Greece

Destination overview

About this destination

Greece lies in southeastern Europe and includes a mainland peninsula and many islands. Athens is its capital and preserves major monuments of the ancient Greek world. Mountains occupy much of the mainland.

The Aegean and Ionian seas give the country a strong maritime character. Island landscapes range from dry Cycladic hills to greener western shores. Orthodox churches, monasteries and traditional villages reflect later chapters of its history.

Greek is the national language. Local food, olive cultivation and long-standing connections between ports and islands add everyday context to the country's widely recognised archaeological heritage.