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.

Thessaloniki, Greeces’ second largest city, is an ideal destination for a great cultural city break. Sitting on the coast the city has a bustling harbour which faces the Bay of Thermaikos.

Thessaloniki

Situated in the Macedonia region of mainland Greece, Thessaloniki brims with history and culture. Here in the city you will find intriguing historical sites, fascinating architecture, museums, Byzantine churches which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, squares and parks.  Archaeological sites in the area include the Roman Forum and baths, the Palace of Galerius, the Nymphion and the Vergina group of sites which includes the tomb of Alexander the Greats father.  Museums include the White Tower Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the State Museum of Contemporary Art.

Much of the city was destroyed by a fire in 1917 but it has since been rebuilt and is now a mix of old and new.  Parts of the Byzantine walls that seperated the old Jewish quarter and the famous White Tower are still standing.

White Tower

Mount Olympus, which is the highest mountain in Greece and the birthplace of the gods is just 48 miles from the city and worthy of a visit.

The beaches at Halkidiki are just 45 minutes from Thessaloniki, offering some great watersports or just a quiet relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of this great city.

Thessaloniki has a vibrant nightlife with clubs, discos, bazouki halls and fine dining and traditional restaurants. For those looking for quieter evenings there are some great bars and cafes along the waterfront and in the two main squares down in the harbour.

Halkidiki

The climate here is typically Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and cooler winters. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching 27C and more than 10 hours of sunshine a day. October, November and December are the wettest and coldest months with temperatures often dropping as low as 7C.

For great city breaks to Thessaloniki watch out for the many travel deals that are available throughout the internet.

Bargain holidays to mainland Greece and the Greek Islands are always on offer for the whole family to enjoy a break in the sun.

The holiday destination of The Peloponnese is visited by holidaymakers who are looking for not only fine beaches but also history and culture. This is where both ancient and modern Greece meet.

The Peloponnese

Here in the Peloponnese you will find beautiful beaches, stunning mountain scenery, ancient Roman and Greek ruins, Venetian Castles and lots of places to explore.

Situated in the Peloponnese is ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the olympic games. Here you will be fascinated by the old olympic stadium which dates back to the 5th century BC, the Temple of Zeus and the villa of Nero.

In the central Peloponnese is Sparta where many Spartan battles were fought. Here you will find ruins of ancient Roman temples and theatres.

On the eastern side of the Peloponnese is Corinth which is home to the

Temple of Zeus

 Temple of Apollo and some Roman ruins.

The best beaches are found in the most southerly parts of the Peloponnese. These include Porto Kayio and Marmari near Cape Tenaro, and Methoni and Pylos which are ideal for watersports including sailing and wind surfing.

When you need an escape from the beautiful beaches there is the

Mani

mountainous peninsular of Mani. Here you can relax in beautiful surroundings and take in the fresh air.

During July and August the climate is very hot with temperatures in the high 30′s. Spring and Autumn see temperatures in the 20′s with the coldest month being January when temperatures fall to around 12C.

There is always plenty of evening entertainment on offer, including bars, tavernas and restaurants where you can sample the traditional Greek drinks of retsina and raki and enjoy some local traditional cusine.

If you are looking for direct holidays to the popular Peloponneses resorts of Kardamyli, Stoupa and Voidokilia, there are always great offers throughout the internet.

There are many holiday websites offering last minute holiday deals to Greece and the Greek Islands.

The Greek island of Samos is a mountainous island in the North Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coastline.

Samos is the birthplace of many famous people, including the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus.

The island covers an area of about 220 sq miles, with a coastline of nearly 100 miles in length.

Samos has something for the whole family, with beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, quiet coves, wonderful landscape, mountains, lush greenery, vineyards and plenty of history.

There are three main beach areas on Samos. These areas are to the north-west of Samos Town, in the south-west of the island near Pythagorion and in the south-west around the smaller resorts of Kampos and Votsalakia.

The most popular resorts are those of Samos Town, Pythagorion and Kokkari.
The beautiful Samos Town is located in a horseshoe bay with quaint houses which lead down to the towns promenade. Here there are tavernas, lots of tourist shops and many hotels. The town is home to an excellent museum which houses ancient relics.
Pythagorion has a lovely harbour which is lined with a cobbled street, bars, tavernas and cafes. The main town is very tourist orienated with many shops, restaurants,bars and a museum.
Kokkari was once a small fishing village but is now one of the islands top resorts. The waterfront here is lined with nightclubs, cocktail bars, bars, restaurants and cafes. Kokkari is very popular with surfers.

Places of Interest

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pythagoreion where you can see the remains of this ancient fortified port which includes Greek and Roman monuments and the Eupalinian Aqueduct. 

The ruins of the Heraion of Samos, an ancient temple sanctuary which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Climate

Samos has a warm mediterranean climate, with dry hot days in the summer and mild winters with lots of rain. Temperatures in June average 26C, in July and August they average 27C. During Autumn temperatures drop to 20C and in the winter they drop to around 11C.

There are lots of great holiday packages on offer to this wonderful island of Samos.

Why not take advantage of one of the late deals available throughout the internet and explore this beautiful island.

Laganas is a large lively resort on the south coast of the Greek island of Zante (Zakynthos). It is the largest resort on the island and is particularly popular with the 18-30 year olds who flock here for the great nightlife and beautiful sandy beaches.

Laganas

The resort has hundreds of nightclubs and bars, hotels and apartments, shops and plenty of restaurants serving all kinds of cusine, including Chinese, Indian and Italian food.

Laganas Bay is a narrow beach, about 3 miles long and is part of the Greek National Marine Park. Watersports are not allowed here as loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta-Caretta) use the bay for nesting. The turtles visit the protected beach to lay their eggs in June, July and August.

Opposite the beach there is the islet of Agios Sostis which is covered in pine trees and reached by a wooden bridge from Laganas. There are also two

loggerhead turtle

 other islets, Pelouso and Marathonissi.

About a 7 mile drive from Laganas is the deserted village of Agalas where you can visit the Cave of Damianos which has very impressive stalagmites and stalagtites.

Climate

Laganas has a typically Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures in the summer reach 30C with 12-13 hours of sunshine a day. The summers are very dry with hardly any rainfall with temperatures often reaching 31C in July and August.

If you are looking for beautiful beaches and plenty of nightlife why not book one of the many package holidays to Zante that are on offer.

With hundreds of cheap holidays available to this wonderful Greek island, you will be spoilt for choice.