Understand
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==Understand==
==Understand==
−
Greece
is
one
of
the
world
's
20
'''most
popular
tourist
destination
countries'''.
According
to
the
Greek
Ministry
of
Tourism
,
the nation
received
about
17 million visitors
from January to mid August 2007
, a large number for a small country of 11 million.
Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.
+
Visitors
are
drawn
to
the
country
's
beaches
and
reliable
sunny
summer
weather,
its
nightlife,
historical
sites
and
natural
beauty.
In 2007
,
Greece
received 17 million visitors, a large number for a small country of 11 million.
[[File:Santorini wv.jpg|thumb|260px|Backstreets of charming Firá, Santoríni]]
[[File:Santorini wv.jpg|thumb|260px|Backstreets of charming Firá, Santoríni]]
−
Over
90%
of visitors
who
come to Greece come from
'''
other European countries,
'''
although in recent years
there
have
been
growing
numbers
of
tourists
from
other
world regions
. The vast majority of visitors
arrive
during the tourist season, which is
April through October. ''Peak'' season is July through August, and most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in [[Crete]], the [[Dodecanese]], [[Cyclades]], and [[Western Greek Islands]], and to a lesser extent the [[Peloponnese]] and the [[Halkidiki]] peninsula in [[Macedonia (Greece)|Macedonia]]. There are still many rewarding areas in the country free of large-scale tourism.
+
The
majority
of visitors come to Greece come from other European countries, although in recent years
tourists
from
other
world
regions
have
been
increasing
in
number
. The vast majority of visitors
visit
from
April through
to
October. ''Peak'' season is July through August, and most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in [[Crete]], the [[Dodecanese]], [[Cyclades]], and [[Western Greek Islands]], and to a lesser extent the [[Peloponnese]] and the [[Halkidiki]] peninsula in [[Macedonia (Greece)|Macedonia]]. There are still many rewarding areas in the country free of large-scale tourism.
−
Many first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such '''regional and architectural diversity.''' The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only
characterize
a specific region of the country (the [[Cyclades]] Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find Neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and [[Nafplion]], Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevená and Kozáni, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of [[Paros]], and pastel-coloured baroque homes and churches on [[Corfu]]. The nation's '''terrain''' is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece's historical sights are just as varied; the country is littered with just as many medieval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples.
+
Many first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such '''regional and architectural diversity.''' The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only
characterise
a specific region of the country (the [[Cyclades]] Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find Neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and [[Nafplion]], Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevená and Kozáni, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of [[Paros]], and pastel-coloured baroque homes and churches on [[Corfu]]. The nation's '''terrain''' is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece's historical sights are just as varied; the country is littered with just as many medieval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples.
===History===
===History===
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====First civilisations====
====First civilisations====
−
The country's '''first inhabitants''' are now referred to as the Pelasgians. Little is known about them, but it is believed that they were a primitive people. The first advanced
civilizations
in Greece are known as the '''Cycladic''' in the [[Cyclades Islands]], and the '''Minoan''' in [[Crete]] and [[Santorini]]. The Minoans had a written language which remains undecipherable to modern-day archaeologists. This is one of the most interesting and profound historical mysteries and a link to our own modern civilisation.
+
The country's '''first inhabitants''' are now referred to as the Pelasgians. Little is known about them, but it is believed that they were a primitive people. The first advanced
civilisations
in Greece are known as the '''Cycladic''' in the [[Cyclades Islands]], and the '''Minoan''' in [[Crete]] and [[Santorini]]. The Minoans had a written language which remains undecipherable to modern-day archaeologists. This is one of the most interesting and profound historical mysteries and a link to our own modern civilisation.
====Dark Age====
====Dark Age====
−
'''Greek-speaking Indo-European peoples''' arrived in the country from somewhere to the north, around 1700BC, and slowly invaded the entire country from the north all the way to [[Crete]], as well as the west coast of Asia Minor (now [[Turkey]]), absorbing the native peoples. Their arrival may have been responsible for ending the Cycladic and Minoan
civilizations
and brought the country into what is now referred to as the Dark Age of ancient Greece; although it is now understood among historians that
civilization
in Greece remained sophisticated and advanced during this time. The first Greek-speaking
civilization
, the Mycenean
Civilization
, centred in the Peloponnese region, was prominent during this time period.
+
'''Greek-speaking Indo-European peoples''' arrived in the country from somewhere to the north, around 1700BC, and slowly invaded the entire country from the north all the way to [[Crete]], as well as the west coast of Asia Minor (now [[Turkey]]), absorbing the native peoples. Their arrival may have been responsible for ending the Cycladic and Minoan
civilisations
and brought the country into what is now referred to as the Dark Age of ancient Greece; although it is now understood among historians that
civilisation
in Greece remained sophisticated and advanced during this time. The first Greek-speaking
civilisation
, the Mycenean
Civilisation
, centred in the Peloponnese region, was prominent during this time period.
−
Many ancient Greeks made a living from the sea, as their descendants the modern Greeks also do now. They became accomplished fishers, sailors and traders and the sea has profoundly shaped Greek
civilization
.
+
Many ancient Greeks made a living from the sea, as their descendants the modern Greeks also do now. They became accomplished fishers, sailors and traders and the sea has profoundly shaped Greek
civilisation
.
[[File:Olympia1.JPG|thumb|400px|Olympia, site of the Olympic Games in ancient times]]
[[File:Olympia1.JPG|thumb|400px|Olympia, site of the Olympic Games in ancient times]]
====Classical Greece====
====Classical Greece====
−
The rise of the Greek city-states occurred in the period 1200 to 800BC and heralded the '''Golden Age of Greece,''' which lasted many centuries and spurred several scientific, architectural, political, economic, artistic, and literary achievements. [[Athens]], [[Sparta]], [[Corinth]], and [[Thebes]] were the most prominent of the city-states (with Athens being the most prestigious), but there were several other advanced city-states and colonies that had developed across the Aegean basin. Greek settlements were also established in southern Italy and other coastal areas of the Mediterranean
colonized
by Greeks. The legacy of Greek
Civilization
from this time period made a major impact on the world and continues to influence us to this day, since democracy, philosophy and
theater
were born.
+
The rise of the Greek city-states occurred in the period 1200 to 800BC and heralded the '''Golden Age of Greece,''' which lasted many centuries and spurred several scientific, architectural, political, economic, artistic, and literary achievements. [[Athens]], [[Sparta]], [[Corinth]], and [[Thebes]] were the most prominent of the city-states (with Athens being the most prestigious), but there were several other advanced city-states and colonies that had developed across the Aegean basin. Greek settlements were also established in southern Italy and other coastal areas of the Mediterranean
colonised
by Greeks. The legacy of Greek
Civilisation
from this time period made a major impact on the world and continues to influence us to this day, since democracy, philosophy and
theatre
were born.
====Hellenistic and Roman eras====
====Hellenistic and Roman eras====
−
The epicentre of Greek
Civilization
shifted, during the 4th century BC, from southern Greece to northern Greece. The northern Macedonian kingdom, under '''Alexander the Great,''' conquered all of Greece, and proceeded eastward, creating an empire all the way to South Asia with the stated intent of spreading Greek
Civilization
. The empire broke up after Alexander's death, and Greece was eventually annexed by the growing Roman Empire. Although weakened politically, Greek
Civilization
continued to flourish under Roman rule and heavily influenced Roman culture.
+
The epicentre of Greek
Civilisation
shifted, during the 4th century BC, from southern Greece to northern Greece. The northern Macedonian kingdom, under '''Alexander the Great,''' conquered all of Greece, and proceeded eastward, creating an empire all the way to South Asia with the stated intent of spreading Greek
Civilisation
. The empire broke up after Alexander's death, and Greece was eventually annexed by the growing Roman Empire. Although weakened politically, Greek
Civilisation
continued to flourish under Roman rule and heavily influenced Roman culture.
====Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire====
====Arrival of Christianity and rise of Byzantine Empire====
−
'''Christianity''' arrived in Greece with the preachings of St. Paul during the 1st century AD, and eventually spread throughout Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great
legalized
Christian worship and declared it the state religion of the empire. He moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium (present-day Istanbul), which he renamed Constantinople. Internal divisions eventually divided the Roman Empire into a western half (the West Roman Empire) and an eastern half (East Roman Empire.) The West was eventually invaded and sacked by invaders from northern Europe, while the East survived for another millennium as the Byzantine Empire with Constantinople as its capital.
+
'''Christianity''' arrived in Greece with the preachings of St. Paul during the 1st century AD, and eventually spread throughout Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great
legalised
Christian worship and declared it the state religion of the empire. He moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantium (present-day Istanbul), which he renamed Constantinople. Internal divisions eventually divided the Roman Empire into a western half (the West Roman Empire) and an eastern half (East Roman Empire.) The West was eventually invaded and sacked by invaders from northern Europe, while the East survived for another millennium as the Byzantine Empire with Constantinople as its capital.
====Medieval Greece====
====Medieval Greece====
−
Greece's medieval history is dominated by the '''Byzantine Empire''' which revolved around Christianity, Greek Language
and Civilization,
and Roman law. It was a powerful force in the Mediterranean basin for centuries, engaging in trade, politics, and the spread of Christianity. The empire collaborated with Rome during the Crusades against the Muslims. However, during the 13th century, the Crusaders turned on the Byzantine Empire itself and sacked Constantinople. With a weakened Byzantine Empire, Frankish and Latin invaders arrived and occupied various parts of Greece. Over the following centuries, the Byzantine Empire began to regain strength and reconquer lost territory, but received a final blow in the 15th century when a growing Ottoman Turkish Empire to the east conquered Constantinople.
+
Greece's medieval history is dominated by the '''Byzantine Empire''' which revolved around Christianity, Greek Language and Roman law. It was a powerful force in the Mediterranean basin for centuries, engaging in trade, politics, and the spread of Christianity. The empire collaborated with Rome during the Crusades against the Muslims. However, during the 13th century, the Crusaders turned on the Byzantine Empire itself and sacked Constantinople. With a weakened Byzantine Empire, Frankish and Latin invaders arrived and occupied various parts of Greece. Over the following centuries, the Byzantine Empire began to regain strength and reconquer lost territory, but received a final blow in the 15th century when a growing Ottoman Turkish Empire to the east conquered Constantinople.
====Ottoman rule====
====Ottoman rule====
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Despite its small size, Greece has a '''varied climate.'''
Despite its small size, Greece has a '''varied climate.'''
−
Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a so-called '''Mediterranean climate,''' almost identical to much of California. Summers are hot and dry with a 7-month period of near-constant sunshine generally from April until November. The remainder of the year is
characterized
by a relatively cold, rainy period which generally starts sometime in November and lasts until late March or early April. Sporadic rains do occur during the dry season, but they tend to be rare, quick showers. The country’s Ionian Coast and Ionian Islands tend to receive more annual precipitation than the rest of the country. The islands in the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland are the driest areas of the country.
+
Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a so-called '''Mediterranean climate,''' almost identical to much of California. Summers are hot and dry with a 7-month period of near-constant sunshine generally from April until November. The remainder of the year is
characterised
by a relatively cold, rainy period which generally starts sometime in November and lasts until late March or early April. Sporadic rains do occur during the dry season, but they tend to be rare, quick showers. The country’s Ionian Coast and Ionian Islands tend to receive more annual precipitation than the rest of the country. The islands in the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland are the driest areas of the country.
The '''most pleasant weather''' occurs in May–June and September–October. The warmest time of the year starts in mid-July and generally lasts until mid-August, when the annual ''meltémi'' winds from the north cool the country. Mid-July to mid-August is the height of summer, and the midday sun tends to get very strong; during this time, most Greeks avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 13:00 and 17:00. It is best advised to get in tune with the local way of life by waking up early, doing all sightseeing and errands in the cool morning hours, and then spending the afternoon in the relaxing shade or at the beach. In fact, the bulk of tourists arrive in Greece during the height of summer, to do just that! For visitors from more northerly climates, the off season from November through February can be a rewarding time to see Greece. It will not be beach weather, but temperatures are mild. The much added bonus is that there will be very few other tourists and reduced prices.
The '''most pleasant weather''' occurs in May–June and September–October. The warmest time of the year starts in mid-July and generally lasts until mid-August, when the annual ''meltémi'' winds from the north cool the country. Mid-July to mid-August is the height of summer, and the midday sun tends to get very strong; during this time, most Greeks avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 13:00 and 17:00. It is best advised to get in tune with the local way of life by waking up early, doing all sightseeing and errands in the cool morning hours, and then spending the afternoon in the relaxing shade or at the beach. In fact, the bulk of tourists arrive in Greece during the height of summer, to do just that! For visitors from more northerly climates, the off season from November through February can be a rewarding time to see Greece. It will not be beach weather, but temperatures are mild. The much added bonus is that there will be very few other tourists and reduced prices.
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'''Summer evenings''' tend to be ''very'' rewarding. As strong as the sun may get on a summer afternoon, the low levels of atmospheric humidity in most areas of the country prevent the air from trapping much heat, and temperatures tend to dip to very pleasant levels in the evenings. But even during midday, high temperatures actually tend to be quite comfortable as long as the time is not spent doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. (Athens, however, can still be uncomfortably warm during summer afternoons due to the predominance of concrete in the city, an effect similar to New York City.) Coastal areas near open waters (away from tightly-closed bays and gulfs), especially on many of the islands, tend to be quite breezy, and can be quite cold at night.
'''Summer evenings''' tend to be ''very'' rewarding. As strong as the sun may get on a summer afternoon, the low levels of atmospheric humidity in most areas of the country prevent the air from trapping much heat, and temperatures tend to dip to very pleasant levels in the evenings. But even during midday, high temperatures actually tend to be quite comfortable as long as the time is not spent doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. (Athens, however, can still be uncomfortably warm during summer afternoons due to the predominance of concrete in the city, an effect similar to New York City.) Coastal areas near open waters (away from tightly-closed bays and gulfs), especially on many of the islands, tend to be quite breezy, and can be quite cold at night.
−
While the Mediterranean climate
characterizes
most of the country, '''two other climate systems''' are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas of the country's interior, including many high-altitude valleys. Another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece, which gives those areas very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.
+
While the Mediterranean climate
characterises
most of the country, '''two other climate systems''' are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas of the country's interior, including many high-altitude valleys. Another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece, which gives those areas very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.
===Holidays and festivals===
===Holidays and festivals===