The fascinating Greek mythology, legends, gods and heroes

The Greek mythology can be divided in 3 eras-sections (or dynasties). 1st dynasty is the Uranus-Gaea, the fights between the Titans, Cyclopes and Uranus, Cronus. The 2nd dynasty, is the era of Cronus and Rhea, when the first Gods were born: Zeus (Jupiter), Hera (Juno), Hades (or Pluto), Poseidon (Neptune), Demeter (Ceres) and Hestia (Vesta). The 3rd dynasty is completed with the creation of the dodecatheon (12 gods) as religion: Athena (Minerva), Apollo, Ares (Mars), Hermes (Mercury), Aphrodite (Venus), Hephaestus (Vulcan), Dionysos (Bacchus), Pan, and Asclepios (Aesculapius). The Romans have adopted as subsitutes of their own the Gods and have just changed the names in Latin. The half gods (Hercules, Achilles, Orpheas, Perseus, Theseus...) and mythical heroes like Jason, Promitheus, Belerephon, Kekrops, Ikarus and Daedalos, Orion, Aias (Ajax) the Telamonian, Kadmos, were worsipped allover Greece. Almost all the names of constellations, stars, planets are from the ancient Greek mythology. The Troyan war is a historical event and not a fiction of the great poet Homer. According the legend, the Greeks carried out a great expedition against Troy, in order to take back the beautiful Helen of Sparta, abducted by Paris of Troy.

Why travel to Greece

Greece, with its history of over 9.000 years,  the unique and diverse environment, the crystal clear blue waters and its ideal climate where you can feel the four seasons of the year, invites you to realize your dream holidays in hotels of utter luxury, or in small village houses.

In Athens, as well as throughout Greece, eating out is a way of life.

Restaurants are more than places to have a bite before the evening entertainment; very often they are the entertainment. Whether in a local taverna or one of the most elegant restaurants, Greeks take their time over food. Breakfast is light; lunch is eaten in the mid-afternoon; and dinner usually doesn't start until 10 P.M.

Traditions of the Greek people of today have inherited from their ancestors and still keep alive.

Religious ceremonies, feasts, various customs and manners during the religious holidays and several interesting aspects of Greek folklore is here described. Typical elements of the traditional art and music, which are now invaluable reminders of cultural heritage. The most important Greece products, connected to the traditional Greek cuisine are here listed together with the traditional music, instruments and dances accompanying the Greek feasts. Modern Greek people are of a purely Mediterranean temperament and bear many unique features, emotional and enthusiastic, stubborn and easily offended some-times, and loud-mouthed. Greeks are patriots, defending their country passionately in all sorts of manifestations. They are are versatile, friendly, hospitable, considerate and generous. All Greeks love good food, all sorts of entertainment and keep traditions with religious respect, as it is part of their inherited history and culture. Weddings in country side and litanies are very impressive.

Five thousand years of dramatic history have left their indelible imprint.

The infinite variety of the landscape of mainland Greece, ranging from snow-capped rugged mountains to sun drenched idyllic beaches, is equaled, if not surpassed, by the beauty of the seascape of almost one thousand five hundred islands scattered over the translucent waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Close to eleven million inhabitants live on the 132.160 square kilometers, which are blessed by a temperate climate under the blue sky of the Mediterranean. Five thousand years of dramatic history have left their indelible imprint, rivaling nature in its diversity, from the Minoan palaces, Mycenaean fortresses, classical temples, Hellenistic tombs, Roman towns, Byzantine churches, Crusader castles, Turkish mosques and the picturesque villages of the distinctive island architecture to the pleasing modernity of the main cities, spas and summer resorts.

Visa, amenities, currency, weather, public holidays, etc.

Visa Requirements: Greece is part of the Shengen treaty so European Union travelers from other countries members of the treaty do not need a passport. All Citizens of European Union countries have free access. A visa is not needed for visitors from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand staying of up to three months. Visitors from all other countries have to obtain a visa from the Greek Embassy or the Consulate in their residence country. For duration of stay longer than 3 months, they have to obtain permission from the Aliens Bureau in Athens.