White-washed buildings teeter on the edge of a cliff on the island of Santorini

Having given birth to Western civilization, it's no wonder all Greece wants to do now is kick back and relax.

Modern-day Greece is the ultimate work-to-live society - everything in this ancient land seems geared towards leisure.

Eating is Greeks' favourite pastime - multi-course meals take up significant chunks of the day and are often enjoyed alfresco, accompanied by friends and family and a steady stream of ouzo.

Greece has more coast than any other country in Europe - and boy, does it know how to enjoy it! Ten percent of the nation's 11 million people live on Greece's 60 or so inhabited islands, and for travellers, island-hopping is the quintessential way to experience the country.

From snorkelling in the turquoise Aegean Sea to horse-riding over olive-and-cypress-strewn mountaintops, R&R is the order of the day on the balmy Greek islands. Despite an influx of summer tourists, life seems to continue on islands like Santorini and Corfu as it has for centuries: donkeys still transport produce and people around quaint hilltop villages; olive groves and vineyards are still lovingly tended; black-clad grandmothers still hobble down narrow alleyways; locals still pour into whitewashed cliffside churches for Sunday Mass; wrinkled old men still live in beachside caves; and the catch of the day is still hauled straight from the net onto the port.

Ancient history buffs will also feel right at home in Greece where you'd need years to take in the country's cornucopia of well-preserved antiquities. The capital, Athens, delivers the Acropolis (crowned by the iconic Parthenon) as well as the National Archaeological Museum which houses the world's best collection of Greek artifacts. In Mycenae, tourists can wander the ancient streets of a once-mighty kingdom that was destroyed by the age-old forces of lust, murder and revenge. In ancient Delphi - regarded by ancient Greeks as the centre of the world - visitors can take in vistas over the Gulf of Corinth from the Temple of Apollo. In rugged northern Greece, travellers can roam the serene 14th-century monasteries of Meteora which teeter dramatically on pillars of rock. On the island of Crete, the expertly reconstructed Palace of Knossos stands as a testament to the advanced Minoan civilization; while in the ancient healing centre of Epidavros, theatre aficionados can watch classical Greek dramas played out in the surrounds of a 3rd-century theatre.

With so much to offer, it's no wonder 16 million people visit Greece every year. Still, it's not hard to escape the crowds and get off the beaten track, settling with astonishing ease into the chilled-out Greek lifestyle.

Survival guide

Between April and October, Greece is mostly hot, dry and reliably sunny. High season is July and August when temperatures soar and crowds can be overwhelming, especially on the more popular Greek islands. Rain and cold weather usually kick in from late November. The Ionian islands (which includes Corfu) are the wettest parts of the country.

When travelling to Greece, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, a bathing costume and a sturdy pair of walking shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and rugged landscapes.

The official language is Greek and the currency is the Euro.

Greece has 16 international airports. Athens is the main international gateway to the country.