Greece is located in Europe on the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece is located at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is comprised of one large mainland peninsula and an archipelago of about 6,000 islands. Around 200 of these islands are inhabited by people.
Greece is an ancient country that is best known for its culture, philosophers, cuisine, architecture, and landscapes. It is home to the most famous philosophers in the world including Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoras, and Socrates.
The country is also famous for creating democracy. Olympic Games were also first played in Greece in 776 B.C in the city-state of Elis. It is the cradle of Western civilization.
The country has a population of 10.7 million people.
The country has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Acropolis and Delphi.
The currency of Greece is the Euro.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
What to Wear and What to Pack
If you are traveling to Greece during summer you should pack lightly. You should pack light cotton clothing. A good pair of walking shoes is recommended.
When to Visit
The summer starts from June to August. It is the best time for visiting beaches. There are also numerous festivals and events. However, the summer is very hot and very crowded. The prices are also significantly higher. Sightseeing is not ideal due to the heat.
The spring starts from April to May. It is the most ideal time to visit. The temperatures are moderate. There are fewer crowds and prices are lower. It is also ideal for sailing, hiking, and seeing wildflowers.
The fall starts from September to October. It is also a good time to visit. The weather isn’t very hot. There are fewer crowds and prices are lower. It is a great time for island hopping and sightseeing. It is the harvest season and provides numerous wine and olive tasting opportunities.
The winter is from November to December. It is the most affordable time to visit. There are almost no crowds. It is great for sightseeing due to the cool weather. However, it is very cold and you can expect a lot of rain.
Food
Greek cuisine dates back to antiquity. The most popular dishes are briam (roasted vegetables in tomato sauce), souvlaki(spit-roasted meat), moussaka (lamb casserole and aubergine), dolmades(vine leaves stuffed with meat and herbs), and Greek salad.
Ouzo is a popular anise-flavored alcoholic drink that accompanies food.
Accommodation
Hostels are a popular accommodation option among backpackers in Greece.
Transport
Ferries are very convenient for traveling between islands. There are some flights between some islands. Athens has flights to other islands. However, flights are expensive and inconsistent.
Things to do in Greece
Explore the islands
There are thousands of islands in Greece. Only about 200 islands are inhabited. Ferries are used to moving people from island to island. Athens is a good destination all year round. The fall and the spring are the best seasons to visit. The archaeological sites are open throughout winter.
Crete is awesome for first-time visitors. However, you need plenty of time to explore this big island.
Halkidiki is famous for its excellent beaches.
Visit Beaches
The most popular islands for beaches are Crete, Rhodes, Ios, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos. All the islands offer excellent spots for swimming.
Visit Nafplion
It is one of the most beautiful towns. It was once the capital of Greece. It has awesome architecture featuring stylish neoclassical buildings, fashion boutiques, and jewelry studios.
Visit the Oracle at Delphi
The oracle was famous in the ancient world and it is still famous in the modern world. Delphi is located 165km from Athens. People have been visiting it for centuries. It was believed that The oracle (Pythia or priestess) would answer questions regarding a person’s future.
Visit Olympia
Ancient Olympia was located on Mt. Olympus in the Peloponnese. It is located 270km from Athens.
Visit the Acropolis
It is considered the symbol of Greece and Athens and also the symbol of Western civilization. It is the location of the Parthenon. The Acropolis Museum is the most famous.