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Holidays to Greece

Greece offers a colourful history, which includes the origins of the Olympic games, democracy, mathematics, science and fundamental philosophy. Modern Greece is better known as a great place to vacation rather than a centre of learning and culture. Today the country attracts by offering simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic surprises.

Greece still retains its traditional charms, which are evident in the islands classic architecture and culture despite the tourism boom over recent years. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.

The city of Athens is located in the south of the Greece mainland and is a bustling metropolis, in comparison to Thessaloniki in the north, which is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. Athens is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon: the remains of other wonders of the ancient Greek classical world are to be found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula, south of Corinth, the gateway to a veritable treasure trove of history.

Greece is a perfect holiday destination all year round, providing tourists with various holiday choices no matter what they are looking for, from luxury romantic holidays to family all-inclusive getaways

Essential Information

Resorts In Greece
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Attractions

For an all-in-one sightseeing, culture-rich, cosmopolitan, metropolitan and historic country destination, Greece is the word. Every facet of Greek society is an attraction in itself, from food to fashion to buildings; it's a big fat Greek tourism magnet. Most visitors head right for the capital of Athens, where ancient civilisations are preserved in the famous Parthenon and Acropolis structures. The more modern part of Athens is located in and around the Syntagma Square, where the Greek parliament is housed.

From Athens, most tourists will set about a cruise to the multitude of smaller Greek isles. Mountainous Crete is the most popular, hosting sparkling beaches, spectacular green outcroppings, ancient Minoan and other historic sites as well as the jaw-dropping (and back-breaking) Samaria Gorge Trail.

Other popular island destinations include: Corfu, for its mythic significance; Sanatori, for its volcanic history and vibrant nightlife and Rhodes Island which once held the Wonder of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes and is today a World Heritage Site. While the boat gets you between islands, the most effective way to travel on the islands themselves is by scooter, bus or taxi.

Attractions include:

  • Acropolis
  • Ancient Agora
  • National Archaeological Museum
  • Plaka (The old town)
  • The White Tower

Source: www.wordtravels.com

Events

Athens Festival
The city of Athens' cultural showcase is the two-phase Athens Festival, held every summer since 1955 at the magnificent 2,000 year old Herod Atticus Odeon, built in 161 AD, as well as other venues throughout the city. The ancient tiered theatre nestles at the foot of the Acropolis and during summer and autumn resounds each evening to the tune of symphony orchestras, classical drama and dance, and operatic performances. The large and varied programme of international and Greek artists is available from the Athens Festival office on Stadiou Street. The summer section of the festival runs from about June to July, while the autumn section covers August to October.

Traditional Greek Dance Festival
The warmth and energy of the Greek people is nowhere better demonstrated than in their traditional dancing, and this can be witnessed in fine style each summer night (except Mondays) at the theatre established by Greek folk expert, Dora Stratou, on Philopappus Hill in Athens. The dancers in each show do full justice to the costumes and ancient routines that make up each packed performance.

Source: www.wordtravels.com

Climate

Athens is known as one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with a semi-arid climate and low average annual rainfall. The rain that does occur falls during the winter months, between mid-October and mid-April, usually as short, heavy showers. Summers are very hot, exacerbated by smoggy conditions, and heatwaves are common during July and August when the mercury soars to over 104°F (40ºC). Winters are mild although frost can occur and nights can be cold. The best time to travel to Athens is during the cooler, fine weather of spring and summer.

Source: www.wordtravels.com

Map location of  Greece


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