Think of Greece as a big eclectic family, each region and archipelago with its own distinct and lovable personality. Are you on the hunt for a secluded beach to while away the afternoon? A postcard-perfect village to explore? Or something far more adventurous? Let yourself be charmed by the wizened beauty of ancient monuments and colorful stories from centuries ago. You've heard of the legendary Acropolis in Athens, but the Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki, the medieval streets of Rhodes, and the mountain-perched monasteries of Metéora are also well-worth the visit. Though this destination is filled with remnants of its long history, it is also brimming with vitality. They do say the Mediterranean diet may be the secret to a long life. Island hopping across the Aegean and Ionian seas is something of a traveler's rite of passage. Santorini's whitewashed towns and Mykonos's nightlife may be fan favorites but there are plenty (thousands, actually) of off-the-beaten-coast isles to discover. Wherever you venture, Greece will delight you with its spectacular scenery and charismatic inhabitants. Welcome to your big fat Greek vacation.

The Natural Wonders of Northern Greece

Odysseus lingered 10 years before coming home; Byron fell in love with the land and people; Lawrence Durrell wrote lyrically of island life: Greece seems to inspire all who come here. While it is commonly associated with blue seascapes and whitewashed villages, Greece, with a rugged Balkan hinterland, architecture from classical to modern periods and islands dotted across three seas, exhibits stunning diversity. There are olive groves, Chios’ mastic villages, ancient Athens, crimson poppies every April, hirsute priests, old men sitting for hours over a single coffee, and ferries nudging into rickety piers. Many visitors come seeking sun and sea, but are smitten by the hospitality of the Greeks and find they are as captivated as all who went before.

Greece seems to inspire all who come here

Island hopping across the Aegean and Ionian seas is something of a traveler's rite of passage. Santorini's whitewashed towns and Mykonos's nightlife may be fan favorites but there are plenty (thousands, actually) of off-the-beaten-coast isles to discover. Welcome to your big fat Greek vacation.

Customized travel to Greece. Island hop to Santorini, visit the Parthenon in Athens, or go snorkeling in Zákynthos. Local travel. Responsible travel.