Other Greek art forms are also interesting to travelers. High-quality marble from the Greek Isles of Paros and Naxos was the source for some wonderful sculpture in the third century B.C. Unfortunately many of these pieces were lost, but those that remain in museums demonstrate the high quality of the work. Greece doesn't have a record of a lot of ancient Greek painting, but it does have marvelous images painted on pottery. The first clay pots thrown from a wheel date back to 2000 B.C., and thousands of Greek pots remain that can be used to trace the evolution of the art form through the various Greek civilizations. Greece was one of the first civilizations to embrace drama as an art. The first recorded dramatic presentation was given by Thespis in the 6th century B.C. Thus, the term "thespian" for "actor" was derived. Greek playwrights used Greek mythology as a foundation in creating some of the complicated plots in the famous Greek tragedies. Remember the stories of Oedipus Rex or Medea? They would probably be prime-time soap operas today!
It may be Greek's famous citizens, history, and art forms that make the country seem so familiar and interesting. But it is the brilliant blue Aegean and Ionian Seas, the friendly people and charming villages, and promise of over 300 days of sunshine on the golden sandy beaches that bring in the millions of tourists each year. Much of the topography on the mainland and the islands is mountainous, and the climate is dry. The picturesque island villages are full of whitewashed homes perched on steep cliffs, summer flowers, and tiny shops with interesting handicrafts and wares. All of the above add up to make Greece a perfect Mediterranean cruise destination.
Let's take a look at some travelers' facts for Greece.
