Greece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. The mainland consists of the following regions: Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) and Thrace (northwest). Euboea, the second largest of the Greek islands, lying to the east of the central region, is also considered to be part of the mainland region.

Athens is in the region of Attica, which is characterised by calm beaches, and the pinewoods and thyme-covered slopes of Mount Parnes, Hymettus and Pentelico. The city of Athens is dominated by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis, site of the 2400-year-old Parthenon (one of the most famous classical monuments in the world), the Theatre of Dionysius, the Doric Temple of Heiphaistos, the Roman Forum and Hadrian's Arch.

Olympia, the original site of the games and the place where the flame is still lit, can be reached by the mountain road from Kalavrita. Other attractions include the ruins of Atlas, a museum of the Olympic Games and two archaeological museums. The majority of visitors flock to Greece each year to enjoy the beauty and individuality of the country's Islands - the whitewashed houses spilling down to the harbour, the stunning beaches, the ancient ruins of Roman temples. The Dodecanese islands lie to the southeast of the Greek mainland. Rhodes is one of the most popular and best-developed islands in this chain offering international-class hotels, varied nightlife, sports facilities and duty-free shopping. Crete is the largest and most southerly island with remains of Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches and Venetian castles. It has several lively resorts but its beauty and architectural treasures appeal to the independent traveller also.

BACK