But the two sides to its personality will dictate what kind of holiday you have. The notorious party town of Laganas is in the south east of the island. A one-hour drive north west through the mountains, however, takes you to a strip of stunning, tranquil coastline fringed with small, quiet beaches, laid-back tavernas, and incredible views over to nearby Kefalonia.
This is the land of honey and olive groves, where the deep pink of the ubiquitous bougainvillea plants contrasts with the blue sea and the verdant green pine trees.

Colonising a huge swathe of the area near the picturesque port of St Nicholas is a range of local houses co-ordinated by British outft the Peligoni Club. Trough them, you can book into anything from a modest B&B to a sprawling villa. These ofer anything from breathtaking views from their location perched on a hillside (Villa Yerakina) to secluded pools set in beautiful gardens (Anna’s House).

Lazy days are, of course, an option – there is nothing finer than relaxing by the sea afer a breakfast of fruit with thick, cloted-cream-like Greek yoghurt drizzled with locally-made honey – but there is plenty to see. Two popular nearby attractions, both reached by boat, are the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach.

The caves are cut into the dramatic white clifs around Cape Skinari, and are big enough for a boat to enter. They are called “blue” because the refection of the sea dances of the walls and roof, giving them a pale blue sheen.
At Shipwreck Beach – a tiny stretch of pebbly sand, surrounded by looming clifs – rests the huge rusting hulk of what used to be the merchant vessel Panagiotis.

The story goes that it was wrecked on the beach around 30 years ago, after being chased by the Greek Navy for smuggling. But since it is so perfectly placed in the middle of the beach, another local legend has it that the Greek tourist board put it there to attract more visitors.

To see more of the island, try the sunset monastery walk organised by Peligoni. This is a gentle 90-minute hike through felds and forests, coming out at the crumbling stone 17th-century Saint Andreas monastery, which still has remnants of Byzantine frescoes.

All around the area are family-run tavernas which serve simple, tasty and fresh food. In Volimes village, Kaminaki restaurant has an outside charcoal grill, which produces superb slow-roasted pork belly.

Afer that, you can try out paddle boarding, wind surfng, waterskiing or siting back by the pool or sea, grateful that you’re relaxing in the right half of the island.

Ten things you must do in Zante

1. Buy homemade honey flavoured with lavender or thyme from one of the roadside stalls.
2. Watch the daredevil base jumpers launch themselves off 200m-high cliffs at Shipwreck Beach.
3. Take a trip to Kefalonia and visit the stunning Myrtos Beach.
4. Spot the endangered loggerhead sea turtle at the National Marine Park, Laganas bay.
5. Tuck into wild stuffed rabbit cooked in wine, a local speciality.
6. Take a dip in the supposedly healing waters at Xigia Beach; sulphur pours out of one of the caves and soothes skin.
7. Bring home a handmade rug embroidered with pictures of dolphins (which you can sometimes spot in the sea).
8. Visit the beautiful Italianate church of Agios Dionisios (St Denis) in Zakynthos Town; its belltower is similar in shape to that of St Mark’s in Venice.
9. Wander around the maze of streets in the pretty village of Volimes.
10. Climb up Bochali Hill above Zakynthos Town; it has a small Venetian castle at the top.

Things to do in Athens

Be transported back in time
You’ll be hard pushed to fit in every site and attraction on an Athens holiday, but the Acropolis and Parthenon that rise above the city draw in crowds year after year and should be top of your list. In addition to telling their own story, they also offer some of the best views of the city. Be sure to pay a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern day Olympic Games were held, the Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset for a great photo opportunity.

Visit the ‘burbs
Athens’ various suburbs offer fantastic walking opportunities and breath-taking views. Visitors can appreciate day to day living, stunning villas, interesting shops and secret museums. Most of the suburbs have their own shopping malls and many also have their own beach. Visit the Southern suburbs on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, where you can enjoy seaside walks, relax on beaches, indulge in retail therapy and party the night away. Further north, the Maroussi suburb is home to the Olympic Athletic Centre of Athens where Greece’s most recent Olympic Games were hosted.

Escape to the coast
The Greek islands may be the number one go-to for beaches in the country but Athens certainly gets a pat on the back for trying. No need to jump on a ferry when the beaches of Alimos and Glyfada are close to the city and easily reached by public transport – with crowds to prove it. Pireaus is the nearest and if you are seeking some wind-surfing action then head to the beaches between Saronida and Anavissos. The further you go the better the reward, with sandy Schinias leading the pack in both beauty and facilities, as well as providing a pine forest backdrop and plenty of authentic fish tavernas serving up the fresh catch of the day.

Attractions in Athens
Family friendly…

The Acropolis and the Parthenon
Attracting visitors from all corners of the world throughout the year, Athens’ most popular attraction, the Acropolis and the Parthenon not only offer the opportunity to discover an ancient world, but also incredible views and an excellent museum. The Temple of Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and is definitely not to be missed.

The Plaka
With its streets winding around the Acropolis, the neighbourhood of Plaka offers quaint shops, local architecture and a range of eating options, ideal for a day out. Explore the oldest part of Athens and enjoy handmade jewellery and local handicrafts before pausing for a strong Greek coffee in the cute cafes.

Athens Planetarium
The world’s largest planetarium can be found on the edge of Athens city centre. Breath-taking high-tech visual displays, IMAX productions and 3D screens create a ‘wow’ experience that will keep the kids quiet for hours. Learn about the history of the universe and take a trip to the galaxy as you witness exhilarating use of technology never seen before.

Syntagma Square
The huge, central Syntagma Square is also a transportation hub, shopping destination and home to the Parliament Building. Immerse yourself in the Greek atmosphere and impressive surroundings where you can catch the ‘Changing of the Guard’ which occurs daily and is well worth a visit.
Best for adults…

National Archaeological Museum
Greece’s flagship museum, the National Archaeological Museum, is jam-packed with treasures from ancient times. Hours can be spent exploring the many exhibitions, tracing history from eras long forgotten. Discover interesting artefacts and stunning Greek art and an insight into Greek civilisation.

Temple of Hephaestus and the Agora
Search out the Temple of Hephaestus, an ancient building with stunning architecture sure to impress. You’ll also find a museum within its walls and other smaller monuments at the Agora – an ancient Greek meeting place.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
The famous Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon are also a favourite spot with both tourists and locals, where you can enjoy magical sunset views. Dedicated to the God of the Sea and dating back to the 5th Century BC, this historical structure offers a unique story and location and is a must-see on your holidays in Athens.

Mount Lycabettus
Towering above the city of Athens is the awesome Mount Lycabettus. Take the train to the top for some panoramic views of the city, as well as a visit to the resident amphitheatre which in summer hosts world famous artists, and not forgetting the cute café.

A volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island, called Strongyli, to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that Strongyli was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean’s depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed churches. Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago’s largest island), which is home to Santorini’s major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing day trip too. And don’t count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana are all worth exploring.

Greeks often joke about the fact that many tourists know of Santorini but are not entirely sure where to find the mainland of Greece on the map. Santorini is one of the most heavily visited of the Greek Isle destinations, and Santorinians are known for their friendliness toward travelers.
Greek is the official language and while it is possible to find English speakers in tourist areas, you should also learn some basic phrases or plan to bring a phrasebook or dictionary with you. Understanding body language will also help you interact with residents. Be aware of your gestures. For example, using the thumb and index finger to signal “OK” is offensive, and Greeks indicate “yes” with a slight downward nod or “no” with a slight upward nod.

Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable when walking around the towns or the beaches, some of which are clothing optional. Dress continues to be casual even in restaurants, but you may wish to dress a little more nicely when dining out in the evenings.

Santorini’s currency is the euro (EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops When eating at a restaurant, a service charge is typically included, but it is considered polite to leave a 10 percent tip (preferably in cash) if service was exceptionally good. Restaurateurs often don’t look at the receipt when charging a credit card and leave the tip off. Also, keep in mind the plumbing system in Santorini is not stellar — when at a hotel or restaurant, throw any used toilet paper in the waste basket rather than flushing it down the toilet to avoid any potentially embarrassing flooding situations.
Olive oil and garlic are staple ingredients in any Santorini restaurant, as are fresh vegetables, meat and seafood. Be sure to sample a variety of dishes, such as hummus, fava, tomato keftedes, grilled octopus and lamb skewers. If you’re in the mood for a lighter meal, try a crisp salad decorated with fried calamari and feta cheese. Pair your meal with the house wine to get a taste of the different varietals produced in the region. And of course you should save some room for sweet, creamy gelato at the end of any (or every!) meal — Lolita’s in Oia and Il Gelato D’Oro in Fira are both known for their cool, tasty treats.

Many travelers suggest avoiding the tourist-heavy restaurants along the beach in favor of a family-owned taverna along smaller side streets in Fira, Oia or Kamari. Where you’re spending the day will likely dictate where you grab a bite to eat, but you can find everything from quick gyros to casual eateries to upscale restaurants throughout Santorini. Head to Restaurant 1800 in Oia for fine dining and expertly presented Mediterranean cuisine. If you can, snag a table on the roof to enjoy sweeping views of the island’s cliffs. In Fira, travelers say Taverna Nikolas is a must-visit thanks to its affordable prices and authentic Greek menu, including dishes like tomato keftedes (deep-fried patties of tomatoes, onions, flour and herbs), cuttlefish in wine sauce, souvlaki and baklava. Almira Restaurant, in Kamari, is another spot that earns high marks from recent visitors thanks to its beachside location and variety of food options. When you tire from Greek food, Italian eatery Al Fresco (in Kamari) and Ginger Sushi Lounge (in Fira) are good alternatives.

I came back as a teenager, with friends who owned a villa there, and we’d zip around on scooters, dance on tables by night, water-ski by day. I took my first skinny-dip, opened my GCSE results, and had my heart broken in Skiathos.

Fifteen years later, I am back again with my four-year old daughter, Clem. Skiathos is a small island (just seven by three-and-a-half miles), part of the Sporades group in the north-west Aegean Sea.

Thanks to hefty protection measures, it is one of the least built-up. Construction is prohibited in the forests, which make up a huge part of the island. And thanks to its 60 golden beaches – as good as any I’ve seen in the Caribbean – it is a popular fly-and-flop destination.

The Skiathos Princess hotel, a family-friendly resort in the south, doesn’t offer much in the way of mod-cons but the location is unbeatable. It’s 20 minutes from the airport and next to one of Skiathos’s best stretches of golden sand, Agia Paraskevi.

It also manages to balance fun for children with entertainment for grown-ups. They offer, for example, YogaAqua (yoga carried out on stand-up paddle-boards) as well as a thriving kids’ club.

It’s easy to get around the island. There’s a main coast road with buses that make regular circuits, stopping off at all the beaches and Skiathos town, with its lively marina.

Or you can rent a car. We drive 2km inland to visit the island’s dog shelter. Clem is thrilled to have a cuddle with a six-week old puppy. Lots of visitors adopt dogs here – the shelter looks after all the paperwork – so be careful that you don’t become too attached.

Back at the resort, there’s a creche for under-4s and Clem is lured in for a pyjama party (popcorn and pizza). It is a modest success – she is happier bobbing around in the pool and chasing waves in the sea.

On day two, I look up from my book just in time to see her climb onto the back of a paddle-board with Jaeden, six and four-year-old Chase, from London, and disappear out to sea. Friends are fast-made on Skiathos.

The highlight of our stay is a boat trip around the island. A watersports company at the public end of the hotel’s beach offers activities and excursions.
After some persuasion, Clem boards a tiny two-seater speedboat and we zoom off to Koukanaries beach – one of the most popular on the island.
Then its on to Banana Beach, where you can sunbathe nude, and the picturesque harbour at Skiathos town. From here you can easily take a day trip to neighbouring Skopelos or Alonissos or head to Skiathos’ north coast to check out the silver-stoned Lalaria beach, accessible only by sea. We stay local and visit Tsougria, a ravishing, uninhabited island with white sand beaches.

As we circle back towards the Skiathos Princess past Kanapitsa Bay, I can just pick out the white verandah of my friend’s old villa high on the hillside. For a second I feel the presence of my teenage self. Then she is gone, and my arm is wrapped tightly around Clem, excited by her first ever speedboat ride.

But the two sides to its personality will dictate what kind of holiday you have. The notorious party town of Laganas is in the south east of the island. A one-hour drive north west through the mountains, however, takes you to a strip of stunning, tranquil coastline fringed with small, quiet beaches, laid-back tavernas, and incredible views over to nearby Kefalonia.
This is the land of honey and olive groves, where the deep pink of the ubiquitous bougainvillea plants contrasts with the blue sea and the verdant green pine trees.

Colonising a huge swathe of the area near the picturesque port of St Nicholas is a range of local houses co-ordinated by British outft the Peligoni Club. Trough them, you can book into anything from a modest B&B to a sprawling villa. These ofer anything from breathtaking views from their location perched on a hillside (Villa Yerakina) to secluded pools set in beautiful gardens (Anna’s House).

Lazy days are, of course, an option – there is nothing finer than relaxing by the sea afer a breakfast of fruit with thick, cloted-cream-like Greek yoghurt drizzled with locally-made honey – but there is plenty to see. Two popular nearby attractions, both reached by boat, are the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach.

The caves are cut into the dramatic white clifs around Cape Skinari, and are big enough for a boat to enter. They are called “blue” because the refection of the sea dances of the walls and roof, giving them a pale blue sheen.
At Shipwreck Beach – a tiny stretch of pebbly sand, surrounded by looming clifs – rests the huge rusting hulk of what used to be the merchant vessel Panagiotis.

The story goes that it was wrecked on the beach around 30 years ago, after being chased by the Greek Navy for smuggling. But since it is so perfectly placed in the middle of the beach, another local legend has it that the Greek tourist board put it there to attract more visitors.

To see more of the island, try the sunset monastery walk organised by Peligoni. This is a gentle 90-minute hike through felds and forests, coming out at the crumbling stone 17th-century Saint Andreas monastery, which still has remnants of Byzantine frescoes.

All around the area are family-run tavernas which serve simple, tasty and fresh food. In Volimes village, Kaminaki restaurant has an outside charcoal grill, which produces superb slow-roasted pork belly.

Afer that, you can try out paddle boarding, wind surfng, waterskiing or siting back by the pool or sea, grateful that you’re relaxing in the right half of the island.

Ten things you must do in Zante

1. Buy homemade honey flavoured with lavender or thyme from one of the roadside stalls.
2. Watch the daredevil base jumpers launch themselves off 200m-high cliffs at Shipwreck Beach.
3. Take a trip to Kefalonia and visit the stunning Myrtos Beach.
4. Spot the endangered loggerhead sea turtle at the National Marine Park, Laganas bay.
5. Tuck into wild stuffed rabbit cooked in wine, a local speciality.
6. Take a dip in the supposedly healing waters at Xigia Beach; sulphur pours out of one of the caves and soothes skin.
7. Bring home a handmade rug embroidered with pictures of dolphins (which you can sometimes spot in the sea).
8. Visit the beautiful Italianate church of Agios Dionisios (St Denis) in Zakynthos Town; its belltower is similar in shape to that of St Mark’s in Venice.
9. Wander around the maze of streets in the pretty village of Volimes.
10. Climb up Bochali Hill above Zakynthos Town; it has a small Venetian castle at the top.