Greece and Crete What hasn't Greece invented? Arts, architecture, culture, this trip to the roots of civilization offers you unique accounts to contemplate. Add to this, unmatched pleasures of life between the sun and the sea and you have Greece.

Photos: The National Hellenic Office
Texts: Jérôme Bourgine
Adaptation: Christophe Cusseau

The 5 must-sees of Greece and Crete:

1. Athens, the cradle of occidental civilization: the Acropolis and Cape Sounion first, then, the most enchanting temples: the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, the Athena Nike, and special mention to the archaeology museum.
2. The Peloponnese: Delphi, The Epidaurus theatre, Olympia, Mycenae, Larnax, and on the scenic side: the Arcadia Mountains and the magnificent coasts of the south.
3. "Countries of the Three Seas" (the Mediteranean, the Ageon and the Ionian), Greece offers a perfect sea, bright, hot and transparent. Go swimming, diving and do some contemplating on the Arcadian coast and all of the islands.
4. Among them all, the Cyclades offers the most unique pleasures of life. Mykonos, the most celebrated, Santorine, Paros or Naxos. Not to mention, the white houses, blue skies and seas… the good life.
5. In Crete, the mythical Minotaur (Heraklion, Knossos), natural sites (the groove of Aradena and Samaria), the vast beaches (Matala, Ambelos, Elafonissi, Paleohora...) and the famous Aeolians from the Lassithi plateau.

Other Sites Worth Seeing:

The wild and maintained countryside of Mount Athos, the sacred mountain covered with monasteries.

• The Vagabond Crete: Byzantine churches, monasteries and small mountain villages.
• Around Neopolis, the beautiful Argolide region: monasteries of Mystra, the small fishing ports. Serenity...
• The Islands of Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos and Patmos...for a beautiful suntan in a seaside paradise.
• In Thessaly, on the continent, mount Pelion and its magical jaunts.

The Address:

Agios Nikolaos, in Crete, one of those rare "deluxe at a fair price" restaurants. You can dine exquisitely in a delicious garden: The Mediterraneo.

Daily Life:

On the menu: Calamari and grilled octopus served with ouzo (aniseed-flavoured spirit), Tzatziki and Greek salad for its freshness. Dolmades (vine leaves), moussaka stuffed in different styles, souvlaki (brochettes with herbs) and keftedes (meatballs with mint and oregano). Everything washed down with fine wine.

Where to Stay: A large range of hotels to serve you, but you can rent a family room that offers the possibility of really discovering Greek hospitality.

Getting Around: Airplanes are necessary, while motorboats are pleasant between the islands. You can rent a car in Crete.

Having Fun: Nightclubs in Athens and seaside resorts. Enjoy evenings in the taverns with the sound of Greek music.

Bring Back:

• Pottery and ceramics
• Icon reproductions
• Virgin olive oil and honey
• Antique silver jewelry duplicates
• Jackets and different bags, crochet or weaved rugs
• Leather objects and the traditional komboloï (pearl-rosaries)

You will enjoy Greece and Crete for:

Relaxation: the amateurs of idleness (sun, sand and sea) are home… and if you enjoy partying!

Civilization: Archaeological sites, sacred architectural treasures, a cultural and regenerating experience promising a successful trip.

Discovery: wandering off the beaten track in Greece is always rewarding: natural sites, desert beaches, small villages and time stands still...

Personal Opinion:

Greece is a classic. The miracle is that it succeeds in remaining a heart-warming destination. The everlasting re-enchantment between the sun and the sea...

We'd like to hear your opinion. Tell us what you think of this destination.