Isolated white sand beaches on the Aegean Sea, brooding ancient temples towering over the cities and countryside, little seaside cafes serving strong coffee…welcome to Greece. With borders on three seas (the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian), Greece has a warm, salty feel with a relaxed pace of life that seems to come naturally in seaside locales. Enjoy a walk through the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, munch a gyro from a street vendor, or walk along the cliffs enjoying a light breeze.

Greek is the official language and the Greek alphabet is used on signs throughout the country. English speakers abound, but a working knowledge of the Greek alphabet and a few key phrases is helpful.

Greek cuisine is Mediterranean with liberal use of grains, fresh vegetables, and fish. Greeks make liberal use of olives and olive oil, tomatoes, lemon, yogurt, and mint. Italian and Turkish cuisines have left their mark on Greek cuisine, which combines the best of both and adds a unique Greek flair.

As in much of Europe, breakfasts are often a coffee and pastry. In Greece, these pastries can be sweet or savory; spanakopita (spinach turnover), bougatasa (custard pie), and tiropita (cheese pie) are traditional favorites. Pastries are also popular for dessert, Baklava (pastry with honey and nuts) is a delicate sweet sometimes flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other ingredients.

Ancient Greece was one of the history’s great civilizations and the cradle of West civilization. Evidence of this history is everywhere. Greece’s most famous monument is the Parthenon, located in Athens. The Parthenon is the largest temple on the Acropolis, the ancient city of Athens, which towers high above the current city of Athens. The Parthenon was originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. On the Acropolis, you’ll also find many other monuments and the New Acropolis Museum.

Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is the home of the Olympian gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite, and others) in Greek mythology. Travelers in good health can hike much of Mount Olympus, but the final ascent to Mitikas summit is a technical climb requiring special equipment and experience.

In Rhodes, you can travel forward in time from ancient Greece for a while to explore the medieval streets and Gothic churches. Rhodes Old Town in one of the best preserved walled medieval towns in Europe. You’ll also find the Acropolis of Rhodes, the ruins of the ancient city, within a few kilometers of the Old Town.

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