Visit Greece this Summer | Exotic moments in the Greek Islands

#Greece is an exotic country in southeastern Europe with thousands of #islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, ideal for unforgettable summer #vacation. Influential in ancient times, it's often called the cradle of Western civilization. #Athens, its capital, retains landmarks including the 5th-century B.C. #Acropolis citadel with the #Parthenon temple. Greece is also known for its #beaches, from the black sands of #Santorini to the party resorts of #Mykonos. Welcome to Greece. #Hedonists rejoice! Greece is ancient sun-bleached ruins piercing blue skies, the balmy Aegean lapping an endless coastline and a culture alive with passionate #music, wonderful #cuisine and thrill-seeking #activities. Cultural Treasure The roots of Western culture are in Greece. Step into the ring where Olympians first competed. Climb steps hewn out of stone to #Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop towering rocks. Contemplate the oracle’s insights from the grandeur of #Delphi, take in a starlit drama at an ancient outdoor theatre and be stunned by massive marble sculptures dredged up from the Aegean. Greece has endless cultural pursuits and a calendar bursting with #festivals, #holidays and exhibits. Wildly Natural Whether you're a serious adrenalin junkie or dedicated beach bum, Greece delivers. Days melt from one to the next under wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands fringed with the white-sand, pine-tree shade beaches of your dreams. Wander along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike up #volcanoes, watch for #dolphins and sea turtles, and cycle through lush forests. Meander through olive groves, idyllic villages and petrified forests. Thrill seekers will discover world-class kitesurfing, wreck diving, and rock-climbing locations with dizzying views. Or simply hop on a boat and set sail into the glittering blue beyond. Local Flavours The core ingredients of Greek cooking are often found in the chef's garden. Feta and olive oil are universal across the country, but unique regional produce and cooking styles make travelling here a culinary adventure. Taste herbs and mountain greens you've never heard of, mussels steamed in ouzo, bread baked with olives, and fish straight from the sea. Taste-test crumbling feta, honeyed soft cheeses and sharp, hard rounds. Find Italian influences in risottos and pastas and Turkish spices woven into delicate sweets. A traditional-cooking renaissance has chefs lifting time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights. Socially Spirited Socialising is more than a pastime in Greece – it's a way of life. Cafes overflow with youngsters gossiping or older locals in heated debate. Restaurants are filled with long tables for big gatherings and friends amble arm in arm down the street. Squares are the focal point, where life unfolds collectively. Immerse yourself, whether it's a coffee, a shot of ouzo, a chorus on the bouzouki or a local celebration. Greeks are passionate and live life to the fullest, even at the most difficult times. The result is a country seemingly riddled with challenges, yet full of people loving life. #Hydra Idyllic island getaway, convenient to Athens and the #Peloponnese, with picturesque harbor, casual beaches, enticing coastal hikes, and no cars (but plenty of donkeys). #Nafplio Greece's first capital and finest midsized town, with a cozy port, an elegant Old Town, a cliff-topping fortress, and energetic street life; handy to nearby ancient sites (#Mycenae and #Epidavros). #Olympia Birthplace of the Olympic Games, with stunning temple ruins, a still-functional stadium, and an intimate museum of ancient masterpieces. #Monemvasia Greece's #Gibraltar-like fortress on an imposing rock peninsula jutting out into the sea, blending Venetian and Byzantine charm, traffic-free cobbled lanes, and million-dollar views. Delphi Mountainside draped with the Sanctuary of #Apollo and other once-grandiose structures, where ancients came to consult the oracle. Mykonos Quintessential (and very popular) Greek isle with postcard-perfect whitewashed village, old-fashioned windmills, and pulsating nightlife; ruins on nearby #Delos mark the birthplace of Apollo and a once-mighty shipping center. Santorini Romantic island destination built on the remains of a volcano crater, renowned for cliff-clinging white villages punctuated by blue-domed churches, volcanic black-sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets. Mycenae Legendary mountaintop palace/fortress with iconic Lion Gate, massive beehive tomb, and mythic links to the Trojan War. #Mani Peninsula Remote, rustic region with dramatic hill towns, spectacular caves (Pyrgos Dirou), and breathtaking jagged coastlines.