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.

Crete is the most popular tourist destination in Greece. It is best known as the center of the Minoan civilization (ca. 2600-1400 BCE), the oldest civilization in Europe. The temples and palaces they built were the basis of many myths. The main attractions include the Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian castle in Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches. Don't miss the town of Paleochora, one of the most relaxing places in the world, and the Samaria gorge.

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.

Part of the Cyclades islands, Mykonos is a top European summer destination, offering magnificent beaches and scuba diving centers. The main town in the island is Hora, an architectural landmark where you can admire the nice Alefkandra area, called the "Little Venice". You can enjoy careless walks on the maze of alleys, as motorized traffic is prohibited in Hora. The nightlife is an essential Mykonian attraction, made of famous clubs and taverns, like the beach bars of Paradise and Paranga.

As a central island among the Cyclades, Paros is a stop for all the ferries traveling to Santorini or Naxos. Paros itself offers nice places to the tourists: beaches and excellent scuba diving, windsurfing and horse riding opportunities. Parikia is the main town of Paros, where you can admire the remarkable Church of Ekatontapliani and the nearby Butterfly Valley. Charming towns and villages deserve to be seen; the old fishing village of Naoussa is a top destination, hosting a Venetian castle.

This island of sun generously offers over 300 days of sunshine yearly. The cleanest Aegean beaches and splendid natural spots make Rhodes a perfect holiday choice. The capital Rhodes is a combination of modern and ancient, as it keeps untouched scars from all the invaders. The Mediterranean climate suits a rich flora and fauna in the inhabited mountains; specifically beautiful are the butterflies - tiger moths. High points offering nice views are the acropolis in Lindos and the Mount Attavyros.

This island in the Dodecanese has a rich history of about 10,000 years. Among the ancient touristic attractions, the main is Asklepion - the famous centre where the father of medicine Hippocrates taught and worked. The capital is also called Kos and it's both an historical and modern town - with many archaeological sites opened in the streets and many resorts along the coasts. Beside the Asklepion, you can also see a medieval fortress at the harbor and the Hippocratic Institute and Museum.

Corfu is an Ionian Island located between mainland Greece and Italy, especially popular with British tourists. The interior of the island has lush vegetation and gentle slopes, modest villages and farms, and countless olive and fruit trees. Corfu is steeped in history and it is perennially connected to the history of Greece starting from Greek mythology. Its history is full of battles and conquests. The island of Corfu is a good starting point for a trip to Ionian. This beautiful island is home to the Ionian University.

Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Istanbul is home to a layering of civilization on civilization, of empire built on empire. A stroll through this historic city will reveal ancient Roman hippodromes, peristyles, and aqueducts, the greatest excesses of the Byzantine Empire and the mystique and power of the Ottoman Empire. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem; and hunt for bargains in the Kapali Çarsi.