Monday, May 18, 2009

Greece - One Of Europe's Top Holiday Destinations

Greece, one of the most popular destinations in the world, is visited every year by about seventeen million people in the first six months of the year - which is quite a feat for a country having a population of just ten million people. People from all over the world are drawn to this country because of its endless coastlines, beautiful beaches, and warm summer climate. Besides natural beauty, Greece also has plenty of nightlife as well as historical monuments for those interested in learning about its past.

Greece has a very rich history and has had a huge influence on modern arts, language, literature, politics, and sports. Our western alphabet gets its roots from this country, as do Platonic ideals and Socratic methods. Besides this, the current form of democracy also takes its roots from this country, as do the Olympics.

About ninety percent of the tourists that come to Greece are European, with just ten percent coming from other countries. Once main reason for this is that out of all the European countries, besides Italy, Greece has the most amounts of beaches and a great summer weather rivalled by no other country. It is easy to get to Greece from all European countries, with cheap flights being run from all major cities, and it also does not cost a lot.

Most people think Greece is all about whitewashed homes and blue domed churches, which is far from the truth. The country has a lot of architectural diversity, so the architecture keeps changing across the country, and it is this diversity that is beautiful to see and worth admiring. While there are examples of neoclassical architecture in the city of Nafplio, you can find buildings with an Ottoman influence in Kozani.

Just like the architecture, the natural beauty and terrain of the country is just as varied. From beaches along the coast to mountains and even wine producing areas, Greece has it all.

While the city of Athens may seem lacking in character at first glance, you find gems hidden behind all the concrete. From the Acropolis to the Plaka and Monastiraki, there are many traditional cafes tucked away in all the narrow streets. The Acropolis is a World Heritage Site, and it was also the ancient fortified town of Athens all the way back in the Bronze Age.

You can see the whole city from the top of Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki-; you can get to the top by taking the funicular railway. You can also go to the Anncient Agora which is a very green area and has a beautiful view of the Acropolis.

Greece has something to offer to everyone who visits it. From tours that take you through the history of the country from the first civilizations to enjoying your vacation by the beach or on a boat going through the numerous islands. It is this history, natural beauty, and architectural delights that make Greece such a popular place with tourists visiting year after year.

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