Greece consists of a mainland with numerous bays and peninsulas (Peloponnese, a peninsula connected to the mainland by the Corinth isthmus) and some islands (about 3000 islands in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean). Most important islands are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos. Greece is independent place for family trips. Is much more than I learned in school or in pictures than I admire wonderful sunsets and golden sandy beaches. Is a country that waits for your vacations with family or friends. By visiting this country, you will find a colorful land, located at the crossroads of several civilizations. You feel the power and charm of history and warm people of this country of myth. Choose from the multitude of trips and offers to Crete, Santorini, Thassos, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Corfu.

Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, the Olympic Games, literature, historiography, scientific politics, of some of the most important scientific, mathematical and dramaturgical principles. The Aegean Sea witnessed the birth of one of the most developed ancient European civilizations (Minoan and Mycenaean) and one of the greatest tragedies: the disappearance of Minoan civilization after the tsunami caused by the eruption of the volcano in Santorini. Here were created the first cities of the world. The impressive level of development and prosperity they have reached has allowed the development of the scientific and artistic flora and the creation of a genuine democracy in Athens. The influence of the current of thought developed in ancient Greece was later in Rome, they were taken over by the Renaissance and are still today. Is it history that calls us in Greece? Or rather the islands are call us to their unique beauty? Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Paros, Naxos and Rhodes, with their wonderful beaches, restaurants, nightlife and archaeological sites, are popular for decades. Lesser known islands, such as Sifnos, Lesvos and Kea, can be an ideal destination for those who want a romantic holiday and away from the noise of the world. Don't you wanna want one?

Geographical position: Greece is situated in the south of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, adjacent to the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean between Albania and Turkey. The country are between approximately 35 ° 00'N and 42 ° 00'N parallel and between meridians 19 ° 00'E 28 ° 30'E. It has a total area of ​​131,957 km2, of which the dry land occupies an area of ​​130,647 km2, the surface occupied by water is 1,310 km2 and the length of the rivers is 13,676 km.

RELIEF: Greece consists of a continental area with numerous bays and peninsulas (the Peloponnese, a peninsula linked to the isthmus corridor) and an island (about 3,000 islands in the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea). The most important islands are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and the Dodecanese and Cycladic groups. Greece has about 15 000 km of coastline. Approximately 80% of the country's territory is mountainous or hilly, making Greece one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. In Western Greece you will find lakes and wetlands. The central chain of the country is represented by the Pindus Mountains, with an average height of 2 650 m. The chain continues with the islands of Kythera and Antikythera, towards Crete and Rhodes. The Aegean islands are peaks of the underwater mountains that represent a geological extension of the chain.

The West and central Greece have steep and high surfaces intersected by numerous gorges and other forms of karst relief, the most famous being the Meteora and the Vikos Gorge - the latter being one of the largest in the world, the second largest in the Grand Canyon, with 1100 meters. In Olimp chain is the highest point in Greece, the tip of Mytikas, at 2,919 m altitude. In the north of the country is another mountainous area - the Rhodopes Mountains, on the border with Bulgaria. The area is covered with forests, centuries old. The plains occupy larger areas in the north, especially in eastern Thessaly, Central Macedonia and Thrace.

CLIMATE: Climate of the country is adorable. In Greece you will find 300 sunny days a year. During summer, rains are very rare, and in the winter there are frequent storms. The best time to visit Greece is the end of March – the mid of June or September – or end of October. The ideal conditions for a visit in Greece are between Easter holidays and mid-June, when the beaches are not very crowded and the weather is ideal for bronze and relaxation on the beach. The same conditions are between late August and mid-October. The climate of Greece is mainly Mediterranean, with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. This type of climate is present in all coastal areas, including Athens, Cyclades, Dodocanes, Crete and the Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands and some parts of central Continental Greece. The Pindus Mountains have a strong impact.

TOWNS: Almost two-thirds of Greeks live in urban areas. The greater and most influential metropolitan centers of Greece are Athens and Thessaloniki. They have a metropolitan populations of about 4 million and one million inhabitants, respectively. Other cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants are Patras, Heraklion, Larissa, Volos, Rhodes, Ioannina, Chania and Chalcis.

CULTURE: Greece's culture is very rich and diverse, being influenced by its location at the east-west junction. A location well known to be the place of many occupations, where the Greek people have endured throughout history. The Greeks are proud of their culture and their country, presenting them with great passion and identifying in their culture a definition of their national and ethnic roots. Traditions, religion, music, language, food and wines are the major composition of Greek culture. It is well known that Greece is a space of mythological and legendary stories that bring fables, oracles, heroes and monumental intrigue to the forefront. That is why much of the Greek culture is reflected both by the oral and written existence of these stories, but also by their physical incarnation in architectural pearls, such as pantheons, temples, necropolises and other places of worship. Religion is an important aspect for the Greeks. Approximately 97% of the Greek population is identified as Orthodox. Love for music and dance, chefs, food and drink is not ignored at all. Negotiation is also an important aspect of the culture here, the Greeks being renowned merchants, but also extremely hospitable hosts. Many Greeks are superstitious. Like the Romanians, I believe in the doctrines, which they heal with the red color.

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT: From the Kallikratis program, which reformed the administrative-territorial organization of the country since 1 January 2011, Greece is divided into thirteen regions further divided into 325 communes. The 54 former prefectures and prefectural administrations have been largely preserved as sub-regions of the regions. Seven decentralized administrations group from one to three regions for administrative purposes. There is also an autonomous region, Mount Athos (in Greek, Agio Oros, "Holy Mount"), which is bordering the Central Macedonia region.

TOURISM: The vast majority of Greece visitors in 2007 come from the European continent, in the amount of 12.7 million. From UK are only one (2.6 million), followed closely by those in Germany (2, 3 million). In 2010, Greece's most visited region was Central Macedonia, with 18% of the total national tourist flow (3.6 million tourists in total), followed by Attica 2.6 million and Pelopones 1.8 million. In 2010, Lonely Planet ranked Thessaloniki like the second city of Greece, fifth in the list of the best party cities in the world. So Thessaloniki is now comparable to other cities such as Dubai and Montreal. In 2011, Travel + Leisure named Santorini was voted "the best island in the world". The neighboring island of Mykonos has ranked fifth in the European category.

TOURIST OBJECTIVES: Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, National Museum, Antique Theater Epidavros, Delphi, Mycenae - King Agamemnon's House, Nike Temple, Acropolis Museum, Olympic Temple. In the Islands: Limenas Archaeological Museum, Kallirachi Folk Museum, Skala Potamias Vaghis Museum, Limenas and Alyki Archaeological Sites, Potos Castle, Saint Pantilimon Monastery in Skala Sotira, Archangel Michael of Alyki, Archontiko Argyrou Museum, Franco Castle, , Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Venetian Fortresses and Fort, Morosini Fountain, Loggia, St. Minas Church, Meteora, Chora Castle, Glezos Tower. Thessaloniki: Platia Elefterias and Platia Aristotelous, Roman Forum in Dikasterion Square, and Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Rhodes: Monte Smith's Column, Knights Palace SF Ioan, Butterfly Valley.

TRANSPORT: The mountainous and rocky landscape offer such a beauty landscapes, but not a very good roads. Greece have a good railways, bud have some roads with a high difficulties. That’s her beauty. There are 2,650 km of railways and 5,500 km of roads, of which over a quarter are unpaved. Olympic Airways is an international airline, and the Greek marine fleet is the second largest in the world, accounting for almost 10% of the world's tonnage. The main ports are Piraeus and Elevsis, near Athens, Thessaloniki and Volos.

TRAVEL WARNINGS: Greece is a beautiful and calm country. Rarely you here about crime or another problems with the tourist. Minor offenses such as pocket theft, deception or theft of cars may occur in crowded areas (stations, stations, car parks, shopping centers, gas stations or highway services). It is advisable to keep documents and personal values, travel tickets and money or credit cards in safe places and not be visibly exposed to the person or machines. Cars must be locked and secured with alarm systems. In the case of bus or train journeys, it is advisable to keep the luggage on for the entire duration of the journey.

HOW ARE YOU GETTING IN GREECE? In Greece, nearly 40 cities have their own airport. From Bucharest there are flights to several towns and island, but especially to Athens and Thessaloniki. Low-cost offers come from most of the airlines that offer services in our country. An alternative to the plane is the train that linking Bucharest to Thessaloniki and Athens. In Greece, you can reach the coach, but it is a long and tiring road, depending on the destination you choose. The personal car remains the alternative chosen by many of the Romanian tourists heading to the Hellenic Republic. Beyond the southern border of Romania, the only country to be crossed to Greece is Bulgaria. No vignettes are required for Greece, while the crossing of the border to Bulgaria in Giurgiu will ease the tourist's pockets for the bridge and the vignette charge on the Bulgarian territory.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In Greece, as in every country in the European Union, are accepted the usual credit cards (VISA, DINERS, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, EUROCARD, JCB). In public areas of the most cities are installed ATMs. Most major shopping centers and restaurants accept credit card payments, and most banks are open from 8.00 to 14.30, from Monday to Thursday, and from 8.00 to 14.00 on Fridays. That is the work program of public institutions. Greek restaurants and taverns are open daily from 12.30 to 16.30 and from 19.00 until 00.30. Some of fast-food restaurants(with souvlakia, gyros) are open 24 hours, the other uninterrupted from 07.30 am to 01.00 pm.

Cafes and bars work daily from 08:00 until late at night. Shops are open Monday and Wednesday, from 09.00 to 14.30, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 09.00 to 13.30 and from 17.30 to 20.30. Saturday you can shop between 09.00 to 14.00. The shops in central Athens (especially the tourist regions: Plaka, Ermu Street, Kolonaki Square, Omonia square and Constitution Square) and those from centers work daily from 09.00 to 20.00, excluding Sundays.

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Greek cuisine is an explosion of fine, simple, well-shaped flavors. It is a Mediterranean cuisine, boasting a wide range of vegetables, olive oil, cereals, fish, wine, beef, beef, poultry, rabbit and pork. Important ingredients include olives, cheese (the most widely known being Feta), lemon, herbs such as oregano and thyme, homemade bread and yoghurt. The most widely used cereals in Greek gastronomy are wheat and barley. And when it comes to dessert, Greek gastronomy is the heart of gourmets and healthy sweets. Most of the desserts revolve around fruit (bumblebees or nuts), honey and "filo" pastries. Greek gastronomy is strongly influenced by Ottoman gastronomy, offering food such as baklava, tzatziki, gyros, moussaka, dolmades (spice rice with spices, wrapped in vine leaves), yuvarlakia and keftethes.

Greek cuisine has a long history and is known for a wide range of healthy, grilled or baked dishes, but whose flavor is hard to reproduce even by the great chefs of the world. That's because everything starts from the arid land. Being the southernmost country in Europe, mainland Greece and the islands are generally facing a Mediterranean climate ideal for agriculture and viticulture. Also, its location in the Aegean Sea offers direct access to fresh seafood for over 10,000 years. How do you dislike it? Due to these factors, the whole Greek gastronomy is summed up in a few words: fresh, simple, tasty and healthy. Traditional Greek food is characterized by high quality ingredients, fresh herbs and well preserved family recipes. Greek gastronomy is one of the healthiest and best rounded of the world's classical cuisine.

Meze (Greek aperitifs)

Meze is the shortening for "mezedes" - small delicacies considered aperitifs, with which the Greeks begin their feast and which associate their local wine or the traditional ouzo. They are simple, made in small bowls, hot or cold, spicy or fresh. They can include seafood such as grilled octopus, garlic bread, kalamata olives, beans, grated vegetables, melitzanosalata, taramosalata, fried cheeses or grilled saganaki, from goat's goat cheese. Among the most common "mezedes" are:

Tzatziki - is made with Greek yoghurt, cucumbers and garlic. It is served with pita (Greek bread, similar to leek) and can be used in salads, as a sauce for meat or sandwich.

Skordalia - potatoes, parsley, garlic and olive oil. A tasty pickle that can be served with cooked vegetables, pasta or fish. On the National Independence Day, the Greeks serve red beet and cod on the barbecue.

Dolmades - rice straw with fresh herbs and spices in vine leaves. They are often served on a plateau, next to other mezedes, before the main course.

Kolokythokeftedes - or pumpkin pies. They can be served in the form of balls or sticks. But no matter how they are brought to you, these zucchini beads or biscuits are simply delicious. They usually consist of scrawled or squashed courgettes, mixed with fresh herbs such as dill or mint. They go perfect with tzatziki.

Kalamarakia - or fried Calamari. You can find them at every fish tavern. Some recipes include marinating calamari in ouzo. The result: soft on the inside, cranberries on the outside. yummy

Octopus - the very common octopus at any tavern. Whether it's grilled or marinated, the octopus is a kind of Greek food you have to try, no matter in which city or island to find.

Fava - or pea puree. A healthy preparation, full of protein and low fat content. It is the basis of the Greek diet.

Saganaki - saganaki cheese is 100% Greek. It is a roasted kefalograviera cheese, served with lemon juice and eaten with bread. One of the best appetizers you can try.

Taramosalata (roe salad) - along with tzatziki and dolmades, is this probably one of the first culinary delicacies you think of when you say Greece? Prepared with fish caviar, olive oil, lemon juice, onion and bread, taramosalata is really delicious.

Traditional Greek dishes

Traditionally, Greece enjoys more flavors and traditional cuisine. Depending on where you are, traditional Greek dishes can range from mullet and fresh octopus to pork and lamb chops. While the islands enjoy access to fresh seafood throughout the year, the northern Greeks have a little more red meat and pork. But keep in mind: in each destination you will eat something else, no matter the same period. and that's because the taverns serve only fresh, seasonal food, prepared with food from nearby farms. That's the beauty of Greek gastronomy. As popular Greek dishes all over Greece are:

Greek Musaca - you find variants of moussaka in all destinations of Greece. But Greek food is based on stratification: eggplant, roasted meat, onions, garlic and spices such as cinnamon and legumes, a potato and then cheese and bemamel sauce. It's worth trying.

Souvlaki - famous grilled beefsteaks. Souvlaki is still Greece's favorite fast food, just like a gyros. Everything that comes with the package (meat with sauces wrapped in pita) is delicious and highly appreciated in the Greek gastronomy everyday. A menu includes goat or pork, pita, tomato, onion and tzatziki. At the tavern, taste the lamb. It's a delicacy.

Fish - they come to Greece, choose a lunch tavern and eat as the locals have done since ancient times. Fresh fish and calamari from the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea are incredibly tasty. And if you try them with "ladholemono" (lemon sauce and olive oil), it is a real treat. The smaller fish, such as barbounia (red mullet) and maridha (whitebait), are lightly fried on the grill.

Choriatiki (Greek salad) - we are missing from any table. Choriatiki is prepared from tomatoes, olives, cucumbers and a large piece of Feta cheese. It will be brought to you without dressing, so you will match the sauce to taste. You will have olive oil, lemon, vinegar, salt and pepper. He does not jump or drink too hard, but tries his natural taste. Vegetables in Greece have a much more intense aroma than ours.

Gyros - the cheapest and most traditional Greek cuisine. Roast meat wrapped in the pita with onions, salad, tomatoes and tzatziki. He could not have reached Greece and had not even eaten the traditional gyros once. For some, it is one of the main reasons for coming back to the Greek realm every year.

Yemista - a traditional Greek recipe for tomatoes stuffed with rice and various herbs, sometimes with minced meat. There are countless variants of Yemista across Greece, which is why we recommend you try it everywhere you go.

Panikopita - Greek pie with spinach. It is a traditional, internationally recognized recipe. The plate is delicious and can be eaten at any time of the day. The Greeks tend to eat it in the morning with goat yoghurt. It is prepared with feta, butter, olive oil and traditional Greek Filo dough.

Pastitsio - baked pasta with beef and bemamel sauce. This delicious food can be enjoyed in any season. Greek food is served with mixed green lettuce, dressed with wine vinegar and virgin olive oil.

Greek desserts

1. Revani - is a very popular dessert with lemon and nuts. This cake is sweetened with a simple, orange-smelling syrup. It's not too sweet a dessert, and it's absolutely delicious.
2. Yiaourti Me Meli - short yogurt with honey. An easy to prepare delicacy with a flavor that adds to your addiction. Yiaourti Me Meli is a healthy combination of Greek yoghurt, honey from wild flowers and walnuts.
3. Pasteli - a honey stick and sesame seeds. Depending on the destination, they may have nuts, almonds or pistachios instead of sesame. He goes to tea or snack, when you feel the need for something sweet and healthy, in the classical style of the Greeks.
4. Loukoumades - small fried dough donuts, sprinkled with sweet syrup, walnuts and cinnamon. A fluffy delicacy for which Greek gastronomy deserves five stars. Absolutely delicious.
5. Ready for a holiday? Take a quick look at this Guide to Greek Dishes
6. Avgolemono: an egg and lemon sauce, used for meat and fish dishes. Sometimes it is also served as a separate soup.
7. Baklava: A delicious and common dessert found throughout Greece, Turkey and Eastern Europe, tasty pastries, ornate with nuts and sprinkled with syrup
8. Barbounia: red fish, which is often prepared on the grill. It's a seasonal dish, which few have had the chance to try.
9. Biftekia: a popular Greek dish in all destinations of the country: beef hamburgers, filled with cheese
10. Brizola: is the name for beef steak
11. Domatokeftedes: tomato sprouts, a specialty from Santorini. It contains red basil and mint.
12. Fasolia: the general name of the soup. the name refers to bean soup types. Recommended for vegetarians as limbs. They can often be accompanied by beef or chicken pieces.
13. Galaktoboureko: a traditional Greek dessert, with cream of wheat in a thin dough and covered with a sweet syrup
14. Halloumi: an aperitif of Cypriot goat cheese and sheep, served roasted, along with a lemon.
15. Kalamari: fried calamari or barbecue, along with lats and tzatziki sauce
16. Carabid: lobster spiny
17. Keftedes: beef meat balls, seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs
18. Kleftiko: low-cooked lamb stew with garlic, lemon and herbs served with potatoes
19. Kotopoulo: Chicken preparations
20. Koulourakia: A sweet pastry cake made with vanilla extract and butter glaze.
21. Magiritsa: lamb soup, which is traditionally eaten at the Easter table
22. Makaroni me kima: pasta prepared in Greek style. Or, better, the Greek version of Bolognese spaghetti
23. Melitzanosalata: roasted eggplant salad, served in cold and eaten bread
24. Octopodaki: a genuine Greek dish that consists of grilled octopus tentacles served with leeks
25. Ouzo: An aniseed-flavored alcoholic drink mixed with water. She sinks slowly over a meal
26. Pastitsio: baked lasagna with layers of beef, pasta, beef and cheese
27. Psarium: a name that refers to any type of fish. Say "fresco" if you want fresh fish
28. Saganaki: a salty cheese, common in all of Eastern Europe. It is served with toast or on a plate alongside seafood, with a rich tomato sauce.
29. Anchovies: Roasted sardines and served whole. It's a seasonal food.
30. Spanakopita: crispy spinach rolls, wrapped in filo and baked dough
31. Xoriatiki: tomato salad, cucumber, Feta cheese and olive oil. Some restaurants also add peppers, olives and onions.
32. Yemitsa: peppers, tomatoes, eggplant or pumpkin, stuffed with minced meat and rice.

Greece is considered the cradle of civilization. Ristorically, is one of the richest European countries and, at the same time, one of the most beautiful and popular holiday destinations around the world. The living spirit of the locals, their kindness, friendship and openness to people, regardless of the nation, are qualities that represent Greece and illustrate their rich and tumultuous past. Greece is one of the richest countries in Europe. It has a population of over 11 million people, with over 90% Greek, and one third of them are found in Athens, the capital of Greece. It is a beautiful country with a rich culture and a varied nature, boasting about 6,000 islands, which over 200 of them are now inhabited. The country's climate is mediterranean, with low temperatures and hot summers, only in some regions, such as Central Macedonia, there is a temperate climate with a lower temperature and hot summers and frequent storms.

Local culture and languages

The official language of the country is Greek and is spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages spoken by minorities include Albanian, Turkish (one of the most popular minority languages), Bulgarian and Russian. As for international languages, you can speak English, German, French and Russian quite often in Greece. English was adapted by the younger population, especially in rich areas and tourist destinations. It is a thing known that the Greeks are the most prominent of their cultural establishment, dating back thousands of years. Greece is considered to be the cradle of Western civilization, the birthplace of democracy. The country is also the birthplace of the Ancient Olympics. Initially, they were called the "Olympic Games" (Olympiako Agones) and consist of a series of competitions, organized in an arena, in different cities of ancient Greece. The first competition took place in 776 BC. in Olympia, Greece. They were organized until 393 AD, when they were disbanded by the Romanian emeritus Theodosius I. All Greece was the first country to participate in the modern Olympic Games, an event it hosted. She is also one of the four countries that took part in all the Summer Olympics.

Greece also boasts rich literature and historiography. The country was an important scientific center, contributing to the development of mathematical, physical, medical and linguistic domains. Today, Greek literature and theater are still strong, even though many of them are not well known outside the country. As for the development of civilizations, Greece boasts one of the oldest civilizations of its kind: the Minoan civilization, which developed on the island of Crete around 3650 BC.

Religion in Greece

And religion is an important aspect of Greek culture, an integral part of everyday life. Here, Christmas is considered an important feast, but Easter is the largest and most important of all. In the pre-Easter period, many Greeks choose to submit to the Great Lent (or Sarakosti) for 50 days of religious service. Holy Week is of major importance, followed by Easter Sunday. A special day, full of Christian meanings, in which the lamb is roasted, and many other traditional traditions are shared with the family. The church also plays a vital role in daily life. The Greeks are known for their lively spirit. For greeks is very important to attend weddings, baptisms and funerals. Even for the youngest, which usually don't take part at religious services. Here, the family values are the most important. Family are the basis of society in Greece, with the family playing a role in most aspects of life. They help each other and provide financial and emotional support whenever needed.

Formalities and customs in Greece

Greeks are known for their relaxed hospitality and attitude. Two essential qualities that immediately show you their formalities and habits. In Greece, when you first meet someone, it is customary to allow a person to introduce you into discussion. Firm hand grip is the best hello. And good friends and those who have known for a long time can even dress and play each other on both cheeks. Do not be surprised if a Greek will enter your personal space, assaulting questions, embracing and joking in an extremely open way that many would consider too personal. It is a special, open and simple way to approach people and create new relationships. The Greeks want to make a diary and find out about their country of foreign citizens. 

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