Greece

Greece

About Place

  • "A cradle of civilization, where ancient ruins meet sun-drenched beaches."
  • "A land of myth and legend, home to Zeus, Athena, and the mighty Olympians."
  • "A paradise for food lovers, offering delights like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood."

Reasons to Visit

  • Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage : Greece is renowned for its historical significance as the birthplace of Western civilization. Visitors can explore ancient ruins like the Parthenon in Athens, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Museums throughout the country house artifacts dating back thousands of years, offering a deep dive into Greek history and mythology.
  • Breathtaking Natural Beauty : Greece boasts a diverse landscape, from the iconic white-washed buildings of Santorini set against a backdrop of azure waters to the rugged mountains and verdant forests of the mainland. The islands, such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Corfu, offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. The Meteora monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars provide a unique and awe-inspiring sight.
  • Culinary Delights and Warm Hospitality : Greek cuisine is a highlight for many travelers, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and spanakopita. The country's emphasis on hospitality, known as "philoxenia," ensures that visitors feel welcomed and well-cared for. Dining in Greece is an experience in itself, often enjoyed in tavernas with live music and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

Visa

  • EU Citizens : No visa required for travel to Greece.
  • US Citizens : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
  • Canadian Citizens : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
  • Australian Citizens : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
  • Indian Citizens : Visa required. Schengen visa application must be submitted.
  • Chinese Citizens : Visa required. Schengen visa application must be submitted.

Travel Expenses

  1. Travel to & from Greece :
    • Average round-trip flight cost from New York to Athens : $600 per person.
    • Total for 2 people : $1200.
  2. Hotel Cost :
    • Average hotel cost in Athens : $120 per night.
    • Average hotel cost in Santorini :  $250 per night.
    • Average hotel cost in Crete : $150 per night.
    • Total for 6 nights : $3120.
  3. Food Cost :
    • Average meal cost : $20 per person per meal.
    • Total for 2 people (6 days, lunch and dinner) : $480.
  4. Activity Cost :
    • Acropolis Museum : $12 per person.
    • Delphi trip : $100 per person.
    • Santorini boat tour : $50 per person.
    • Knossos Palace : $15 per person.
    • Total for 2 people : $354.
  5. Near Destination Travel Cost :
    • Average car rental cost : $40 per day.
    • Total for 6 days : $240.

Estimated Total : $5394

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Best Itinerary

Day 1 :  Arrival in Athens Start your journey by arriving in Athens, the capital of Greece. After checking into your hotel, head out to explore the Acropolis Museum and the iconic Acropolis itself, including the Parthenon. Lunch at "Strofi" with a view of the Acropolis. Spend the evening strolling through the Plaka district, sampling traditional Greek street food like souvlaki and gyros for dinner. End the night with a visit to a rooftop bar for a nightcap with a view of the illuminated Acropolis.

Day 2 :  Athens Begin with a morning visit to the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus. Head to "Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani" for a delightful lunch of Greek mezze. In the afternoon, explore the National Archaeological Museum. Enjoy dinner at "Mani Mani" with its modern twist on traditional Greek dishes. Spend the evening at a traditional bouzouki club to experience live Greek music and dance.

Day 3 :  Delphi Take a day trip to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary famous for the Oracle of Apollo. Explore the archaeological site and the Delphi Museum. Lunch at a local taverna, "To Patriko Mas," with stunning views of the valley. Return to Athens in the evening, and dine at "Oineas Restaurant" for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. End the night with a relaxed walk around the Monastiraki Square.

Day 4 :  Santorini Fly to Santorini in the morning. Check into your hotel in Fira or Oia. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement. Lunch at "Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna" in Oia, known for its seafood. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful alleys of Oia. Enjoy a sunset dinner at "Ambrosia Restaurant" with a breathtaking view of the caldera. Take an evening stroll along the caldera cliff paths before retiring for the night.

Day 5 :  Santorini Start with a boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Enjoy a swim in the hot springs. Return to Santorini for lunch at "Metaxy Mas" in Exo Gonia. In the afternoon, relax on the black sand beaches of Kamari or Perissa. Dinner at "Koukoumavlos" in Fira, offering a gourmet dining experience. End the evening with a visit to a local winery for a wine tasting session.

Day 6 :  Crete Fly to Crete in the morning. Check into your hotel in Heraklion. Visit the Palace of Knossos to learn about the Minoan civilization. Lunch at "Peskesi" in Heraklion, known for its traditional Cretan cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Enjoy dinner at "Avli" in Rethymno, combining history and gastronomy. Take a night stroll along the Venetian Harbor in Chania before heading back to your hotel.

Day 7 :  Return Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a café. Depending on your flight time, you might visit a local market or explore more of the city. Have a farewell lunch at "Loukoulos" in Heraklion before heading to the airport for your return flight.

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Safety Tips

  • Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them in public.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services.
  • Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas.
  • Follow local customs and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and important documents.
  • Drink bottled water, especially on the islands.
  • Learn basic Greek phrases for emergencies.
  • Stay updated on local news and weather conditions.
  • Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Flights

  • Aegean Airlines : Non-stop flights from Athens to Santorini and Crete.
  • Olympic Air : Regional flights within Greece.
  • Estimated cost : $50-$100 per flight.

Hotels

  1. Athens :
    • Electra Metropolis
    • Hotel Grande Bretagne
    • Herodion Hotel
    • AthensWas Hotel
    • Coco-Mat Hotel Athens
  2. Santorini :
    • Canaves Oia Hotel
    • Grace Hotel Santorini
    • Katikies Hotel
    • Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel
    • Andronis Luxury Suites
  3. Crete :
    • Domes Noruz Chania
    • Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
    • Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
    • Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
    • Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort

Country

Greece

Closet Airport

  •  Athens International Airport (ATH) 

Nearest City

  • Athens 

Heritage Sites

  • Acropolis of Athens 

  • Delphi

  • Meteora

  • Temple of Apollo

  • Medieval City of Rhodes

Airlines

  • Aegean Airlines

  • Olympic Air

  • Ryanair

  • EasyJet

  • British Airways

  • Lufthansa 

Currency

  •  Euro (€) 

Languages Spoken

  • Greek 

Contacts

  • Indian Embassy in Greece :
    • Phone: +30 210 721 6227
    • Email: hoc.athens@mea.gov.in
  • Police : 100
  • Ambulance : 166
  • Firefighters : 199

Real Story

The Battle of Marathon (490 BC)

The Battle of Marathon is one of the most famous military engagements in ancient history and a pivotal event in the Greco-Persian Wars. It took place in 490 BC on the plain of Marathon, about 26 miles northeast of Athens, and it marked a significant victory for the Greek city-states against the Persian Empire.

The roots of the conflict lie in the Persian expansion into the Greek world. Under the leadership of King Darius I, the Persian Empire sought to subjugate the Greek city-states, which had supported the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule. In retaliation, Darius launched an invasion of Greece, aiming to bring the rebellious Athenians and their allies to heel.

The Persian forces, numbering around 25,000, landed at Marathon and prepared to march on Athens. The Athenian army, though vastly outnumbered with only about 10,000 hoplites (heavily armed foot soldiers), decided to confront the Persians head-on. The Athenians were led by the general Miltiades, who devised a bold plan to encircle and defeat the Persian forces.

Miltiades arranged his troops in a thin line, with reinforced flanks. As the Persian infantry advanced, the Greek center gave way, luring the Persians in. The stronger Greek flanks then closed in, trapping the Persians in a pincer movement. The battle was fierce and bloody, but the Greeks' superior tactics and the hoplites' heavy armor gave them the edge. The Persians were routed, suffering significant casualties, and were forced to retreat to their ships.

The victory at Marathon had profound implications for Greece and the Western world. It demonstrated that the Persian Empire could be defeated, boosting the confidence of the Greek city-states. It also preserved the nascent democracy in Athens, allowing it to flourish and contribute to the development of Western civilization.

The legacy of the Battle of Marathon is enduring. The story of the runner Pheidippides, who allegedly ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory, inspired the modern marathon race. The battle itself became a symbol of courage, unity, and the defense of freedom against overwhelming odds, a narrative that continues to resonate through the ages.

Cuisine

Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, simplicity, and flavors that reflect the country's Mediterranean climate. Olive oil, vegetables, grains, fish, and meats are staples, often complemented by herbs such as oregano, mint, and thyme.

One iconic dish is moussaka, a layered casserole of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Another favorite is souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat served with pita bread and tzatziki, a yogurt and cucumber dip. Spanakopita, a savory pie filled with spinach and feta cheese, is also popular.

Greek cuisine is not complete without its desserts, with baklava being a standout. This sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, is a must-try for any visitor.

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Culture and History

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Greece is renowned for its contributions to philosophy, democracy, theater, and the arts. The works of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundations for Western philosophical thought. Greek democracy, particularly in Athens, introduced the concept of citizens participating directly in governance, a precursor to modern democratic systems.

The country's mythology is equally famous, with gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Apollo playing central roles in countless stories that explain natural phenomena and human behavior. These myths have been passed down through generations and continue to influence modern literature and popular culture.

Greece's architectural heritage is also impressive. The Parthenon in Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, exemplifies classical Greek architecture with its Doric columns and intricate sculptures. Other significant sites include the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, which showcases the advanced Minoan civilization.

The Greek Orthodox Church plays a vital role in the cultural and social life of the country. Religious festivals, such as Easter, are celebrated with great fervor, featuring elaborate rituals, traditional music, and communal feasts.

Greek cuisine is an integral part of the culture, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Staples include olive oil, bread, wine, olives, cheese, and vegetables. Popular dishes include moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce; souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat; and baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey.

Hospitality, or "philoxenia," is a core value in Greek culture, reflecting the importance placed on treating guests with warmth and generosity. This tradition dates back to ancient times when hospitality was considered a sacred duty.

Festivals and traditions are abundant in Greece, with events like the Athens Festival, featuring theater, music, and dance performances, and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, showcasing films from around the world.

In summary, Greece's culture is a vibrant tapestry of ancient traditions and modern influences, deeply rooted in its history, religion, and love for the arts. It is a land where the past and present seamlessly blend, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience.

Geographical Coordinates

37.9838, 23.7275