• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Greece

Geography

Greek Geography - Greek coast
Greek coast

Greece is located in southern Europe at the end of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Albania (west), Turkey (east), Bulgaria (north), and Macedonia (north).

Geographically, Greece is fairly elevated, yet much of the country is on the Mediterranean Sea meaning there is a lot of change in the country vertically. Even many of the country's islands gain a lot of elevation in little space. This creates a very hilly and, in some places, mountainous country. These mountains also hamper transportation by land so most people live on or near the coasts where water transportation is much more accessible.

Weather

Greek Architecture - Church on Santorini
Church on Santorini

As a country on the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, Greece has a reputation of being tropical, but winters can get cool, especially with the winds off of the water. The country, particularly some of the southern islands, receive incredible heat during much of the summer and even winters aren't too cold relative to mainland Europe, but the mountains can get snow that remains for months at a time.

Winters in Greece are mild compared to much of Europe as Athens generally reaches daily highs of about 55-58° F (13-14° C) during this time, although nights can get colder. The inland mountains and those on Crete tend to be even colder than this and these regions will get snow. However, many of the flat southern islands, particularly along their coasts, remain significantly warmer, but the breezes off the water can make even the islands uncomfortable during the winter.

Summers tend to move to the opposite extreme rather quickly with average daily highs of 90° F (32° C) in Athens, while heat waves will put that high over 100° F (38° C) for days at a time. Again, the mountains tend to be cooler and the island coasts average higher temperatures, but a strong breeze can make it feel much cooler. Springs and falls (autumns) are less predictable as the winds may rise or lower the temperature drastically from one week to the next.

Wildlife

Greek Architecture - Meteora Monastery
Meteora Monastery

Greece's wildlife is fairly diverse as it stretches from Mediterranean to forested highlands. The most common woodland and mountain mammals include deer, bears, goats, and other small rodents are all present. The sea life is also plentiful off the coasts, with fewer species in the country's lakes and rivers.

Greece is also home to a large number of birds, some of whom are migrating; these are primarily water fowls like pelicans and storks. Amphibians and reptiles are also very common along the coasts.

This page was last updated: March, 2013