Greece Travel Guide
The birthplace of modern civilization
Western society owes much to Greece. Democracy, the Olympics, philosophy, theater, architecture and mathematics all began in Ancient Greece. Today, Greece offers travelers an intriguing mix of ancient culture, familiar myths and modern conveniences, all against a backdrop of unparalleled landmarks.
Sun-drenched Greece stretches from continental Europe to the island of Crete, speckling the surrounding seas with almost 2000 islands. With dry mountain ranges, tiny islands and whitewashed buildings contrasting with cloudless blue skies, Greece is surprisingly like its postcards.
While Greece has many regions, the most traveled are:
- Mainland - Covering a wide range of geography and cultural landmarks, the mainland offers travelers olive groves, mountains, plains and rocky cliffs with stunning ocean views. Highlights include Athens, Delphi, Mount Olympus and the mountaintop monasteries of the Meteora
- North Aegean Islands - Beautiful beaches, mountain villages and a bounty of grapes, olives and honey make these islands popular travel destinations. If you want a more authentic Greek experience, head to the relatively remote islands of Samos, Chios, Lemnos or Lesbos. They're less crowded with tourists, but be warned: the locals won't be as familiar with English.
- Cyclades - The most photographed islands in the country, these are the quintessential Greek islands with blue domes, windmills and whitewashed communities clinging to cliffs. While Mykonos, Naxos and Paros have much to offer the island hopper, Santorini (called Thira by the locals) is the jewel.
- Crete - Large numbers apply to Crete. It has 8000 years of history, covers more than 3000 square miles and attracts millions of tourists. To get the most out of its spectacular mountains, captivating caves and unbelievably deep gorges, head for the small villages.
- Dodecanese Islands - This Greek archipelago is ideal for island hopping. While only 14 of the 32 islands are inhabited, most tourists visit Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. A mix of ancient ruins and medieval castles will appeal to history buffs. While harder to reach, the beautiful bay and quiet beaches of Symi are welcome respite from the summer crowds.
- Ionian Islands - More lush and temperate than the rest of the country, these islands offer relief from the endless Greek sun. Corfu, Paxos and Ithaca are the best known, offering spicy cuisine and landscapes more reminiscent of Italy than Greece.
No matter where you choose to stay, the Ministry of Tourism can help. Whether you need information about accommodations, car rentals or tours, this is a great place to start planning your Greek vacation.
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