What is Destination Known For?

Verdant forests, brilliant white beaches, bustling fishing ports, vibrant people,isolated coves, exquisite cuisine, the freshest seafood, dramatic landscapes, the “stuff” that romantic dreams are made of.

Location and Size

Located on the western side of the country, these islands were historically and culturally connected to Italy. The architecture of the capital towns, including Corfu Town, Zakynthos Town, and Argostoli, has a hint of Venetian style Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada are the most popular islands while Ithaca, Paxi, Kythira, and Meganisi as ideal for calm and relaxing holidays.

History

Greece has an enthralling history that stretches 4000 years back and is commonly known as the birthplace of civilization. The region was originally called 'Hellas'. The early native 'Hellenes' were great explorers who organized enormous expeditions from the Mediterranean and Black Sea, to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caucasus Mountains. Their quest for new trade prospects led to many settlements across the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and the North African coast.

By the 5th century BC, Hellas , which was composed of city-states like Athens, Sparta and Thebes, represented a civilization that went on to become among the finest and most advanced ever. While the region produced luminaries in art, culture, literature, science and mathematics, the Hellenes was also home to some of the fiercest warriors of history who defeated the mighty Persians and reigned with undisputed military supremacy. Alexander the Great brought almost the entire of the known world under Hellas rule by the second half of the 4th century BC. The dominion ended only in 146 BC with the Roman invasion. The name 'Greece' was coined by the Romans. Emperor Constantine founded the Eastern Roman, or Byzantine Empire, with Constantinople as its capital in 330 AD. It was then that Christianity was introduced into Greece.

After a long period of ownership, the Byzantine Empire eventually fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, who ruled it for the next 400 years.

The modern, independent Greek mainland was born in 1828, after the Turks finally yielded to revolts by the local population. Inclusion of the Ionian islands to the Greek territory began in 1864, with the last of the islands being merged with Greece only after World War II.

Getting There

By Air: Corfu, Zakynthos, adn Kefalonia have international airports with flights from Europe cities, or you can fly though Athens.

Best Time to Go

Like the rest of the Greek islands, the Ionian islands are known for their pleasant Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit is between May and October. July and August are the peak tourist months. June and September are the shoulder season months and an ideal time to spend along the coast.

Local Customs to Observe

Hospitality reigns supreme is Greece, and you’ll find that the Greek people are among the most welcoming and generous people in the world. When they offer a kindness or to “treat” you as their guest, it is important to accept graciously and not protest or insist on paying.

Helpful Fast Facts

Currency: Euro.

Time Zone: Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+02:00).

Local language: Modern Greek is the official language of the region, but English is also widely spoken.

Population: 10,927,024 as of April 12, 2016

Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH).

Entry Requirements: All nationals are required to produce a passport with 3 months

validity beyond the duration of stay. Nationals of Australia, UK, Canada, the USA and other EU countries don’t need a visa for tourist and business visits up to 90 days.

Departure tax: €12.00 per person.

Legal Drinking Age: None. A person must be 18 years old in order to purchase alcoholic liquors.

Smoking Regulations: Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed spaces and public transports. Separate smoking sections are provided in major casinos, night clubs and bars.

Staying in touch: Network coverage is good on the mainland as well as on the islands. Various telecom service providers offer international roaming facilities in this region. Internet connectivity is also fairly good, but falters in the remote locations.

Medical Information: The Central Clinic of Santorini, located in Fira, is an advanced, well-equipped facility that provides quality health care services. Several private and government run hospitals exist in Athens.

Public Holidays: (Jan – 1) New Year's Day; (Jan – 6) Epiphany; (March – 25) Independence Day; (April – 9) Orthodox Good Friday; (May – 1) Labor Day; Orthodox Easter Monday; Orthodox Whit Monday; (August – 15) Assumption; (October – 28) Ochi Day; (December – 25) Christmas Day & (December – 26) Boxing Day.

Tourist Office: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands provides detailed information on Greece's cultural attractions, things to do and see, getting there and more.

Shopping Information: Pottery, rugs, jewelry, leather items, local wines and spirits, metalwork, olive oil and goods made from olive tree wood are a must-buy on the Greek islands. Other popular buys include olive oil based eco-friendly toiletries and cosmetics made from mastic resin. The Sunday morning flea market in Monastiraki and Athens’ Central Market are the popular destinations for shopping.

Top Ten "Must Do's"

Sorry - stay tuned - we have to update this. In the meantime, refer to the Charter Itinerary.

Major Local and Regional Events

• Rockwave Festival (January-July) – A 3-day rock music festival organized at the Terra Vibe stadium near Malakassa
• Anastenaria Firewalking Festival (May) – celebrated with parades, feasts, dance, firewalks and other cultural activities
• Hellenic Festival (June – September) – celebrated with classical music and dance, opera, dramas, competitions and open-air-theater shows