Greece, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The country in the south of the Balkan Peninsula with its numerous island groups has an eventful past, which has strongly influenced today's life in Europe. Countless ancient ruins and sites still bear witness to the colourful history of the country, which according to myth was once ruled and guarded by Zeus and his gods from Mount Olympus. Yet the country is not officially called Greece, but the Hellenic Republic. Every two years, the torch is lit at the ancient site of Olympia to kick off the Olympic Games, a tradition that dates back to the second millennium BC and was revived in 1894. According to stories, the marathon also has its roots in Greece: the messenger Pheidippides is said to have run the distance from Marathon to Athens after delivering the victory over the Persians and to have died of exhaustion after delivering the good news.

One country, a thousand faces

Those who visit different places in Greece are often amazed by the diversity they encounter. In the middle of Athens, on the Temple Mount, stands the millennia-old Parthenon, while at its feet modern skyscrapers and traditional Greek buildings alternate. Extreme contrasts are often found not only on the Greek mainland: Here you can not only surf, but also ski - and on the same island! If you travel to Crete, you will not only find a windsurfing hotspot at the Pale kastro, but also a skiing area on the White Mountains, the Lefka Ori. Some of the islands are known for their beautiful sandy beaches, others show themselves with black volcanic rocks or steep cliffs. The flora and fauna also varies between the individual island groups - which is why it is worth visiting the Hellenic Republic more than once and going on a voyage of discovery through the Greek island paradise. Lovers know: Greece has numerous different faces and destinations for every type of holiday! The approximately 3000 islands of Greece are divided into larger and smaller island groups, which enjoy more or less great popularity. The Cyclades with the islands Mykonos and Santorini or the Ionian Islands with Corfu are particularly well known. The Dodecanese with Rhodes and Kos is also a popular holiday destination. As close as they are to each other, they are very different in their climatic and geological structure. Reason enough to take a closer look at the all-time favourites in this issue and pair them with little insider tips. For despite the popularity of some islands, there are still true gems in the Aegean with partly untouched nature.

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in a country that shows thousands of faces.

The art of enjoyment

However, the numerous places in Greece have one thing in common: you meet hospitable and warm people who take life easy. This lifestyle is especially popular with travellers, as it differs from the hectic pace and stress of everyday working life. Proudly lived traditions find their place in Greece just as much as modern influences - and it is exactly this interplay that makes Greece so special. Strolling through the fishing villages, you'll often find yourself in cute little cafes and tavernas offering excellent simple drinks and snacks. Wander a little further and you'll enter elegant, modern hostels that make you feel completely at home. Another common denominator is the aspect of enjoyment - Greek wine, for example, is not sung about in numerous songs for nothing: The unique climate allows excellent wine varieties to grow, which pair perfectly with local specialties. Who doesn't love to enjoy dishes with feta, the traditional Greek sheep's cheese, or olives on a warm summer evening? The islands also boast excellent fish dishes, some of which are fresh from the sea. A true land of milk and honey for gourmets!

Our tips on the Greek islands

The best tips on the legendary party island Mykonos

The best tips on the island of lovers - Santorini

A real insider tip in the Cyclades: Paros

A "Best of" the Ionian Islands

The best tips and most beautiful addresses in the Dodecanese

Good to know

• 3054
  That's how many islands, islets and reefs belong to Greece - which means that around 82 percent of the Mediterranean islands belong to Hellas.
• 170
  Of the numerous islands, only 170 are inhabited. The largest island is Crete, with 8261 square kilometers of land and about 635,000 inhabitants.
• Hellenic Republic
  The Greeks call themselves Hellenes, the expressions Greece, Greece and Co go back to the Romans. The origin lies in the Latin term "Graecus".
• 250
  That's how many sunny days Greeks enjoy on average per year, with Rhodes leading the way with over 300 days.
• Blue against evil
  The characteristic blue, which characterizes the buildings and accessories and has become the epitome of Greece, is said to drive away evil spirits.
• 13.676
  The coasts of the mainland and the islands combined give a total coastline of over 13,000 kilometres.