How to get to Greece: all transportation options for tourists

The charm of Greece

In the picturesque southern Europe, in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, lies Greece — a country that attracts tourists with its magnificent landscapes and rich history. It shares borders with Bulgaria, Macedonia, Turkey, and Albania, making it geographically diverse and interesting to explore.

Coastline and islands

Greece is famous for its long coastline, which is almost 14,000 kilometers long. The country is particularly famous for its numerous islands - more than three thousand of them. These islands are located in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Ionian and Libyan seas and occupy about 20% of Greece's territory.

Regional features

Greece is divided into several diverse regions:

• Greek Macedonia
• Thessaly
• Thrace
• Ipir
• Central Greece
• Ionian Islands
• The Peloponnese is the largest peninsula in the country

Also worth mentioning are the famous Aegean Islands, among which Crete stands out, as well as the Cyclades, Northern Sporades and Dodecanese groups, which attract many travelers.

Transport infrastructure

Understanding the geography of Greece helps to better comprehend its transportation system. The ferry system connects the islands, providing convenience for travel. However, due to the mountainous terrain and the compactness of the area, organizing extensive transportation networks is challenging.

On local roads, the most common are:

• Cars
• Intercity buses

Although railways are also present in the country, they do not play a key role in transportation. The main route is connected to the Peloponnese and northern regions, including the path to the border with Turkey (a distance of 2,552 kilometers).

Journey from Russia

Getting from Russia to Greece is quite easy. Air travel between the two countries operates year-round, making this destination popular among tourists. In the summer, the number of charter flights increases, providing access to various destinations, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete.

Air carriers and ticket prices

The main airlines that offer regular flights to Greece include:

• “Aeroflot”
• Aegean Airlines
• S7
• Ellinair

The flight time to Athens is about 3 hours and 20 minutes, with ticket prices starting from15,000 rubles.

The flight to Thessaloniki takes 3 hours, and the price from Aeroflot is -30,000 rublesThe cost for the option with a layover in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines is approximately17,000 rubles.

Additional features

Connecting flights are also available through European capitals. Airlines such as:

• Czech Airlines CSA
• Polish LOT
• Germanwings from Germany

During the peak tourist season, prices for charter flights start from12,000 rublesThis makes this direction accessible to a wide audience of tourists.

Traveling in Greece

From Eleftserios Venizelos Airport in Athens and Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, it is possible to reach the Greek capital by cab or public transportation.

Although traveling by car is not the most common option for trips to sunny Greece, many adventure seekers prefer this method. For such people, several routes are available:

• You can travel through Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and then to Greece;
• Another option is to head to Western Europe and then take a ferry from Italy to Greece.
• There is also a route through Ukraine with a subsequent ferry to Turkey, after which the journey continues to Greece.

It is necessary to take into account the visa requirements in force in a number of countries and follow the established rules.

Air travel in Greece

As for air travel, Greece has more than fifty airports, of which15 are internationalAmong them:

• Alexandroupolis;
• Athens;
• Zakynthos;
• Heraklion;
• Kalamata;
• Kavala;
• Corfu (Kerkyra);
• Kefalonia;
• Cos;
• Lemnos;
• Mytilene;
• Rhodes;
• Thessaloniki;
• Samos;
• Chania.

In addition, the country has20 national, five municipal and about ten military airports. Modern international terminals operate on most of the popular tourist islands, taking many charter flights during the peak summer season.

Airlines of Greece

Air services in Greece are operated by major airlines such asAegean Airlinesand also local communities, such asAthens AirwaysandEllinairThese airlines offer regular flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Mytilene, and Kavala to major cities in the north of the country and to some islands.

Maritime transportation in Greece

As for maritime transport, it is one of Greece's greatest successes. Unique sunsets, the sounds of screeching seagulls, and the foaming sea left behind by the wake create an indescribable atmosphere for traveling through the Greek islands. Water transport in the country is a fast, convenient, and romantic way to get around.

Every day, hundreds of ships travel between various ports. Travelers can choose any mode of transport, including slow large ferries and fast boats.

Celebrities on the Greek islands

Among the celebrities who have visited the Greek islands more than once on their yachts, stand out:

• Roman Abramovich;
• Robert De Niro;
• Johnny Depp.

These individuals had the opportunity to enjoy the splendor of Greek nature. Ferries are the most common way to get from the mainland to the islands and between them, offering also the possibility of transporting cars, either owned or rented.

The largest ports of Greece

The most important port in Greece is considered to be the port ofPiraeusIn Athens, which is the largest in Eastern Europe. Other important institutions include:

• the port of Thessaloniki;
• Vola harbor;
• ports on the islands of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.

Each of these ports plays its role in the country's transportation system, providing passenger and cargo services, which makes Greece accessible to tourists and locals alike.

Ports of the Greek Islands

Each Greek island has ports where ferries, cruise ships and private yachts arrive. However, tourists should be aware that less accessible islands may not have direct water routes, in which case transfers between them will be necessary.

Mountainous Terrain of Greece

Greece is rich in mountainous landscapes, which greatly affects the process of traveling around the country by car. The total length of roads is about 117,000 km, of which more than 107,404 km are paved.

The length of autobahns in Greece reaches 1600 km, but the traffic conditions on them are very different from those that can be observed on the long and smooth highways of Russia. In this country, it is common to encounter:

• serpentine sections,
• sharp rises and falls,
• narrow roads,
• cool twists.

This creates additional challenges for drivers.

Toll Road System

The toll road system in Greece is quite well developed, and the management of their operation is in the hands of various companies. The toll is collected before entering the toll section, and the cost depends on the type of vehicle.

Estimated transportation rates:

• Motorcycle:from €0.9 to €2.9,
• Passenger car:from €1.6 to €3.9,
• Van or bus:from €4 to €14.

All traffic signs are indicated in both Greek and English, which makes it easier for foreign guests to navigate.

Main Highways

The main highway of Greece isEgnatiawhich is presented as a European circuitE90It connects the city of Igoumenitsa in the west with Alexandroupolis in the east, near the border with Turkey.

There are several toll booths located along this route, which include:

• Tyria,
• Malakasi,
• Polymylos,
• Malgara,
• Analipsi,
• Moustheni,
• Lasmos,
• Promachonas.

Other Important Routes

Aegean Roadis part of the European routeE75and connects the cities of Thessaloniki and Lamia. The highwayP.A.TH.E.The route E75 continues, connecting the main Egnatia highway and the three largest cities of Greece: Patras, Athens, and Thessaloniki.

RouteMoreas, which is part of the European routeE65It passes through important cities such as Corinth, Tripoli, and Kalamata. This section has five toll stations that provide passage in both directions, as well as two additional stations at the exits to Paradisia and Arfara.

Olympia Highway

MotorwayOlympia, expanding the routeE65It is currently under construction and is set to open its gates in the summer of 2017. It starts in Athens, passes through Corinth, and ends in Patras. In total, there are six main toll stations here, in addition to those at the entrance and exit.

Attica Ring Road Network

Ring road networkAttikisurrounds Athens and stretches for 65 km. This highway connects the famous Athens airport"Eleftherios Venizelos"with the P.A.TH.E. and Olympia highways, which makes it an important route for travelers heading to the capital of the country.

Historical finds during construction

An interesting fact is that during the construction of the highway, which was completed in 2004, workers discovered numerous historical artifacts.

Transport routes in Athens

The main transport routes in Athens run along the picturesque waterfront, making every trip especially appealing for both locals and tourists. On weekdays, the first tram leaves Syntagma Square towards the Seva district at 5:00 AM, and the last service departs at 12:10 AM. On weekends, trams operate without breaks, starting with the first service on Friday, and the last tram on Sunday departs at midnight.The cost of a single ride is 1 euro.

Athens Metro

Athens also boasts a well-developed metro system, which plays a crucial role in the city's transportation network. This system includes 54 stations. The metro consists of two underground lines and one above-ground line, with plans for the construction of another line. The underground metro, known as "Attiko Metro," was put into operation before the Olympic Games, while the above-ground line, operated by ISAP, is often referred to by locals as "Ilektriko." It is worth noting that the above-ground trams move at a slower speed compared to the underground network.

Ticket purchase

Metro tickets can be purchased daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM at ticket counters or from machines. The schedule is similar to that of Moscow: the first train on line 1 departs from Piraeus and Kifisia at 5:00 AM, and the last trains leave at 12:30 AM and 12:15 AM, respectively. The metro resembles a real exhibition of antiquities, as many stations display historical artifacts found during construction work under glass.

Construction of the second metro system

The construction of the second metro system in Greece began in 2006 in Thessaloniki. It was initially planned to open in 2013, but numerous unexpected archaeological discoveries and the slow pace of work by specialists delayed its opening until 2020.It is expected that this subway will become the most modern in the world.

Suburban trains "Prostiakas"

The suburban trains "Prostiakas" provide a connection between Athens Airport, the train station, and the city of Corinth. This route offers a convenient way to reach the station or the nearby resort of Loutraki. By transferring at the station in Corinth, passengers can continue their journey by train through the Peloponnese towards the city of Patras.Ticket prices vary depending on the distance, and travel passes are also available.

Travel tickets

• Unified monthly travel passFor all types of public transport within Athens, excluding trips to the airport, it costs only 30 euros and allows for unlimited travel.
• Quarterly passThe ticket will cost 85 euros.
• Half-yearly— 170 euros.
• Annual— 330 euros.
• A new ticket for all types of transport can be purchased for 1.20 euros, which allows for unlimited trips within 90 minutes.
• A special ticket is available, valid for five days, costing 9 euros.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling through Greece is not just a way to reach magnificent beaches and ancient ruins, but a true adventure filled with discoveries and new experiences. I realized that the variety of transportation options available will satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

The flight options between Russia and Greece make this experience even more accessible and appealing. For those planning a road trip, there is an exciting opportunity to explore the picturesque roads and charming villages along the way.

Convenient ways of getting around

The Greek islands, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure thanks to a well-developed network of water transport.

Many are drawn to the romance of traveling by ferry, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and mesmerizing landscapes. One should not forget the conveniences offered by airports and local transportation, which make moving between different regions of the country easy and comfortable.

What to expect from a trip

Anyone who visits Greece can find something for themselves—whether it's sunny beaches, bustling markets, or majestic historical monuments. Traveling through this country becomes not just a physical journey, but also an inner experience that enriches the soul and fills the heart with new emotions.

Therefore, as I conclude this article, I hope to inspire many to leave their routines behind and embark on this unforgettable journey through the beautiful corners of Greece.