White-washed buildings, crystal-clear waters and ancient historical sites are all hallmarks of a Greek vacation. This southernmost European country features hundreds of beaches along its coastline and on its many islands. It’s the ideal destination for sunseekers as well as culture buffs.

A Greece vacation can include trips to several of the country’s islands, for example in the Cyclades you can visit several, very different islands including Santorini, Ios and Mykonos. It’s easy to hop from island to island with, with regular ferry trips throughout the day and Santorini also features its own airport making it a particularly popular island destination for US travelers. Sailing is very popular, as are other watersports. Must-see archeological sites during a vacation in Greece include the Acropolis in Athens, the ruins at Olympia (site of the ancient Olympic games), Delphi and Rhodes. Choosing which sites and museums to visit during your trip will be a challenge, however, as fascinating glimpses of history are everywhere. Another highlight of a Greece travel itinerary is the country’s famous cuisine, best accompanied by a glass of ouzo or wine in an atmospheric taverna.

U.S. citizens require a passport to enter Greece. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. There are a few nonstop flights from the U.S. to Greece, but many carriers offer connections from other gateways in Europe. Car rentals are available, though road conditions can be poor and most cars are manual transmission. Greece boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures and little rainfall. Currency is the euro. For more information on travel to Greece, log on to www.gnto.gr, the Ministry of Tourism’s website.