Greece

Zakynthos can offer so much more than its picture-perfect shot of Shipwreck Beach, with its impressive clifftops and spectacular cobalt blue water, the image by which this Ionian gem is commonly associated. This lush green island is home to an abundance of authentic mountain villages with stone houses and cobbled streets and serene coastal towns backed by cypress trees and olive groves. With it being such a fertile and bucolic island, it is no surprise that the Venetians affectionately named it the ‘Fioro di Levante’, the Flower of the Orient.

Located just 20km from the mainland, Zakynthos, or ‘Zante’ in Italian, is the 3^rd largest Ionian Island and offers the same warm Greek hospitality as its neighbours. It is approximately 40km long and 20km wide and covers an area of over 405m² and enjoys a coastline of around 123km in length, with spectacular waters in every shade of blue possible, hidden caves and secret coves. Visitors can enjoy boat trips to uninhabited islands to view the natural habitat of the Caretta Caretta turtles.

Inland there are ancient ruins, medieval churches and monasteries to explore. The interior mountainous region, with its dense pine forests and old pathways, is enjoyed by hikers and cyclists.

Zakynthos has long been recognized as the home of famous poets and was first documented in Homer’s The Odyssey. Its most famous son, Dionysios Solomos, is the author of the Hymn of Liberty which became the Greek national anthem, and probably the most successful 19^th Century Zakynthiot poet.

While Meganisi, meaning ‘Big Island’ in Greek, may in fact be one of the smaller islands, an abundance of naturally unspoilt scenery, friendly and welcoming local people as well as a surfeit of authentic Greek charm make that literal meaning more than appropriate.

Part of an archipelago protected under the EU Natura 2000 initiative, the sedate pace of life on this special island shines through. Follow a footpath through the scenic, rolling landscape to undisturbed little coves, explore enchanting traditional villages, pause to take in breathtaking views out to the surrounding turquoise waters that radiate in almost every direction… and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can, oh so easily, be forgotten.

Crete is an island of contrasts. It is a land of majestic mountain ranges, serene plateaux and rolling hills, of gentle seas lapping golden beaches, dramatic waves falling against sheer cliffs; of mythical Gods and ancient kings and a proud and strong people who are fiercely independent and yet hospitable and generous.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and in fact is the second largest island in the eastern Mediterranean.  Being the southernmost island of the Aegean Sea, it is strategically located at the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - which, to a large degree accounts for its tumultuous history.

Famous for its fabulous beaches, traditional villages, ancient olive groves and Venetian-influenced capital, Corfu is the most popular of the Ionian Islands. Its stunning northern coast is lapped by crystal waters and indented with scenic coves and lush vegetation that tumbles down to the deep blue sea.

Being the most northerly of the pretty Ionian Islands, it boasts some of the finest beaches found anywhere in Europe. Those to the west are predominantly virgin, sandy and gently shelving; those to the east are smaller, pebbly coves, many of which are only accessed by sea and provide a wonderful excuse to hire a boat and explore the coastline. In total, more than 30 hold coveted Blue Flag status.

Kefalonia is an island of dramatic mountains, thickly forested hillsides, pale golden beaches and a cobalt coloured sea. Covered by pine forest and carpeted with wild sage, oregano, thyme and rosemary, the entire island is surrounded by fantastic shorelines that sweep down from secret coves with white pebbles in the north, discovered by boat or on foot, to golden sands in the south, sloping gently into the warm sparkling sea.

Essentially laid-back, there is however no shortage of activities for the holiday-maker: visit fascinating castles and museums which give an insight into the island's history and culture; explore Mount Ainos, the habitat of a breed of rare wild horse and one of Greece's ten national parks; or participate in the land or water based sports which abound.

One of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, Lefkada combines the beauty of nature with history, rich culture and natural heritage. Charmingly traditional, discover timeless villages where you can still get a powerful sense of the Greece of days gone by.

Explore the rugged landscapes of imposing mountains and dense pine forests that combine harmoniously with picturesque bays, pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. Lefkada is at the heart of the Ionian Islands – a perfect holiday destination for couples, families and groups of friends, there’s something for everyone.

Awe-inspiring ancient sites, medieval castles, unblemished countryside and a coastline full of wonderful golden sand beaches, this unspoilt peninsula at the most southerly point of the mainland offers the greatest diversity of anywhere in Greece.

A haven of pristine beaches, peaceful seaside villages and excellent food and wines. The first ever Olympic games took place here and the area as a whole is liberally endowed with important archaeological sites, most notably Olympia itself. The serene coastal towns of Nafplion and Monemvasia are incredible showcases of medieval Greece and astonishingly well preserved. With a profusion of sweeping sandy beaches, deep, lush gorges and densely forested mountains the choice of activities and pastimes is vast.