_edited.png)
Spanning a rugged, history-rich mainland and some 6,000 islands and islets, Greece is one of the world’s oldest and most popular travel destinations. From the Acropolis of capital Athens to the Byzantine ruins of hilltop Mystras, to the Crusader-built citadel of Rhodes, history cracks the surface of almost every town and city. And yet Greece is more than a living museum.
For the millions who travel here every year, its twinkling azure waters and sun-struck islands are irresistible, but there is plenty to experience beyond the busy coast. Whether trekking the hanging monasteries of Meteora and Lousios Gorge, searching for the wild bears of the Pindos mountains or diving into the clan histories and tower houses of the Mani peninsula, there are countless ways to glimpse the sides of Greece that all too often go unseen.
Key to this is the wave of sustainable and slow travel experiences that have spread across the country in recent years. Zero-waste stays, car-free islands, organic vineyards and new cycling trails have cropped up in corners where you’d least expect. And in places like Chios, where mastic has been harvested for centuries, or the city of Thessaloniki, whose UNESCO-listed gastronomic culture is based on an abundance of local produce, embracing traditional Greek styles of living and eating are offering up new ways to explore an ancient nation.
Table of Content
Useful Facts about Greece
Airport
Gaborone (GBE) 15 km from Gaborone.
Time Difference
UTC+2 (UTC+3 from Mar to Oct)
Visa Requiered
British nationals do not normally need a visa
Population
10.72 million
Currency
Euro EUR
Capital
Athens
Int.Dial Code
+30
Languages
Greek
Voltage
Type F
Credit Card
How to get to Greece
Aeroplane journeys are particularly popular as they offer both comfort and speed. Greece has 15 International airports, mostly located on the islands and in the cities, receiving direct international flights of regular and special airlines, as well as charter flights.
During the summer months, due to the increased passenger traffic, the above-mentioned companies carry out extra flights to the existing destinations, while they also include in their programmed flights direct connections between popular tourist destinations. For this reason, it would be wise to obtain information either from the air companies or your tour operator before booking.
Travelling across the country is simple and there are connections with every part of Greece. The choice of the plane for travelling to a Greek city or one of the islands offers a comfortable, safe and speedy trip. Fares are very reasonable, particularly if an advance booking is made.
International airports
On mainland Greece: Athens airport is around 35km southeast of the capital; in the north, Thessaloniki airport lies about 16km south of the city. On the Greek islands: Heraklion and Chania (both Crete), Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Santorini, Zakynthos and Mykonos airports all welcome a large number of international flights.
When to go to Greece
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall.
Due to the country's geographical position, its rugged relief and its distribution between the mainland and the sea, there is great variation in Greece's climate.
In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures.
Greece is a popular destination, and the peak summer months (Jul-Aug) tend to be incredibly busy, especially on the busier islands. This period is best avoided if only to spare locals and reduce the load on island infrastructures that aren’t geared for mass tourism.
Spring (Mar-Jun) and autumn (Sep-Nov) are far more preferable, and the milder temperatures make exploring Greece’s ancient sites – which typically have little shade – or gorge-cut walking trails much more enjoyable.
The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered. Moreover, a common phenomenon is the occurrence of different climactic conditions during the same season (for instance, mild heat in coastal areas and cool temperatures in mountainous regions).
Getting around in Greece
By train
Rail services in mainland Greece are limited, with the main railway lines linking Athens' Larissa station with Thessaloniki in the north or Patras in the west. The metro network in Athens extends overground as it extends into Attica. Additionally, there are specialized rail services in places such as Diakofto in Western Greece, where a cog railway takes passengers through Vouraikos Gorge to the mountain town of Kalavryta. There is also a steam train on the Pelion Peninsula that traverses beautiful landscapes.
Book your trains online
Trains in Greece are operated by Greek Railways Organisation (OSE). For train schedules and for online ticket purchase, please visit the Hellenic Train website.
By bus
The KTEL bus networks, organized regionally, cover more ground than rail services, including the islands. Buses are generally comfortable and reliable, although they can fill up quickly on major routes in and out of Athens. Unfortunately, there is no single website that covers the entire network, making it a bit of a task to figure out the various regional connections. As a result, it's often easier to rent a car. Driving in Greece is fairly straightforward, although some routes in the mountainous south of the Peloponnese and in the Mani region can be quite dizzying.
For more info please visit their site :https://ktelbus.com/
By sea
Greek ferries are of a high standard. A great many shipping companies offer their services with a modern and luxurious fleet. All Greek islands are linked to the mainland, and there is a regular service between them too, so one can enjoy a delightful and diverse island-hopping holiday.
The Greek fleet, consisting of all types of vessels (passengers ships, ferry boats, hydrofoils, etc) operating on domestic and international routes, has undergone major refurbishment, thus ensuring travellers speedy, reliable and enjoyable travel.
Aegean and Argosarosikos islands and Crete are linked mainly with Piraeus and Rafinas port.
Ionian Islands are linked with Patras, Killinis, Igoumenitsas and Astakos port.