Located in southern Europe, Greece forms an irregular-shaped peninsula in the Mediterranean with two additional large peninsulas projecting from it: the Chalcidice and the Peloponnese. The Greek islands are generally subdivided into two groups, according to location: the Ionian islands (including Corfu, Cephalonia, and Leucas) west of the mainland and the Aegean islands (including Euboea, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, and Crete) to the east and south. North-central Greece, Epirus, and western Macedonia are all mountainous. The main chain of the Pindus Mountains extends from northwest Greece to the Peloponnese. Mount Olympus, rising to 9,570 ft (2,909 m), is the highest point in the country.
Climate and Weather
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild
temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. Due to the country's
geographical position, its rugged relief and its distribution between
the mainland and the sea, there is great variation in Greece's climate.
In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the
meltemi, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures.
The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and
ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered. Moreover, a common
phenomenon is the occurrence of different climactic conditions during
the same season (for instance, mild heat in coastal areas and cool
temperatures in mountainous regions).
Population
The population of Greece in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 10,976,000, which placed it as number 72 in population among the 193 nations of the world. The only minority in Greece that has a specially recognized legal status is the Muslim minority (Μουσουλμανική μειονότητα, Mousoulmanikí meionótita) in Thrace, which amounts to approximately 0.95% of the total population. Its members are predominantly of Turkish, Pomak and Roma ethnic origins. Other recognized minorities include approximately 35,000 Armenians and 5,500 Jews.
Transportation
During the past few decades the transportation network of the country was modernised and impressively upgraded and, as a result, Greece today has an integrated transportation structure allowing for fast and safe travelling all over the country. Moreover, new projects are continuously being programmed, so that the infrastructures of the transportation grid of the country become more and more reliable.
Top Attractions
1. Olympia.
2. Delphi.
3. Mycenae.
4. Meteora, Kalambaka, Thessaly.
5. Dion.
6. Samaria Gorge.
7. The Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth.
8. The Temple of Apollo, Andritsaina.
9. Knossos Royal Palace, Crete.
Best Travel Time
It depends on where you want to go. The best months to visit the islands are May, June, early July, September and early October. Avoid the dates July 20th to August 20th which are the busiest of the tourist season, and late October because the weather gradually becomes rough. If you want to visit the mainland, then March, April, May, June, September and October are suitable months. July and August are very warm and busy.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
• Moussaka (aubergine casserole with minced lamb, cinnamon, red wine and olive oil).
• Squid (kalamari) or octopus (htapodia).
• Souvlaki (spit-roasted meat, generally pork or chicken).
• Horiatiki (Greek salad: feta cheese, tomato, cucumber and fresh olive oil).
National drinks:
• Retsina (wine made with pine-needle resin).
• Ouzo (an aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added). (an aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added).
• Raki (a sharp and fiery spirit made from distilled grapes).
• Greek coffee (thick and strong, and sugared according to taste).
• Greek beer is a light Pilsner type.
Local Products/Shopping
Special purchases include lace, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, furs, rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the center for luxury goods and local handicrafts. The Sunday morning flea market in Monastiraki, below the Acropolis, is crowded in high season. Regional specialties include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, fur from Kastoria, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.
Travel Resource
GREEKISLANDS.COM - The Greek "Hotel & Tour" Net. Guide of Greek Hotels
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Athens Hotels - Complete list of Athens hotels with detailed description photos and rates. List of Athens tours as well as vacation packages and cruises to the Greek islands. Useful tourist information for Athens C Athens city map & metro map.
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Maps of Greece - Maps of Greece - Maps of Greek islands- Mediterranean Map - Travel map of Greece with detailed travel information and photos, maps of Greek islands, Athens map, Corfu Map, Map of island Crete, Zakhnthos map, Mykonos map, Map of Rhodes, map of Kos, Naxos Map, map of Kefalonia, Skiathos map, Lesvos Map.
Athens Hotels - Complete list of Athens hotels with detailed description photos and rates. List of Athens tours as well as vacation packages and cruises to the Greek islands. Useful tourist information for Athens C Athens city map & metro map.
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1. Olympia.
It depends on where you want to go. The best months to visit the islands are May, June, early July, September and early October. Avoid the dates July 20th to August 20th which are the busiest of the tourist season, and late October because the weather gradually becomes rough. If you want to visit the mainland, then March, April, May, June, September and October are suitable months. July and August are very warm and busy.