Greece, a nation celebrated for its profound historical roots and cultural impact, beckons travelers with its storied past, vibrant heritage, and scenic landscapes. Known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Greece offers a unique blend of ancient marvels and contemporary comforts. Athens, the heart of this illustrious country, not only serves as the capital but also stands as a testament to Greece's enduring legacy. From the inception of the Olympic Games to the advancements in philosophy and science, Greece's contributions to the world are unparalleled. With its idyllic Mediterranean location, Greece is a haven for beach lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike, promising an unforgettable journey through time and beauty.
Greece's history stretches back to the dawn of civilization, where it was once the epicenter of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its capital, Athens, is synonymous with the origins of democracy and the ancient Olympic Games. The nation's influence extends to the realms of philosophy, political science, astronomy, and mathematics, shaping the course of Western thought and knowledge. Greece's geographical position as a Mediterranean country endows it with stunning coastlines and a climate that attracts countless visitors to its shores. The Greek islands, a constellation of enchanting destinations, are best explored by cruise or yacht, offering an experience that will etch itself into the memory of any traveler.
Greece is home to approximately 11 million people, with Greek being the official language. English and French are also widely spoken, facilitating communication for international visitors.
Travelers to Greece will find the standard voltage to be 220 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. The country uses a variety of plug types, including round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin, and the "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Situated in Southern Europe, Greece is bordered by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Albania and Turkey. It occupies the southern portion of the Balkan Peninsula and shares land borders with Bulgaria and Macedonia to the southeast.
Greece boasts a diverse climate, with alpine conditions in its mountainous regions, a temperate climate along the Macedonian border, and a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Athens experiences a mix of temperate and Mediterranean weather patterns.
Greece's rich historical and cultural heritage is reflected in its varied traditions and customs. A backward wave of the hand is considered offensive in Greece. Casual attire is acceptable in most settings, but smoking is banned in public transportation and buildings. Tipping is customary, with 12 to 15 percent being the norm in restaurants, hotels, and taxis.
Greece's main airline, Olympic Airlines, along with international carriers such as British Airways and Delta Airlines, offer daily flights to Athens. The Athens International Airport, located 17 miles northeast of the city, is the country's largest airport. Other significant airports include Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia), and Corfu (Kerkira).
Major Greek ports like Corfu, Heraklion, and Piraeus serve as gateways to the country, with ferry services connecting to Italy, Croatia, and Turkey. Renowned cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line offer luxurious voyages around the Greek isles.
For travelers from the UK, the Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris, followed by a connecting train, is a convenient route to Greece.
Travelers can bring certain items into Greece without incurring customs duty, including up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, and gifts up to €175. However, it is important to note that narcotics, weapons, and certain food products are among the prohibited items.
While Greece's historical sites and sun-kissed beaches are well-known, there are lesser-known facts that add to the allure of this Mediterranean gem. For instance, Greece has one of the richest biodiversities in Europe, with over 6,000 plant species, some of which are endemic to the region. The country also boasts 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the medieval city of Rhodes and the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. According to the World Tourism Organization, Greece welcomed approximately 31.3 million international tourists in 2019, highlighting its status as a top travel destination.
For a deeper dive into Greece's attractions and travel tips, visit the official Visit Greece website or explore the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for information on Greece's World Heritage Sites.
Real Estate: Tips On Selling Your Home
Planning to sell your house? Or planning to move to a new house and selling the old one? There are some home selling tips to make your home selling attracts a buyer. You should pay attention to some aspects if you would sell your home. The price almost becomes a general of all. And then, the qualities of your house can be guarantee. The qualities include beauty, functionality, coziness, etc.
Real Estate: Home Selling Tips
Home selling tips are everywhere – some suggesting things you might never thought of, some are general ones you’re likely to find everywhere. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean we should stop making them.
Real Estate: Home selling processes
So many tips are being given on home selling. If only you knew where to begin with! Some homeowners get confused because they don’t have a big picture of what exactly will happen during the home selling process. While it may differ from various areas, some general steps sellers should expect are the same. The first thing to do is some preliminary planning. Though you may not feel like it, this is the step that kick-start the whole home selling process. Your house needs to be fully prepared to accept a new owner. If you plan to sell your house and buy another one, always know for a fact that you’re qualified to buy a new one before selling your old home.
