Athens (Greece)
| Capital | Athens |
|---|---|
| Climate | Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by strong breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be unbearably hot, but at night the temperature usually cools down. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north and the mountain areas. November to March is the rainy season. |
| Geographic Location | Greece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. It has borders with Turkey, Albania, FYROM and Bulgaria. |
| Time Zone | GMT +2 |
| Population | 11.100.000 |
| Language | Greek |
| Other Languages | English is commonly used in business circles |
| Currency | Euro |
| Telephone | The international dialing code (to): 0030, The international dialing code (from) 00 + the related country code |
| Mobile Phone | GSM 900/1800 |
| Important Phone Nos. | Ambulance 166, Police 100, Fire Brigade 199 |
| Internet | .gr |
| Opening Hours |
Banks: 8:00a.m. – 14:00p.m. (Mon-Sat) |
| Electric | 110-220V 50Hz |
Situated in southeastern Europe on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece has land borders with Albania, the F.Y.R.O.M and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of mainland Greece, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Greece has the tenth longest coastline in the world at 14,880 km (9,246.00 mi) in length, featuring a vast number of islands (approximately 1400, 227 of which are inhabited), including Crete, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and the Ionian Islands among others.
The country consists of a mountainous, peninsular mainland jutting out into the sea at the southern end of the Balkans, the Peloponnesus peninsula (separated from the mainland by the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth), and numerous islands. Eighty percent of Greece consists of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Europe. Mount Olympus, a focal point of Greek culture throughout history culminates at Mytikas peak 2,917 m (9,570 ft), the highest in the country.
What to do, what to see?
As cradle of the Western civilization,
The Acropolis and Parthenon dominate
The National Archeological Museum, a quick stroll from
Do not miss Syntagma Square, Parliament, and the National Gardens for a breath of fresh air in the center of the city, and further down Hadrian’s Gate.
Where to eat?
Dining out, being one of the favourite occupations of Greek people, you’ll find traditional tavernas all over the city. The areas of Monastiraki, Plaka and Psyrri will offer you a taste of authenticity where you are able to try all the local dishes: tzatziki, greek salad, kalamari, mousaka and more.
The central area of Kolonaki also boasts several restaurants. Take a walk through the many small streets and leave it to chance as you discover many tavernas, gourmet restaurants, whether you have simple of fancy tastes, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
For fine restaurants and romantic spaces, head to Vouliagmeni for beach-front dining with breath-taking views of the sea. Up north, the Kifissia area is also known for its fashionable restaurants which attract the young and chic.
Where to shop?
From
Kolonaki is the shopping district of central
