Restaurants in Greece near Astoria Capsis Hotel

Welcome to Greece—birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games and major theater genres. Visitors to the Mediterranean marvel at the ruins of Ancient Greece, such as the Parthenon, and trek across Europe’s most mountainous, hilly region to view elaborate monasteries and Mount Olympus.

From the ancient civilizations of the Minoans and Myceneans and the wars that formed the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Greece expanded, as did its reputation as a major cultural center for the development of modern theater techniques like tragedy and drama. A recent member of the European Union, Greece increased its international profile by hosting the 2004 Olympic Games in its capital city, Athens.

Bask in the glow of the Mediterranean sun during the area’s hot, dry summers or get your feet wet during its moist winters. Stop by the island of Mykonos, one of Europe’s most-visited areas, thanks to its unique architecture. Trace the roots of Greek Orthodoxy with a visit to a monastery, such as the Agia Triada that James Bond made famous.

Finally, you can Go Greek without stamping letters on your derriere.