Forbes: Αυτά είναι τα Δέκα μέρη που πρέπει να επισκεφθείς στην Ελλάδα (photos)

Greece may still be fiscally flabby but it's shaping up to be one of the world's hottest destinations this summer. In recent years Athens has emerged as a great city break destination and the country as a whole still offers better value for your money than other Mediterranean hot spots like Spain and Italy. And Greece has literally hundreds of small islands ripe for discovery. Here are ten top spots you'll want to scoop up on your next trip to Greece.

1. Athens

As the birthplace of democracy and vibrant capital of Greece, Athens is a world unto itself and probably the first place you'll see on your trip. And you could easily spend all your time in Athens, but that would mean missing out on many other great things to see in the country. With just two or three days though you can take in the highlights such as the Acropolis, ancient Agora and National Archaeological Museum. That will also leave you with time to wander the colorful streets of the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods, as well as soak up the atmosphere of the hilly district of Kolonaki and more.

2. Lake Vouliagmeni

Mysterious Lake Vouliagmeni is just 15 miles outside Athens but a world apart. Its name derives from the Greek word vouliiazo, which means “submerge” and indeed the mesmerizing lake formed when a huge underwater spring let loose and caused a massive cave roof to collapse. For anyone familiar with Yosemite’s El Capitan, add a pristine thermal spring-fed lake filled with healing waters and a breezy al fresco restaurant and you get an idea of the extraordinary natural setting.

4. Milos Island

Okay, so Milos is most famous for something that isn't even there—the Venus de Milo statue sits in the Louvre—but I'm going to tell you a secret: this Cycladic island stunner is where many Greeks go on their honeymoons or just to get away from it all for a few days. And with good reason: like the celebrated and in summer overcrowded island of Santorini, Milos is volcanic in origin. The unique geology has endowed the island with a wealth of gorgeous beaches, including Sarakiniko with its surreal white landscapes. Milos is about a three-hour ferry ride from Piraeus (check Seajets for schedules).

7. Crete (south side)

The south side of Crete is far less developed than the north, which is good news for those who appreciate dramatic landscapes and beaches. I recommend starting out in Heraklion, the Cretan capital. Have an authentic lunch at Peskesi and then rent a car from a solid local company like Auto Candia. Then take Route 97 due south, stopping to see the impressive Minoan ruins at Phaistos along the way. Follow the signs to Matala, once a hippie colony but nowadays a very lively beach town.

8. Karpathos Island

While Rhodes is the biggest and most popular of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, it's also the most touristy. Unless you're a big fan of medieval history (its main town is exceptionally well-preserved), I would say skip it in favor of the second largest island of the Dodecanese, Karpathos. While Patmos, another island in this Aegean archipelago, has attained more of a following as an in spot in recent years, slender Karpathos is arguably more authentic and has better beaches, too.

10. Attica

Attica is the region that surrounds Athens and it would be a mistake to think that all it has to offer is the international airport. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, for one, beckons in any season. The Attica peninsula is where Athenians go when they need a beach fix but don't have time for the islands. There's luscious swimming to be had at Limanakia and Varkiza and the entire coast is chiseled with inviting sea views and hidden coves. The best part? Even in the height of summer, with the exception of Sounion, it's never very touristy here.