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The Top 10 Places to Visit in Greece

October 29th, 2010 3:30 am

This is an article about the top 10 locations to visit in Greece. There are some things that are “must see” because they are famous, or extraordinary. Read them below

1)Athens: This is something that you should see if you visit Greece. Prepare for some historical walk in the ruins of ancient Greek monuments of Acropolis. On top you will find the famous Parthenon with its special atmosphere. Then walk in the Ancient Agora, in Thiseio and In Plaka. Ensure to visit the stunning temple of Zeus, the wonderful national parks and wander around the Monastiraki area for shopping.

2)Delphi: It is the ancient oracle’s temple. See the ancient temple, walk inside and live this part of history. Besides the temple you will find the museum with many statues and other important pieces of history.

3) Dion: The temple of the ancient God Zeus on the mount Olympus. Dion is the ancient word for Zeus. There you will find what remains from a whole ancient city. Next to the city there is the sacred place with the temples. There are underwater tunnels that are active even today, passing under the houses and the temples.

4) Crete: It is the biggest island in Greece and many say that it’s the most beautiful. There you will find wonderful calm sandy beaches. There is also a range of archeological sites to visit, ensure to see Knosos and Phestos.

5) Thessaloniki: This is the second largest city of Greece, although its great, it feels warm and friendly. Explore the ancient byzantine walls and Castles. Walk in the wonderful gardens next to the beach and visit the White Tower.

6) Mykonos: If you want to party in the summertime, this is the final destination. It is a small islands in the heart of Aegean sea. There you will find the traditional looking, white houses with the blue windows. The seafood is excellent and fresh. There are parties every night in all corners of the mainland

7) Rhodes: There you will find medieval town with walls and the Castle created by the knights of Saint John. Make sure to visit Lindos to see the temple of Athena.

8 ) Corfu or Kerkira: This island is in the Ionian sea. Visit the palace of Princess Sissy, the museum of Asian art, and the Mon Repo Museum. Enjoy the Ionian sea and visit the popular beaches.

9) Samothrace: This is the Island for explorers. In the middle there is the SAOS mountain. Tourists go and climb the mountain and rest in the small pools that the river shapes. This is the place where the ancient initiations Kaviria were taking place, explore the beautiful mountain, the beaches and the archeological sites

10) Everywhere: Greece is a unique country. Every place, feels so various that it is like a new country. The islands, because they are physically isolated from the rest of the country, have their own unique energy. The sea is calm and friendly everywhere, and also, archeological sites, small or big there are in every corner. Many times it will happen to see a random ancient place here and there and all these give a unique experience to those who travel off the beaten path.

Greece’s Current Financial Position

June 6th, 2010 10:24 pm

During the past decade, the Greek government borrowed excessively and went on a ridiculous spending spree. Therefore, when the financial
downturn hit, Greece was in no way prepared. The outcome of their actions is not very pleasant, considering they are now buried in 300 billion

Euros of debt. This does not only affect them, but has a huge impact on many other countries, included United States.Every country that uses the Euro and trades within the Euro zone will be affected by Greece. Fifteen other countries that use the Euro are
immediately hit with Greece’s financial crisis because they offered to lend 30 billion Euros in the next year to help ease Greece out of their debt.

As a result, taxes will rise for those countries. If the debt is left untamed, it could spread to other economies that do not have a great history of balancing their debt. These countries are referred to as “PIIGS,” which consist of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain. The possibility of Greece’s downfall along with the rest of the “PIIGS” has struck fear in the open market. Interest rates on government debt have increased making it more expensive to borrow on the open market. This crisis also affects individuals who invested or own shares through pension funds because many major banks invested in the Greek Debt.

The crisis has already taken affect on United States businesses. The debt has caused increased in public protesting. In the early stage of the crisis, the Greek government placed a $250,000 order for body shields that are manufactured by Paulson Manufacturing Corp, a United States business that makes protective gear for riot police and others. Now the Greek government placed a hold on these orders and is waiting to see if anything is resolved. This is only a glimpse of what Greece’s debt can cause to United States. Many American businesses are worried because the Euro just recently touched a one-year low against the dollar. This has a great impact on all businesses because United States exports are now more expensive in Europe. If this continues it can weaken all overseas sales or even make a big impact on revenues for American companies.

Besides negative outcomes, United States can also benefit from Greeks debt on the short-term. With fear taking over the mind of many
investors, they will tend to take a “flight to safety.” Many shareholders who have invested in global markets, especially the Euro zone, have sold their current investments. As a result, those shareholders will most likely move their money into something less risky, such as, treasury bills or investment grade bonds.

Typically in situations like this, Greece would be able to issue new debt on their old debt to give them more time to correct the crisis. But the
problem that exists here is that investors are not interested in buying new debt, therefore bringing Greece closer to default. Greece has already taken action to reverse their debt. Plans to cut its budget deficit to 8.7% of its GDP in 2010 and eventually less than 3% by 2012 has already been outlined. They also plan on putting a freeze on worker’s pay and raise their taxes. In order to save the pension system, Greece plans on increasing the average retirement age.

On May 19, 8.5 billion in debt becomes due to investors worldwide. Greece has run to the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to help them out of their financial crisis. If this all works out Greece will be able to correct their debt in a smoother fashion. There is still a great amount of uncertainty about whether this deal will be made or not. Another available option is for Greece to leave the Euro. This has led many currency traders in fear. If this were to occur, it would result in a disaster for the financial markets because investors will be in fear that other countries will follow and drop the Euro. Consequently, the monetary union would also fall. Luckily, the European Union has already vowed to keep the Euro zone together.

As the May 19th approaches closer, we can only wait and see if Greece will receive their financial assistance. If they do not come to terms with the deal, there could be great disaster in the financial markets. If they do receive the aid, Greece will still need much improvement. Greece is a prime example of why everyone should be more conscious of the way we spend our money. Even though this crisis is put in a global perspective, the lesson learned could be applied to each individual. Money is important and should be spent wisely because who knows what the future could have in store for you.