Originally Posted by the flyingenglishman
TR,
I am not sure if it is still this way today, maybe someone else will know.
Flying Englishman.
It still is this way because controlled airspace in LGGG FIR is only the one within the airways. So en route ATCO's are uncomfortable with clearing sortcuts that bring you off airways.
APP ATCO's will do all the stuff you expect and they are very good. APP terminal radars are curently fully operational in Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Iraklion and Kerkyra.
Apart from the above cities (airports) all the rest is procedural approach ATC.