Attica is a historical region in east-central Greece comprising Athens, the capital of Greece, and its countryside, that has acted as the seat of Greek civilization for ages and held a very important position in Classical history. Geographically, it is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea, with the rest of the continent to the north. Although Athens and its suburbs occupy the majority of the area, it also features sparsely inhabited communities, particularly along the boundaries. Archaeological sites, highland villages, seaside towns, and numerous beaches can all be found in Attica.