Like Ulysses bewitched by Circe, travelers will forget time thanks to its charms, as varied as they are subtle.

Whether you explore its peninsula in the footsteps of ancient heroes and philosophers, sail from island to island in search of revelry and relaxation, hike through the Cretan gorges, or climb to the monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos, there are countless ways to discover this country, which deserves more than one trip. While the Parthenon needs no introduction, you must leave bustling Athens to pass under the Lion Gate and pay homage to King Agamemnon of Mycenae, imagine yourself as an actor at the theater of Epidaurus and an athlete at Olympia, before consulting the oracles of the Pythia at Delphi, in a site magnificently nestled against the mountain.

History buffs will also want to visit the Cretan palace of Knossos, where frescoes evoke the memory of beautiful Minoan women and young acrobats leaping over bulls—fortunately less ferocious than the Minotaur imprisoned in his mythical labyrinth. It's hard to imagine today that this brilliant civilization was wiped out by the tsunami caused by the eruption of Santorini, one of the most destructive in human history, more than 3,600 years ago. Akrotiri, a veritable Greek Pompeii, also bears witness to this era.

An emblem of the Cyclades, this volcanic island offers the unforgettable experience of swimming in its crater, flooded by the sea, which changes color and reaches temperatures of up to 34°C near the volcanic islet of Palea Kameni. The vibrant freshness of the white houses adorned with bougainvillea invites you to wander through the shaded alleyways inhabited by cats and sit down to savor the delights of the Mediterranean diet. Each island offers a culinary discovery, from the citron liqueur made according to ancestral recipes on Naxos to the loaves of bread on Olympos, lovingly and respectfully shaped by the women of Karpathos, who traditionally decorate each loaf with family crests and religious symbols. Far from the tourist crowds, Greece is best appreciated by connecting with its people, to the sound of cicadas, and by losing track of time.

Be careful, you might just want to miss the boat…