Greece, officially named Hellenic Republic, and unofficial called the Cradle of Western Civilization, is located in south-eastern Europe at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula.

History

The origins of Greece can be traced through Crete right back to the Neolithic Period. Starting with the Minoan and Mycenaean Kingdoms in 6000 B. C. and followed by the Dark Ages from 500 to 146 B. C.

There were the well known Classical and Hellenistic Periods in Greece during which it prospered greatly and produced figures like Plato and Socrates. It was during this time that the Pantheon and Acropolis were constructed in Athens.

Evidence of the Roman invasion after this point can be found in the art and architecture as well as a merging of the mythologies of the two different peoples.

After being ruled by Byzantines and Turks, Greece finally declared its war for independence in 1821.

Local Features

In Greece you will find history, culture, food, and wine everywhere. Greece is one of the few places that you can without planning any tourist itinerary. Almost anywhere you end up, even by mistake, and will be a spot that is somehow related to some historical event or person.

The peak tourist season is in July and August and most visitors should get their bookings done in advance. For a more relaxed and less crowded visit, consider making plans for May or June.

What to visit

There are always main tourists spots like the Pantheon to visit in Greece. For example, Meteora is a town in the Thessaly area that has some really wonderful cliff-top monasteries that were only reached by oddly placed ladders and ropes in the old days. Modern day visitors either use the steps that are etched into the stones, or, if they are the daring type, they will go rock climbing.

If you want to get close to the gods (according to the Greeks) then you should visit Delphi. Another good place to visit is the former capital of Greece, Nafplio. Within a short range are the Mycenae civilization and the famous Epidaurus theatre.

There are 1400 islands around Greece that you can explore. A lot of the local history is woven around the seven island clusters. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey follow the very beaches that you can visit today.

Crete and Santorini are another two very popular tourist destinations.

When you are done with all of that, it is time to move on the island of Mykonos, or Party Island. This island is part of the Cyclades Greek Islands and over here you can follow the example of Dionysus and indulge in song, dance, and spirits.