Greece is a country where you can find anything you might want!

Sunny Greece is actually much closer to Ukraine than it may seem at first glance on a map. In fact, if we set aside the overly precise and boring parallels and meridians, it becomes clear that in terms of mentality, our two countries are truly the closest neighbors. Greeks and Russians share many common traits, beyond their shared Orthodox faith.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that Greece has a considerable number of dedicated fans in our country. Above all, these are travelers who want to fully experience the joys of Mediterranean beach vacations and enjoy fascinating historical tours, while being surrounded by like-minded people and feeling at home.

In winter, Greece offers comfortable, mild weather, no peak tourist seasons, a vast array of attractions, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Additionally, in winter, there are still many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking in the beautiful landscapes or enjoying a wonderful vacation on one of the country’s stunning islands, like Rhodes. The significantly lower prices during the off-season also make Greece an attractive destination.

Capital – Athens. Major cities – Thessaloniki, Patras, Iraklio, Larisa.

Main resorts in Northern Greece: Chalkidiki Peninsula (Kassandra, Sitonia, Athos), Paralia Katerini, Castoria.

Resorts in Southern Greece:

Lutraki, Evia, Glifada, Lagonisssi, Vouliagmeni, and the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Island of Crete: Iraklio Region (Stalida, Malia, Herissos, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amoudara), Lassithi (Elunda, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra), Rethymno (city of Rethymno, resorts of Balí, Panormo, Adelé), and Hania Region (city of Hania, resorts of Platanias, Georgioupolis).

Other Greek islands:

Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, Patmos, Tilos, Paros, Poros, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Skiafos, Skopelos, and others.

Visa for Greece

You can obtain a Greek visa at the Consulate General of Greece in Kiev (within 3 working days) or at the Greek Visa Center in Kiev (also within 3 working days). The copies of documents provided must be of high quality (without stains, printer or photocopying errors, and should be made using a good-quality printer on A4 paper; do not cut the pages in half).

If one of the travelers holds a multiple-entry visa that is still valid at the time of travel, a copy of the first page and the page with the visa details should be included in the family’s document package.

For photos, make sure the subject’s head is straight, the photo is taken face-on, and the expression is neutral. The photo must be clear, with even lighting and no shadows. Please do not staple the photos, as this may cause damage to them.

Travelers who do not have their own source of income (such as students) or those who cannot provide financial guarantees in the form of bank statements or travel checks must submit a notarized letter of sponsorship from a sponsor who can cover their expenses, along with a bank statement proving the sponsor’s financial stability. For students or adult children traveling with their parents, this requirement also applies.

Customs

There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency. When entering Greece from non-EU countries, amounts over 10,000 EUR must be declared. You should bring enough money with you to cover at least 50 EUR per person per day; cash can be checked at Greek customs offices. You are allowed to bring in up to 10 kg of food and drinks, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, one liter of strong alcoholic beverages or two liters of wine, as well as gifts worth no more than 150 EUR duty-free.

The import of drugs, narcotics, weapons, ammunition, poisonous substances, and plants is strictly prohibited. It is also illegal to take ancient artifacts out of Greece, including stones found at archaeological sites or objects discovered underwater.

When purchasing fur products in Greece, be sure to get a receipt from the store to present at customs.

Transportation

KTEL intercity buses are reliable and inexpensive. They operate not only on the mainland but also transport passengers to nearby islands; in such cases, the ferry fare is included in the bus ticket price. Long-distance trips can also be conveniently made by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. Additionally, there are many ferries connecting the various Greek islands, but these services are mainly available during the summer season, as weather conditions often cause cancellations in winter.

Taxis in Greece are plentiful and affordable. The fare is calculated based on a meter; the initial charge is 1 EUR, and each additional kilometer costs 0.34 EUR. From midnight to 5:00 AM, the fare doubles. In Athens and the mainland, these rates are strictly enforced, but on the islands, it is better to agree on the price in advance. For more information about public transportation, read the article “Transportation in Greece.” Greek taxi drivers are always willing to help new passengers; if one of them happens to be driving nearby, they will stop to pick up the new passenger as well.

Car Rental

To rent a car, you need an international driver’s license and must be between 25 and 70 years old, with at least three years of driving experience. The average daily rental cost for an economy-class car is around 40 EUR. A credit card is required everywhere except in the island regions of Greece. Private car rental companies usually have simpler requirements.

It is not recommended to rent a car in Athens, as traffic is chaotic, local drivers often ignore traffic rules, and it is almost impossible to find a parking spot in the city center. When renting a car, make sure to carefully read the terms of the insurance policy; it should cover damages caused to third parties and include coverage for car theft.

Traveler Safety

The crime rate in Greece is low, but it is still wise to take some precautions. Use the hotel safe to store valuables, and only exchange money at banks or authorized currency exchange offices. In crowded Greek markets, keep your wallet and personal items close to your body. For more information on how to avoid potential problems, read the articles “Dangers in Greece” and “Behavior Guidelines in Greece.”

Climate of Greece

In Mediterranean Greece, summers are hot and dry, with over 300 sunny days per year. The hottest period usually lasts from mid-July to mid-August, so those who prefer milder temperatures are better off visiting Greece in May, June, September, or October, especially Crete and Rhodes. The islands are always hotter than the northern part of the country. Athens has a similar average temperature to the islands, but the climate there is milder, making the heat more tolerable. In early and late summer, the nights can be cool due to the constant breeze. The beach season on the islands starts earlier than in the north, lasting from April to October, while in the north it runs from May to September. The best times to visit Greece are from May to June and from September to October.

Beaches

All beaches in Greece are publicly owned, so sunbeds and umbrellas are available for an additional fee (around 4 EUR per day). Many hotels provide free sunbeds and umbrellas. The vast majority of beaches are sandy; few are rocky. Generally speaking, beaches on the mainland are more crowded than those on the islands, while the islands offer many cozy bays and often have calmer waters.

Banks and Currency Exchange Offices

Banks are open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and close at 1:30 PM on Fridays. Some central banks are also open on Saturdays, but only for currency exchange services.

It is easy to find an ATM in Greece. Hotels, major tourist centers, and supermarkets accept credit cards from major international payment systems (often with a 3-5% fee). Travel checks can be exchanged at banks or representative offices of these companies, but the fees are relatively high.

Greek Cuisine and Restaurants

Greek cuisine features an abundance of vegetables and herbs, dairy products (especially soft cheeses), olives and olive oil, bread, and wine. As for meat, lamb and poultry are commonly used; beef and pork are also popular. We recommend trying authentic Greek salads, grilled octopus, “musaka” (a dish made from eggplant, ground meat, and tomatoes), “pastizio” (a type of lasagna), “stifado” (a meat stew with onions in a wine-based sauce), “spetsofai” (peppered sausages with fresh tomatoes), and “pidakiya” (grilled lamb cutlets).

For desserts, you should try Greek baklava or “galaktoburako” – a layered pastry filled with cream. Be sure to taste the delicious Greek wines, anise-flavored vodka “ouzo” (if you like it), and, of course, rakia.

In any Greek city, you will definitely find snack bars, kebab shops, bakeries, cafes, bars, taverns, or pubs. Restaurants offering both international and Greek cuisine can be found everywhere, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest travelers.

Entertainment, Excursions, and Attractions in GreeceTo truly understand Greece, it is a good idea to start by learning about its ancient myths. These myths not only tell stories about the lives of the gods but also provide insights into the origins of Greek culture and places like the Minotaur’s Labyrinth.

After studying Greek mythology, you can explore Argolida and visit the Corinthian Canal, the ancient theater of Epidavros, the temple of Apollo Healer, and the city of Nafplion. In Mycenae, you can see the “Lion Gates,” the royal tombs, the palace of the Mycenaean kings, and the tomb of Agamemnon.

A visit to Delphi includes the temple of Apollo (where the famous oracle is located), the opportunity to bathe in the water of the Castalian Spring, as well as the cities of Livadia and Thebes and the village of Arachova. Meteorites, those massive, oddly shaped natural formations, and ancient monasteries are also worth seeing; access to some monasteries requires wearing appropriate clothing, and they can be reached from Kalambaka.

In Olympia, you can visit the city of Patras, the Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called, the Archaeological Museum, and the temples of Zeus Olympius and Hera. In Piraeus, there are the Archaeological and Naval Museums, as well as an open-air theater on top of the Profitis Ilias hill.

In Macedonia, you can take a tour of Thessaloniki to learn about its history and visit famous landmarks such as the White Tower, the Rotunda, and the Triumphal Arch. You can also explore archaeological sites, exhibition halls, and the Acropolis, which includes the Byzantine fortifications and the Old Town.

A cruise around the Holy Mountain of Athos allows you to see this unique Orthodox monastic community from a distance of at least 500 meters; today, there are 20 monasteries on the island, and 1,700 monks live there. The Petralona Cave is also worth visiting; it contains the remains of an ancient human who lived in Europe.

Notes for visiting churches and monasteries: Wear clothing with covered shoulders; women in shorts, miniskirts, or trousers will not be allowed inside. However, it is not necessary for women to cover their heads.It is best to visit archaeological sites in the morning: The sites will be too crowded and hot during the day, which may ruin your experience.On Sundays, entry to all museums in Greece is free. On any other day, museum visits are free for archaeologists, architects, artists, and university teachers. Students can get a 50% discount.