The unspoilt Greek island of Naxos is the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades. Offering sandy beaches, clear blue water, vibrant green valleys and an amazing mountainous interior, Naxos attracts a vast array of visitors. Families, couples of all ages, beach lovers, culture vultures, walkers, cyclists and windsurfers are all attracted to Naxos, many staying in the capital Naxos Town which is ideal as a base for exploring the island.

Plaka Beach

Naxos has 90 miles of coastline with some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. These golden sandy beaches are often backed by sand dunes and bamboo with crystal clear blue waters. Many of the beaches have tavernas on the beach. The whole of the south-east coast consists of uncrowded beaches that become quieter and unspoilt the further south you go. The beaches on the east coast are much more secluded than the islands other beaches. There are far too many beaches to mention but those you must visit whilst on Naxos are Agios Georgios (Naxos Town), Agios Prokopis (just 3 miles from the capital) and the quiet pale sandy beach of Plaka. Naxos is very popular with windsurfers who flock to beaches like Agios Georgios, Plaka and Mikri Vigla where they can enjoy the shallow

Mikri Vigla

 warm water, breezes and wonderful surroundings. Naxos has many contained bays and lagoons and offshore flat reefs which are great for windsurfing. Other watersports available include snorkelling, fishing, kite-surfing, wake-boarding, water-skiing and canoeing.

Naxos isn’t just about the beach. The island has traditional villages with whitewashed houses, fishing villages like Apollonas in the north, ancient ruins and hundreds of Byzantine churches waiting to be explored. Spend a day exploring the narrow lanes of Naxos Town with its Venetian houses and castle, churches and tavernas. Take a trip inland and explore the unspoilt villages, mountains and countryside. Naxos has many paths and trails that criss-cross the island. Walkers and hikers can wander through olive grove and orchards whilst discovering the islands ancient monasteries, churches and castles. Visitors with plenty of energy will love the many cycle routes which take them over the mountainous terrain and along the scenic coastal routes. Discover the off-the-beaten-track routes and take in the glorious coastal routes on horseback. A great way to spend an evening on your family holidays to Naxos is by taking a sunset ride along the beautiful beaches. For perfect relaxation try an island-hopping boat trip. View Naxos from the sea and visit other Cyclades Islands including Mykonos, Paros and Andros.

Naxos Town

Naxos enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with bright sunny days in the summer and mild winters. Naxos enjoys cooler summers than the rest of the Greek islands due to the strong breezes from the Meltemi winds that blow from the north. These winds help keep temperatures down and provide welcome relief from the heat during the hot summer months. June sees temperatures around 23C with July and August often seeing temperatures reaching 28C. Summer months enjoy 11 hours of sunshine a day with winter months still seeing 3 hours of sunshine a day making Naxos a perfect choice for your last minute holidays at any time of the year.

Strikes across Greece are affecting travel to, from and around the country and islands today as people protest against suggested austerity measures being voted on to help the economic state of the country.

Flights to and from Greece will be cancelled between 8am-12pm today and tomorrow and again between 6pm – 10pm.  Ferry and Rail services are also suspended. Violent clashes have already been reported between protestors and police.

Have you been affected by the strikes?  Let us know your comments.

Paxos is the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands, covering an area of less than ten square miles. The island is dwarfed by its neighbour Corfu and by the Epirus coast of mainland Greece. This tiny green island is only accessible by boat from neighboring Corfu.

The island offers visitors the chance to mix with the native islanders and enjoy a quiet, relaxing holiday close to nature. There are no large hotel complexes on the island and the villas and apartments are set apart from each other with no overcrowding. Paxos does not rely on tourism as it’s main source of income. The island is like a massive olive grove and still produces fine olive oil. This famous olive oil can be bought in the charming traditional village shops, along with wines, honey, cheeses and souvenirs.

Loggos

Day trippers who visit the island from neighbouring Corfu rarely venture past the islands capital Gaios and the quaint little villages of Lakka and Loggos. For those staying longer than a day there is the whole island to explore along coastal paths, old mule paths and country lanes where even at the height of the summer months you will rarely bump into any other people, making Paxos a haven for walkers. Not only does the island offer peaceful woodland walks but also has quaint fishing villages, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. Many visitors to the island take a scenic tour of the island by boat to discover the secluded coves and bays, many of which are on the east coast and only accessible from the sea. Boats set sail from Gaios, Lakka and Loggos which are all natural harbours.

Due to high temperatures and warm waters, the islands beaches attract beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, particularly the main beach at Lakka. Water sports on offer include wind-surfing, parasailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing and pedalos. The beautiful crystal clear blue waters and the rugged seabed attract many divers and snorkellers to the island. Exploring the sites and amazing marine life is something not to be missed when on one of the many last minute holiday deals to Paxos. There is a dive school in Lakka that offers tuition and equipment hire. A boat trip to the tiny island of Antipaxos offers beautiful white sandy secluded beaches, just like being on a desert island.

Whether you are looking for an ideal beach holiday destination or a relaxing winter break there are always lots of holiday deals to Paxos available throughout the internet.

Think of Greece and the Greek Islands and you think of classic whitewashed domed houses, sunny weather, clear blue seas and beautiful

Pyrgos, Santorini

coastlines.  With so many Greek Islands to choose from and so many places to visit as a holidaymaker, it’s hard to choose where to go on holiday in Greece.  There’s always plenty of late deals to choose from and a variety of accommodation options from self catering to all inclusive.

Santorini:

Caldera from Thirassa Santorini

Santorini has captured the hearts and minds of many a visitor, poet, geologist and artist.  Everything you hope that the Greek Islands to be can be found here – deep blue sea, stunningly bright white houses, beautiful churches, old windmills, archaelogical and geolocial wonders, cobbled streets and traditional villages and of course not forgetting the famous stunning sunset.  Situated in the Aegean sea it is actually  a small group of islands steeped in history and full of romance.  The small volcanic islands that make up Santorini are Thera, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni.

Three and a half thousand years ago Santorini experienced a huge volcanic eruption here, which exploded in the middle of the island, creating a caldera approx. 4 miles wide.  The caldera is filled with sea water, therefore creating a basin between the volcano and the islands which therefore form a crescent shape around it.  Boat trips enable visitors to travel over to the volcano, currently dormant, and walk upon the solid black lava hills there.  Experience the sulphur steam and the moon like landscape on the Nea Kameni here (the central new volcanic area under 500 years old), visit the hot springs on Palea Kameni (the oldest part of the volcano) or look back and take in the view of the beautiful villages clinging to the cliffs on the caldera of Santorini.

Santorini includes on its list of things to see one of the most important archaeological sites in the East Mediterranean – Akrotiri.  Akrotiri is the excavation site of a minoan bronze age settlement and one of the most important pre-historic settlements of the Aegean.

Santorini and it’s famous Sunset from Oia:
Pronounced ’Eea’ the town of Oia is situated on the cliffs of the beautiful island of Santorini (on Thera) is famous for it’s stunning sunset.  It’s located on the Northern most tip of the caldera and clings to the cliffs here.  It can be reached by a narrow winding road that leads it way up to the town.   Most evenings a crowd of people gather on the coastline here, sitting on walls, steps, by the castle and even taking cruises out on the local boat trips - pausing between the Caldera here and the island itself to watch the sunset disappear slowly across the horizon, shimmering

Santorini Sunset

across the water as it does so.  It is considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world by many and is part of what attracts many tourists to Santorini on a yearly basis.

The large Greek island of Rhodes is a popular holiday destination with families and couples alike. With a great sunny climate the island offers a wide range of resorts, beautiful beaches and lots of restaurants, cafes and bars. The island has a resort to suit everyone, from lively Faliraki to the quiet village resorts of Kremasti and Pastida. The small village of Afandou is full of Greek tradition and offers a very friendly atmosphere. The liveliest resort on the island is Faliraki, famous for its nightlife and immense waterpark. By staying at the nearby resorts of Haraki or Kalathos you can enjoy the lively nightlife in Faliraki and quieter days away from all the crowds.

Rhodes has numerous Blue Flag beaches, with all types ranging from fine sandy beaches with lots of facilities to quiet secluded coves for complete relaxation away from the crowds. The sheltered beaches on the east coast Mediterranean Sea are perfect for swimming and sunbathing whilst those on the windy west coast Aegean Sea are best for windsurfing, especially at

Trianda

Trianda. The less-developed beaches on the south coast offer quieter more peaceful settings for total relaxation. There are all kinds of watersports on offer around the island including jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, paragliding and not forgetting pedalos and banana boat rides for all the family to enjoy. For scuba diving fans there are dive centres which offer tuition and trips out to designated dive areas. Kalithea Bay is one of the most popular diving spots with underwater caves and ancient spa baths just waiting to be explored.   

Rhodes isn’t all about the beaches and nightlife, there is plenty of sightseeing to do. The island has lots of ancient sites and medieval castles to explore.

Rhodes Town

 The medieval city of Rhodes Town is well worth a visit along with Rhodes prettiest village of Lindos which has a very beautiful bay. Rhodes Town is well preserved with charming cobbled streets and fortified walls. For walking enthusiasts there are the wooded mountains in the interior of the island which offer great hiking opportunities shaded from the sun. For the more energetic take a cycle ride to explore the countryside, towns, beaches and mountainside along the many trails that crisscross the island. Sail the beautiful crystal clear blue waters around the island or take a relaxing trip on a yacht, catamaran or ferry to Kos, Symi or a cruise to Turkey.

The Waterpark in Faliraki and the Aquarium in Rhodes Town make great family days out and are two places not to be missed on your family holidays to Rhodes. Other family activities on offer include paint-balling, go-karting, mini-golf and bowling. For adrenalin junkies there is also bungee-jumping, not for the faint hearted!

Waterfall at the Valley of the Butterflies

Holiday packages to Rhodes should also include a visit to the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Colossus at Rhodes Town, the Valley of the Butterflies close to the village of Theologos and Monolithos Castle near the village of Monolithos.

Skopelos is the largest and greenest of the Sporades islands. Quiet and peaceful, this scenic island offers beautiful beaches, an amazing rugged coastline, green countryside and forests, vineyards and fruit orchards, olive groves, hills and mountains. Just a 40 minute ferry ride from the neighbouring island of Skiathos, Skopelos attracts families and couples looking for a relaxing holiday surrounded by amazing scenery. Historic

Skopelos

Skopelos Town is a pretty place with narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, tiny churches, tavernas and shops. The island only measures 13 miles by 5 miles but is still blessed with more than 300 churches and chapels. Skopelos is not known for lively nightlife but for it’s unspoilt countryside which is a haven for walkers and hikers. Evenings are usually spent relaxing at one of the harbour side tavernas. The island celebrates lots of festivals throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to join in with the celebrations which include processions of locals in traditional costumes, music, dancing and of course a never ending supply of local wine. The local people here are always very warm and welcoming.

Glossa Village

Sample a typical Greek atmosphere at the small village of Klima and Glossa which is totally unspoilt and traditional. The old mule trails that criss cross the interior of the the island are excellent for walks to discover the tiny villages, churches and pine forests with their fresh mountain springs which are scattered around the countryside and on the hillsides. Birdwatchers will also enjoy these trails as there are lots of species of birds seen across the island including eagles, hawks and vultures. Because more than half the island is made up of woodland and hills it is perfect for mountain biking. There are trails that will take you through the amazing scenery, encountering quaint villages and churches, and glorious views out to sea along the coastal trails. Not to be missed whilst on the island is a day at the remote village of Meteora. Here you will see a series of wierd rocky outcrops

Meteora

 which tower above the green countryside, many of which have ancient monasteries built on them. These spectacular sites will amaze you and be forever etched in your mind. 

The best beaches on Skopelos are found at Kastani and Hovolo, where the white sands are lapped by the vivid blue Aegean Sea.

One of the best times to take a holiday on Skopelos is during the spring. At this time of the year there are lots of holiday deals on offer which let you explore the island when it is covered in beautiful wild flowers.

Don’t forget to visit the little fishing towns of Panormas and Agnondas whilst on your last minute holidays. Panormas has a beautiful beach which is set in a lovely bay, ideal for lazing on the beach and enjoying a dip in the clear blue Aegean Sea.

The Pelion Peninsula is a beautiful unspoilt region of mainland Greece. This narrow peninsula is located north of Athens and has many small holiday resorts on it’s east and west coast. The west coast resorts enjoy the blue crystal clear waters of the Pagasitikos Gulf and the unspoilt east coast has secluded beaches and coves set amongst rocky inlets, caves and cliffs. The

Pelion beach

best beaches are found on the east coast and when you need a change from lazing on the beach there are plenty of watersports for you to try including diving, water-skiing, jet-skiing, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing and fishing. A great way to view the Pelion coastline and mountains is by boat, you can even visit the neighbouring Sporades Islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos and the off shore islands of Prassouthas and Alatas.

Traditional and authentic, the Pelion region is blessed with forests, fruit orchards, lush green valleys and meandering streams. The resort of Koropi is probaly the most tranquil of all the Pelion Peninsula resorts and is set in wonderful olive groves and pear orchards. Other resorts include the family favourites of Kala Nera, Horton, Koropi, Volos, the slightly livelier Milina and the even more lively Agios Ioannis.

Pelion olive grove

Walking holidays are very popular in Pelion and are best taken in the spring and autumn. There are no end of cobbled paths, trails and tracks which criss cross the peninsula, taking you through the forest clad mountains to quaint villages and to the amazing beaches. Explore the wonderful countryside on horseback, the best way to discover the hidden beauty off the beaten track.

Many visitors use the Pelion resorts as a base for exploring romantic little Greek villages like Milies, Makrinitsa, Vizitsa and Tsangarada which all have a unique atmosphere for you to enjoy a meal and drink or two in a traditional village.

Pelion steam train

The whole family will love a ride up Mount Pelion on the steam train. Passing through little mountain villages, olive groves and over intriguing bridges this trip is not to be missed on your bargain holidays to the Pelion region. Don’t forget your camera as you will have the chance to take some spectacular photos of the coastal views and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The local villages in Pelion hold panygiras or summer festivals in the town squares with music, dancing and plenty of drinking which makes a welcome break from laying on the beach whilst on your direct holidays to Greece. The region also has lots of cultural events for you to enjoy including concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions.

Located in mainland Greece in the west of the Peloponnese, Olympia is the site of the first Olympic Games which were held in 776BC. This small town offers accommodation to visitors which allows them to stay less than a mile from the ruins of this world famous site.

Olympia Town

The town itself has cafes, tavernas, bars and shops and makes an excellent base for exploring the Peloponnese region. Here you will find unspoilt green countryside with forested hills, rivers and valleys, traditional mountain villages and a beautiful coastline with wonderful sandy beaches.

For history enthusiasts this is the place to be. Highlights of a holiday in Olympia include the workshop of Phidius who sculptured the famous statue of Zeus, the Palestra wrestling academy, the ruins of the stadium and hippodrome and the religious monuments. Not to be missed are the historical Museum of the Olympic Games and the Archaeological Museum, both found in Olympia

statue of Zeus

 Town.

The Greek gods had a very important part to play in the ancient Olympic Games which becomes very clear when visiting the Ancient Olympia archaeological site where new finds are being found nearly every day.
The Temple of Zeus was all but destroyed by an earthquake but parts still remain. There is a crepidome (platform) measuring 91ft by 210ft which has 34ft columns in a 65ft tall building. At these ruins you can also see some impressive sculpture from the 5th century BC.

Crepidom and columns

When visiting the Museum at Olympia you will see finds from the Sacred Precinct of the Altis which date from prehistoric times to early Christian times. Also on show at the museum are collections of bronze and terracotta.

Olympia was once the site of the Panhellenic Games and is now home to the Museum of the Modern Olympic Games. Here you will find many interesting artefacts from the Modern Olympic Games. The museum is the final resting place of the heart of Pierre de Coubertin who resurrected the games and who died in Paris.

Steeped in history and culture, Olympia is a must visit whilst on your package holidays to Greece.

By taking advantage of the many travel deals available to Greece, you can experience not only this fascinating countries history and culture but also it’s amazing beaches and resorts.

The resort of Porto Heli is located on the eastern coastline of The Peloponnese in Greece. The resort is about a two and a half hour drive from Athens.

Porto Heli

Porto Heli has a natural harbour which overlooks the Saronic Gulf and is close to lots of really nice beaches, including those at Ververoda, Hinitsa and Maistraki. These excellent beaches offer all kinds of watersports, including swimming, snorkelling, boating, windsurfing and water-skiing.

The resort offers plenty of restaurants and tavernas serving local and international cuisine, cafes, bars, nightclubs, open air cinemas, shops and boutiques. For children there is a large funfair and the Nemo fun park complete with sports facilities, bouncy castles and amusements.

With plenty of historical sites in the area visitors can spend many days out

Epidauros

 sightseeing. Great excursions include visits to Epidauros which has an amphitheatre and shrine dedicated to Ascelepios (the Greek God of healing), the quaint fishing village of Ermioni and the ruins of Halieis which are just a short walk from the resort. Halieis was a city here over 2500 years ago and you can still make out parts of the homes, the baths and olive press which were all part of the city.
The nearby islands of Spetses, Hydra and Poros can be reached by ferry or water taxi, making an enjoyable day out for the whole family. The island of Monemvasia is steeped in history, with more than 30 Byzantine churches for visitors to explore.

Spetses

Porto Heli enjoys long hot summers and cool wet winters with plenty of sunshine all year round. Temperatures peak at around 33C in July and August with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day. Winter temperatures drop to around 14C with around 6 hours of sunshine a day.

The facilities at the resort attract families who take advantage of the many summer holiday packages to Greece which are on offer throughout the internet.

Spring is the best time to take one of the last minute holiday deals as the weather is just right for exploring the beautiful countryside, sightseeing and taking part in the outdoor pursuits on offer here in Porto Heli.

The small, circular island of Thassos is located off the southern coast of mainland Greece, about 8 miles from the coastline of Macedonia. This unspoilt island has beautiful beaches which attract visitors looking for a

Thassos

quiet, relaxed break with a tradition Greek atmosphere. Resorts on Thassos include Thassos Town, Skala Potamias, Skala Prinos, Skala Rachoni, Golden Beach, Perfkari, Limenaria and Potos.

Thassos beaches on the south and east coast of the island are the most popular, with the quieter beaches and cove on the west coast. Golden Beach, Alyki and Paradise Beach, along with the sandy beaches at Skala Potamias are considered to be the best on the island. All of the beaches offer excellent conditions for swimming and watersports.

Covered in forested mountains, gentle hills and green farmland make the

Thassos beach

 island ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. The island has lots of quaint, picturesque mountain villages to explore, including Sotira, Panagia, Paries and Potamia. Like Mount Ipsaron, these villages are located off the beaten track but are worth visiting to soak up the tradition and culture of the island.
Waiting to be explored on foot or mountain bike are the rugged mountains, olive groves and pine forests, along with some really good coastal paths.
Pure white marble has been produced here for more than 2000 years. A visit to the ancient marble quarries and the islands museum which is home to many ancient marble sculptures is a must. Limenas offers visitors the chance to see local artists creating fantastic marble sculptures which can then be purchased in one of the towns many art shops.

Thassos amphitheatre

Excursions available include trips to the Limenas to see the Acropolis and temples dedicated to Apollo and Athena, and the ancient amphitheatre where performances are held during the summer evenings, boat trips to the islands of Kinira and Thassopoula and visits to medieval monasteries.

Summer months here are hot and dry with temperatures around 27C and 11 hours of sunshine a day.

When looking at holiday deals to Thassos why not consider visiting during the spring when the island enjoys warm weather with little rainfall and is covered in beautiful, colourful wild flowers.

If you are looking for a relaxing break in a traditional, unspoilt setting then watch out for the many last minute holidays which are on offer to this beautiful Greek island of Thassos.