Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, the origin of drama and history and philosophy, the birthplace of democracy.

Athens is the vibrant city with great appeal and charm.

One of the safest and most affordable cities in the world (the least expensive capital in Europe, according to EUROSTAT, the official EU statistical publication ), as well as one of its most beautiful, hospitable and exciting .

Mythology relates that Aegina is named after the daughter of Asopos, who was abducted by Zeus. The god transported her to the then deserted island and fathered a son, Aiakos, who afterwards became one of the three judges of the underworld.

According to archaeological evidence, Aegina was inhabited from the Neolithic era and is considered to be the birthplace of Aristophanes.
Pausanias writes that near the harbour there were temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus and Asclepius.
Nothing of these remains but a single Doric column from the 6th century temple of Apollo on the small picturesque hillock, called "Kolona".

The most important archaeological site lies to the east of the island near Agia Marina, where the temple of Aphaia, a very ancient goddess once patroness of Aegina is situated. The first temple was erected in 570 B.C.and destroyed some sixty years later. The temple whose remains we see today was build on the same spot out of limestone from the vicinity. Traces of the original temple can be seen in the foundations of this Doric building



Salamis lies in the small bay opposite Piraeus, Elefsina and Megara.

The heavy industry in the area has blighted the natural beauty of the island, but its name still evokes its illustrious past. Salamis, birthplace of the tragic poet Euripides, made its mark on history with the famous battle in 480 B.C., when the Greeks routed the fleet of Xerxes, consolidating the Greek miracle.

Today the strait where the battle was fought is plied by the ferries linking Perama and Paloukia.

Pausanias in his guide speaks about Salamis, mentioning the Agora and the ruins of the temple of Aiakos and the related mysteries. He also refers to the Sanctuaries of Asclepius, Dionysus and Artemis. Echoes of the Byzantine era are also present, in the convent of the Virgin Faneromeni and the remarkable frescoes in its church.

Today's tourists will also enjoy the sandy beaches of Iliakti, Moulki, Kanakia and Peristeria

A volcanic island, formed through the union of two smaller islands, Kalouria and Sphaeria. It lies in close proximity to the Argolid, separated from the Peloponnese by an extremely narrow channel.

Archaeology buffs will want to visit the scant remains of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, 5 km. from he town of Poros on the road to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi.

The sanctuary in situated, like so many ancient temples, amidst the most beautiful setting on the island. It dates to the 6th century B.C. and was the centre of the Kalaurian League, a maritime confederation formed by Ermioni, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Aegina, Athens and Orchomenos. It was also a refuge for the shipwrecked and persecuted. It was here that Demosthenes is said to have drunk poison after having been cornered by his enemies in 322 B.C.

Built up the sides of a small hill, the town of Poros has the blue woodwork and white walls so typical of Greek island architecture.

Swimmers will find charming little sandy bays all along the way to Neorio, rimmed with pine trees down to the sea.
The approach to Poros by ferry is especially picturesque.

Crossing to the mainland is made easy by dozens of little boats constantly transporting people from coast to coast. A visit to the Lemon Forest (Lemonodassos) is a favourite excursion from Galatas.

Corfu (Kerkira) is the northernmost island of western Greece. The capital, also called Corfu, has two small harbors with large Venetian fortresses. With Italian, French and English influences evident in its architecture, Corfu is a typical Ionian island town. It is made up of wide avenues and large squares, among them the graceful Spanada or esplanade, cobbled alleyways, arches and colonnades. Recommended sights are the Archaeological Museum, which houses finds from local archaeological excavations, the Museum of Asiatic Art, the Town Hall, a splendid example of Venetian architecture, the 12th century Byzantine Churches of St. Jason and of St. Spyridon. On the western side of the island the roads thread their way through olive and orange groves, pine trees and cypresses. Resorts on Corfu include Kanoni, where a narrow causeway leads to the museum palace the Achilleion, partly converted into a casino, Ipsos and Paleokastritsa.

The largest and most southerly Greek island, Crete is rich in historical remains and scenic variety. Along the northern shores there are modern resorts. Alongside lie the scattered remains of older civilizations - Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches, Venetian castles and sites of more recent struggles. Crete is divided into four prefectures - Hania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos. Heraklion, the largest and busiest town on the island, has a variety of night life and sightseeing to offer. In the prefecture of Heraklion are three of the most important Minoan centers - Knossos, Phaestos and Malia. Crete is well known as the setting for the battle between Thesseus and the Minotaur, and the ruins of Knossos are popularly held to be the site of the labyrinth. East of Heraklion is Aghios Nikolaos, one of the best known holiday resorts on the island. Much of the east coast of Crete has been developed specifically as a tourist area. In Rethymnon there is a well preserved Venetian fort behind the harbor and like the other large towns on the north coast, Venetian influence is apparent in the architecture. Hania, the main town, has a mixture of modern, neo-classical and Venetian architecture. Places to visit are the popular seaside resorts of Platanos, Maleme and Kolimbari; other resorts include Aghia Galini, Hersonissos, Malia, Sitia and Ierapetra.

Mykonos is 95 nautical miles from Piraeus. Renowned for its many windmills, catching the brisk “meltemi” breezes, this barren island is a very popular holiday resort. Mykonos town comprises a modern harbor, whitewashed alleys, churches in the distinctive local Cycladic style, shops selling local arts and crafts, small taverns, cafes and discotheques. The Paraportiani Church near the quay is considered to be an architectural masterpiece. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds excavated from the necropolis on the nearby islet of Rineia. There is also a Museum of Popular Art. Interesting excursions can be made to the monasteries of Aghios Panteleimon, close to Hora, and the Tourliani Monastery at Ano Mera. Beaches range from cosmopolitan to secluded, and include Aghios Stefanos, Kalafatis, Ornos. The best beaches, however, are on the south side of the island and can be reached by caique from Platy Yalos. They are Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. From Mykonos, there is a boat service to the island of Delos.

Rhodes is one of the most popular and best developed islands in the Mediterranean and is 267 nautical miles from Piraeus. The main town, also called Rhodes, lies on the very northern tip of the island. It is made up of two distinct parts, the new town and the old town which stands within the walls of the medieval fortress. The 15th century Knights’ Hospital is now an archaeological museum which houses the celebrated Aphrodite of Rhodes. The Palace of the Grand Master also has a splendid collection. 2km to the west of Rhodes town lies the acropolis of Ancient Rhodes. Many impressive ruins can still be seen, including the Temple of Apollo and a theatre and a stadium, which date back to the 2nd century BC. At Filerimos, 15km (9 miles) from Rhodes, lie the ruins of ancient Ialisos. The view from the acropolis is spectacular. Ancient Kameiros, 25km (16 miles) southwest of Ialisos, is one of the few archaeological sites in Greece where there are many buildings and monuments.

Thira (Santorini) is 127 nautical miles from Piraeus. Vast geological upheavals gave this Cycladic island its unique form-a steep plateau with sheer cliffs which rises from the sea. Because of its height and shape, there is often a warm wind that blows through the island. A cable car, pack mules or donkeys carry visitors up from the harbor of Skala to the island’s capital Thira, a picturesque town with twisting whitewashed alleys, arcades, a museum and an old Frankish quarter. It is also a good vantage point from which to view the Kamenes, two jet black volcanic islets in the bay that can be visited by light craft. There are some interesting archaeological remains in Ancient Thira which has witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Dorians, Romans and Byzantines. There are remains of a cluster of houses, a market place, baths, theaters, temples, tombs and early Christian relics. Akrotiri is also of great interest for the relics of the Minoan civilization which have been excavated there