Being in Greece, you feel at every step the spirit of antiquity and the rich history of the region. This special atmosphere attracts thousands of tourists from different countries every year. Also, guests are attracted by the mysterious Athens, Thebes, Delphi, numerous monasteries in the rocks, Mount Athos, a world sanctuary, magnificent beaches and clear warm sea. All this can be seen and tried, interrupted by a dream in the first-class hotels with modern spa facilities.
Greece geography for tourists
Greece does not allow one-way relationship to it. You can not come here and try for a week to see all the sights. But limp wallowing on the beach will also become a crime against the beauty of this ancient land. This country is simply designed to enjoy everything: nature, wine, food, peace and heat, socializing with the locals and loneliness alone with holy places.
Each region in Greece has its own charm and is different.Here tops to the skies, covered with snow (Visilitsa, Kaimaktsalana), border on warm sandy beaches (Peloponnese, Halkidiki). No less popular with the guests of the country rest on the islands. Countless excursion programs capture the imagination of the most sophisticated travelers. Even on such a small stretch of Greek land as Patmos, there is something to see and explore.
Greece's climate
The climate of Greece is a great success and a godsend for those who love sunny days. Here their number per year reaches 300. In summer it is usually hot and dry here. Crete and Rhodes invite those who want to relax at a moderate temperature. It is better to do this in May, June, September and October. The rest of the time, the sun mercilessly fries, but the locals are used to it and feel quite comfortable. Guests of Odyssey’s homeland can spoil their holidays.
The Greek islands are always hotter than on the mainland. We should also talk about the climate of Athens - here the temperature is the same as on the islands. But drier air makes it a lot easier to carry.
At the beginning of summer and at its end a cool breeze blows from the sea. In contrast to the heat of the day, this may cause some inconvenience. Despite the climate and temperature extremes, the holiday season begins here in April and lasts until the end of October. On the islands you can start the swimming season even earlier. Northern Greece opens the season in May and closes in September.
Documents to visit Greece
In Moscow, the Embassy of Greece can easily get a visa in three days. This can also be done at the Visa Center or at the consulates general of Greece in St. Petersburg or Novorossiysk. Here the procedure will take up to ten working days. One of the criteria for obtaining a visa is the presence of an insurance policy, which is purchased for the entire duration of the trip.
Currency in this country can be imported and exported in unlimited quantities. Amounts over 10,000 euros must be declared, which is mandatory for all EU countries. For each guest, the availability of funds in the amount of fifty euros for each day of stay in Greece becomes a prerequisite. You can also enter up to ten kilograms of foods, drinks, ten packs of cigarettes and one liter of spirits. Gifts must not exceed their value of 150 euros.
Transport for tourists
For the convenience of tourists in the airports of Greece arrive many regular and charter flights. From Moscow to Athens flight will cost about 180 euros. You can fly to Thessaloniki for 230 euros. Direct flights from Petersburg are also available. Fly to the islands can only be connecting flights from Athens. In summer, the charter takes tourists to Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zikinf, Kos.
The variety of Greece includes many types of transport available to tourists. The range is wide: from the ferry to the metro. The only drawback may be the uneven distribution of vehicles. There are islands that can only be reached by boat. In other places move only on horse-drawn transport. Although it can also be represented as an advantage - a new interesting experience and impressions.
Rail travel in Greece is not the best way to travel. They are suitable only for those who prefer this type of travel to others. The route along which the main branch runs is characterized by picturesque landscapes. It connects Athens and Thessaloniki. On it you can cross the mountain range, on the way there will be several tunnels and several kilometers of magnificent valleys. But the best view from the train window opens to the sea. Such a trip will cost 40 euros. An alternative may be the routes Volos - Ano-Lehonya-Miles and Diakofto-Kalovrita.
One of the most common types of transport in Greece for many years remains water transport. All major cities are connected by a ferry net. The transfer for one person costs 8-14 euros, together with the machine the transfer will cost 40 or more euros. Ferries operate regularly only during warm periods, and in winter they may encounter flight cancellations.
Across the mainland, you can move on an inexpensive bus.Also in this way you can get to the nearest islands. The cost of the ferry in this case will be included in the ticket price. In Athens, you can use the trolley, tram and electric train. The subway is not underground, but on its surface. A ticket for these types of transport costs 1.5 euros, and it is valid for an hour and a half from the date of purchase. Other regions are equipped with transport in different ways. On the islands, preference is given to buses. Taxis are also popular with tourists. It is only important to remember that you always need to include a counter. You can also rent a car, provided that the driver is from 25 to 70 years old, he has international rights and experience of at least three years.
Accommodation in local hotels
Local hotels are graded a little differently than in other countries. The five star categories here correspond to the “deluxe” mark. Next are categories A, B, C - four, three and two stars, respectively. It is enough for an average tourist to choose category B or C. This is quite enough for a comfortable stay, as they are clean and comfortable, but without excesses. It has everything you need: TV, air conditioning, upholstered furniture, and more. Also pay attention to the hotel, specially designed for families with children. If there is no disco in the selected hotel, for example, a disco, but it is in the neighboring one, then this entertainment will also be available to the tourists of the first hotel.
Prices for accommodation and meals
The cost of living varies depending on the season. If we talk about the average cost, then two stars will cost from 30 to 60 euros per day. Three and four stars can be visited for 60-120 euros. If you want to live in a five-star hotel, you will have to pay at least 100 euros per day. Those who wish to rent a small apartment can offer a good option for 300 euros per month.
Food at the hotel will cost an average of 20 euros per day. In restaurants, lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost 15-25 euros. Subject to choice in the menu dishes of the average price category.
You can go to the museum for 6-10 euros. On Sunday, you can do it for free. Scuba diving costs about 40 euros, and an excursion to Meteora or to holy places will cost 45 euros.
With proper planning in Greece, people with any income can rest. This country deserves to visit it at least once.
