Holidays in Greece

Greece is one of the most popular resort destinations, a country of unique ancient history, rich culture, magnificent landscapes and an unforgettable beach holiday by the warm, crystal-clear sea. Every year tourists bring considerable profit to the country, receiving in return a huge number of opportunities to spend their holidays with pleasure and benefit. If you are already planning a vacation in Greece, then you will definitely need information about local traditions and attractions that are worth visiting.

Sights of greece

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the most revered sacred site in Greece. Probably there is no such person who has never heard of the abode of the ancient Greek Gods led by Zeus. Aphrodite and Apollo, Artemis and Dionysus and many other Gods lived with ordinary human passions and even descended to earth to people. The ancient Greeks did not consider these characters invented, they brought gifts to the foot and made sacrifices.

In fact, Olympus is not a mountain, but a mountain range. The highest are Mitikas, Skala, Skolio and Stephanie - their height reaches almost 3000 meters. Mountains are not only of historical value, they are unique in the abundance of rare animals and plants listed in the Red Book.

The main attraction of Olympus is the National Park. It is quite possible to get to it, for this you need 2-3 days of free time and an experienced guide-instructor. Until the beginning of the 20th century, it was believed that climbing the mountain was not available to ordinary mortals, but now there are all conditions for this, and not only professional climbers, but also ordinary tourists can visit the famous place.

Acropolis

Athens, as the capital of Greece, is the center of the country's cultural and economic life. It is here that the most magnificent monuments of ancient architecture are located. Perhaps the most famous landmark is the Acropolis. Despite the fact that the structure has survived to this day only in fragments, even the ruins give an idea of ​​the golden age of Athens, when wealth, art and democracy flourished.

Externally, the Acropolis is a hill, a limestone upland with steep slopes except for the western side. In ancient times, it was used as a sanctuary, all structures and temples of the Acropolis form a single, logical architectural ensemble. This fact surprises scientists, because the history of the Acropolis was created over many centuries. Some fragments found on the territory corresponded to the Bronze Age; in the following centuries, more and more monuments of cultural heritage appeared, until almost all of them were destroyed by the Persians. During the reign of Pericles, the main temple of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, was erected, which is famous for its unusual bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the myths of Ancient Greece.

Today it is one of the most visited places in Greece, tourists are not at all embarrassed by the fact that most of the decor of the temple complex was made by modern craftsmen according to the samples that are stored in European museums.

Mount Athos

On the territory of Macedonia and Northern Greece, there is an amazing place included in the UNESCO heritage list - the Athos peninsula and the mountain of the same name on it.

In fact, Athos is an autonomous state under the auspices of Greece, the Sacred Mountain is inhabited by exclusively male monks professing Orthodoxy. All without exception, including the saints, from time immemorial lived in monasteries and monasteries of the general type. A tourist who wants to see this extraordinary place with his own eyes must obtain a special permit, women are strictly prohibited from entering the peninsula.

Oddly enough, according to legend, it was the woman who was the first to preach the Christian religion on Athos. Tradition says that the Mother of God came here and prayed that the sacred place would forever remain a quiet haven for sinful people. Jesus' mother also left a covenant that no female should set foot on the Sacred Mountain. Despite this, some ladies still did not agree with such discrimination and took refuge on Athos as refugees.

Beautiful places in Greece

With its popularity, the island of Santorini eclipses even the most romantic corners of the planet. According to historical data, once the island had a round shape, but in time immemorial a large volcano began its destructive activity here. As a result, this marvelous place has acquired unusual outlines of the relief of the rocks and the remains of lava in the form of pumice. All this, coupled with clear blue skies, snow-white buildings, the cleanest sea and the sandy beach transforms Santorini into a truly fabulous island.

Greek Milos is another island with a unique volcanic landscape and golden sandy beaches, of which there are about 75. This place attracts guests not only because of the beautiful nature and pleasant climate, but also because it was once on the island that the well-known peace statue of Aphrodite. Of the sights, you can also highlight the volcanic catacomb caves and see the rock paintings of the first Christians.

An ancient legend says that the history of ancient Delphi began from the moment when Apollo killed the dragon Python, who was guarding the healing spring. The beautiful God immured the chimera in this place and founded the temple, and the sailors became the first priests of the sanctuary, Apollo lured them, turning into a dolphin, hence the name.

The main attraction of Delphi is the ruins of an ancient temple, even today it can be understood that it was located above mysterious crevices, from which steam (dragon breath) flowed. For a couple of oracles could predict the future, so residents from all over the country sought to get here, thereby making the sanctuary of Apollo the most revered symbol of Greece.

The best hotels in Greece

One of the most significant moments of any resort vacation is the choice of a hotel, it depends on how comfortable you will feel in a foreign country.

Rating of the 3 most popular hotels in Greece:

• The Dessole Mirabello Beach & Village 5 hotel * offers services for people who can afford high-quality and complete rest. Located on the 2nd coastline, next to the island of Crete. In addition to standard rooms, there are bungalows on the territory, which can accommodate even a large family. All guests can sample meals from the common buffet, or dine in one of 4 restaurants, there are two bars near the indoor pool. Playgrounds, a swimming pool and a disco bar have been built for children.
• Unforgettable paradise relaxation awaits you at your accommodation at the Princess Andriana Resort & Spa 5 hotel *, located on the island of Rhodes right across the road with a clean sandy beach. For the tourist there are family rooms with children's bedrooms, separate pools and terraces, several types of restaurants with different cuisines, a football and golf course, a tennis court, a fitness room, entertainment programs for children, free sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach.
• Potidea Palace 4 * is one of the most demanded hotels among Russians, located on the first coastline. Accommodation in it is ideal for tourists with children - comfortable rooms with a balcony, an all-inclusive restaurant, a spa center, a private beach and a swimming pool, a play area with an equipped playground, a health center, a bathhouse, a sauna, a fitness room.

Resorts of Greece

Of course, first of all, tourists go to the capital Athens, this city is good for lovers of ancient history, age-old buildings, architectural attractions, museums and exhibitions. Without visiting this city, it will be difficult to have an idea of ​​the life of the country and local traditions. The acquaintance with Athens opens with a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus and many other iconic monuments.

Be prepared for transport problems due to the large population of Athens. It is better to get around by metro, especially since each station here is a miniature museum.

Crete is a gem beach holiday in Greece, washed by three seas. The air and water temperature here is ideal for swimming almost all year round, the season lasts from November to May. Hot days, starry nights, picturesque landscapes, the opportunity to practice water sports for both beginners and professionals.

Couples with children will have a wide choice of hotels, and young people will have fun at Hersonissos - a popular resort with an abundance of bars and discos.

Rhodes attracts tourists from all over the world both in winter and in summer. The pleasant Mediterranean climate is suitable for people who do not tolerate heat well, because a fresh sea breeze blows from the Aegean Sea to the island.

Rhodes is a true gem of Greece, combining deserted sandy beaches and youth destinations where you can enjoy the views of the stormy tides and go windsurfing. And, of course, even the most remote corner of the country carries a piece of unique historical heritage. A visit to the Palace of Masters or a leisurely stroll through the Butterfly Park will leave an indelible experience for a lifetime.

Features of Greece

Each country has its own unique traditions and cultural heritage, but Greece is a special place where the habits and mentality of the indigenous people have been formed for several centuries. Greece is one continuous feature, the way of life in it has not changed for centuries. Greeks are still cheerful and prefer to live one day, combining unity with nature and a fun nightlife.

Most of all, the inhabitants of Greece value wealth and prestige, this is perhaps more important than even the family. The Greeks do not consider it shameful to lower their monthly salary on entertainment and beautiful trinkets, while everyone wants to be rich, but the passion for hoarding and saving is not in their nature.

Greeks are a contradictory people, the temperament of the inhabitants surprisingly combines hot temper and sentimentality. They vehemently protect their traditions and revive long-forgotten customs, especially before the holidays. For example, important events in the life of the country make us remember such a symbol of Athens as the organ. Previously, almost every Athenian had this instrument, but now it decorates some dwellings as a decoration.

The Greeks are very hospitable, and the hospitality is not ostentatious or required by duty. Arriving at the house, you should definitely at least drink a cup of hot or cold coffee, and dine at the hospitable hosts as much as possible.

People elderly age love collect in tavern or coffee shop, Where drink tea, coffee, aniseed vodka and play in cards days without a break. Have Greeks even there is concept « our coffee house», usually this is such institution, which located nearby from at home, in him walk whole generations and never not change traditions. IN like locations at all not considered shameful to smoke, have fun and loudly chant songs.

Eating food for the inhabitants of Greece is a special ritual, a kind of holiday for which you need to carefully prepare. Almost all National dishes prepared with the addition of seafood, tomatoes, lamb. Raisins and garlic are used as a seasoning. And, of course, no meal is complete without wine.

How much will a vacation in Greece cost?

Greece is considered a budget place to rest... Prices in shops and cafes are relatively low, but it is worth moving a little further from hostels and inexpensive restaurants, as they are inflated at times. For example, to visit the Acropolis you will need at least 25 euros, to go to the club - about 20-25 euros.

In any case, it all depends on the desires, capabilities of the tourist, and what style of rest he prefers. If you are determined not to deny yourself anything, stay in a five-star hotel for a couple of weeks, drive around in a rented car on your own, have dinner at a restaurant every day and bring home a fur coat as a present, then get ready to shell out at least 4 thousand euros.

A modest but high-quality vacation for two for two weeks will cost about 1.5 thousand euros. At the same time, you can see the main attractions, taste national dishes and live all this time in a comfortable environment.

Going to Greece, even for a few days, you should remember that each tourist must have at least $ 500 for the entire vacation period.