TRAVEL GUIDE: GREECE

The birthplace of democracy, Greece is surrounded by water—the sparkling Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. With its history of enlightenment from ancient times, the country is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. Throughout the land, on its islands and in enclaves that include Crete, central Greece, Macedonia, Thessaly and Peloponnese, the whiteness of Cycladic architecture gleams especially bright against the blue of sky and sea. One building practically sits atop the next, and ancient ruins have a way of sneaking up on you. Here the gyros are cheap and delicious, the people are more than willing to help a tourist in need of directions, and the buildings representing cultures of the past coexist peacefully with the jam-packed roads of the present.

ATHENS

THE ROYAL TREATMENT
King George II Palace
This British-influenced hotel was originally built as an annex to the palace and hosted King George II as one of its first (and regular) guests. Rooms are traditional with a flair—décor is composed of raw silk and satin accents—and Tudor Hall serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Alain Ducasse philosophy.

LUXURIOUS LODGINGS
Hotel Grand Bretagne
A stay at the historic Hotel Grand Bretagne boasts opulent suites adorned with chandeliers and oil paintings, a romantic dinner at the seasonal GB Roof Garden where you can watch the sun set over the Acropolis, and an establishment rich in history—this was the site of lodging for King Otto’s guests.

EXPLORE AND ENJOY
Night+Day Guidebooks, Athens
After the sun sets in Athens, locals and visitors alike flock to nightclubs, bars and live music venues to celebrate life. This is what the Night + Day book is all about—the idea that adventures can continue past sunset.

Milos Athens, housed in the Hilton Athens

MAKE YOUR STOMACH HAPPY
Milos Athens and Other Top Picks
Costas Spiliadis, the affable owner of Estiatorio Milos in Montreal and New York, will have a much shorter distance to ship his Greek specialty items at his newest restaurant, Milos Athens, housed in the Hilton Athens.

SPA GUIDE
Becoming Aphrodite
Greece’s spa scene is thriving with options for every budget and desire. We’ve rounded up the island’s best spas, where you can relax with a rosemary and chamomile scalp massage, soak in a thermal bath, or treat yourself to an aloe and spearmint polish after a day of lying under the Grecian sun.

CRETE

	BLUE PALACE RESORT & SPA Top 10 Spa Hotels Worldwide Top 10 Honeymoon Hotels Perched atop an olive and palm-tree dotted cliff, with panoramic sea views, the Blue Palace Resort and Spa is so stunning that we couldn't help but name it to two of our top 10 lists.

CYPRUS

TOP 10 GOLF RESORTS IN THE WORLD
InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort
The challenging fairways surrounded by lakes, olive and carob trees, and magnificent sea views, make this 18-hole Cabell B. Robinson-designed golf course one of the best to play through. Fore!

SANTORINI

TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Mystique
The 18 villas and suites of Mystique are carved into Oai's famous cliff face. Quarried limestone floors, antique textiled cushions and an infinity-edge pool, are just the start of a fantastic stay on the Greek Isles. A "secret" wine cave also entices with a rare, indigenous selection.

TOP 10 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE
Santorini
With breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, black volcanic sand beaches, quaint ancient villages and natural hot springs to indulge in, the island of Santorini exudes romance, making it the ideal destination for you and your loved one.

Symbol for the Santorini International Music Festival

AUGUST—SEPTEMBER
Santorini Music Festival
If relaxing on a Greek island and listening to enchanting piano recitals, operatic arias and other international symphonic delights is your idea of a great vacation, book a flight to Santorini and enjoy this diverse and fun festival.

Visit the official website of Greece.

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 05/31/11 CT)

TOP ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS

When you're in love, there's a desire to share it with the world, and it's a big world out there. From Aspen, Colorado to Venice, Italy, here are some of the most romantic destinations on the planet where you can create enough memories to last a lifetime.

BUSINESS IN SAN DIEGO

Beautiful San Diego, with its famous beaches, is enjoying a booming economy and thriving tourism industry. Find out everything you need to know about where to stay, where to eat, what to do and how to get around in this sunny seaside city.