Surrounded by beautiful ocean, Greece is the southern most country on the European mainland. Over 1400 Greek islands are scattered in this part of the eastern Mediterranean, roughly 170 of them inhabited. Approximately half the size of England, the Greek mainland borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
Greece is a country of natural beauty, charm and warm hospitality. It is regarded as the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, as well as the Olympic Games. It enjoys great weather, beautiful and diverse landscapes, many scenic beaches and crystal clear waters. There are hundreds of islands scattered in the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea. Some islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes are popular holiday destinations, but you can easily discover islands that are off the beaten track and thus experience authentic Greek tradition and hospitality.
The country has been an attraction for international visitors since antiquity for its long and rich history, and more recently for its glorious Mediterranean coastline and beaches. From the inspiring Monasteries of Meteora to the ruins of Delphi and the numerous museums located all over Greece, the visitor can delve into history and a unique ancient civilization. You can visit picturesque white washed villages, admire beautiful mountains and enjoy a passionate culture with many strong traditions.
Despite (or maybe thanks to) its turbulent history marked by numerous foreign occupations, the sense of “Greekness” is strongly embedded in the minds and habits of the Greek people. You might find this hard to believe when you observe young Athenians whose idea of a good night out is a pizza dinner followed by dancing and drinking cocktails in trendy seaside nightclubs that have little to do with traditional Greece, but that’s only the surface. They too will dance to the captivating rhythms of the typical Greek music, know the lyrics of traditional songs (and sing along!) and observe all national customs and traditions just like their parents, grandparents and generations before them did.
The average tourist holidaying in Greece will experience little, if anything at all, of the traditional Greek ways of life. Staying in tourist resorts, the closest they will get to Greek culture or customs might be a taxi driver playing with his worry beads or a glimpse of old men drinking tsipouri and playing tavli.
For many, that is enough; after all, they go on a holiday in Greece for the sunshine and relaxation. However, there are also plenty of visitors with a more profound interest in the country and its people. All they need to do is stay away from the beaten tourist track, because herein lies true Greek tradition.
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