Greece

 In Greece, you visit not only different places and tourist attraction but different times as well. This Southeast European country is spread over an area of 131,990 sq. km and encompasses different landscapes and climates. Situated on the  southern part of Balkan Peninsula, Greece shares border with Albania, Bulgaria and former Yugoslavia in the north, Turkey to east and Ionian Sea to west. The country is made up of nearly 2000 islands out which only 166 are inhabited. Most of the country is covered with mountains and the Pindos mountains are the major mountain range.

 

Greece is a name that brings images of out of this world architecture, rich culture and glorious history flooding into your mind. Being on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Greece has seen a turbulent past with many civilization laying claim on it through bloody wars. The rule of different empires have left the country with myriad cultural treasures. Architectural splendors like The Acropolis in Athens, city of Byzantine, city of Rhodes, all are pristine examples of medieval golden age that Greece had.

Greece is one of the first countries in the world where advanced civilization took birth. It is believed to be the base for not only European civilization but entire western civilization. And who could forget; it is this country that gave the world Olympic Games.  The country is much more than just historical glory; with beautiful natural attractions and booming tourism infrastructure, it proves to be a destination for all.

Athens is the capital of Greece and the largest of all cities. You cannot help but notice the reflection of Asia in its colorful markets, congested streets and welcoming people. The city is strewn with the some of the best known archaeological buildings and collections in the world. Rhodes, Serres, Volos, loannina, and Thessaloniki are some of the other major cities of Greece and a must visit for all tourists.

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Fast Facts

Location – Southeastern Europe
Capital – Athens
Population – 11,216,708
Language – Greek
Religion- Greek Orthodox
Calling Code - +30
Time Zone – UTC +2, Daylight Saving Time -  UTC +3
Climate – Experiences Mediterranean climate, Alpine climate and Temperate climate
Currency – Euro (€)
Best time visit – April To June, September to November

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Highlights

Olympia
This was the venue where the first Olympic Games were held. Situated in the heart of Peloponnesus, Olympia is a window to a civilization long lost. The Olympic games were started as an offering to God Zeus and were held every four years; a rule that is still followed for Modern Olympics. The beginning of the games is believed to be sometime around 776 BC and were held till 5 BC. The buildings here like Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus, the stadium, the Bouleuterion and the Prytaneion are classic examples of Greek architecture.

Delphi
Delphi is one of the most culturally rich cities of Greece. It is situated in the valley of Phocis, Delphi is home to some exquisite buildings and structures that perhaps define the very culture of Greece. It is best known for the Oracle at the sanctuary that was dedicated to Apollo God. Excavations at the settlement areas here have found numerous artifacts of bronze, pottery and even the tripods which were used by Delphic Pythia.

The Temple of Apollo is the most visited attraction that dates back to 4 B.C. The ruins of the temple suggest that the building of the temple was a peripheral Doric building. The temple was built on the ruins of another temple of 6th century B.C.


Meteora
Meteora is an important pilgrimage destination for its breathtaking monasteries. It is one of the largest complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. There are six monasteries in Meteora, each of which is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The monasteries here are believed to been built around the 11th century AD by hermit monks. You must visit here, not only for its beautiful monasteries but natural wonders as well. These monasteries are situated on high cliffs, by the edges of deep valley. A sight that seems straight out of a picture book.

Knossos Royal Palace - Crete
Knossos Royal Palace offers some of the best and most grand sights in entire Greece. It is a Minoan palace which was the court of the famous King Minos. It was built between 1700 BC and 1400 BC and covers an area of nearly 20,000 sq meters. One cannot see the original style of the palace as it has been revamped many times. However, the palace is commended for the advanced technologies which were used to construct it. Some parts of the palace is as high as five storeys which couldn't have been made without a better technology.

Mycenae
Mycenae is believed to be one of the places which were instrumental in shaping the European Civilization. This fact has made many tourists curious about the place and they visit it to find more information. Here, one can see the ruins of cyclopean walls and palaces. What enhances the significance of the monuments here is the fact that they were built thousands of years before other monuments of Greece. The excavations started in the year 1841 and since then something new has constantly been found. The place holds its importance in history as well, as this was the home to Atreides, heroes of Trojan Wars. The main attraction of Mycenae is the tomb of Greek Hero - Agamemnon.

Acropolis - Athens
Greece would have been a lot less famous as a tourist destination if Acropolis was not there. Situated in the capital  city  Athens, Acropolis stands on a hill overlooking the city. It has some of the most known structures in Greece, especially The Parthenon. Most of them temples here are dedicated to Goddess of Wisdom, Athena. The Parthenon too is a temple dedicated to Goddess Athena. This area has been inhabited from as early as 650 BC and incorporates all the aspects the reflect the history of entire Greece. The view of Acropolis from city is simply magnificent, and so is the view of Athens from Acropolis.

Other Attractions of Athens

• National Archaeological Museum
  Even after visiting all the historical sites, if you have not got enough of history of Greece, head straight to this amazingly well stacked National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It has put on display sculptures, art forms, antique items, and frescoes from as early as prehistoric times. Some even argue that it is the best archaeological museum in the world for its huge array of antique and historically important items. The collection of this museum is divided into nine sections namely Prehistoric collections, Sculptures collection, Vase and Minor Objects Collection, Santorini findings, Metallurgy Collections, Stathatos Collection, Vlastos Collection, Egyptian Art Collection and near Eastern Antiquities collection.

• Daphni Monastery
  Situated on a site of an ancient temple dedicated to God Apollo, Daphni Monastery was built in the 5 AD. The monastery is considered a hallmark of Byzantine architecture. Daphni Monastery was rebuilt in the 10th century AD, was taken over by Cistercian monks and converted into Catholic monastery. However it was taken back by  Greek Orthodox Church. Notice the exceptional mosaic work that show Biblical scenes. It attracts a large number of tourists during its wine festival held every year during August-September months.

• Ancient Agora
  Situated just below Acropolis is one of the oldest commercial centers of Greek civilization. It was in one of the prisons here the famous philosopher Socrates was held captive and later committed suicide. Among the numerous buildings in ruins, the most known is of the Dionysos Theater, the first theater of the world. One of the buildings in Ancient Agora had been restored in the year 200 BC and is today used as a museum which displays artifacts showing 5000 years of Athenian history.

• Plaka
  Plaka is the oldest section of the Modern Athens. One can still feel the presence of Greek history lingering on in the air. Many tourists visit Plaka just to take a stroll in the narrow lanes of Greece especially in the evening, when the splendid churches, ancient buildings and mosques present a striking picture with setting sun in the background.

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Things To Do

Become An Expert of Windsurfing
Head straight for Hrysi Akti on Paros for windsurfing as there are few better spots than this for windsurfing. It is considered among the best spots in the world, particularly for people who are still not perfect and looking to learn the fine points of wind surfing. The facilities provided are truly flattering. Vasiliki on Lefkada is another spot in Greece that matches the best shoulder by shoulder.

Skiing Down The Snowy Hills
If you are not into spending big bucks on few moments of adventure, but still want to feel the excitement of high adrenaline, then Greece is the prescribed place and skiing is the prescribed sport for you. Greece offers some of the cheapest skiing in Europe. Most of the ski resorts are situated around the mainland. They are situated on different altitudes so you can choose according to your comforts.

Hiking Into Untrodden
Hiking is still only catching on as a sport in Greece; so if you want to get away from the maddening crowds, the many beautiful treks are destination to look for. The major trek routes are pretty well marked and you hardly require a guide. However, if you plan to explore things on your own, it is better you carry a tour guide book with all the trek routes in Greece.

Chase The Birds
Greece has some exceptional spots where one could go spotting many different species of birds. There are in all 11 wetlands of international importance apart from 190 more destinations that are suited for nesting of resident as well as migratory birds. Nestos Delta in Thrace and Prespa lakes in Macedonia are the most widely visited places which have a large population of pelicans, storks, herons and eagle.

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 December 2009 08:48