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Greece is a country that although statistically small, is huge in its diversity.
Greek landscape has given us thousands of postcard images but remains incredibly vibrant and impossible to capture.
In Greece you will walk through the olive groves and ancient sites.
You will roam from the beaches on the Greek islands to the high summits of the Greek mountains and explore breathtaking scenery.
In Greece the fusion of images becomes more than imagery and turns into reality.
So, whether it's just basking under the sun and relaxing or enjoying an adventurous activity, Greece is enjoyed year-round by people of all nations.
Fast Facts about Greece
Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, with an area of 131,957 sq.km. and a population of 10,964,020.
Athens is the capital of Greece with a population of 3,192,606.
Local time is GMT +2 hours.
The Hellenic Republic is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy.
President of the Hellenic Republic: Mr Karolos Papoulias.
Prime Minister: Mr Constantinos Karamanlis
Parliament: Three hundred elected members with elections held every four years
Greece is a member state of E.U. since 1981.
The currency is euro.
The Greek economy adopts the principles of free enterprise and is bound by the regulations of international organisations such as ECOFIN and WTO, of which it is a member.
About Greece
Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece attracts visitors with her archeological sites of Europe’s earliest civilizations, stunning scenery dotted with olive trees, gentle bays, dramatic coves, spectacular beaches and turquoise seas. These attractions combined with a passionate people, love for life and relaxed attitude make Greece one of the world’s most inviting countries.
Greece’s scenery is as varied as its beaches. There is the semitropical lushness of the Ionian, North-Eastern Aegean Islands and Crete, the bare sun baked islands of the Cyclades, and the forested mountains, icy lakes and tumbling rivers of Northern Greece. Reminders of our ancient past, the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Delphi, Tombs of the Knights in Mycenae and a later procession of Byzantine churches, Crusader fortresses and Turkish mosques are spread throughout the country.
For beach lovers there are 1,400 islands, where one can choose between rocky outcrops, pebbled coves or long swathes of golden sand. Relax, soak up the sun, swim in the azure Mediterranean or take a cruise through the beautiful, calm water.
Be sure to try some of the famous Greek specialities such as the spanakopitta (spinach pie), gyros (lamb, pork or beef in a pita), moussaka (eggplant, minced meat & potatoes), yemista (stuffed tomatoes), giouvetsi (lamb or veal casserole with pasta), soutzoukakia (meatballs), baklava (fiilo pastry with nuts and honey), and of course, the famous Greek salad with a glass of their equally famous ouzo.
Festival time or not, the Greek capacity for enjoyment of life is immediately evident. Predominantly Greek Orthodox, the most famous celebrations centre around religious events, but many festivals are for cultural enjoyment or simply an excuse to have fun. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna, sipping coffee in a shady kafeneia or dancing till dawn, chances are Greece already has you captivated.
When to Go?
April to June and end August to October - when beaches, archaeological sites and attractions are not as crowded and prices are cheaper - are the best times to visit Greece. July and August are extremely warm. Crete has the longest tourist season as you can swim from mid April to November.
MAINLAND GREECE INFO GUIDE
Over and above the attractions of Athens, mainland Greece is rich in history and diverse scenery. The Peloponnese, Greece's southern peninsula, is a region of snow crested mountains, valleys of citrus and cypress trees, and fine beaches. Important attractions include the historic site of Ancient Olympia, a complex of temples and home to the Olympic Games, the impressive Corinth Canal, started in 67AD and completed in the 19th century, the ghostly Byzantine city of Mystras on the slopes of Mt. Taygetos, Nafplio, one of Greece's prettiest towns and first capital, and Epidaurus, Greece's most famous and well preserved ancient theatre.
Visit the monasteries of Meteora, in the province of Thessaly, one of the most extraordinary sights in mainland Greece. Built into and on top of huge pinnacles of smooth rock, the monasteries provided havens from the increasing bloodshed as the Byzantine Empire waned at the end of the 14th century. Today visitors to the monasteries can see wall paintings, ecclesiastical treasures, manuscripts, libraries and exquisite icons.
Delphi, home of the sanctuary and oracle of the god of light, Apollo, was believed to be the 'navel of the world' by the ancient Greeks. Legend has it that it was at Delphi that the two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the earth in order to determine its centre, met.
Experience the coastal city of Thessaloniki's (Thessalonica) lively nightlife, sophisticated restaurants and superlative Byzantine churches. Small tavernas and basement pastry shops offer a delicious variety of famous Macedonian specialties. The Upper City is full of poetry, charm, narrow streets and lovely gardens. See the Archeological Museum and White Tower, a prominent landmark.
Southeast of Thessaloniki is the exclusive Halkidiki Peninsula boasting some 500km of coastline with superb sandy beaches surrounded by calm aquamarine seas.
Top Holidays likes to know that when you're in Greece, you're enjoying exceptional service from travel professionals. That is why we have chosen Kamari Tours to give you a warm welcome to Greece and her Islands, transfer you to and from your hotel, villa or apartment, take you on escorted special interest tours, cruises, island hopping and lots more. Their friendly and professional service will help you to capture the enchantment and allure of this spectacular country. Top Holidays offers you half day, full day, island hopping tours and beach holidays in Greece.
TOURS IN GREECE & THE ISLANDS
On all of these guided tours you are met at and taken back to your hotel and most entrance fees, cruises, meals and other items specified are included. It's best to pre-book these tours before you leave.
ATHENS SIGHTSEEING TOUR - 4 HRS
Visit many of Athens contemporary and historic attractions. See the changing of the guards and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House on Constitution Square, Panathenian Stadium, Cathedral, Academy, National Library and Omonia Square. Explore the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis Museum and tour the Acropolis. Entrance Fee to the Acropolis included.
DELOS - HALF DAY
Sail from Mykonos to the sacred island of Delos, known as the largest open air museum in Europe. Visit the important monuments including the Theatre, Lion Terrace, Temple of Apollo and well preserved houses. A must for everyone visiting Mykonos.
SANTORINI - FULL DAY
Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri with its amazingly preserved Minoan settlement, walk on volcanic lava on Nea Kameni Volcano and bathe in the hot springs at Palia Kameni in the Caldera. Travel to the inhabited islet of Thirasia and visit the picturesque village of Oia, with its traditional white Cycladic houses and spectacular views of Santorini and sunsets.
DELPHI & ARACHOVA TOUR - 11 HRS
Travel from Athens through Levadia and Arachova to the ancient sanctuary of Apollo set on a precipitous cliff, Delphi. See the Temple of Apollo, Amphitheatre, Athenian Treasury, Castalia Spring and the Delphi Museum to view numerous archeological treasures, the unique bronze Charioteer and more. Lunch & Entrance Fees included.
OTHER POPULAR TOURS
Athens at Night, Folklore Evening, Cape Sounion, Three Islands Cruise, Epidaurus, Santorini Caldera, Mykonos BBQ Cruise, Naxos Tour, Gay Cruise and more.
ISLAND HOPPING IN GREECE
Paradise Islands offers you several Island Hopping options to help you capture the true magic of Greece. Packages are either 7 or 14 Nights including Breakfasts, Hotel-Airport-Port Transfers and Ferry Tickets.
Highly recommended is Island Hopping between the Cycladic islands of Naxos, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini, which each offer different scenery, cultures, cuisine, wine, historic sites and attractions. Itinerary options include Santorini-Naxos Ios-Santorini, Santorini-Paros-Santorini, Santorini-Mykonos-Santorini, or Santorini-Ios-Santorini.
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