About Greece
About
Often cited as the birthplace of European civilization, Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic design hotels, rustic tavernas, family-orientated seaside resorts and hedonistic dance clubs. Ancient Greece reached its zenith in the fifth century BC when Athens became the cultural and artistic centre of the Mediterranean, producing magnificent works of architecture, sculpture, drama and literature. There is no denying that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. In fact, many travellers come here specifically to explore Greece's ancient wonders, from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the ruins of the Minóan city of Knossós on Crete. Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean and the Ionian are Greece's 1,400 islands - each with its own special story. The serenity of islands like Kefalonia and Amorgos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands such as Mykonos and Páros. Those interested in architecture should visit the medieval fortified towns of Rhodes and Corfu (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), and the whitewashed cubic houses of Thira and Oia on Santorini, typical of the Cyclades. Sports enthusiasts will relish the Greek islands for their endless opportunities for scuba diving and sailing (there's no better way to explore the islands than aboard a chartered yacht), while keen hikers and mountain bikers can test their stamina in the rugged mountains of the country's largest island, Crete. ClimateGreece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, stiff breezes especially in the north and coastal areas often relieve dry hot days. Athens can be stiflingly hot so visitors should allow time to acclimatize. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season. GeographyGreece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. The mainland consists of the following regions: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) and Thrace (northwest). The Peloponnese peninsula is separated from the northern mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. The islands account for one-fifth of the land area of the country. The majority are thickly clustered in the Aegean between the Greek and Turkish coasts. The Ionian Islands are the exception; they are scattered along the west coast in the Ionian Sea. The Aegean archipelago includes the Dodecanese, lying off the Turkish coast, of which Rhodes is the best known; the Northeast Aegean group, including Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria; the Sporades, off the central mainland; and the Cyclades, 39 islands of which only 24 are inhabited. Crete, the largest island, is not included in any formal grouping. MoneyCurrencyEURO Credit CardsDiners Club, VISA, American Express, MasterCard and other major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler's ChecksAll major currencies are widely accepted and can be exchanged easily at banks. Generally, banks in Greece charge a flat commission rate of € 6.00 for the cashing of traveler's checks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Banking HoursMon-Thurs 8:00AM-2:30PM, Fri 8:00AM-2:00PM Many banks on larger islands stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening, particularly in tourist season. |
