In our time, a man with secondary education shame not know where Greece.This country is the cradle of all our European culture and civilization.Here were the first known philosophers, scientists, architects and sculptors, writers and poets.Ancient Greek civilization has spawned the practice of the Olympic Games - sports competitions between city-states.During their stop of all wars.But here we do not talk about the Games, and the rich and wonderful country - Greece.Its location on the world map.On its islands and rugged coastline.On the climate and the most popular resorts.And of course, its rich and ancient history, that has had such an impact on the entire European civilization.
Where is the map Greece
Let's start with geography.If we open a political atlas of the world, we see that the Hellenic Republic is located in the European Union, in the south-east of its territory.This state - except for Mount Athos - since 2000 part of the Schengen zone.That is, to get to Greece, you need to open a visa.But "of the Schengen" received by the embassy of the country, it gives the right to travel throughout Europe.The Hellenic Republic takes not only part of the continent.In fact, the fifth part of it - it's archipelagos and islands.Their total area is about 25 thousand square kilometers.By the number of islands in its territory, this country ranks sixty-ninth place in the world.It rushes to the main stream of tourists in the summer.But no less interesting and mainland Greece.The map shows that in the north the country borders with Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania.The border with Turkey is mainly runs along the sea, but on land it stretches two hundred six kilometers away.
history
pretty hard in a few words to describe the eventful history of this region.In ancient times, Greek city-states were very powerful.Their ships reached the Black Sea.The ancient Greeks founded colonies in the Crimea and in Colchis (coast of the Caucasus).In 146 BC Hellas became dependent on Rome, but with the split of the Empire in 395, at the western and eastern parts of it could regain its former power.The capital of the Byzantine Empire moved from Athens to Constantinople (now Istanbul).But with the strengthening of the Turkish Seljuk Empire fell.This happened in 1453.Where Greece had its colonies, he established the Ottoman Empire.Turkish rule lasted for several centuries.Independence from the Ottoman Empire, Greece has found only after the national liberation war in 1830.
Which peninsula Greece is
Now it's time to reveal a map of Europe.We see that Greece (or at least its mainland) is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula.But this part of the land, the Adriatic, Aegean, Ionian, Black and Marmara seas, is too large to serve the exact coordinates.Together with Greece on a giant Balkans fully fit, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.And Turkey and Romania are located partly in the Balkans.How to more accurately determine the location of Greece?Let's say that this country is between forty-second and thirty-fifth degrees of north latitude.Longitude limit its 19th and 28th meridians of the Eastern Hemisphere.The area of the state along with the islands of 132 thousand square kilometers.
rugged coast
We responded to the question of at what Greece is a peninsula, but this information is not exhaustive.The map shows that the Balkans have a very rugged coastline.But in Greece we ever see in a "fringe", outstanding in the sea.The coastline of the country is impressive: fifteen thousand kilometers!Some peninsula connected to the mainland by such a narrow and long isthmus that seem completely isolated.For example, Peloponnese.This peninsula is like a ripe fruit hanging on a thin shanks.Isthmus of Corinth, called a length of 42 km, is not very wide.At its narrowest point (six and a half kilometers) in the nineteenth century was dug channel.On the territory of the Peloponnese are some great tourist places like Sparta and Olympia.
Relief Greece
About eighty percent of the country consists of mountains, cliffs and plateaus.This is due to the elevated terrain on the peninsula which is Greece.The Balkans have on their territory a few mountain ranges.Bulgaria, Croatia and other countries of this giant peninsula can boast winter resorts for skiers.Greece is no exception.Most ski resorts are located in the north of the country, in the Prefectures Evrytania Phocis and in the mountains of Pindos.But the highlight of the resort Arachova (on the slopes of Mount Parnassus) that, skiing among the sparkling snow can be a half-hour bus ride to the warm sea.The highest point in the country - Mount Olympus (2917 meters), where, according to pagan beliefs, gods live.There are in this country and plains - in Boeotia, Thessaly, the Peloponnese.
Climate
unique local climate is due not only to those to which Greece is a peninsula, but also relief, currents and winds.In the inland areas of Central Europe dominated a temperate climate with cold winters and relatively hot summers.In the mountains, there is high-altitude zone.This is called the alpine climate.Most of the country lies in the sub-tropical natural surroundings.This means that the warm winter (in Crete even in January the average temperature of + 10 ° C) with frequent rains replaced sultry and dry summers.The heat is especially felt on the mainland.On the islands due to the sea breeze constantly blowing the heat is not felt almost.This fact has earned the glory of Greece, the country's world-class resort.Every year it is visited by approximately twelve million people.
Getting
Almost all travel agencies offer trips to this wonderful country.However, to get to know the national spirit of Greece, its culture and way of life of its people, it is better to travel independently.In the Balkans, where Greece is located, can be reached in several ways.Because of the distance from Russia is preferable to select your flight.Theoretically, you can get to Greece and on the train Moscow-Sofia will take you to the capital of Bulgaria, and from there you can get to Athens.But such a move is too long and exhausting.Almost every major city has an airport in Greece.The aircraft can be reached on the island Crete, Kos, Rhodes and others.Between the cities buses.The islands are not in the insulation between them and the mainland by ferry.In general, water transport in the country is very developed, other than regular passenger flights, we can book a tourist cruise.
People
Greeks - very warm and hospitable people.On religion and ninety-five percent of the population - Orthodox Christians.This religion elevated to the rank of state: all citizens, whether they like it or not, pay tax on the maintenance of the church.There are many Christian holy places where pilgrims flock and just curious.Suffice it to recall Mount Athos and Meteora.Greek cuisine is beyond praise.Being in the country, is a sin not to try suflaki, olives, charcuterie and mezze ouzo local vodka.This culture gave the world the Greek salad, tzatziki, moussaka, and many other dishes.Not to mention the wines.They are excellent.This is not surprising - after all the birthplace of the god of wine Dionysus.Greece, whose location is very advantageous, because it is at the crossroads of European, Asian and African cultures, absorbed all the best that they could give to humanity.
Islands
Greece is full interesting historical and cultural attractions, and it is the most significant reason to visit the country.If you arrive in the country through the capital's airport, to extend their stay in Athens for a few days.You can not go to the beach without seeing the famous Acropolis, Temple of Zeus and Hephaestus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and Hadrian's Arch.If you're a fan of Byzantine art, go to the city of Thessaloniki.Meteora, Mount Athos, Delphi, Olympia - only a few places from the numerous list of attractions that boasts the Greek mainland.The islands (in Russian map indicating places of interest available at the tourist information points) beckon visitors for its beaches and its unique climate.But there is something to see.The most prominent of Crete.It is the largest island of the country.It once flourished mysterious Mycenaean civilization, which left us many beautiful artifacts.But Greece has three thousand islands - enough to choose his liking.By the way, most of them are still uninhabited.People are constantly live only about two hundred of them.Cluster of islands form the archipelago Northern Sporades, Cyclades, Dodecanese, and others.
Fur tours
all shopaholics the world know where Greece.Because in this country we have invented such an interesting kind of tourism as a fur-tours with the obligation.What does it mean?In Greece, there is a small town of Kastoria, almost all of whose residents are involved in the furrier business.There are bred fur animals and made from their fur coats and coats.To lure customers away from the sea Castor, a local association of furriers and came up with "things to do with commitment."If you sign a guarantee that the purchase of furs for an amount not less than 1400 Euro, all costs - airfare, hotel accommodation and meals - covers the receiving party.Thus, it is possible and relax on the beach (not visiting tours involve only one of Kastoria) and buy a new coat.If you are not sure about the assortment and prices for furs, you can buy a ticket with no obligation.
What to bring from Greece
If buy fur - that is a pipe dream, let's think about what you can bring souvenirs from his travels.In addition to the magnets on the fridge, and faux figurines, made in China, in the shops and the resort towns of the Greek islands you can buy genuine, authentic things.And it is better not to look for the gift shop.All originally sold to Greek ordinary grocery store.Firstly, it feta.Greeks themselves consume it in large quantities - twenty-five kilograms per capita per year!Believe authentic feta is very different from the Russian counterpart.Next - extra virgin olive oil.Maybe ouzo (anise liqueur) - a drink for an amateur, but Greek wines appreciate everything!If you traveled to monasteries, you will not return empty-handed: cypress crosses, icons, figurines you will definitely buy.For antiques (not imitation of it) go to Athens, Monastiraki Square.Greece is at the crossroads of cultures, and here you can buy anything.
