GREECE

Greece represents the outermost part of the Balkan peninsula. If we leave out the land borders with the Balkans and Turkey, Greece entirely faces the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, including a great number of archipelagos.

Greece covers an area of 131,957 square kilometres. With its coasts, 15,021 km in length, and its 1,500 islands, Greece entirely faces the sea and there is no area that is over 137 km far from the coast.

Almost eleven million inhabitants live in Greece, including those living on islands, small islands and towns.

The capital city of Greece is Athens. It is a frantic and lively town with many appeals of historical / cultural interest. Notwithstanding this, you will be struck by its varied architectural aspect and its often chaotic traffic. But appearances can be deceptive: Athens is actually rich in history and great charm. In fact, it is rather strange to walk in certain areas where time seems to have stopped 3,000 years ago.

Salonika, Pireo, Patras, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corinth.

International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos - Athens; International Airport in Karpathos - Karpathos; International Airport in Kos - Kos; International Airport in Mikonos - Mikonos; International Airport in Limnos - Limnos; International Airport Diagoras Rhodes; International Airport in Santorini - Santorini.

Probably, Greece is worldwide the country having to tell most events. It can boast of an exciting history that has characterised the future of the Western civilisation for ages. It is the native land of every single philosopher who may be worthy of this name. Great Homer, who made the Greeks' feats "immortal", drew his own inspiration from its coasts. Theatre was born here, poetry was born here, dance, music and even war drew their origin from Ancient Greek. It is the motherland of reckless Leonidas, who defended Sparta against Persians with the help of 300 men, and of Achilles, the "Pelide", whose name is still echoing in the air. A civilisation that did not lose its traditions even before its enemy either, no matter what its name was. The Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, invasions that made the history of the country without affecting local folklores any way. Barbarians were referred to as those who could not speak Greek. As a matter of fact, everybody studied Greek and there was no single Roman coming of a good family who had no knowledge of the Greek language. The Latin literature even faithfully followed the Greek literature for many years. Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides were imitated in any way. Even the first forms of right and law originated in Greek. However, the period of greatest splendour of Greece is owed to Alexander the Great, who had Aristotle, a great Greek philosopher, as his master and who extended the borders of Greek beyond the conceivable. In the end, the Olympic Games, i.e. the most popular worldwide sports attraction including all known sports and originating in Olympia, is of Greek origin.

The 25th March, the day celebrating the declaration of independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, shall be counted among laic holidays.

The political system of Greece is similar to the Italian one. Characterised by several parties, Greece is a Parliamentary Republic and its President is officially the head of state being elected by a qualified majority of the Parliament.

The official language is modern Greek, even if the local language is widespread in many areas.

Religion is Greek Orthodox, with Catholic, Protestant and Hebrew minorities. Islamic residuals are still present in the Dodecanese areas and in Thrace.

Greece is one hour before Italy.

Since when the Schengen Treaty came into force, Greece, a European Union country, has opened its borders to all EU citizens, who are only required to produce an identity card valid for expatriation if they wish to visit the Greek peninsula.

The currency monetary unit in Greece is Euro.

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The main international credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.

No specific vaccination is required to visit Greece.

As a Mediterranean country par excellence, Greece is making no difference for climatic conditions either. Summer is hot whereas winter is mild and rainy. This is the reason why it is advisable to visit Greece in the spring and autumn period.
 
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Voltage in Greece is 220 volts.

Calling from Greece to Italy is extremely simple: just dial the country code for Italy 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Milan from Greece just dial 0039 02 ...; to call a mobile phone number from Greece just dial 0039 347 ....).
All Greece is covered by GSM. This means that you can generally use mobile phones. Since rates vary according to the service provider, it is advisable to get informed about costs before the departure, in order to avoid having a bad surprise as soon as you come back to Italy. Downloading or sending an e-mail will be no problem at all. Every single hotel is complete with Internet stations and there are a lot of Internet points in the main cities.
To call Greece from Italy, dial the country code for Greece 0030 followed by the area code without 0 and then the number you wish to call.

There is no special restriction for pictures and videos. Every single tourist can easily fill in photo albums whereas the best will be able to get excellent reports, in consideration of the great number of cues. Do not forget to take a picture of the Greek sunsets and the wonderful views of the villages sinking on the sea.

You can purchase the typical souvenirs of Greece at the airport, in the shops, in the hotels and in the local markets. Crete is the island where you can more easily purchase pottery, carpets as well as characteristic and typical fabrics. Those who visit Athens must absolutely go to the local market of antiquities in Monastiraki, where you can purchase objects of any kind, even Oriental ones.

Greek dishes are characterised by the total absence of first courses. Our Italian pasta is replaced by extremely tasty hors-d'oeuvre called Mezédes (Orektiká), including simple pickles and black olives as well as heartier chicken and meat dishes. Giouvétsi, a lamb-based dish, may be counted among main courses. Baked dishes, the best-known of which is Mousakás, a soufflé of mixed vegetables, are very appetizing. These are all meat-based dishes, but it is fish that will play the lord and master in coast areas. Never forget Greek salads, the protagonists of which are vegetables and cheese, such as feta cheese. The typical Greek yogurt with honey must be absolutely tasted.

Greek rhythms have an ancient and evocative flavour. The tourist will soon realise it by taking its first steps on the notes of Sirtaki, which arrived in Italy as the sound track of the movie Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn and Irene Papas. Music has got deep roots in the Greek peninsula. Just think that the same expression music derives from Greek musike, by which the Ancients designated not only the musical language in notes, but also dance and poetry. These three components merge together in Greek music to the sound of lyre, zither, oboe and flute. Let's not forget that magic and unforgettable Maria Callas belongs to Greek music.

Greeks are very inclined to amusement and sometimes you really need just a little to spend a nice evening. There are a lot of bars and casinos you may go to, but for pure entertainment, i.e. the one not coming to an end till dawn, it is worth reaching the places that have made amusement their main attraction, such as Mikonos, Kos and Santorini.

The event most felt all over Greece, even more than Christmas, is certainly Orthodox Eastern, on 30th April. Another holiday that is much felt is Carnival, which is celebrated even for a whole week in Patras with fancy dress balls, games, fireworks and, above all, the typical chocolate battle. Athens lives the ancient Greek tragedies and popular dances during the Festival of Athens from June to October. Other dates on the poster during the year are the typical Wine's Days, on which you can taste the gods' nectar, dance, have fun and carouse, just as Ancient Greeks used to do on the days dedicated to Dionysus, the so-called Bacchanals. Let's also mention the month of dance (June) and the Film Festival (November) in Salonika, as well as Ippokrateia (July) in Kos.

Even if Mount Athos is a territory belonging to the Greek State, the holy place has got a sort of independence, above all in terms of customs restrictions. As a matter of fact, not everyone, but only those who are driven by a deep religious or scientific sense are allowed to access the mystic mount. As a consequence, a special stay permit valid for four days is required. Moreover, access to women is absolutely forbidden according to a centuries-old tradition.

In Greece!? You had better say what is not worth seeing. However, the following highlights are a must:

1) The Acropolis in Athens including the Via Sacra, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Eretteo (Athens)
2) The National Archaeological Museum, where the knowledge of Greek art achieved uniqueness (Athens)
3) Temple of Apollo (Delphi)
4) The ruins of Mycenae (Mycenae)
5) Mount Athos for the most faithful
6) The Colossus of Rhodes (Rhodes)
7) The Palace of the Grand Master (Rhodes)
8) The Palace of Cnosso and the "Minotaur" (Crete)
9) Archaeological excavations of the Sanctuary of Asclepios (Kos)
10) The temple of Artemis (Corfu).

1) Mikonos - Waters are transparent here and rich with ancient objects. You can practise surf on the Ftelia and Kalafatis beach.
2) Crete - You can practise not only many water sports, but also wall and night dives on its beaches.
3) Rhodes - The Kallithea bay, which is famous for its blue hole and crystal fish
4) Santorini - Here you can both practise water sports and admire an extraordinary submarine panorama made of hardened lava.
5) Kos - There is an endless number of sports attractions. Water sports lovers are able to pick and choose: surf, windsurf, kitesurf, etc.

To enjoy Greece as well as possible and avoid the dreadful hot weather in August as well as the crowd of tourists, it is recommended to go to Greece from May to June and from September to October. The best way of reaching the peninsula is by plane, but those who would like to drive on Greek roads, can take a ferry boat from Brindisi. Don't forget that Greek roads are very narrow. Be careful! Don't go too fast! Don't leave your car in an unattended park place, above all in the capital.

THE TOP FAQs:
1) How does the Greek health service work? There is no special problem to get health care in Greece. Italian can easily use the European Health Insurance Card (TEAM). Public hospitals are crowded and first-aid stations work on a work-shift basis. It is not difficult to get drugs. Drugstores also work on a work-shift basis. However, it is advisable to take out a private health insurance policy, including not only health expenses, but also those for repatriation.
2) Is it possible to drive with the Italian driving licence? In Greece, you can drive with an Italian driving licence. You can drive your Italian motor vehicle in Greece for max. 6 months. After this term has expired, you shall apply to customs authorities for a max. 9-nine-month extension or for provide for Greek registration. Driving is on the right, just as in Italy and motorways are subject to tollage.
3) Are there dangerous areas in Greece? There is no real dangerous area in Greece. However, you shall be careful during demonstrations in Athens and avoid crossing the Greek borders on Turkey and Bulgaria, which require a special authorisation for sightseeing.
4) What can not be imported into Greece? Weapons, narcotics and drugs are obviously forbidden. Moreover, you cannot import potted plants and fuels in containers.
5) Which is the best place for amusement? There is more than one. Particularly proverbial are the nights on the islands of Mikonos, Santorini and Kos, where you can break loose in more than one bar, such as Enigma in Santorini or the legendary Pierrò in Mikonos.

In Milan
Via Lupetta 3 - Milan (Italy)
Phone: 0039 02 860 470
Fax: 0039 02 860 477
E-mail: turgre@tin.it
www.ente-turismoellenico.com
 
In Rome
Via Bissolati 78/80 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 4744 249
Fax: 0039 06 4883 905
E-mail: enetroma@getnet.it
www.ente-turismoellenico.com

Via S. Mercadante, 36 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 8537 551
Fax: 0039 06 8415 927
E-mail: gremroma@tin.it 
www.greekembassy.it

 
Consulate of Greece in italy

Via Stoppani, 10 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 8082 030
Fax: 0039 06 8070 849

Odos Sekeri, 2 - Athens (Greece)
Phone: 0030 1 3617 260
Fax: 0030 1 3617 3330
E-mail: ambaten@hol.gr 
www.italianembassy.gr