Greece is a state in southeastern Europe, comprising thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Due to its influential role in ancient times, Greece is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization. The Greek capital of Athens is home to landmarks such as the Acropolis, a city fortress dating back to the 5th century BC with the Parthenon Temple. Greece is also a well-known destination for beach vacations - from the black sands of Santorini to the party scene of Mykonos.