ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the Aegean region's centrality in Greek tourism and its contemporary exile legacy. In the Renaissance, the Aegean Sea was perceived as 'the prince of seas' and was known as Archipelago. Cristoforo Buondelmonti is credited as one of the first 'tourists' who visited the Aegean Sea, entranced by Greek antiquities and ancient geography. The Ministry of Culture (MoC), principal stakeholder in the management of Greek cultural heritage, confirmed the story by stating in a letter addressed to the Greek parliament that the Ephorate of Contemporary and Modern Monuments is in favour of renewable energy sources. Admission to the most recent of Mikis Theodorakis' concerts in Makronisos in 2013 was free for the public, thanks to generous municipal financial support and voluntary work provided by the Hellenic Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontieres Greece and scouts.
