Location of Greece
Greece – or officially the Hellenic Republic – is located in southeast Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Albany, Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of continental Greece and the Ionian Sea to the west. There are several islands in the region. It has a total area of 131, 990 km2 including 1300 islands, of which only 170 are inhabited. The population is approximately 10, 815, 197.
History of Greece
Greece, located in the southern part of the Balkan peninsula, has been a significant area since the Bronze Age. The country’s culture may have influenced all of Europe, so it comes as no surprise that many refer to it as the European cradle of culture. Greek people call themselves Hellenes. The term comes from Roman conquerors. The flourishing Hellenic empire was conquered by the Romans in 146 BCE. Colonization began in the 8th century. Classical Greek people united as different independent nations and created the first poleis. Every polis had its own law, dialect, currency, and government Following the split of the Roman Empire, Greece belonged to the Byzantine Empire until the 15th century, and as a consequence of the Turkish conquest they fell under the domination of the Ottoman Empire.
Ultimately, they gained independence in the 19th century, as a result of the 9-year-long Greek War of Independence, The London Protocol recognized the Greek Kingdom as a sovereign state on 8th February 1830. The country was a republic between 1924 and 1935, and from 1936 on, a military regime was established that was followed by the German invasion in 1941. Monarchy was restored in the liberated country in 1944, and a civil war raged between 1946 and 1949. The right-wing forces took over with a coup, and Constantine II fled the country. Following the referendum in 1973, the King was deprived of the throne and a republic was proclaimed. In 1981 the country was admitted into the European Union, primarily in order to facilitate political stability.
Beaches
Many think that the most beautiful beaches in Europe can be found in Greece. It is best to visit these beaches from the end of May until the beginning of October when the climate is pleasant and the sea is warm, ideal for swimming. You will definitely find your favorite beach on the shores of Greece, regardless of whether you have a large family or you are a travel enthusiast. If you would like some of the best beach parties or look for a hidden and peaceful beach, you will surely find your spot on the Greek shores.
Elafonissi, Crete:
One of the finest beaches in Greece is Elafonissi, located on the Southern shores of Crete. There are not many facilities nearby with the exception of a few small hotels, so most people come to visit from Chania or from another part of the island by boat.
Mylopotas Beach, Ios:
Wonderful sand and fantastic recreational opportunities for anyone who likes sunbathing and swimming. If you visit the place, you can spend the whole day on this wonderful beach, and you can also walk around the glorious town called Chora.
Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos:
The spectacular bay can be accessed by boat as part of a day trip. Rent a small boat or a yacht and explore the amazing caves! This is a very popular beach which is visited by many people, but the scenery will not make you disappointed.
Main sights
It would be almost impossible to list all the sights offered by Greece in a few sentences. Rebellious towns like Athens and small villages – in Greece provides visitors with several different experiences and stunning sights. The capital of Greece is Athens; a place famous for the Acropolis. Once in Greece, this is probably the first sight that you should visit. You can admire the complex made of shining marble and the famous statue of Athena. Those who are interested in ancient architecture can see the Doric columns and temples while walking around the area, enjoying the sight of the amazing Parthenon as well. The Greek islands not only offer the finest beaches to tourists but also take them back in time, to the history of Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes.
Weather in Greece
The climate of the Greek shores in the Mediterranean – the air is exceptionally clear and dry. It is characterized by a lot of sunshine, while the amount of precipitation is low. Read about sailing in Greece in September
Bareboat catamaran charter in Greece
The sailing sector is significant in the country due to its location and the archipelago it has. There are numerous ports in Greece used for both passenger and goods transport. Besides several other ports, the most popular ones from both aspects are Aegina, Antirrio, Korfu, Heraklion, Mykonos, and Zakynthos. Most of these ports are well-equipped and offer the best services; they are also often located near the downtown areas. Greece is the land of ancient mythology. If you love archaeology, history, art and philosophy, you definitely have to visit the country. It has dozens of idyllic islands covered with fine white sand, surrounded by the blue sea. These beautiful coastal towns have ancient ruins and museums as well. Explore them all on a yacht! Read more catamaran routes in Greece or choose another bareboat catamaran charter.
The climate of Greece is primarily the Mediterranean, featuring mild winters and hot summers. Summers are usually hot and dry and the winters can be quite cold and wet. The northern part of Greece can be very cold during the winter and snow is not uncommon. The mountainous areas of Northwestern and central parts of Greece have an alpine climate. For the south of Greece and the islands, the winters will be milder. The spring is pleasant and sunny in most of Greece, with fewer and less frequent rainy days. On the coasts and the islands, it almost never rains in the summer.
Summers are hot, and in July and August temperatures usually reach 30 to 35°C, but sometimes even 40°C and more. While on the islands and along the coasts the heat is tempered by sea breezes, on the continent, especially in inland areas and in large cities, the heat is intense.
The area of Greece is constantly windy. These winds, however, are always changing. So when we are traveling in continental Greece it is most likely that we won’t meet any stable winds. Each location has its own conditions. It is advised to plan a sailing route from the south to the north and autumn, the north-south in summer. Sirocco blows in Greece as south or southwestern wind. It mainly blows from November till May and sometimes brings with it sand from Africa. “Lefkotonoi” winds bring fine weather in spring. There is a strong northern wind called the “Meltemi” which usually sweeps through the east coast of Greece during July and August, and this offers a welcome relief to the heat.
Rent a catamaran in Greece, and cruise around Greece
Saronic Gulf catamaran itineraries
Day 1. Athens – Selinia Salamis (Salamina island) 9.42 km (5.85 mi), Day 2. Salamina – Aegina 26.25 km (16.31 mi) Day 3. Aegina – Poros (Poros Island) 35.54 km (22.08 mi), Day 4. Poros – Ermioni 40.00 km (24.85 mi), Day 5. Ermioni – Idra (Idra Island) 19.58 km (12.16 mi), Day 6. Idra – Coressia (Kea island) 83.19 km (51.69 mi), Day 7. Kea – Sounion – Athens77.30 km (48.03 mi)
Read more Athens catamaran tours, catamaran from Athens to Mykonos, catamaran from Athens to Santorini, or choose from Saronic gulf catamaran destinations
Dodecanese catamaran itineraries
Day 1. Rhodes – Ano Symi 45.66 km (28.37 mi), Day 2. Ano Symi – Mandraki 72.02 km (44.75 mi), Day 3. Mandraki – Livadia (Tilos Island)36.33 km (22.57 mi) , Day 4. Livadia – Chalki (Chalki island) 34.47 km (21.42 mi) Day 5. Chalki – Lindos 83.93 km (52.15 mi), Day 6. Lindos – Antony Quinn Beach 28.24 km (17.55 mi) Day 7. Antony Quinn Beach – Faliraki – Rhodes 17.14 km (10.65 mi).
Read more Rhodes catamaran toursDay 1. Kos – Kefalos 46.37 km (28.81 mi), Day 2. Kefalos – Astipalea island 65.13 km (40.47 mi), Day 3. Astipalea – Syrna & Stefania island 35.47 km (22.04 mi), Day 4. Stefania – Krevatia (Chalki island ) 80.75 km (50.18 mi), Day 5. Chalki – Tilos 33.83 km (21.02 mi´) Day 6. Tilos – Mandraki 35.74 km (22.21 mi), Day 7. Mandraki – Agios Fokas – Kos 59.47 km (36.95 mi)
Read more Kos catamaran tours, or choose from Dodecanese catamaran routes
Cyclades catamaran itineraries
Day 1. Mykonos – Tinos (Tinos island) 17, 58 km (10, 92 mi), Day 2. Tinos – Gavrio 54, 30 km (33, 74 mi), Day 3. Gavrio – Vourkari (Kea island) 46, 33 km (28, 79 mi), Day 4. Vourkari – Merihas (Kithnos Island) 37, 98 km (23, 60 mi), Day 5. Merihas – Livadi (Serifos island) 46, 54 km (28, 92 mi), Day 6. Livadi – Kamares (Sifnos Island) 23, 25 km (14, 45 mi), Day 7. Kamares – Ermúpoli – Mykonos 98, 13 km (60, 97 mi)
Read more Mykonos catamaran tours or about catamaran from Mykonos to SantoriniDay 1. Fira (Santorini) – Oia 9.53 km (5.92 mi), Day 2. Oia – Karavostasis (Folegandros island) 42.34 km (26.31 mi), Day 3. Folegandros – Alopronia (Sikinos island) 19.87 km (12.35 mi), Day 4. Sikinos – Chora (Ios island ) 12.80 km (7.95 mi), Day 5. Chora – Ag. Georgios (Iraklia island) 38.18 km (23.72 mi), Day 6. Iraklia – Keros island 16.29 km (10.12 mi), Day 7. Keros – Vlychada – Santorini 82.37 km (51.18 mi)
Read more Santorini catamaran toursDay 1. Adamas (Milos) – Embourios 4.89 km (3.04 mi), Day 2. Embourios – Kamares (Sifnos island) 43.20 km (26.84 mi), Day 3. Sifnos – Livadi (Serifos island) 22.19 km (13.79 mi), Day 4. Serifos – Merihas (Kithnos island) 48.74 km (30.29 mi), Day 5. Kithnos – Ermoupoli (Siros island) 69.45 km (43.15 mi), Day 6. Siros – Paros 47.02 km (29.22 mi), Day 7. Paros – Pollonia – Milos 87.12 km (54.13 mi)
Read more Milos catamaran tours, or choose from Cyclades catamaran routes
Crete catamaran itineraries
Day 1. Heraklion – Agia Pelagia 16, 30 km (10, 13 mi), Day 2. Agia Pelagia – Thira Port 117, 79 km (73, 19 mi), Day 3. Thira Port – Oia – Agia Eirini 12, 41 km (7, 71 mi), Day 4. Agie Eirini – Panagia Kalou – Monolitas 17, 78 km (11, 05 mi), Day 5. Monolitas – Anafi 26, 14 km (16, 24 mi), Day 6. Anafi – Kamari – Vlichada 33, 11 km (20, 58 mi), Day 7. Vlichada – Heraklion 112, 88 km (70, 14 mi)
Read more about catamaran from Crete to Santorini, or choose from Greece catamaran destinations
