Rest in Greece: sea, beaches, islands, the best places to relax with children, resorts, hotels. Independent journey to Greece: visa, card, language, money, shopping for fur coats

Greece map, language, money, hotels

Money in Greece

The official currency of Greece is Euro. You can exchange currency in banks, in the hotel and special exchange points. If you want to save on exchange, you should take care of this before the trip and purchase an euro in Russia, since in Greece the exchange commission will be higher than in Russian banks.

Plastic cards in Greece are accepted in all large stores, cafes and restaurants, a network of ATMs is well developed. But the Greeks, unlike other Europeans, do not really like to accept payment by a bank card, as this entails the payment of additional taxes and commission fees for the owner of the institution.

In small stores and family taverns, there may not be a terminal for payment with a plastic card at all. Or when paying you will be asked to pay an additional amount to cover the overhead costs of transferring money through the bank. In order to avoid problems, it is better to always have a certain amount of cash with you.

Language in Greece

Greek language is the only official language in the country. In the regions where tourism is developed, in stores, restaurants and transport, staff can own English. Often there are Russian -speaking Greeks, especially in hotels. There are quite a few immigrants from Russia and the CIS countries in Greece, therefore, for Russian -speaking tourists, the language barrier usually does not arise.

If you travel in Greece yourself, some difficulties may arise with reading inscriptions in Greek. The Greeks have their own alphabet, some letters in it coincide with Russian or Latin, but can designate completely different sounds.

If you do not speak Greek, you can hardly read the inscriptions in Greek. In tourist places, the inscriptions on road poles, dishes in the menu and signs can be duplicated in English or other languages. In the outback, only the Greek alphabet is used.

Greece map

You can see a detailed map of Greece in Russian on this page. The map marks the most noticeable attractions, entertainment parks, shops, museums, cafes and much more. There you can also download a card with marks on your gadget so that it is at hand on a trip. The service is provided by Google and is compatible with most mobile devices.

Greece hotels

Most often, travelers stop on vacation in Greece in hotels - the choice of hotels here is large, there are all categories of accommodation from the simplest boarding houses to high -class elite complexes that can satisfy the most demanding tourists.

Recently, among Russians, hotel houses began to be in great demand - from simple village estates to chic villas. Hostels and apartments in Greece are not very popular.

The largest selection of hotels is presented on the site for independent booking Booking.com. Here you will find detailed information on each hotel (services, location, description of numbers), reviews and photographs of travelers, recommendations for choosing a hotel and guides.

How to apply for a visa in Greece?

Greece is included in Schengen's countries, therefore, a Schengen visa is needed to enter the country's territory. You can see a visa to Greece in the nearest service center to you, a complete list of representative offices and their contact phones, see here.

Please note that some visa centers accept applicants strictly by preliminary recording. You can make an appointment by phone (see contacts above the link) or to united site of Visa centers of Greece.

List of necessary documents, as well as submission rules, see here. You can seek any additional questions for advice by calling and email addresses indicated this page. Also in the visa center you can get additional services, a full list of services see here.

If you purchase a ready -made package tour through a travel agency, a travel agent will be engaged in the design of your visa.

The main beach resorts of Greece and their features

Tourism is one of the most important articles in the Greece economy. There are ideal conditions for relaxation: climate, nature, rich history, profitable geographical position.

It seems that there is not a single meter of the territory where any Greek would not offer tourists their services. The zone for relaxation without exaggeration can be considered the whole country. Consider the most popular resorts.

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Holidays on Chalkidiks in Greece - sandy beaches, hotels, attractions

Chalkdiki - three peninsulas in the north of the mainland of Greece on the coast of the Aegean Sea, they are called Cassandra, Sitonia and Athos.

The Airport of the city of Salonika (in Greek is called Tessaloniki), which is closest to Chalkidics) is of international importance and accepts many charter and regular flights from Russia and the CIS countries.

The distance from the airport to the main resorts on Halkidiki does not exceed 200-250 km.

Kassandra

The most tourist -developed of the three peninsulas is Cassandra. This is a very picturesque and densely populated peninsula, 80% of hotels and entertainment on Halkidiki is concentrated here.

Cassandra is great for relaxing with children, even with kids under 2 years of age. Small sandy beaches, a gentle entrance to the sea, good infrastructure in the coastal zone make a vacation on the Cassandra very comfortable.

In addition, the Aegean Sea in the content of salt is very insignificant, the water does not pinch the eyes and does not irritate the skin, you can safely swim with babies. Shallow water allows the sea to warm up in summer up to 24-26 degrees-you can forget about hypothermia and colds.

In large numbers, coniferous and eucalyptus forests grow along the banks. Essential oils, combined with sea moisture saturated with iodine, turn the local air into healing, saturated with the most useful microelements and substances that strengthen immunity for the whole year.

What to see and what to do on the Cassandra in Greece.

Cassandra is a continuous series of large and small resort villages, the distance between which does not exceed 3-5 km.

Each of them is notable in its own way, in any one you will find excellent taverns, picturesque churches, pine groves and magnificent beaches. The choice of hotels is very large, from inexpensive economical 2-3* to the chic five-star VIP-Urals.

The largest villages:

• NEA-POTIEA It is located in the narrowest part of the peninsula, the width of the land from one shore to the other is less than 1 km. From the attractions there are ancient ruins of the settlements of Corinthians and a picturesque man -made channel

• Califehi - The most funny nightlife and excellent shopping, among other things, are unique crafts of local craftsmen: jewelry, tapestries and carpets, wicker products from small caskets to whole chests of drawers, tablecloths and handicrafts, and quality exceeds all expectations
• Pevkokhori - In the vicinity of the village there are many secluded places and beaches, although there are enough entertainment in the singer -chief itself. The main product of local residents is natural bee honey, it is sold here everywhere and is considered the main local souvenir
• Neva Mudania - The largest village on Cassandra claims to be the title of the main town of the peninsula. There is a large selection of shops, rolling offices, a turbury; In the port, you can order a yacht for walking to neighboring islands; Gastronomic and folklore festivals are held here, there is your own cinema and exhibition hall

Sitonia

Sitonia is the second in the number of tourists of the peninsula, located a little further from Thessalonik than Cassandra. Rest in Sitonia is more suitable for connoisseurs of untouched nature and silence.

There are more hotels with their own territory and infrastructure, since there is often nowhere to go beyond the hotel. There are fewer villages on Sitonia and they are located further from each other. Sitonia is preferred by families with children and elderly couples who do not chase active entertainment.

Athos

Athos is the farthest and most sparsely populated peninsula. Most of its territory is occupied by the Orthodox Republic on Mount Athos - the region of countless male monasteries and an ascetic way of life.

Entrance to the territory of the republic is closed to tourists. Some travel agencies organize rare excursions here exclusively for men.

There are literally a few hotels on Athos, all of them are located outside the territory of the monks, and the same audience comes from year to year to rest.

Athos is a very specific place to relax. It’s difficult to get here, there is no entertainment, but the energy is simply amazing - an ideal place for meditation and self -knowledge.

Rest on the island of Crete in Greece - beaches, hotels and attractions

Crete is the largest of the islands belonging to Greece. Crete has his own airport, you can get here without problems from anywhere in Europe, in the summer of almost every major city in Russia there are charter flights to Crete.

There are four main resort areas in Crete: Iraklio, Khanya, Retimino and Lassity, all are located along the northern coast of the island, since the south of the natural landscape is less adapted for the beach holidays: the entire coast is cut by impregnable cliffs, only to some settlements can only be reached and only can be reached on the boat.

Iraklio

Iraklio is the Central District, the most interesting in terms of attractions and historical objects. The main excursion object of the whole Crete, the labyrinth of the minotaur in the Palace of Knosses, is located here. In Iraklio is the capital of Crete - the city of Iraklion.

The best beaches in Iraklio are located in the villages of Malia and Stalda (a bay protected from the wind, a gentle entrance to the sea, sand, shallow water), in Amudara (a large village with active nightlife and magnificent sandy beaches, which often pass discos and evening -parties in format Openair), Anissaras (a small calm village near Iraklion, a wide long strip of sandy beaches), there are some good sandy and pebble beaches in Kokkini Hani.

REMOMNOM

Retimno is another central region of Crete, its most picturesque part. In Retimno, a local flavor is best felt, the city has retained its overnight appearance in an untouched form.

Old quarters, paved streets, traditional Greek houses and minarets of the Osman era - all this makes the city a real paradise for lovers of picturesque views. Local residents call the RETIMNOTO SOUND OF THE OSRA.

In the area of \u200b\u200bRetimno, the coastal zone of the city of Retimno and the beach of the village of Bali, 20 km east of the city from the city, are considered the best beaches. Thanks to the natural features in Bali, solar calm weather prevails, the beaches are covered with small sand and equipped with everything necessary.

Lassiti

Lassity is the most respectable area of \u200b\u200bCrete, located on the eastern part of the coast. The capital of Lassiti, Hagios Nikolaos is a typical Mediterranean city with a wide promenade along the embankment, snow -white yachts at the pier and a motley public from local aesthetes. Most of the villages of Lassity are located in the Gulf of Mirabello, which is considered the most beautiful bay of the island.

In Lassiti, the best beach resort is the place of Elunda, but it is the most expensive on the whole island. In the hagi of Nikolaios, sandy beaches alternate with small -gear, among them there are many worthy options, including for relaxation with children. The main plus of any Lassiti beach is a view of the amazing landscapes of Mirabello.

Hanya

Hanya is the western part of the island. This is a land of untouched nature, majestic rocks, ancient impregnable fortresses and wild picturesque beaches. Of all the resorts of Crete Hanya, the most separate and self -sufficient region.

Local taverns offer the best seafood on the island, and the surroundings can boast of the most exotic natural corners (Samaria canyon, wild mountains of Sfakia, pink sands of Elafonisi). In Hanye there are a couple of good sandy beaches in the city center, along the shores of the court of trial and in the town of Agagi Marina.

The main attractions of Crete

Knossos Palace and Labyrinth Minotaur (Iraklion) - A monument to the Minoan civilization, with which a beautiful ancient Greek legend of love is associated.

In the basements of the palace, the evil king Minos held the terrible monster of the minotaur, the most beautiful girls and boys regularly went to eat him. The daughter of Minos Ariadne fell in love with one of the doomed young men, Thesis, and saved his life.

Samaria Gorge (Hanya) - The picturesque natural canyon with a length of 17 km, along which a walking trail is laid. The route is simple, even not even trained travelers. There are well -equipped recreation areas and several villages on the way.

Spinalong (Lassity) - The island in the Gulf of Mirabello, on which the old Venetian fortress has been preserved. But Spinalong gained her glory in a completely different occasion.

At the end of the XIX-early XX century, a colony for lepers was on the island. At that time, the lended was considered incurable, and the poor fellow brought to die on the island from all over Europe. A terrible city of leaked is a special place that all tourists who are vacationing in this area seek to see.

Lake Kurna and the village of Argiroli (Retimno). On the banks of the freshwater lake of Kurna, small turtles are found, numerous campsites, many water entertainments are broken.

In the village of Argiropoli near the lake there are many springs who form small waterfalls everywhere, the place is considered one of the most picturesque in Crete.

Lassiti plateau and Zeus Cave (Lassity). The Lassiti plateau is most known to the valley of windmills and high -mountain landscapes, more reminiscent of the Alps than the Mediterranean resort.

More than a hundred caves are located on the plateau, the most famous of which the Zeus cave is a mystical place dotted with multi -colored stalagmites and stalactites.

Rest on the island of Rhodes - sandy beaches, hotels, attractions

Rhodes is a large island near the coast of Turkey. It is easiest to get to it by plane, regular and charter flights are from many cities of Russia, Europe and the CIS countries. There is also a ferry message with the mainland part of Greece and other islands on Rhodes.

The main resorts of Rhodes

Faliraks - The youth resort, known for incendiary nightlife and an abundance of entertainment. Nearby is one of the best water parks in Greece. The old Faliraki center is very beautiful. The beaches in the resort are predominantly sandy.

Lindos - A very colorful town located on the slopes of the hills. The city center is exclusively pedestrian: cars cannot drive along too steep and narrow streets, so the main vehicle is donkeys and motorcycles.

Lindos is built up with traditional Greek houses painted in a snow -white color, and bridge in many places are lined in the form of a mosaic of multi -colored pebbles.

Yalisos - Respectable place built by villas, first -class hotels and estates. The rest of the city’s infrastructure is to match the contingent of vacationers: restaurants, well -equipped beaches, bars, walking areas and secular entertainment.

Ixia - A mixed resort, where any category of tourists will find a vacation to their liking. There are big family hotels and business-ski-tech, noisy nightlines and secluded beaches, windsurfing clubs and trade quarters.

Ixia is located very close to the capital of the island, where many attractions are concentrated, so the beach vacation to Ixia can be successfully combined with excursion trips.

Attractions on Rhodes

Old city of Rhodes -The perfectly preserved medieval quarter of the Joannites knights. The knights gathered here from all over Europe, each of them was a representative of the noble family, so the old city has many original beautiful houses, decorated with tribal emblems and other architectural delights.

Palace of the Great Masters of Rhodes - The Byzantine fortress, which served as the residence of the rulers of the Knight's Order. The internal premises of the palace are still stored interior details of those times.

Another remarkable fact: during the Second World War, in the Palace of Great Masters, Italians planned to arrange the residence of Benito Mussolini, but the defeat of Germany and its allies did not allow Mussolini to enter Dovets.

Acropolis of Rhodes - Ancient settlement on the outskirts of the city in which excavations are still being conducted. Currently, the stadium, gymnasium, the temple of Athena Pallas and theater-Odeon are restored and available for inspection.

Valley of butterflies -The natural gorge, where in natural conditions a large colony of Medved butterfly lives. The valley resembles a magical forest: centuries -old trees, a stream flows at the bottom, waterfalls ring along the walls, the air smells of vanilla from specific species of trees growing only here. You need to move along the valley of butterflies along special wooden bridges laid above the water.

Acropolis Lindos -The second largest and significance ancient fortress city after the Acropolis in Athens. Inside the Acropolis, several ancient Greek and early Christian buildings, as well as the ruins of the temple of knights-capitalers, have been preserved.

Rest in Greece: Zakinf Island - beaches, hotels, attractions

Zakinf is a continuous natural reserve, where they come to enjoy the views of coniferous forests against the background of the sea, try water from artesian beaches and look at unique sea turtles that are found here in large numbers.

It is believed that on Zapnifa is one of the best beaches in Greece. The choice of hotels here is not very large, but there are options from different price categories, so you can choose living precisely for your taste and wallet.

If you want to join the culture, there are many Orthodox churches on Zakinf, which have preserved unique ancient icons and Fremski. Zakinf is also famous for his own school of painting and a unique manner of folk singing.

Rest on the island of Corfu in Greece - beaches, hotels, attractions

The island of Corfu (the Greeks call him Kekir) is often called the emerald island for his beauty and a unique climate: snakes and dangerous insects are not found on the island, almost all beaches are ideal for bathing, and local landscapes simply fascinate.

Corfu is a purely English resort. The inhabitants of Great Britain have chosen it back in the 19th century, and since then the glory of an aristocratic place for non -poor tourists and bohemia has been entrenched behind the island.

Most Corfu hotels offer Lux class service, many of them allow placement with pets. Golf clubs, riding, tennis, spa, casinos and a cabaret prevail from entertainment. In most institutions, the staff speaks English.

The sights of the island of Corfu

• Paleocastric - Ancient monastery on the top of the rock of the same name, a picturesque place with special energy and panoramic views
• Linston Street in Kekir - The old promenade, the favorite place of walks of the local aristocracy of past centuries. It is noteworthy that only the elected ones were owned by the right to walk along this street, a short list hung at the entrance, where the lucky ones were indicated by name. The rest of the access to the street was closed
• Old and new fortress in Kekir - Historical fortifications from which individual fragments have currently reached

• Paxos - A small island 10 km from Corfu, famous for its multi -colored caves and grottoes. Some of them are available for inspection from land, you can only get to others by boat
• Museum of Asian Art in Kekir - A private collection transferred to the state, the exhibits of which include household items, costumes and works of art from Japan, China, India and Nepal. Some specimens date back to the 2nd millennium BC.
• Monument to Admiral Ushakov - The monument in honor of the great Russian fleet of Fedor Ushakov, who grateful Greeks erected him for saving the island from the French in 1799. Residents of Corfu consider this feat so significant that F. Ushakov ranked the local church to the number of saints

Rest in Greece: Peloponnese - beaches, hotels, attractions

Peloponnese is a peninsula in the southern part of mainland Greece. Typically, tourists come here only as part of excursion programs - see local attractions and go further.

Beach holidays on Peloponnes is not very developed due to remoteness from the main international airports. However, if desired on Peloponnes, you can find worthy options, many famous hotel brands are presented here: Grecotel, Aldemar and Best Western.

The beach vacation here is considered elite, so most hotels belong to the premium class. Peloponnes beaches are predominantly sandy, or small -galae.

The main value of Peloponnes is in his historical heritage. It is from here that ancient Greece takes the origins.

The main attractions of the Peloponnes

Ancient Sparta - The most legendary and strange state of ancient Greece, the military republic, where power and fearlessness were most appreciated, and weak and weak citizens ruthlessly threw them into the abyss (by the way, according to some reports this is a myth).

Mycenae - The legendary ancient city, mentioned in almost every legend of ancient Greece. Judging by the legends, life in mycenae is an ancient Santa Barbara, whose customs did not dream of modern courtesans.

The wealth of ancient mixes amazes the imagination of archaeologists all the things found during excavations, including weapons, cups and even buttons, are made of noble metals (gold, bronze, silver). No iron items were found.

Olympia - The birthplace of the Olympic Games, in which the ancient stadium, where the first competitions have been held, have still been preserved.

Epidaurus - The city where the art of the theater originated. Modern physicists are still looking for the secret of the acoustics of the ancient theater in the epidaur: if you throw a coin on stage, it is ringing it equally well in the first and last rows.

Corinth - The ancient city and the place where the apostle Pavel preached. Christian messages to the Corinthians from the New Testament is an appeal to citizens of this particular city.

The inhabitants of Corinth were so vicious that the word "Corinfiazesthai", that is, vicious and immoral, was still preserved in Greek.

Rest on small islands: List of islands

• Santorini - A group of five islands of volcanic origin. Types of Santorini are one of the most picturesque in Greece and recognizable among tourists. Another feature is beaches with multi -colored sand painted thanks to volcanic rocks

• Samos - The little island, the birthplace of Aesop, Pythagoras and Aristarchus. Great beaches, clean mountain air, antique buildings
• Cos - Hippocrates homeland, bicycle paradise (many mountain and plain paths for bike rods), habitat of wild peacocks
• NASSOS - Great kitchen, beautiful capital, many colorful villages. Flocks of dolphins often swim in coastal waters to chat with vacationers
• Skiatos - Mecca for yachtsmen, favorite place of creative people: actors, poets, painters. The place is ideal for searching for inspiration

• Kefalonium - Mix from ancient buildings, Venetian fortresses and medieval monasteries. There are caves with unique acoustics on the island, where concerts often take place
• Idra - A completely pedestrian island, which is teeming with celebrities from around the world, many of them buy real estate here. Mark Shagal and Pablo Picasso loved to rest on Idra
• Mikonos - Favorite place of celebrity and idle gold youth: a lot of music, wine, good beaches and picturesque architecture
• Paros - The refuge of the ancient pirates and the place of storage of their innumerable wealth. Currently, surfers and other water sport lovers have chosen the island

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