civilization, and the rich and powerful city in southern Crete. After the destruction of the palace in sec. fifteenth - century, the city continued to be inhabited and later built the temple of southern Rheain old palace.
Heraklion
Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete capital is 1 / 3 of the population of the island and is cincilearas Greece. Heraklion is the main gate by sea or air. The surroundings are masterpieces of Cretan civilization and art. May be noted here fort walls and Venetian Morosini Fountain, Loggia, Church of St. Minas, bazaar. 5 km from Iraklio The Palace of Knossos. At 24 km east of Iraklio is resorts Hersonissos, Malia, Stalidha, with good beaches.
Naxos Island
Naxos Island is the largest island of the archipelago Cycladelor and by far the most fertile of them. It is located in the center of the archipelago and was discovered as a tourist destination soon. Its many beaches surrounding the island, making it a perfect destination for lovers of holiday, nature, serenity and beauty. Most of the 64 villages, are climbing, are well known for cool climate and local cuisine.
Tourist attractions in Naxos
Castle Chora
Turn the border to protect fortress (Castro) has Sanoudos in Chora. The wall surrounding the fortress is pentagonal and has 3 gates. Glezos tower is near the northwest gate. It has 4 levels and is the only tower in Naxos which is also a round tower attached to it.
Iria
A sacred place where life and the people activiatile continued without interruption since the fourteenth century - century AD until today. Ionic order is the cradle of monumental Greek architecture. The sanctuary was discovered in 1982, investigated between 1986-1996 and Presented to the public in 1992.
Portara
The first thing a visitor sees even before he landed on the island is a goalkeeper. The ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo in the neighborhood are preserved until today. Costructia temple began in the 6th century AD during the reign Lygdamis tyrant, but was never finished because he was exiled by his people after losing the war with Samos tyrant.
Kalambaka
Kalambaka is placed under the shadow of a giant city of cliff, rock meteorite. These rocks are spectacular, rising from nothing like in the middle of flat plains, a freak of nature. In tor monks and their monasteries were built, which today are inhabited, and where Byzantine traditions and teachings are still predicates. Visiting Kalambaca, but especially to those monasteries fantastic, unique in the world, is something quite extraordinary, unforgettable.
Kavala
Kavala is not only a beautiful place, but a modern city with a long history, rich traditions, unique landscapes, but most importantly - its people so hospitable.
Neapolis (new city) was an important center during the Macedonian era. He is also the place where St. Paul first stepped on European soil when he came here to preach the word of Spirit and Christian faith, which is why during the Byzantine era was renamed Christoupolis.
Paralia Katerini
The blue waters of the Mediterranean that embrace Pieria and Olympus shores waiting Paralia most cosmopolitan and bright corner of Pieria. In Paralia'll find everything you need: recreation, entertainment, power and quiet at the same time, a stay comfortable and pleasant, powerful emotions that will accompany many years. But visiting this resort you will understand why they chose it as the residence of the gods of Olympus. Very beautiful and picturesque beaches over creates a special feeling to every visitor feel like in this region landscape and serenity of nature sculpts images of unparalleled power that surrounds you like in a fairy tale. Commercial shops that offers discounted present, nightlife and temptations of the best places in Paralia, Greek traditional meals, snacks fishery are offered in great variety, will be drunk with pleasure.
Salonika
Thessaloniki is the second largest city, capital of Macedonia and northern Greece, this city was the realm of Alexander the Great, named after his sister, Thessaloniki, when it was founded in 316 BC The town is bordered by hills, is placed facing the Gulf Thermaikos. Despite the fact that is one of the oldest cities in Europe, today Thessaloniki is a modern and lively, more attractive than Athens with wide roads, beautiful parks and markets. In 1917 the town was destroyed by a massive fire and was rebuilt afterwards. Because the area prone to earthquakes, which is high, Thessaloniki is low buildings, which gives a special charm. The main markets of the city are: Payment and Payment Elefterias Aristotelous, both placed close to the sea and animated by the many cafes and restaurants.
Because the town was a long time under Ottoman rule, there remained Byzantine churches and museums which house artifacts and Byzantine art. Also, the city has a legacy of recent Christian community, especially near the Mount Athos monasteries renovated. Regarded as one of the finest museums in Europe, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, located near the famous White Tower, houses a huge collection, including the incredible treasures of the tomb of Philip the Great, father of Alexander the Great, discovered in Vergina, in 1977. Another interesting target is found in Market Dikasterion - Roman Forum, on two levels, which represent the''heart''in the ancient city. It was discovered in 1960 and within it was a great play, also the best preserved site of forum and that still is used occasionally for concerts during the summer.
Rhodes
The largest island of the archipelago Dodecaneselor, Rhodes and Rhodes became an important regional center, thanks to its location, climate and natural attractions. It is known that the Sun Island. Pindar mentions in one of one of his odes to be born from the union of the god Helios the nymph Rhoda. The island is covered by fertile soil, rich vegetation, the highest point of the island is the tip Atavyros (1.215 m) located in the southwest. The capital, also named Rhodes, is the north island and consists basically of three cities: modern, ancient and medieval. The modern city has a cosmopolitan character, with most buildings erected in ancient 20.Orasul century, founded in 408 IC boasts the ruins of temples of Zeus, Athens and Apollo, the Stadium, Gymnasium and Theater. Medieval city is surrounded by high walls of the Knights Cross. It is divided into two unequal parts: the small and big Collachio Burgo or Hora. The island abounds in încânt_toare and interesting places that worth visiting, such as the Valley of Butterflies, Triada village, near the ancient Lalyssos (lalissos) on top Filerimos, which was built in the 15th century monastery of the same name, the ruins of the temples of Athens and Zeus Kameiros (Kamir) and the ruins at Dorian's, Kalithea with spas, Koskinou, Afandou, Faliraki and Rodin. Above all, however, should not miss Lindos. The contrast between bright white houses built on two terraces, beaches and old town, form one of the most striking images from Greece. Finally, the entire island is surrounded by magnificent beaches equipped for relaxation and sport. Rhodes is connected by airlines of Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Karpathos, Kassem, Kos, Megisti, Mykonos and Santorini. Rhodes ferry connects the Piraeus, the other Dodecanese, the Cyclades, from Crete and eastern Aegean islands.
Tourist attractions in Rhodes
Hill of Monte Smith
Hill of Monte Smith is the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes town. The archaeological park containing beautiful green unfolds Hellenistic theater built in sec. III BC, where athletic events took place. They were part of a festival held in honor of the god Ilios.
Knights Palace SF John
The palace was built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem on an century Byzantine fortress. XVII - century. After his leave during Turkish occupation, was heavily damaged by the explosion of a powder storage. Restoration of the palace took place between 1937 and 1940 when the building was decorated with murals.
Valley of Butterflies
Valley of Butterflies is a unique ecosystem in the world by that survived intact.
Valley is located along the river Pelekanos, which owes its existence to small waterfalls and fast.
Featured Activities (you can use a rental car to view the cities)
Salonika
The second largest city in Greece and the main administrative center of the northern region, the city has a history dating back over 4000 years, which is still seen today in the many monuments, artifacts and buildings of all ages who have succeeded. Culturally and geographically divided, Thessaloniki has something to offer for everyone. The main attractions are the White Tower (the main tourist landmark of the city), esplanade along the bay Thermaikos, animated and studded with shops, banks, taverns and bars modern, Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum, the Arch of Galerius, Church St. Dumitru, the old center, Modiano Market.
Mount Athos
A wonderful day trip by yacht on clear waters of the Aegean Sea, around Mount Athos, an opportunity to admire some of the great monasteries scattered between mountain ridges. Good opportunity for photos and possibilities of beach on the deck of the vessel.
Meteora
One of the most attractive sights in Greece, the monastic complex offers unique views of the Meteora monasteries built on top of steep cliffs, the park inaltandu in the air, were up eight decades ago by the monks accesebile just pulled the rope, today's tourists can visit climbing the stairs a few dozen carved in mountains. Possibility stop in Kalambaka at famous icons workshops.
Waterland
Aquatic Park is located near Thessaloniki and is recommended for those passionate about extreme adventure and willing to strong emotions. Many slides for different age groups. Those with weak hearts can relax making beach and bathing in the pool complex.
Crozier in the Gulf Toroneos
An unforgettable adventure at sea, fisherman's breakfast, beach and bathing in places with the clear waters, accompanied on board the Greek music and traditional dances. Opportunities for snorkeling.
Scuba Diving
Discover the rich fauna and flora of the Aegean Sea with adequate facilities for diving. Courses at least one days, accessible to both novice and professionals.
Other information
Shipping
Most places on the island are accessible by local transport, but it is recommended to rent a car, they can explore the island freely.
Shopping
Shops are generally open in the morning and afternoon until late evening. Banks and post offices were short program. In most resorts, shops are open on weekends.
Tipping
Tip is included in most bills from restaurants and hotels, but it is customary to leave about May. 10% of total consumatiei. Staff taximetristii hotels and usually receive a tip.
National cuisine
Preferred are fatty food, spicy generous. Mutton and beef are the foundation of many national food. Pork and poultry inferior than before them. Toaster dishes for the exclusive use of olive oil. International restaurants menu is offered in two languages. In small restaurants and taverns often allows a choice of dishes directly from the local cuisine. The most popular dishes of traditional Greek cuisine are: "avgolemono" - rice soup with egg and lemon, "domates hemistes" - ripe tomatoes, stuffed with rice and meat, "garides" - shrimp, Omar, "calamarakia" - squid; "melitsanes" - Eggplant, "taramosalata" - salad of fish eggs.
Entry formalities
The import of live plants, complete with soil. It banned the export of items with historical and cultural value.
