The Geography of Greece
The geography of Greece is characterized by a mountainous, rocky terrain and many beautiful islands. Think of Rhodes, Mykonos, Skiathos – there are so many to choose from for a gorgeous trip.
Greece is bordered by Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey to the north; the Republic of Macedonia and Serbia to the east; and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The country has a population of approximately 11 million people, so there is plenty to see, do and try while you are there. There’s no shortage of nearby places to visit if you are making a longer trip of it. Why not travel to Turkey, or sail round some of the islands after your first stop off in Athens?
Greece is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with recorded history spanning over 3,000 years. It has been inhabited since around 10,000 BC, and it has a rich mythical history as well, with tales of the ancient gods, Zeus, Hera and their fellow Olympians, pervading the culture of Greece.
The Greeks are primarily an Indo-European people who speak Greek and share a common culture that dates back to ancient times when they were one of the great powerhouses in world trade alongside Egypt, India, China and Rome.
Best Places To Visit In Greece
Greece has many beautiful tourist attractions, making it a top destination for travellers.
The first place on our list is Athens, the capital of Greece. It also happens to be one of the most popular and historic cities in Europe. Athens is home to some of the best beaches in Greece, as well as some of the most famous tourist attractions like Acropolis and Parthenon. Like most major cities, the options you will find there for places to stay, eat and entertain yourself, are almost unlimited. As an introvert, cities can be a little overwhelming with their noise and crowds, I find it best to limit myself to a few days in somewhere as hectic as Athens before moving onto somewhere quieter.
Which brings us onto Crete. Crete is a large island that has many beaches and ancient ruins worth exploring, such as Knossos Palace and Minoan Palace of Phaistos. Crete is where Zeus was raised by a series of Nymphs to keep him safe from his wrathful father, Cronos, so you can be sure you are in for a treat when you visit. As an island, Crete has many beautiful beaches along its coastline. But don’t forget to go inland to visit some of the mountain towns and small cities where you can experience some Greek culture and food with fewer tourists around.
The third place on our list is Santorini- a volcanic island with breathtaking views from its caldera and an active volcano that can be seen from any point on the island. Truly beautiful and characterised by its blue sky and white buildings, Santorini is a tourist haven. Again, try to get inland and away from the scrum of people vying for loungers, and see a little more of the geography of the place.
Tips for Getting Around
When it comes to public transportation, Athens is not the easiest city to get around. But with a little knowledge and a lot of patience, you’ll be able to find your way.
Athens is one of the few European capitals that has no metro system. Instead, it relies on buses and trolleys to get people from point A to point B. However, these modes of transportation are not always reliable or frequent enough for people who need them most: tourists and those with disabilities.
The solution?
Download the free “BusAthens” app! It’ll help you plan your routes in advance so that you can avoid waiting in line for hours at the bus stop.
What To Pack For Your Trip
A trip to Greece is a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and of course, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Remember that the sun shines fiercely in most of Greece for a lot longer than it does here in the UK! You will want to take plenty of top quality sun protection to prevent ruining your trip – not to mention your skin – with a nasty case of sunburn.
Here are some items that you should bring with you on your trip to Greece:
– A passport or your European ID card. You will need this in order to enter and leave the country, and for any internal flights or trips to Islands you might take
– Clothes: Bring clothes that are appropriate for all types of weather. Despite its reputation for hot weather, Greece is well known to have sudden storms, chilly periods, and lashing rain. Plenty of thin cotton tops and sweaters is advisable, as you can wear them alone or layered up depending on the conditions.
– Your swim suit: You can’t go to Greece without taking a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at least once! And if you are lucky, your inland hotel might even have a swimming pool to cool off from the hot Greek sun.
– A hat or parasol: The sun can be very strong in Greece, so make sure that your head is protected from it! Heatstroke is no joke, so make sure you are in the shade between noon and 3pm, and keep your fluid intake up.