Greece, Mediterranean country in Southeast Europe.
The territory comprises a peninsula and over 2000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, with mountains covering eighty percent of the mainland.
After centuries of Ottoman rule and various foreign influences, the nation achieved independence in 1821 and established a modern state in southeastern Europe.
Greek has been spoken continuously for over three millennia and forms the foundation for scientific and philosophical terminology worldwide across numerous disciplines.
The parliamentary government system operates from Athens, the capital city. Since 2002, the euro has served as the official currency for all transactions throughout the territory.
The Athos peninsula operates as an independent monastic republic and grants access exclusively to male visitors who must apply for and obtain special entry permits.
Inception: March 25, 1821
Capital city: Athens
Part of: European Union, European Economic Area, United Nations, Southern Europe
Shares border with: Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Middle East
Address: Greece
Website: https://government.gov.gr
GPS coordinates: 38.99537,21.98771
Latest update: November 30, 2025 15:42
These archaeological sites document several millennia of Greek history. The fortress of Tiryns displays Mycenaean military architecture from the 13th century BC, while the Oracle of Dodona ranks among the oldest Greek sanctuaries, where priests interpreted the future from the rustling of sacred oak trees. The ancient stadium of Olympia, which hosted the Olympic Games from 776 BC onward, lies in a wooded valley in the Peloponnese. The Minoan palace of Zakros on the eastern coast of Crete was destroyed by fire around 1450 BC and consequently remained largely intact. The Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron, located about 40 kilometers from Athens, served as an important religious center where young girls served the goddess. These locations provide direct insights into religious practices, administrative structures, and daily life across different periods of ancient Greece.
Greece is home to many secluded beaches, away from main tourist routes and resorts. These lesser-known coastlines are found on the islands of Crete, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Cephalonia, Milos, and Karpathos. Some feature fine light-colored sand, others black volcanic pebbles from ancient eruptions, and all are surrounded by turquoise waters where the seabed is visible from the surface. Accessing these sites often requires extra effort: steep paths descending from cliffs, unpaved roads crossing Mediterranean scrub, or boat trips from coastal villages. Seitan Limania is nestled in a gorge with rocky walls over 100 meters high, while Egremni Beach is accessible after descending 350 carved steps in the cliffs. Mavra Volia is distinguished by its black lava stones, remnants of an eruption 2200 years ago, and Kedrodasos is home to centuries-old junipers casting shadows on the sand. These beaches generally have little or no tourist infrastructure. The lack of restaurants, parasol rentals, or paved parking preserves their natural state and limits the number of visitors, even during peak summer season. Some areas, such as Marathonisi Island, are partially protected to allow nesting of loggerhead turtles.
Natural water basins in Greece include cold and thermal springs, waterfalls, and lagoons. These geological formations provide swimming locations across different regions of the country, from the mountains of Thrace to the coast of Crete.
Discover a selection of the most attractive natural pools and waterfalls in Greece, spread across islands and mainland regions. These sites are known for their basins shaped by rocks or set within dense vegetation, often featuring clear water from streams or torrents. This list includes characterful beaches, natural pools, dramatic falls, and hidden lakes, suitable for a refreshing swim or a nature getaway, ranging from the Peloponnese to Epirus, including the Cyclades and Macedonia.
Parthenon
189.6 km
Acropolis of Athens
189.6 km
Mount Olympus
125.5 km
Delphi
72.3 km
Knossos
498.7 km
Meteora
85.7 km
Mycenae
155.9 km
Olympia
154.3 km
Agia Sophia Stadium
186.3 km
Thermopylae
52.5 km
Corinth Canal
146.6 km
Delphic Oracle
72.5 km
Delos
338.2 km
Platonic Academy
187 km
Panathenaic Stadium
190.8 km
Mon Repos
190.2 km
Areopagus
189.3 km
Philippi
297.9 km
Erechtheion
189.6 km
Akrotiri
420.9 km
Temple of Athena Nike
189.5 km
Spinalonga
529.3 km
Navagio
173.5 km
Monastic community of Mount Athos
239.4 km
Temple of Olympian Zeus
190.2 km
Ancient Agora of Athens
189.1 km
Temple of Zeus in Olympia
154.3 km
Athos
238.9 kmReviews
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