Popular tourist destinations: Crete, Peloponnese, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini. Attractions of Athens: Acropolis, Theater of Dionysus, Tower of the Winds, Athenian Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Hephaestus, Areopagus, Hadrian’s Library, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Lycabettus. There are about 250 museums, architectural monuments and temple complexes in Athens, the most famous of which are the Ceramics Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum. One of the wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes, is located on the island of Rhodes. One of the World Heritage Sites is the Rhodes fortress. Heraklion, the administrative center of Crete, includes attractions such as the Archaeological Museum, which houses the famous Phaistos disc artifact, as well as the Palace of Knossos, the Cathedral of St. Titus, the Church of St. Catherine, fortress Kules and Venetian loggia. It is worth noting the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki, where the Aristotle University is located. This city is a monument of early Christian and Byzantine architecture, included in the UNESCO list: Basilica of St. Demetrius, Triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius and the Roman Church of St. George, Church of St. Sophia, Church of St. St. Nicholas Orphanos, Church of Panagia Chalkeon.
Kitchen
According to Ethnicityology, Greek cuisine is a fusion of Balkan and Mediterranean cuisines. However, it differs from them in a set of spices. Greek dishes are not spicy. A distinctive feature is the widespread use of olive oil and lemons. About 50 varieties of cheese are produced in Greece, which is the national pride of the country. Meat (pork, lamb and goat meat) can be safely added to the list of Greek gastronomic preferences. Vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and peppers are also popular. Herbs are widely used, they are used more often than in the gastronomy of neighboring countries. Desserts are made mainly from honey and nuts. Main dishes and snacks: souvlaki, tzatziki, meze and dolmades. Seafood is popular. Preferred drinks: Metaxa brandy, retsina (white wine), ouzo (reminiscent of the taste of absinthe) and mavrodafni (sweet red fortified grape wine). In general, Greek cuisine is simple and flavorful.
Transport
The main form of urban transport is buses. The fare is inexpensive, but it is difficult to call such a trip comfortable. City buses stop at stops only at the request of passengers. It is more convenient to travel by taxi equipped with meters. At night there is a double rate. In Athens, there is a surface metro – a very popular form of transport. At sea they move on boats and ferries. Railways link the cities of the mainland. It is not recommended to hitchhike due to the high accident rate (the highest in the European Union). There are more than 50 airports in Greece, most of them on the islands.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at hotels and bank branches. In the latter case, the course will be the most profitable. When exchanging, be sure to present your passport. Bank branches are open from 8.00 to 14.00, central branches – until the evening. On Saturday, banks are open until 13.30, Sunday is a day off. Many stores and other commercial establishments accept major credit cards.
Security
Visiting temples is possible in clothing that covers the body. You should not criticize their country with the Greeks, this is a privilege of the local population, not tourists. Despite the fact that the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Greece, Pavlos Gerulanos, said that Greece is an absolutely safe country for tourists, nevertheless, one should be wary of such petty crimes as street theft (the center of Athens, in transport, in popular tourist places). Single women should refrain from using private cabs, especially at night.
Health
Sunburns are possible with excessive sunbathing. In rural areas, from April to September, there are cases of typhoid and encephalitis. In case of health problems, contact your insurance agent. Medicine in the country is paid, with the exception of first aid in case of accidents.
