Guide to Greece

Greece is surely one of the most interesting European countries. Its culture, history, tradition and geography attract the tourist from all over the world.

The beautiful sun shines for over two thirds of the year - summers are long and warm with extremes of 37°C (99°F).. Only in mild and rainy winters temperatures drop to freezing point. The climate is a little bit different in mountains: there is more rain in summer and even snow in winter.

In the history of this exceptional country we can easily observe number of influences of different cultures and nations, such as Romans, Arabs, Latin Crusaders, Venetians, Slavs, Albanians, Turks, Italians, not to mention the Byzantine Empire. They have all left their mark. In the Peloponnese we can observe great impregnable fortifications made by the Venetians; all over the country there are numerous byzantine monasteries and churches. The heritage of four centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule is enormous - it contributed to Greek language, cuisine, music and way of life. Also such minorities as Muslims, Jews, Vlachs, Catholics, Gypsies who still live in Greece are responsible for the modern image of the country.

Unfortunately the popular culture that found expressions in the costumes, songs and dances, carved furniture and the white Cubist houses, disappears under the impact of Western consumer values.

There are so many interesting places in Greece that it is hardly possible to visit them all. One should go at least to Athens, Thessaloniki, Larisa, Kavala and Rhodes.

Apart great variety of museums, one should visit also breathtaking medieval mansions and castles, as well as historical landmarks dating from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Minoan, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. And if you have enough time you should also visit some summer festivals located in castle courtyards, ancient theatres and island resorts.

But Greece offers also great holidays for those who prefer sunbathing at the picturesque seaside, swimming in a balmy seas, talking and drinking under the stars. Just please remember that despite recent improvements to the tourism "product", Greece is still essentially a land for adaptable sybarites.

Brief, Greece is an exceptional, picturesque and interesting country where everyone can spend never-to-be-forgotten holidays!