Search Vantage
Choose Your Adventure
Subscribe to our newsletter
Greece Information
The Greek peninsula, Europe’s southeastern tip, has an area of 131,944 square kilometers, and consists of mainland Greece (Attica, the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada, Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace) and the islands of the Aegean and Ionian seas. Geographically it belongs to Europe since it forms the most southerly extremity of the Balkan peninsula but it also has a special link with Europe through the small entity of the Ionian Islands which form a chain off Greece’s western shores in the Ionian sea. In contrast, there are the numerous islands of the Aegean sea, some isolated like Crete in the south, and some in groups like the islands of the Northeast Aegean, the Sporades, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese.
The Cyclades
Consist of 39 islands of which only 24 are inhabited. The Sporades lie off the eastern shores of mainland Greece and Euboea (Evia) and retain their genuine island characteristics and unchanged local traditions. The Dodecanese group consists of twelve major islands and a number of smaller islands, each with its own distinctive features and peculiarities. Finally, the Saronic Gulf which is the stretch of sea linking the shores of Attica to those of the Peloponnese, contains a further group of small islands which adds its variety to the general surroundings. Another result of the country’s geographical location is also seen in its climatic range with mild winters and subtropically warm summers cooled by a system of seasonal breezes popularly called “meltemia”. Lastly, an outstanding feature of the Greek climate is its ample sunshine. It is not an exaggeration to state that the sun shines in Greece for 3,000 hours per year.
The most picturesque island complex in Greece, lying right in the middle of the Aegean Sea. One of the most important Mediterranean civilizations was born here, the Cycladic. It is also probably that the lost continent Atlantis was around here. Calm, crystal clear water, bright sky, sun, and an austere architecture on naked rock, the Cyclades are filled with light and sunshine. The climate is dry and healty, with mild winters and cool summers, thanks to the beneficial “meltemia”. A whole civilization is coming out to light at the archaelogical sites at Akrotiri, the prehistoric city, and Messa Vouno, where the ruins of Ancient Thira lie. The most important islands to visitors are:
Santorini - Its geological particularities, its past, and its imposing scenery single out Santorini (Thira) in the Aegean next to the rest of the Cyclades. Bright white domed houses clinging to the cliff sides of the caldera formed by the volcano’s explosion in 1500 B.C. have an incredible view of the coal colored islets in the middle. Some of the most spectacular beaches can be found on Santorini; some with dark pebbles and others with black sand. More on Santorini
Mykonos - The island of Mykonos needs no special introduction. Greek mythology claims that Mykonos was formed by the fossilized bodies of the giants that Hercules killed, and was named after the mythical hero called, Mikono. Cosmopolitan and charming, picturesque and sophisticated, it has been the playground of the famous and anonymous alike for many years. Mykonos is known the world over, for its windmills, its beautiful, rocky hills that gently roll down to sandy beaches and the wild night-life.
Paros - Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades situated in the center of the complex. It is a flat island, full of vineyards and a very popular vacation spot, especially for the young, because of its active night life . One of the most popular beaches is Monastiri, which attracts many visitors every year due to its clear waters, beach bar and the variety of sea-sports available to the swimmers.
Naxos - Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. Byzantine churches and medieval towers abound. Boulders rise up from the deep blue of the sea. Fertile valleys, springs with rushing water, picturesque villages, begin to give an idea of this special place.
Variety is the hallmark of the Greek geographical landscape. On the one hand, there are high mountains and entire mountain ranges such as the Pindus range (also known as Greece’s backbone) or Mount Olympus (with its summit the Pantheon, the highest peak in Greece at an altitude of 2,917 meters) and the mountains of Macedonia and Thrace intersected here and there by a few valleys through which relatively small rivers flow. On the other hand, the endless lacework of the coastline produces a series of scenic surprises. It is these heavily indented shores which give Greece such rare beauty, quite unique in the Mediterranean. Vegetation and climate conform to the variations in the geographical area.
The multiplicity of plants is exceptional, some 6,000 indigenous species have so far been recorded, 250 of which flourish on Crete alone. It is an impressive figure that is due to Greece’s geographical position between Europe and Africa.
Athens
Took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge: this is where democracy was born. This is where that marvel of architecture, the Parthenon, was created. Athens, one of the most important cities of mankind, is rich with history. Here is a short sightseeing guide for visitors to Athens listing the most important places for tourists to see while in the Greek capital:
The Acropolis area - The rock of the Acropolis has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Today’s layout of the fortified citadel is the work of Pericles. The Parthenon, which dominates the scene, was the first temple to be built and was dedicated to Athena. The museum at the site contains many pedimental sculptures, reliefs and statues. The Acropolis hill is the crown jewel of Athens and all of Greece. With the still standing Parthenon temple as its symbol, the Acropolis is truly a wonder of the world, containing four ancient buildings. The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 B.C. and most of the artifacts from the temple are housed today in the Acropolis museum near the Parthenon. Also on the Acropolis are the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea. Just below the Acropolis hill are two ancient theaters, which must not be missed the Dionysos and Odeon of Herod Atticus. The oldest of the Greek theaters, built in the fourth century B.C., the Theater of Dionysos once hosted plays of Euripides, Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aesculus which were played for the first time. It could seat as many as 17,000 spectators, but only one third that number could fit in the seats now destroyed. The reconstructed Odeon of Herod Atticus amphitheater is used during the summer to host the Athens Festival performances. Truly one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Athens it was first built by Roman ruler Herod Atticus in the second century A.D. The theater can seat 5,000 spectators and has 32 rows of seats. The ancient Supreme Court, the Areopagus, is located just below the entrance to the Acropolis. It was here where the first court of homicide was held and where St. Paul addressed the Athenians in 54 A.D.
At the foot of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora, known as the commercial and public center of ancient Athens. During the classical age, such notables as Sophocles and Aristotle taught there. Although much of the marketplace is in ruins, one can still distinguish the layout of the area. The museum nearby houses many of the artifacts found in the area. The Thesseion, one of the most intact of the ancient Greek temples, is located at one end of the Ancient Agora. It was first built in 450 B.C.
Plaka - Once the life of Athens earlier this century, the Plaka area of the city is located on the north slope of the Acropolis. Old-timers will tell you stories about how the 19th century town was the center of nightlife activity. The Plaka is a pleasant, cobblestone walkway with cars banned from most of the area. Narrow streets and winding stairways and some old mansions are what’s left of old Athens, which contained a cluster of 500 homes. There are tavernas and numerous tourist shops in the Plaka area and some ancient sites worth visiting. The Tower of the Winds, with its water clock, sun dial and weather vane, built in the first century B.C., is a striking octagonal monument. Each side has a relief depicting the wind that blows from that direction. At the west side of Plaka is the Roman Agora which includes Hadrian’s Library, built by the Roman ruler in the second century A.D. The Monument of Lysikratous, a well preserved fourth century B.C. monument rising 21 feet from its base is also worth visiting in the Plaka area.
Monastiraki - If it’s a bargain you are after and if you still have not decided what souvenir to take back home, don’t forget to visit the Monastiraki Flea Market. Here you will find shops selling a wide selection of souvenir to suit all tastes and budgets. The best time to visit Monastiraki is on Sunday mornings when the Flea Market is running full and before the crowd rush later in the afternoon. The Flea Market is next to the Monastiraki metro station and just off the square with the same name. Just two blocks up from Monastiraki Square heading towards Syntagma Square is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Mitropolis) where the country’s dignitaries attend services on holidays. It is a massive structure composed of stones from 72 demolished cathedrals around the city, destroyed by the Turks. With an impressive interior, the cathedral was built in the previous century. Near the end of the Flea Market is the Keramikos Cemetery located on Ermou Street going towards Pireos Avenue. It was the famous burial ground for the most important ancient citizens of Athens. Most of the finds of the cemetery are in the museum within the grounds.
Temple of Olympian Zeus - The largest ancient temple in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus began to be built in the beginning of the sixth century B.C. and was not completed until 700 years later. The temple was dedicated to the supreme god Zeus and 14 of its original 104 very tall Corinthian style columns still stand today.
Syntagma Square - Syntagma Square, now recognized as the center of Athens and from where to orientate yourself to the city, is an acre large plaza filled with expensive outdoor cafes, some trees and a fountain in the center. Around Syntagma you will find every type of tourist shops, airline offices, banks, a fast food restaurant, other restaurants and first class hotels. Also called Constitution Square by foreigners, Syntagma is faced at the top by the Parliament building. In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where all visiting dignitaries lay wreaths, and is guarded day and night by two evzones dressed in the traditional skirted uniforms. On Sundays at 10.30 A.M. the evzones, accompanied by a military band, march from the Parliament building in full regalia, well worth a picture by tourists.
Other areas - On the way to Omonia Square from Syntagma Square on Panepistimiou Street, is the impressive neoclassic University, National Library and Academy buildings, all built in the previous century. These buildings are always worth a picture or two by tourists. The next important square after Syntagma in Athens is Omonia It is the most noisiest place in Athens but offers many tourist shops and snack bars. The highest hill inside Athens, Mt. Lycabettus, offers a visitor a panorama view of the city from all sides. On the summit of the 912foot high hill is a tiny 19th century chapel of St. George. Kolonaki side of the hill. The Pedion Areos, a large park on Alexandra Avenue, has a playground, plenty of shady areas and peacocks. Yet another escape route if the hot summer sun gets to you.
Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs
We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.
