Greece is a country in Southeastern Europe, on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Albania and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south of mainland Greece, while the Ionian Sea lies to the west.
It was very important in ancient times and historic ruins are found everywhere, from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the Minóan city of Knossós on Crete.
Dotted throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean are Greece's 1,400 islands, the largest of which is Crete. Greece was also the original home of the Olympic games, which returned to Athens in 2004.
The country has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry, hot days are softened by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be extremely hot, so visitors should allow time to get used to it. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.
Food, drink and tobacco are very important to the Greek economy as is tourism. A lot of tourists visit these beautiful islands every year, some of them visiting the olive groves around Athens as they travel to the ancient monuments and buildings found in the region. A lot of their food will be cooked in olive oil made from those same groves.
Geography activity contributed by Highweek Community Primary & Nursery School
Greece
