Visit Greece | Rhodes The island of the Knights Welcome to Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese , an island which is ideal not only for those who want to relax but also for those looking for an action-packed holiday! With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches , Rhodes is truly a blessed place. Add in the excellent facilities for tourism, the island’s special blend of cosmopolitan and traditional, and numerous cultural and archaeological sites and you’ve got the perfect holiday destination . Thanks to its strategic position, Rhodes has been important since ancient times. The ancient city of Rhodes, the construction of which began in 407 BC, was designed according to the city planning system devised by the greatest city planner of antiquity, Hippodamus of Miletus. Rhodes soon developed into one of the most important seafaring and trading centres in the Eastern Mediterranean. When it became a province of the Roman, and later the Byzantine Empire, it initially lost its ancient glory. But in 1309 the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered Rhodes. They built strong fortifications to protect the island, turning it into an important administrative centre and a thriving multinational medieval city.

In 1523 Rhodes was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, and the Greeks had to settle outside the city walls. During the Ottoman occupation, new buildings were erected within the Old Town, mainly mosques and baths. In 1912 Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese , were seized by the Italians. The new rulers embellished the city with magnificent buildings, wide roads and squares. The Palace of the Grand Master was rebuilt and the Street of the Knights was reconstructed in order to regain its medieval purity. It was not until 1948 that Rhodes officially became part of Greece. In 1988 the Medieval City of Rhodes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site . Old Town As you enter one of the largest medieval towns in Europe through the Gate of Freedom, it soon becomes obvious that the Old Town of Rhodes is a mosaic of different cultures and civilizations; rarely does a visitor have the chance to stroll within medieval walls and explore twenty-four centuries of history. The fascinating medieval fortress-like buildings, the bastions, walls, gates, narrow alleys, minarets, old houses, fountains, tranquil and busy squares make it feel like you have stepped back into medieval times.

The Palace of the Grand Master is certainly the highlight of the Old Town. The Palace, originally a Byzantine fortress built at the end of the 7th century A.D., was converted in the early 14th century by the Knights of the Order of Saint John into the residence of the Grand Master of the order and the administrative headquarters of their state; now it has been turned into a museum. The cobblestoned Street of the Knights, one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe, is packed with medieval inns that used to play host to the soldiers of the Order of the Knights. At the end of the Street, in the Museum Square, stands the Hospital of the Knights, which houses the Archaeological Museum. Across the square is the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, the Orthodox Cathedral of Rhodes in Byzantine times that became the Catholic Cathedral when the Knights occupied the city. Now it hosts the Byzantine Museum. Polidorou Street leads to a square with outdoor cafés and restaurants. Moving on, you enter Sokratous Street – always buzzing with life thanks to its cluster of cafés and shops – which leads down from the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent towards the harbour.

If you decide to take a detour and head off for Arionos Square, don’t forget to stroll around the “Turkish district”, where you will find the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the 16th century “Yeni Hammam” (Turkish Baths). Outside the walls… Outside the walls of the Old Town lies the “new” city, with its magnificent Venetian, neoclassic and modern buildings. Among the most remarkable buildings that keep the memories of the island's Italian period alive are the Post Office, constructed by the Italian architect Florestano di Fausto, the Prefecture of the Dodecanese, formerly the Italian Governor's Palace that resembles the Doge's Palace in Venice, Evangelismos Church (Church of the Annunciation), the Town Hall and the National Theatre. A stroll around Mandráki, the small marina with the Rhodian deer statues at its entrance and the surrounding windmills, is an experience not to be missed. The multicultural character of Rhodes is also evident in this part of the city, since next to the Prefecture stands the Murat Reis Mosque with its elegant minaret.

Enjoy the sun and the sea at cosmopolitan Elli beach at the northern tip of Rhodes town, which is lined with modern hotels. Here you will also find the beautifully renovated historic Grande Albergo delle Rose, which today operates as a Casino. A visit to the Aquarium, one of the most important marine research centres in Greece, is a must! In the underground aquarium, reminiscent of an underwater cave, the visitor can see many of the species living in the Aegean. On the other side of the city you can visit Rodíni Park, a true paradise with many peacocks, streams and paths amidst oleander bushes, cypress, maple and pine trees. Rodini is said to be the site of the famous School of Rhetoric, where prominent Greeks and Romans, including Julius Caesar, Cato the Younger, Cicero, Pompey, Brutus, Cassius and Marc Anthony, studied. Saint Stefanos Hill (known as Monte Smith) marks the site of the Acropolis, one of the most important centres of worship, education and recreation in ancient times on Rhodes. At the top of the hill you will find the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Hellenistic stadium and a gymnasium. Around the island….

As you head down to the east coast, the first tempting stop is Kallithéa, a cosmopolitan holiday resort bustling with hotels lining Faliráki beach. In Kallithéa the main attraction is the Roman baths – a unique example of orientalised Art Deco from 1929 – and the long sandy beach of Faliráki. The picturesque small bay at Ladikó (where the film “The Guns of Navarone” was shot) and the scenic “Anthony Quinn” Bay are just some of the beautiful beaches where you can bask! If you are interested in learning more about the local traditions of Rhodes visit Koskinoú, a traditional village where the house facades are painted in bright colours, the lovely courtyards are paved with pebbles and the houses are decorated inside with ceramic plates and hand-woven textiles. Ialissós (or Triánda) used to be one of the three powerful cities of ancient Rhodes which acquired great fame thanks to the Olympic Champion Diagoras. Today Ialissós is a popular cosmopolitan resort; its beach is a favourite destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing enthusiasts.

Basking in the lush green of pine trees and cypresses, on the slopes of Filérimos (meaning “lover of solitude”) Hill stands the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and the ruins of an ancient acropolis. In Byzantine times, there was a fortress on the hill which, in the 13th century, became a monastery dedicated to Holy Mary. It was beautifully restored at a later stage by the Italians and the British. Directly in front of the church there are the ruins of 3rd century temples of Zeus and Athena. Visitors can walk up the “Via Crucis”, which leads to an enormous crucifix. The view from there out over Ialissós Bay is stunning. Illuminated at night, the crucifix is clearly visible even from the nearby island of Sými. In the verdant area of Afándou you can either bask on beautiful sandy beaches or play golf on a modern 18-hole golf course (close to Afándou beach) that is open all year round and attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world!

The road from the beautiful seaside resort of Kolimbia leads through a forest and along the banks of the River Loutanis to Archipoli, a picturesque rural village. The route is ideal for walking or cycling . The area of Petaloúdes (meaning Butterflies) includes the villages of Kremastí, Paradísi and Theológos. Kremastí, one of the biggest and liveliest settlements on the island, is famous for its major festival of the Virgin Mary on 15th August, while the beach of Kremastí is perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. However, the most fascinating and popular attraction of the region is the Valley of the Butterflies, a habitat of unique value for the reproduction of the Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly. Admire an atmosphere of incomparable beauty with lush vegetation and streams as you stroll along cleverly laid paths. Also well worth a visit in the Valley is the Museum of Natural History. Archángelos was rebuilt in medieval times away from its initial site by the sea (to guard it from pirate raids) and the Knights of Saint John later protected it by building a castle.

The tradition of ancient arts and crafts – such as pottery and hand-made tapestries – is more evident in Archángelos than anywhere else. The locals live a more simple life style, almost untouched by the rapid growth in tourism elsewhere on the island and still reverentially maintain their age-old traditions, customs, their local dialect and even the distinctive decoration of their houses. The area is famous for its golden beaches , such as Tsambíka Beach at the foot of a steep cliff, where there is also the famous monastery of the Virgin Mary. Stegna is a picturesque resort close to Archángelos, while at Haraki (with its idyllic small bay) visitors can see the ruins of a medieval castle: Faraklos. At the northern edge of the region lies “Eptá Piyés” (Seven Springs), a green valley with clear flowing waters and covered with enormous plane and pine trees. Kámiros was one of the three most powerful cities of ancient Rhodes and flourished during the 6th and 5th century BC.

The ruins of the city and the neighbouring necropolis were discovered in 1859; magnificent public buildings, a market, temples, houses and an acropolis on the hill top bear eloquent witness to the splendour and wealth of ancient Kámiros. It is also worth exploring the surrounding villages, such as Soroni on the north coast and Fanes to the south, a nice spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The road from Kalavarda leads you to Salakos, a traditional village with lush vegetation and flowing springs. From there you can climb up Profitis Ilias Mountain, with its classic Italian hotels in the forest and a chapel on the summit. On the mountain slopes, there are several smaller villages with springs and age-old plane trees: Eleousa, Platania (“plane trees”), Apolonas and Dimilia, famous for its Byzantine chapel of Áyios Nikólaos (also called Fountoukli). The highest mountain on Rhodes, the imposing Mt. Atáviros, with its rocky summit and green slopes, is an eternal symbol of the island. The amazing view will compensate those who will make the effort to reach its summit!

The biggest settlement in the region is Embonas. Built on a mountainside covered with vineyards, the village is famous for its excellent wines. If you want to escape the crowds, explore the rocky coast and bask in small, well-hidden bays, such as Fournoi, Glyfada or on the beaches of Kritinia. Watching the sunset from the medieval castles of Atáviros, Kritinia and the 14th century Monólithos, both built on the summit of an imposing rock, is a richly rewarding experience. The ancient city-state of Líndos was one of the three major towns of ancient Rhodes thanks to its great naval power. The remains of the acropolis of Líndos, a natural watchtower facing the open sea built on a steep rock 116 metres above sea level, bear eloquent witness to its long standing power and wealth. At the foot of the acropolis lies the traditional village of Líndos with its cubic whitewashed houses, mansions, Byzantine churches and narrow cobbled streets.

By following a path through the village or by hiring a donkey from the main square you can climb to the ancient acropolis, which is surrounded by well-preserved walls. Here you can see the remains of buildings from ancient times, the Byzantine era and the era of the Knights, such as the 4th century BC temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylea, the large Hellenistic arcade, the Byzantine chapel of Ayios Ioannis and the castle of the Knights of Saint John. You can also enjoy astonishing views of the town and the sea –an experience not to be missed during your visit on the island. At Saint Paul’s Bay you can either relax in the azure sea or have a go at your favourite water sport! In southern Rhodes nature is unveiled in all its splendour: sun-drenched bays stretch from Kiotari and Genadi to Lahania, Plimiri and Prassonisi, the southernmost tip of the island and a popular location for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The villages of the area were built in medieval times, or even earlier, and still maintain their traditional colour, just as their inhabitants still maintain their local dialect, traditional customs and even the traditional decoration of their houses.

Follow old paths and discover the beauty of golden fields and shady woods, gentle hills and valleys –magical landscapes that will rejuvenate your body and soul. Don’t forget that while you are on the island you can take the opportunity to go on a daytrip to the following nearby islands: -Kastellórizo (or Megisti) is the easternmost island in Greece, with a long and stormy history. Only 300 people live on the island today but the town and its magnificent neo-classical houses reveal the former prosperity of the island. -A former sponge-diving centre, Hálki, is famous for its Theological School, which unfortunately does not operate anymore. Emborio, with its grand houses and a picturesque waterfront offering fresh fish, is the only inhabited hamlet on the island. Horio and the Knights’ Castle are both well worth visiting. -Beautiful Sými is an hour away by boat from Mandráki, the port of Rhodes. An island of sponge divers and seamen, Sými used to have 30,000 inhabitants before the Second World War and was the richest island in the Dodecanese , despite its small size.

Today Sými attracts many visitors thanks to its beautifully preserved neo-classical buildings and the famous Archangel Michael monastery at Panormitis. -To the north west of Rhodes you will find Tílos, with its imposing mountains, rocky and steep coasts, beaches with crystal clear water and caves and medieval castles. The island’s harbour is at Livadia, and from there you can visit the village of Micró Horió (“Small Village”), deserted since 1950. At Meyálo Horió (“Big Village) visit the Palaeontology Museum, where you can see petrified skeletons of dwarf elephants.

Extra tip for trekking enthusiasts: Following breathtaking routes on foot is the ideal way to discover the unique natural beauty of the island: try the two-hour route from Filérimos to the coast through a magical pine-tree forest, tour the Valley of the Butterflies (3 hours), go from the village of Salakos to the summit of Profitis Elias following a breathtaking route that takes 4 hours to complete, walk from Kritinia Castle to Kritinia village through a lush green valley (4 hours) or, if you are an experienced hiker, take the opportunity to conquer the summit of Ataviros, a beautiful six-hour walk! More information about walking trails on the island at ! Getting there -By aeroplane from the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki . There are also connections to and from other Greek islands such as Kos, Leros, Mytilini , Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Mykonos , Santorini and Crete (Iráklion city). Flights are operated by Olympic Airways and Aegean Airlines.

Beginning this year, Ryanair will also be operating direct flights to Rhodes from Frankfurt Hahn, Brussels Charleroi, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Bologna, Cagliari, Milan, Pisa, Rome, Liverpool, London, Stockholm and Kaunas. -By ship The port of Rhodes has daily connections to the port of Piraeus. The trip lasts approximately 12 hours with intermediary stops at the islands of Patmos , Leros, Kalymnos and Kos. Rhodes is also connected directly to all the other islands of the Dodecanese and Crete. connect and experience Geography of Greece Geography of Greece A geographical map of Greece and its offshore territories Greece is a country in Southern Europe , located at the crossroads of Europe , Asia , and Africa . Its mainland is located at the southernmost tip of the. Balkan Peninsula and is surrounded on the north by Albania , the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria ; to the east by the Aegean Sea and Turkey , to the south by the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by the Ionian Sea and Italy .

The country consists of a large mainland and two additional smaller peninsulas projecting from it; the Chalkidice and the Peloponnese , which is separated from the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth . Greece also features a large number of islands, of various sizes, both large ones including Crete , Euboea , Rhodes and Corfu , and groups of smaller ones such as the Dodecanese and the Cyclades . According to the CIA World Factbook , Greece has 13,676 kilometres (8,498 mi) of coastline , the largest in the Mediterranean Basin. [1] Greece is largely mountainous, with its latitude ranging from 35°00′N to 42°00′N and in longitude from 19°00′E to 28°30′E. As a result, the country has considerable climatic variation. Contents Greece map of Köppen climate classification. Greece’s climate is divided into three main classes: A Mediterranean climate features mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, although snowfalls do occur occasionally even in Athens , Cyclades or Crete during the winter.

An alpine climate is found primarily in Western Greece ( Epirus , Central Greece, Thessaly , Western Macedonia as well as central parts of the Peloponnese such as Achaea , Arkadia and parts of Lakonia ). A temperate climate is found in Central and Eastern Macedonia and parts of Thrace , including Komotini , Xanthi and northern Evros . This climate is characterized by cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers. Greece’s largest island, Crete, due to its geographical position and vast size, straddles two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the North African , mainly falling within the former. As such, the climate in Crete is primarily temperate . The atmosphere can be quite humid, depending on the proximity to the sea, while winter is fairly mild. Snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in low-lying areas, especially near the coast. During the summer, average temperatures may reach the low 30s °C, with maxima touching the mid 40s. The south coast of the island, including the Mesara Plain and Asterousia Mountains , falls in the North African climatic zone, and thus reaches higher temperatures throughout the year.

In southern Crete, date palms bear fruit and swallows remain all year round, without migrating to Africa . Physical geography Greece is located in Southern Europe , bordering the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea , between Albania and Turkey . It is a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 3,000 islands. It has a total area of 131,957 km2 (50,949 sq mi), [2] of which land area is 130,647 km2 and internal waters (lakes and rivers) account for 1,310 km2. Land boundaries with Albania (212 km), Republic of Macedonia (234 km), Bulgaria (472 km) and Turkey (192 km) measure approximately 1,110 km in total. Of the country’s total territory, 83.33% or 110,496 km2 (42,663 sq mi) is mainland territory and the rest 16.67% or 21,461 km2 (8,286 sq mi) is island territory.

[3] Greece’s coastline measures 13,676 km (8,498 mi). 80% of Greece is mountainous . The Pindus mountain range lies across the center of the country in a northwest-to-southeast direction, with a maximum elevation of 2,637 m. Extensions of the same mountain range stretch across the Peloponnese and underwater across the Aegean, forming many of the Aegean Islands including Crete , and joining with the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. Central and western Greece contain high and steep peaks intersected by many canyons and other karstic landscapes , including the Meteora and the Vikos Gorges – the latter being one of the largest of the world and the third deepest after the Copper Canyon in Mexico and the Grand Canyon in the United States , plunging vertically for more than 1,100 metres. Mount Olympus is the highest point in Greece and the fourth highest in relative topographical prominence in Europe, rising to 2,919 m above sea level . The Rhodope Mountains form the border between Greece and Bulgaria ; that area is covered with vast and thick forests. Greece’s lowest point is sea level.

[4] Plains are found in eastern Thessaly , in central Macedonia and in Thrace . Main points of Greece The main points of Greece are [5] North: Ormenio village (41°45′41″ N, 26°13′15″ E) South: Gavdos island (34°48′11″ N, 24°07′25″ E) East: Strongyli island (36°06′17″ N, 29°38′39″ E) West: Othonoi island (39°51′11″ N, 19°22′41″ E) Cities and islands of Greece Greece’s cities, main towns, main rivers, islands and selected archaeological sites. Mainland Mainland Greece forms the southernmost part of the Balkan peninsula with two additional smaller peninsulas projecting from it: the Chalcidice and the Peloponnese . The north of the country includes the regions of Macedonia and Thrace .

To the south the mainland narrows and includes the regions of Epirus , Thessaly and Central Greece , where the region of Attica and the capital city Athens are located. Further south, the smaller peninsula of Peloponnese is separated from the rest of the Greek mainland by the Corinthian Gulf and the Isthmus of Corinth . Mainland Greece covers about 80% of the country’s total territory and is largely mountainous. The largest mountain range of Greece is the Pindus range , the southern extension of the Dinaric Alps , which forms the spine of the Greek mainland, separating Epirus from Thessaly and Macedonia. The country’s tallest mountain is Mount Olympus , which also separates Thessaly from Macedonia. Its highest peak rises to 2,919 m above sea level, making it the second highest of the Balkan peninsula after Musala in the Rila Mountains . Islands Greece has a vast number of islands, with most of them being in the Aegean Sea and the rest in the Ionian Sea . Estimates of the number of islands vary between 1,200 and 6,000.

[6] A figure frequently cited in travel guides is 1,425 islands, of which 166 are said to be inhabited. [7] The Greek Tourism Organization reports a figure of 6,000, with 227 of them inhabited. [8] Paris Match , however, raises this number to 9,841 islands, of which only 169 has a recorded continuous human presence. [9] The Greek islands amount for about 20% of the country’s total territory, [10] and vary greatly in size as well as in climate. The country’s largest island is Crete , with Euboea being second largest. Other large Greek islands include Rhodes and Lesbos in the Aegean sea, as well as Corfu and Cephalonia in the Ionian sea. Many of the smaller Greek islands form groups or chains, often called archipelagos , with notable examples being the Cyclades and the Sporades in the south and central Aegean sea respectively. Aegean The islands of the Aegean Sea are situated between mainland Greece to the west and north, Anatolia to the east and the island of Crete to the south.

Traditionally, the islands are classified into seven groups, from north to south: Crete Ionian Islands The Ionian Islands are a group of seven islands. The six northern islands lie off the western coast of Greece, in the Ionian Sea . The other island, Kythira , lies off the southern tip of the Peloponnese . Kythira is part of the modern region of Attica and is therefore not regarded as part of the modern region of the Ionian Islands (Ionioi Nisoi). The Ionian Islands are distinct from the historical region of Ionia , which is today part of western Turkey . Crete NASA photograph of Crete Crete is the largest island of Greece and second largest in the Eastern Mediterranean, after Cyprus . The island spans 260 km from east to west and 60 km at its widest. The island narrows in the region close to Ierapetra, where it is only 12 km wide. Crete covers an area of 8,336 km2 (3,219 sq mi), with a coastline of 1046 km.

It is surrounded to the north by the Sea of Crete ; to the south by the Libyan Sea ; to the west by the Myrtoan Sea ; and to the east by the Karpathion Sea. It lies approximately 160 km south of the Greek mainland. Crete is characterized by a mountain range crossing from west to east, formed by three different subranges: The White Mountains or Lefka Ori (2,452 m); The Idi Range ( Psiloritis ( ) 2,456 m); The Dikti Mountains (2,148 m) These encompass fertile plateaus, such as Lasithi, Omalos and Nidha; caves such as Diktaion and Idaion ; and gorges such as the Samariá Gorge . The protected area of the Samariá Gorge is the home of the Cretan goat, or kri-kri , while the endangered Bearded vulture or lammergeyer libes in the Cretan mountains and gorges. Crete’s rivers include the Ieropotamos River on the southern part of the island.

Land use 1000+ images about Greece & The Greek Islands on Pinterest | Olympia greece, Chios and Crete greece Olympia, Greece. They allow you to walk all the way down to the stage and imagine what the orators saw. See more Greek Ferries: Book tickets to the Islands - Greeka.com Greek ferries Rent a car from 15 euro X Rent a car from 15 euro X Book your Greek ferries Want to book Greek ferries to the Greek islands? This is the right place! We offer a modern and updated online booking engine where you can search for itineraries of Greek ferries and book ferry tickets quickly and easily in 4 steps. We suggest itineraries to all Greek islands, Italy and Turkey. You will also find information about ports of Athens and Greece, ferries companies and general information about ferries. Book your ferry tickets online Our Greek ferries services: Apart from booking ferry tickets, our user-friendly online system also offers photos and list of facilities of every ferry company. Our well-trained staff is ready to answer any question you might have about ferry bookings, terms and tickets cancellation policies. Do not hesitate to contact us by mail or phone. Want to know who is Greeka?

We are a company licensed by the GNTO (Greek National Tourism Organization) with the No 0207E6100025560. Rate: Greek Ferries: Book your ferry tickets to the islands Read reviews About Ferries in Greece Taking a ferry is the most popular and fun way to get around the Greek islands . Most Greek ferries depart from the ports of Athens. It is now easy to book your ferry tickets in Greece in advance and save much trouble and time. Check our online system to look for the boat schedules and ferries fares and to buy your tickets for ferries in Greece, Italy and Turkey. As we cooperate with almost all ferry companies , our engine is the most complete system to check Greek ferries schedules, compare ferry tickets prices and make your online reservation. We are also proud to say that our customers rank us with the highest marks for our excellent sales and after sales customer care. For this, read comments of clients regarding our ferry service. For your best experience, we strongly reccommend the ferry company Blue Star . Information about destinations Search our online booking engine and buy ferry tickets to all Greek islands, Italy and Turkey.

Check the Greek ferries schedules from Athens to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Paros, Naxos and all the other popular Greek destinations. Through our system, you can find out information about ports and itineraries, ferry connections, departure and arrival times, ferry tickets prices and special offers. Check ferries from Athens to: Kythnos island: The jewel of the Western Cyclades Kythnos, located in the western part of the Cyclades, is one of the loveliest islands of the Aegean Sea. Kythnos island is easily accessible by ferries that depart from Piraeus and Lavrion. Although small in size, it is known to be one of the best places in Greece for relaxing holidays. The island has two Read more Agistri: A near to Athens Paradise Agistri is the smallest island located in the Argosaronic Gulf, near to Aegina and only about an hour away from Pireaus by ferry. Archaeological evidence reveals that this island has been populated since the 5th century B.C. Its first inhabitants were of Peloponnesian ancestry and later on, during the 14th century was inhabited by Arvanites.

Read more Visit Greece | Greek islands Greek islands The Greek Archipelago! The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent. The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands. Many of these Greek beaches have been awarded the blue flag under the Blue Flags of Europe Program, providing not only swimming, but also scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and windsurfing.

Some of the oldest European civilizations developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), so therefore the islands have unique archeological sites , a distinctive architectural heritage and the fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization. The ideal climate, safe waters and small distances between ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors. Most of the islands are found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups (from north to south): Crete is divided in to four prefectures. From west to east: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi. The Ionian Sea has only one island complex: Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Laconia). These islands, which are the biggest of the Ionian Sea, constitute the famous Eptanissa (meaning seven islands; epta in Greek means seven).

Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands of the Ionian Sea. The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), do not forme a group but are still of unparalleled natural beauty. 1000+ images about Greece on Pinterest | Athens greece, Islands and Crete greece The colourful houses of Symi island, all piled up on top of one another, Dodecanese in Greece <3 See More Crete ferries schedules, connections, availability, Crete ferries prices to Greece and Greek islands. Crete island greek ferries e-ticketing. Greek Ferries schedules from/to Greece and Greek islands. Greek ferries connections. Sea Travel Ferries to Greek islands. Greek Ferries/Boat/Ship Schedules for Greece Greek Ferry schedules to and from Crete. Crete ferry timetables. Crete ferry connections. Crete ferry prices. Crete ferry availability. Crete ferries online booking.

Crete ferries to Greece mainland and other Greek islands. Crete Crete (Kriti) is the largest Greek island. It is the border between the Aegean and the Libyan seas and between Europe and Africa. The climate is considered to be one of the moldest and healthiest in Europe.The island is very mountainous. Deep gorges split its huge mountains (Lefka Ori, Psiloritis, Dikti) leading to fertile valleys, creating a landscape full of surprises, which changes minute by minute, here bare and wild, there green and peaceful. More than 3000 large and small caves, several of them with impressive stalactites and stalagmites and os special interest, honeycomb the mountains. Untrodden rocky coasts, vast sandy beaches, and pebbled shores define the seaside. Dry-stone farm buildings, villages perching on high plateaus, monasteries, isolated castles and chapels dot the countryside. Villages drowning in green, olive green, vine green, citrus green, and vegetable green, add living colour to sometimes harsh views.

Villages in which lifeï¿½s traditional Cretan rhythms have not changed in centuries: coffee under the shade of old trees, traditional dances, sousta and pentozali to the sound of the Cretan lyre and the sweetness of Cretan wine.Old cities hide behind walls, their complicated narrow alleys winding past squares, churches, and the ruins of palaces. The main cities-ports like port town of Hania, built on top of ancient Kydonia, picturesque Rethimno, noisy Iraklio, cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos, and beautiful Sitia grew up on the north side of the island and only peaceful Ierapetra is on the shores of the Libyan Sea, facing Africa. They are cities living the fast pace of modern Life, developing day by day. Shops selling folk art, textiles, pottery, leather goods and department stores with luxury items spring up like mushrooms.

Green grocers bring the rich production of the fertile valleys and greenhouses to the growing market places.Days awash in brilliant sunlight, emerald clear waters, star spangled nights redolent with the smells of jasmine and honey-suckle, sometimes restful and sometimes set to a rap beat: this is Crete remembered.

Car Rental in Greece - Europe and World wide - - Find all the connections and schedules that Greek Ferries operate between Greek Islands ( Crete, Aedipsos, Andros, Aedipsos, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Constantinos, Agios Efstratios, Agios Ioannis, Agios Kirikos, Agia Marina (Leros), Agathonisi, Crete, Aegiali, Aegina, Alexandroupoli, Alonissos, Crete, Andros, Antikythira, Antiparos, Argostoli, Argostoli, Arkyi, Astypalea, Chalki, Chalkis, Chania, Chios, Corfu, Diafani, Diafani, Donoussa, Epidavros, Evdilos, Farmakonisi, Folegandros, Fourni, Gerakas, Glossa, Gythio, Heraklio, Hermioni, Hydra, Igoumenitsa, Ikaria, Iraklia, Ithaki ( Pisaetos ), Ithaki, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Karistos, Karlovassi, Karpathos, Kasos, K

astelorizo, Katapola, Kavala, Kilini, Kimolos, Kissamos, Korinthos, Koufonissi, Kyparissi, Kythira, Lavrio, Lipsi , Leonidio, Leros, Lesvos, Limni, Limnos, Lixouri, Methana, Milos, Monemvassia, Moudania, Mykonos, Nafplio, Naxos, Neapolis, Nisyros, Orei, Paros, Patmos, Patra, Paxi, Pefki, Psara, Piraeus, Platanias, Poros ( Kefalonia ), Poros, Porto Heli, Pythagorio, Rafina, Rethimno, Rhodes, Sami, Samothraki, Serifos, Sifnos, Sigri, Sikinos, Sitia, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Spetses, Suvalla, Schinoussa, Symi, Syros, Thassos, Thessaloniki, Thira, Thirassia, Tilos, Tinos, Tolo, Trikeri Island, Trikeri, Tyros, V

athi, Volos, Zakynthos, Crete - Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Corfu, Cephalonia, Ithaca, Hydra, Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Milos, Aigina (Aegina), Poros, Spetses, Santorini (Thira), Ios, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Andros, Syros, Tinos, Amorgos, Folegandros, Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Karpathos, Chalki, Rhodes, Symi, Lesvos, Chios, Lemnos, Samos, Skiathos..) Click on " International ferry routes " to search for all Greek Ferries ( Anek Lines, Agoudimos Lines, AnekSuperfast, Blue Star Ferries, Bodrum Express Maritime, Endeavor Lines, European Seaways, Grimaldi Ferries, Hellenic Mediterranean Lines, Minoan Lines, Marmara Lines, Superfast Ferries, Sea Service, Ventouris Ferries, Snav Ferries, etc) connecting Greece with other east Mediterranean countries ( Greece

, Italy, Albania, Turkey ).

Also you can make your booking request for Greek ferries by filling in this " International ferry Lines Reservation Form ". Click on " Group Reservation Form " to request the best Group offers for international routes. Click on " Domestic ferry routes " to search for Greek islands ferries schedules, connections, prices, availability and make your booking on-line for all Greek ferry companies ( Hellenic Seaways - Hellas Flying Dolphins, Hellas Ferries, Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, G.A Ferries, Lane Lines, Saronic Dolphins, Nel Lines, Dodekanissos Speedways, Alpha Ferries, Anen Lines, Saos Lines, Strintzis Ferries, Euroseas, Ventouris Sea Lines, Aegean Speed Lines, Agoudimos Lines, Super Jet, Anes Ferries, Nova Ferries, Ionian Ferries, Kallisti Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, Zante Ferries, Santorini Maritime, Sea Service etc.) connecting Greece and Greek islands, Also you can make your booking request for Greek islands ferries by filling in this " Domestic ferry Lines Reservation Form ". Click on every shipping company listed below to browse. its pages.

You may also use our interactive Search Map (international ferries schedules only from/to Greece, Italy, Albania, Turkey). Click on " Italian ferries " : to search for Italian Domestic Lines and ferries from/to Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Tunisia, Corsica, Malta. Click on " Hotels " to search for hotel accommodation in Greece - mainland and Greekislands. Click on " Flights " to search airplane connections to Greece and Greekislands Map of Greece and the islands - Greeka.com Map of Greece In the above simplified map of Greece you can see Athens, the capital of Greece , which is located almost in the centre of the country. Greece has a mainland corps with large mountains and few valleys and it is surrounded by two main seas, the Aegean Sea on the east and the Ionian Sea on the west. These two large seas are divided in smaller gulfs and include many islands. As can be seen from the following map of Greece, the largest Greek island is Crete. Large in size are also the islands of Evia, Rhodes, Lesvos, Kefalonia and Chios.

Apart from this general map of Greece , we have also prepared maps for all the island groups, islands and mainland destinations that we present in our website. At the bottom of the page, you can view high resolution road maps of Greece that can be downloaded. Download high resolutions maps Travel Maps of Greece - Greek Travel Map - Greece Maps by Travel 4 Greece Travel Maps of Greece Having exported chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy before most nations stayed up late enough to want souvlaki, Greece boasts an unrivalled legacy. But don't expect a visit here to be a sober study of the ancient world - the Greek propensity for partying dates back to Dionysus. From smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax.

Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna, sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn, chances are the gods already have you ensnared. General Map of Greece Worldatlas Political Map of Greece Map of Europe, showing Greece's location Historical Maps of Greece Ptolemy Ancient Map of Greece Reference Map of Attica. Plan of Thermopylae, 480 B.C. Inset: Harbors of Athens. From The Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, 1923. (500 Kb) Beginnings of Historic Greece 700 B.C.-600 B.C. From The Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, 1923. (177K) Greece Overview The Greek peninsula covers an area of 131,944 square kilometers and has a population of 10,939,605 (sensus 2001) . Greece consists of mainland Greece (Attica, Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace) and the islands.

Geographically it belongs to Europe since it forms the most southern extremity of the Balkan Peninsula but it also has a special link with Europe through the small entity of the Ionian Islands (Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaca, Lefkada, Paxi and Zakinthos), which form a chain off Greece’s western shores in the Ionian Sea. In contrast, there are the numerous Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, some isolated like Crete to the south, Ikaria, Chios and Lesbos to the east and Thassos and Samothrace to the north. Others form groups, such as the Cyclades, the Sporades and the Dodecanese. The largest are Crete and Evia. The Cyclades consist of 39 islands, of which 24 are inhabited. The more important ones are Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, los, Kea, Kimolos, Folegandros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini (also called Thera), Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros and Tinos.

The Sporades, consisting of Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros, lie off the eastern shores of mainland Greece and retain their genuine island characteristics and unchanged local traditions. The Dodecanese group consists of 12 islands: Astipalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastelorizo, Cos, Lipsos, Leros, Nissiros, Patmos, Rhodes, Simi and a number of smaller islands, each with its distinctive features and unique characteristics. Finally, the Saronic Gulf which is the stretch of sea linking the shores of Attica to those of the Peloponnese, contains another group of small islands (Salamis, Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses) which adds its variety to the general surroundings. Variety is, in fact, the hallmark of the Greek landscape. There are high mountains and entire mountain ranges such as the Pindos range and Mount Olympus (with its summit, the Pantheon, being the highest peak in Greece at an altitude of 2,917 meters). The mountains of Macedonia and Thrace are intersected by a few valleys through which relatively small rivers flow.

On the other hand, the endless lace work of the coastline produces a series of scenic surprises. It is these heavily indented shores, which give Greece rare beauty, quite unique in the Mediterranean. The length of the Greek coastline is estimated at 15,000 kilometers. The marked variety of the terrain above water continues below the surface, along the seabed. Close to Cape Tainaron (Tenaro) off the southern tip of the Peloponnese, the so-called Oinoussai (Inousses) Pit is 4,850 meters deep, and is the deepest point in the Mediterranean. Vegetation and climate conform to the variations in the geographical area. The variety of plants is exceptional. Some 6,000 indigenous species have been recorded, 250 of which flourish on the island of Crete. It is an impressive figure resulting from Greece's geographical position between Europe and Africa. The country’s countless vineyards are counted among the greatest joys of life. Trees in Greece are of medium height and vary from pine, oak, fir, olive and mulberry trees, to fruit and palm trees.

Full country name: Hellenic Republic Area: 131,940 sq km Capital City: Athens (pop approx. 2.7 million) Language: Greek Religion: 98% Greek Orthodox, 1.3% Muslim, 0.7% other Government: parliamentary republic Head of State: President Kostis Stephanopoulos Head of Government: Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis GDP: US$203.3 billion

Question: Which country governs the islands called Crete, Lesbos, Rhodes, Corfu, Lemnos, Andros, Naxos and Kos?
Answer: Greece