Greece
in Europe

A stunning, ancient city, Athens has seen many, many stories unfold. It also plays host to urban-chic bars, buzzy cafés and vibrant nightlife. Go for the ruins but stay for the groovy youth culture.

Two hundred and twenty islands scattered across the Aegean, each one slightly different from the last. Santorini has the caldera and the crowds that come with it. Mykonos has the parties and the prices. But the Cyclades are far more than their most famous members: Naxos with its marble mountains and excellent local cheese, Folegandros clinging to a clifftop above a sea that has no bottom you can see, Sifnos with the finest food in the archipelago and a walking trail that connects the whole island in a day. The logic of island-hopping takes hold quickly. A ferry, a taverna on the harbour, a room with a view of the water. It is a formula that does not get old.

Scattered between mainland Greece and the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese islands offer a captivating blend of history, spirituality and understated glamour. From the monastery-crowned island of Patmos and elegant Symi to colourful Halki and medieval Rhodes, this archipelago rewards travellers seeking authenticity, crystal-clear waters and a slower, more contemplative pace of life.

Halkidiki, just south of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, is a three-pronged peninsula stretching into the Aegean Sea. Kassandra, the more visited of the three, is known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. At the opposite end lies Mount Athos, a monastic state with restricted access, where boat trips paddle along its shores and stop by historic towns such as Ouranoupoli, and the nearby Ammouliani Island. Sandwiched between the two is Sithonia, where winding coastal roads weave through pine forests and lead to secluded coves – making it a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

Facing Italy rather than Turkey, the Ionian Islands offer a greener, gentler side of Greece. Think Venetian architecture, cypress-covered hills and impossibly turquoise water. From sophisticated Corfu and laid-back Paxos to dramatic Zakynthos and rugged Kefalonia, the islands are ideal for sailing, beach-hopping and long lunches by the sea.

The Peloponnese, a stunning region in southern Greece, is a land of ancient legends and natural beauty. With iconic sites like Mycenae and Olympia nestled in its arms, it's riddled with history. Expect diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to sun-kissed beaches.