When I think of Greece, the first two things that come to mind are probably the history and the partying. Fortunately enough for me, these are two things I really enjoy. But there is way more to the country than that, and I have only just scratched the surface.

Greek Sunset

The Greeks founded Western civilization and gave us the basis of western literature, among other things. If you are planning to go, read a little history, a little Homer and get an idea of life in ancient Greece because when you’re there it comes to life all around you. From the Roman invasion in the 2nd century BC until the early 19th century, Greece was under foreign rule. The Greeks, however, have held onto their culture with an iron fist. They are a proud, kind and welcoming people who are always pleased to see that you have seen the light and chose to visit their country.

Next, the food. Greek cuisine is widely regarded as the healthiest cuisine on the planet. Despite their chain-smoking, the Greeks manage to live forever. It’s fresh salads, delicious feta cheese, fresh fish, fresh this and fresh that. Incredible. Get on it.

The landscape. The island of Santorini (one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations) boasts the world’s most beautiful sunset. There are over 5,000 Greek islands and with that many choices, you know they have a diverse range of landscapes. The beaches are nestled in coves against clear blue waters and the sea is famously dark and seductive. Just think of how awesome it would be to say you sailed around the Greek islands for a bit, it feels cool just writing it.

The party. THE BEST PARTY IN THE WORLD, as far as I’m concerned and you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for an all night, dance-your-ass-off marathon party session. The glamorous party is in Mykonos, but if you want to do it all on a budget and party with students and backpackers check out Ios.

Just do it.

Mykonos. Just say the word and heart-pounding dance music should begin to pump through your system.

I’m not really religious, but I would wager that God created Mykonos as a reward for humanity doing something really awesome, like inventing democracy. This island is an international icon of hedonism, beauty and the best damn time of your life.

Partying in Greece

You will never find yourself asking “where’s the party?” because the party is all around you. And it doesn’t stop. If you’re like me and whole-heartedly believe that clubs that close their doors at 2 a.m. might as well be called retirement homes, than Mykonos is probably the place for you. Most clubs don’t close till 6 a.m., some open at midnight and keep going till 11 a.m. or whenever the last reveler dances out the door.

It makes Vegas look like a vacation with your parents and it makes Cancun look like a high school party.

The world’s most beautiful and professional partiers (yes, that is a profession in my book) descend upon Mykonos from every nook and cranny of the earth to party all-night and tan on breathtaking beaches all day. It is an exhausting cycle that few could keep going for more than a week. Mykonos is a gauntlet, thrown down by Dionysus, to challenge those who have no time for the saying carpe diem, but rather live by the opposite, carpe noctum.

So why sleep when you can live in a dream? Amen.

Things To Know Before Visiting Greece:

Greek Beaches. Clothing Optional.

• You can’t flush paper down toilets on the islands
• The water on the islands isn’t recommended for drinking, so get that money ready for all those bottles
• ATVs and scooter rentals are everywhere and seem like they’re totally worth it
• The Greek and Italian languages are nothing alike
• The beaches are sometimes difficult to get to on the islands and most are clothing-optional
• There’s no avoiding cigarette smoke in Greece. It’s everywhere.
• In Greece, the party starts well after midnight and can continue into brunch time
• The water really is that blue
• They don’t have the greatest beer…and the wine is clearly superior in Italy
• Gyros are a lovely and cheap option for eating out, especially before or after a late night
• Italians LOVE Mykonos
• Going topless on a beach is quite common
• Feta in Greece is served as a thick slab of cheese, not in crumbles, and it’s delicious there