About Greece
Greece is a country in South east Europe located at the cross roads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The country shared borders with Albania to the Northwest, Bulgaria to the North, Turkey to the Northeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Ionian Sea to the West. 80% of Greece consists of a mountainous peninsula mainland as well as a vast number of islands that lie between 1200 and 6000 that include the Cyclades, the North Aegean islands, the Sporades, Dodecanese, the Ionian islands and Crete which is the largest and most populous of them all. Greece is a popular tourist destination not only because of its amazing islands but also because it offers plenty of options for a memorable holiday. Greece is considered the cradleland of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, Western literature and philosophy, political science, Historiography, major scientific and mathematic principles, Theatre and Olympic games.
Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, has a total population that goes above 10 million people as the Greek society has changed over the years. More than two thirds of the Greek population live in urban metropolitan areas like Athens which is the largest city and capital as well as Thessaloniki. The Greek constitution recognises the Orthodox church as the prevailing faith of the country while guaranteeing freedom of religious belief for all. The official language is Greek spoken by 99% of the population. Other foreign languages learned and spoken by Greeks are English, German, French and Italian. Greek cuisine incorporates fresh ingredients into a variety of local dishes such as moussaka, pastitsio, classic Greek salad, souvlaki, fasolada among others.
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece lures visitors to its shores from all around the world. Summer (July - August) is the busiest season in Greece when popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes are full of tourists. August is the month when the locals take their annual leave and add to the crowds of visitors. Spring (April - June) and Autumn (September - October) are the best months to visit Greece for a peaceful holiday after the rush of summer. The days are long, and the weather is mild. If you’re looking to enjoy yourself at the beaches, the water is warm and inviting in Autumn. Winter (November - March) is the low season of sunny Greece. While the big islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu entertain visitors all year round, the smaller islands wind down for winter. This would be a wonderful time to visit Greece for a laid-back holiday if you don’t mind the cold.
From its sprawling coastline to its looming mountains, Greece is a land of incomparable beauty. It is but a reflection of its residents who will welcome you with unbridled enthusiasm and give you a taste of the legendary Greek hospitality. With a serene pace of life, it presents you with the perfect opportunity to take a step back and switch off from the daily grind. Greece operates in a ‘relaxed mode’ and there’s no particular hurry to be anywhere. A holiday here is all about the simple pleasures of life. You can spend your days taking leisurely walks along the ocean or enjoy a cup of hot Greek coffee as you watch the sun make its way over the horizon. Try your hand at something new or simply lounge around on the beach. And if you’re seeking adventure, Greece will not disappoint you. There are plenty of outdoor activities like discovering ancient monuments, hiking different mountains, mountain biking and scuba diving that will take you off the beaten paths, to little pockets of Grecian delights far away from the glare of tourism. The big cities like Athens and the architectural wonder of Santorini boast of a pulsating night life that shows off a different side of Greece. Greek cuisine is one more way of experiencing the country’s soul. The bold, clean flavours and the freshest seafood will definitely win your stomach’s approval. All this and more await you on a Greek holiday.
