Visit Greece

Greece is a small country very well known for being where the first European civilization started more than two thousand years ago. Athens is the capital and largest city. Magnificent ruins still stand in Athens and other parts of Greece, as monuments to a glorious past.

Mountains cover most of Greece and the land is rocky with little fertile soil. No part of Greece is more than 85 miles from the sea, and thus, the Greeks have always been a seafaring people. There are many islands that also belong to Greece.

Greece was the birthplace of democracy: it established the traditions of justice and freedom that are basic to democracy.

The Greeks are a lively people, and meeting with friends is a large part of life. Coffee houses with indoor and outdoor tables are popular. Greek Orthodox festivals are an important part of life: the people enjoy food and wine, and sing and dance into the night.

The Greeks eat more lamb than any other meat, but fish and other seafood are an important part of their diet. They almost always cook with olive oil. Souvlaki, moussaka, and feta cheese are favorites.

Greece has a strong educational system. Embroidery and silversmith skills are important handicrafts.

Much of the land is made up of limestone, either bare, or with thorny bushes. There are 9 main land regions:1. the Central Pindus 2.Thessaly 3. the Salonika Plain 4. Macedonia- Thrace 5. The Peloponnesus 6. The Southeastern Uplands 7.The Ionian Islands 8. the Aegean Islands and 9. Crete. Much of this beautiful country is historically famous. The ancient Olympic Games were held here, in the valley of Olympia. Whitewashed walls of the homes reflect dazzling sunlight, and in the summer, the sky is almost always cloudless. The climate can be called Mediterranean, as there are mild wet winters, and hot dry summers. Climate may vary sharply from region to region, as there are great differences in altitude and location.

Tourism accounts for an important part of Greece’s income. Athens is one of the world’s most historic cities: the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, is probably the most famous attraction. Several other temples also stand on this rocky hilltop. Various ruins can be found throughout Greece. Some of these areas are Corinth, Epidaurus, Mistra, Mycenae, Olympia and Sparta. The islands of Corfu, Crete, Idhra, Mikonos, and Rhodes, are also great for sightseeing.

The mountains in Greece make transportation somewhat difficult and overland routes must go through valleys and coastal areas. There are 20 commercial airports. Olympic Airways is the national airline.