Greece is in the Mediterranean, southeastern Europe. Mainland Greece
comprises the regions of Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly,
Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace. Peleponeso peninsula is united to the
mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. The main rock formation is in the
north, the Pindus Mountains, which extend southward in a landscape of
plains, pine forests and hills. The islands make up a fifth of Greece
and most of them are in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey (as
the Sporades, the Cyclades, Rhodes). The exceptions are the Ionian
Islands which are on the west coast. The Greeks have a historical and
cultural heritage very important. The traditions and customs vary by
region. The Greek Orthodox Church still has a strong influence
especially in rural areas. Throw your head back can be interpreted
negatively. The casual use is widespread. Smoking is prohibited in
public buildings, and transport shipping. Nightlife In big cities
there are many shows, discos and clubs. The places that offer
traditional music bouzouki are very popular. There are several casinos
such as Mount Parnassus in Athens, the Corfu Casino in Corfu and the
Casino of the Grand Hotel Astir in Rhodes. Shopping In Greece you can
buy lace, jewelry, metal handicrafts, ceramics, textiles, leather,
carpets, leather goods, local wines and liquors. Athens is the
shopping center for both luxury goods and local handicrafts. The
markets of Monastiraki and Plaka, below the Acropolis, are especially
popular during the summer. In the regions most interesting purchases:
the silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos,
embroidery and lace Skyros, Crete, Rhodes and other Ionian islands,
Kastoria fur, alabaster from Crete and carpets flokati in the region
of Epirus.
