Mainland Greece, cradle of European civilization
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Explore the historical heart of Greece.
An adventure between history and breathtaking landscapes.
Lieux incontournables
Mainland Greece: Journey to the Heart of History and Nature.
A millennia-old history:
Cradle of Western civilization and democracy, Greece has more than one story to tell us. The majestic stone vessel erected in the age of Pericles, the Acropolis and its Parthenon, has dominated Athens for over 2,500 years. In Macedonia, a detour to the school of the philosopher Aristotle reminds us that between 343 and 340 BC, the famous thinker taught ethics and political doctrine to a young boy named Alexander, who was destined for a great future. Whether in ancient ruins or on the terrace of a kafeneion, history is omnipresent and particularly alive because it is proudly maintained by the Greeks who will be happy to tell it to you.
Escape to a Mythical and Natural World
Greece offers a delightful variety of landscapes. While we immediately think of beaches, we often forget that mountains cover 80% of the land area, especially in the northern mainland region. In just a few kilometers, you can move from a sandy, arid coast to lush valleys. You will also feel dizzy walking around the monasteries perched on the rocky cliffs of Meteora or exploring the Vikos Gorge in the Zagoria mountains in Epirus, with a breathtaking chasm 1,600 m deep. For more serenity, there are still peaceful fishing villages overlooking the gentle lapping of the sea, like in Pelion.
An Open-Air Book of Mythology
Who doesn't know Zeus, Aphrodite, and company? Greek mythology seems familiar to us, as it is very much part of our culture. Here, the genesis of the universe is primarily a matter of myths. Another charm of Greece is rereading these epic stories in the places that inspired them. While his brother Poseidon rules the seas, Zeus, the true master of the universe, dominates his world from the peaks of Olympus in Macedonia. At the foot of the Acropolis, how can one not think of Athena, the warrior goddess and protector of the city?
Unesco Listed Sites in Mainland Greece
As of today, no fewer than 18 Greek sites are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 12 in mainland Greece. These include, of course, the Acropolis, but also the Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki, the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, the archaeological sites of Vergina, Olympia, Delphi, Mystras, Mycenae, or Philippi (designated in 2016). In addition, there are two exceptional religious complexes: the suspended monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos.
Hospitality that endures through the crisis
Another charm of Greece: despite their economic difficulties, the Greeks maintain true elegance and pride with tourists. Their sense of hospitality has remained intact. Even better: to our knowledge, few have tried to inflate their prices due to the admittedly difficult situation. Even today, many restaurateurs continue to offer desserts, such as halva or slices of watermelon, to their customers. Classy.
Sunshine All Year Round in Mainland Greece
The great geographical diversity of Greece offers its visitors a wide variety of climatic conditions, with a dominant Mediterranean climate, also known as the "olive tree climate." The sun, or Ilios, will not disappoint you. Greece boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Present from the early days of spring, it shines until October, brightens the winter, and becomes fierce during the summer months. Be careful in summer, when the wind blows, the feeling of heat may be lessened, but the sun remains just as intense. You can always take a nap in the shade of a large fig tree.
Between Two Continents: A Fascinating Journey
A land of contrasts with multiple ecosystems, Greece offers a delightful variety of landscapes. You can easily move from small mountain villages to vast stretches of beaches. There are 15,000 km of coastline, hundreds of islands, and all kinds of beaches, all about three hours' flight from Paris. For those who wish to discover places rarely visited by tourists but whose cultural value is nonetheless immense, Greece, a link between Europe and Asia, serves as an excellent starting point for trips to the Balkans or Turkey.
An Exceptional Heritage in Mainland Greece
Did you know? In 2017, rebetiko, a popular Greek music, was listed on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The previous year, it was momoeria, typical festivities between December 25 and January 5 in Kozani, in northwestern Greece, in Western Macedonia, that were distinguished. Everywhere, Greece's historical and artistic heritage is absolutely colossal. You won't be able to return home feeling like you've seen it all, because every little village is full of ancient treasures, Byzantine chapels, ruins, cloisters, cyclops footprints, or caves hiding invincible hydras…
Family and Religious Celebrations: A Tradition
Greece is a country of celebration, and it’s in the culture of its people to have fun until late at night. Any occasion is a good opportunity to dance and listen to music, with friends or family. Traditions are conscientiously respected by everyone and celebrated as they should be: weddings, baptisms, and religious festivals are all good excuses to celebrate.
Mediterranean cuisine in mainland Greece
Invited to the table of this people with a strong personality, you will taste original wines, from syrupy reds to resinous whites. You will enjoy excellent mezze cooked under the patronage of the revered olive oil, nectar of the sacred tree of the land of Olympus. And it will be festive! Indeed, any occasion is a good one to dance and listen to music accompanied by a glass of ouzo or tsipouro.
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