Greece

Mainland & the Islands

Greece is situated in the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula between three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The country can be distinguished between three main geographic sections: The mainland, the peninsula of the Peloponnese that connects to the mainland through the canal of Corinth Isthmus and the islands.

There are more than 2500 islands situated in the Greek waters out of which about 165 are inhabited today. The islands are scattered at the East in the sea of the Aegean and at the West in the Ionian Sea. The biggest island is Crete and the rest are organized in groups, such as the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

Getting There Airports / Ports

Greece has a broad spectrum modern infrastructure which provides one many options to choose from when visiting. One can reach the country by vehicle, plane, boat or train. Major motorways link the country with Europe and Asia. Greece has 15 international airports spreading in the mainland and the most popular islands and 27 national airports. Greek ports welcome ocean-going ships, local ferries and sailing boats all year around. Last but not least there are railway connections with Europe.

The International Airport of Athens «Eleftherios Venizelos» was launched in March 2001 and is one of the busiest in the world. It connects to Athens city center via metro, suburban railway and bus services. Within the airport a luxurious hotel is available for those who have flights at inconvenient hours or long transfers. It is known for its pioneering and quality services and has been awarded on many occasions.

Antiquities

Greece is a country which holds a rich heritage of remains from developed civilizations dating back as far as the Prehistoric Years.

Although there is little evidence dating back to the Paleolithic Era plenty of findings have revealed a lot on the Neolithic period that followed (7th-4th millennium B.C).

During the Bronze Age many civilizations flourished throughout the country with impressive achievements traced in the Northeaster Aegean, the Cyclades and Crete. During that period the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations stood out the most, in Crete and the Peloponnese regions respectively. The civilizations of the Geometric, Archaic and Classical Periods have left an astonishing heritage of buildings, pottery, utensils, foundation of sciences and mesmerizing works of art which have inspired the Western world as we know it today.

Greece is a country which holds a rich heritage of remains from developed civilizations dating back as far as the Prehistoric Years. Although there is little evidence dating back to the Paleolithic Era plenty of findings have revealed a lot on the Neolithic period that followed (7th-4th millennium B.C).

National Celebrations and Bank Holidays

In Greece there is a number of National Celebrations and bank holidays which take place throughout the year that are worth to keep in mind, as there is a broad spectrum of customs that you shouldn’t miss in different part of the country. Those that stand out include the following:

Epiphany: 6th January Traditionally a ceremony takes place at central ports where a priest consecrates the sea water. At the end of the ceremony the Holy Cross is thrown into the sea and young men dive in the cold waters in their effort to catch it bring it back to shore.

Ash Monday: Movable Date This celebration takes place 41 days before Easter and reflects the initiation of the Lent period. Traditionally on this day Family and friends gather together to eat the first Lent meal, vegetarian menu including yeast free flatbread and fly kites.

Independence Day & Celebration of Evaggelismos: 25th March On this day the Greek people celebrate the initiation of the revolution against the Ottoman Empire with a military parade. Apart from the military, students from every school in the country march along to pledge their honor.

Greek Orthodox Easter: Moveable Date I you find yourself in Greece during that time prepare yourself to witness a number of traditional rituals and celebrations. Greek Easter is one of the most celebrated times of the year, since a variety of different customs are performed between Holy Friday up to the Night of the Resurrection on midnight Saturday. On Holy Friday a flower-decorated Epitaph (Bier of Christ) is prepared, this is carried around each neighborhood in the country surrounded by a local crowd. The night of the Resurrection people dress up and attend church carrying a candle. At midnight the Resurrection takes places and the bells sound all over the country accompanied by lit candles and fireworks. Attending a praying session within the church during this time can be a deeply-spiritual experience. On Easter Sunday families gather together to enjoy a traditional Easter meal, in which the main elements include a lamb on the spit and red-dyed eggs, followed by traditional singing and dancing.

Other bank holidays include Labor day on the 1st May, where flower-themed celebrations take place throughout the country, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August and the National «OCHI DAY» Holiday on the 28th of October during which you will see military and student parades throughout the country