Greece/Cyprus

Greece

With over 60 popular resorts across the mainland and islands, Greece offers something for every type of holidaymaker. The sun worshippers can be catered for all over with the thousands of glorious golden sandy beaches and turquoise watered coves. The ancient ruins and traditional character scattered all over, combined with the natural beauty makes for some breathtaking scenery. The locals are relaxed and friendly.

The cuisine is varied with an endless selection of local dishes and brews readily available. For the more lively, there are resorts full of water sport activities by day and discos at night. Families and couples, groups of friends, young and old can all find their ideal holiday in Greece whatever they are looking for.

Corfu

Corfu is one of the most popular of the Greek Islands lying west of the mainland. The island has something to offer everyone. If you are looking for a fun lively holiday Ipsos offers numerous water sports activities organised on the long sand and shingle beaches and clear blue waters during the day. At night get down to some serious partying in the bustling bars and clubs. If however you are looking for a more relaxing time then relax on the beach during the day or do some sightseeing amongst the orange, lemon and olive groves or to Corfu town with its winding alleys and Venetian fortresses and monastries. There is even a world class golf course on the island. At night you can go for a meal in a traditional greek taverna or restaurant and try out some local dishes and wines. Corfu has it all.

Crete

The largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands Crete combines history with modern requirements for a holiday. The history goes back 4000 years providing a wealth of archaeological sites surrounded by incredible scenery. Typical for Greece the beaches and coves are lashed with clear blue waters making it the perfect place to relax and absorb the sun and surroundings and relax! The more cosmopolitan resorts of Hersonisson, Malia and Aghios Nikolas offer a more vibrant atmosphere after sunset which attracts the more lively holiday makers. Whereas the gulf of Chania, Kokini Hani, Gouves and Amoudara attract families and couples.

Halkidiki

Unquestionably one of Northern Greece's treasures, Halkidiki offers gorgeous traits of the Aegean. Crystal blue waters, clean sandy beaches and hidden coves mixed with the backdrop of pine forests provides the varied natural landscape. Only an hour from Thessaloniki, the Mount Athos monastaries provide a great day out. Further north the birthplace of Alexander the Great and Aristotle can be visited. All the resorts still have a traditional uncommercialised Greek atmosphere with an array of Greek tavernas, bars and restaurants. A great choice for a relaxed holiday.

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia has not been spoiled by the arrival of tourists. Moving it way up the mass market destination list following its part in Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the country has maintained its traditional and quaint appeal. The beaches are one of the biggest attractions both sand and shingles, sheltered bays and inlets with turquoise blue sea provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and stress free holiday. Charming fishing villages, spectacular mountainsides and an abundance of vineyards offer an opportunity to explore the Kefalonian way of life.

Kos

Kos is one of the greek islands which truly has something for everyone. Being less mountainous than its neighbours, the island villages and ancient sites are best explored by bicycle which there are an abundance of. The endless sandy beaches and shallow waters are perfect for children to have fun in and around. Kos Town and Kardamena both offer water sports, in the daytime and vibrant discos and clubs after the sun has set. Whereas Kefalos and Tingaki are more relaxed for a quieter evening. Kos is also perfectly located to visit the other greek islands of Rhodes and the lesser well known Patmos and Kalymnos or even over to the Turkish Mainland for some excellent shopping in Bodrum.

Rhodes

Rhodes - the island of the sun. It tends to have the best sunshine record of all the greek islands. A combination of the centuries old assets and the modern lively sophisticated resorts Rhodes has something for everyone. Whether you want to lay on one of the many marvellous beaches or venture out to explore the little picture-postcard villages, silent mountains or even the hidden bays is your choice. At night you can go to a local taverna for some traditional greek cuisine. Faliraki is the liveliest resort on the island offering a busy water sports programme and a lively nightlife. Rhodes town is a short drive away for a more traditional lifestyle. You'd be struggling not to enjoy yourself in Rhodes.

Skiathos

Skiathos offers over 50 beaches to relax and sunbathe on during the day and perhaps taking one of the most amazing sunsets to be seen. The island generally offers a laid back Greek approach. Troulos is an excellent example of this. Kounkaniares and Skiathos Town are more likely offering water sports and good range of tavernas, restaurants and shops. Skiathos town is focused around the harbour and has some of the more classy restaurants. In peak season Skiathos Town is the place to go for clubs to dance the night away.

Zakynthos

Zante or Zakynthos offers some of the best beaches within the whole array of the Greek Islands. Gently sloping into the shallow clear waters makes the island extremely suitable for children. The resorts of Tsilivi, Argassi and Kalamaki offer activities and family fun while Laganas discos and bars attract the younger livelier crowd in the peak season.

Cyprus

Cyprus has become one of the most sophisticated destinations in the Mediterranean. As well as offering gorgeous long sandy beaches, glorious weather and brilliant blue seas all necessities for a relaxing beach holiday, Cyprus offers a historical and cultural experience. Explore the more traditional side of the islands through walks through the Roman remains of ancient theatres and castles, Greek temples and Byzantine churches.

Stroll along the rugged cliff tops; take in the orange and olive groves and the meadows of wildflowers. Stop for a relaxing coffee or refreshing beer in a local taverna. There is no doubt that Cyprus offers a good variety of daytime activities for all even if lazing in the sun is the only requirement. At night there is a good mixture of choice for all. Lots of restaurants offering traditional food and drink for a more relaxing end to the day as well as more lively bars and nightclubs for the younger and more lively holiday makers.

Ayia Napa

Currently famous for attracting the more lively holidaymaker during the peak summer months, Ayia Napa offers water sports off the beaches on and restaurants, bars and clubs for a fun packed holiday. In the quieter months, the Venetian Monastery, town square and the golden sandy beach coves of Ayia Napa's neighbour Nissi Bay offer a great setting for a family break.

Limassol

Often described as the more lively and cosmopolitan town of Cyprus, Limassol still offers an old historical town to explore, a working seaport and traditional food and drink. The beaches are a mixture of sand and pebbles for daytime sunbathing. At night there are plenty of bars, restaurants and nightspots to keep all amused to the early hours.

Paphos

The ancient capital of Cyprus, Paphos is a traditional town still based around its fishing harbour, Paphos offers a more relaxed setting. Despite its development into a more popular destination the town has maintained its historical charm and cultural appeal. Excellent places to visit are the Venetian Fort, the Tomb of the Kings and Aphrodite's Rock the "birth" of the mythical Aphrodite. For the sun worshippers the beaches are smaller and are scattered around the town many of which offer a range of water sports. At night head to the scenic harbour for a relaxing traditional meal at one of the many tavernas and to one of the bars or clubs if you just don’t want the day to end.

Protaras

Just 10km away from Ayia Napa, Protaras offers a tranquil setting for couples and family holidays. The beaches are some of the finest golden sand on the Island stretching a vast 16km, taking in lovely coves along the way. The crystal waters are the perfect setting for water sports and scuba diving. Evenings are spent in local tavernas relaxing away from the crowds.