The Sporades lie off the eastern shores of mainland Greece and Evia and retain their genuine island characteristics and unchanged local traditions. The Dodecanese group consists of twelve major islands and a number of smaller islands, each with its own distinctive features and peculiarities. Finally, the Saronic Gulf which is the stretch of sea linking the shores of Atticato those of the Peloponnese, contains a further group of small islands which adds its variety to the general surroundings. Vegetation and climate conform with the variations in the geographical area. It is an impressive figure that is due to Greece s geographical position between Europe and Africa.
Plants associated with the joys of life are the country s countless vineyards.
Major vegetation is likewise peculiar and above all made to human measures. The trees are of medium height and vary from pine, oak, fir, olive and mulberry trees to fruit and palm trees. Lastly, an outstanding feature of the Greek climate is its ample sunshine. It is not an exaggeration to state that the sun shines in Greece for 3,000 hours a year.