THE LANDSCAPE
The landscape and countryside varies throughout Greece but beaches are predominently white soft sand or coloured pebbles, often backed by scented pine forests, with the clear turquoise sea of the Agean. Inland the landscape is often rugged and mountainous, with hills cloaked in trees, gorse and juniper and there are dryer areas, where mountain goats roam.

 
CUSTOMS & WAYS
Greek churches are very pretty, with stone bell towers and often open so that one can go in and explore. The climate is hot throughout, and the tradition is to siesta in the afternoon. Shops come alive again at 6pm and then stay open until quite late at night. Shops in the villages are filled with traditional handmade crafts, such as pottery and jewelery - a nice souvenir to bring back is a little blue stone which is said to ward off evil. If you get the opportunity also, do try or get to watch some real Greek Circle dancing, which is sometimes found in the local restaurants and bars.

 
FOOD AND DRINK
Try traditional tavernas: feast on the local dishes, such as spiced meat and vegetables on skewers (souvlaki shishkebab), or seafood, especially octopus and squid (kalamaraki). Lathera is a dish of vegetables such as aubergine and courgette steeped in oil, garlic and oregano; Pastitsio - baked layers of macaroni and minced meat smothered in cheese sauce; moussaka, where aubergines replace macaroni; dolmades - minced meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves; and delightful sticky pastries, such as baclava made from honey and nuts.

 
SIGHT SEEING

By taking local transport or hiring a car, there are a wealth of sightseeing opportunities when visiting the Islands or Mainland Greece. Such an excursion may be visiting the neighbouring islands, such as Skiathos with the best beaches in Greece or Skyros with its folk art. Or Athens famous for its old quarters and of course, the Acropolis.

 
PLACES TO VISIT IN ATHENS: -
The Pathenon
The Acropolis Museum
The Temple of Athena Nike
The Erechtheum
The Propylaea
The Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Herod Atticus
The Agora West of Acropolis old city centre and museum
Temple of Olympian Zeus and nearby Arch of Hadrian
National Archaeological Museum (Pattissan Street)
Son et Lumiêre at the Acropolis
Museum of Popular Art
Flea Market
Greek Music and Bar Life
Discoteques
RECREATION
With the abundance of good beaches, watersports are very popular, with swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and boat trips being very common pasttimes. Cycles hire is also available and one can enjoy lovely walks in the mountainous countryside. Or alternatively, hire a car in order that you can enjoy visiting the different villages and sight seeing.

 
For further information, complete the online booking form or contact Vic May

BY TELEPHONE: +44 1243 542760
BY E-MAIL: info@greek-island-direct.co.uk