In 2007 alone more than 17 million people visited this country which gave the world Plato, Socrates and the Olympics. Part of the reason for Greece's popularity is the many days of sunshine it has combined with a Mediterranean climate.

This means that if you are planning to go to Greece in the summer you should be sure to book your accommodation and car hire Greece well in advance. The months of September, October, May and June are when the majority of tourists come to Greece and the temperatures are at their most agreeable.

Greece has also seen more and more people arrive at its shores since in joined the European Union in 1981.

Tourists who want to find out more about Greece's role in the foundation of Western culture should visit islands such as Crete, which was home to the Minoan race, while people have inhabited the Cyclades islands for many centuries.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it has some charming towns and villages which draw visitors back to them year after year.

If you are young and looking for fun in Crete then you may wish to go to the lively beach resort of Malia. The small town of Paleochora may be more appealing to those who are looking to avoid the crowds. Crete is absolutely full of fascinating archaeological sites and walking around them is a good way of seeing some of the most picturesque parts of the island.

On the mainland cities such as Athens, Thebes and Sparta have an incredibly rich history. Athens is a large city whose skyline is dominated by the amazing Acropolis temple which is dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It looks quite dazzling at night when illuminated.

The airport at Athens is the hub through which all the inter island flights go so if you are travelling to the Greek Islands from abroad you will fly through Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Car hire Athens airport is a good starting point for seeing this city of 3.7 million people. Next to the car hire offices in the airport you will also find a tourist information centre.

Although Athens is the capital of Greece its largest city is actually Heraklion, while the third city of Greece is Thessaloniki.

Sparta is located in the Peloponnese region of Greece and is too beautiful not to visit.

While the Greek mainland is full of some of the world's most impressive ancient monuments and temples such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Greek islands span many seas and each have something unique to offer every visitor. Greece is famous for its wine and olive oil and these two products have helped to keep many generations of Greek people healthy and vivacious.

Greece is bordered by the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is situated at the most southerly point of the Balkan Peninsula.