Greece Travel Tips and Guide

When choosing a travel destination, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the vast number of choices. There are so many historical, beautiful, interesting places on this Earth, it is easy to see why many people become frustrated. Greece, and the Greek islands are by far, one of the top travel destination choices by cultured and choosy travelers. Not only is Greece a wonderland of blue ocean vistas it is also the home of many exciting cultural events.

The Hellenic Festival

This extremely popular festival offers a huge range of performances. Classical music, ballet, opera, both ancient and modern theater, singers, dances and more are featured at this festival that takes all summer to exhaust its supply of entertainment. The festival encompasses the entire city, with many theater performances taking place at the Lykavittos Theater set atop Lykavittos Hill. Neither buses or taxis will take you to the top of this hill, so it is best to leave early to walk the ten or fifteen minutes you will need to get to Lykavittos Theater.

The Epidaurus Festival

This festival takes place annually during the summer months. Held at the ancient (and acoustically perfect) theater of Epidaurus, this festival is held as a part of the larger Hellenic Festival. The Epidaurus Festival is an opportunity to witness plays just as the ancient Greeks did. Adding to the flavor is the fact that the performances are in Greek. Theater goers are provided with programs that translate major languages. Some tips for enjoying the Epidaurus Festival include dressing warm and bringing a blanket. The theater is outside with most programs starting at 9pm and weather unpredictable, even in the summer months. Best to be prepared. Many of these shows sell out quickly and can only be bought 3 weeks in advance.

The Icarus Festival of Dialogue Between Cultures

Overwhelmingly, Greek cultural events are rooted in the love of music. The Icarus Festival for Dialogue Between Cultures takes place annually on Ikaria, Greece. Traditionally held during the summer, this event hosts performances by artists whose music has been inspired by many cultures. Every year the event is dedicated to a single instrument, 2008 was dedicated to the violin, as it is the favored instrument of the island Ikaria.

The August Moon Festival

Annually, whenever the full moon decides to make its appearance, many sites around Athens are open to the public for free entertainment. The Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Roman Agora, provide the city with Greek dances, classical music and opera performances. What a spectacular site to behold by the light of the full moon!

Rockwave Athens

The largest rock and roll festival in Greece takes place in July, during the intense heat of summer, and provides the city with some of the hottest international rock bands. This musical event has taken place since 1996 and is still going strong. Not to be outdone, the Island of Cyprus holds many exciting cultural events as well. As the third biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, this island has direct ties to Greece and many of its festivals are based in the Greek culture.

The Wine Festival in Lemoses attracts thousands of tourists each September to take part of this event. Cyprus, an island known for its extraordinary wine, offers this festival as a means to pay tribute to Dionysus, God of Wine as well as Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty. The Lemesos Carnival Parade takes place in February, or approximately 50 days before Easter. Highlights of this annual event include the Children's Carnival Parade, Grand Carnival Parade of groups and chariots, King Carnival and Serenader's Parade. This carnival is held to celebrate the last week of meat-eating before the Apokria or what is referred to as the fasting before Easter. Costumes are prepared for the entire family for this event, and at the end of the event, more than fifty floats parade through the city.

The Festival of Ancient Greek Drama is held during the summer months in Cyprus. The performances are held in three separate theaters throughout Cyprus, each sharing the ancient Greek traditions of tragedy, comedy, treachery, adventure and more with the audience. This festival attracts thousands of people internationally and the venues include: Paphos (Ancient Odeon), Limassol (Kourion Ancient Theater) and in Nicosia (Makarios III Amphitheater). When it comes to festivals and cultural events, the Greek and Cyprus communities are unmatched throughout the world. These ancient lands are steeped in traditions of beauty, art, culture, wine and drama. There really is no other choice when it comes to choosing this travel destination spot.

There is no doubt that as human beings we are always striving to find ways to live longer, healthier lives. Statistics show that life expectancy has increased in various countries around the world, while showing drastic declines in some areas like parts of Africa. The term "life expectancy" refers to the number of years remaining in an individual's life at a particular age.

The standard for measuring life expectancy is associated with a number of factors related to the group in question. Culture, diets, social upheaval, war and health issues can all impact life expectancy. Not surprisingly, developed countries generally have a greater life expectancy than developing countries. Countries with an average life expectancy of 80 and over include Japan, Switzerland and Spain. The U.K., Finland, Germany and Cyprus all fall into the high 70s range, with the average life expectancy in Cyprus being 79. The countries with the lowest life expectancies include Sierra Leone, Namibia and Zambia.

While conditions in the EU seem to increase the possibility of longer life, Cyprus is a stand out. In 1955 life expectancy in Cyprus was measured at 67. The current figure is expected to rise to 82.2 by 2050. It should be noted that the average life expectancy for women in Cyprus is 80. So what is it that makes Cyprus so special? Well, like other countries in the EU, the diet has been shown to promote better health. The diet in Cyprus is very close to that of Greece. A lot of emphasis is placed on fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Red meats, wine and poultry are consumed moderately, while fish is consumed regularly. Most of the fat in this diet comes from olive oil.

This diet is so popular, it has been used worldwide as a means of encouraging healthier lifestyles. An American doctor Ancel Keys first brought the diet to public attention, but it wasn't widely recognized until the 1990s. The diet is said to be heart healthy, possibly due to the amount of olive oil consumed. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. It is situated east of Greece and is the third largest Mediterranean island. The island draws as many as 2.4 million tourists every year. It has been a part of the EU since May 1, 2004.

Not surprisingly, the cuisine in Cyprus uses a lot of vegetables, in particular cucumber and tomato. Red Mullet and sea bass are very popular in seafood dishes. Traditional vegetable servings include pickled beets and cauliflower, and potatoes served in olive oil and parsley.

The diet in Cyprus also incorporates whole grains and nuts. Halloumi, a cheese made from goat and sheep milk, originated in Cyprus. Cuisine is clearly a major factor in the quality of the island's tourism product. But does this go far enough to explain the high life expectancy in the country? Studies on air quality in the EU have shown no marked difference between Cyprus and European cities. In fact Cyprus is plagued by many of the same problems. These include water pollution, preservation of wildlife and soil erosion. While it is said that 100 percent of the population has access to safe water, it is being threatened by pollution.

When looked at in this context, the diet consumed in Cyprus is clearly beneficial to the health. A study published in the British Medical Journal claimed that the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of cancer and heart disease. It also lessened the risk of getting Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, but this is all dependent on following the diet strictly. Some segments of the weight loss industry have used the Mediterranean diet with great results. If you visit Cyprus, you can see firsthand what keeps their population so healthy. This is more than a fad diet: it is a way of life. Given that the life expectancy is expected to rise over the next few decades, more people can be expected to follow this healthy lifestyle.

Cyprus, an island paradise, has been hit a bad drought this summer. In fact, the drought is the worst the island has seen in a hundred years. Cyprus relies on rainfall to replenish its water supply, and its reservoirs are only seven percent full, according to recent estimates. Emergency drilling has been used to tap underground water supplies, but even that is not enough to stave off the thirst of the island's inhabitants.

Main water pipelines in Cyprus have only been turned on a few nights each week. Anyone living in a high-rise apartment is out of luck, since the water pressure isn't enough to bring water to the top stories of tall buildings. Residents of Cyprus have also been banned from washing their cars and watering their gardens, since this is an excess that the country currently can't support. Enter Greece. The neighbourly nation recently sent an emergency tanker full of drinking water to Cyprus. The tanker holds 40,000 cubic meters of water, which is more than double the amount held in Cyprus' reservoirs. The ship anchored off the southern coast of the island.

Enter a problem. The pipe built to take the water from the Greek ship to Cyprus was too short, and by the time the pipe was ready, the water wasn't fit for human consumption, and will now be used for agriculture alone. But a second shipment was fine, and it has been replenishing locals with much needed fresh water. Eight million cubic meters of refreshing water will be delivered to the island in the coming months.

Before the shipment of water, emergency household rationing was put in place to conserve water, and plans for desalinization units are underway. It was feared that the thriving tourist industry would be devastated by the drought, especially since the rationing wasn't put in effect until March. The drought began late in 2007. Barcelona was also hit with a recent drought and had to import water by ship, but not on this scale. The cost of the imported water is staggering, and many experts warn that bringing in water by ship isn't the answer to the country's water problems.

Plans are underway to build larger drilling facilities, capable of searching for ground water eight hundred meters below the surface of the earth. This is double the current depth achievable by the island's drilling units. A third desalinization plant is being constructed to assist the original two plants. Even this may not be enough to prevent future droughts.

Cyprus has long been known as an excellent destination for tourists. Its golf courses are renowned around the globe, and its beaches are legendary. The island sits between three continents, which gives it a unique and varied history. Its culture is filled with art, traditional folk music and great literature. The great poem of antiquity, "The Cypria," was written in Cyprus sometime around the seventh century BC.

While the drought is only a temporary problem for Cyprus, the residents are calling on their government to ensure that it doesn't occur again. Another drought like this could cause residents of Cyprus to flee for wetter countries. This happened some eighteen hundred years ago when Cyprus went without proper rainfall for twenty years, and the islanders had to move before returning to their island homes. With Greek help, the disaster has been held off for a little while longer, but in a tiny country so reliant upon rainfall, it's only a matter of time before the problem rears its head again.

Family vacation can be one of the great moments of life. Traveling with kids can be a wonderful and sensual personal experience. We can explore once more again our emotions and needs and find again what the routine of daily life takes away from us. Thinking of finding a resort for family holidays we have to take under consideration not only our needs but our children needs as well and for sure we have to consider that there are many factors that can influence our decision.

Time along with the weather is the first factors where we have to choose between winter and summer resort destinations. Of course if we are not rich we have to take into consideration our money limitations. Family vacations could be very expensive depending the age of our children type of accommodation or distance from our place. If we are funds of a specific sport then our decision could be narrowed to resorts offering these specific sport activities.

There are two options when you plan your holidays. In depended travel and package holidays through a tour operator. Both options have good and bad points. Experienced travelers may choose to plan their vacations by them self and a great tool for helping them is Internet where you can find almost everything about the destination accommodation etc. If you are between these people that wants to plan their vacations alone without the help of a travel agency or tour operator, through internet a good way is to search and visit first big hotel chains that offer accommodation and lodging services.

These hotels describe in their websites all features of each hotel and resort and they give valuable information to travelers about the area weather and other factors. They can help you determine how your needs and your children needs fulfilled and where you can stay to enjoy what you dream of a holiday. So a good idea instead of first choosing a destination you may choose the hotel company you can trust for their services the type of accommodation, the resort activities and then you will see how the specific hotel can meet all your requirements.

As a Greek living and work in Greece for a Cypriot company I could recommend a Hotel chain presently having activities only in Cyprus and Greece but in the future on more destinations in Europe offering exceptional tourist facilities for any kind of traveler. Of course I would recommend as well Greece or Cyprus as a family vacation destination in Europe due to the nice weather all year long and the huge number of beaches and sport facilities. The type of the hotel that may fulfill almost all children need is the type that is called club Hotels. 

These hotels are designed for family vacations and they features animation programs all day long, pools, playgrounds, childrens TV channels, games, entertainers, dances, staff to keep your children safe and busy and many other. So ending this article I would say stay tuned with internet, search hotels of the country you are interested in as a destination and leave these hotel professionals guide you finding the vacation of your dream. Choose a company that has high standard of operation and excellent on all fields and has a good reputation in the tourist industry. Finally I wish you and I am sure if you follow these advices you will have incredible holidays for your self and your family.

One of the most precious and significant days of every couples life is the day they become one in marriage. Many couples are choosing Greece as a wedding destination because it offers some of the most magical and mystical views, with incredible festivals seemingly every month of the year and some of the world's most breathtaking sunsets all while being reasonably priced.

First, the legalities that must be met to marry in Greece.

EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS:

Couples are required to present birth certificates that have been translated into Greek and that carry an apostille stamp. The apostille stamp is an authentication seal placed on any documents for use abroad. They are available at your local Foreign Ministry.

Letters of No Impediment, also sealed with an apostille stamp stating that both are free to legal marry. This serves as your marriage license. Copies of divorce decrees, if any and copies of passports, no translation needed for either.

With the serious formalities taken care of, we can get down to the interesting and pleasurable portion of planning the prefect wedding in Greece, selecting the location and planning the actual ceremony.

It is a good idea to hire a wedding consultant in Greece. There are many affordable services that handle all of the paperwork and offer packages for Civil Ceremonies, Catholic Ceremonies, Gay Ceremonies as well as Greek Orthodox.

There are some incredible locations to choose from, most of which include extraordinary ocean views. Mykonos, dubbed the jewel of the Aegean Sea, is perhaps the most famous of the Greek Islands and is a top pick among couples. Imagine a sunset ceremony beneath a deep blue sky and a deeper blue ocean with a backdrop of windmills and cubist whitewashed architecture. Few sights can compare.

Perhaps, a bit more adventurous locale will best suit your passions and Mount Olympus an the isle of Cyprus could just be the prefect selection. Cyprus is the third largest isle in the Mediterranean and each year more and more couples are exchanging vows stop the isle's highest peak, Mount Olympus. It is also the location of the of the annual festival to Aphrodite in the fall and one of the best times to mix festivals and merriment with your special day.

Another of the many Greek isle, Santorini is among the most popular venues for weddings. It is easy to comprehend why. What could be more mystical than exchanging vows in the shadow of a volcano overlooking the clear blue sea?

Many partners choose to have their wedding ceremony coincide with one the many Greek Festivals. There are far too many to name them all, but following are a few of the more important religious festivals.

January 1: New Year's Day: Known as the feast of Ayios Vassillios or Saint Basil is celebrated on this day with a church service and children exchange gifts.

January 6: Epiphany: This is the feast of Fota and celebrates the vanquishing evil spirits and the blessing of the waters.

April to May: Easter: The most celebrated time of the year in Greece is Easter, with easer Sunday being the most revered of all days and every village through out all of Greece.

December 25: Christmas: This is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ and Greeks enjoy numerous musical festivals and shopping festivals at this time.

There a few places on the planet that offer as exquisite a selection of wedding venues as Greece and wedding packages average between 1,950 and 4,390 Euro, with the cost coinciding with amenities chosen.

Greece has something special for everyone and promises to make your wedding ceremony a timeless memory that will for ever hold a magical place in your heart.

Are you getting ready to go on vacation? When you go on vacation you deserve to enjoy a little special treatment. Find that special treatment in Europe. This year, take the time to plan and book the European vacation of a lifetime. Be treated the way you deserve. Create memories that you will never forget. Europe may be the second smallest continent in the world, but it contains a wide variety of unique countries, each with its own distinct culture and each with that something special that makes Europe one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.

The continent is made up of 48 countries total, offering travelers an almost unparalleled variety of languages, foods, climates, landscapes, religion and traditions to make their vacation experience one of a kind. When you travel to Europe you will be blessed with the opportunity to sun yourself on the beaches of Greece, snuggle up in a log cabin in Norway, ski the Alps in Switzerland, eat pasta in Italy, enjoy genuine Russian vodka in Russia, dance the salsa and run with the bulls in Spain or visit Santa in Lapland.

The island of Cyprus is among the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. With crystal blue Mediterranean waters, soft sand and lush meadows just sitting and waiting to be enjoyed, Cyprus is the personification of a postcard getaway. Cyprus offers fantastic opportunities for you and your family to explore or for you and your spouse (or significant other) to slip away for a romantic getaway in one of the most exotic locations on earth.

Eat your way through Greece-literally! Greece is chock full of mouth watering foods. Take the opportunity to try authentic baklava, tzatziki and fabulous ouzo while appreciating the glorious scenery and architecture that is uniquely Greece. If Greece is your destination be sure to bring your camera to immortalize the rich history that surrounds you. Your children will enjoy the opportunity to experience many of the most famous moments in history hands-on while you and your loved one absorb the romance that haunts the streets of Greece.

In Greece you and your family will enjoy getting up close and personal with visions of brilliant sunsets reflecting off of the dark blue waters and a glass of wine. Relax. Enjoy every moment. Get lost in the pleasures of Greece. If your destination is not the mainland but rather the Greek Islands, you are in for a real treat. Stay in one place or take advantage of the fine sailing to go island hopping. Travel the clear blue waters on a sailboat or a yacht and discover the unique treasures each island has to offer. You will enjoy the opportunity to meet the native islanders and expand your palate with cuisine unique to each individual island. The Greek Islands offer a vacation experience that is educational, interesting and, most importantly, fun. 

Because of the huge variety of countries and cultures found in Europe, the most difficult part of your European vacation is often not deciding whether or not to go to Europe, but deciding exactly where in Europe you want to go. Regardless of where you go in Europe, you are going to find a great hotel. If you happen to be an experienced traveler, weeding your way through the wide variety of hotels that Europe has to offer is not going to be difficult. If you are not, however, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where to spend the night:

Enjoy vacation the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Be treated the way you deserve. Create memories that will last a lifetime.