Cooking varies wildly in the Aegean (some areas, such as Mytilini, are marked by a distinctly Eastern palate), but Greek island food is generally simple, its flavours clean and pure. Sun-baked capers, fresh fish, sea sprayed herbs, a surprisingly large array of goat’s-milk cheeses and original cured meats are basic, and typical, ingredients.

Mytilini is famous for ouzo and good mezedes to accompany it, and king among them is the sardine known as papalina. About 100 tons of these fish are harvested annually from the Gulf of Kalloni – their wide, flat tins are stacked next to a pyramid of ouzo bottles in nearly every shop on the island.

Papalina is the consummate Mediterranean fish. Extremely sweet, and oilier than most, it is salted for only a day to keep it juicy and virtually raw. Served as it is, barely salted, it is an oddity in a place where fish is generally preferred well-cooked.

Most of the Aegean’s many cheeses are made with goat’s milk like they were in Homer’s time. But European Union legislation has not been kind to raw-milk farmhouse cheese, and many traditional recipes will soon go the way of the dinosaur. Hopefully, touloumi – skin – aged goat’s cheese -and ladhotyri, Mytilini’s legendary ‘oil cheese’, will survive.

To the uninitiated, the sight of a 50-kilo goat skin spread inside out, belly up and bulging with chunks of soft, white cheese is surprising at best. But touloumi, for all its eye-popping presentation, is one of the oldest cheeses in Greece. According to some sources, it is the forerunner of feta. Named after the goat skin in which it is aged, the cheese is rich and pleasantly sour. Ikaria, Samos and Mytilini all produce touloumi – on each island its flavour is distinct.

Ladhotyri, the name of Mytilini’s sweet, yellow, delicious ‘oil cheese’, has become a misnomer-today, the little cylinders are seldom preserved in olive oil. When the cylinders age to the point where their moisture content falls below 40 per cent, they are now most often sealed in paraffin.

Cheese shops and butchers in Mytilini Town do still sell ladhotyri that has not been sealed, but neither has it been dipped in oil. The cheese is aged until ready for dipping, then sold to those ever-fewer cooks who take it home and place it themselves in a jar of olive oil.

Most ladhotyri comes from the mountain village of Mantamados, on the north side of the island.

The Aegean islands-in particular the Cyclades-produce some unusual cured meats. Chief among them is louza. Originally from Syros, Tinos, Andros and Mykonos, it now dangles outside butchers’ shops only on Syros and Tinos. Louza is pork loin or tenderloin that has been salted, rolled in peppercorns, allspice, cloves and cinnamon, marinated in wine, enveloped in intestine, sprinkled with pepper and hung to dry for about two months. It is cut into thin slices and sometimes cooked in omelettes.

Among the more interesting of the many sausages found in the Cyclades are the pork sausages spiced with fennel on Syros and Tinos and skordholoukaniko, a pork sausage seasoned with garlic and sweet wine.

One of the Aegean’s oldest recipes is for sissira, a delicacy made from pork remnants. Leftover meat and bits of rendered fat are stuffed into a pig’s stomach (often with sauteed onion), boiled, weighed down and kept for several months. The resulting mass is cut into thin slices and eaten in spring, usually around Easter. Like skordholoukaniko, sissira is found exclusively in private homes.

To taste all these delicacies offered only in Greece don’t hesitate to visit the Greek Islands or choose one of the Greek Island Cruises and enjoy yourselves in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

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A world cruise maybe slightly out of reach but looking at Greek island cruises could be a cheaper but just as mind blowing as an alternative.

With its unspoilt beaches, stunning weather and friendly locals, the Greek Islands have been a prime destination for holiday makers for many years.

Breathtaking Scenery

With more than 150 islands, there is a huge amount to see and do on Greek island cruises. The landscape ranges from unspoilt beaches to green mountain tops to arid mountainous terrain. So whatever you are looking for you are bound to find it on the Greek islands.

Located on the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas, visitors will see both the slow, easy paced life of the traditional Greek Islanders to the modern day city dwellers.

Greek Archaeology – the Cornerstone of Culture

Archaeology on the islands is unsurpassed with ancient Greek ruins and palaces on Crete, Rhodes and Aigina, taking you back to the time when Greeks introduced the world to etiquette, manners, education and philosophy.

Getting Away from it All

Some of the islands, on a Greek island cruises, will let you truly get away from it all when you visit the likes of Ydra, Poros, Hydra and Spetses because they do not have any cars. Instead transport is provided through bike, ferry, horses or walking. Imagine the beautiful silence of no cars, letting you listen to the warm breeze and gentle lapping of waves.

Sampling Water sports

When cruising the islands, you can not only get to several of the islands in one or two weeks to capture their individual highlights, there is also the opportunity to indulge in the numerous gorgeous beaches as well as try a bit of sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and parasailing.

With the pleasantly warm water there is no excuse not to get out there and experience the beauty of the Mediterranean sea.

Popular Greek Islands

The most popular islands of Greece which you will visit on Greek island cruises and offer their own unique hospitality are:

Aegina: this island is close to Athens so many locals will visit for weekends to escape their stressful city lives. This island has a busy fishing port, wonderful archaeology and a beautiful seaside.

Skiathos: this island is on the Aegean Sea and with 70 beaches offers sun and shopping by day and a bustling nightlife.

Crete: this is one of the largest Greek islands. Although some of the towns are commercialised there still exists the tranquillity of Greek life in the small coastal and mountain villages.

For a complete mix of wonderful beaches and weather as well as beautiful scenery and a bustling, lively city in Iraklion, this island certainly has something to offer everyone, on a Greek island Cruise.

Corfu: this is one of the most popular islands with tourists and offers great sunbathing and a bustling nightlife with a huge variety of choice for eating out.

Mykonos: this island is one of the most popular destinations for holiday makers from all over the world. It is famous as one of the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean so it will satisfy any party animal on a Greek island cruise.

Greek island cruises will give you the benefits of culture, sun worshipping, water sports and a busy nightlife all from the comfort of your cruise ship, while letting you sample the different cultures of each island in a couple of weeks.

To learn more on how you can save money on your next cruise, please visit http://savemoneyonyourcruise.weebly.com/

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Greece is the home of a great history and a colorful mythology, but a Greek villa is the home to a great vacation and getaway. Greece is not only known to be the forbearers of an ancient civilization, Greece is also known for its spectacular geography and Mediterranean climate. One of the top destinations for holiday vacations and get away. Vacations would not be complete without a great place to stay, and great Greek villa is always available to complete the vacation of your dreams.

The Grecian Experience

Deemed as one of the must see and must go destinations in the planet, Greece offers spectacular Mediterranean sights and beaches. Greece and its islands had been at the top list of destinations for tourists around the globe. Central Macedonia, Northern Greece, Santorini, Skiathos and Thessaloniki are just some of the few great places to visit during the holidays. Aside from the sights to see and the places to be, a villa holidays completes the whole experience by providing a home with the complete Grecian feel. Plenty of Greek villa holidays in the country provide spectacular views of the metro, and even if you are inside a Greek villa to rent, you can still get a tinge of Greece from your stay. Greek villa offers a warm and home like ambience even if you are indeed miles away from home.

Island Destinations and Greek Villa

Visit to Greece wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the top island destinations of the country. The island of Skiathos is one of the most popular island destinations among tourists. Villas in Skiathos host to a lot of tourists who want to enjoy the famous blue flag beaches. It is also the top destination for romantic weddings and honeymoons. The islands of Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Naxos and Ios, to name just few amongst the tens, also cater to tourists who flock their beaches and villas. A lot of Skiathos Villas offer great sea views and a relaxing ambience provided by the surrounding pin trees and mountains. Skiathos villas to rent are just minutes away from the town where you can shop for the local products and taste the night life.

Greek villas are designed to give a relaxing feel to the tourists. Most of these are located on hillsides overlooking the sea. Aside from their location, Greek villa is also surrounded by olive trees to complete the relaxing ambience. Villas are all designed with a Mediterranean concept well suited to the Greek weather and its location by the sea. Designs are simple and adorned with simple decorations to complete the Mediterranean feel. Choosing the best villa completes the whole vacation experience. And so choose villas that offer a great view of the sea (if you are on an island destination) and make sure transportation from the villa and a nearby town is easy. Designs of villas also vary from the traditional to the modern ones; most villas in Greece are designed the traditional way. Traditional designs reflect the Greek culture and tradition, and so even if you are in a Greek villa, you get a taste of their culture.

Muriel Rammos is the owner of a Greek villa in Skiathos that she rents. She has developped her own site for the villa and her own blog on Skiathos info where she provides important information about Skiathos island for all tourists that have already visited or they intend to visit Skiathos or Greece. She also provides for good travelling and vacation rental tips. All this information is coming from her own experience as a foreigner staying in the island of Skiathos. It is therefore authentic, genuine and really useful for all visitors.

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Greek villa holidays can be perfect for escaping to a sun-soaked destination for good food and lots of culture – and one particular destination ideal for this sort of break has to be Santorini.

The island is the largest in the Cyclades archipelago to the south-east of the Greek mainland and boasts a stunning natural landscape, beautiful architecture and an array of fine wines to enjoy.

Its villas are well-equipped with amenities such as private pools, ensuring a truly relaxing holiday in this part of Greece.

One of the first things that will strike you when you arrive in Santorini is the spectacle of the island’s sheer volcanic cliffs strewn with the local villages’ white buildings.

Santorini is well-known for being home to a particularly large volcanic eruption back in the 16th century that is credited by some for triggering the collapse of the Minoan civilisation on Crete.

The event left behind some amazing rock formations to take in – and while the disaster wiped out many of the prehistoric sites and artefacts in the area, some can still be seen around Santorini and in its numerous museums.

Just a few of the museums history enthusiasts might want to see include the Museum of Prehistoric Santorini and the Archaeological Museum of Santorini.

You can also visit establishments looking into the history of the island’s famous wine industry, as well as its folklore and maritime past. In addition, several archaeological sites with interesting monuments and structures dating back centuries can be seen.

Other attractions include Santorini’s gorgeous beaches – perfect for a lazy session or two of sunbathing – along with restaurants serving up both local and international fare.

You can take a boat trip to Palaia Kameni, where you can enjoy hot mud baths in natural springs and sites such as a church and wineries.

Santorini has plenty in the way of shops and markets if you fancy picking up some local goods as souvenirs, as well as items like books and records.

There’s also the option of visiting the nearby islands of Mykonos, Paros and Naxos on excursions throughout your Greek villa holiday.

Santorini’s fantastic range of accommodation – including some traditional Greek island villas – should make a break in this part of the world absolutely perfect for those seeking a true getaway from normal working life.

Sunvil offers an alternative to most travel operators by providing unique tailor made travel options to destinations across Europe and worldwide, including Greek villa holidays. For summer trips that offer a once in a lifetime experience try searching Sunvil’s website for Greek island villas.

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There are a lot of us who would admit to having the “travel bug” in our system and I was just wondering how many of us travel bugs have ever been to Mykonos, Greece. For those who haven’t been there yet, let me give you a brief background about this beautiful island. Mykonos is a Greek island and a favorite tourist destination for people from all over the world. It is very much renowned for its cosmopolitan character and its pretty intense nightlife.

If you ever have plans of visiting Mykonos and you’re wondering about what types of accommodations would be available for you, there are a lot of hotels in Mykonos for you to choose from. For instance, you might want to stay at the famous Belvedere Hotel at the heart of Mykonos Town. The Belvedere Hotel would always be at the top of my list as far as Mykonos accommodations are concerned.

Of course, there are also a lot of luxury hotels in Mykonos that are available to cater to your needs. There is never a shortage of accommodations in Mykonos whether it would be luxury hotels or just simple hotels that would fit your travel needs.

Restaurants also abound in Mykonos. There are very cozy restaurants that are ready to serve you sumptuous meals at any time of the day whether for breakfast, lunch or for dinner. You would be sure to relax to the casual but elegant atmosphere that most restaurants have to offer. Not only that; you’d be able to sample a variety of dishes ranging from Greek and Italian specialties as well as Arabic dishes which are only a few of the famous world class cuisines that these restaurants have.

Worried about spending the holidays in Mykonos? I really don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Mykonos holidays have always been known to have a reputation of being so much fun which adds to its sophisticated and cosmopolitan image. The party never stops in this beautiful sunny island. Exploring the winding side streets and alleyways of Mykonos is an adventure in itself. These streets are lined with little bars and lounges that range for cool casual to high energy disco. In Mykonos there is nightlife that are sure to please everyone. The streets themselves are a permanent fixture that adds to the spectacular holiday atmosphere when spending holidays in Mykonos.

If this isn’t enough to get you excited, wait till you get to see the beautiful beaches that Mykonos is famous for. There’s always plenty of room for everybody to stretch out and feel relaxed under the hot sun while enjoying a cool drink. I’m sure you would also enjoy swimming in Mykonos’ warm, crystal clear waters which is too beautiful for anybody to miss out on.

I could simply go and talk about Mykonos all day. All I could say is that there’s too much about this island paradise that you need to experience yourself for you to appreciate how wonderful and blessed this part of the Greek island is.

Robert Murgatroyd is the co-owner of Jet Set Life http://www.jetsetlife.tv/ where he reports on where the Jet Set stay, eat and play around the world. For more reviews, photos and videos check out http://www.jetsetlife.tv/destinations/mykonos.html.

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For the ultimate in luxury cruising charter a Private Yacht for a cruise around the beautiful Greek Islands. Go sight seeing on islands with valleys covered with Olive, Lemon, Orange and Fig trees. Visit extraordinary ancient Greek monuments, modern day museums and historic side by side classical mansions. Yacht charters can be a classic wooden to the modern speedy luxuriously sophisticated yachts equipped with helipads and pool decks, cinemas disco bars and libraries. These huge modern wonders can accommodate up to 180 passengers. They have Relaxation Areas, Guest Salons, Private Suites with salons and private dining rooms. Some are even equipped with a Kids Playroom and all are air conditioned.

What to Expect:

The Master Suite = one bedroom, private bath, separate Jacuzzi and salon suite, sitting area with T.V.

The V.I. P. Suite = master bath suite, a sitting area with T.V.

B- Deck Suites = smaller sitting area with T.V. and private bath

Stateroom = all staterooms have private baths

These modern day Private Yachts are super larger than the smaller more cozy yachts which accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers

Smaller more private and intimate yachts can be chartered for either one cabin for a week or the entire yacht for one week or more with stops on 5 islands :

7 days = 5 islands

10 days = 7 islands

14 days = 9 islands

Your charter will include insurance, crew fees (except port taxes ) other taxes, breakfast and one other meal of the day . (lunch or dinner )

Seven day cruises include stops at the islands of Lavrion, Kythnos, Syros, Delos and Mykonos.

These wooden yachts have:

Two Master Suites = 1 King sized double bed with a private bath

One Standard Suite = with a double bed and use of a common bath (shared bathroom)One Standard Suite = (sleeps 3 one double bed and one single upper (bunk bed ) with shared bathroom

Things to Do & Tours Worth Taking:

Greece is know for its clothing optional beaches on Anafi, Andros, Alonissos and Marmar on Crete. Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens, view Athens and the temples below. If visiting the museums give yourself at least 2 o3 hours. Cap Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon is a great spot to catch an evening sunset. Take a walk through Athens at night its known as one of the safest cities in the world. If a you thought a luxury cruise like these were only for the rich and famous, think again. They are a lot more affordable than one thinks. Check out the Irena and Syros they sail out of Syros and Mykonos are equipped with two master cabins.

Rebecca Robbins offers travel tips on the Luxury Cruise Destinations LuxuryCruise Destinations on her blog at http://wwwmyluxurycruise.info

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A journey in the exquisite sea and islands in Greece and other parts of Europe is something irresistible if planning to travel Europe. And the journey is incomplete without such a beautiful and luxurious mega yacht like Alysia.

Luxury yachts Alysia is a sister yacht of mega yacht Annaliesse. It is available for charters worldwide. It is one of the world’s largest yachts for charter being 85.3 metres in size. She has unquestionable presence with her sleek hull, at the same time towering but welcoming.

Once on board life unfolds over five spectacular decks. Thirty-six guests are looked after by thirty-four crew and there is room to entertain at the most lavish level. With 2,400 square metres (25,833 square feet) of guest space, everyone can enjoy the luxury yacht Alysia of their choice. And the choice is enormous. Arriving by lift 21 meters (70ft) up from the sea, the Sun Deck provides privacy, intimacy and spectacular views over your domain.

At one end, the heli-pad converts into a circular sunbathing terrace, at the other, is a Jacuzzi surrounded by sun beds. Crew at the large bar of this luxury yachts serve anything from a cold drink to a hot buffet – 24 hours a day. For sport, there are four wave runners, two tenders and a garage full of other leisure equipment including a fully equipped diving centre. At night the Bridge Deck is transformed – dimmed light overhead, candle light on starched white table linen and dinner as only luxury yachts Alysia can provide.

If you are planning to go for sailing travel in Greece islands, then you cannot afford to miss luxury yachting there. Alysia is one of most beautiful and luxurious yachts among all the luxury yachts available. Find here all the yacht information with tempting luxury yacht charter images.

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Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of today’s Athens. The capital city is an explorer’s paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and today’s 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafés and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands – the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greece’s golden age, Athens’ grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

About the Author: For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Athens, visit www.cfares.com, your source for discount airfare on the web.

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By Jessica Nielson

Countries in Europe are very popular holiday destinations. Either winter or summer holidays, Europe has much to offer. It has great beaches, temperate climates and good selection of resorts that cater to any kind of holidays you want. There are a lot of famous beaches all over Europe that are very ideal to a wonderful beach vacation. Here are some places in Europe with famous beach vacation destinations:

Spain

There are several beach vacation resorts in Spain located mainly along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. You may also choose to go to some islands in Spain located at Majorca. They are very popular and you will have a great beach vacation at a reasonable price here.

If you don’t want too much crowd during your beach vacation, you may choose to go to Cadiz. This golden sandy beach at Cadiz has a serene and rustic quality. You may also tour around the city of Cadiz and see its ancient quality from its local historical attractions, architectures and designs.

France

The Biarritz Beach at the Basque coast of France is sunny and has a mild weather which is perfect all year-round for those who want to take a beach vacation. Biarritz has a Spanish influence so expect a great cuisine and design in the place. There are also several attractions near Biarritz Beach that you can visit and local shopping places to buy for souvenirs.

Another popular beach vacation destination in France is the beach at St. Tropez. This beautiful beach has a tropical weather that makes it a great destination for a beach vacation. There are also chic clubs for you to visit and enjoy at night that will erase the thought of boredom in your stay at St.Tropez.

Monaco

The Larvotto Beach has a beautiful and sunny weather. This beach caters mostly to the wealthy and glamourous, making it ideal for a luxurious beach vacation. You can enjoy eating in its fine restaurants and have a great time at its classy clubs.

Croatia

Most tourists that visit Croatia go to coasts especially along the Adriatic Sea. It has an extraordinary coastline and the popular beaches at Croatia are those atSibenik, Dubrovnik, Trogir, Zadar, the National Park Brijuni Islands and the National Park Kornati . You can enjoy the beauty of the beach or go scuba diving. If you are yet to learn scuba diving, there are a number of beaches that has qualified instructors to teach you.

Greece

The small island of Mykonos in Greece has varied atmospheres that makes it good for any kind of vacation – family, friends, or romantic getaways. You can enjoy some water activities here or just have a relaxing time under the sun. The local restaurants here will give you the taste of the classic Greek cuisine that you will totally enjoy.

These places are just some of the most popular ones for the beach bums. They should be on your list if you are planning to take a beach vacation to Europe. Cheap holiday packages to these places may be available. Just have a thorough researchonline for the best deals that will suit your budget.

About the Author: Know more tips on how to have great holidays while spending less at Cheap Holidays 24. Visit the site and read on our latest article about Enjoying Family Holidays To Majorca to get more holiday ideas!

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Why holiday on one Greek island when you can plan a trip that includes visits to many? Getting around takes a bit of planning, but you can choose from cruise ships, ferries, yacht charters or air travel. Accommodation options include rental villas, hotels, guest houses and home stays. Listed here by region are 20 of the most popular Greek island destinations.

Cyclades Amorgos Rugged Amorgos, the most easterly of the Cyclades islands, has beautiful sandy beaches, a precipitous coastline, peaceful and serene bays and the magnificent Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Tourism infrastructure is rudimentary which this makes for a laid-back charm. Delos First inhabited in 3000 BC, this small island was the religious and commercial centre of ancient Greece. There are no towns or accommodation here, just quietness and a sense of history in the archaeological ruins. Folegandros This small, beautiful island has plenty of accommodation. Its busy port of Karavostassi has an extensive selection of restaurants and hotels, while Cars and motorcycles are banned in the cliff’s edge village of Hora. Mykonos This cosmopolitan island, an expensive travel mecca, with unique cycladic architecture, bare hills, narrow alleyways and streets and red-roofed churches, is everything that Greek islands are famed for. Naxos Mount Zeus towers over this relatively quiet and charming island which is green and fertile. Pretty agricultural villages are perfect for experiencing island life sampling fresh produce including wines and olive oils. Paros On the main ferry run and popular with all types of travellers, Paros has picturesque inland villages, a busy port main town and some pretty beaches, particularly in the north around the fishing village of Naoussa. Santorini The most popular of Greek Islands. From the archaeological wonder of Akrotiri, a town preserved in volcanic ash, to its rocky outcrops and charming white-washed domestic architecture, Santorini is one of the world’s most spectacular islands. Sifnos This mountainous island, a 3-hour ferry trip from Pireaus, has enchanting fertile valleys and medieval architecture, a fine archaeological museum and tranquil sandy beaches. A wide range of hotels, tavernas and shops cater for island visitors. Syros The administrative centre of the Cyclades, Syros has a busy harbour and shipyard, lovely beaches, attractive architecture and many churches and museums. The interior of the island has many fruit and vegetable farms. Tinos The third largest of the Cycladic Island group, a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, Tinos is an important destination for religious pilgrims. The inland villages, nestled into the mountain slopes, are connected by a network of walking paths. Crete The largest of the Greek islands, mountainous Crete has it all, including bustling towns, idyllic rural villages, fields of olives, fruits and vegetable crops, sandy beaches, stunning ancient ruins and a world-class archealogical museum. Dodecanese Rhodes Green and mountainous, Rhodes is renown for its natural beauty, fine architecture, and its cosmopolitan charm. It is the most popular of the Dodecanese islands, and its superb variety of architectural treasures and top museums bring visitors year round. Kos This fascinating island is rich in Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian archaeology and the agricultural interior is perfect for bicycle riding. There are daily ferries to and from Pireaus, and Turkey is just a short boat trip away. Ionian Corfu Popular Corfu, the greenest of the Greek islands, has ancient ruins, castles and distinctive Italianate architecture in Corfu town. The old fort (Paleo Frourio) is the location for a Sound-and-Light show in summer. Kefalonia Known as the location for filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, this rocky island, with its pine forests and many species of wildflowers and herbs, is becoming a popular destination. Loggerhead turtles nest on Kefalonian beaches.

North East Aegean

Chios

Just a few kilometres from the coast of Turkey, in the Aegean Sea, Chios has many churches and monasteries, medieval villages and ancient monuments, which date from times under Macedonian, Roman, Turkish and Greek rule. From beautiful beaches and coves to mountains and traditional villages, the island is a delight to explore.

Lesvos

The third-largest Greek Island is a good budget destination with idyllic beaches, fascinating villages, hot water springs and a variety of flora and fauna. Mainly agricultural, the provincial economy is based on olive oil and ouzo.

Saronic Gulf

Aegina

A great beginner’s Greek island experience, Aegina is a perfect day trip by ferry from Athens. A city state in ancient times, be sure to visit the ruins of Paleohora, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.

Angistri

Intimate sandy beaches are the trademark of this small island near Aegina. But there is also an interesting farming and fishing side of the island that is off the beaten tourist track.

Hydra

Head for the waterfront restaurants and cafes of Hydra Town on this famed maritime destination for great Greek ambience. Wander around and view the old sea captain mansions, and check out some of the hundreds of old churches.

Poros

Handy to Athens, the busy town of Poros is an island joined to the island of Poros by a causeway. The island is home to the scant remains of the Temple of Poseidon but the beaches are not so good.

Spetses

Famous for its great beaches and nightlife, Spetses also has a harbour known for its wooden boat building industry. The main square in the town, the Dapia, has lots of interesting restaurants, while on the busy waterfront you can watch the boatbuilders at work.

About the Author: Rod Ritchie writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Sunisle Holidays offer quality villa accommodation on many Greek islands. Visit Sunisle Holidays at www.sunisle.co.uk for a selection of great value Greek villas.

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