Greece attracts many tourists from all over the world. One day visit to the country, it is impossible to remain indifferent to it. The small village on the slopes of the mountains, the picturesque shore of the bay, wonderful cuisine and local attractions make Greece the ideal place to relax. But going to go in this truly paradise country, you should be familiar with it as best as possible and to choose the most appropriate place.
General
The Hellenic Republic is located in South-Eastern Europe. The capital is Athens. Official language - Greek, but in tourist areas people communicate mostly in English or German. The population is about 11 million people. Almost 98% of the Greeks are Orthodox. After accession to the EU, the euro became the monetary unit. The time difference with Moscow is only 1 hour. The transition from winter to summer time takes place at the same time.
Greece climate
Greece has a Mediterranean and subtropical climate. January temperature ranges from + 4 ° C to 12 ° C, in July - between + 27 ° C to 30 ° C. Summer rains practically not. They are mainly in the winter, which lasts very long. If it snows, it melts quickly. Mountain areas are characterized by a central part of the Alpine (cool) climates, and the north-east - temperate continental (cold winters and humid summers). The swimming season begins in mid-May and ends in October. Velvet season is from September to October. With proper planning, recreation Greek climate allows relax at any season.
A visa to visit Greece
To visit the Greek people in Russia need to obtain a Schengen visa. A tourist visa can be draw yourself or in travel agency. For independent design, you should contact the Consulate General of Greece in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Novorossiysk. On the territory of the Russian Federation there are many visa centers, where you can also place a visa. Statements from there will be redirected to one of the three general consulates, depending on the place of submission. The list of necessary documents for feeding and addresses of all visa centers can be viewed on the official website of the Greece visa service center.
Customs regulations
In order for the journey to do not overshadow yourself with an unpleasant surprise, check out in advance with the customs rules of Greece:
- Russian citizens are allowed to import no more than 10,000 euros. There is no restrictions on the export of the currency.
- Adult persons leaving Russia, without paying taxes, it is allowed to import 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, 200 Sigarill or 500 g of tobacco; 1 l of strong alcoholic beverages (more than 22%) or 2 liters of weak; 50 ml of perfumes or 250 ml of toilet water.
- It is impossible to import narcotic substances and some drugs without special permission, weapons in any form, poisonous substances, pornography, as well as products containing meat or dairy ingredients. An exception is special food for children or people with various diseases (no more than 2 kg). Also can not be imported more than 1 kg of animal products.
- It is forbidden to export objects with historical value, such as various artifacts, things from excavations, etc. It is allowed to export only copies of old artworks that are sold everywhere.
- Without special permission, it is impossible to engage in the carriage of plants, animals and birds related to endangered species. Vegetable products must be shown to the employees of the quarantine service. Export of animals is allowed only with the presence of an international veterinary certificate and with a certificate of vaccination (issued no later than 10 days before the entry).
Flight
Direct flights from Moscow to Greece are provided by Aeroflot, Aegean Airlines, Transaero, Utair, from St. Petersburg - GTC Russia. Some airlines route from various cities with transfers (a century to Moscow Riga Athens). These include Air Serbia, AirBaltic, Pegasus Airlines, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ukraine International Airlines and others.
The best resorts of Greece
Traveling by greek Islands always occur brightly. Each of them has its own history, a lot of memorable places and unique nature. Consider options for enjoying great popularity among tourists.
Chalkidiki
The peninsula has an interesting shape drills strung out in three peninsulas - Sithonia, Cassandra and Athos. Many people like to Halkidiki for lush and bright green that is retained even in the height of summer (which is not true of the southern islands). Tourists are expected to sandy beaches, many hotels, Infrastructure, interesting excursions and pine forests. Kassandra is worth visiting the ancient village of Afitos, observation tower and the thermal spa. At Seaton recommended to pay attention to the excavations of the ancient Olinfosa, the vineyards of Porto Carras and ancient villages - the Parthenon, Nikita and Sikii. Athos famous community of 20 monasteries and numerous monastic cells. Unfortunately, at the moment a woman enters to get banned.
Crete
This island is enjoyed by tourists very popular. Developed infrastructure combined with a surprisingly tranquil villages and ancient ruins of the famous temples and palaces. The administrative center is the city of Crete, Heraklion, where you can visit the most important places - the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Fortress Koules and Palace of Knossos. Among the memorable places of Crete Lassithi valley should be made, where you can witness the production of olive oil process, taste the wines and visit the studio ceramics and mountain monastery from the 14th century. The town is endowed with cozy narrow streets, with plenty of space, old churches and fountains.
Santorini
The island is called a real highlight in Greece. He is famous for the most delicious wines. Tourists with delight describe the delightful cliff, which is a small white houses. Amazing black sand beaches and will long remain in the memory. Santorini preserved imprints of one of the oldest civilizations - Cyclades. Tour can be done on foot, by donkey, ferry or cable car. To those who it is not enough, you can go to the town of Akrotiri. There is an archaeological reserve and the ancient Catholic monastery, which also received a lot of positive feedback.
Rhodes
Rhodes received the title of pearls of the Mediterranean. Beaches on the eastern shore are sandy, on Western - pebble. For tourists there are many entertainment and clubs. The administrative center is the city of Rhodes, surrounded by high fortress walls and an ancient gate. He moves well all the Greek flavor - coniferous plants are found everywhere, endless vineyards, picturesque valleys, citrus and olive gardens. History lovers will be interested to visit the castles of Arkhangelos and Monolithos, the ruins of the ancient city of Kamiros and the Rhodes fortress.
Corfa
Perhaps this island has won the greatest popularity among tourists. Here is very clean air, lush greens, colorful calm villages. The best resorts are messenge and moraiteics. In the city of Corfu there are many memorable places of various cultures of Europe. The eyes of tourists appear at home with arcades in ampir style, the famous Royal Palace and ancient Venetian Fort. Many travelers love to acquire exclusive jewelry, ceramics, marble and alabaster figurines, various vases and lace. If you want to bring a good gift from Greece, check out this article.
Best excursions in Greece
Each resort of Greece is interesting and unique. But there is special placesIt is recommended to visit every tourist. They will give an unforgettable impression and leave memory for life. We collected a selection of the best excursions.
Athens
The city is not just the capital of Greece. It is here that classical Greece and Western civilization arose in principle. It takes about a month for inspection of all vintage monuments, but many tourists do not possess so much time, so they should pay attention to the most famous sights. These include:
- Acropolis;
- Dionysus Theater;
- Adrian library;
- Temple of the Olympic Zeus:
- Agora;
- Wind tower;
- Museums of ceramics and numismatics;
- Archaeological, Byzantine and Cycladic Museums.
Thessaloniki
The city is the cultural capital of the country and an excellent place to relax. The best beaches are on the shore of the thermal bay. In the city center there are famous squares - Aristotle and Freedom. Among the most significant places can be distinguished by the Basilica of St. Dmitry, the Church of St. Sophia, the White Tower, the monarch of the residence, an elegant urban embankment. In local restaurants and cafes can be enjoyed by national Greek dishes, for example, a pie with spinach and feta, mese, stifedo, Musaka with potatoes, Lukumades, Walnut rolls, etc.
Meteoras
Some people call this place 8 miracles of light. It is a monastery complex, which is in the mountains of Hassia on the tops of the rocks. For the first time meteors mastered the Byzantine hermits in the 11th century, but the real monasteries were built much later - in the 14-15th centuries (during the revival of the former spiritual ideals). From the walls of meteors a charming panorama opens. In this place you can enjoy solitude and get spiritual salvation.
The atmosphere of Greece has indescribable magnetism, which can be fought only with a heart. This ancient country will gladly take tourists and will allow them to touch the history and beauty of their amazing world.