GREECE

The myths, culture, and art of this 6,000-island-and-islet country raise expectations to heights as seemingly infinite as the Aegean and Ionian Seas are deep. And yet, this destination manages to surpass the most vivid dreams.

Under the hot Mediterranean sun, every one of the 227 inhabited islands has its own story to tell. In the main archipelago, Athens thrives, adapting fluidly to the times while paying homage to its history, carefully preserving its heritage. The whitewashed buildings stacked sky-high, blue roofs that match the cobalt seas, and straw-thatched windmills are iconic of the islands of Mykonos and Santorini.

On Crete, its location as the southernmost outpost of Greece lends itself to the mythology that remains an ongoing source of study. Influenced by the Venetians, French, and British, cosmopolitan Corfu proves just as fascinating with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and shores that are designed for pure holiday pleasure.