Greece

Greece sits in southeastern Europe and consists of a mountainous mainland and over 6,000 islands, around 200 of which are inhabited. It’s widely recognised as the cradle of Western civilisation, with ancient sites like the Acropolis, Delphi, and Knossos drawing millions each year. Athens is the capital and largest city, known for its mix of ancient ruins and modern life. Greece is part of the EU and the Schengen Area and uses the euro. Greek is the official language, though English is commonly spoken in tourist destinations. The country has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The islands are popular for beaches, sunsets, and traditional whitewashed villages, with Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete among the most visited. Ferries connect the islands, and domestic flights are common for longer distances. Mainland highlights include Meteora, Thessaloniki, and the Peloponnese. Greek food is central to the travel experience, featuring olive oil, grilled meats, and seafood. Greece combines culture, history, and natural beauty with accessible tourism and relatively low costs.