GREECE - A 365 DAY DESTINATION Welcome to Greece, an attractive destination any time of the year. Live memorable experiences 365 days a year. Get acquainted with the country's legendary history & culture. Visit more than 100 inhabited islands and go island hopping. Explore a coastline of 15.000 km. Tour Greece's spectacular mainland. Enjoy the lovely nature drenched in the Greek light.
Explore 13 Wonderlands 13 Regions welcome you all year round. Each region owns an amazing variety of landscapes. Enjoy the sea & sun and savour Greek dishes. Plan your city break. Pamper yourselves in luxury and relax in health and wellness spas. Get an adrenaline rush while you try sports and outdoor activities. Organise your business meetings. Get acquainted with the Greek spiritual tradition.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
A
ttica . The land of the eternal, bright Attic Light Discover world heritage sites and ancient monuments. Visit Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, the Herodion ancient open-air theatre, as well as the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held. Enjoy the sunset view at the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio. Run in the authentic Athens Marathon in November. Don't miss the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, the city’s newest cultural venue. Sail along the Athens Riviera and cruise to the Argosaronic islands.
Temple of Poseidon, Sounio
Thasos Island
E
astern Macedonia and Thrace A multi-cultural heritage area
Enjoy the emerald waters of Thasos and Samothraki Islands. Wander in the famous Evros River Delta. Go skiing on Mt. Falakro. Explore the Rodopi mountain range. Go hiking or bird-watching in its forests and wetlands. Join the locals in lively festivals and celebrations.
Porto Lagos, Thrace
Thessaloniki
C
entral Macedonia
The legendary birthplace of Alexander the Great Tour the sites of Vergina and Pella - the ancient Macedonian State. Hike to Mt. Olympus, the residence of the ancient Greek gods. Explore Thessaloniki and learn all about its history, culture and gastronomy. Enjoy the summer in the famous beaches of Halkidiki and the Olympian Riviera.
Halkidiki
Grevena
W
estern Macedonia
The alpine beauty of Greece Explore imposing mountains and breathtaking lakes. Tour Prespes Lakes, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Kastoria and its impressive Byzantine churches. Discover the mushroom and crocus-growing areas. Follow the E4 and E6 European trails.
Kastoria
Zagorochoria
E
pirus . The pristine paradise of Greece's mainland Hike along majestic mountainous landscapes and rivers. Visit traditional stone villages and meet hearty people. Enjoy the wide range of alternative outdoor activities. Savour mouthwatering salty or sweet pies. Take a bike tour around Pamvotida Lake in Ioannina and admire modern art sculptures along the banks.
Konitsa
Skiathos Island
T
hessaly . One region, many a charm Visit Meteora Rocks, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go hiking on Mt. Pelion - the legendary mountain of the Centaurs. Escape to the green Sporades islands - home to Monachus Monachus - the well-known Mediterranean monk seal.
Meteora
Paxoi Islands
I
onian Islands
Small niches of paradise surrounded by turquoise waters Visit Ithaca the land of King Odysseus. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the historic Old Town of Corfu. Go caving in Kefalonia Island. Enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing on Lefkada Island. Taste mandolato - a delicious sweet, on Zakynthos Island.
Kefalonia Island
Ancient Olympia
W
estern Greece . Greece’s window to the West Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Join the famous Carnival Parade in Patras and have the time of your life. Enjoy winter sports at Kalavryta’s ski resort, only half an hour's ride from the seaside. Join the celebrations in Nafpaktos for the Lepanto Naval Battle anniversary in October.
Nafpaktos
Mt. Parnassus
C
entral Greece . A fascinating mainland Visit Delphi, believed by Ancient Greeks to be the navel [i.e. the centre] of the world. Stay in cosmopolitan winter resorts and visit the Arachova ski centre. Go hiking on Mt. Dirfys on Evia Island and relax by Aidipsos natural hot springs.
Delphi
Epidaurus Theatre
T
he Peloponnese
A region known since the dawn of history Explore towns and ruins of ancient kingdoms dating back to the Mycenaean Period [1600-1100 BC]. Watch performances at the world-famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus. Visit medieval Byzantine and Frankish castles and learn about their legends. Have a refreshing swim in coves and far stretching beaches. Take part in harvesting grapes, oranges and olives.
Mani
Chios Island
N
orth Aegean Islands Unspoilt nature
Choose Chios and taste the world famous fragrant mastic, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage product. Discover the secrets of longevity and wellness on Ikaria Island. Taste ouzo (an aniseed spirit) on Lesvos Island and take a trip to Sigri Petrified Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Thrill your palate with Muscat wine on Lemnos Island.
Lesvos Island
Symi Island
S
outh Aegean Islands Bright Blue, Shining White
Go island-hopping to the most famous Greek islands. Explore gorgeous sandy or rocky beaches. Discover their traditional lifestyle and upbeat nightlife. Choose them as the ideal setting for your honeymoon or wedding.
Santorini Island
Balos Beach
C
rete . Steeped in history and blessed by Nature Tour ancient palaces and settlements of the Minoan Civilisation. Swim in famous beaches and stay in traditional villages. Savour Cretan gastronomy and discover the elixir of life. Enjoy the warm hospitality of locals. Go hiking across Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe.
Archaeological Site of Knossos
A FEAST FOR YOUR SENSES
Vine of grapes
Choriatiki Salad
G
astronomy Welcome to a Mediterranean culinary paradise. Savour Greek delicacies. Learn about the Greek diet, the secret of longevity. A plethora of wild herbs and spices add extra taste to Greek dishes. The extra virgin olive oil is known as the Greek Gold. Take part in vibrant local feasts. Discover Greece's modern haute cuisine.
Ypovrychio Sweet
A 2000-YEAR JOURNEY, INTO THE DAWN OF CHRISTIANITY
Amorgos Island
Mount Athos
R
eligious Tourism Follow Apostle Paul's footsteps. Discover historical byzantine churches and white chapels on mountain tops. Visit monasteries and spiritual sites famed across the world. Explore famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos Island, the astonishing Meteora Rocks and their monasteries and the monastic state of Mt. Athos.
Rethymno
THERE IS NO SUMMER LIKE THE GREEK LONG SUMMER
Explore the depths
Anchors aweigh
S
ea and Sun Looking for unforgettable sea & sun experiences? Greece is the place to be. Dive into the deep blue of the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. Bask in the Greek sun. Explore white, black, pebbly, rocky or sandy beaches on the islands and the longest coastline of Europe. Discover whitewashed island villages. Stroll around picturesque locations by the sea or up in the mountains.
Have a refreshing swim
ONE COUNTRY – NUMEROUS CHOICES
Mt. Olympus
Central Greece
O
utdoor Activities Tour the breathtaking natural landscapes. Take a long journey to legendary places. Get acquainted with gods and heroes. Enjoy extreme sports and get an adrenaline rush.
Kalymnos Island
WELCOME TO THE HOMELAND OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Olympic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium
S
ports Tourism Run in the Athens Authentic Marathon and in other events around Greece such as Spartathlon and the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta. Join in numerous land, air and water sports celebrations.
Dromeas Statue
TRAVEL TO GREECE, THE BIRTHPLACE OF SYMPOSIA
Stoa of Attalus
Zappeion Exhibition & Congress Hall
M
eeting and Incentives Hold or participate in conferences in top quality facilities, while you enjoy the beautiful nearby views and nature. Savour Greek culinary creations. Mix business with pleasure.
Megaron, Athens Concert Hall
SPOIL YOURSELVES
Unwind onboard
Savour perfection
L
uxury Tourism Enjoy memorable experiences in spas. Cruise to famous and cosmopolitan islands. Pamper yourselves in 5-star hotels and resorts, boutique hotels and private villas.
Pamper yourselves
WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE PRESENT
Acropolis Museum
Thessaloniki
C
ity Break Explore cities with a rich history and unique culture, feel their vibes and enjoy their nightlife. Stroll in cities that are open-air museums. Discover the special features of Greek urban architecture. Shop till you drop. Savour Greek dishes in numerous restaurants and street bars.
Athens, Monastiraki
PAMPER YOURSELVES
Heal your body and soul
The perfect setting for unwinding
H
ealth & Wellness Welcome to the birthplace of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. Live holistic wellness experiences that will treat your body, mind and soul. Long-standing tradition in wellness meets today's expertise and hospitality. Bathe in a hotspring - choose among the 700 locations. Relax in luxury resorts and spas.
Sunbathe in luxury
THE PERFECT BLEND OF CULTURE AND HISTORY
Karpathos Island
Parthenon
C
ultural Tourism Discover Greece's rich history spanning over 6,ooo years. Visit the birthplace of philosophy, arts, sciences and sports. Explore numerous and famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy memorable performances at the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Take part in local cultural festivals and fairs.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
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Overall supervision: PETROS SAGANAS
Head of Tourism Promotion Directorate
Coordinator: ELEFTHERIA FILI Head of Audiovisual Media & Productions Dpt.
Text: ANGELIKI CHRISTOPOULOU, SYLIA MOURELATOU Audiovisual Media & Productions Dpt.
Layout-Design: MELACHRINI CHATZI Audiovisual Media & Productions Dpt.
Photo Editing: KATERINA KOUZOUNI Audiovisual Media & Productions Dpt.
Photo credits: Y. Skoulas, G. Giannelos, P. Merakos, N. Desyllas, F. Baltatzis, G. Tzanakis, M. Vernikou, G. Vitsaropoulos, Katopodis, OM Hellas, GNTO archive, iStock, Shutterstock Copyright: GNTO 2018 THE PRESENT EDITION IS NOT FOR SALE GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION
www.visitgreece.gr
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www.visitgreece.gr