What to visit in Greece - the most interesting and unusual sights of the Hellenistic world. What to see in Greece on your own? What is worth visiting in Greece

The first place to look for ancient sights of Greece known from history textbooks is Athens, the capital of the country, which in ancient times had the status of a city-state.

The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous Greek landmarks and a recognizable symbol of the capital, a monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Just 500 meters from the Acropolis with the famous Parthenon stands the largest ancient Greek temple - Olympion (Temple of Olympian Zeus), the construction of which lasted about 650 years and was completed in the 2nd century AD.

On the southern slope of the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient stone amphitheater that hosts the Athens Theater Festival every summer.

The capital also houses the country's main archaeological museum, dedicated to the cultures of antiquity. It houses a huge collection of artifacts - more than 20 thousand items, from the Neolithic to the post-Byzantine era.

Beautiful ancient Greek monuments and panoramic natural views can be found on the islands of Crete and Rhodes.

Sights of the islands of Greece

A beach holiday on the island of Crete can be combined with a very rich excursion program. Crete is home to several ancient Greek sites. The most impressive architectural monument is the Palace of Knossos, in the vicinity of which, according to myths, there was a labyrinth with the Minotaur imprisoned in it. With excursions or on your own you can visit the Phaistos Palace, the Venetian fortress of Frangokastello, ancient city Rizenia and other historically significant places. In addition, there are many interesting museums on the island, most of whose exhibitions are related to archaeology.

The most famous sights of the island of Rhodes in Greece are the ancient city of Lindos with a huge ancient acropolis, second in size and importance after the Athenian one. From a historical point of view, the acropolis in the city of Rhodes is also noteworthy, and along with it, the tourist route includes the Palace of the Grand Masters, the medieval street of the Knights of John, museums and the port. In search of natural beauties, you should go to the famous ones, who are credited with miraculous properties.

On the island of Corfu, architectural monuments and natural places. The highest peak of the island is

It is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you want to visit this place, you will find a huge variety of attractions: historical places and more than 60 inhabited islands, whose history goes back more than four thousand years. As well as azure beaches and towering mountain ranges. And, despite the debt crisis and daily protests, it is more popular among tourists than ever.

Mount Athos - Mount Athos or "Holy Mountain"

Attraction Mount Athos or “Holy Mountain” is also a peninsula located in the northern part of Greece. There are more than 20 Orthodox monasteries on this mountain. Athos has the name “Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain” and entry into it is strictly controlled, only men have the right to do so.

Mystras (City of Mystras) - former capital of the Pelopennese

The city of Mystras is located near Sparta. In the Middle Ages it was the capital of the Peloponnese, and its rulers were from the family of the Byzantine emperor. The area was inhabited for a time, but was abandoned in 1832, leaving only striking medieval ruins amidst beautiful scenery.

Lindos (Lindos) - a well-preserved medieval city

– a medieval city located on an island with cobbled streets intersecting between snow-white houses. The Acropolis rises above the city, offering breathtaking views of the picturesque harbors and coastline. The beaches and St. Paul are just a short walk from the city center.

Samaria Gorge (Samaria Gorge) - the largest gorge in the world

The well-known Samaria Gorge is located in the southwest of the island of Crete. It is also the largest in the world and reaches 10 miles in length. Gorge hikes are extremely popular, with more than a quarter of a million tourists taking part each year. The entire walk takes from 4 to 7 hours and passes through forests of centuries-old cypress and pine trees. Then the passage narrows between steep cliffs, and the exit from the gorge is located near the village of Ayia Roumeli near the Libyan Sea.

Myrtos Beach - one of the best beaches in Greece

If you want to soak up the sun, Myrtos Beach is located in the northwestern part of Kefalonia and is known throughout the world for its incredibly beautiful water colors. The turquoise sea water contrasts with the snow-white pebbles that cover the beach. And the steep mountains and high cliffs against the backdrop of the beach decorate this place even more. Thanks to all this, Myrtos Beach was chosen as the most best beach Greece as many as 12 times!

Delphi Theater (Delphi) - one of the popular attractions in Greece

In ancient times, the city of Delphi was the most important religious center. But it was decided to build a theater there. The theater was built on a hill, from where the audience had a wonderful view of the temple and picturesque landscapes. The theater originally seated 5,000 spectators, but today it is one of the main attractions in Greece.

Meteora - an incredible complex of monasteries

Another amazing wonder of the world. Meteora (in other words "floating in the air") of central Greece is a complex of monasteries impressively perched on top of rocky cliffs. The very first monastery was founded back in the 14th century. Access to the monasteries was deliberately difficult, requiring either long stairs or large networks. Now all this has been replaced with modern means.

Mykonos (Mykonos Island) - the most visited Greek attraction

The island is widely known as one of the best Greek attractions. The largest city on the island is Chora, picturesque city with a labyrinth of narrow streets. It is also known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs.

Parthenon, Acropolis (Parthenon, Acropolis) - the most famous place in Greece

The Parthenon at the top of the Athens Acropolis is also one of Greece's most famous landmarks, and a trip to the city is not complete without visiting this temple. Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC. and was completed only in 432. BC. During its long life, the Parthenon served as a temple, a church, a mosque, and even a gunpowder warehouse.

Santorini (Santorini Island) - the most romantic place

The island of volcanic origin is part of the Cyclades archipelago of the Greek islands. It is famous for its magnificent landscapes, stunning sunsets, snow-white houses and active volcanoes. The capital, Thira, is a reunion of Venetian and Greek architecture, with white stone-paved streets full of shops, taverns, hotels and cafes, while the city itself sits on the edge of a 400-metre cliff. An unforgettable experience. I recommend visiting there.

Greece is a country in southern Europe, located at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula, with long coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, Cretan and Mediterranean seas. The country is bordered in the north by Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and in the northeast by Turkey. Country area - 131,957 km². In total, as of 2018, 10,741,165 people live here.

The country has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the art, language, philosophy, politics and sports of Western society. Huge number phenomena of Western culture originated precisely in Ancient Greece - this is theater, philosophy as such, a democratic model of government, the Olympic movement. Today, Greece is an EU member state and a popular tourist destination with numerous resorts on both the mainland and numerous islands. In total, Greece includes about 600-700 islands, many of which are uninhabited.

Every year, the country of 11 million is visited by tourists, whose number is comparable to the population of Greece, and often even exceeds. Vacationers are attracted by the beaches, consistently good weather in summer, nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.

More than 90% of visitors to Greece are residents European countries, although recently the number of tourists from other parts of the world has been growing. The active tourist season lasts from April to October with a peak in July and August. The bulk of tourists come to the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos and Crete, as well as a number of others (Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, etc.).

Current time in Athens:
(UTC +2)

Tourism is also developed in the Peloponnese region and the Halkidiki peninsula in Macedonia. At the same time, there are many places left in the country that are worthy of visiting, but are not affected by mass tourism. The country is famous for its diverse architecture and many ancient and medieval historical monuments, so it is a real paradise for the inquisitive tourist.

How to get there

There are many ways to get to Greece, but the most logical, convenient, fastest and cheapest is by plane. Both regular and charter flights fly to Greek resorts. At the same time, traditionally regular flights allow you to feel free, and charter flights are sold in most cases only in conjunction with a tour.

The cost of tours to Greece, due to its popularity, is not so high, and simply lying on the beach with a couple of excursions will most often be cheaper than a self-organized trip. However, organizing the trip yourself will be more interesting and eventful. By the way, it’s not a fact that this kind of travel will cost more, because there are often sales on European routes.

In any case, how to go is up to you, and we will list flight options to cities and resorts in Greece, both charter and regular flights. At the same time, the schedule of charter flights changes during the season (depending on the market situation, demand and other factors), but in general the picture remains the same. Regular flights are less subject to changes.

Regular flights to Greece

Direct regular flights from Moscow to Athens are operated by Aegean Airlines and Aeroflot.

In addition to the obvious option of getting to Athens from various Russian cities with a connection in Moscow, there are other ways: various flights fly from both the Russian capital and from the regions to the capital of Greece European airlines with connections at their home airports. Below we list these airlines (connection cities are indicated in brackets).

• Austrian Airlines (Vienna): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar to Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), Chania (Crete), Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Zakynthos.
• Czech Airlines (Prague): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Samara, Ufa to Athens.
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara to Athens.
• AlItalia (Rome
• Air France (Paris): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
• KLM (Amsterdam): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
• Brussels Airlines (Brussels): from Moscow to Athens.
• Air Malta (La Valletta): from Moscow to Athens.
• SAS (Stockholm and Copenhagen): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens.
• Swiss (Zurich): from Moscow, St. Petersburg to Athens. From Moscow it is also possible to connect in Geneva.
• Air Baltic(Riga): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad to Athens.
• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk to Athens and Thessaloniki.

Charter flights to Greece

Charters from Moscow

• Mykonos: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week)
• Santorini: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week)
• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Aegean Airlines (5 times a week), Astra (7 times a week), Aeroflot (5 times a week), Vim-Avia (6 times a week)
• (): Aegean Airlines (5 times a week), Aeroflot (5 times a week)
• Kos: Aegean Airlines (4 times a week), Kuban Airlines (2 times a week)
• : Kuban Airlines (3 times a week), Aegean Airlines (4 times a week), Aeroflot (2 times a week)
• Corfu: Aegean Airlines (3 times a week), Aeroflot (2 times a week)
• Kalamatu: Aegean Airlines (2 times a week)
• Zakynthos: Kuban Airlines (2 times a week)

Charters from St. Petersburg

• , Russia (2 times a week)
• Heraklion (Crete): Russia (2 times a week)
• Rhodes: Russia (2 times a week)
• Corfu: Russia (once a week)

Charters from Ekaterinburg

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Ural Airlines(3 times a week), Astra Airlines (2 times a week)
• Heraklion (Crete): Ural Airlines (3 times a week), Orenburg Airlines (every 10 days)
• Kos: Ural Airlines (every 15 days)

Charters from Rostov

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Donavia (once a week), Astra Airlines (2 times a week), Aegean Airlines (once a week)
• Heraklion (Crete): Orenburg Airlines (every 11 days), Aegean Airlines (once a week)
• Rhodes: Aegean Airlines (2 times a week), Donavia (every 10 days)

Charters from Samara

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Ural Airlines (once a week), Astra (once a week)
• Heraklion (Crete): Orenburg Airlines (every 11 days), Kuban Airlines (once a week)
• Rhodes: Orenburg Airlines (every 11 days)
• Kos: Sky Express (every 14 days), Kuban Airlines (every 10 days)

Charters from Kazan

• Heraklion (Crete): Tatarstan (every 10 days), Aegean Airlines (every 14 days)
• Chania (Crete): Tatarstan (every 10 days)
• Rhodes: Aegean Airlines (once every 10-11 days)
• Kos: Tatarstan (2 times every 10-11 days)
• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Voronezh

• Heraklion (Crete): Flight (2 times a week)

Charters from Perm

• Kos: Kuban Airlines (every 10-11 days)
• Rhodes: Kuban Airlines (once a week)

Charters from Ufa

• Heraklion (Crete): Tatarstan (every 11 days)
• Rhodes: Kuban Airlines (every 10-11 days)

Charters from Volgograd

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Krasnodar

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Kuban Airlines (once a week)
• Athens: Kuban Airlines (once a week/once every 2 weeks)

Charters from Nizhny Novgorod

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Novosibirsk

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (once a week)

Charters from Omsk

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Orenburg

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Orenburg Airlines (once a week)

Charters from Saratov

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 10-11 days)

Charters from Tyumen

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (every 2 weeks)

Charters from Kyiv

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Astra (4 times a week)
• Athens: Sky Wings (3 times a week)
• To Heraklion (Crete): Windrose (once a week)
• Rhodes: Ukraine International Airlines (every 10 days)

Charters from Minsk

• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): Belavia (3-4 times a week)
• Corfu: Belavia (once a week)

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Climate and weather in Greece

Despite its small size, Greece has a varied climate.

Most of the country, including coastal areas, has a Mediterranean subtropical climate. Summers are hot and dry, with almost constant sunshine for 7 months, usually from April to November. The rest of the year from November to March is characterized by relatively cool and rainy weather. In summer, rains are quite rare. The highest precipitation is on the coast of the Ionian Sea and the Ionian Islands. The driest areas of the country are the islands in the south Aegean Sea and areas of the southeastern part of the mainland.

The height of the holiday season begins in mid-July and usually lasts until mid-August, when north winds The Meltemi are starting to cool the country. During this period, the midday sun is very hot and during this time most Greeks avoid outdoor physical activity between 13:00 and 17:00. It's best to tailor your daily routine to suit the local lifestyle: get up early, sightseeing in the cool morning hours, and then spend the afternoon in the pleasant shade or on the beach.

In the evenings the temperature drops to a very comfortable level. In coastal areas near open water(away from coves and bays with standing water), especially on most islands, there are frequent breezes and can be chilly at night.

Although the Mediterranean climate dominates most of the country, there are still two other climate zones. The first is the cold alpine climate zone, which is observed in the mountainous regions of the country, including the high plains. The second type of climate is continental, found in the northern and northeastern regions of Greece, characterized by very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.

Cities and regions

Main cities of Greece

• Athens is the capital of Greece, the center of the Attica region. The first settlement appeared in this area around 3,000 BC.
• Thessaloniki is the second most important and largest city in Greece, proudly bearing the title of the northern capital.
• Heraklion, the largest city, airport and port of Crete, has become one of the most visited places in Greece due to its excellent recreational conditions and rich cultural heritage.

Tourist areas of Greece

Crete is the largest and most south island Greek archipelago. Located in the Mediterranean, Crete is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. The area of ​​the island of Crete is over 8000 square kilometers. The topography of Crete is predominantly mountainous; the highest peak, Mount Ida, rises 2,457 meters above sea level. Numerous mountain ranges dissected by gorges, many fertile valleys are covered with date and olive groves, vineyards and orange orchards. The island's numerous (more than three thousand) caves are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites.

Rhodes, located in southeastern Greece, is one of the largest islands in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group of islands. Translated from Greek, Rhodes means “island of roses”. It was formed as a result of the collapse of the Aegean continent, like most of the islands of the Aegean Sea. Among the islands, Rhodes is the fourth largest and has the mildest climate.

The island of Kos is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Historians suggest that the name of this island comes from the word “crab”. The image of this crustacean was minted on coins that first appeared in use on this island. The island's topography is mostly flat with small hills, although there are small hills on the eastern side.

Peninsulas bathed in the Aegean Sea have become popular resort places, attracting lovers of family holidays, Orthodox pilgrims, and active regulars of nightclubs or casinos. Geographically, the Halkidiki peninsula begins southeast of the second largest Greek city of Thessaloniki, where the international airport is located. Hot summers and moderate winter temperatures of around 12°C have a beneficial effect on vegetation, allowing the peninsula to be surrounded by greenery almost all year round. Vast olive, beech, fir and pine groves and orchards abound here.

The island of Corfu (Greek name - Kerkyra) belongs to the group of Greek islands located in the Ionian Sea. Its area is 592 sq. km, length is about 64 kilometers, the widest part is 32 kilometers, the total coastline is 217 kilometers. The island, stretching along the mainland, is home to more than 107,600 thousand inhabitants. The western part of the island of Corfu is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, and its eastern part by the waters of the Ionian Sea. Being in the north of the island, you can see the coast of Albania, located 1.5 kilometers from Kerkyra.

13 administrative districts of Greece

Regions of Greece

• Thrace and Eastern Macedonia (Kavala, Drama; Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Xanthi)
• Central Macedonia (Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Vergina, Edessa, Veria, Naoussa)
• Western Macedonia (Kastoria, Kozani)
• Thessaly (Larissa, Magnesia, Volos, Karditsa, Trikala, Mount Pelion, Meteora)
• Epirus (Ioannina, Igoumenitsa)
• Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca)
• Western Greece (Patras, Agrinio, Messolonghi)
• Central Greece (Lamia, Thebes, Livadia, Chalkis, Amfisa, Delphi)
• Peloponnese (Corinth, Sparta, Nafplio, Argos, Kamalata, Tripoli, Monemvasia)
• Attica (Athens, Sounion, Kythira)
• Crete (Heraklion, Rethymnon, Knossos, Chania, Gramvousa, Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi, Sitia, Ierapetra)
• The Southern Aegean Islands consists of two main groups: the Cyclades: (Anafi, Andros, Amorgos, Folegandros, Ios, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos, Koufonisi) and the Southern Sporades: (Kastellorizo, Astypalea, Kalymnos, Kassos, Karpathos, Kos , Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Rhodes, Tilos)
• North Aegean Islands (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Psara, Thassos, Samothras)

What to see

Undoubtedly, it will not be possible to cover all of Greece in a two-week vacation; the country is too rich in interesting places. However, it doesn’t hurt to choose the most interesting things for yourself before the trip, so as not to waste precious time while already in place. To do this, you can look at the section “attractions of Greece”, or select a specific location just below from the list.

Athens

Crete

Rhodes

Kos

Where to go in Greece

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Private guides in Greece

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Greece in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Leisure

Holidays and festivals

List of public holidays:

• New Year - January 1
• Epiphany - January 6
• End of Maslenitsa (First day of Lent) - floating (February 19, 2007)
• Independence Day and Annunciation - March 25
• Good Friday - Floating (April 25, 2008)
• Easter - floating (April 27, 2008)
• Second day of Easter - floating (April 28, 2008)
• May Day, Workers' Solidarity Day - May 1
• Trinity - floating (June 15, 2008)
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - August 15
• Liberation Day in World War II - October 28
• Christmas – December 25
• St. Stephen - December 26

The three main public holidays are Christmas, Easter and Dormition. Christmas is usually a personal, family holiday, but illuminations and decorations are put up in squares throughout the country. On the day of the Assumption, large festivals are held in many cities and festivals. The Easter weekend is perhaps the most lavish of all the holidays, with religious processions on Good Friday and Saturday evening culminating in multiple fireworks displays at midnight before Easter morning.

Apókries, the carnival before Lent, although not an official holiday, is nevertheless widely celebrated throughout the country, with the Patriarch attending the largest and most famous events. The carnival season is lavish, ending with costumes, festivities and various local rituals a week before the end of Lent.

In addition to the national holidays, most cities and regions have their own regional celebrations dedicated to various historical events, local patron saints or grape harvests.

Unlike most public holidays in other countries, Independence Day in Greece is a very sober holiday.

Please note that the way Holy Week and Easter are calculated in Greek Orthodox Church differs from that accepted in the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches. Therefore, Holy Week and Easter in the Greek Orthodox Church are usually somewhat later than in the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, however, they also often coincide (as in 2007).

Getting around the country

Bus

Intercity buses are a popular form of transport for traveling within the country. is a government-sponsored network of independent carriers united together into a dense transport system covering almost the entire country. The system is efficient, reliable and relatively inexpensive. It operates over both long and short distances, even including routes from big cities to islands close to the mainland such as Corfu and Cephalonia (in which case the cost of the ferry is included in the cost of the bus ticket).

Train

Trains are another inexpensive way to get where you need to go, but the national system railways very limited. Railway transport fell into disrepair after the arrival of large road and air carriers, as well as due to technological difficulties in laying tracks through the difficult terrain of the country. IN last years A large-scale modernization of the country's railways was carried out. A brand new suburban (regional) railway system, Proastiakos, serving Attica and surrounding areas, opened in 2004 and is expanding further. The Athens-Thessaloniki route was also modernized, which reduced travel time.

Automobile

Traveling around the country by car can bring unforgettable experience, giving you the opportunity, at your own discretion, to discover incredibly picturesque, different areas of the coasts, mainland and islands. However, the number of road accident victims is quite high, and Greece is among the “leaders” among EU countries. Most Greeks drive aggressively, and the country's topographical realities pose challenges, causing most narrow roads in mountainous regions to twist and turn. On the positive side, the road fatality rate is constantly decreasing due to government campaigns, tightening controls and legislative initiatives.

Roads are generally well marked and maintained. The state network of multi-lane highways is being expanded. Due to numerous changes, it is recommended to have the most up-to-date roadmap. Most new highways charge tolls, often hefty ones. Road signs in Greek are usually duplicated with inscriptions in Latin.

For some, minor greek roads, for example, in towns and villages, may seem surprisingly narrow. If two cars meet on a narrow stretch of road, usually one of the drivers is looking for a place where he can pull off the road and give way to the other. Sometimes one driver must yield to another. Following these traditions is the norm, and deviating from them may anger other drivers. Because of this, and also because pedestrians often walk on the roadway, slow down in villages and avoid big cities.

Another distinctive feature of driving in Greece is the range of speeds at which traffic travels, especially on the highway. Although the maximum speed is 120 km/h, some cars can travel at a speed of 60 km/h. Others, on the contrary, drive beyond the specified limits and can approach from behind very quickly. It is recommended to drive in the leftmost lane, overtaking only slower cars.

Car rental agencies are present throughout the country, especially in big cities and in places popular with tourists. The cars offered are mainly cars with a manual transmission, there are also automatic ones, but it is advisable to reserve them in advance. Gasoline prices are high compared to Russia, although not higher than in other EU countries. Some agencies and insurance policies do not allow you to drive your vehicle outside the country.

Drivers who do not have a European license must have an international driving license obtained in their home country. They may not be required when renting a car, but they will definitely be needed in the event of an accident or during a roadside inspection. Insurance conditions may not be valid if the non-EU driver does not have an international licence.

Ferry

One common way to get to the islands is by ferry. The frequency, reliability and availability of ferries varies greatly depending on the time of year. For example, during the low season in winter (from January to March), the weather in the Aegean Sea can be unfavorable, and ships often stay in ports for several days. This type of delay is completely unpredictable (the decision is not made by the ferry companies, but rather by the port management) and it is almost impossible to determine when ships docked in the harbor will be able to sail. On the other hand, ferries in August are full on the eve of a public holiday (August 15), so it is better for the traveler to plan ahead.

IN high season the number of routes from Athens is large, and only a few intermediate islands cannot be reached by anything other than shuttles. Again, in winter some ferries run once or twice a week.

Athens has 3 ports: the main port of Piraeus and the remote ports of Rafina and Lavrio. They serve all the islands, but the central Cyclades islands such as Tinos are best sailed from Rafina.

Average sailing time for ferries from Athens (port of Piraeus): to Paros - 4 hours, to Mykonos - 5.5 hours, to Santorini - 8 hours, to Heraklion (Crete) - 9 hours.

Ferries are perhaps the only transport in Greece that leaves on time. The new “fast ferries” cut the time by almost half, but the prices are slightly higher. Sometimes it is more practical to travel by air, especially to Crete and Rhodes. However, the flight will cost more. The journey by regular ferry from Athens to Santorini takes 8 hours, but the views from the ship on the approaches to the island are stunning.

The main ferry companies operating in Greece are:

• (Cyclades)
• (Crete and international transport)
• (Italy - Greece and Aegean Islands)
• (Saronic Gulf)
• (Aegean Islands)
• (Italy - Greece and Crete)
• (Aegean Islands and Northern part mainland)
• (Italy - Greece)
• (Italy - Greece)

Airplane

The country's domestic air travel industry is dominated by a state-owned company and its competitor. Both airlines offer a wide range of destinations, including services connecting some islands to the mainland. Tickets can be booked directly on airline websites. Both have a number of convenient Internet services, special offers, etc.

Taxi

There are many taxis in Greece, and in resort regions they are not a particular problem. But in big cities, especially Athens, it can be difficult to catch. Taxi drivers are notorious for being rude and they won't take you if they don't like it. You can call a taxi just like any other big city, but in Athens many taxi drivers can refuse if they don’t like the direction. If you need to catch a taxi during rush hour, it is almost impossible to find a car that will go outside of Athens (they will all say they are going home, or worse, they will ignore you).

When you need to get to the beaches of the southern suburbs, you can find a hotel and take a taxi from the hotel, it's much easier. A taxi driver, as a rule, will not take more than three people, but he can load the trunk so that it does not close - the car can be very small. The taxi situation has improved somewhat since the Olympics, when all drivers were trained to be polite, but finding taxis in Athens is still a problem.

Communication

Greek - official language countries, and the native language of the majority of the population, but the English-speaking visitor has no particular language problems. English is the most widely spoken and understood foreign language. Next come French, Italian and German. Basic English can be expected from almost all personnel working in the tourism and public transport industries, as well as from Greeks under the age of 40. However, knowledge of a few Greek words such as "hello" and "thank you" is warmly appreciated.

The Latin and Cyrillic letters are derived from the Greek alphabet, and almost half of the Greek letters look like their Latin counterparts, just as most Greek letters are similar in style to their Cyrillic counterparts. With a little practice, it becomes easy to decipher written names and common names, such as "hotel", "cafeteria", etc. In addition, city names on road signs throughout the country are often transliterated in Latin letters (some signs, especially new ones roads, even fully translated into English).

Culture

Norms of behavior in society

The Greeks judge a person's politeness by his behavior, not by his words. Moreover, the spirit of informality is everywhere, everyone is considered a relative. Greeks love to gesticulate a lot. Sometimes politeness that is excessively expressed in words is regarded by the interlocutor as pretentiousness. It would be kind of you to learn the basic words: “thank you” (Ευχαριστa - Eucharist O), “please” (Παρακαλώ - Parakal O), "Hello" ( Καλημέρα - Kalim uh ra).

Greeks take their leisure time very seriously. Don't take perceived laziness or rudeness too seriously. However, the Greeks take politics and football very seriously.

It is also not customary for women to appear in churches with bare shoulders and for men and women with bare legs. During the tourist season, these rules are not followed so strictly.

Don't call Greece part of eastern Europe, Greece was the only openly pro-Western country on the coast among its pro-Soviet and neutral communist neighbors. Geographically speaking this is also incorrect. The Macedonian issue is also very pressing: the Greeks believe that the name "Macedonians" was stolen from them and used as a name by Tito's partisans in southern Yugoslavia.

Also, be careful when talking about the Byzantine Empire, which is a symbol of their national pride and greatness. However, the majority will express the opposite opinion about the military junta of the late 1960s and mid-1970s. Many Greeks, not just communists or members of other leftist groups, were subjected to severe repression and speak of those leaders with clear resentment. Also be polite when inquiring about their relationship with the Turks, the Turkish occupation and civil war in Cyprus in 1974, as it causes heated, sometimes violent debates, causing turmoil in the relations of the two nations.

Indecent gestures

To “scold” someone with their hands, the Greeks show an open palm, as if calling for them to stop. This is called "muntsa". Sometimes they do this by saying "na" (here). Thus, the Greeks can “send” a person, or say that he did something ridiculous. “Muntza” comes from a gesture used in the Byzantine era, when the judge used his hand to smear ashes on the face of the condemned person in order to expose him to ridicule.

Smoking

Greeks smoke an awful lot, considering it their birthright. However, new laws already restrictions on smoking are being imposed, and awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke has increased in recent years. Don't be afraid to ask your taxi driver or neighbor to put away your cigarette butt if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Kitchen

Food

Greek cuisine is a mixture of local traditions and borrowings from other cultures. Neighboring Italy and Türkiye have had a significant influence on Greek cuisine, so much so that there are many common dishes. Traditional Greek food includes many vegetables, herbs and grains, and seafood. Lamb, beef, and pork dishes are very popular here, and chicken is especially popular. Olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, with lemon and tomato paste being other common ingredients. Bread and wine are always served on the dinner table.

Greek restaurants around the world try to cater to diners' expectations rather than offering a truly authentic Greek dish. For example, gyros is a traditional dish on the Greek menu outside of Greece. While today in Greece the Greeks themselves consider it an ordinary food that can be bought in any cafe.

Eating out is a common pastime for Greeks and useful experience for visitors, however, if you don’t know where to go or what to do, you can spoil your impression. In the past, restaurants aimed more at tourists tended to disappoint. Fortunately, the national restaurant industry has greatly improved in sophistication over the past decade, and now popular tourist places You can find many excellent restaurants, especially in those resorts that are also popular among Greek tourists. So good idea- is to dine where the Greeks themselves dine. The best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine (with local peculiarities), but also the latest culinary trends in Greece.

The country also has international restaurants offering a wide variety of different dishes, such as Chinese, French, Italian and modern international.

Vegetarian cuisine

Vegetarianism has never existed in Greece popular destination, and you can count the number of restaurants catering to vegetarians on one hand. However, Greeks consume less meat per capita than residents of northern Europe or North America, Greek cuisine has countless plant-based dishes. Greeks eat meat and milk, but because so much of their diet consists of legumes, vegetables, greens and fruits, vegans or vegetarians visiting Greece will have no problem finding vegetarian food. There is a special travel agency offering many tours designed specifically for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular local dishes

Traditional fast food dishes: gyros (γiρος) - fried pork or chicken (less commonly beef) and side dish, wrapped in fried pita or on an open plate; souvlaki (σουβλaκι), meat roasted on a spit; a Greek dish called tzatziki (τζατζiκι) is made from filtered yogurt, olive oil, garlic, finely chopped cucumbers and dill or mint; and skordalia (σκορδαλιya) - a potato cream sauce with garlic, usually served with deep-fried cod.

Thanks to its long coastline and islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try grilled octopus or achinosalat (sea urchin eggs with lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood on menus must be labeled. Some fried fish sold by the pound can be very expensive, so if you're watching your budget, check how much a particular portion will cost before ordering it.

Greek salad (called in some places “country salad”, “Horl” A tiki") - a mixture of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and onions, with a couple of olives, with the addition of green capsicum or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is flavored only with olive oil; Vinegar or lettuce is added only in restaurants aimed at tourists.

Also pay attention to the following dishes:

• moussaka - a spicy, oven-baked dish made from eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes and white sauce;
• pastitsio - a type of lasagna;
• stifado - pieces of meat stewed with onions in wine and cinnamon;
• spetsofai - stewed sausages with peppers and tomatoes, a hearty dish from the region of Mount Pelion;
• saganaki - fried semi-hard cheese;
• paidakia, fried lamb chops, is also a popular dish. They have a strange smell and are tougher than North American lamb chops, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Fried potatoes (often written chips on menus) are a naturalized Greek dish found almost everywhere. Very good if served freshly prepared and hot. Tzatziki is a good sauce for potatoes, although the chips are delicious on their own.

For dessert, try baklava, a thin pastry topped with honey and chopped nuts, or galaktoburiko, a napoleon-like pie filled with sweet custard. It's worth trying other baked goods. Be sure to try yoghurt with honey: yoghurts in Greece are very different from what you are used to. Fruits like watermelon are also popular during the summer months.

For breakfast, head to the nearest bakery (fourno) and try a fresh tiropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach pie), or bougatsa (pie filled with custard or even "goriatko psomi"), a traditional crusty country bread, a staple of the home. It's also very tasty on its own. These are all delicious and popular among Greeks as a quick breakfast. Each bakery has its own recipe, so you'll never be disappointed. Order some Greek coffee to go with it to feel like a real Greek.

For products such as bread and fresh orange juice, a just-in-time approach is often used: the cafe purchases bread or oranges as soon as the first order is received. So don’t be surprised if the waiter returns to the cafe with a bag of oranges after taking your order. This is also how most places guarantee the freshness of the bread.

A popular drink is frappe, which is made from instant Nescafe, water, sugar and sometimes milk. Whip all this until foamy and serve with ice.

Tips

Tips are sometimes indicated officially in a cafe (i.e. included in the bill), usually from 0.4 € to 2.0 € per person, sometimes they leave the amount at their discretion.

Fast food

McDonald's and Pizza Hut have significantly expanded their presence in Greece over the past 15 years. However, they have strong competitors in the form of popular local chains.

Safety

First of all, it should be emphasized that Greece is one of the safest places for travelers. A significant part of the people with whom you will have to communicate are open and helpful. However, ideal and absolutely safe countries does not happen, so you can also run into trouble in Greece.

Crime and theft

The number of violent thefts and crimes is relatively low. At the same time, recently, due to the protracted economic crisis, there has been a sharp increase in social unrest, but this concerns Athens - everything is calm at the resorts. Foreign tourists are always advised to take basic safety precautions, just as they would at home.

According to Athens car rental agencies, you can freely leave luggage, car radio and other property in your car throughout mainland Greece.

Scammers

The most common type of fraud against travelers is the Greek version of the classic “money scam.” This occurs mainly in the center of Athens, but sometimes there are cases in other large cities and even on the islands. A lone tourist in an area filled with bars may be approached in the evening and asked to go out for a drink. During the fun, the company grows, and at the end of the party, a bill for an astronomical amount is brought, which the tourist has to pay - because around him there is already a whole group of people who have lost their friendliness. In general, it’s quite easy not to fall for such a scam, but you shouldn’t be suspicious of the Greeks - most of them are really open people who can talk to a tourist without any ulterior motive.

Prohibitions on photography

It is strictly forbidden to photograph military installations or other strategic places. Government officials take violations quite seriously. Follow signs prohibiting photography. It would be best not to photograph anything that is in any way connected with the army, including Greek military ships, airports and any aircraft, even civilian ones: representatives of the Greek authorities can be very scrupulous in such matters. Most museums prohibit photography without permission, however, some prohibit only flash or tripods, and may ask visitors not to photograph objects (statues, etc.) that have people near them, as this is considered disrespectful. But these specific warnings should not prevent you from photographing the rest of Greece, which is generally recognized as one of the most interesting countries for photographers.

Antiques

Greece also has very strict laws regarding the export of antiques, which includes not only antiquities, but also coins, folk art and even pieces of stones from excavation sites. Before purchasing anything that could be considered an antique, you should carefully review the laws regarding what can be taken out of the country.

Drugs

Greece's drug laws are some of the strictest and most closely enforced laws in Europe. Tourists are no exception. The legislation here is very strict, so it is quite difficult to purchase marijuana, although in resort areas certainly possible.

Road traffic

The biggest danger for travelers in Greece can be simply trying to cross the road: traffic is chaotic even in small towns and downright nasty in Athens and other Greek cities, so accident rates are very high. Pedestrians should take precautions even if they are crossing the road when the light is green or at a pedestrian crossing. In general, the behavior of a pedestrian in Greece should correspond to the behavior of a pedestrian in Russia.

Health

Healthcare is free and covers all Greek citizens as well as EU citizens upon presentation of Form E111. For residents of non-EU countries, only emergency care is provided free of charge.

A network of helicopter ambulances serves the islands, transporting a patient in need of immediate care to the nearest island or city with a major hospital.

In the pharmaceutical field in Greece, everything is in order - highly qualified specialists work in this field, and many medications that can only be purchased with a prescription in the USA or UK are sold without a prescription in Greece. In case of a simple illness or general malaise, the pharmacist will be able to independently select the necessary medicine for you. If there is a need for a special medicine, you need to remember the general name of the drug, since brand names may differ. Most pharmacies are closed on Sunday, but there will be a sign on the door where to find the nearest pharmacy on duty.

The Mediterranean sun can be very strong and can cause severe burns to skin that has not been exposed to sunlight for a long time. So it is worth purchasing sunscreens in advance, which are available everywhere in Greece in supermarkets, groceries, pharmacies and specialty stores that sell beach products.

Precautionary measures

During the hottest months, when visiting archaeological sites, wear a T-shirt, carry an umbrella and carry water with you. Daytime temperatures can reach 35-38 C. Summer heat waves are common in Athens, when temperatures can exceed 38 C, putting some people at risk of breathing problems and heatstroke. Please note that many islands, especially the Cyclades, have very little shade to escape the summer heat. Therefore, when going for a walk along the island, it is especially important in hot weather to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, take water with you and try to avoid the hottest time of the day on your way.

Jellyfish, which can sting painfully, periodically infest some beaches.

It is not recommended to walk around the area alone: ​​even in popular places The area can be surprisingly deserted, and if you get into trouble while out of sight of houses or roads, it can be a long time before anyone notices you.

In Greece there are no required vaccinations and the water is completely safe. Tap water on some islands is demineralised seawater, which can taste disgusting. Residents of these islands prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available in supermarkets, grocery stores and kiosks.

Where to stay

If you enjoy local traditions and a leisurely pace of life, then small family-type guesthouses are the best way to explore Greece. The owners and staff there are friendly and open, compared to the coldness you usually find in big hotels in Greece. Using a convenient form with many filters of the Booking.com service, you can do it both in a big city and in small villages. Don't forget that by booking a hotel on Booking.com using the links above, you are taking part in a drawing for valuable prizes!

If your budget allows, a luxury idea is to rent a villa. They are usually located close to the beach and provide residents with more space and great views. You can also use AirBnB service not only book a villa, but also, it can be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children, who prefer to cook for themselves, and so on.

It should be noted that the structure of small hotels in Greece, especially on the islands, and even in Athens and other big cities, is quite modest. The rooms are small, the bathrooms even smaller, with showers, often with a hand-held sprayer; if there is a bathroom, then it is sometimes sedentary. On the other hand, these hotels often have balconies (though sometimes small) or verandas, either individual or shared by all rooms (they are usually spacious enough to not feel cramped). The hotels are quite clean and tidy. Those wishing to live in luxury can look for options in cities and on the most popular islands, but it is better to check the quality of the hotel with a reliable source to be sure of the level of service.

Greece is a port of 4 seas: Aegean, Ionian, Mediterranean and Cretan. Its rich cultural heritage and favorable geographical location make it one of the most visited countries in the world, with Greece ranked 15th in the world tourism rankings.

Features of tourist holidays in Greece

Tourist seasons in Greece are divided into 3 types:

• Beach holidays lasting from May to October.
• Ski. Winter in Greece is the time of the ski slopes, it lasts for ski resorts from December to April.
• Shubtury. They are seasonal and reach their peak during seasonal sales in summer and winter.

Greece has a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Tourists with different wishes and financial capabilities will be able to determine what to see in Greece; the main thing is to choose the right tour. Thus, connoisseurs of a relaxing and elite holiday choose the island of Corfu, and a quiet family holiday - the island of Kos.

Most sunny holiday in Greece - on the island of Rhodes. Resorts located on the mainland are in no way inferior to their island counterparts, but are distinguished by a wider selection of excursion programs and a variety of attractions.

Most Greek beaches are sandy and entry is almost always free.

Greek cuisine is replete with dairy (especially cheese) and seafood, vegetables and fruits, olives and wine. Among meat dishes The most popular are lamb and poultry, although pork and beef are not prohibited. And, of course, Greek salad, it’s worth trying at least for comparison.

Important! Drinking is prohibited in Greece alcoholic drinks V in public places, you may be fined or even arrested for this.

Greece has more than 300 sunny days a year. In summer it is hot and dry here, and this is felt more strongly on the islands, while on the mainland the climate is somewhat milder, so heat easier to tolerate.

The infrastructure in Greece includes all types of transport: land, sea and air.

Hotels in Greece are graded not by stars, but by categories:

• deluxe - 5 stars;
• A - 4 stars;
• B - 3 stars;
• C - 2 stars.

And in Greece, the most romantic resorts offer picturesque wedding venues for lovers. A wedding on one of its unique islands or on the continent itself is a real fairy tale.

What to visit in Greece first

There is an unspoken list of places in Greece that you must visit. And the first of them is the Acropolis - a kind of calling card of the country. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year to see this ancient landmark with their own eyes. The first temples of the Acropolis were founded in archaic times and, gradually expanding, turned into a small city. Now in its place there are majestic ruins, and sculptures of the Acropolis are exhibited in museums around the world.

Temples of the Acropolis

Then you can go straight to Panathinaikos Stadium. After restoration, the first recorded Olympic Games were held here. The building is in excellent condition; the stadium hosts sporting events and various concerts.

And then you can go to the Temple of Zeus. Its size exceeds even the famous Parthenon, and the construction of the temple took 650 years. And although now the Temple is not in the best condition, it would not be a bad idea to visit it.

Note! In Greece, it is prohibited to export from the country things recovered from the seabed. It is important to remember this when purchasing souvenirs and gifts. .

When visiting the island of Rhodes, a must see is the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Templars, the pompous palace was the center of ceremonial receptions and negotiations.

What to see in Greece on the mainland

The most beautiful places in Greece are spread throughout its territory. While vacationing on the mainland, tourists can see and visit great amount attractions.

In the city of Delphi, which is located north of Athens, its main star awaits vacationers - the Temple of Pythian Apollo. Despite the fact that the temple has not survived to this day in in its original form, a visit to this beautiful place is included in most local excursions. Among other things, Delphi is famous for its well-preserved statues of athletes and its ancient stadium, built back in the 5th century. BC e. and the Ancient Delphic Theater, overlooking the Temple of Apollo.

Amazing views of Greece are complemented by the Meteora monastery complex. This place is distinguished not only by its beauty, but also by its unusual history. It was formed under the influence of natural phenomena; over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed here, some reaching 600 meters in height. Climbing such rocks is dangerous even for climbers, which did not stop hermits from building temples on the tops of the pillars.

Temple of Apollo

Adjacent to this region is the famous Greek Macedonia - the birthplace of the great conqueror Alexander the Great. There is also the holy peninsula of Athos and a whole host of attractions with the prefix “must-see” - for example, the White Tower in Thessaloniki or the Petralona Cave, as well as the monasteries of Holy Mount Athos.

Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki) is currently listed cultural capital countries. This is a city with more than 4,000 years of history, bearing the imprints of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Cyril and Methodius were born here.

Note! The beaches in the vicinity of Solonniki are covered with sand mixed with tiny pebbles, and the coast is flat almost everywhere, this is important when vacationing with the family when there is a child.

When wondering where to visit in Greece when planning a trip, you should definitely include the Lion Gate of the Acropolis in the city of Mycenae in your list of places to visit.

Unforgettable landscapes of Greece

What else is interesting in Greece besides its historical and cultural values, beaches and endless blue sea? These are her landscapes.

Mount Olympus can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Surrounded by a national park, the mountain rises above the picturesque shore of the Aegean Sea, and the beauty located near Olympus defies description, because it was not for nothing that the Greek gods chose this place as their home.

Mount Olympus

Another amazing reserve is located on the island of Rhodes - the Valley of the Butterflies. This is true unique place will surprise even a seasoned tourist. Myriads of colorful butterflies, attracted by the smell of storax, intertwine into a magical dance. You can get here along a mountain path, and the journey is not an easy one, but tourists who reach the goal are in for another surprise - at the top there is a 17th-century monastery built by Alexander Ypsilanti.

Interesting! A map of Greek attractions would not be complete without the Peloponnese island. A visit to the Diru cave, replete with stalactites and stalagmites, will be remembered for a long time. For the incredible spectacle that opens up when exploring the Samaria Gorge, tourists are ready to go even to the most difficult route on the island of Crete. The landscapes of Greece are rich in variety; they truly have it all.

The most beautiful cities in Greece and their streets

Tourist Greece is rich in historical and cultural values. Both new and experienced travelers will always find something to see here.

When going to the island of Crete, you can’t help but visit its cities of Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno. Chania - former capital islands. The city is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate streets. Chania provides a unique opportunity to admire the historical heritage Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian culture.

The town of Naxos, located on the island of the same name, boasts great natural diversity. In the city, Venetian mansions coexist with Catholic cathedrals and a museum filled with Cycladic figurines.

In the town of Molyvos on the island of Lesbos, hundreds of stone houses are located on the mountain slopes, forming an interesting network of streets, and the Eftalou hot springs are also nearby.

Chora and Mykonos are the most popular cities on the island of Mykonos. Chora, for example, is famous for its picturesque alleys, closed to traffic; there are no cars at all. The city preserves the authenticity of the Cycladic culture, which slips through literally all the buildings.

What is the name of the most famous street in Athens? Controversial issue. Perhaps this is Adriana, which has preserved its layout from antiquity to the present day. Or maybe it’s the rows of fountains that decorate Athens Street, or Iera Odos Street, whose name means “sacred path.”

Note! One of the most beautiful towns in Santorini is Oia. It is he who is most often depicted in photographs describing the delights of a Greek holiday. Tourists are drawn here like a magnet by snow-white houses with blue domes, impressive landscapes, windmills and boutique hotels in caves.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of the same name, and its Old city included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Tourists can stroll along medieval streets fenced off with stone walls, or go to a pub or tavern with local flavor in the evening.

You can endlessly describe the beauty of Greek cities, but it’s better to see for yourself. In addition to those mentioned, there are also Monemvasia, Parga, Meteora, Nafplion, Lindos, Assos and Symi.

Adviсe:

• Photography of military installations is prohibited in the country.
• Greece has a problem with compliance traffic, therefore, when crossing streets, you need to look around carefully to see if there are any cars nearby.
• When departing from Greece, there is the possibility of a tax refund (TaxFree).
• It is better to bring money into the country on a card, in euros or rubles. For cashing out, the bank charges a commission of around 3-5%.
• Despite the fact that the crime rate in the country is low, it is better to keep your wallet “close to your body” when visiting markets.
• When visiting religious institutions, you must dress modestly, trying to cover your body as much as possible. The female half will have to exchange shorts and trousers for a long skirt, but there is no need to cover their heads.
• Smoking on the streets in Greece is prohibited by law. Although this does not bother anyone, the Greeks themselves smoke on the street. But you should know that the fine for smoking in the wrong place can range from 50 to 200 euros*.

The Greeks are a leisurely people, a week in Greece drags on like thick honey, slowly and languidly, and after spending a little time here, guests no longer want to rush somewhere. And they want to come back even more later, and they won’t be able to see everything in one go.

*Fine amounts are current as of January 2018.

In order to understand why Greece is called the cradle of civilization, you need to visit this beautiful country and its attractions. Amazing historical monuments and ruins of ancient temples allow you to appreciate how prosperous the state was. The natural beauty of the country is no less attractive. If you have not yet decided what to see in Greece, our list is the most interesting places countries will allow you to navigate the issue.

What can you see in Greece? You should start exploring historical sites from the Acropolis, which is business card Athens. This stunning place is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

The Athenian Acropolis has suffered numerous wars and natural disasters, which it was able to withstand. Neither people nor nature managed to destroy this stunning historical monument, which at first glance amazes with its size and grandeur. Experts say that the first temples of the Acropolis were founded during the archaic period. Later, large development of the hill began. Initially, the place was the residence of the king. Gradually the complex acquired the architectural forms that we see today. Gradually the Acropolis turned into a small town.

The sculptures that were inside the complex were replaced with copies. And the originals are now in various European institutions. The Acropolis of Athens has suffered greatly from wars and time; only ruins remain of its former greatness. And yet, architects are engaged in the restoration of individual, most significant objects. A complete reconstruction will take a very long time.

Among the most important structures of the Acropolis, the Propylaea deserves attention - a monumental covered gate made of marble with five passages. No less attractive is the Parthenon, considered the main temple of Ancient Athens. A stunning monument of ancient architecture was erected in honor of the goddess Athena.

Panathinaikos

What can people who are interested in architectural monuments see in Greece? Athens in this sense is an amazing storehouse. In the heart of the city there is a unique stadium known as Panathinaikos. Tourists usually pay the most attention to this attraction. Ancient building was built of white marble. After the reconstruction of the stadium and the repair of destroyed elements, the first events were organized on its territory. modern history Olympic Games.

If you are wondering what to see in Greece, Panathinaikos should be a must-see. In ancient times, the Panathenaic Games, considered the most important festival of Athens, were held at the stadium.

A major reconstruction of the complex took place two hundred years ago after excavations. The grandiose work was sponsored by the figure Zappas. It was he who also financed the Olympic Games held in 1870 and 1875.

Now Panvtinaikos is used not only as a venue for sports competitions, but also as a platform for exhibitions and concerts dedicated to culture. While visiting the stadium, tourists can not only admire the complex, but also get acquainted with its history.

What is definitely worth seeing in Greece is the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Without it, the list of the country's attractions would be incomplete. The complex is so huge that it even exceeds the size of the legendary Parthenon. Its construction lasted for 650 years. Myths say that the temple was built on the site of the sanctuary of Deucalion. Once upon a time, there were two huge statues within the walls of the complex. One of them was made of gold and ivory. She personified Zeus. The second was made in honor of Emperor Hadrian, who took an active part in the construction of the complex. Unfortunately, none of the statues have survived to this day; both of them were destroyed.

Of course, now the temple is far from in the best condition. Only one part of it survived. It is not known exactly what caused the destruction of the temple. Scientists suggest that the complex was so badly damaged due to the earthquake. Perhaps later people partially dismantled it for building materials.

A corner of the Temple of Zeus has survived to this day, consisting of 14 separate columns, one of which has been knocked down, and the other two stand alone.

What to see on the Greek islands? Seven of them are of interest to tourists - Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zakynthos, Santorini, Kefalonia. On the islands you can not only have a great rest, but also see their sights.

For example, in Crete, travelers should visit the Palace of Knossos. The island is very popular among tourists. And the reason for this is the long swimming season and the amazing climate, which helps strengthen the body and restore vital energy. In addition, there are a lot of attractions on the island. Among them, the Palace of Knossos occupies a special place. The complex was excavated and partially restored at the beginning of the last century. Currently, it is one of the most visited places.

Historians consider the Palace of Knossos to be the center Minoan civilization, which was once a very famous state. The complex consisted of 1,300 rooms, which indicates its impressive size. The palace premises could accommodate 12 thousand people. According to legends, Knossos belonged to the Minoan king, who is famous for the famous labyrinth and the Minotaur.

Throughout history, the Palace of Knossos has been rebuilt many times, as it has repeatedly suffered from fires, tsunamis and earthquakes. Two hundred years ago, its large-scale reconstruction began. An amazing landmark was discovered by archaeologist Evans, who managed to restore part of the palace.

Currently, tourists have a great opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of the complex. Evans was able to carry out serious work so that guests can understand which archaeological sites are ancient remains and which have been recreated by archaeologists.

It is worth visiting the town of Delphi in Greece, which, like other resort regions, has attractions. Here is the temple of Apollo, for the construction of which all the inhabitants of the country raised funds. Many excursions include a visit to the amazing complex. But tourists can also visit the temple on their own. Unfortunately, the building has not survived to this day in its original form. Some parts of it were subject to reconstruction due to constant collapses. During the restoration work, the architects were guided by existing construction plans, trying to preserve the previous forms.

The external facades of the building are decorated with beautiful friezes dedicated to the war between the centaurs and the Amazons.

For quite a long time, tourists did not know about the existence of the complex, since it is located far from the main cities of the country, but gradually it turned into an important historical monument.

What to see in Greece on your own? If you are interested in natural attractions, you should go to unique beach Navagio. Get into it amazing place only possible on a ship, since it is hidden from prying eyes.

Tourists who don’t know what to visit in Greece will certainly enjoy this pearl of the region. Navagio Beach is covered in golden sand and washed by crystal clear waters. It’s not for nothing that it’s called a piece of paradise that you never want to leave.

Navagio is also known as the island of shipwrecks. The fact is that a smugglers' ship once sank here. The cause of the shipwreck still remains a mystery.

The stunningly beautiful beach will delight all lovers of relaxation away from noisy resorts. The island is beautiful because there are absolutely no signs of civilization on its coast. Here you can feel unity with nature and find an amazing sense of harmony. When going to the island, you need to take an umbrella and protective creams with you. In sunny weather there is absolutely no shade on the coast, so you need to take care of your own comfort.

Monasteries of Meteora

What to see in Greece? There are numerous attractions on the mainland, among which a place called Meteora is of particular interest. It is located in northern Greece, near Kalambaka. The region is distinguished by its beauty and interesting history. Several monasteries are located on its territory.

Under the influence of the environment, over many millennia, huge stone pillars were formed, the height of which reaches 600 and 300 meters. Even modern climbers do not risk climbing their steep slopes. But the hermits were able to build their temples on them. This amazing place is amazing. The Meteora monasteries are rightfully considered one of the best attractions in the country. Currently, only six of them are operational.

Previously, it was almost impossible to reach such places. You could only climb up the rope ladder. Access is now easier as safe steps have been carved into the rocks.

What should tourists see in Greece? Monasteries are one of the most interesting and impressive places in the country. They are open to visitors from November to March and from April to September. Restoration work was carried out in the temple buildings, so now travelers can admire their beauty.

Loutraki

What to see in Loutraki (Greece)? Beautiful greek city on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth is known as a resort. Its numerous beaches are washed by waters the clearest sea. As a resort, Loutraki is valued due to its medical tourism and high level of service. Mineral spring- is far from the only wealth of the region. The city boasts ancient churches, among which the Church of St. Andrew is worth highlighting. It was erected in 1345 and for many centuries retained its original appearance. The building was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1981. Architects are still engaged in restoration work to this day. On the territory of the temple there is an underground passage that leads to the cave. According to legend, Andrew the First-Called once hid there from Roman troops.

The city has the monastery of St. Marina - a beautiful complex immersed in exotic greenery and hundred-year-old pine trees.

Rhodes

One of the seven most interesting islands in Greece is Rhodes. What should travelers see on their own on the island? There are many interesting places in Rhodes. You can start your sightseeing from the old part of the capital. Here you will see the Rhodes fortress, which is considered the longest in Europe (4 km). The importance of the Old Town is evidenced by the fact that it is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Tourists will certainly enjoy a walk through the ancient streets of the city, which are more reminiscent of the eastern quarters. Of the objects from the period of Turkish rule, only the Suleiman the Great Mosque has survived to this day. All travelers try to stroll along the Street of the Knights and take photos near the Palace of the Grand Masters. Just outside the Old Town gates is the port of Mandraki, where you can take a pleasant stroll. The city of Rhodes is incredibly interesting for tourists. However, there are still many stunningly beautiful places on the island.

If you have not yet decided what to see in Greece on your own, go on a trip to Rhodes by car. Renting a car in the capital is not difficult. With transport at hand, you can admire the most interesting corners of the island. For example, you can visit Ancient Kemiros, from which only the ruins of houses, the remains of squares and streets remain, and its palaces have only been partially restored. And yet, wandering through the ruins of the city of the ancient Greeks is very interesting.

No less interesting for travelers in Rhodes is Mount Tsambinka, on the top of which there is a monastery of the same name. The path to it consists of 307 steps. Pilgrims believe that it is necessary to climb to the temple only on your knees.

While traveling around the island, you should visit the ancient town of Lindos, which was founded in the sixth century BC. Here you can stroll along the ancient streets, see the Acropolis, and climb to the walls of the knight’s castle.

Lindos is located on the coast of St. Paul's Bay, which is considered the most beautiful in Greece. According to legend, the Apostle Paul stopped here on his way to Jerusalem. The bay got its name in honor of him.

Next, you can go to the seven springs that flow from the springs, forming a lake. But the greatest interest among tourists is not the reservoir itself, but the narrow tunnel that leads to it. Every traveler tries to walk through a dark passage. It is worth noting that the path must be made in the dark and barefoot, wading ankle-deep in cold water. This is the kind of entertainment tourists have come up with for themselves. There are two beliefs regarding the tunnel. One of them says that after passing through a dark corridor, you can rejuvenate yourself by ten years, and the second says that the tunnel allows people to get rid of the seven sins.

If you're looking for things to see in Greece, the Peloponnese should be a must-see excursion program. Here you can see Ancient Olympia, which became the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. You can visit it at any time of the year. Currently, Ancient Olympia is a nature reserve, on the territory of which ancient temples and museums are located. You can start your sightseeing from those places that are under open air. Such objects allow you to appreciate the full power of buildings. The Temple of Zeus and Hera, built in 407-456 BC, deserves special attention. e. In ancient times, people came here not only for competitions, but also to worship the great gods. Near the Temple of Hera there is a stadium where the competitions were held. And these days, before the start of the games, the Olympic flame is lit here.

Here you can also see the ruins of the Philippeion - a round structure surrounded by columns. The construction of the building was started by Philip II, and the work was completed by the son of Alexander the Great. Not far from the building is the administrative building of Ancient Olympia.

Olympus

What to see in Greece? You can visit almost all the outstanding sights of the country on your own. If you don't like group trips, feel free to travel on your own. One of the must-visit places is Mount Olympus. It is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea in the region of Thessaly. Olympus includes three mountain ranges. The highest massif is represented by three peaks - Stefani, Skolio, Mitikas. Each of them reaches almost three thousand meters. Mytikas is the highest mountain, with an altitude of 2917 meters. Here is the picturesque Kazan abyss. It is not surprising that the gods of Ancient Greece chose this beautiful place to live. To this day, here you can admire the “throne of Zeus,” which the top of Stephanie is very similar to.

What should a tourist see in Greece? There are incredibly many interesting places in the country. But it’s simply impossible to imagine the country without the Mount Olympus. Currently they are considered National Nature Reserve and are included in the lists of UNESCO sites. Such a high status was assigned back in 1981. A little later, the mountains were recognized as the country's archaeological heritage.

Instead of an afterword

Don’t worry if you haven’t decided what to see in Greece yet. Traveling around the country on your own has a lot of advantages and will allow you to see a lot of interesting places. In our article we have listed only the most significant attractions that tourists should pay attention to first of all. In fact, there are a lot of interesting objects, so you will always have a reason to return to the beautiful country again.