Greece offers natural beauty from its rugged mountains covered in dense forests and hundreds of small islands dotting the sparse coastline to cultural aspects like wandering streets filled with vendors selling handmade foods and gifts. The soft waves lapping the shoreline and crickets emerging at dusk create a serene atmosphere. With over 11 million people and a coastline over 9,246 miles long dotted with over 1,400 islands, modern Greece has grown significantly from its origins as small civilizations separated by mountains that were united by seafaring. Iconic sites like Mount Olympus and the Parthenon showcase Greece's rich history.