Greece stages a wealth of cultural festivals throughout the year and many attract major international artists. During the summer, visitors can watch the splendor of the Hellenic, Athens or the Epidaurus Festivals. These festivals are considered to be the leading art events in Europe. Athens and Thessaloniki boast spectacular concert halls and theatres with a diverse schedule of performances including productions of the Greek National Opera. The International Film Festival held annually in November in Thessaloniki has received international acclaim and is one of the leading regional festivals dedicated to film. In the period before Lent, carnivals dominate the scene with the most famous being held in Patras. The Greek carnivals are rooted in ancient history, when the Greeks paid homage to the god Dionysus. People dress in splendid costumes and local communities parade some elaborate floats through the streets. Interestingly enough, the end of the carnival is marked by the merrymakers simulating the burning of the Carnival King.

As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, sport plays a large role and over the last ten years an increasing number of international athletic and sporting events were held in Greece. Consequently, Greece has many excellent sporting facilities and stadia catering for the country’s most popular sports; athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, sailing and windsurfing. Skiing has also increased in popularity and Greece now has 19 ski resorts, all located on the mainland. Greece, with its spectacular scenery and dry thermal winds lends itself well to the sports of hang gliding and paragliding and there are many clubs which provide equipment and training for visitors. Windsurfing is extremely popular with Paros and Cyclades being the best places for the sport. The PBA world association of professional windsurfers holds the annual windsurfing marathon race known as the "Odyssey". The abundance of islands and warm climate makes Greece the perfect cruise destination. Such cruises allow you not only to relax, but to combine visits to cultural, natural and historical sites. Many companies offer cruises along the coastline and also out to the islands. Hiking in the Greek mountains along many of the preserved pathways of the national parkland, provides spectacular panoramas and an abundance of wildlife.

Greece is rich in natural mineral springs which have many proven healing properties. There is a variety of different types of springs across the country; some are hot, other freezing cold and many resorts offer a wide range of classic treatments including hydrotherapy, which is particularly good for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. There are also two thalassotherapy centres in Crete and 16 major hydro-treatment spas which offer literally thousands of different treatments. For families, Greece has many water parks with an array of slides and rides. Aftermania in Elia and Aqua Land in Agios Ioannis both offer some exciting facilities. Aftermania includes an ouzo house, a building dedicated to the national Greek drink. Probably the best water park is the one on Aegina Island. You can reach it by hydrofoil from Piraeus Port. The park has many facilities and some extremely long slides.