Country
Greece is a country endowed with mild climate, amazing beauty of nature, delightful landscapes, including crystal-clear seas, green mountains and beautiful beaches.
Crete: the largest island in Greece, washed by three seas: Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south, Ionian in the west. The island's landmark are stunning beaches, high mountains, Byzantine monasteries and, of course, the famous Minotaur Labyrinth. Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits (such as its own poetry and music). It was once the centre of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), which is the earliest known civilization in Europe.
The capital of Greece: Athens
The capital city of Crete: Heraklion
Official language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Time zone in Greece: GMT +2
Climate: Mediterranean
Population: About 11 million
Politics: unitary parliamentary republic
Calling code: +30
Greece (Ellas or Hellas), officially the Greek Republic, is located in the southeast of Europe, at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, in the Eastern Mediterranean. The capital of Greece is the legendary city of Athens with a population of about 5 million people. Other major cities are Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki), Patras, Volos, Heraklion, Larissa and others.
Greece - the birthplace of numerous myths and legends, the cradle of European culture. Already in the I millennium BC its territory was divided between highly developed city-states. Later it was part of the Roman Empire, was a stronghold of the emerging Christianity in the East, was under the rule of the Venetian rulers and Turkey. In 1831 Greece won its freedom. 17 objects are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the Hellenic Republic. Here are just some of them: the Acropolis of Athens, the monasteries of Meteora, the old city of Corfu, Mount Athos, the ruins of the ancient city of Delphi. 
In the northwest, Greece borders with Albania, in the north - with Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in the north-east - with Turkey. In the east, Greece is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea, in the west by the Ionian Sea, and in the south by the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is mostly a mountainous country, the highest mountain is Olympus. Greece occupies the 11th place among the countries with the longest coastline (13.676 km).
The state includes more than 2,500 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The largest islands of Greece: Crete, Evia (Evia), Mykonos, Santorini, Chios, Corfu (in Greek: Kerkira), Zakynthos, Samos, Karpathos, Lesbos (in Greek: Lesvos), Rhodes, Thassos, Zakynthos and other Greece has been a member of the European Union since 1981, the Eurozone since 2001, NATO since 1952 and one of the founding members of the United Nations (1945).
Hellas is considered to be the cradle of European culture, the foundation of world culture was laid, democracy and philosophy, sciences and art were born, which played the greatest role in the history of all mankind and had a huge impact on the three continents. In addition, Greece is home to the Olympic Games, drama, tragedy and comedy.
The climate in Greece is Mediterranean; summer is hot, almost without rain, winters are mild, often rainy. Swimming season is from May to October.
The official religion in Greece is Orthodox Christianity, which is professed by more than 98% of the country's population. Most of the Orthodox shrines of Greece are among the most significant in the Christian world.
Greek cuisine is a variety of vegetables, meat dishes and seafood, olives, cheese (the most famous and popular is feta) and wine. All dishes are generously seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and local spices. The cuisine of Greece is truly delicious!
Greece is famous for its leather and fur products at attractive prices, jewelry and ceramics. Greek wines, "Metaxa", almonds, pistachios, olives and various products of folk art are excellent souvenirs that can be purchased anywhere in the country.
USEFUL RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Greeks are a very leisurely people, and everything in this country is made "siga-siga" – easy does it. It is not necessary to count on the quickness and punctuality of the staff.
• If the Greek promises you to do something tomorrow, "avrio", this means a polite refusal or postponement of the event for an indefinite period.
• Respect the old people and do not speak badly with the Greeks about Greece - although they readily criticize their country, but they will not tolerate the same behavior from the foreigner.
• Communicate cheerfully and politely - the Greeks do not like arrogant or cold people, restrained in everything.
• When visiting monasteries, wear closed clothing - long skirts and trousers, or when entering the monastery, use the capes and special trousers offered to tourists.
Emergency tel. numbers:
Police – 100
Ambulance – 166
Fire department – 199
Pharmacy on duty – 107
Hospitals on duty – 106
Tourist police – 171