Discover Greece

Welcome to the home of Zeus. Greece is known for its Mediterranean climate, countless islands, beautiful beaches, and stunningly preserved ruins from ancient civilizations. Between its far-reaching coastlines and historic roots in philosophy, mythology, and the arts, it’s a nirvana for curious nomads.

What’s so special about Greece?
Greece is a country full of history, culture, and natural wonders - a place where the perfect summer holiday seamlessly blends with a treasure trove of sights and stories for history lovers. From its picturesque villages to azure seascapes, there’s so much to explore.

things to know
about Greece

  • Population: 10 million+
  • Capital: Athens
  • Currency: Euro
  • Largest Airports: Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Corfu
  • Language: Greek
  • Getting around: If you rent a car, drive on the right-hand side of the road. Public transport in Greece is excellent, too, and you’ll find no shortage of buses, taxis, ferries, and trains to get you to even the most remote areas of the country
  • Fun facts: Thousands of words in English have Greek origins (including ‘dinosaur’ and ‘charity’)! Athens is also widely known for being the birthplace of democracy, which was established by the lawgiver Cleisthenes in the fifth century BC.
greece-athens-city-skyline-at-sunset

MODERN GREEK CULTURE

Despite the fact that Greece is home to thousands of islands, no man or woman is an island here! The Greeks are big on family values and frequently gather with their loved ones to celebrate their culture and traditions, of which they’re known for being very proud.

Food is crucial to modern Greek culture as well, as it’s seen as another means through which to gather and spend time with loved ones… though usually not until late in the day, as Greeks don’t often eat dinner until after 9pm. It’s a good thing that they’re also known for their love of caffeine – in fact, catching up with friends over a coffee in the afternoon sun is, to many, a daily ritual. (We could get used to that.)

THE GREEK ISLANDS

For all the delights of mainland Greece, there’s just something about their surrounding islands that soothes the soul… and there are plenty of them to discover. Across the Greek seas are roughly 6,000 islands and islets, with over 200 of them being inhabited. Those with a taste for island life will be more than satisfied with their range of options, here – from the white-washed houses of Santorini and crystal clear waters of Crete, to the lesser-known wilds of the Alonnisos and beautiful Kithira (said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite).

THE COUNTRY OF
PHILOSOPHERS

The Greek philosophers were some of the most influential thinkers in history. They were instrumental in developing many of the concepts that are foundational to life today, such as democracy, logic, and philosophy. From Socrates to Plato and Aristotle, their ideas have profoundly affected the world we live in.

EXCITING GREEK CITIES

Athens

The awe-inspiring city of Athens was founded in the year 508 BC, and its historic credentials are, unsurprisingly, impressive. Lived in for over 3,000 years and ruled by various empires, eclectic ruins are in abundance here, including the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon. Athens is also popular for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, making it the perfect location for exploring and entertaining in equal measure.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is another Greek city with ancient roots, established in 315 BC by the Macedonian king, Cassander. Like Athens, it’s revered for its diverse architecture – reflecting the influence of the Roman and Byzantine empires, among others – as well as its expanse of museums, eateries, and shopping opportunities. There’s never a dull moment.

Corinth

Heading to the Peloponnese Peninsula? You can’t miss Corinth. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 50 miles to the west of Athens, this city is famous for its atmospheric caves and well-preserved ruins. It was once the base for the Isthmian Games, too – an ancient Greek festival dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea.

Kavala

The first thing you’ll likely notice about Kavala is that it’s built like an amphitheater, with parts of the city embedded into the slopes of Mount Symvolo and others stretching out into the glistening bay below. Rainbow-hued neighborhoods and strong links to Greek heritage set this city apart, as well as its bustling wine trade – an important industry in the region.

TRADITIONAL GREEK DANCES

Step (lively) back in time…
Kalamatianos, a festive folk dance, is the national dance of Greece. First mentioned in the early writings of Homer, participants move in a circle while holding hands. Sirtaki is another well-known dance… though it only dates back to the 1960s, as it was created specifically for the movie Zorba the Greek! Dancers create a line or circle, place their hands on their neighbor’s shoulders, and move in rhythm together.

Regions in Greece

The Mainland

Greece’s largest and most populous region, the mainland is home to the capital city of Athens as well as a number of other captivating cities and towns, like Delphi and Kavala. Tourists will enjoy a patchwork of environments here, with mountains shaping the north and east and beaches and islands decorating the coastline.

The Peloponnese

The Peloponnese Peninsula is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Greece. You can explore medieval castles, hike through rolling hills and relax in tranquil coves, as well as visit Olympia, where the Olympic Games were founded. Sports are still prized in this area, and from windsurfing to sailing and golfing, you’ll find numerous ways to get active.

Thessaly

In Thessaly, you’re never far from breathtaking views or ways to engage with history. Considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of Greece, this region brims with famous feats of nature like Mount Olympus and Lake Plastiras, in addition to ancient ruins like the Meteora Monasteries.

Macedonia

Bordering Albania and Bulgaria in northern Greece is Macedonia, a country with over two million inhabitants that has a unique abundance of wild beauty. From the characterful streets of Skopje, its capital, to the glittering waters of Lake Matka and peaks of Vodno Mountain, there’s so much for intrepid spirits to embrace.

Epirus

One of the most enthralling and underexplored Greek regions lies in its northwest: Epirus. Rugged mountains, pristine forests and whispering rivers make up the landscape, within which are a range of traditional villages and hidden ruins to uncover. It’s also home to some of Greece’s best ski resorts!

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