Greece Travel Guide

The birthplace of Western Civilization, Greece is a fusion of both the Old World and New World. Although known for hosting the first Olympics, Greece has been popular for years on the traveler's circuit, known for not only its white-washed party islands, but also its hundreds of famous sites like the Acropolis, Crete, Santorini, Delphi, and many ancient medieval cities. If you take the time to explore Greece, and get away from the travelers circuit, you are bound to find her heart and beauty.

For many, the heart and beauty are centered around the water. Greece's waterscapes are among the most pleasant in the world. With house-stream cliffs that jut straight into the sea, even the smallest and most obscure Greek town can be a sight to behold. Many choose to get a glimpse from the water itself as they travel from one island to another, each with a unique personality and flavor.

What to do

Athens is sprawling and hectic, but it's a must-see for any visitor. The Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum can be seen nicely in two days, with plenty of time to wander the shopping streets and soak in the pleasant vibe, but then get out and head to...

The Greek Islands are known as much for their summer party atmosphere as they are for their archeology and history. It's easy to get a mix of both on even a short stay. Reaching them is easy as the main Athens harbor of Piraeus is only 30 minutes out of the city on the subway line. From there ferries leave to all the islands daily, but only in season.

Getting there

From abroad you'll want to fly into Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (code: ATH), which is a major hub for the entire region and often has low fares. From within Europe you can also fly directly into Heraklion International Airport (code: HER) on Crete. Greece is also reachable on trains so it's a good stop for Eurail Pass holders.

Where to stay

There are hotels and hostels aplenty in Greece. Just be forewarned that some of the hostels can be a real party scene.