Population & Languages

The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

Electricity

The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with the ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated on the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean effect. The Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Where to rent a villa in Greece

Santorini located less than a 45 minute flight south of Athens or 4 hours by boat is one of the most exquisite destination in the world.  It is part of the Cycladic group of Greek islands and is famous for its spectacular sunsets, white washed houses, authentic Greek villages, blue domed churches, fabulous Mediterranean food, volcanic beaches with crystal clear waters and of course the sheer beauty of the Caldera.

Originally named Thira by the Venetians, when they occupied it in the 13th Century, Santorini was formed as a result of a cataclysmic volcanic eruption more than 3600 years ago.  Before the eruption Santorini was a much bigger circular island.  As you stand on the Caldera or cliff top, you can quite clearly see where the middle of the island was replaced by sea after the eruption.

Most of our Santorini luxury villas are built into the Caldera or Cliff top. Each villa boasts the best view on the island. There is literally no bad view from anywhere on the Caldera. Santorini is popular destination for romance, weddings and honeymoons.

The capital Thira is a picture perfect Greek town lined with lovely boutiques, tourist shops, tavernas and fine dining restaurants with beautiful sea views. The second town in Santorini is Oia.  It is located on the most westerly tip and therefore is the place to go to experience the very best sunsets.  Sunset time is a big event in Santorini with people gathering over sunset cocktails to enjoy the amazing sceptical before them.  Oia also has some excellent shopping with plenty of designer shops and charming boutiques.

Mykonos is another favourite island of ours and we are proud to represent some of the best luxury villas in Mykonos.  Mykonos is a very short flight from Athens.  If you prefer it is perfectly possible to travel by boat which is also a lovely way to arrive. With its amazing beaches, sparkling blue sea, sunsets, parties, night life, gourmet restaurants, windmills and gorgeous white washed villages. Mykonos is extremely glamorous and chic and attracts celebrities and A listers from around the globe to its shores.

The main town of Mykonos is located right on the sea and is full of stone, which are lined with fabulous designer shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, bars, fine dining restaurants and authentic Greek Tavernas serving only the freshest and best food. One of the top things to do in Mykonos is to visit Mykonos!

Halkidiki is a peninnsula to the North East of Greece. It is home to Mount Athens, and whole host of bucolic villages, towns, and beaches. There are plenty of places to visit in Halkidiki

Athens is well worth a visit especially if you are coming from afar.  Our team will be delighted to help you with accommodation in the city and also arrange an amazing itinerary and experience if you would like to get a good sense of both Greece and the Greek islands.

Crete is another one of the beautiful Aegean islands.  Crete is recognised of being the birthplace of Europe’s earliest civilisations and therefore is full of history and culture. It is more mountainous than many of its neighbours with spectacular rock coasts, sandy beaches and beautiful crystal clear waters.  Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands and as a result has an interesting interior landscape full of green and lush mountain terrain. There are many archaeological sites and interesting towns and villages to explore and rent a Crete Villa.

Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea just off the northwest coast of Greece, the island is full of beautiful coves and rugged bays.

One of the interesting places to go in Corfu is the town of Kerkyra which is proud to be on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  The town is beautiful and really well preserved with Byzantine Fortress and ancient monuments. Corfu North part is quieter than the South part of the island with lovely fishing villages and quaint tavernas.  A great way to explore the island is by boat and our concierge Noreen will be delighted to assist you with this.

If you are looking for Luxury Villa Rentals in Greece, please contact us and speak to our professional team

Local Customs

Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels, and taxis.

Attractions
* The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
* Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
* The Parthenon in Athens
* Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
* Easter Celebrations
* Thessalonikiís White Tower and countryís rich Byzantine culture
* The south of Corinth
* The beaches in Lesvos
* The wine vineyards in the countryside
* The islands near the Aegean Sea
* The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
* The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

Travel

By Air: The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

By Sea: The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki, and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia, and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

By Rail: If one is coming from the UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take the connecting train to Greece.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty percent alcohol.