Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula. Its wild, mountainous landscape has hosted the interminable rise and fall of cultures which makes for fascinating sightseeing today. | Rick Steves' Europe

Visit the Greek Islands with me in Season 10 of Rick Steves’ Europe, airing now on public television. (Check your local listings.) | Rick Steves

The Greek isle of Mykonos — with its whitewashed town, evocative ruined windmills, touristy shops, and trendy cafes — is all about hedonism. A hit as a cruise stop, its beaches offer a variety of escapes, from sleepy and remote getaways to noisy party scenes. Along with Santorini, it's the most touristy Greek-island stop. It’s easy to enjoy Mykonos town with no planning, no tour, and no guide. This is a stop that lends itself to unstructured free time — just lazing on the beach, wandering, and b