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Regions
of Greece
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ATTICA
AND SARONICA ISLANDS
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Attica
borders Sterea Ellada (Central
Greece) to the north and the Saronic
Gulf to the south.
Athens, the capital of Greece,
and Piraeus, the major port, are
in Attica. The climate is Mediterranean,
pleasant and healthy due to its
distinctive dryness. Washed by
the celebrated Attic light, it
is full of memories of the past.
In Sounion, the sanctuaries of
Poseidon and Athena, in Vravrona
the sanctuary of Artemis, in Rhamnous
that of Nemesis, in Marathon the
famous victory of the Greeks against
the Persians, in Eleusis (Elefsina)
the sanctuary of Demeter, as well
as Byzantine monuments such as
Kaisariani and Daphni monasteries.
The visitor based in Athens can
enjoy the sea or a mountain by
travelling just a few kilometres.
Another special characteristic
is the great variety of landscapes
-from its beautiful mountains
Parnitha, Penteli, and Hymettus
to the seaside, teeming with life,
especially in the summer, around
the clock to daybreak. |
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ATHENS
: The capital of Greece took
its name from the goddess Athena,
the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.
This is where democracy was
born. This is where that marvel
of architecture, the Parthenon
was created. This is where art
became inseparable from life
and this is where Pericles gave
the funerary speech, that monument
of the spoken word. Athens is
the symbol of freedom, art,
and democracy in the conscience
of the civilized world.
In Athens memory never fades.
Wherever you stand,
wherever
you turn, the city's long and
rich history will be alive in
front of you. In the centre
of town are two hills, the Acropolis
with the monuments from the
Age of Pericles, and Lycabettus
with the picturesque chapel
of Ai Giorgis. Athens today
is a modern city, alive and
on the go. Modern but romantic
as well, with busy streets and
squares, shop windows a riot
of colours, as well as little
alleys in quiet, peaceful neighbourhoods
such as Plaka and Metz.
In the countless shops, the
visitor will find whatever he
may need. In the tavernas and
restaurants he can enjoy any
taste sensation in the night
clubs, pubs, discos, and bars
he can drink and dance the night
away. Because in Athens, the
fun never stops before daylight.
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PIRAEUS
Piraeus (Pireas) has been the
port of Athens since antiquity.
The modern city, built on top
of the ancient city is a major
shipping and financial centre.
All the ships that link the
capital with island Greece and
the rest of the world leave
from the historic port. Piraeus
is to the southwest of Athens,
about 10 km. from the centre
of town. It is connected to
the city busses and the Athens
metro.
Beyond
the port, the most impressive
spots are the hills of Profitis
llias and Kastela with their
neoclassical mansions and modern
buildings which look as if they
are hanging over the sea.
Piraeus's little natural harbours
are among its busiest and most
touristy areas: Mikrolimano,
Passalimani, Zea, Freatida and
Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside
tavernas provide delicious seafood
washed down with the uniquely
Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh
smell of the sea and the sounds
made by the assortment of caiques,
yachts and sailing ships, which
are moored next to the tables,
complete the enjoyment of the
food.
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SARONIC
GULF ISLANDS
A group of small islands lies
in the Saronic Gulf, to the
south of Attica.
Aegina
Famous for its pottery, is covered
with pistachio trees. Its beautiful
green villages are surrounded
by pine forests. Aegina is also
the home to one of antiquity's
most famous temples, to Aphaia.
Salamina
Closer to the mainland, is the
largest island in the group.
It has some beaches, the ruins
of an acropolis, and the Phaneromeni
monastery which has notable
frescos.
Poros
A bit further out, its immaculate
beaches slide out of the pine
forest. The picturesque Zoodohou
Pigis monastery is worth a visit.
Hydra
The island is famous for its
maritime tradition, as is Spetses.
The Hora is picturesque and
beautiful, with high and colourful
sea captains mansions lining
the waterfront while a stark
gray hill rises in the background.
Between the mansions are narrow
streets with tavernas and shops,
where the foreigners gather
after they reach the small port
of this charming island.
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