Travel guide Greece - how to experience the country & islands

Why Greece is worth a trip

When it comes to the question of why Greece is worth travelling to, you don't have to think twice. The Mediterranean climate, the diverse flora and fauna, the culture steeped in history, but also the country and its people with their world-famous food, drink and traditions - all of this speaks for a holiday in Greece! Adventurous, sun-worshipping or culture-loving: both on the islands and on the mainland, numerous activities and excursions invite you to have an unforgettable time!

Climate

Greece, which is located in south-east Europe on the Mediterranean, generally has a Mediterranean climate. Typical for the peninsula are very hot, dry summers with an average of 30°C and up to ten hours of sunshine. Although there are also hot spells of up to 40°C in midsummer, travellers - and not least bathers in the coastal regions - generally enjoy constant temperatures of 27° to 32°C. The situation is different inland and in the mountains: In towns such as Pelion, located on the mainland in the east on the Aegean Sea, the daytime temperature is 22°C in summer. There is also frequent rainfall, night frost and even snowfall in winter. However, these weather conditions are just right for tourists who want to explore Greece off the beaten track!

Flora and fauna

The Mediterranean climate with long, hot and dry summers but mild, wet winters favours a diverse, colourful flora and fauna. With over 900 animal and 6000 plant species, Greece is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. There is plenty to discover on hiking or cycling tours, especially for nature lovers. The best time to discover Greece's nature is in spring, when a picture of flowering wild herbs, hibiscus and oleander, lemon and orange trees as well as evergreen shrubs and bushes emerges. Tall cypresses, carob and olive trees and spreading pines are also typical of the peninsula. While in summer many tourists head to crowded sights or beaches, you can discover a land of wild beauty - with 25 per cent of the country covered in natural forest areas and uninhabited mountain regions.

When exploring Greece, the unspoilt nature also provides a glimpse of the diversity of native species. Small bird species such as the Mediterranean wheatear nest in the hundreds of years old olive trees, while geckos and green lizards climb the gnarled trunks. The flowering wild herbs in turn attract many insect species such as butterflies, bees and beetles. On the mainland and in the mountains, wild animals such as deer, foxes, wild boar and occasionally even lynx, grey wolves and brown bears can be found, while whales, dolphins and seals can be spotted in the coastal regions. A holiday in Greece is therefore unthinkable without a boat or diving expedition, where you can marvel at the unique marine world! Due to its special diversity, the local flora and fauna is protected in ten national parks and two marine national parks

Culture steeped in history

Greek culture is one of the oldest, most influential and diverse cultures in the world - and one of the reasons that attracts many tourists to the Peloponnese peninsula. A cultural heyday in ancient Greece under Alexander the Great from 336 BC, known as Hellenism, was decisive. During this period, Greek writing and language, as well as visionary ideas in art, education, economics and science, spread far beyond the borders of Greece. They contributed significantly to the development of today's modern Europe. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Archimedes, Ptolemy and Plato laid important foundations that are still relevant in politics, mathematics, physics and astronomy. The country is popular with tourists from all over the world just to get to the bottom of Greece's cultural history.

Many cultural tourists are drawn to Athens, the country's capital and cultural capital, where they visit famous landmarks, sites and museums. But there are also other places in Greece - ancient sites such as Delphi, Thessaloniki and Olympia - where you can discover the impressive 6,000 years of history. It's not just the many museums scattered across the country that are worth a visit:

Anyone travelling through the country with open eyes will discover contemporary witnesses to Greek history in the ancient ruins, temples, cathedrals and columns. They also symbolise the interesting Greek mythology, telling stories of the gods and heroes of ancient Greece. To see these famous cultural and historical sights with their own eyes, many culture vultures fulfil their dream of a holiday in Greece!

Country and people

Philoxenia, Greek hospitality, is probably unique in the world. Entertaining a guest is considered an honour by the Greeks and, according to an ancient tradition dating back to antiquity, is said to bring good luck and avert disaster. It is therefore not unusual to be invited by locals for an ouzo or a coffee (ellinikós cafés) - at least in places that are less crowded with tourists. With a bit of luck, you might even get to try traditional Greek cuisine: The menu includes dishes with lots of vegetables, seafood, fish and sheep and goat meat, which are often cooked in the oven and kept warm.

Typical are also the so-called mezedes - appetisers that are preferably served in convivial company and with (lots of) ouzo. The perfect opportunity to get to know the country and its people is to stay in one of the many inns or farms that can be found all over the peninsula. If you are in the right place at the right time, you can get to know - and love - traditional Greece!