Greece

Greece, cradle of democracy, birthplace of western civilisation and modern medicine, and the origin of drama and philosophy, with over 5,000 years of history and culture, it truly is the world’s greatest outdoor museum.  How different would today’s life be without the influence of Ancient Greece, from the geometry of Euclides or Pythagoras to the logic of Aristotle, from the fables of Aesop to the unique architectural style that influenced the world? Think of the Greek language that has enriched other languages with so many words and concepts, like psychology, philanthropy, harmony, architecture, and thousands of others.  AND THEN, of course... there are the Olympic Games.

The birthplace of democracy, Athens offers the visitor the benefits of two worlds: the strong echoes of the past combined with the characteristics of a modern city. Athens is lively and vibrant from dusk till dawn, 24/7.

Walking on the rock of the Acropolis, with its breath-taking Parthenon (the peak of a man’s ability for architectural creation), the theatre of Dionysus and the wonderful Greek and Roman Agora, is an awe-inspiring experience that has been drawing travellers to Athens for more than two thousand years.

The Greek islands have been an important part of Greece since ancient times, from Rhodes, the island that was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to Ithaca, the famous home of Ulysses, the hero of the Trojan War, and hundreds more.

Today, the Greek islands are more famous than ever. With hundreds of islands to explore, each one uniquely different from its neighbour. From dry barren islands such as Kea to lush Greek islands such as Kerkira (Corfu).  From holy islands like Patmos and Tinos to jet set party islands like Mykonos.  And of course, the breath-takingly beautiful island of Santorini, the fabled lost continent of Atlantis, is an unforgettable experience, with its sheer cliffs leading down to the sparkling waters of the Aegean.

Greece. A word that conjures up images of sparkling blue waters, sun drenched beaches, white-washed island houses, colourful sunsets and lazy afternoons.

Photos by FOTOLIA & GNTO / K. Kouzouni & H. Kakarouhas & E. Fili