• Greece lays claim to 6,000 islands and islets throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas.Maria Toutoudaki/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Nearly 8 million people visit Greece each year as a trip to Greece opens a window to the ancient world. But in addition to the country's famous architectural ruins and museums, the region is also home to hundreds of beaches, nightlife, stellar live theater and entertainment.
  
  

Athens

• No trip to Greece is complete without at least a brief survey of Athens' architectural splendor. Greece's political, social and culture center is home to the Arcopolis, widely regarded as the most famous archaeological monument in Europe. The city is also home to expansive retail areas ranging from department stores to specialty shops. A number of private taxi cab services offer personalized tours of the city. The famous Agora Museum houses the world's preeminent collection of artifacts from the 2nd century B.C. The Plaka pedestrian plaza near the Acropolis is home to fine restaurants that specialize in seafood.
  
  

Crete

• The Greek Island of Crete is the largest and southernmost of the country's 6,000 islands and inlets. With more than 2 million annual visitors, the island is also the most visited island destination in the country. Crete is home to numerous beach-front resorts and is also well-regarded as a hiking destination. Well-known Cretian trails include the island's gorges, the Aserousia Mountains and the White Mountains. Trails for even the novice trekker yield stunning views of the seas that surround the island.
  
  

Mykonos

• Long associated with fabulous entertainment and endless parties, Mykonos may be the most famous of the Greek islands. The fashionable vacation destination is renowned for its large beach-front bars and nightclubs. Clubs like Space and La Notte play everything from contemporary pop hits to live Greek music every night while offering sprawling harbor-front views. The Megali Ammos beach is home to some of the most swimmable ocean waters in the entire country. The Platis Gialos beach has a marine terminal that offers visitors boat rides to remote beaches.