Greece is situated on the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with four countries, namely Albania, FYROM and Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. The country is surrounded by sea, as the Aegean Sea lies to the east and south and the Ionian Sea to the west. In Greece, you are standing in the crossroads of cultures, colors and civilizations. You can feel the influence of history and the warmth of being in the most southern part of Europe. Greece is a well-organized tourist destination that provides great opportunities to its visitors. Moreover, hotels in Greece and especially hotels in Athens and hotels in Thessaloniki are famous for their style and incomparable atmoshpere. During your trip, you will discover an evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. Greece is the place of the beautiful contradictions, a constant journey from present to the past and vice versa. It is the land of the great philosophers and the Olympic Games, the land of bright sun and blue sea.

History

There are only few countries in the world with such rich and diverse history as Greece. There are archeological remains that date 200,000 years old.  Architecturally Greece boasts Minoan and Dorian ruins back to a trip of four millennia. Its history counts from the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations until the very modern times. Here democracy was born, in the ancient city of Athens and empires like the Macedonian of Alexander the Great and Byzantium flourished. The fall of Byzantium and consequently the fall of Constantinople in 1453 brought a long period of Ottoman occupation that lasted until the Greek revolution of 1821. The treaty of Constantinople of 1832 gave an official recognition to the newly established Greek state that continued to expand with the incorporation of Crete, Chios, Samos, Epirus, southern Macedonia and Thessaloniki in 1912-1913 (Balkan Wars).  The end of World War I found the Greek forces withdrawing from Turkey. The destruction of Smyrna and the massacre that followed, forced thousands of Greeks to abandon the city. Modern Greece is a developed country and member of the European Union since 1981. From 2003, it is also member of the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union.

Art and Culture

Due to its incredibly rich history, Greece has inherited some of the most exquisite ancient sites of the world. Sites such as the Acropolis in Athens; the Polycrates Wall and Eupalinos Tunnel at Pithagorio in Samos; the Oracle of Delphi; the Minoan palace city of Knossos and Phestos in Crete; the ancient city of Akrotiri in Santorini and the ancient Olympia, motherland of the Olympic Games comprise national legacy and attract thousands of visitors every year. Greece is also the country of Ancient Drama. There are plenty of ancient theatres worthy visiting, such as the ancient theatre of Epidavrus and the theatre of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Some of the most important history and archaeology museums in Greece are The Acropolis Museum and the Museum of the Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos) in Athens, The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Moreover, there are many art museums and galleries you can visit. The Benaki Museum in Athens and the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art of Thessaloniki accommodate exhibitions and other diverse events, enriching the visitor’s image of Hellenic civilization.

Gastronomy

The unique tastes and gastronomic treasures of Greece offer great culinary surprises. Contrary to general belief, you will discover that Greek cuisine apart from the world famous Moussaka, Souvlaki and Greek Salad entails a wide selection of dishes that meet the culinary demands of all tastes. Famous local specialties include Kalamari, fried squid usually served with potatoes; Fasolada, a bean soup with carrots, garlic, onions and tomato sauce; Gemista, stuff vegetables with rice and occasionally mince meat; Pastitsio, a dish that resembles Moussaka but instead of eggplant entails pasta and of course a vast variety of meats and fishes. Things could not be different though, in the country that gave birth to symposiums and the Epicurean philosophers. It is here that Archestratos in 330 B.C wrote the first recipe book in history, demonstrating that gastronomy is a sign of evolution. Greece has a culinary tradition of around 4,000 years. Nevertheless, Greece’s Eastern and Western neighbors have also influenced its cuisine. Dishes from Italy such as the Italian pizza and pasta and Turkey have well integrated into the Modern Greek cuisine, increasing the already great variety of local flavors.

Places to visit

One of the places every tourist should visit in Greece is Athens. The capital of Greece is a beautiful vibrant city with unique history and exquisite monuments. The archaeological treasures of Athens like Acropolis, Parthenon and Thysion comprise national heritage and provoke with their beauty and historical importance. Of course, Athens is also popular for its modern life. Some of the greatest and most trendy clubs of Europe give a fantastic rhythm to the Athenian nightlife. Especially, the summer clubs along the city's seacoast are extremely popular due to their open air style next to the sandy Athenian beaches. Moreover, many museums, galleries and cultural festivities take place in the city all year long. The variety of things you can do in Athens is almost unprecedent. The city of culture, entertainment, history and modernity reveals its treasures to those that follow its pace. Reserve a hotel in Athens in all seasons, as hotels in Athens are among the best hotels of the country. Moreover, hotels in Athens can be found in a great variety depending on your budget and taste. Last but not least, visit the National Museum, get around the city with the ultra modern metro system and enjoy the Athenian sunset by reaching the coast with the new city tram.

The Greek Islands constitute the main reason Greece is such a spectacular country. You can choose among thousands of Islands, varying from the high class Mykonos, Hydra and Santorini to the unique Crete  and the world famous Rhodes and Corfu. Mykonos is popular of its fabulous nightlife, housing some  of the most spectacular beach parties and summer clubs of Greece. The picturesque windmills of Mykonos comprise distinguishing site of the place and adorn the already splendid surroundings. Hotels in Mykonos are among the most luxurious and comfortable hotels of southern Europe, providing superb sea view and incredible facilities. The Island of Santorini is another place you should visit. Formed by its volcano explosures, Santorini has breath taking surroundings. This Idyllic spot of the Aegean offers a splendid view to its visitors and is fairly considered as the Island of love and romance. Book a hotel in Santorini and admire the wonderful sunset in the Aegean blue Sea. One of the most dominant and beautiful Greek Islands is also Crete. Crete is the biggest Island of the country and combines a unique natural diversity. Visit Crete and meet its wonderful people, rich history and blessed nature. Crete is ready to fulfill all your demands.  Hotels in Crete have a traditional character, which they also combine with modern facilities and constructions. We suggest you to visit all the island's municipalities by reserving a hotel in Iraklio and later on a hotel in Chania or a hotel in Rethymno. Finally, the Islands of  Rhodes and  Corfu comprise tourist destinations that you should not miss. Reserve hotels in Rhodes or hotels in Corfu and explore their old walled cities and unique beaches.

Thessaloniki is another must destination. It is the second biggest city of Greece and combines a rich history and long tradition with a very active student population and great nightlife. Visit the White Tower or Leukos Pirgos, a remarkable site in the center of Thessaloniki and stroll along the famous Thermaikos port, a place full of bars, cafes and cozy restaurants. Reserve hotels in Thessaloniki during any season as the city offers great opportunities all year long.  You can also reserve some of the great hotels in Delphi and visit the well known ancient oracle. Next to Delphi lies Arachova, one of the most picturesque villages of the country. Arachova is known for its beautiful mountains  and ski centers. Hotels in Arachova are known for their hospitable enviroment that completes the cordial atmosphere of the village. Finally, discover the traditional Nafplion, the first capital of Greece and one of its most wonderful towns. It is suggested that you find a hotel in Nafplio's old city centre, surrounded by traditional buildings and stone-made alleys.