Daios Cove Resort

this beautiful island attracts so many tourists throughout the year. Whether you are looking for great beaches, some quiet rest and relaxation, a romantic break inspired by myths and legends or some culture, Crete has it all. Click here for a great offer we have found from holidays4travel.co.uk to Daios Cove which is less than 5 miles from Aghios Nikolaos – save up to 40% on this luxury holiday to Crete.

This diverse island has a resort to suit everyone, with beautiful sandy beaches, narrow village streets to explore, restaurants, family-run tavernas, bars, shops and open-air nightclubs.

Crete is home to four different areas; Heraklion, Lasithi, West Chania and East Chania. Heraklion is located in the north of the island and is the most popular tourist destination due to its long sandy beaches, variety of accommodation, eateries and bars. This well developed area includes Hersonissos (15 miles from Heraklion and home to Crete’s only 18-hole golf course), Gouves (11 miles east of Heraklion), Kokino Hani (7 miles from Heraklion), Fodele (west of Heraklion) and Koutouloufari on the slopes of Mount Pyrgias. West Chania is located in the eastern corner of the island and is much less developed and more peaceful than Heraklion. The area includes the small modern resort of Gerani, the uncrowded Maleme, the small peaceful Tavronitis and the small fishing village of Kolimbari

Aghios Nikolaos

which is well known for its fish tavernas. East Chania is home to the popular tourist resort of Aghios Nikolaos and the smaller resorts of Amoudara (2 miles from Aghios Nikolaos), Istron with its unspoilt beaches, the traditional Cretan village of Kalo Chorio and the relaxed town of Lerapetra with its long seafront promenade and two stretches of blue flag status beach. Lasithi, on the north coast of Crete, has many beaches, perfect waters and resorts ranging from lively to peaceful havens. Resorts here include Almirida which has blue flag beaches and is perfect for laid-back holidays, the biggest resort in the area Platanias (6 miles west of the town of Chania) and the beautiful quaint village of Kalives which still retains its Cretan character.

The summer sunshine, crystal clear warm waters and beautiful beaches are perfect for water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and pedalos. Away from the beaches visitors can explore the island on horseback; riding along deserted beaches, past quaint unspoilt villages and through vineyards and olive groves. Riders can follow the trails, hidden paths and ancient donkey routes to see the best of Crete. Others may wish to explore the island on foot, bicycle or by road. Spring is an excellent time for hiking and rambling along the trails and ancient paths which will lead you along the coastline

Minoan Palace of Knossos

and through the stunning countryside. For lovers of history and culture, Crete is steeped in ancient history and mythology. Known as the birthplace of Zeus, the island is home to many archaeological sites such as the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, Malia, Zakros and Gortyn. The island has many museums, a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion which offers an insight into the islands past is a must.

Crete has one of the best climates in Europe, with temperatures peaking in July and August, dropping just a few degrees in May, June and September and still remaining warm in April and October. Average temperatures during the summer season range from 29C to 30C in the daytime and around the 24C mark at night. The remaining months of the year are much cooler, especially in the mountains and the north of the island.

Elounda harbour

is something for everyone. Visitors can just sit back and watch the fishing boats and yachts coming and going, enjoy a slice of baklava (sweet filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey) at one of the many waterside cafes or dance the night away at one of the resorts nightclubs. The upmarket hotels offer luxury spa treatments including saunas, steam rooms, aromatherapy, facials and bodywraps, along with yoga and meditation for guest’s wellness and health. Just a half an hour drive from the resort is the Crete Golf Club for golfing enthusiasts holidaying on the island.

Most of the beaches here look out towards the absolutely stunning Spinalonga peninsula which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. There are both private and public beaches along the peninsula, all with the usual tourist facilities including sun beds and parasols. The main beach holds a blue flag status which is awarded for clean waters and cleanliness. There are also lots of little coves nearby which are perfect for snorkelling in the crystal clear warm waters. Visitors can enjoy some welcome refreshments at the waterfront tavernas and cafes as they take in the great views along the coast. Elounda offers a variety of water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing. There is a PADI approved dive centre in the resort which will take divers to a range of different dive-sites. Just south of

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is Almiros Beach which has safe shallow waters and also offers plenty of water sports along with plenty of room to lie back and relax in the sun. If you are looking for more secluded beaches there are plenty to choose from between Elounda and Plaka. Lined with shady tamarisk plants (salt cedar), backed by olive groves and offering views of Elounda lagoon, this part of the coastline is the ideal spot for some peace and tranquillity.

Away from the beach, most of the hotels and other accommodation in Elounda offer a range of sporting facilities which include gyms, swimming pools, tennis, table tennis, mini golf, volleyball, basketball and badminton. There are many day trips available from the resort, including the former fishing village of Agios Nikolaos, the rural town of Krista and the tourist attractions of Rethymnon, Knossos and Heraklion.

Elounda enjoys one of the longest summer seasons in the region, lasting from April till October. With 13 hours of sunshine a day in August and

Elounda

temperatures often reaching 40C, July and August are the best times to visit. During this time the easterly breezes help to keep the temperature and humidity level feel more comfortable. January and February are the coldest and wettest months of the year. If you are looking for cooler temperatures then April is a good time to visit with temperatures in the low 20s but still with up to 8 hours of sunshine a day. During the spring the Elounda coastline is amass with wild flowers and the beaches tend to be quite empty, added to which flights and accommodation are relatively cheap, making this a perfect time to visit.

Greek island of Kos

Mastihari. With nearly 200 miles of coastline which is dotted with quiet coves and sandy bays, Kos is the perfect choice for a beach holiday. Away from the coast the island has a beautiful interior of olive groves, traditional villages and historic sites just waiting to be explored.

Kardamena is the place to stay if you are looking for lively entertainment. With a 3 mile stretch of sandy beach and plenty to do it is no wonder Kardamena is the island’s party hotspot! Water sports are in abundance here with scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, sailing, banana boat and donut rides and pedalos all on offer. After using up all your energy on the beach you can relax at one of the many cafes and bars that line the beach.

Kos town is an excellent choice for couples and groups looking for a lively stay on the island. Located in the northeast of Kos, this historic town has a vibrant atmosphere with a great choice of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and shops. Mixing the old with the new, Kos Town has some fascinating historical sites including the

Kos town

Old Town, the ancient site of Asklepieion, the Castle of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum and the intriguing Hippocrates Tree. There are a few sandy stretches of beach around the town but most are pebbly. However many of the islands best beach resorts are within easy reach of the town. Popular with visitors staying in Kos Town are the boat trips which take you around the island and even visit places like Rhodes and Turkey.

Marmari is a small beach resort close to Kos Town. Popular with couples and families, this laid-back town has a long stretch of sandy beach and calm protected waters. Less than 10 miles from Kos Town, Marmari is also just a short drive from the traditional village of Pyli and Mount Dikeos where you can take in marvellous panoramic views of the island. Away from the beach the whole family will enjoy a day out at Lido Water Park in the nearby resort of Mastihari.

Lambi is a great choice of holiday destination for couples and families alike. Just a 20 minute walk from Kos Town, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. Using Lambi as their base visitors can peacefully relax on the beautiful beach whilst still being within easy reach of the buzzing entertainment venues of Kos Town. Away from the beach and the hustle and bustle of Kos Town you can experience traditional Greek life by visiting the inland villages of Asfendioum and the surrounding little towns which are scattered around the countryside.

Tingaki is a small town on the north coast of the island, about 7 miles from Kos Town. Holidays here are popular with families and couples looking for peace and relaxation. The beautiful white sandy Blue Flag beach here gently shelves into shallow clear waters that are ideal for children. Tingaki is also popular with bird watchers as it has a salt lake which attracts lots of different species of birds.

Lido Water Park

Mastihari is located about 15 miles from Kos Town and is a great choice for a quiet family holiday on Kos. This quiet fishing village retains much of its Greek traditions along with beautiful sandy beaches. Mastihari is a modern port where fishermen land their catches of the day and ferries leave for Kalymnos and Pserimos. Lining the waterfront are tavernas and cafes where you can spend relaxing evenings just watching the world gently drift by. Mastihari is also home to the Lido Water Park where the whole family can enjoy the pools, slides and lazy river. Every August the resort plays host to the Wine and Honey Festivals where you can try the islands delicacies and enjoy some traditional Greek music and dancing.

Kos enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short wet winters. May sees temperatures around 24C with up to 11 hours of sunshine a day but by July and August these temperatures can reach up to 32C with 14 hours of glorious sunshine a day. During the summer season humidity is high and rainfall is rare, even night-time temperatures hover around the 23C mark. Towards the end of the season temperatures begin to drop with October seeing highs of 25C with 8 hours of sunshine a day which is still pleasant enough for the beach, outdoor pursuits and exploring the island.

Lesbos

and paths which will take you for a gentle stroll or for the more energetic, a mountain trek. May and October are a perfect time for walking around the island as the weather is ideal and the fields are in full bloom. Bird watchers, nature lovers and eco-tourists are attracted to Skala Kalloni which is carpeted in wild flowers in the spring.

Lesbos

Dining is more varied on Lesbos than on most of the other Greek islands with lots of authentic cuisine and vegetarian food.

All of the island’s resorts offer plenty of beach bars and tavernas but avoid the over crowding of many of the livelier islands.

Due to the islands wonderful sunny climate and shallow clear waters, swimming and sunbathing are very popular with holidaymakers. The beach resort of Skala Kallonis is a firm holiday favourite while beautiful Molyvos is perfect for those seeking a mixture of tradition and culture with some great nightlife. Skala Eressou has a wide sandy beach and is popular with families,

Lesbos Beach

honeymooners and gay couples. The resort has many businesses that are run by gay couples and also offers excursions which are for women only. The island’s main resorts offer a variety of water sports including scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, canoeing and pedalos. For organised beach activities Thermi, Vatera and Sirgi are very popular.

Away from the beaches there is plenty to keep the whole family occupied, like wandering around the markets, craft shops and artists studios. The island attracts many artists and writers with a number of resorts offering an alternative spiritual scene. Visitors to the island can experience a whole range of different experiences including astrology, meditation, thermal spas, tai chi and shiatsu. Walking, hiking, horse riding and cycling are on offer on the island along with boat trips to secluded beaches which should not be missed on your late deals to Lesbos. The island has a network of trails and paths which take cyclists through a variety of landscapes. The eastern part of Lesbos is the best part for terrain cycling,

Molyvos

with traditional villages, deserted coves and beaches, thermal springs and wonderful orchards and olive groves. There are lots of opportunities for day trips including visits to the medieval town of Molyvos, traditional villages such as Agiossos, the sandy beaches of Skala Eressos and Vetera and Mytilini which has an historic castle, historic settlements and museums.

Package holidays to Lesbos offer exceptionally good value for money and are ideal for families who want to get away for a quiet, relaxing break.

Symi

village of Chorio. Whether you want to spend your time just lazing on the beach or exploring the islands beautiful interior, Symi is the perfect choice for you.

Yialos Harbour has a great choice of restaurants and cafes along with many Italian style mansions built on the hills around the harbour.

Chorio is the upper part of Symi Town and is situated away from the harbour. With amazing views over the harbour, Chorio enjoys a slower pace of life ensuring visitors on their package holidays to the island enjoy a totally relaxed holiday in wonderful surroundings. If you follow the Kali Strata from Chorio you will eventually reach the top of the Kataraktis, the original path connecting Yialos and Chorio. From Chorio’s village square (Syllogos Square) there is a road which takes you behind the castle and on to Lemonista Church. The castle was rebuilt by the Knights of St John in the 15th century on the site of a previous castle. During WWII it was used as a munitions store which was blown up, destroying the castle and the Church of the Assumption which was housed within its walls. Part of the walls still remains and there is a plaque commemorating Filibert de Niallac, the Knight’s French Grand Master.

Away from the beach there are plenty of places to visit and things to do including;
The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis – Built in the 6th century and restored in the 18th century, this is a working monastery where visitors can see Byzantine frescoes and amazing carved iconostasis.
Catacombs (consisting of 12 caves) and Roman mosaics at Nimborio to the north of Yialos.
The Nautical Museum at the rear of the town square, easily recognised by the canons outside.
The Archaeological and Folk Museum.
The Town Square is one of the venues for the Symi Festival. St Johns Church is also a Festival venue and has an interesting pebble courtyard and burial ground.

Kali Strata

Take the Kataratkis (a steep footpath) from the rear of the harbour to the castle and Chorio. Originally the only to get from the harbour to the village until the Kali Strata was built in the 19th century. The Kali Strata is around 350 steps up to Chorio and is lined with 19th century mansions.
Mountain climbing in St Georges Disalona which has a unique quarried rock face only accessible by

St Georges Disalona

taxi boat.
Explore the island by foot or bicycle, including a stroll around the harbour with its excellent neo-classical mansions.
Visit the windmills on the hillside above Yialos and then take the scenic walk to Pontikokastro (Mouse Castle), a partially excavated stone circle which dates back to Neolithic times.
Explore the islands bays and coves by taxi boat.
Take an island cruise for a day of relaxation whilst soaking up the sun.

Temperatures are at their best for outdoor activities in April, May, September and October. Spring sees the islands flora in full bloom and is the perfect time for holiday packages to Symi.

Kassandra peninsula

With sandy beaches, rolling green hillside, quaint unspoilt villages and lively nightlife, the Kassandra peninsula is the most popular mainland area. Resorts like Athens, Halkidiki and Thessalonika are among the favourites.

Thessalonika is among the oldest cities in Europe and was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1917. Here the old blends nicely with the new, including Byzantine churches and traditional tavernas to modern shopping malls and trendy nightclubs. A must when staying in Thessalonika is a trip to Mount Olympus where all the family will enjoy exploring the area.

Less than an hour from Thessalonika you will find the beach resorts of Halkidiki where you can relax

Meteora Monasteries

on the beach, enjoy some water sports, take a boat trip and explore places like Petrolona Caves and Meteora Monasteries and much much much more.

Each of the Greek islands offers something different. Crete is the largest island and is popular with youngsters looking for some excitement, especially in the vibrant resort of Agios Nikolaos. Here you will find plenty of water sports, bars, nightclubs and shops but there are lots of quieter resorts where families can enjoy playing and relaxing on the beach. The islands rugged coastline has plenty of rocky inlets where the children can spend hours exploring the rock pools and caves.

Agios Nikolaos

Crete is particularly attractive for hiking holidays in the spring when the island is awash with beautiful wild flowers.

Although Zante experienced a massive earthquake in 1953, the island still has plenty of historical ruins to explore and its Vai Beach is regarded by many as the best beach in Greece. The island also offers scuba diving opportunities and the chance to see the endangered Loggerhead Turtles nesting grounds.

The island of Rhodes is well known for its ancient sites and beautiful beaches and is home to the

Rhodes Beach

resort of Faliraki which is popular with young party-goers. The beaches of Ixia and Kremasti are popular with families holidaying on the island.

Other popular Greek islands include Santorini with its wonderful volcanic beaches, the laid back Thassos, Corfu, Kos and Skiathos.

There are always lots of great late deals available to Greece and the Greek islands throughout the internet.

Lefkas

offers a traditional Greek atmosphere with quaint villages, beautiful forest clad mountains and green farmland. Lefkas attracts couples and families looking for a relaxing beach holiday therefore there is not a lot of lively nightlife except in Nidri where you will find some nightclubs and beach bars. Lefkas Town is a car-free town full of tiny churches, bright coloured wooden houses, traditional tavernas, great shopping opportunities and a few clubs. The restaurants and waterfront tavernas serve fresh seafood dishes along with traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes, all washed down with some of the island’s own Vertamo wine. And of course a visit to this Greek island would not be complete without sampling the traditional Ouzo. There are also some lively tavernas at Ligia which offer a party atmosphere and stay open until the early hours of the morning. The little fishing village of Periiali is a great choice of destination for visitors just wanting a quiet relaxing break from all the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts.

Lefkas Town

Most Lefkas holidays focus on the wonderful beaches with the most popular resorts being on the flatter east coast. However, there are some excellent beaches on the west coast like Kathisma and Athani, and Porta Katsiki on the south-west coast. Although less accessible, there are some beautiful secluded bays and coves along the islands south coast which can be explored by hiring a boat and sailing along the coastline. Lefkas is popular with sailing and Water sports enthusiasts. These include diving, water-skiing, fishing and windsurfing at Vassiliki on the south coast. Lefkas has two international sailing centres where you can hire boats and dinghies for a leisurely sail around the coastline.

Away from the beach there is plenty for the whole family to do on their package holidays to Lefkas. The island is joined to the Greek mainland by a swing bridge, enabling visitors to explore the Greek coastline up to Parga. Discover the amazing countryside and traditional villages on foot or by bicycle. Enjoy a boat or catamaran trip to the islands of Skorpios, Meganissi, Sparti or Madouri.

Vassiliki

Lefkas enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate which is stable throughout the year. From April to November the temperature in Lefkas rarely dips below 20C with July and August seeing temperatures well into the 30′s. May to September sees temperatures above 25C with 10 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is non-existent during the summer months and evenings are warm and dry, perfect for an al-fresco meal at one of the islands traditional tavernas. April sees temperatures starting to rise above 20C and with 8 hours of sunshine a day this is an excellent time to take one of the many holiday deals on offer to the island.

James Martin at The Domes of Elounda

The Domes of Elounda episode will be shown on Monday 28th November on The Good Food Channel which can be found at SKY/HD 249 and Virgin Channel 260.

The resort compromises of 80 extravagant suites, 4 Villas and 8 Private residences and provides the perfect backdrop for this innovative food series.

The Domes of Elounda Luxury Suites and Spa resort is the perfect choice for luxury holidays and honeymoons as well as luxury family holidays, with the addition of UK based Worldwide Kids Company managing the childcare facilities to a UK Ofsted standard.

Last minute holidays to the Domes of Elounda Resort are always available throughout the internet.

Kefalonia

fishing villages add to the islands charm. The book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was set on Kefalonia. Kefalonia plays host to many festivals, religious and cultural events during the year including the Feasts of the Virgin Mary and Agios Gerassimos, the Robola Wine Festival and many musical and theatrical events.

A holiday on Kefalonia can be as restful or as energetic as you wish. You can laze on the long sandy beaches or spend your days exploring the islands traditional villages, archaeological ruins, Venetian castles, orthodox churches and visiting Kefalonia’s atmospheric capital.

Myrtos Beach

Surrounded by vertical rock cliffs, Myrtos is the island’s most popular beach with glorious golden sands and crystal clear blue waters. Surrounded by crystal clear blue water, Kefalonia offers excellent scuba diving facilities for both beginners and experienced divers. The island also offers snorkelling and great sailing opportunities around Kefalonia and the other Ionian Islands. Wakeboarding, parasailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, banana boats and ringos are among the activities offered at the larger resorts on the island.

Walkers and hikers are attracted to Kefalonia for its amazing scenery. Wander around the island following the ancient footpaths found criss-crossing the landscape which will give you an insight into the history of Kefalonia. Cycling is also very popular on the island with many quiet roads, back roads and tracks for you to follow. Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful unspoilt countryside or speed through the forest-clad mountainous terrain. Stop off on your ride for some relaxation and a refreshing swim at the deserted beaches along the way. Another way to discover the wonders of this beautiful island is on horseback. There are many trails that will lead riders through the olive groves, hills and countryside to the beautiful beaches where both horse and rider can enjoy a relaxing ride. A great way to explore the coastline is by sea-kayak. Discover remote beaches and amazing caves and rock formations as you glide through the crystal-clear blue waters of

Greek Island of Kefalonia

the Kefalonia coastline.

Not to be missed is a visit to Kefalonia’s National Park for the protection of the islands flora and fauna. Other places to visit on your cheap holidays to Kefalonia include the harbour town of Sami where the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed, picturesque Fiskado, the caves at Melissani and Drogorati and the island of Ithaca.

With a typically Mediterranean climate, Kefalonia enjoys long hot sunny summers and mild wet winters. Summers are virtually rain free with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures often reaching 30C. Winters see plenty of rain with temperatures reaching lows of 9C.

Ithaca

Ithaca is almost divided into two parts by two mountain ranges linked by a narrow strip of land. In the north of the island is Kioni Bay with beautiful little coves which are backed by olive groves. Also in the north is the pretty fishing village of Frikes which has lots of taverna’s and is regarded by many as the nicest area of the island. Vathi, the capital of Ithaca, sits at one end of a beautiful natural bay in the south of the island. The capital is a quaint port with a promenade lined with Greek neo-classical houses which continue up into the hills, a charming town square, town hall and taverna’s where you can sample some traditional Greek cuisine.

Ithaca beach

The beaches on Ithaca are ideal for those wanting to just relax under the sun and let the world just pass by. There are numerous bays and small coves all around the island and beautiful quiet beaches at Vathi, Kioni and Frikes. If you are looking for beaches with more activity and water sports you will need to take the ferry to the sandy white beach at Myrtos on the island of Kefalonia. Whilst visiting Kefalonia don’t forget to see the illuminated Melissani Cave and underwater lake. Kefalonia has some beautiful little villages where you can relax over a quiet meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

If you are looking for the ideal destination for a walking or hiking holiday then look no further than the island of Ithaca. Follow the trails around the island and marvel at the spectacular views across the Ionian Sea and soak up the traditional Greek atmosphere at the pretty little fishing villages. There are plenty of local taverna’s along the trails where you can stop off for some traditional Greek cuisine washed down with some Ouzo!

Ithaca is steeped in Greek mythical history and is home to three of the main Odysseus sights. Marvel at the views on a three hour round trip walk to the Arethoussa Spring, visit the Cave of the Nymphs, visit the abandoned ruins of the medieval capital of Paleohora and explore the ruins of the Castle of Odysseus. All of these sights offer amazing photographic opportunities so don’t forget your camera.

Kioni

There is very little nightlife on Ithaca with most visitors spending their evenings relaxing over a quiet meal at the local traditional restaurants. Many people on their travel deals to the island enjoy a romantic al fresco meal under the warm evening air, taking in the amazing views of the island which leave a lasting memory of the beautiful tranquil Greek island of Ithaca.

Ithaca enjoys a typically mild Mediterranean climate all year round with the temperature soaring to the 30˚C mark from June through to September. The winter months are very warm with temperatures around 15˚C from December to February. All through the summer the sun shines for around 12 hours a day and the beautiful clear blue sea is just perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Even in March and April the sun shines for around 7 hours a day with temperatures often exceeding 20˚C.