The majestic land of Greece is one of the most favorite tourist spots for thousands of wanderers all around the world. The marvel of the mountains, the dreaminess of the blue deep water of the islands, and the beauty of the Greek culture is an experience of a lifetime. To talk about Greece and its prodigy is hard, even for the experts, as no amount of words are enough to describe the serenity of this historical land.
Greece tops the list of the most visited countries in the world every year. It is on the list of top 20 most sought-after holiday destinations, which is why no matter which season of the year, you will always see a large number of crowds in the Greek airports, all giddy for their beach vacations. If you’re here to know all about Greece, its culture, and why it is the heart of tourism, continue reading!
Cultural History of Greece
● Philosophy and Science
The history of Greece gives competition to the richest cultures in the world. The great Gods of Olympia chose this land and gifted it with their magical legends. Since this beautiful land was always the centre of art, the ancient Greeks were the experts in literature, social sciences, and other disciplines. What we know about geometry and many other mathematical proofs, we owe it to the ancient Greek mathematicians like Pythagoras, Archimedes, and Euclid.
The most famous physician in the history of medicine, Hippocrates- who is also known as the father of modern medicine was a Greek. He constructed a medical school, wrote many influential medical books, and made the many necessary advancements in the field of science. The Hippocratic oath that every doctor takes after the completion of their medical degree is dedicated to him.
The exemplifier of modern philosophy, Plato, who simplified the dialogues of Socrates, was also a Greek civilian. His student, Aristotle, further wrote on topics that cover the disciplines of medicine and drama.
● Art and Theatre
For the ancient Greek, art and theatre were a crucial part of their culture, and this has still not changed much. The ancient Greeks believed that if you deprive art of the theatrics, you can not call it art anymore. Hence, they intertwined both of these fields and gave birth to an awe-striking culture of drama. In the sixth century BCE, the Greek theatre began with plays revolving around the legends of Greek gods at religious festivals. Athens, which is now the capital of Greece, was the centre of Greek theatre throughout history.
● The Legacy of Greek Civilizations
The influence of the Greek civilization has been the cause of transformation in many spheres; philosophy, politics, language, science, educational system, and art all around the globe. The Roman Empire adopted the majesty of the Greek culture and ended up ruling it for centuries. Through the Roman Empire, the elements of Greek culture found their way into western culture. Afterwards, the Byzantine Empire took the responsibility to inherit classical Greek culture. The preservation of Greek learning during this era was the cause of exertion of strong authority on the Slavs, the Golden Islamic Age, and the Western European Renaissance. Modern Greek learning took shape and strived during the Neoclassicism movement in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The new-age Greek culture of the twenty-first century is a magnificent mix of all these prior forms of culturalism.
Greece Politics
The conventional short form of this island rich country is Hellas. However, the majority of the people like to call it Greece. Whereas, the country’s official name is the Hellenic Republic. The capital of Greece is Athens. After the military junta that took place in 1967–1975, and the rejection of the monarchy rule, a constitution was signed in 1975. According to the constitution, Greece is a parliamentary republic, where the head of the state is appointed by the legislative power with the title of President of the state.
Today, since July 2019, the head of the government- the Prime Minister of Greece is Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The President of the imperial state of Greece is Katerina Sakellaroupoulou, who is the first-ever woman in this position in the history of the country.
Economy of Greece
The economy of the country is in a much better position in recent years. Thanks to the wonders of its landscape that contributes to tourism, Greece is coming out of a major financial crisis. Recently, industrial development is always on the high and is increasing the employment rate of the country. The economy of the Hellenic Republic is the 15th largest economy in the European Union. Moreover, it is also on the list of the top 40 countries in the world by GDP ( Gross Domestic Product ).
The department that rules in the national income output of the country is the service sector (85%), while industry comes second (12%). Agriculture contributes only 3% of the economy. The prevailing economic industry of Greece — tourism is making the country richer every year. According to stats, about 20 million international tourists visit the country annually. This fact makes Greece the 7th most visited country in the EU, and the 16th in the entire world.
The second striving industry in modern Greece is the merchant shipping department. The country possesses the largest merchant marine in the world, as it covers 16% of the total capacity.
Popular Tour Destination
Greece is ranked among the top 3 countries in the world by the Blue Flag Program for the beauty of its beaches. This beautiful country is blessed with the largest coastline (13,676 km) in Europe. Greece harbours around 430 beaches and 9 marinas that host millions of people all around the world every year. The litter management, the quality of seawater, and the facilities like clubs, bars, availability of beach equipment near the coastline make these beaches the perfect spot for an unforgettable holiday week. The following are the few most favourite beaches that you must visit in Greece:
Elafonisi, Crete
On the south coast of Crete, you will find this striking beach with the most golden sand and deep blue-green water. Its mesmerizing landscape is enough to capture the heart of every wanderer. There are many mini restaurants, clubs, and cafes near the beach so the guests can enjoy icy drinks while they are enjoying their tanning session. Moreover, there are many beach hotels only a few steps away from the coastline. The best one that seems to be the most favourite among the tourists is Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family.
Mylopotas Beach, Ios
Mylopotas beach is the perfect spot for people who are looking for a place where they can enjoy soft sand, low waves, and lots of rave parties. This beach is known for its dazzling nightlife, where the tourists relish good music, exotic drinks, and yummy Greek food. The main town Chora is a few miles away from the beach, upon the main hill. Over there, you will find a variety of beach hotels that are ready to serve you on different budgets. For a luxury stay, opt for Ios Palace Hotel & Spa. However, if you are in search of a comfortable stay but on a budget, Nissos Ios and Rita’s Place Hotel are the best choices.
Plaka Beach, Naxos
Naxos is a Greek island that is home to the most beautiful beaches in the world. During the holiday season, you won’t see any other island as crowded as Naxos. The Naxos Town itself is the center of tourist entertainment where you will find local vendors selling delightful Greek food and exotic drinks. You will also come across many street plays showcasing the ancient Greek culture with legendary storytelling.
Down the coast, there are a plethora of beaches that are bound to blow your mind away with their imposing beauty. Among them, the one that tops the list is the Plaka beach. The striking grandeur of this beach guarantees a never to be forgotten experience. Pyrgaki, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Mikri Vigla are some other beaches down the southwest coastline of Naxos that are a must-visit. Medusa Resort and the Xenia Hotel are the best of the lot when it comes to accommodation in Naxos.
Ornos Beach, Mykonos
If you are planning to go on a family vacation to Greece, Mykonos is the island that you’d want to visit. It is one of the most family-friendly Greek islands. The beaches in Mykonos have soft golden sand, calm water, and several restaurants that serve the best of Greek cuisine. The Ornos beach is only ten minutes away from the main town through the bus. If you want to enjoy a luxury romantic stay with your partner, the Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel is the spot. On a much affordable note, Belvedere Hotel is also a good option to stay with family.
The bottom line is that Greece is the ultimate tour destination whether you are going for a solo trip, with friends, or with your family.
