COUNTRY OF OLYMPIC GODS

The 2004 Olympics returns home to their country of birth, where in 776 BC The first Olympic Games took place. On the day of their discovery, sacrifices were made to the gods, and athletes made a solemn oath. Carried through the centuries, it is still pronounced by Olympic athletes: "I swear that, arriving at the Olympic Games, I will compete honestly and in accordance with the rules, and with my participation I will glorify my country and sport!" It is unusually symbolic that the 2004 marathon run along the same route the warrior ran along, bringing the Athenians with news of the defeat of the Persians near the Marathon.
This summer Greece welcomes guests from around the world. Hotels in Athens and the surrounding area are crowded, their rooms have been booked since the beginning of the year. Tourists traveling to Greece this summer have the opportunity to choose between an unforgettable vacation on a comfortable liner on the high seas and idle living on the islands.
Holland America's Vista class Oosterdam cruise ship offers relaxation in stunning, first-class cabins, each with a TV, minibar, Internet port, telephone and multi-channel radio. The ship is equipped with an extensive modern hydrotherapy complex, three swimming pools function. For each of the 1848 passengers, 46 square meters of space are available - more than on all the other largest Holland America liners. 85% of the cabins have an external view, and 65% have a veranda. External elevators, from which a panoramic view opens from both sides of the vessel, connect 10 decks vertically. Passenger services include the main restaurant "Vista" with a rich international menu, the modern self-service restaurant "Lido", the snack bar / grill bar "Terrace", the cafe "Windstan", open from early morning until late at night, as well as the restaurant "Odyssey", which can be visited only by reservation. Complimentary coffee, ice cream, tea and evening snacks are served. Room service is available around the clock. The Vista three-story amphitheater and Queen's showroom offer many different cultural events and the latest films. There is a new elegant night club "Northern Lights", a spacious casino and other establishments that are deservedly popular on the company's motor ships: the Ocean bar, the elegant Explorer's s lounge and the Crow's Nest bar on the upper deck. Living on an exclusive cruise ship "Oosterdam", tourists have an unforgettable opportunity to visit all the Olympic competitions and enjoy breathtaking luxury.
The islands make up a fifth of the territory of Greece and are a special world, which seems to tourists a complete idyll. The rhythm of the islanders' life is so calm and unhurried that from the very first day you forget about all the problems and fall into a state of charming laziness. There is a legend that God created the countless islands of Hellas, completing the creation of the Earth. The Creator’s hands remained a handful of beautiful multi-colored pebbles, which he threw into the sea with a smile. This is how the Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian Islands and Dodecanese appeared - the largest archipelagos that attract travelers with a clear sea, golden beaches, cozy little guest houses and luxurious hotels, next to which marble masterpieces of ancient Greek civilization are carefully preserved. Seven Eptanis islands are located in western Greece in the Ionian Sea. On the islands there are many hotels of various categories, youth complexes, campsites. The Eptanis group includes the islands of Corfu, Kefallonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Paxi, Lefkada and Kifira.
In the Aegean Sea, in the southeast, there are 34 islands forming the Dodecanese archipelago. The islands of the Aegean include the legendary Lesbos, the charming "island of sirens" Tassos, the large island of Euboea, and the famous Ionian Islands, among which are Zakynthos, the water around which is so clear that a rare tiny carriage-carriage lives in it.
The largest Greek island is Crete, which separates the Aegean from the Mediterranean. Crete has high mountains (the highest point is 2456 km above sea level), the longest gorge in Europe (18 km) and the only palm beach in Europe. One hundred years ago, archaeologists found in Crete the ruins of the Knossos Palace, with more than 1,500 rooms. Now Knossos Palace is open for excursions. It visually revives the history of the Minoan civilization, which disappeared 3.5 millennia ago, and makes us remember the legendary Minotaur.
The Cyclades islands in the central and southern parts of the Aegean Sea have their adherents who come here from year to year. Experts say that Sifnos, Tenu and Folegandros are the most picturesque, on Andros, Naxos and Syros - the richest vegetation, on Paros and Milos - the best beaches, and on Kimolos, Serifos and Anafe - the calmest of all.
But none of these islands can be compared in fame with Mykonos - the most popular place among movie stars and pop stars, top models, politicians and couturiers. Expensive shops, gourmet restaurants, chic nightclubs, nudist beaches, pink pelicans walking along the promenade - this is Mykonos. The island is located at the intersection of all the main sea routes of the Aegean Sea, which is why it is so multinationally colorful and unusually cheerful. The nightlife of Mykonos does not freeze for a minute, and discos and clubs are considered the best in all of Greece. Snow-white houses, narrow cobbled streets, cozy taverns and a great many churches. On the flat terrain, the central port city of Mykonos is located. Sailors, going out to sea for many months, vow to build a church in gratitude for a safe return home, so there are probably about 700 churches in Mykonos. Near the port is the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Paraportiani. The Archaeological Museum presents exhibits from the neighboring island of Rinia, of which a seventh-century amphora is of particular interest. BC. with a relief image of the Trojan horse and the fall of Troy. The Ethnographic Museum houses a large collection of antique furniture, musical instruments and icons.
There is something to see during the day and things to do in the evening. Perhaps the hotels in Mykonos are not as luxurious as those in Crete, but the beaches and spa centers are the best. One of the most prestigious hotels in Mykonos is Santa Marina, located on a private peninsula 20 minutes from the airport and 10 from the city of Mykonos. The hotel is surrounded by greenery, flowers and aromas. The architecture of the building resembles an ancient Mikonian village with a brutal layout of traditional white Cycladic-style buildings. The hotel has 90 rooms, including suites and 4 separate villas. The interior design is simple to genius: the floor is tiled with ceramic tiles, the walls are decorated with white stucco, and the windows have "simple" flower curtains. Visual minimalism is compensated by real comfort: each room has a balcony, air conditioning, minibar, safe, telephone, satellite TV, hairdryer and bathrobes. Two-storey villas have spacious terraces, pools, a jacuzzi, saunas, gardens and fully equipped kitchens. The common sandy beach in Santa Marina is bulk, there is a saltwater pool and a children's pool nearby. There are always players and fans on the floodlit tennis court; the health complex is equipped not only with various exercise machines, but also with a sauna with a jacuzzi. Clarins Beauty Center provides first-class beauty services using cosmetics from world-famous brands.
The hotel has three restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine, the menu of which includes fresh vegetables and fruits grown on their own plantations.
The Greeks themselves consider Mykonos an island of free morals. Local residents, mainly living off the developed tourism industry, have long been accustomed to the unusual appearance of their guests: after all, Mykonos is a favorite vacation spot for wealthy exalted tourists from all over the world.
Each of the islands of the legendary Hellas is unique and magnificent, unique and amazing, any of them is a great place for an unforgettable vacation. Give yourself a trip to the country of myths, legends, treacherous Olympic gods and courageous handsome heroes. Rest on a pebble thrown into the turquoise sea by the hand of the Creator.