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NafplionCity/Region: Peloponnese Peninsula
Nafplion is a favorite weekend getaway destination for hot and bothered Athenians, and no wonder because it is not only a lovely city, but exudes a cool and relaxed atmosphere soothing to busy locals and foreign tourists alike. It was capital of the Greek state from 1828 to 1834 after the war of independence, although its history is modern compared to the rest of Greece, and particularly the Peloponnese, it is a popular holiday spot for its charm alone. Nafplion gets by without any classical ruins. The town does sport picturesque
streets overhung with wooden balconies cascading with flowers. Some lively outdoor cafes and fascinating mosques add to the atmosphere. Energetic visitors can climb the 857 steps to the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi that overlooks the city, but most prefer to just enjoy the tavernas on the waterfront, the open-air cinemas and the beaches, while using the town as a refreshing and comfortable base from which to explore the archaeological sites of the Peloponnese.
HeraklionCity/Region: Crete
Heraklion is the main city on the island of Crete and usually the starting point for visitors wishing to explore the island. The city, built on a fairly steep hillside, has a huge harbor to accommodate ferries and cruise liners, and an international airport. Heraklion is busy, bustling and full of hotels, fast food outlets, shops and traffic. The main square of Plateia Venizelou is a pedestrian mall sporting cafes and restaurants, with some fascinating shops in the surrounding streets. Like many Greek cities Heraklion's architecture was influenced by Venetian occupation, and a Venetian fortress dominates the harbor. The city's pride and joy, though, is its archaeological museum, which contains the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, which flourished on Crete around 1,600 BC. Heraklion is close to the major archaeological site associated with the Minoans at Knossos.
ParosCity/Region: Mykonos
Paros is one of the larger islands of the Cyclades and is becoming more popular as a spillover from the busier islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Its main drawcards are good sandy beaches and old world traditional fishing villages, which come with reasonably priced hotels and a vibrant nightlife. The island's main port is Parikia, which has a ruined Venetian castle and an impressive Byzantine church to its credit. The resort town of Naoussa on the north coast is close to the island's best beaches. On a separate island section, known as Antiparos and separated from the larger section by a channel, is an interesting chapel cavern and more lovely beaches.
LindosCity/Region: Rhodes
Most tourists on Rhodes head for Lindos, 29 miles (47km) from the island capital, which was once the capital of the island but today is basically a holiday resort centered on a small medieval village, topped with a fortified ancient Acropolis. The village is quaint with its cobbled streets and white-stuccoed houses sloping down to the sea. The Acropolis is reached through a series of steps, which can be ascended on donkeys. From the outside, the Acropolis does not betray its Hellenistic origins because the original complex was surrounded by a strong fortification in the Middle Ages by the Knights of St John, but inside are the Doric Stoa, propylaean ruins, the sanctuary of Athena and the Byzantine church of St John. The ruins of an ancient theater have been discovered on the slope below the Acropolis. Many celebrities have chosen to buy or build holiday homes in the Lindos vicinity and frequent the cafes and tavernas lining the beachfront.
KardamenaCity/Region: Kos
Situated mid-way along the south coast of the Dodecanesian island of Kos, Kardamena is one of the most popular resorts in Greece, particularly with young Brits looking for a lively and entertaining holiday. Once a small fishing village, the town is now very commercialized with scores of English-style pubs and restaurants and tightly packed apartment blocks. A wide variety of watersports can be organized from the long sandy beach and the resort is well placed for those who want to explore the island's fascinating interior.
Agios NikolaosCity/Region: Crete
Agios Nikolaos (or Áyios Nikólaos), about 43 miles (69km) east of Heraklion, was formerly known as a destination for package-tour groups but is now a cosmopolitan resort with high standards of harbor-side café-bars and top quality restaurants. The night clubs and karaoke bars are a thing of the past in this relaxed, yet busy, town. Ideal for couples of all ages, it is an excellent base from which to explore the eastern part of the island. The town itself does not boast any major historical or archaeological sites, but it does have a curiosity: the deep pool in the environs of the harbor, called Lake Voulismeni, has many tales and legends attached to it, and was once believed to be bottomless. Ágios Nikólaos also has a fine Archaeological Museum, worth seeing for its growing collection of Minoan artifacts. The museum houses finds from the cemetery of Aghia Photia, dating back to 2,300 BC, including more than 1,500 vases. Besides all the Minoan finds the museum also has the skull of a young Roman athlete wearing a gold olive-leaf wreath dated to the 1st century AD. Many visitors to Ágios Nikólaos take the excursions to the fortified islet of Spinalónga to see the ruins of, and hear the fascinating story of what became the last leper colony in Europe.
Golden BeachCity/Region: Thassos
Golden Beach is a tourist-developed area on the east coast of Thassos island where hotels and apartment complexes have sprung up in recent years to cater for the ever-increasing number of holidaymakers who are discovering this so far unexploited Greek island. The resort has a magnificent, safe white sand beach and easy access to two quaint villages, Potomia and Panagia, providing everything one expects from a Greek island holiday. Compared to most other Greek resorts, though, the pace is slow and relaxed and nightlife is subdued. This is gradually changing as development proceeds and numbers of visitors increase, but there are as yet no bright lights and burger huts. Most visitors hire a car to explore the island and otherwise spend their time soaking up the sunshine on the beach, trying out the many seafront tavernas or taking walks.
MaliaCity/Region: Crete
The town of Malia on the north coast of Crete is ancient, but its appeal as a holiday destination is unquestionably for the young: 18 to 30-year-old revelers out for fun, sunny days and steamy party nights. The ruins of the 2000 BC Palace of Malia, a mile or so from the neon strip of the modern resort, draws a few tourists, but most are more intent on taking excursions to enjoy the thrills and spills at the waterpark about 15 minutes away, or soaking up the sun, swimming and sea sports on the miles of beautiful white sandy beach. Modern Malia is a hodge-podge of apartment and hotel complexes, tavernas, cafes, kiosks and shops crammed along a busy strip, offering everything the package tour holidaymaker could wish for. At night the lights are bright and the music pumps in the many cosmopolitan pubs and clubs until sunrise. The most attractive feature of Malia is its three miles (5km) of sandy beach, washed by crystal clear sea, under blazing sun. There is no natural shade but the beach is well-supplied with parasols and sunbeds, and dotted with bar kiosks and watersports operators. The road into the mountains south of the resort, leading to the pretty village of Krasi, offers a scenic alternative with its wooded slopes and rushing springs.
KefalosCity/Region: Kos
Kefalos is a purpose-built resort with a laid-back atmosphere, situated in the south west of the island of Kos. It is surrounded by spectacular scenery and sits beneath the old town of Kefalos, from which it takes its name. The resort has plenty of good restaurants and a couple of small nightclubs, but is mainly geared for tourists looking for a quiet holiday.
Kos TownCity/Region: Kos
The ancient port of Kos, the capital and major town on the island, has been home to Egyptians, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and the Knights of St John. All left their mark on the town: the ruins of the Roman baths and amphitheater remain, and the 15th-century castle, built by the Knights of St John, still stands as supreme sentry. There has been much development over recent years, with apartment blocks stretching out to the suburbs of Lambi and Psalidi (to the north and south respectively), however Kos remains a fascinating and cosmopolitan town with a good mix of culture and entertainment. There is a busy nightlife with no shortage of bars and mix of restaurants from English-style cafes to local tavernas - many situated around the old harbor area overlooking traditional fishing boats and sleek yachts. The main beach in town is a fairly narrow, shingle affair packed with beach chairs and umbrellas, but there are better beaches a short bus journey away. Kos Town is perfectly situated for taking boat trips to Turkey and the nearby islands.
PaleokastritsaCity/Region: Corfu
This large resort area is on the west coast of Corfu island (about 16 miles/26km from Corfu Town) and consists of six beautiful coves with sandy beaches, surrounded by green forests and olive trees. Local tavernas are renowned for serving up the town's delicious lobster catches. There is a monastery, dating from 1228, on the promontory about a mile from the beach. A medieval castle, Angelokastro, overlooks the area, sited on a hilltop which can be reached by a very scenic drive via the village of Lakones, or on foot, though the walk is arduous.
KavosCity/Region: Corfu
A sprawling town on the southern tip of Corfu, Kavos is the most action-packed of the island's resorts and is very popular with British under 25s, intent on having a good time. The long, narrow beach is far from the best in Corfu but offers lovely views over to the Greek mainland, lots of watersports and is fine for sleeping off the night before. Those looking for a less hectic holiday, but still within reach of the nightlife in Kavos, should stay in the neighboring resort of Aghios Petros, one mile (2km) to the north.
RethymnonCity/Region: Crete
Anyone could be forgiven for mistaking the hugely popular package tour resort town of Rethymnon for a sort of Cretan-inspired theme resort, but the best thing about the town is that its picturesque historic heart is actually genuine. The old town is just that, old, its winding alleys overhung with pretty wooden flower-bedecked balconies flaunt historic Venetian and Turkish architectural influences. Fortunately a recent mad spate of tourist development has left the old town untouched, so it can now delight the many snap-happy visitors and serve as a bustling venue for tavernas, restaurants and souvenir shops. To the east is one of Crete's longest sandy beaches, which has become the target of developers and is lined with apartment blocks and hotels. Excursions are easily made to Heraklion, Hania or the monastery of Arkadhi.
HaniaCity/Region: Crete
The largest city in western Crete and, together with Rethymnon the most attractive, Haniá is a historically charming labyrinth of jumbled Venetian and Turkish buildings surrounding a small harbor, with colorful markets, town squares, craft shops and fine dining possibilities. Narrow, winding lanes are lined with tavernas, cafes and shops, and ancient alleyways lead to endless photographic opportunities that encompass overhanging wooden balconies, delicate stonework and white Orthodox churches. The port area is the oldest and most interesting part of town and is busiest at night with many bars and restaurants. A promenade curves around the harbor leading from the main hotel area. There are a few museums worth visiting, including the Archaeological and Naval Museums, and the famed walk through the Samaria Gorge is a worthwhile excursion from the town.
Rhodes TownCity/Region: Rhodes
Fun in the sun in Rhodes Town on the north point of the island centers on the World Heritage-listed old walled medieval city that clusters around the ancient harbor of Mandraki. This ancient labyrinth consisting of a couple of hundred narrow streets and alleys constitutes a tourist's paradise, with all the required trappings for a good time, including an art gallery and several museums. The Street of the Knights is particularly intriguing, following the course of an even older track that once led from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the harbor, where stood the legendary Colossus. It now features buildings that were built in the 16th century as clubs for Knights belonging to the Order of St John. Each represents an inn of a different 'tongue' (the knights belonged to different national groups) and the facades of the buildings reflect the relevant architectural details. The Turkish occupation of Rhodes is commemorated with a Venetian-styled Byzantine mosque, the Mosque of Suleiman, and the popular and well-used Turkish baths, in a 7th-century Byzantine building. The sprawling new town houses most of the travel agents, bars, discos, nightclubs, and numerous tavernas, and is best explored at night. A long stretch of beach is popular during the day and has deckchairs, umbrellas and showers available.
FalirakiCity/Region: Rhodes
Situated on the east coast of Rhodes, the island's most developed beach resort is just nine miles (8km) south of the capital, Rhodes Town. Faliraki is renowned for its four-mile (2km) stretch of sandy beach that is packed with deckchairs, umbrellas and sunbeds, and offers every kind of water-based activity from parasailing to jet skis. It is possible to do day boat trips around the other small bays of Faliraki, including Kathara Bay, which is one of the most picturesque on the island, and has a nudist beach at one end. Anthony Quinn Bay is famous for the filming of
TheGuns of Navarone. There are also several, little-developed beaches between Faliraki and Lindos, such as the pebbled Traganou beach, and all the beaches are desirably clean with crystal waters. Faliraki is also well known for its nightlife and is popular with younger visitors seeking lots of action, both day and night.
IxiaCity/Region: Rhodes
Just three miles (5km) from Rhodes Town is the developed resort of Ixia with a wide range of accommodation to suit most tastes. The west coast receives a constant summer breeze, which tempers the heat, and provides excellent conditions for windsurfing. The shingle beach follows the curve of the main road with most of the accommodation along the road; bathers should take care, as the waves can be a little rough. Most hotels have pools and deckchairs for those who prefer not to brave the sea. Ixia is ideal for family holidays or an older clientele; there are only a few pubs and bars that close at midnight, but most hotels provide family entertainment programs, and its proximity to Rhodes Town means that all the amenities of a large town are only a short taxi ride away.
LaganasCity/Region: Zante
The hottest spot on the Greek island of Zante (or Zakynthos), particularly with the British 18-30 party crowd, is the resort of Laganas, situated on Zante's south west coast. The resort boasts one of the longest beaches on the Mediterranean, with five and a half miles (9km) of golden sand, washed by warm, translucent waters. The beach is a conservation area for about 1,300 loggerhead turtles that nest on it each year, and visitors are asked to take care not to disturb the nests. This is also the reason for a ban on watersports on Laganas beach. The beach is lined with hotels and apartment blocks, and the town is crammed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Having been turned into a holiday fun-spot, there is not much of the traditional Greek island atmosphere left in Laganas, but just a little way out of the resort one can still find authentic Greek villages and peaceful countryside.
MolivosCity/Region: Lesvos
The most picturesque town on Lesvos island, Molivos, on the northern-western tip, is also it's most popular holiday resort, offering a serene, laid-back ambience from its pretty harbor right through the tiers of red-roofed stone houses that slope up from the blue sea to a hilltop crowned with a medieval castle. Molivos was known as Mithymna in ancient days and has been occupied since prehistoric times, as a visit to the town's archaeological museum will demonstrate. Lazy days in Molivos are spent bathing, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the pebbly beach, or strolling the quaint cobbled streets of the wisteria-shaded market around the central square. As the day wanes, sip a cocktail on the balcony with a spectacular sunset as a backdrop, followed up by a delicious Greek dinner under the stars at a taverna on the waterfront. Many visitors confess to finding Molivos 'too good to be true', almost a stage setting for the perfect Greek village, and as one watches the world go gently by from a wisteria-shaded taverna it is easy to agree with this perception. Although it does become very crowded during the height of summer, the town is a protected conservation area and will hopefully retain its authentic atmosphere.
SidariCity/Region: Corfu
Sidari, a resort popular with British tourists and known for its lively tavernas, bars and nightlife, is a developed resort that has combined a couple of smaller fishing villages. It is located 26 miles (42km) north of Corfu town on the north coast of Corfu and is famous for its long sandy beaches with warm, shallow waters, making it the perfect location for a safe and relaxing family holiday. Sidari is also famous for the Canal D'Amour where it is thought that people who bathe in the waters will find romance.
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