What to look at?

Ladies and gentlemen and all, who gonna spend time and rest in this wonderful country Greece. This post is devoted to all, for whom the word «rest» - isn't a synonym of boredom and passivity.

I won't stop to repeat, Greece is – one of the most hospitable country! I gonna present you selection of Greek places (cities), which you have to visit. Well, there is so-called Top 6 cities, which are worthy of your attention.

And number 1 is Athens.

It would be right to say, this city is one of the chiefest in whole country. First off, Athens – is a capital of Greece. Secondly, there is an expression «Athens is school of Hellas». It is hard to argue against this. Here you will see plenty of ancient monuments. Grand Acropolis is exactly that «magnet», which draws attention of may people all over the world. In ancient times, residents from each corner of Greece could see elevations of Acropolis.


Thessaloniki

- is main center of Greek cultural and spiritual life. The history of given city is long and it was started in far 315 year B. C. The first governor and founder of it was king Cassandr. Thessaloniki is also famous as a place, where speaker Ciceron lived in exile. Later on city became famous as the first seat of Christianity.

Delphi

Present city is famous with beauty mountain Parnassus, at the foot of which were cult monuments (holy place of goddess Gaia, Apollo Delphic Oracle...). Also you will see here ancient athletes' statues of Kleobis and Biton, well-known bronze Charioteer statue. There are no doubts, your travel in Delphi will be unforgettable and all what you see there (beauty and charming spots, ancience monuments) will impress you!


Peloponnesus

This place is also famous with legendary ancience monuments. By the way, it is hard to find out the place in Greece, which has no history and myths, which are devoted to present city. Peloponnesus will bewitch you at first sight. As it is hard don't fall in love in Mycenae (which was founded by Perseus), Lion Gates, ruins of an ancient town, Agamemnon' tomb, king castle «Gold Mycenae».

Meteora

Name of given place which in translation from Greek means «air rocks», reflects reality quite strictly. Water, knocked stones down in fanciful shapes at the bottom and showed them on surface, after that, when sea subsided, very looks like Salvador Dali' pictures.


Crete Island

Island of an amazing beauty. Here modern and ancient times are interlaced with each other. Comfortable beaches and hotels look well against archaeological Minoan civilization monuments background.

Of course, there are much more places (then I had mentioned in present post), which you have to visit, arriving to Greece. Have a nice travel & impressions! Fill up your Greek visit places list.

Cyprus Island

Hello there! I'm glad to meet you at my blog. Today I gonna speak about the most popular and adorable Greek island – about Cyprus. People all over the world choose exactly this island for their holiday. Why? Let's sort it out right now.

Cyprus has very successful location. It is situated in Eastern part of Mediterranean Sea on three continents junction (Europe, Asia and Africa). In other words, Cyprus is connecting link between East and West. This location draws attention not merely merchant ships, but also holiday-makers from various corners of the world. Cyprus is very popular place for the rest.

The largest Cyprus cities are Nikossia, Pafos, Larnaka, Limassol, Protaras. There are two official languages: Greek and English. Nevertheless German and French are also very popular in Cyprus. So, I hope you won't have any language difficulties, resting in Greece.

Cyprus Island attracts many people with mild Mediterranean climate. It is considered the most healthy, that's why Greece is popular like country with long-lived persons. There are about 300 sunny days in year, even in winter period you may swim and bathe in the sun. The most popular and favourable time to visit Greece is April – October. By the way, you may not only rest cool in this period, but also take advantage of this profitable opportunity and find yourself in discount and sell out season. Will you refuse to purchase quality-made fur coat, which price is lower in twice?

Cyprus cuisine is specific, whole national Greek cuisine is manifold and very rich. First of all, Cyprus cuisine is an addition of cheese, olives, dishes with olive oil exclusively, marine products (calamaries, shrimps, octopus, fresh fish etc.), traditional Cyprus sauces and so on and so forth. Do believe, it is impossible to reject appetizing and flavoured Cyprus dishes! The motto of each local tavern and restaurant is - variety!

If you gonna travel to Greece and choose Cyprus Island, you have to know, Cyprus belongs to Schengen Area. That's why you should to have Schengen visa.

National money in present Island is Cyprus pounds and cents.

Whole Greece is in Eastern European Time Zone (Cyprus inclusive). It is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

If to speak about Cyprus sights, you may don't worry! You will look here at various medieval places of interest. Present Island is treasury of amazing monuments and relics of history (castle of crusaders, Christian temples, heathen theatres, Byzantine bridges...). Cyprus is not only museum under the open sky, it is also excellent resort with comfortable and luxury hotels, pools, services, etc.

Well, if you have never been in Cyprus, choose this place without any hesitation!

Holy Mt. Athos

I had already mentioned about Holy mount Athos in my recent trip reports. Today I gonna tell you about legendary Athos in detail. Greece is various. From one side it is vivid, modern, lively and from the other side Greece is saturated with ancient traditions, customs and religion, which was developed for centuries.

This post is exactly about religious Greece.

Well, those of you, who would like to spend time in solitude, pacification, to cognize Holy Greece, to learn history, to get supply of positive energy, to become purer, welcome to monastic state – Agios Oros!

This place is really wonderful: charming landscapes, fresh and holy air and even special atmosphere will relax you and grant warm feelings. Athos mountain is an original monastic state, which age is about one thousand years. And all this time Athos' residents were living according to special rules, which was called cannons. All Athos' monasteries are strictly male and it is forbidden to females to come and stay here. If you are interested in monastic live, come easily to Athos.

The mountain numbers about 20 monasteries. They are straggled out full length of Halkidiki peninsula. Here a lot of not merely monasteries, but also monastic cells and small secluded monasteries for hermits.

Athos mountain is real Byzantine and post-Byzantine Art museum. It is not a wonder to see here antique wall paintings (frescos) and mosaics, precious diminutive manufactures, church utensils and other relics, which are kept into monasteries.

The way of monastic life assists you in pacification, prayerful mood and purification. Here you will relax to the max, find yourself, find the way out from your hardest situation.

Each monastery has its' own rules and everyone, who came and stay here should follow these rules. They were created ages ago especially to remain calm and to save specific atmosphere. So, there are some of these rules:

it is forbidden to wear T-shirts and shorts;

to drink spirits;

to speak loudly;

to turn on radio sets and tape recorders;

to use cell phones;

to give your monastic cell to anybody else for habitation;

to move the furniture, which are situated in your cell to another place or another cell;

to take communion bread and holy loaf to unchristened and non-Orthodox persons, etc.

I think, it would be reasonable to formulate some church definitions.

Pilgrimage – is a journey to a shrine or other sacred place.

Palmer – is a pilgrim bearing a palm branch as a sign of his visit to the Holy Land.

Monastic cell – living space at monastery for one or several monks.

Communion bread – is round white small loaf, using for communion sacrament (in the Orthodox Church).

Useful information!!!

Good sunny day to everyone!

I would like to give you some useful information, so-called touristmem to everyone, who gonna travel to Greece. Here you will know about Greece time zone, features of Greek monetary unit, tip at bars and coffee shops, how to use public transport, how to rent a car or other vehicle, in what cases apply to medical services in Greece, useful telephone numbers of Greek emergency organizations, Greece city area telephone codes and so on and so forth.

When you are going to another city, country or even to another continent you have to know all special features, national features for to feel yourself comfortable in foreign country. So, let's start. I share useful touristmem with you. I hope, this info will be opportunely!

Well, Greek time zone. Greece is located in Eastern Europe and accordingly Greece time is in the Eastern European Zone (EET). Its' standard time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Like most countries in Europe Greece has Summer time (Daylight- saving period). It is a period when time shifted forward by one hour (three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – GMT+3). After the summer months the time is shifted back by one hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or to (GMT+2).

Monetary Unit of Greece is Euro. Greece is a member of European Community from 2002 and whole European Community (all countries, which are members of this community) has single monetary unit – Euro (soft money) and Eurocents (coins). Pay attention to not the the least of the factors - you won't pay anything in Greece for dollars, only for Euro!

Tip at bars and coffee shops. National Greek restaurants are called – taverns and there is the rule to include 10% from order' cost as a tip for service. If you would like you may «reward» waiter for the service with your wanted sum of tip.

Public transport in Greece is various. You may take advantage of this opportunity and take a trip by trolleybus, bus (including intercity buses), advanced railway network, marine communication, etc. If you would like you may take a taxi, by the way do remember there is a double rate on taxi from 00.00 to 05.00, or rent a car. There is plenty of rent vehicle departments. Here you may rent you the most liked car, motorcycle or motorbike.

To avoid some distressing situations with your health, you have to complete the formalities for international medical insurance before trip. You won't have any problems with medical centers and chemist's shops. They have special signs – green or red cross on white background and inscription in Greek «ФАРМАКЕIО».

Some Greek area city telephone codes:

Athens +30 210

Larissa +30 241

Mikonos +30 22890

Sohos +30 2395

Thessaloniki +30 231

Volos +30 2421

Greece emergency phone numbers:

Emergency 112

Ambulance 166

Fire Department 199

Police 100

Greece mobile telephone codes:

Vodafone 694

Q-Telecom mobile 699

CosmOTE Mobile 697

Hope this info will be useful for you! Have a nice trip through Greece!

Visa to Greece

Hello to everyone, who gonna travel to Greece! Today I'll tell you what kind of documents you have to grant to get Greece visa. I think present question is pretty important. Well, as they say, Greece is welcome and hospitable country, anyway you should to have documents, called international passport and visa, to enter the country and enjoy all local embellishments.

So, what kind of documents you have to grant for Greece visa obtaining? First off, you have to decide on what for you need a visa. It can be tourist visa, business visa, visitor's visa, etc. All depends on what is the goal of your travel. Nevertheless, I would like to speak about tourist visa to Greece more detailed.

As you understand in name, tourist visa is issued to tourists, travellers, visitors, who come to country to spend holidays, to look at local unique sights, to undergo special treatment and so on and so forth. Tourist visa forbids you to stay in visiting country for any kind of work, for permanent residence and no more longer then your visa term allows.

There is a list of documents you have to give for obtaining visa to enter present marvelous country. Greece is a part of Schengen States, that's why you need to get Schengen visa. It gives you great advantages, you may travel almost on whole Europe with one visa.

There is a prevention of no small importance – list of necessary documents and terms can be changed in conformity with Greece embassy requirements. Pay attention to this fact. At present, you have to grant the following documents:

international passport and copy of its' first page (passport should be valid 115 days after the date you exit Schengen States);

1 (one) passport-type photograph;

copy of all national passport pages;

completed signed visa application form;

proof of financial means (bank account);

proof of medical insurance, which will be valid for all Schengen States;

proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or reservation of any other place, where you gonna to spend time and live for holiday period);

working persons should grant certificate from workplace with office phone number, address, rate of his / her salary;

student should grant copy of student card, document from dean's office and in case student gonna travel without parents, he / she should to grant sponsoring letter from them;

for children under 18, it should be granted notarized «No-objection certificate» from non-accompanying parents. Actually, there are plenty of details for children under 18 visa. If you are interested in exactly this question, apply to embassy of Greece in your country and get full answer.

Have a good trip! Have a good time!

Greek SPA-hotels

Hello to everyone, who are interested in Greece information and reading my blog! As you see, it's about my long trip to Greece. I just want to share my impressions, interesting and amusing situations with you. Come to Greek Holidays and you will learn plenty of useful info. If you are among of those persons, who gonna travel to this wonderful country or if you are among of those, who collect travel notes, anyway you will read interesting tales of mine. :))


Given post is about SPA-salons or more exactly it is about Greek SPA-salons, which are situated in Greek resorts. May be you will wonder and give a question «There are a lot of SPA-salons, beauty salons, massage parlours all over the world, why he tells us about SPA-salons in Greece?».

First off, in itself SPA-salon with medical and relaxing procedures is center of and for health, but imagine if this center is located in place, where even climatic conditions and each factor (colourful nature, comfortable hotel, warm sea water, etc.) influences on you well?! This place is called Greece and no matter which one island you will choose. Anyway, you will relax with all your heart and soul.

Medical treatment is very popular in Greece and not merely aboriginals take care of their health, but also everyone, who come to this adorable and charming corner of the world, realizes Greece – is special world, where would be wrong not to take an advantage and reject an offer to visit SPA-salon!

I'm sure each of you knows what is it SPA-salons and what procedures it offers to clients. Nevertheless, let's specify what exactly spa-salons may offer to you. Many people think, that SPA is only pointless pastime in hot whirlpool, and they are wrong. Today spa salons suggest a lot of every possible relaxing, medical, prophylactic procedures, that will make your body and soul happy. It can be stone therapy, thalassotherapy, thermotherapy and so on and so forth. Be sure, if you will come to any Creek SPA-center, qualified staff select you exactly that therapy you need the most!

Well, it would be reasonable to list some the most popular hotels with SPA-salons in Greece and they are:

If you gonna travel to Northern Greece, you may put up at Meliton Hotel in Halkidiki (Sithonia). Present hotel offers you full range of various spa procedures (health-improving massage, face and body skin care procedures, hydro-massage with the use of medicinal sea water, physiotherapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, lose weight programs, etc.)

Souther Greece also has special hotels with SPA-salons. And first one hotel is situated in Athens and called Athens Hilton Hotel. Here you may «taste» very tempting programs, such as sauna (Finnish bath), various types of massage, swim in covered drying pool.

There is another hotel, which is also located in Southern Greece (Vouliagmeni) – Grecotel Cape Sounion. This hotel disposes of the following medical and relaxing services: fitness-center, gyms, saunas....

If you have a wish to visit legendary Greek island – Rhodes, you may put up at Atrium Palace Resort Hotel, which is located in Kalathos. Given hotel will offer you the most-up-to-date gyms, saunas, Turkish bath, beauty salon, aqua massage, aqua bath, body-building.

There are no doubts you will remember time, spent in Greek first-class SPA-hotels!!!

Corfu Island.

Thinking over and looking for wonderful place where to spend time well? This question becomes very popular, especially in holiday period. There are a lot of beauty spots and charm places all over the world and in Greece too. Let's speak about Corfu Island today – one of thousand places, where you will rest to the max!

Present paragraph will tell you about Corfu island, its' geographical location and climatic conditions. I think, you will be interested in this information. Well, whole Greece and its' islands are unique. Each of them is beauty, with favourable weather and Corfu island doesn't an exclusion. So, Corfu is adorable island with capital of the same name. If you gonna come to Corfu island, you have to know it is the most northwest island of Greece with comfortable climatic conditions. Summer season and period of resorts starts from May and keeps on October. If you will come to Corfu in the course of this period, you take pleasure in wonderfully warm and clean sea water, balmy and soft Mediterranean wind. Present island is that corner of the world, which dispose you to positive.

Corfu City is also legendary place, as many Greek places, which were objects of multiple captures and conquests. Corfu offers you to look at unique historical monuments, take a walk on vivid parks, visit Byzantine churches.

Corfu is city of two fortresses, as Greeks say. On one side Corfu is shielded with Byzantine Marine fortress and on the other side with Coastal fortress. At that medieval times these fortresses were strong defence from Turks attack, now they are (I mean fortresses) are legendary historical monuments and vivid reminder about hard times.

Rest in Corfu Island is quite expensive pleasure. Nevertheless, Corfu island will welcome its' quests
with open arms. The chiose of given island as a place for the rest will suit both families and persons with elite demands.

There are luxury hotels and villas all over the Island, so I'm sure you if you have pretty penny you will find out exactly that place, where you have dreamed to spend time.

Some words about Corfu beaches. However, first off I will mention about that, all Greek beaches are the winners of cleanness and environmental safety and have worldwide recognition. Many of Corfu beaches are sandy, but if you would prefer pebbly beaches, you will find them without any problems. Actually Corfu is wonderful place, where you are surrounded by green landscapes and green sea water.

Greece and each its' island and city famous with comfortable coffe houses and taverns, where you will enjoy national Greek dishes. If you are among those persons, who prefer dynamic nightlife, be sure here you will relax to your own taste, find out that place, which will welcome you every day or every night.

Persons, who also like dynamic life, but prefer sport rest (water sport, air sport, etc) will find way of the rest to their tastes. All about what you have dreamed and all what you wanted will come true in Greece!