Editing Tourism in Greece

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{{Economy of Greece}}

'''Tourism in Greece''' has been a key element of the economic activity in the country, and is one of the country's most important sectors. [[Greece]] has been a [[World Tourism rankings|major tourist destination]] and attraction in [[Europe]] since the 1970s for its rich [[Culture of Greece|culture]] and [[History of Greece|history]], which is reflected in large part by its 19 [[List of World Heritage Sites in Southern Europe|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]], among the [[Table of World Heritage Sites by country|most in Europe and the world]]<ref name="Unesco">{{cite web|title=Greece Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List (17)|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gr|website=Unesco}}</ref> as well as for its [[List of countries by length of coastline|long coastline]], many [[island]]s, and beaches.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=NusCmIGiCg8C&pg=PA369&dq=%22Glorious+beaches%22+Greece&ei=DA4JSd-cJ5rStQPLqqyQAg ''Greece''] by Paul Hellander, Kate Armstrong, Michael Clark, Des Hannigan</ref>

[[File:Egremni beach.JPG|thumb|280px|The [[Egremnoi]] [[sand beach]] in the Greek island of [[Lefkada]], noted for its blue crystal waters,<ref>{{cite web|title=13 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the World |url=http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/bluest-water-destinations#intro |publisher=Travel+Leisure |access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> is a popular tourist destination.]]

Greece attracted as many as 33 million visitors in 2023 making it the 10th most visited country in the world.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-most-visited-countries-in-2023/ | title=Visual capitalist. | date=10 June 2024 | accessdate=19 June 2024}}</ref>

Greece is one of [[Europe]]'s most popular [[LGBT tourism|LGBT tourist]] destinations. The [[religious tourism]] and [[pilgrimages]], the [[ecotourism]], the [[business conference|conference]] tourism, and the [[medical tourism]] are prominent, and initiatives are being made to promote the seasonal tourism as well. Some of the country's major tourist destinations include the capital city [[Athens]], the islands of [[Santorini]], [[Mykonos]], [[Rhodes]], [[Corfu]] and [[Crete]], as well as the peninsula of [[Chalkidice]].

== History ==
Tourism in Greece traces its roots to ancient times. Cultural exchange took place between the Greek colonies of Magna Graeca and the young Roman Republic before Rome's rise to dominance of the Western Mediterranean. When [[Greece]] was annexed by the [[Roman Empire]] centuries later, the cultural exchange that started between the two civilizations triggered as a result a large number of [[Tourism in ancient Rome|ancient Roman tourists]] visiting the famous centers of Greek philosophy and science, such as Athens, [[Corinth]] and [[Ancient Thebes (Boeotia)|Thebes]], partly because Greece had become a province of the [[Roman Empire]] and [[Greeks]] were granted [[Roman citizenship]].

Tourism in modern-day Greece started to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, in what became known as [[mass tourism]].<ref name="Greeka">{{cite web |url= http://www.greeka.com/greece/greece-tourism.htm |title=Greece Tourism: Information about tourism in Greece and the Greek Islands |publisher= greeka.com |access-date=17 May 2011}}</ref> During that time, large-scale construction projects for hotels and other such facilities were undertaken, and the country saw an increase in international tourists over the years.<ref name="Greeka" /> International events such as the [[2004 Summer Olympic Games]] and the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2006]], both held in Athens, greatly helped to boost tourism in the country, while large-scale nationally funded cultural infrastructure such as the [[New Acropolis Museum]] also contributed to the flow of tourists in the country. [[Thessaloniki]] was the European Youth Capital in 2014.

{{wide image|SantoriniPartialPano.jpg|800px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of the [[Santorini caldera]], taken from Oia}}

== Land and climate ==
Greece has a Mediterranean climate along its coasts and islands. Once inland, many areas and cities experience a continental climate.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/greece|title=Climate in Greece: temperature, precipitation, when to go, what to pack |website= www.climatestotravel.com |language=en |access-date= 2018-02-19}}</ref>

Summers are usually hot and dry, while winters are generally mild and wet. Northern Greece can experience cold winters, while Southern Greece and the islands experience considerably milder winters.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Greece.htm |title= Climate of the World: Greece {{!}} weatheronline.co.uk |website= www.weatheronline.co.uk |language=en-GB |access-date= 2018-02-19}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
As a developed country highly dependent on tourism, Greece offers a wide variety of tourist facilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1127.html|title=Country Information|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> Tourism infrastructure in Greece has been greatly improved since the [[2004 Athens Olympic Games]] and continues to expand with a number of important projects particularly in areas of less mass-tourism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.costanavarino.com|title=Luxury Resorts and Residences in Greece – Costa Navarino|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref>

===Beach resorts===
{{Location map many | Greece
|relief=
|width=350
|caption =Beach resorts
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|lon1_deg=24.809269
|label1=Crete
|lat2_deg=36.891506
|lon2_deg=27.287723
|label2=Kos
|lat3_deg=39.624262
|lon3_deg=19.921678
|label3=Corfu
|lat4_deg=38.175368
|lon4_deg=20.569218
|label4=Kefalonia
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|lon5_deg=20.899876
|label5=Zante
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|lon6_deg=23.490167
|label6=Skiathos
|lat7_deg=40.053601
|lon7_deg=23.406170
|label7=Halkidiki
}}

Some popular beach resorts include Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zante and Skiathos attracting millions of foreign tourists every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grhotels.gr/GR/BussinessInfo/News/Lists/List/Attachments/408/ENG-GreekTourismHotels2013.pdf|title=Archived copy|access-date=3 June 2018|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918174105/http://www.grhotels.gr/GR/BussinessInfo/News/Lists/List/Attachments/408/ENG-GreekTourismHotels2013.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Hotels and facilities ===
<gallery>
File:Porto Carras Sithonia.jpg|The five-star [[Porto Carras]] Hotel Resort in [[Chalkidiki]] hosted the [[European Union]] leader's summit in 2003
File:Unnamed Road, Kerkira 490 83, Greece - panoramio.jpg|Hotel in [[Corfu]]
File:Imaret Hotel Kavala@20171023 04.jpg|Imaret Hotel in [[Kavala]]
File:Thessaloniki, Greece - panoramio (2).jpg|[[Makedonia Palace]] in [[Thessaloniki]]
File:GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel.jpg|Megaron Hotel in [[Heraklion]]
File:Hotel Pyrgos Mytilinis.JPG|Hotel ''Pyrgos'' in [[Mytilene]]
File:Navarino Dunes panorama.jpg|Costa Navarino in [[Messinia]]
File:Ощущение комфорта и умиротворения. Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort ^ Spa Hotel и несколько вилл. Elounda. Lasithi. Crete. Greece. Июль 2013 - panoramio.jpg|Hotels in [[Elounda]], Crete
File:Sani Resort.jpg|Sani Resort in Sani , [[Chalkidiki]]
File:Kyrimai-hotel.jpg|Kyrimai Hotel in Mani , [[Messenia|Messinia]]

</gallery>

According to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels in 2016, the number of hotels in Greece was by classification (bedplaces):<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grhotels.gr/GR/BussinessInfo/library/DocLib/Total-Country_2016.pdf |title=Ξενοδοχειακό Δυναμικό Ελλάδας 2016 - Σύνολο Χώρας |year=2016 |publisher=grhotels.gr }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Star rating
!Number
!Beds
|-
|5 star
|444
|137,210
|-
|4 star
|1,412
|203,203
|-
|3 star
|2,472
|185,560
|-
|2 star
|3,990
|210,365
|-
|1 star
|1,412
|52,215
|-
!Total
|9,730
|788,553
|}

=== Marinas ===
Greece has 51 [[marinas]] and 14,661 mooring places that provide such services as berths, fuel, water and electricity, telephony, and repairs.

Some of the most developed and busiest marinas in Greece are just a few kilometres from the centre of Athens. The marinas of [[Alimos]] and [[Flisvos]], on the south coast of Athens, have an aggregated capacity of more than 1,800 vessels.

=== Spas and thermal springs ===
Greece has 752 thermal [[spring (hydrosphere)|springs]]. Many have been classified as therapeutic by the National Institute for Geographical and Mineral Research. Several of them were known and exploited already since antiquity. Thermal or curative tourism was, after all, one of the earliest forms of tourism in the ancient world. In 1983 was founded the Hellenic Association of Municipalities with Thermal Springs [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/thermal-springs/geographical-search] Some of these ancient "spa resorts" were situated in [[Aidipsos]], known from the time of [[Aristotle]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/78-thermal-springs-presentation/central-greece/141-aidipsos-en|title=Hellenic Association of Municipalities With Thermal Springs|website=www.thermalsprings.gr|date=6 September 2013 |access-date=7 October 2017}}</ref> Loutraki, mentioned by [[Xenophon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/80-thermal-springs-presentation/peloponnese/158-loutraki-agioi-theodoroi-en|title=Hellenic Association of Municipalities With Thermal Springs|website=www.thermalsprings.gr|date=7 September 2013 |access-date=7 October 2017}}</ref> Traianoupoli [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/83-thermal-springs-presentation/east-macedonia-and-thrace/131-traianoupoli-en], founded by the emperor [[Trajan]] in the 2nd century A.D., whereas some others are attested in the Byzantine period, such as the Thermal baths of Langadas [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/74-thermal-springs-presentation/central-macedonia/118-lagkada-en]. In the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century these hot springs were surrounded by cosmopolitan facilities, namely hotels and restaurants, whereas several prominent members of the society of both the Modern Greek State and the Ottoman State (for regions still incorporated in it) invested in touristic infrastructure and private estates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gODmkfh6iK8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/gODmkfh6iK8| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Sarlitza Palace Hotel, Thermi – Lesvos|last=TheKoProSkila|date=29 November 2012|access-date=7 October 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Thermal tourism became particularly widespread in the 1960s and 1970s, whereas in the 1980s it was widely supported by a social tourism program, which subsidized large part of the expenses for the elderly users of the facilities.
Nowadays, however, there is an urgent need to refurbish, restore and elevate these spas to modern standards and create an international clientele. Visitors, however, can already find high-standard touristic facilities in Pozar [http://www.loutrapozar.net/], in Aidipsos [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/78-thermal-springs-presentation/central-greece/141-aidipsos-en] and in [[Kamena Vourla]] [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/78-thermal-springs-presentation/central-greece/145-kamena-vourla-en], in Loutraki close to Corinth [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/80-thermal-springs-presentation/peloponnese/158-loutraki-agioi-theodoroi-en] as well as at Kaiafas, on the western shores of the Peloponnese [http://www.thermalsprings.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/84-thermal-springs-presentation/west-greece/154-kaiafa-en]. A detailed [[List of spa towns in Greece]] can give an insight in the inexorable richness of thermal springs of the country.

{{wide image|20100728 Corfu island old town panoramic Greece.jpg|800px|View of the city of [[Corfu (city)|Corfu]]}}

==Cultural attractions==
=== Museums ===
{{Expand section|date=May 2011}}

Several kinds of museums are located in the Hellenic Republic. Generally speaking, every major city and town in Greece has its own Archaeological Museum, which houses findings from the nearby area. However, most of them can be found in the big cities like [[Athens]], where the famous [[New Acropolis Museum]] and the [[National Archaeological Museum, Athens|National Archaeological Museum]] are located. Furthermore, there is a vast number of galleries like the [[National Gallery (Athens)]]. There are many museums in [[Thessaloniki]] too, like the Byzantine Museum. Overall, there are approximately 150 museums all over the country which are easily accessible by tourists.

=== Archaeological sites and cities ===
{{Location map many | Greece
|relief=
|width=400
|caption =Selection of significant archaeological sites and cities
|lat1_deg=36.43
|lon1_deg=28.21
|label1=Rhodes
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}}
{{Expand section|date=January 2018}}
[[File:Facade of Philip II tomb Vergina Greece.jpg|thumb|240px|Tomb of [[Philip II of Macedon]] in [[Vergina]]]]
[[File:Greece Cape Sounion BW 2017-10-09 10-12-43.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Greek Temple|Temple]] of [[Poseidon]], [[Sounion|Cape Sounion]]]]
[[File:OlympicRaceTrackOlympia.JPG|thumb|240px|The ancient [[Stadium at Olympia|Olympic Stadium]] in [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]]]]
[[File:Lions-Gate-Mycenae.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Lion Gate]] in [[Mycenae]], [[Peloponnese]]]]
[[File:Ruines of Knossos - panoramio.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Minoan Civilization|Minoan]] palace in [[Knossos]], [[Crete]]]]
[[File:Aeskulapseum 2.JPG|thumb|250px|The [[Asclepeion]] of [[Kos]]]]

There are numerous archaeological sites dotted all around Greece, many of which are popular with tourists.

The Greek capital, [[Athens]], has many archaeological sites, the most famous being the [[Acropolis of Athens|Acropolis]], the [[Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens|Temple of Olympian Zeus]], the [[Kerameikos|Ancient Athenian cemetery of Kerameikos]], the [[Philopappou Hill]], the [[Tower of the Winds]], [[Platonic Academy|Plato's Academy]] and the [[Ancient Agora of Athens|Ancient Agora]].

In the adjacent area of [[Attica]] are the [[Marathon tumuli]], burying mounds in [[Marathon]] that house the ashes of the [[Ancient Athens|Athenian]] and [[Plataean]] hoplites that were killed in the [[Battle of Marathon|homonymous battle]]. Findings from the area and from the battle of Marathon are preserved in the [[Archaeological Museum of Marathon]] nearby. In western Attica is [[Eleusis]], where, from as early as 1700 BC up to the 4th century AD, it was the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, or the Mysteries of Demeter and Kore. At the eastern tip of Attica is [[Sounion]], with the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon.

Central Greece is the location of [[Thebes (Greece)|Thebes]], an ancient city that once rivalled Athens, and featured in [[Greek myth]]. [[Delphi]] has a distinguished ancient theatre, the site of the Oracle. [[Thermopylae]] is primarily known for the battle that took place there in 480 BC, in which an outnumbered Greek force probably of seven thousand (including the famous 300 Spartans) held off a substantially larger force of Persians estimated in the range 70,000-300,000 under Xerxes.

The [[Peloponnese]] peninsula, dominating the south of the mainland, has a wide variety of archaeological sites. Beginning at the north end, there is [[Ancient Corinth]], near the modern town of the same name. In the northeast of the peninsula are [[Epidaurus]], with its ancient theatre, now restored; [[Ancient Argos|Argos]], with several ancient ruins, including the [[Heraion of Argos|Heraion]]; and [[Nemea]], where, in Greek mythology, [[Heracles]] overcame the [[Nemean Lion]] of the Lady [[Hera]], and during Antiquity the [[Nemean Games]] were played. Most important of all, however, is [[Mycenae]], which, in the second millennium BC, was one of the major centres of Greek civilization, a military stronghold which dominated much of southern Greece and parts of southwest Anatolia. The period of Greek history from about 1600 BC to about 1100 BC is called [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean]] in reference to Mycenae. [[Tiryns]], also in the area, is a Mycenaean archaeological site.

In the centre of the Peloponnese are [[Sparta (modern)|Sparta]], where, near the modern town, are ancient ruins, the most important being the tomb of [[Leonidas I|Leonidas]]; [[Tegea]], an important religious center of ancient Greece, containing the Temple of [[Athena Alea]]; and [[Lycosura]], said by Pausanias to be the oldest city in the world.

On the western side of the peninsula are [[Bassae]], an archaeological site in the northeastern part of [[Messenia]]; [[Messene]] itself, the ruins of a large classical city-state refounded by [[Epaminondas]] in 369 BC; and, at Pylos, the ruins of the [[Palace of Nestor]], which is the primary structure within a larger Late Helladic era settlement, likely once surrounded by a fortified wall. In the northwest is [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], with many ancient ruins, including the [[Temple of Zeus, Olympia|Temple of Zeus]], the [[Temple of Hera, Olympia|Temple of Hera]], the [[Palaestra at Olympia|Palaestra]] and the [[Leonidaion]].

Archaeological sites in [[Epirus]], the western part of mainland Greece, include [[Ambracia]], the ruins of the ancient capital of [[Pyrrhus of Epirus]]; [[Dodona]], whose shrine was regarded as the oldest Hellenic oracle, possibly dating to the second millennium BC according to Herodotus; [[Elaea (Epirus)|Elaea]], near the mouth of the [[Acheron]]; and [[Gitanae]]. [[Nicopolis]] or Actia Nicopolis, also in Epirus, was founded 31 BC by Octavian in memory of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium the previous year. In addition, there are the ruins believed by some to be those of the [[Necromanteion of Acheron]], an ancient Greek temple of [[necromancy]] devoted to [[Hades]] and [[Persephone]].

[[Thessaly]], another region of central Greece, has an archaeological site in [[Larissa]], the [[Frourio Hill]], which is the location of an [[First Ancient Theatre, Larissa|ancient theatre]] and the ruins of a [[Basilica of St. Achillios|basilica]].

The second city of Greece, [[Thessaloniki]], is nicknamed the "Co-capital". It has many historic buildings, some [[World Heritage Site]]s, including the [[Arch of Galerius and Rotunda|Arch and Rotunda of Galerius]], the [[Church of Panagia Chalkeon]] and the [[White Tower of Thessaloniki|White Tower]].

In the adjacent region of Macedonia, there is [[Dion, Pieria|Dion]], the sacred place of the Ancient Macedonians. Dion is the site of a large temple dedicated to Zeus, as well as a series of temples to Demeter and to Isis. [[Pella]], also in the region, is the capital of [[Ancient Macedonia]] and birthplace of [[Alexander the Great]] and [[Philip II of Macedon]].

Other archaeological sites in Macedonia include [[Olynthus]] in Chalcidice; [[Philippi]], established by the king of Macedon, Philip II, on the site of the Thracian colony of Krinides or Crenides; [[Amphipolis]], an ancient city once inhabited by the [[Edoni]] people; [[Leibethra]], an ancient city close to [[Mount Olympus|Olympus]] where [[Orpheus]] was buried by the [[Muses]]; [[Stagira (ancient city)|Stagira]], ruins of the ancient city known as the birthplace of [[Aristotle]]; and [[Vergina]], a [[World Heritage Site]], the location of the Macedonian Royal Tombs and the ruins of the ancient Macedonian capital.

[[Thrace]], of which only the western part belongs to modern Greece, has an archaeological site at [[Abdera, Thrace|Abdera]]. [[Didymoteicho]] is a historical town built near the Turkish border which has many Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, including the ruins of the ancient city of Plotinopolis, the Byzantine fortifications built around the town, the [[Bayezid Mosque]] built in 1420 and the Silent Baths, the oldest [[Turkish bath|hamam]] in Europe.

The Greek islands have numerous historical sites of their own. [[Chalcis]] is located on Euboea. [[Delos]] is an uninhabited island in the Cyclades famous for its numerous archaeological sites, including the [[Stoivadeion]], the Temple of the Delians, the Terrace of the Lions and the House of the Dolphins. On [[Syros]], near Piraeus, and linked to the latter by a ferry taking only 2.5 hours, is the neoclassical city of [[Hermoupolis]], where two civilizations and two religions lived harmonically and peacefully together. It has beaches, classical theatre, casino, general hospital and many places to see.

[[Santorini]], one of the Cyclades, is the location of [[Ancient Thera]], an antique city on a ridge of the steep, 360&nbsp;m high Messavouno mountain, and of [[Akrotiri (prehistoric city)|Akrotiri]], a Minoan Bronze Age settlement.

The [[Samothrace temple complex]] is one of the principal Pan-Hellenic religious sanctuaries, located on the island of Samothrace.

[[Crete]], the largest Greek island, has archaeological sites at [[Phaistos]] in the south, [[Zakros]] in the east, and most important of all, [[Knossos]] in the centre, which is famous for its ruined [[Minoan palace]], with bull motifs.

[[Rhodes]], one of the [[Dodecanese]] islands, is the location of the Acropolis of [[Rhodes]], an acropolis dating from the Classical Greek period (5th–3rd century BC); the Acropolis of [[Lindos]], a natural citadel which was fortified successively by the [[Greeks]], the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantines]], the [[Knights of St John]] and the [[Ottoman Turks|Ottomans]]; and the ancient city of [[Kameiros]]. On the nearby island of [[Kos]] is the [[Asclepeion]], the ruins of one of the greatest healing temples of the Ancient World and the place where [[Hippocrates]], the father of modern medicine was trained. On [[Kastellorizo]], the easternmost island of Greece, is the [[Lycian Tomb, Kastellorizo|Lycian Tomb]], a rock cut tomb built by the ancient [[Anatolia]]n civilization of the [[Lycians]].

== Alternate tourism ==

=== LGBT tourism ===
Greece also is one of Europe's most popular [[LGBT tourism|LGBT tourist]] destinations, particularly its largest cities [[Athens]] and [[Thessaloniki]] and some of its islands such as [[Lesbos]], [[Santorini]], [[Skiathos]] and [[Mykonos]].<ref name="LGBTTourismGreece1">{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/greek-islands/practical-information/directory/lgbt-travellers/a/nar/d8dc5428-cad7-46ee-9998-84177ebbf2e3/1336290|title=LGBT Travellers|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="LGBTTourismGreece2">{{cite web|url=https://news.gtp.gr/2017/08/02/gay-september-greece-campaign-highlights-best-lgbt-tourists/|title='Gay September in Greece' Campaign Highlights Country's Best for LGBT Tourists|publisher=GTP|date=2 August 2017|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref> The latter is a well-known [[Gay-friendly]] destination with many establishments catering for the [[LGBT]] community.<ref>Duncan Garwood, Mediterranean Europe, 2009</ref><ref>Lloyd E. Hudman, Richard H. Jackson, Geography of travel and tourism, 2003</ref><ref>Harry Coccossis, Alexandra Mexa, The challenge of tourism carrying capacity assessment: theory and practice, 2004</ref> Skiathos and Mykonos are ranked among the most LGBT-friendly destinations in Europe and the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/most-gay-friendly-countries|title=The 15 most gay-friendly places on the planet|newspaper=Lonely Planet|date=4 June 2021|access-date=9 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jun/23/europe-best-holidays-for-lgbtq-travel|title=10 of Europe's best destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers this Pride season|website=The Guardian|date=23 June 2022|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>

=== Religious tourism ===
Greece is promoting [[religious tourism]] and pilgrimages to regions with a significant historical religious presence, such as the Christian monasteries in [[Meteora]] and [[Mount Athos]], in cooperation with other countries.<ref>{{cite web |title= Greece Focuses on Religious Tourism, Explores Cooperation with Russia |url=http://news.gtp.gr/2016/05/20/greece-focuses-religious-tourism-russia/ |publisher= gtp.gr |access-date=6 March 2017 |date= 2016-05-20 }}</ref>

=== Medical tourism ===
Greece's temperate climate, highly-trained medical staff, and cutting-edge medical innovations also are contributing to the country's [[medical tourism|medical travel industry]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.magazine.medicaltourism.com/article/medical-tourism-market-greece-current-trends-future|title=Medical Tourism Market in Greece: Current Trends and the Future|publisher=MedicalTourism.com|work=Medical Tourism Magazine|access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Ecotourism ===
Greece has become in recent years a destination for [[ecotourism]] (especially [[hiking]], [[canoeing]], [[caving]] and [[climbing]]).<ref>[https://ecoclub.com/headlines/interviews/all-interviews/998-160121-natali-dologlou Interview: Natali Dologlou, MIRC, Greece], 21 January 2016</ref> The main destinations for skiing in Greece are [[Arachova]], [[Kalavryta]], [[Karpenisi]] and [[Metsovo]].<ref>[http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/activities/land_sports/skiing Winter vacations in Greece], on visitgreece.gr</ref>
The Greek government is trying to bring more and more ecotourism to help and save the environment. So tourists and locals alike can have a clean environment.

=== Conference tourism ===
[[Business conference|Conference]] tourism, targeted at academic, business, or cultural markets, is a cornerstone of the Greek national tourism policy. As a result, the Greek government, with strong support from local authorities, has been offering lucrative cash grants, leasing and employment subsidies and tax allowances to establish new conference facilities and expand existing ones. In a recent report in Meeting and Incentive Travel, Greece was ranked eighth in the world in overnight stays for conferences. Figures from the Tourism Satellite Accounting Research, conducted by WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) project a worldwide increase in revenues in business travel to Greece from US$1.51 bn. in 2001 to US$2.69 bn. in 2011. In 1998, the figure stood at US$1.18 bn.

=== Four Seasons & Winter tourism ===
The government intends to promote four seasons & winter tourism in Greece, which could potentially increase international arrivals even further.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.capital.gr/epikairotita/3149450/kountoura-stoxos-i-proothisi-tis-elladas-os-proorismou-tessaron-epoxon|title=Kountoura: The goal is to promote Greece as a destination of four seasons (original: Κουντουρά: Στόχος η προώθηση της Ελλάδας ως προορισμού τεσσάρων εποχών|date=25 August 2016|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

== Economic impact ==
At the same time, tourism consumption increased considerably since the turn of the millennium, from US$17.7 bn. in 2000 to US$29.6 bn. in 2004. The numbers of jobs directly or indirectly related to the tourism [[List of recognized economic sectors|sector]] were 659,719 and represented 16.5% of the country's total employment for that year.

=== Revenues by countries ===

Greece earned €19,746,000,000 (around 11% of the total GDP) through its tourism industry, in 2023.<ref name="insete.gr">{{cite web|title=Στατιστικά Στοιχεία Εισερχόμενου Τουρισμού|url=https://insete.gr/statistika-eiserxomenou-tourismou/|language=el|date=April 2024|access-date=July 27, 2024}}</ref>

The top four countries by revenue (in [[‘000 euros]]) were:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|- style="color:white;"
!  style="width:5px; background:#008B8B;"|Rank
!  style="width:140px; background:#008B8B;"| Country
!  style="width:90px; background:#008B8B;"| Number
|-
|1||{{flagu|Germany}} || €3,571,000 
|-
|2||{{flagu|United Kingdom}} || €3,294,000
|-
|3||{{flagu|France}} || €1,425,000
|-
|4||{{flagu|USA}} || €1,374,000
|-
|5||{{flagu|Italy}} || €1,078,000
|}

== Visitors ==
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In 2009, the country welcomed over 19.3 million tourists,<ref name="Eurostat Tourism table">{{cite web |url= http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/setupModifyTableLayout.do |title=Nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments – regional – annual data |year=2010 |publisher= epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> a major increase from the 17.7 million tourists the country welcomed in 2008.<ref name="Eurostat Tourism">{{cite web |url= http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-HA-10-001-11/EN/KS-HA-10-001-11-EN.PDF |title=Tourism |year=2010 |publisher= epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> The vast majority of tourists in the country are from within the [[European Union]] (12.7 million), followed by those from the [[Americas]] (0.56 million), [[Asia]] (0.52 million), [[Oceania]] (0.1 million) and [[Africa]] (0.06 million).<ref name="A2001">{{cite web |url= http://en.protothema.gr/24-2-mln-tourists-to-greece-in-2014/ |title=24.2 mln tourist arrivals in Greece in 2014 |date=April 2015 |publisher=Proto thema |access-date= 17 July 2015}}</ref> In the year 2007, more [[United Kingdom|British]] people visited the country than any other nationality, numbering 2.61 million in total, making up 15% of the country's tourists for that year alone. Additionally, 2.3 million [[Germans]], 1.8 million [[Albanians]] and 1.1 million [[Bulgarians]] visited the country that year.<ref name="A2001" /> In 2007, 92.8% of the total number of tourists in Greece were from countries in [[Europe]].<ref name="A2001" />

[[File:Pelion Mountail Forrest.jpg|thumb |250px|Forest road in [[Mount Pelion]]]]

The most-visited [[modern regions of Greece|region]] of Greece is that of [[Central Macedonia]] in northern Greece, near some of the most popular attractions in the country such as [[Halkidiki]], [[Mount Olympus]], [[Pella]], the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and Greece's second-largest city, [[Thessaloniki]].<ref name="Eurostat Tourism" /> In 2009, Central Macedonia welcomed 3.6 million tourists, or 18% of the total number of tourists who visited Greece that year,<ref name="Eurostat Tourism" /> followed by [[Attica (region)|Attica]] (2.6 million) and the [[Peloponnese]] (1.8 million).<ref name="Eurostat Tourism table" /> [[Northern Greece]] is the country's most-visited [[Geographic regions of Greece|region]], with 6.5 million tourists, while [[Central Greece (geographic region)|Central Greece]] comes second with 6.3 million.<ref name="Eurostat Tourism table" />

[[File:Prionia olympos greece IMG 7601.jpg|thumb |250px |Mountain lodge in [[Mount Olympus]]]]

According to a survey conducted in China in 2015, Greece was voted as the Chinese people's number one choice as a tourist destination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200506/17/eng20050617_190760.html|title=People's Daily Online -- Minister says Greece, China to be best tourist partners|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> In November 2016, Austria, like China, announced that Greece was the favourite tourist destination for its citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voiceofgreece.gr/OmogeneiaMainNews_en.asp?ID=22066|title=voiceofgreece.gr|website=www.voiceofgreece.gr}}</ref> In line with these observations, Greece's former Minister of Tourism [[Aris Spiliotopoulos]] announced the opening of a [[Greek National Tourism Organization]] office in [[Shanghai]] by the end of 2010, and GNTO currently operates two tourism offices in [[China]], one in [[Shanghai]] and one in [[Beijing]].<ref name="GNTO offices">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgreece.gr/portal/site/eot/menuitem.7f0d4e449429307c12596610451000a0/?vgnextoid=ee7314edd9cfa110VgnVCM100000460014acRCRD& |title=GNTO Offices Abroad |publisher=visitgreece.gr |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> It is estimated that throughout 2013 Greece welcomed over 17.93 million tourists, an increase of 10% compared to 2012.

[[File:Navagio 01.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Navagio]], a sand beach in [[Zakynthos]]]]

More than 22 million tourists visited Greece in 2014 and this number increased to 26 million visitors in 2015 and is projected to attract 28 million visitors in 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://greece.greekreporter.com/2015/08/25/new-record-for-greek-tourism-around-26m-arrivals-in-2015/|title=New Record for Greek Tourism: Around 26M Arrivals in 2015|author=Ioanna Zikakou|date=25 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/1046272/problepseis-gia-neo-rekor-ston-tourismo-to-2016|title=Προβλέψεις για νέο ρεκόρ στον τουρισμό το 2016|date=24 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topontiki.gr/article/141547/istoriko-rekor-gia-ton-toyrismo|title=Ιστορικό ρεκόρ για τον τουρισμό|date=5 September 2015}}</ref> making it one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world.
Tourism in Greece will typically peak between May and September where approximately 75% of all tourist visits happen.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tourism in Greece|url=http://www.greeka.com/greece-travel/tourism.htm|publisher=Greeka.com|access-date=28 March 2014}}</ref>

=== Arrivals by countries ===

In 2023, Germany ranked as the leading tourist market for Greece with approximately 4.7 million tourists visiting the country. UK and Italy followed on the ranking with roughly 4.5 million and 1.8 million travelers in Greece, respectively.<ref name="insete.gr"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insete.gr/statistika-eiserxomenou-tourismou/|title=Στατιστικά Στοιχεία Εισερχόμενου Τουρισμού}}</ref> Traditionally, Germany, UK, Italy, Bulgaria, France and USA have been the main tourist markets for Greece.<ref name="insete.gr" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reporter.gr/Eidhseis/Epicheirhseis/toyrismos/323725-Oi-chwres-proeleyshs-twn-toyristwn-sthn-Ellada-To-Top-15-(pinakas)|title = Οι χώρες προέλευσης των τουριστών στην Ελλάδα-Το Top 15 (πίνακας)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.economistas.gr/oikonomia/20355_kolossos-toy-toyrismoy-i-ellada-sto-21-oi-afixeis-pinakas|title = "Κολοσσός" του τουρισμού η Ελλάδα: Στο +21% οι αφίξεις &#91;πίνακας&#93;| date=9 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.capital.gr/oikonomia/3386944/germaniki-epelasi-ston-tourismo|title=Γερμανική 'επέλαση' στον Τουρισμό}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwc.com/gr/en/publications/greek-thought-leadership/the-next-day-of-greek-tourism-en-long.pdf|title=The next day of Greek Tourism|access-date=December 20, 2023}}</ref> In 2023, the top 10 countries of arrival were:<ref name="insete.gr"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|- style="color:white;"
!  style="width:5px; background:#008B8B;"|Rank
!  style="width:140px; background:#008B8B;"| Country
!  style="width:50px; background:#008B8B;"| Number
|-
|1||{{flagcountry|Germany}} || 4,764,235
|-
|2||{{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} || 4,591,656
|-
|3||{{flagcountry|Bulgaria}} || 2,874,507
|-
|4||{{flagcountry|Italy}} || 1,842,293
|-
|5||{{flagcountry|France}} || 1,830,982
|-
|6||{{flagcountry|Romania}} || 1,415,892
|-
|7||{{flagcountry|USA}} || 1,406,522
|-
|8||{{flagcountry|Poland}} || 1,185,784
|-
|9||{{flagcountry|North Macedonia}} || 1,127,936
|-
|10||{{flagcountry|Netherlands}} || 1,126,617
|-
! colspan=2 | Total Arrivals || 32,735,155
|}

== Promoting Greek tourism ==
[[File:The Acropolis of Athens viewed from the Hill of the Muses (14220794964).jpg|thumb|240px|View of the [[Acropolis of Athens]] from the [[Philopappos Monument|Philopappos Hill]]]]

Tourism in Greece is run by the [[Greek National Tourism Organisation]] (GNTO) who used [[Helena Paparizou]], a famous Greek singer who won [[Eurovision Song Contest]] in 2005 as an [[ambassador]].  Singer [[Sakis Rouvas]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Πρεσβευτής τουρισμού ο... Σάκης Ρουβάς! |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=905204 |website=www.enet.gr |access-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221151951/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=905204 |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |language=el |date=2009-02-18}}</ref> who represented Greece in the 2009 Eurovision song contest, is currently the ambassador for Greek Tourism.

The advertisements displayed in the GNTO's web"site still focus on the triptych of sea, sun and sand.  However, the tourism campaign is undergoing a significant change as city-breaks and conference tourism are promoted, along with cultural and wellness tourism.  The impact of the new campaign will hopefully result in increased tourist revenues. The name of commercials is "[[You in Greece]]".

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Kastoria-Kostur-View.jpg|The city of [[Kastoria]], on the shores of the [[Lake of Kastoria]]
File:The hypocaust of the Great Baths complex, Ancient Dion (7094483903).jpg|Ancient [[Dion, Pieria|Dion]], [[Pieria (regional unit)|Pieria]]
File:Amphipolis Lion.jpg|The [[Lion of Amphipolis]], near the [[Kasta Tomb]]
File:Χιονοδρομικο φαλακρου.jpg|Ski resort in [[Falakro]]
File:Κοιλάδα Τεμπών - Αγία Παρασκευή - Άλσος με θέα τον ποταμό Πηνειό.jpg|[[Tempe valley]]
File:Snow Landscape 27-1-2017-1.jpg|[[Mount Parnassus|Parnassus]] ski resort
File:Platamonas, Pieria prefecture, Greece.jpg|[[Platamon Castle]]
File:Metsovo village, Northen Greece.jpg|The Epirote town of [[Metsovo]]
File:Mountains to the North.jpg|[[Pindus National Park]] in [[Mainland Greece]]
File:Dodona Theater - Gallery version.jpg|The ancient theatre at [[Dodona]], [[Epirus]]
File:Corfu, Greece - panoramio (86).jpg|[[Palace of St. Michael and St. George]], [[Corfu (city)]]
File:Pargapanorama.jpg|Overview of [[Parga]], on the [[Ionian Sea|Ionian coast]]
File:Port Mytilene.jpg|The town of [[Mytilene]], in [[Lesbos]] island
File:Grandpalace3.JPG|[[Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes|Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights]], in [[Rhodes]] island
File:Pyrgichios.jpg|[[Mastichochoria]], in [[Chios]] island
File:Greece meteora monasteries.JPG|The [[Meteora]] in [[Thessaly]]
File:Delphi tholos cazzul.JPG|View of the archeological site of [[Delphi]]
File:Acheron River%27s Canyon.png|Canoeing in river [[Acheron]] in [[Epirus]]
File:20090727 epidavros12.jpg|The ancient theatre of [[Epidaurus]]
File:Mystras palace 1.jpg|The Palace of [[Mystras]], [[Peloponnese]]
File:Ancient theatre of Sparta 01.jpg|Theater of [[Sparta|ancient Sparta]], with [[Sparti|modern Sparta]] and [[Taygetus|Mt. Taygetus]] in the background
File:Vathia Mani Greece 2.jpg|Towerhouses of [[Vatheia]], [[Mani peninsula]].
File:Monemvasia - Rock.jpg|The Rock of [[Monemvasia]]
Posidonos, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece - panoramio (1).jpg|[[Ermoupoli]], on [[Syros]] island, [[Cyclades]]
File:City of Naxos.jpg|[[Naxos (city)]], on [[Naxos]] island, [[Cyclades]]
File:Lindos Rhodes.jpg|View of [[Lindos]], [[Rhodes]] island
File:Koules Fortress in Heraklion.jpg|The port of the city of [[Heraklion]], [[Crete]]
File:Ναύπλιο 7797.jpg|The city of [[Nafplio]]
File:Thessaloniki (5).JPG|[[Greek restaurant]]s in [[Ladadika]], [[Thessaloniki]]
File:Simi 1.jpg|[[Symi]] island, South Aegean
File:Milos 029.jpg|[[Sarakiniko Beach]] in [[Milos]] island, Cyclades
File:Imaret,_Kavala.JPG|[[Imaret (Kavala)|Imaret]] complex in [[Kavala]].
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[Laiki agora]]<!--This link is here because laikes agores is a good place to meet local Greek people in an everyday situation and the City of Athens government in their website's section "for visitors" recommends tourists to visit laikes agores in order to understand the authentic local culture.-->

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Greece}}
*[https://www.visitgreece.gr/  Visit Greece official website] {{in lang|el|en}}
*[https://www.gtp.gr/Default.asp?lng=2  Greek Travel Pages] {{in lang|el|en}}
*[https://travel.gov.gr/#/  Protocol for Arrivals in Greece, Passenger Locator Form]  

{{Greece topics}}
{{Tourism in Europe}}

[[Category:Tourism in Greece| ]]
[[Category:Tourism in Europe by country|Greece]]