Greece
The mountainous Mediterranean country of Greece is the cradle of Western Civilization, known for its cuisine, beautiful mountain and coast scenery, architecture, mythology and history. Greece boasts a longer history than any other European country, dating back to the Mycenaean civilization, which exercised influence as early as the seventeenth century B.C.
Greece consists of a mainland covered with hills and mountains terminating at a convoluted coast, beyond, which are thousands of islands, with over a hundred of them inhabited. The capital is the august city of Athens, overlooked by the white walls of the ancient citadel called the Acropolis (meaning “high city”), which includes the famous Parthenon. The second largest city is Thessaloniki dating from shortly after Alexander’s death, it became an important center of administration and trade during the time of Rome and later the Byzantine Empire. Today, it retains monuments from the Ottoman age, including the White Tower, which houses the Museum of Byzantine Cultures.
Beautiful scenery, especially on its many Mediterranean isles, entice millions of travelers to visit Greece each year, thus contributing to an eighth of its economy. Greece’s economy has expanded rapidly since World War II, and today Greece is a developed democracy. Although Greece is remarkable for its past, it remains in the present – and shall continue to be in the future – just as charming and interesting.
Climate
Greece’s climate is Mediterranean, with regional variations due to its mountainous geography.
Health and Safety
Religion and Festivals
Greek Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion of Greece, with less than 5% of those who identify themselves with Islam or other Christian denominations.
Transportation
Flights to Greece are frequent, and fares are competitive. Public transportation within Greece is not as well developed, but the populous city of Athens has an extensive mass transit system, which includes an underground rail network, many of which stations double as underground museums for ruins discovered during excavation.
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