GREECE-all time classic
come...explore the adventure!!!!
Today’s visitors to Greece have the opportunity to trace the “fingerprints” of Greek history from the Paleolithic Era to the Roman Period in the hundreds of archeological sites, as well as in the archaeological museum and collections that are scattered throughout the country.
The first traces of human habitation in Greece appeared during the Paleolithic Age (approx. 120000 - 10000 B.C.).
weather and climate
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.
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).
dances
Greek dance horosis a very old tradition, being referred to by authors such as plato, aristotle, plutarch and lucian. There are different styles and interpretations from all of the islands and surrounding mainland areas. Each region formed its own choreography and style to fit in with their own ways. For example, island dances have more of a "watery" flow to them, while pontic dancing closer to black sea, is very sharp. There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. There are also pan-Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world. These include the syrtos, kalamationos, hasapiko and sirtaki.
Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function. It brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.
Water sports
Greece is all about sea, an aquatic heaven, full of life. Bounding the mainland from side to side, Greek seas create an amalgamation of images, interchanging with each other, completing one another, fostering absolute harmony and sheer beauty.
Water sports are very popular in Greece, a country of seas with emerald waters and wonderful sea beds. Greece offers the sea sports lovers a great deal, since it is endowed with awesome natural attractions in Aegean and Ionian Sea; in addition our country boasts the fully equipped supplies with high quality services on the islands and around the mainland. The 3,000 island Greek archipelago is an ideal place to explore, an opportunity to discover unspoiled beaches and more than 20,000 km of coastline to admire.
Winter season
The heart of Greek winter beats on snow-covered mountain tops, where ski enthusiasts –craving for adventure– can experience the sought-after intensity and adrenalin rush. Escape in an idyllic white mountain setting where the cold mountain air puts human will and endurance to the test!
Skiing (and its alternative version, snowboarding) is undoubtedly the “king” of extreme sports; an exciting pastime offering a unique sense of freedom as the human body becomes attuned to the elements and forces of nature. Skiing appeared for the first time in Greece in the 1920’s and has had rising numbers of devoted fans ever since. Today, after almost a century, countless adventure seekers turn the snow–covered mountain slopes across the country into “hot places” what with their passion and skill!
Summer vacations
Summer vacations
4 popular holiday destinations in Greece for the young at heart!
Greece is the perfect destination for tourists, no matter what their age is or what they want to do on holiday. With almost 6,000 islands there is something here for everybody – whether you want to hide yourself away from the crowds or dance until you drop – and then wake up and do it all over again! With its delirious night life, Greece is a real treat for young people seeking the freedom to ignore convention and party on to the frenetic beat of their favourite DJs! It’s easy to see why young visitors want to come back to Greece - again and again!
Encounter a fascinating world of mythical gods and curiously compelling antiquities, enjoy the breathtaking clarity of the Aegean Sea, bask in the Greek sun as its turquoise waters lap against white sandy beaches, stroll around picturesque spots by the sea or up in the mountains, admire the unique whitewashed island architecture, surf in crystal clear waters and go on some spectacular excursions during the day – but don’t forget to save some energy for the nightlife!
Spring vacations
Flora, the mythical goddess of vegetation, endowed Greece with more than 5.600 species, some 750 of which are endemic, i.e. unique to the Greek land. When the dim skies of winter fill with the bright and frisky light of spring, myriads of multi coloured little heads pop up from the ground to marvel at the feast of nature and take part in it. From zakynthos – “il fiore di Levante”= the flower of the East – to the botanical paradise of lesvos, from the mushroom-clad area of Grevená to the rich in therapeutic herbs Crete, Greece bows to the grandeur of the Earth.
Autumn vacations
Autumn has arrived – and summer in Greece has bid us a fond farewell. Its uniform golden hue has given way to an array of colours found only in autumn, the most charming season of the year. The Greek countryside is waiting to reveal its secrets to unsuspecting visitors and well-informed nature lovers alike.
Events
Main Greek Cultural Organizations
- greek festival
- athens concert hall
- thessaloniki concert hall
- greek national opera
- greek national theatre
- Natinal theatre of northern greece
- thessloniki internationalfilm festival
- thessaloniki international book fair
- kalamata international dance festival
Festivals in Greece & the Greek islands
Greece and the Greek Islands are the set for many festivals every year, mostly in summer.
Festivals in Greece have a religious base and they are in accordance with the Orthodox calendar. The Orthodox calendar is similar to the Catholic calendar, except for Easter sometimes.
Other important festivals have a cultural nature.
Many theatrical plays are performed in the country's ancient and modern theatres. Cinema is also quite well represented and a festival takes place every year in Thessaloniki.
Moreover, the country has an interesting music scene, especially in summertime, with many appearances from national and international bands.
Greece Religious Festivals
January 1st, the New Year's Day
January 6th, the Epiphany
February-March, The Carnival
March 25th, Feast of the Annunciation
Easter
carnival-greek warriors
international dance festival
religious festival-delphic festival
greek recipes
Greek Pasta with Tomatoes and White Beans
Ingredients
Original recipe makes 4 servings....
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
8 ounces penne pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- Meanwhile, combine tomatoes and beans in a large non-stick skillet. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add spinach to the sauce; cook for 2 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring constantly.
- Serve sauce over pasta, and sprinkle with feta.
Greek Style Potatoes
Ingredients
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups water
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 cubes chicken bouillon
ground black pepper to taste
6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, bouillon cubes and pepper.
- Arrange potatoes evenly in the bottom of a medium baking dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the potatoes. Cover, and bake 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the preheated oven, turning occasionally, until tender but firm.