Your holiday destination is Greece but which island will you choose? Greece has many islands to explore but which of the major islands will suit you and your family? Perhaps this will help.

Corfu

 

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Corfu Old Town

 

The island of Corfu has been called Greece’s Emerald Isle because of its lush, green vegetation, olive trees and vineyards.It offers plenty in the way of fun activities to keep visitors amused such as para-gliding, horse riding, a myriad of water sports or golf. For those with sun, sea and sand in mind, Corfu has some stunning beaches to explore. Should you wish to admire the architecture, visit exquisite boutiques or sample the cuisine of local restaurants make your way to Corfu’s Old Town granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Venturing further afield to the villages of Paleokastritsa or Paleá Períthia will take a step back in time to Corfu’s cultural.past.

 

Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach

 

The island of Kefalonia is geared towards those who prefer a quieter pace of life and is known for its rural charms of golden sandy beaches, blue seas, craggy mountains, beautiful caves and deep lakes. Here you will be transported into a land of peace and calm. Sample the delights of local tavernas for lunch being sure to sample the feta cheese made on the island. In the evening, make your way to the turquoise waters of Myrtos Beach where you can experience magical views of the setting sun. Look out for loggerhead turtles that use the beaches of Skala and Argostoli as nesting grounds for their eggs. Kefalonia is the island on which Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed.

 

Zante

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

 

If you are seeking to party the night away make Zante your destination of choice however the island has much more to offer than the vibrant after dark scene of Laganas. Take time to sail to Navagio Beach where you can swim in the turquoise waters or sit on the white pebbled beach. There are also many stunning blue caves and hidden coves to explore or you might catch sight of the endangered Loggerhead Turtle that lays it eggs on some of the beaches. Participate in watersports such as Jet Skiing, sailing, scuba diving or para-gliding. For those who are interested in history there are also museums and Venetian towns to explore. An event not to be missed is the Zante Venetian styled Carnival that takes place over the last 15 days of February.

 

Halkidiki

Mount Athos

 

Maybe the island of Halkidiki is more to your liking. Made up of three peninsulas it is an outdoor paradise of beautiful beaches, stunning mountains and ancient caves such as Petralona’s Cave that is reputed to be around 700,000 years old. A variety of cultural and historical sites can also be explored. It is the perfect island to cycle at leisure to discover the wine routes or unique villages where you can sample traditional foods. Admire monastic Mount Athos during a sail on the blue waters; a mountain where women are forbidden to enter. A must on your agenda should be to visit the city of Thessalonika that displays monuments from its Byzantine past as well as having an excellent reputation for its choices of cuisine..

 

Kos

Church on Kos

 

The best beaches in the Agean Sea can be found on the shores of Kos. Some provide safe bathing for children, others offer watersports and yet more secluded coves abound where one can relax and wash away the pressures of everyday life. Heading north to the capital, Kos Town, you can discover more about the history of the area when it was ruled by the Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian civilizations, taste local delicacies or join the buzzing night life. If peace and quiet is more your scene, make your way south to Kefalos.

 

Rhodes

Where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

 

One of the most historical islands in Greece is that of Rhodes. Here you will find where one of the seven wonders of the ancient world known as The Colossus of Rhodes once stood as well as a variety of heritage sites and museums. If wine is to your liking this is the place to find vineyards to tempt your palate.Venture out of the main towns to discover pretty white washed villages full of authentic Greek charm. Nightlife is not forgotten here either as bars and nightclubs provide entertainment for all.

 

Crete

Palace of Knossos

The last of the islands you might choose is that of Crete whose coastline is extremely beautiful. This is another island where many archaeological sites can be found such as the Palace of Knossos. It is also home to the Samaria Gorge and is famed for its olive oil. Why not while away some of your time at the local tavernas relishing the local cuisine?

 

Olive Tree

Which ever island you choose you will never be disappointed by the friendliness of the residents, the weather, the laid-back way of life or the excellent food and wine.