Greece

Ancient Greece conjures up images of great philosophers, gigantic temples and astounding ruins – the latter of which can still be found, amongst the superb beaches and pretty fishing villages which are scattered around the country of Greece itself, and its islands off the mainland.

Many of these islands are renowned for their picturesque beauty and for the way they welcome the thousands of tourists, year after year.

To the west of Greece lies Corfu, densely populated by olive trees, sandy beaches and hidden coves. One of the largest of the Greek islands, the north and south coasts of Corfu have been heavily developed, whilst further inland, local villagers continue with their way of life as they have done for hundreds of years.

Zante’s main selling point is its array of wonderful beaches, which is why you’ll find a whole host of all-inclusive and relatively cheap late deals on offer. The nightlife here is much more upbeat, which tends to attract a younger crowd.

The largest Greek island, Crete is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. It’s also a real treasure trove of archaeology, with dozens of important sites dotted all over the island, offering an alternative activity to sunbathing on one of its glorious beaches.

Kos is ideal for those looking for a cheap getaway to the sun. Although its scenery is relatively mundane by Greek standards, that hardly matters to those who want to simply spend their days sunning themselves on one of the fantastic beaches that line the coast and their evenings dancing to their heart’s content in one of the many open air discos or nightclubs. Kos is a fantastic resort for young couples or groups and is guaranteed to be a memorable holiday.

Rhodes is one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Along with its sandy beaches and thriving nightlife, it nevertheless appeals to families too, with plenty of historical sites to explore and a beautiful city which retains some degree of character.

If you’re looking to escape the main tourist areas, Santorini could be for you. A much more low-key, traditional atmosphere here, the island is populated with pretty, white washed houses, small churches and excellent cafes and restaurants. This, more than any other Greek island, is arguably an indication of the true Greek culture and tradition.