Greece

Greece’s reputation as a bona fide beach destination is well-founded: With the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and unique geography full of islands and peninsulas.

It’s not just about beaches, though. Greece offers mountains, thousands of picturesque islands, olive groves, vineyards, and an untouched inland wilderness, as well as endless ancient and wonderfully scenic villages.

On top of the unique scenery, Greek people are warm and welcoming, the food is some of the best in the world, and the cost of living is low, especially for Europe.

Greece is a culturally fascinating place—the cradle of Western civilization with foundational concepts like democracy, western philosophy, political science, and literature originating here.

Sites of cultural and historical importance, some dating back thousands of years, are found all over the country, making Greece a must-visit for history buffs.