With its mountainous interior, astonishing gorge, picturesque villages, long sandy beaches and fascinating archaeological ruins, Crete offers far more than most Mediterranean beach bumming destinations.

The iconic Parthenon crowns Athens' Acropolis

Despite its resplendent history and expensive facelift in the lead-up to the 2004 Olympics, mountain-ringed Athens remains of one Europe's least enticing cities.

Mycenae's imposing Lion's Gate entrance

Myth, murder and mystery shroud the ancient city of Mycenae and a never-ending stream of intrigued tourists flock here to gawk at its World Heritage-listed ruins.

Despite its popularity, Mykonos has lost none of its traditional Greek island charm

The ultimate Greek party island, you'll be anything but bored on Mykonos.

White-washed buildings teeter on cliff edges on the Greek island of Santorini

This vineyard-strewn island is the most stunning and photographed in Greece's Cyclades archipelago.

Transparent blue waters lap at the base of sheer cliffs while stark white cubic houses with blue trimmings look down from lofty heights.