The lush, green island of Lesvos is the third largest of the islands in Greece (behind Crete and Evia). It is a very beautiful island with wonderful beaches, picturesque villages and interesting architecture. Famous for its excellent ouzo, Lesvos is the perfect place to visit for people who want to experience the real Greece. The coastal towns of Petra, Plomari, Molyvos, and Erosos are very popular attractions for tourists.

There is a huge variety of fun and exciting things to do here.  You can enjoying the crystal clear waters – whether that be fishing, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on a warm bed of sand gazing at other islands in the horizon. The nightlife is also one of the main highlights. A plethora of bars and clubs are filling the streets of the capital – Greek music, dancing, eating…

Named for the red stone castle that once dominated the port, Kastellorizo is the smallest of the Dodecanese – and the largest of the archipelago of tiny islets, which gives it its other name, Megisti. It is more than seventy nautical miles east of Rhodes, Greece just a stone’s throw from Kas on the Turkish coast. It’s rocky place with a small permanent population. Supplies are shipped from Rhodes or brought from Turkey. Photo by: AbsolutelyEverything

In the nineteenth century the population of this thriving community was over 10,ooo. After the two World Wars it was left almost deserted. Now the harbour resounds in the summer to Australian accents: many migrants are returning to find their roots, reclaim and rebuild their family homes. Another to draw to tourists number has been the Oscar – wining Italian film, Mediterraneo, which was filmed on the island. Photo by: craigaio

The only settlement is the harbour village and its suburb over the hill. The waterfront is lined with graceful neo-classical houses, and the path round the headland passes Greece’s only Lycian house-tomb. Peaceful walks around the island pass monasteries and ruins. On the zigzag stepped path to the top of the crag above the town you may see flocks of bee-eaters – the migration route of these colorful birds touches the island. Photo by: craigaio

There are no beaches, but very enjoyable swimming is possible from rocks, and from the ‘lido‘ platform at the mouth of the harbour. The water there is very clear-crystal and peacock-hued. Photo by: craigaio

When to go: May, June, early July and September (because of the high temperature during the high summer time). Population: 430. Getting there: Flight from Rhodes. Ferry from Rhodes and inter island ferries. Photo by: craigaio

The little island of Symi is part of the Dodecanese Islands and lying just 41 km north-west of the Turkish mainland. This mountainous island is separated by lovely valleys and its coast has rocky outcrops and sweet bays, many only accessible by boat. The main settlement, in the north-east of the island is also called Symi, but locals usually refer to it as Yialos. The town has an upper and lower part. The upper part is emerged as Chorio and is dominated by the fortress of the Knights of St John. The lower part of town, around the port area is stunning, surrounded as it is by green hills making a natural amphitheater. The two parts are linked by the Kali Strata, 350 steps lined with pastel-coloured neoclassical houses with flower-filled courtyards. Photo by: alexandros9

There are many lovely churches and monasteries on the island, some of which can be explored on foot, others that are only accessible by boat. The church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of Vigla had beautiful gardens and terraces. Set in a bay to the south-west of the island is the monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis, an important pilgrimage site visited by people from all over Greece. Photo by: Marite2007

Every year from July to September, the famous Symi Festival takes place on the island. The festival features dance and theatre events, as well as a host of open-air concerts by many musicians. Photo by: Marite2007

When to go: May to October. Population: 2, 606. How to get there: By boat or hydrofoil from Rhodes or Piraeus. You should know: Although the island used to be famous for its sponges, those one on sale on the island are imported. Photo by: Padmee

Photo by: alexandros9

Egina’s geographical position at the mouth of the Saronic Gulf, made it an important maritime power in classical times. The island is emerged as Greece’s leading pistachio producer, and a weekend beach resort for Athenians. Egina Town is an energetic, attractive place, with coloured fishing boat and yachts in a harbour that is lined with handsome buildings, cafes and restaurants. A single column marks the site of the Temple of Apollo, and there is a well-presented archeological museum. Photo by: Mi_ko

The island’s major resort, busy Ayia Marina, lies, with several smaller resorts, on the east coast. Inland, the pleasant countryside is mountainous. There are several isolated monasteries and churches, featuring the enormous church dedicated to the first Greek Orthodox saint of the 20th century, Saint Sophia. Central and western Egina is green and rolling, carpeted with pistachio orchards. Along the west coast lie further beaches, including the pretty harbour village of Perdhika. From here it is a short boat trip to the uninhabited islet of with its lovely beach and excellent swimming. Photo by: vicguinda

When to go: May and June, September and October. Population: 13, 552. Getting there: Ferry from Piraeus. You should know: Minted on the island in its heyday, the silver ‘turtle’ coins were the first in Greece. Photo by: vicguinda

Photo by: vicguinda

The most easterly of the Cyclades, Amorgos is rugged and mountainous, often battered by wine and wave. It is hospitable and unspoilt – visitors come for excellent walking and relaxed, uncommercialized atmosphere, or to see the location of Luc Besson’s film The Big Blue. The south coast is sheer, steep and unpopulated but for one monastery built into the cliffs. The north coast is sheltered by the mountains and has two harbours and a scattering of hill villages. Photo by: korax67

In antiquity Amorgos boasted three cities, Egiali, Minos and Arkessini. For the Romans it was a place of lenient exile. Pillaging by pirates in the 7th century forced the islanders into the hills. After Venetian occupation, Barbarossa the Turk seized it in 1537 and the island remained Turkish till 1822. Photo by: relong

The principal port, Katapola straggles by a large bay backed by a coastal plain in the south-west. There are several small beaches in the area. Katapola means ‘Below the Town’, and a steep road leads up to Hora, a delightful white cube with a car free main street winding along a ridge topped by ruined windmills. A path climbs down to the popular south-facing beaches at Ayia Anna. Photo by: fylter.

The eastern port, Egiali, is quieter, with a long sandy beach and a scatter of accommodation built on a site of the ancient city. In the hills above the town lie the lovely traditional villages of Thoiaria and Langada. A good road now links the two ports – until recently the easiest connection was by water.

How to get there: Inter-island ferries, some come from the mainland (Rafina). Population: 1,869. When to go: May, June and September. Photo by: plaisirbleu

Danai Beach Resort is one of Greece’s premier luxury spa hotels. The resort overlooks pine fringed shores white sandy beaches and the clear azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Its beach is about 2.5 km long and it is attractive not only for its extensive golden sands, but also for the way the pine trees grow right down to the water’s edge. A world-class Wellness & Spa center“St Barth” in Moroccan-style design offers huge variety of professional therapies and health treatments.

SPA Treatments include: massages of all types, traditional Indian Ayurveda, Thalasso and purifying. Other fantasy treatments include specially designed stunning Turkish-tiled steam bath for inhalation therapy, green and pink clay packs, body peeling, the Laconium circular bio sauna, holistic trilogy steam rituals, rainwater treatment beds, balancing chakra tables, aromatherapy, Adventure showers with rain and tropic settings, classic Finnish hot detoxification sauna, treatment with calming oil massages on Tatami Japanese-style bed,

Guide price
A 60 minute full body massage costs 155 Euros. A 50 minute body peeling massage with coconut oil and papaya costs 105 Euros. Prices between June and September start from £1800.00 per person, based on 2 adults based on return scheduled flights to Thessaloniki, return airport private transfers and 5 nights B&B in a Double room.

Like other Ionian islands, Kafelonia was never taken by the Ottomans – it was too important to the Venetian maritime empire. Also like its neighbours, it was occupied by Italian and then by German forces during World War II. Kafelonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, with a mountanious interior and magnificent beaches, it absorbs the crowds, and its towns and villages retain traditional independence. Photo by: Zena Leech-Calton

After the earthquake, Kafelonia rehoused rather than re-constructed. Ardostoli, the capital is beautifully situated, functional concrete town. The south of the island is rugged and barren and along the coast are the biggest package resorts and best beaches. Poros and Skala on the south-east coast are older resorts. Photo by: Giora’s

Sami is a large working post built and rebuilt on the site of the ancient capital offers a couple of decent beaches and tavernas which after the location filming have now been re-named. Ayia Efimia, north of Sami, is a friendly fishing village and low-key resort. On the northernmost point of the island stands Fiskardho, the only town to survive the earthquake. Its pretty harbour front curls round a bay bobbing with yachts. Crowded, but charming, it has pleasant walks to pebble beaches. The west coast is spectacular – the road runs along dizzying cliffs above dramatic beaches. The landscape of the rather remote Lixouri peninsula has been strangely moulded by the earthquakes. It has some good red-sand beaches. Photo by: Giora’s

When to go: May, June, September and October. Population: 31,800 (2001). How to get there: Direct charter and domestic flights. Ferry from the mainland – Patras to Sami, Kyllini to Poros. Inter – island ferries. You should know: The water in Kafelonia is very salt; it flows through an underground channel all the way from Katavothres near Argostoli. Photo by: Giora’s

Photo by: chun_heng

The most southern of the Ionian chain, Zakynthos, also called Zante, shares the history of invasion, freedom from Ottoman rule and devastation by earthquakes. Much of the island is still green, untouched. The north and west is mountainous, the centre very fertile, with farms, vineyards and lovely old villages set in beautiful countryside where life is more or less untouched by tourism. Photo by: Tr8la

Zakynthos Town was rebuilt on the old plan, an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of the pre-earthquake ‘Flower of the Levant’. It is handsome place, with arcaded streets, grand public buildings, museum and busy working port. Round the island boat trips to sea caves and beaches start there. Photo by: mcdermgl

On the east coast, the resorts close to Zakynthos Town are overcrowded. However the Vassilikos Peninsula to the south still has small resorts and beaches, and traveling northwards the parade of fishing villages and beach resorts become less developed. The north coast is rocky and inaccessible, with dizzying views. There are one or two spots along the wild and remote west coast where the sea can be reached. Photo by: Skinnyde

When to go: May, June, September and October. Population: 38,600. How to get there: Direct charter and domestic flights. Ferry from the mainland inter-island ferries. Photo by: Adamos Maximus

Lefkada is paradise and was attached to the mainland until a canal was cut in the 7th century BC. Now it is reached by road over a pontoon swivel bridge. The heavy Venetian fortification of the north coast, some of which remains, was not enough to prevent the Ottomans taking it in 1479; their tenure lasted about two centuries. The island is mountainous and very fertile, lush with olive grooves and vineyards and traditional villages. The west coast is rugged, the east sheltered, with calm beaches. Some of the low-lying area are marshy. Photo by: *Malela*

The main town, also named Lefkada, in the far north, was badly hit by earthquakes. Now is in an attractive working town, rebuilt with low-rise buildings, narrow lanes and arcaded streets. Southwards, past a few small fishing ports and pebble beaches, lies Nydhri, the most highly developed resort town. It has good beaches and a lovely setting overlooking small satellite islands. Boat trips tour these – some are privately owned. Further south, several fine bays enclose quieter resorts of fishing villages. Vassiliki, is a charming little harbour, situated on a huge windy bay with shade trees and tavernas. The breezy beach at Pondi, a little west, is visited by vast numbers of windsurfers. Photo by: june_godiva

The rocky west coast is dotted with lovely beaches. Most accommodation here is in village rooms and campsites. The southern most point, Cape Lefkatas, is also known as Sappho’s Leap.Windsurfing – Vassiliki is home to some of the Europe’s best windsurfing. The beaches – the most southerly beaches on the west coast are with dramatic white cliffs and turquoise water among the loveliest in the world. Photo by: Spuma

When to go: May, June and September. Population: 22, 500 (2001). How to get there: By road from the mainland; inter-islands ferries. Photo by: sunset92

The Elounda Bay Palace is a luxury property set in 20 acres of lush, colorful flower gardens. Located amongst the naturally beauty of Crete, the resort offers panoramic views of the azure waters of Mirabello Bay. Designed in  traditional Cretan architecture, the hotel offers first class service and excellent accommodation.

There are 250 guestrooms, private bungalows and villas that guarantee a paradise holiday rich in comfort and relaxation. The interior of the rooms is ultra modern, with light-wood furniture and large windows leading to furnished balconies with pool views. The room’s amenities include air conditioning, satellite television and minibars.

The hotel has two sandy beaches, marina, health and fitness center, features massages and facials treatments, outdoor and indoor pools, floodlit tennis courts and water sport center. On the beach sports such as sailing, scuba diving, water skiing and surfing are available. In the hotel’s area there are three restaurants including Greek, Continental and Seafood Specialties.

The price for package program, based on 7 nights for 2 adults and 2 children – from £3000 low season to £6000 high season.

Today Santorini, Greece gives a seemingly untouched backdrop of white hills, turquoise beaches and blue seas. The gem of Santorini is the Ikies Traditional Houses, sits high atop the archipelago of islands in the village of Oia. Ikies houses are divided into studios (one bedroom), maisonettes (loft bedroom), and suites.

Each house offers private patios, jacuzzi and own swimming pool, all of which are carefully crafted for viewing of Oia’s famous sunsets. Ikies has become famous for its obsession with service. One magazine review read,”Their staff lives for nothing more than to refill your cocktail.” Continental breakfast, light fare and cocktails are all served to your room (or terrace or pool area). For the romantically-inclined, Ikies also offers a full service honeymoon package, with champagne breakfasts, flowers, satin sheets and the works.

Ikies is a great example of what this region has to offer. Stay tuned to Wayfaring to learn the ins and outs of the best places to vacation in Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.

Perivolas Hotel is a restored group of 300 year-old caves, once the homes, wineries and stables of fishermen and farmers, now a complex of 17 private houses. The hotel is nestled between an amphitheaterical landscape of curves stepping down to a central stone terrace, with a pool that flows over the edge of the cliff into an Aegean horizon. Perivolas encompasses 14,000 square metres of vineyards, wild fig trees and abundant flora.

The hotel is situated in Santorini, Greece. Santorini has the oldest vineyards in Europe, producing mostly white wine – and surprisingly good. They are scattered all over the island. One of the most welcoming is the Santo winery, close to Pirigas, where for a few euros you get a tour and a tasting of some choice bottles.

The rooms are all whitewashed walls, with no hard edges. Santorini’s fishing folk, it seems, had a thing for curves, and the effect it has on visitors is quite astounding.

Drinks in the charming town of Oia are walking distance away, and a spectacular cliff side dinner at Ambrosia. Although the restaurant occasionally overreached itself in terms of trendy food fusion, the quality of the produce shone through.

With a full service spa, impressive infinity pool and an exclusive restaurant serving a feast of Mediterranean delights and Greek delicacies, Perivolas offers both modern and ancient beauty. Prices start at €368

Santorini is a place that doesn’t need much introduction- it’s a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands. Aigialos Hotel is among them in the island’s capital of Fira.

 

It’s a collection of antique villas from the eighteenth and nineteenth century, each one updated and renovated but hardly redesigned — the charm here is in the traditional architecture, the original period detailing, and the classic antiques and furnishings throughout. Floors and bathrooms are marble, and balconies and terraces look out over the caldera, inside the arc of this crescent-shaped island. As views go, it’s hard to think of many better ones, and Aigialos likes to boast that it’s privy to the world’s loveliest sunset — and they may have a point.

 

Room service is available 24 hours, a surprise in a hotel this sleepy and a town this small. There’s a pool as well, but not much more than that — Aigialos, and Santorini in general, is for getting away from it all, and a hike down to the black sand beach or a stroll into town for dinner is about as hectic as it gets.

Mykonos is a wonderful Greek island, a tourist destination famous for its cosmopolitan character, intense nightlife and jetsets playgrounds. The island has fabulous white-sand beaches with turquoise water in Greece.

This is a newly-opened Argentine restaurant set in the gorgeous art deco space of Mykonos’s open-air-cinema.

A spectacular overview of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora.

The picture displays the famous windmills, which are situated on a hill overlooking the town and the Little Venice area of the island.

Astra bar was created in the late 1980’s by local jeweler Minas, who incorporated a fiber-optic ‘’starlight’’ ceiling that pulses to the music. Amazing…! Twenty years on, the atmosphere still rocks, the parties often go until dawn.

Crete is the largest of the Greek island and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete was centre of the oldest Greek and European civilization. The eastern Lassithi perfecture in Crete is an evidence into life in old Crete. Aspros Potamos, left in this picture is a 300-year-old cottages once used by olive farmers.

Today Aspros Potamos is a peaceful place open to visitors as a rustic retreat. Palaikastro is a village on the eastern end of Crete, where is a Minoan era settlement.

This is Vai beach, located near the ancient town of Itanos.

A sunbath-girl rests surrounded by palm trees on Vai Beach. Nearby are more deserted coves.

Another landmark is Pefki, a mountain village where tourists can hear traditional music, eat snails fried in olive oil and rosemary and drink raki. Go there and dive into the peace of life.....