Greece

As the country that bursts with heritage and the antiquities from the capital Athens to the Aegean islands, it also clocks in the most sun-hours in Europe, Greece’s enviable placement in the Mediterranean has made it a perennial favourite for culture seekers, beach-goers, party people and island hoppers. And there are certainly enough islands to choose from. In the Cyclades alone there are over 40, including the classic Santorini, bare-foot escapism on the island of Koufonisia, the ancient capital Hermoupolis, (Ermoupoli) on the island of Syros, and the tiny soulful Tinos - each with its own unique flavour and culture. From the blue domed roofs and whitewashed steps of Caldera-infused Santorini to the cobblestone artist hideaway of Hydra on the Soronic islands - an occasional retreat for both Leonard Cohen and Chloe Sevigny - there’s a reason why this country is the birthplace of the mythos.   

In the lands steeped in myth and legend and from the the ancient city of Athens - more then just a few antiquities, the Peloponnese is where the Argonauts went in search of the Golden Fleece and Paris of Troy eloped with Helen, disappearing into the night from the beautiful island of Kranai, just off the Peloponnese coastline. Travel down along to the Mani Peninsula  - a soul-catching kind of place, beautifully rugged, yet full of impressive shows of xeric beauty.Here, ancient ruins brush up against modern design, and a day isn’t complete without a shot of Ouzo, the traditional anise-flavoured spirit. Whether you’re diving into the turquoise waters of the Aegean, climbing one of the many island cliffs forged by prehistoric volcanoes, or indulging in the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted, each day there’s something to celebrate. With a climate closest to that of California, summers tend to be hot and dry with long periods of near-constant sunshine (generally from April until November). This produces an amazingly diverse terrain that ranges from idyllic beaches, to lush wine-producing valleys, to the leafy olive orchards of the south. Opa, indeed!