Athens was named after Athena the goddess of wisdom. Scented with mythology, Athens is a sociable city enlivened by outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks, gardens and urban eccentrics. Almost every house and apartment has a balcony bulging with ge ... more

Athens was named after Athena the goddess of wisdom. Scented with mythology, Athens is a sociable city enlivened by outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks, gardens and urban eccentrics. Almost every house and apartment has a balcony bulging with geraniums, and many of the city's streets and squares are fringed with orange trees. Even though you've probably come here to see the "glory that was Greece," perhaps best symbolized by the Parthenon and the superb statues and vases in the National Archaeological Museum, your best moments may come sitting at a small cafe, sipping a tiny cup of the sweet coffee.  (close)

Founded in 824 AD by an Arabic Muslim people, Iraklion is home to the world's only comprehensive collection of Minoan artifacts. It has magnificent fortified walls and several other testimonies to the Venetians' time of power. Iraklion is close to th ... more

Founded in 824 AD by an Arabic Muslim people, Iraklion is home to the world's only comprehensive collection of Minoan artifacts. It has magnificent fortified walls and several other testimonies to the Venetians' time of power. Iraklion is close to the ruins of the palace of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the biggest centre of population on Crete. Iraklion is also big enough, it is the 6th-largest city in Greece and confident enough to have its own identity as a busy modern city.  (close)

This volcanic archipelago is among the most spectacular worldwide. The largest island is Thera, host of a giant central lagoon surrounded by high cliffs on three sides and the small island Therasia on the fourth. A magnificent view is offered by Sant ... more

This volcanic archipelago is among the most spectacular worldwide. The largest island is Thera, host of a giant central lagoon surrounded by high cliffs on three sides and the small island Therasia on the fourth. A magnificent view is offered by Santorini cities, from the top of the cliff over the entire lagoon, which is in fact a caldera left by a huge volcanic eruption 3500 years ago. A legend relates this eruption to the lost Atlantis. A real wonder of Santorini is the town of Akrotiri, covered by lava, but incredibly preserved under it.  (close)