The beautiful and intriguing Greece lies on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece boasts more than 2,000 idyllic islands and an incredibly long history within its diverse landscape. Greek gods and goddesses and their ancient mythology, dating back from one of the greatest empires to rule planet Earth, still captivate.

Times have changed, and today Greece is immensely different. In Athens, the capital, the Parthenon and the Acropolis are most probably best-known: try and catch the full moon over the Parthenon, this is truly a sight. Lesser known are Hadrian's Library, in the Monastiraki neighbourhood, not far from the Acropolis, where you can see what remains of one of the first libraries in the world. 

Street art ranges from classic graffiti to the modern. Order a drink at the A is For Athens, cocktail bar, and pull up a stool. It's one of the closest viewing points of the Acropolis and perfect for sunset drinks plus, it's a hotel where you could bunk down overnight. Temple of Olympian Zeus is in the centre of the city and one of the largest in Greece.

Go to the beach either on the mainland or visit one of the many mesmerising islands. With plentiful sun-drenched islands, the Greek isles have become a playground for locals and internationals alike. Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Crete are the most popular. There's everything for the active to the sloth in Greece: hiking to biking, relaxing, dropping and flopping or parting all night, then chilling-out in a beach club, looking your best. 

Socialising around food and beverages is a way of life in Greece. From cafes to restaurants, to extended family tables, locals and visitors gather discussing the necessary things in life. In any town, the square is a local meeting point where coffee and yarns are exchanged. As the sun descends, shots of ouzo are shared, choirs sing, and life carries on in captivating Greece.

Best time to visit Greece

Visiting Greece in spring, early summer and autumn are perfect. Avoid the summer crowds from mid-July to the end of August with inflated prices and heatwaves that draws everyone onto a beach unless you have a personal reason to be there at this time of year. Temperatures often reach 43C. If you travel out of season to the islands, check ferry and plane ride schedules as they do change, as does travel into the mountain villages due to snowfalls and accessibility. Easter week is big in Greece, and a lot of accommodation is booked well in advance.