Oia Santorini Sunset | Photo: 107526752 © Sven Hansche | Dreamstime.com

Seven Things to Know about Greece before Traveling

Greece is undoubtedly one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Before you continue with our portal and blog to choose a destination for your vacations, take some time to learn seven very important things about Greece:

1) Greece is one of the countries in the world that faced the pandemic of covid-19 in a very good way, with - in relation to its population - not too many cases and victims. However, when you arrive in the country, please respect all safety rules that will be indicated to you. We remain safe for ourselves and our loved ones and at the same time we protect the inhabitants of the destinations who have, in most cases, observed with care and patience the rules of the State in this great global crisis.

2) Greece is one of the safest countries in the world for holidays. However, this does not mean that when we arrive in Greece we forget the safety rules that we have learned in our lives. We do not act naively, we always have our eyes open.

3) In Greece, tipping has no rules and is not mandatory. You can give an amount that you think that the service you received is worth. And try to be always polite with the hard working staff.

4) Reservations for Greece must be made early in order to achieve good prices. The country in normal conditions receives more than 21 million tourists a year, so the idea that something will be found at the last minute has no basis and will lead to a big increase in your budget.

5) Greece has a unique local cuisine. Don't just settle for choriatiki salad, gyros and moussaka. The Greek list is endless. Increase your budget a bit for the special Greek flavors, local recipes and traditional products and you will not regret it!

6) Greece is not only for the summer. It has beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes for autumn and spring, very organized ski resorts for the winter, and unique customs and celebrations at Christmas, Easter and Halloween.

7) Get plenty of sunscreen with you and don't think about not using it for a minute. Use some before leaving the hotel in the morning, on the beach and on the street until nightfall. The natural tan is of course wonderful but the sun in Greece is not joking. You could do some solarium in your country first and come to Greece to complete your tan safely. The sunrays may cause skin cancer if you don't know how to enjoy them.

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George | shinygreece.com

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Blue Caves of Zakynthos Island | ID 155767250 © Sven Hansche | Dreamstime.com

Greece in Few Words and Numbers...

Greece is the cradle of western civilization and birthplace of its principles and products: democracy, western philosophy, literature, historiography, political science, major scientific & mathematical principles, western drama, and the Olympic Games. Its position in the Europe-Asia-Africa crossroads make it a very important geographical zone. Greece has three main seas, the Aegean, the Ionian and the Cretan, and the longest coastline in the Mediterranean - 11th longest in the world - hosting about 6.000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited. The country has a huge historical legacy developed since the 8th century BC, which was spread all over the world throughout its history, especially during the eras of Philip of Macedonia, Alexander the Great, Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire, and also with the help of the Greek Orthodox Church. This is reflected by its 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the most worldwide. Greece is a developed country, with an advanced economy and high standards of living, a member of the UN, the European Union, the Eurozone, the Council of Europe, the NATO, the OECD, the WTO and the OSCE.

Knossos Palace Crete | ID 100816243 © Vladimir Timofeev | Dreamstime.com

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Sep-Oct 2023

We would like to inform the users of our website, our subscribers and all our friends that the area of Thessaly (Volos, Pelion, Trikala, Larissa, Pinios, Karditsa) is in a difficult situation due to the storm "Daniel" which led to the death tens of civilians, destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of agricultural land and caused great economic devastation. A new storm "Elias" struck the areas one more time creating even more problems. We will keep you updated. Climate change is here and it is fierce.

Our Shiny Greece!

ShinyGreece.com is a touristopedia that will gradually bring up the 100 most beautiful and unique destinations in Greece that gather all our standards of "unique places to visit". For these top destinations, we discover and present the elements that make them unique: the people, the monuments of nature and civilization, the products of the land, of the crafts and of the spirit. We propose high quality hotels, restaurants, cafes, clubs and best experiences per destination, to lead tourists to the unique experience of a Shiny Traveller, a philosophy that we seek to spread for each separate country of the world. We wish you a happy journey to Shiny Greece!

Top Tours Greece

Most Famous Greeks of All Times

Alexander the Great (356-323 BC): Known as one of the greatest military leaders in history, Alexander the Great conquered vast territories, creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Socrates (470-399 BC): An influential philosopher and the founder of Western philosophy, Socrates is known for his Socratic method and for his contributions to ethics and moral philosophy. Aristotle (384-322 BC): A philosopher and polymath, Aristotle was a student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great. His works spanned various disciplines, including philosophy, science, logic, politics, and more. Plato (427-347 BC): A philosopher and mathematician, Plato was a student of Socrates and the founder of the Academy in Athens. His dialogues and ideas have had a profound influence on Western philosophy. Homer (8th Century BC): Although little is known about the author, Homer is attributed with writing the epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", which are considered foundational works of Western literature. Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BC): A mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras is best known for the Pythagorean theorem in geometry. He also founded the Pythagorean school, which influenced the development of mathematics and philosophy. Hippocrates (c. 460-370 BC): Often called the "Father of Medicine", Hippocrates was a physician who laid the foundation for modern medical ethics and practice. The Hippocratic Oath is named after him. Archimedes (c. 287-212 BC): A mathematician, physicist, and engineer, Archimedes made significant contributions to mathematics, including his work on geometry and the discovery of the principle of buoyancy. Herodotus (c. 484-425 BC): Known as the "Father of History", Herodotus wrote "The Histories", which is considered the first significant work of historical writing. Euclid (c. 300 BC): A mathematician often referred to as the "Father of Geometry", Euclid compiled and organized the foundational principles of geometry in his work called "Elements".

Most Famous Greek Islands

Santorini: Known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades. Visitors flock to its charming villages, like Oia and Fira, and its unique black sand beaches. Mykonos: A party-goer's paradise, Mykonos is famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and iconic windmills. The island's lively atmosphere and picturesque streets make it a top destination for travelers. Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Retymno, Lasithi): Greece's largest island, Crete offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, hike the Samaria Gorge, and savor traditional Cretan cuisine. Rhodes: Rich in history, Rhodes boasts medieval architecture and the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its beaches and vibrant Old Town attract tourists year-round. Corfu: Known as the "Emerald Isle," Corfu is celebrated for its lush landscapes and Venetian architecture. Its charming Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the island offers a mix of relaxation and culture. Zakynthos: Famous for the shipwreck beach, Navagio, Zakynthos is a picturesque Ionian island. It's also home to loggerhead sea turtles and boasts crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Naxos: The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring ancient ruins like the Temple of Apollo to windsurfing on its golden beaches. Paros: A Cycladic gem, Paros entices visitors with its charming villages, excellent windsurfing conditions, and the iconic white marble quarries that supplied the material for the Venus de Milo statue. Kos: Known for its ancient ruins, including the Asklepion healing center, Kos combines history with beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere in its main town. Skiathos: Nestled in the Sporades, Skiathos is famous for its lush greenery, inviting beaches, and vibrant nightlife, particularly in Skiathos Town. It's a popular destination for relaxation and water sports. Samos: Birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras, Samos offers archaeological sites, scenic landscapes, and delicious wine. The picturesque town of Pythagoreion and Heraion Temple are must-visit attractions. Sifnos: A serene island in the Cyclades, Sifnos charms with its traditional villages, culinary delights, and scenic hiking trails. It's a tranquil escape for those seeking an authentic Greek experience. Patmos: Known as the "Island of the Apocalypse", Patmos is famous for the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. Its spiritual significance and beautiful beaches make it a unique destination. Ios: A party island in the Cyclades, Ios offers a lively nightlife scene along with beautiful beaches, making it a hotspot for young travelers. Thassos: This green and mountainous island in the northern Aegean is known for its emerald waters, traditional villages, and archaeological sites like the ancient Agora.

Mykonos Windmills | iStock.com, MartinM303 | 26.11.2017

Most Famous Greek Dishes

Moussaka: A beloved Greek casserole featuring layers of minced meat (usually beef or lamb), eggplant, and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Baked to perfection, it's a hearty comfort food. Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled marinated meat, often served in pita bread with veggies and tzatziki. Pork and chicken are popular choices, and it's a staple of Greek street food. Spanakopita: A savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, all encased in flaky phyllo dough. It's a delightful appetizer or snack. Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and herbs, then simmered in a tangy lemon sauce. A classic Greek appetizer. Tzatziki: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill. It's served with various dishes and makes a delicious dip. Greek Salad (Horiatiki): A fresh and vibrant mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and oregano. Saganaki: A popular Greek appetizer where cheese (usually Kefalotyri or Kasseri) is flambéed with brandy and served with a squeeze of lemon juice. Pastitsio: Similar to lasagna but with tubular pasta, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's baked until golden brown and delicious. Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb or goat, often seasoned with garlic, lemon, and oregano, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Gemista: Bell peppers or tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and occasionally ground meat. They're baked until the filling is cooked to perfection. Avgolemono Soup: A comforting soup made with chicken or vegetable broth, rice, and a creamy, lemony egg mixture, creating a velvety texture and tangy flavor. Loukoumades: Greek honey donuts, deep-fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with honey and crushed nuts. A sweet treat often enjoyed during festivals. Galaktoboureko: A luscious dessert made with layers of crispy phyllo pastry and a custard-like semolina filling, sweetened with a sugar syrup. Koulourakia: Butter cookies often shaped into twists or rings, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. Fasolada: Greece's national dish, a hearty bean soup with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and various herbs. It's a staple of Greek cuisine, especially during Lent.

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