The Facts
Capital: Athens
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT +2
http://www.gnto.gr/
Introduction
The birthplace of democracy, major scientific and mathematical principles as well as the Olympics, Greece has been making an impact on the world for centuries. It's crammed with archaeological sites and ancient wonders like Athens' Parthenon, the ruins of Minoan Knossós or Delphi's Temple of Apollo. But there are natural splendours too, like Crete's spring wildflowers, which carpet the hillsides and the soaring rock spires of Meteora. Mount Olympus might once have been considered the throne of the Gods but today it also attracts hikers seeking higher glories. Head out into the blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas and you discover the country's other great treasure, a vast array of islands. There's almost one for every mood. Party hard in Paros, kick back in Kefalonia, be seduced by Santorini and made curious in Corfu. Island hopping by ferry or yacht chartering are some of the best ways to get around.
Where To Go:
Greece is located in southeast Europe on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula.
It has borders with Albania, Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) to the north and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south of mainland Greece, while the Ionian Sea lies to the west. Within the eastern Mediterranean basin are a vast number of islands. Of these 6,000 plus islands and islets only 227 are inhabited and only 78 of those have more than 100 inhabitants.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Moussaka is a traditional dish in which aubergine and minced lamb are the main ingredients.
- Feta cheese and olive are the key ingredients of a Greek salad.
- Dolmades are stuffed vine leaves.
- Souvlaki refers to meat, mostly pork or chicken that is spit roasted.
- Baklava is a typical desert made of pastry layers filled with nuts and drenched in syrup.
- Retsina is Greek wine.
- Raki is a spirit made from distilled grapes.
Unmissable Greece
5 things you really should do in Greece and the Greek islands.
1. Feel ancient
Explore the classical ruins of ancient Athens. The splendours of the Acropolis and Parthenon await.
http://www.athensinfoguide.com/
2. Rock on
Head to central Greece and discover the monastery topped rock spires of Meteora. These extraordinary pinnacles rise out of the Thessaly Plains and have provided sanctuary to devout monks since the 13th century. Six working monasteries remain and can be visited.
www.great-adventures.com/destinations/greece/meteora.html
3. Feel Blue
Wander the winding streets of Thira and Ia on the island of Santorini epitomised by tumbling whitewashed houses, dome topped churches and blue wooden doors.
4. Discover the centre of the earth
Go to Delphi revered throughout the Greek world as the centre of the earth and universe. A complex of ruins located on a hilltop can be explored.
5. Seek solitude
Unwind on the beautiful island of Kefalonia the setting for the novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Written by Louis de Bernières about an Italian captain (Antonio Corelli) and the daughter (Pelagia) of local physician (Dr. Iannis) the book is set on the island against the background of its Italian and German occupation during World War II.
http://kefalonia.foi.org.uk/
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