And every budget is catered for, with accommodation ranging from the cheap and simple to luxury hotels and exclusive villas.
Greece is also blessed with a varied geography. The north is relatively unvisited - apart from the beach resorts of Halkidiki - yet it has dramatic mountain scenery, important archaeological sites, and Mount Olympos, mythological home of the gods.
There are pretty mountain villages in the Pelion Peninsula and the historical site of the Oracle at Delphi.
Central Greece has more Blue Flag beaches than anywhere else in the country, and down in the Peloponnese there are more fine beaches and dramatic mountain gorges.
But for many people, especially the British, Greece means the islands in all their variety. Some have stayed simple and traditional; some are now decidedly upmarket.
Some have gone all-out to get the package pound; others have preferred to keep tourism more discreet.
All this plus plentiful sunshine, hospitable locals, a relaxed atmosphere and value for money. It's small wonder that Greece has become such a firm favourite.
Suzanne King is a freelance writer and editor specialising in travel, and co-author of The Backpackers Bible, a guide to round-the-world travel. She has lived and worked in Greece
