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GREECE

One of the world’s top tourist destinations—Greece; coined the cradle of Western civilization.

Athens is its capital city.

HIGHLIGHTS

Greece is known for its beaches in Santorini and the party resort of Mykonos; in addition to its natural beauty and mountainous mainland. The reliable sunny summer weather also draws many here, as well as to see historical sites. Greece is one of the safest destinations—violent crime and thefts are low and public disorder is rare.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring and early summer (mid-April through mid-June) or autumn (September to mid-October) are the best times to visit; this way you will avoid peak season –summer, July—August; with its inflated prices, tons of tourist, hot temperatures of 100 degrees. The vast majority of season tourist arrive in April—October.

 

CLIMATE

The Mediterranean climate is varied, almost similar to California. Summers are hot and dry—with seven months of sunshine from April—November. It is cold and rainy during the remainder of the year—November through March. The most pleasant weather occurs May—June and September—October—with summer month highs of 95-100 degrees.

ACTIVITIES OR SIGHTS TO SEE

Athens has spotless parks, modern subway, new freeways, accessible airport and all signs are in English.

  • Acropolis of Athens, iconic temple ruin; upon Athens’s rocky hilltop

  • Parthenon, a restored landmark temple ruin

  • Acropolis Museum

  • Hop on hop off bus tours of the city

  • Plaka, an old historical neighborhood, with cobblestone streets—lined with shops and sidewalk cafes

  • Monastiraki, flea market neighborhood—one principal shopping district

  • Kolonaki, central neighborhood—one of the best places to spend a day to shop in Athens’ upscale stores and dining

  • Museum of Greek Children’s Art

 

Santorini is known for blue rooftop buildings.

  • Volcanos are very popular

  • Explore ancient ruins at Archaeological excavation sites

  • Wineries

  • Hiking from Fira to Oia

  • View the sunset from Oia Byzantina Castle

  • Catch a movie in open air cinema in evenings at Kamarie Village

  • Eat at classic Taverna

  • Fish Pedicure at the Fish Spa Kagal Wellness Center

  • Sleep in a Windmill

  • Romantic dinner overlooking the Caldera—during sunset

  • Swim at Red Sand Beach; or visit others—Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos

  • Drink a donkey beer

  • View from the Akrotini Lighthouse

  • Cable car ride

  • Hike to top of a volcano

  • Drive an ATV

  • Boat tours

 

Mykonos is known for picturesque towns and windmills on hills—above the towns. Mykonos is also notorious for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise (most beautiful on the Island) have bars with blaring and thumping music; where huge dance clubs attract world renowned DJ’s. Mykonos is also a gay friendly destination.

  • Little Venice is the most picturesque quarter of main town—enjoy a beautiful sunset and coffee along the water front

  • Chara, the main village—view sugar houses and traditional windmills

  • Scuba diving center—courses and diving tips

  • Yacht cruises

  • Sunset cruises

  • Boat trip to Delos Island

  • Kite surfing

GETTING AROUND

Intercity buses are very popular options for getting around. Trains are an inexpensive mode of transportation but very limited. Driving a car will take you through the scenic route, but fatality rate is high on the roads because of narrowness. A ferry is another good way to reach an island—but plan ahead because they fill up quickly during summer season.

 

CURRENCY

The official currency in Greece is the euro. Currency exchanges are common in tourist areas and larger cities. Most banks will exchange euros for currencies such as U.S. and the British Pound—and often times at better rates then at currency exchanges. You might obtain a better exchange rate by using credit and ATM cards.

 

LANGUAGE

Greek is the native language, but English is the foreign language that is widely used and understood. However, learn basic Greek phrases such as: “hello, thank you, excuse me etc.” before visiting.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  1. Wear sunblock while at the beach—the Mediterranean sun gets quite hot, and can burn skin.

  2. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause long term damage to the skin; best time for outdoor activities is cool early mornings; relax on beach in shaded areas.

  3. Avoid hiking along, as trails are deserted.

  4. Public drunkenness is frowned upon.

  5. Photography of military significance is prohibited.

  6. Crossing streets is dangerous because of high accident rates.

  7.  Beware of jellyfish at beaches—some are infected and the stings can be severe.

  8. Beware of the scam “old clip joint routine”.

  9. The beaches of Santorini not sandy, but more dark volcanic sand –beach shoes are needed.

  10.  Because storms might occur in late September, many businesses might be closed down.

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