Greece

Greece: An Insider’s Guide

Land of Hercules and Apollo, Greece is as good in reality as it is in myth. It’s got sun, sea and sand by the bucket load, combined with an ancient culture, sublime landscapes and fabulous cuisine. From the dramatic mountains of the north to the tiny islands that scatter the Aegean like pearls, it’s a truly mesmerising place. Little wonder it’s cast its spell over artists, writers and philosophers for the past two thousand years. So, what to do in

Roaming Through Rhodes: Our Airport Transfer to Lindos

Our route from Rhodes Airport to Lindos is packed with noteworthy holiday havens. Despite taking just one hour and 15 minutes, there is plenty to see as you sit back and look out the window. All you need do is enjoy that unbeatable feeling of a holiday’s first moments, when everything’s fresh and new (and you can’t believe how good the weather is! 1. Faliraki Picture the polar opposite of a drizzly day in Blighty and you’ll be getting close

A Self-Guided Tour of Heraklion

The island of Crete has a long and turbulent history of occupation, conflict and resistance. It is a history that is written across its cities and reflected in their architecture, and nowhere is this more evident than in the beautiful coastal capital of Heraklion. As the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilisation, Crete was first occupied by the Romans and the Byzantines, then by the Arabs, the Venetians and finally the Ottomans. It was not until 1913 that it was declared an autonomous state and united with Greece. Of course, each occupation left its mark on the island and particularly

crete

A Family Holiday in Stalis, Crete

Stalis is located on the coast of family-friendly Crete near the town of Heraklion. As it is the quieter of the three main resorts in Crete, it is very popular among British holidaymakers. Its lovely beachfront boasts sandy shores and stunning blue waters, while its restaurants, hotels and entertainment are all family-friendly. There is also an array of child-orientated activities that will keep the kids busy, including thrilling water sports and fascinating aquarium tours. Fun at the Beach Stalis offers a gorgeous display of clear waters and soft white sand. Gently shelving, its shallow waters make it perfect for families

Hersonissos

Start Planning Your Summer Sizzler on Star Beach in Hersonissos

As the days get shorter, the temperature begins to drop down to single figures and January exams loom, why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking your summer getaway now? There’s nothing like a light at the end of the dark tunnel of the winter months to get us through those grey skies and biting cold. Believe me, the party resort of Hersonissos on the Greek island of Crete will shine quite a light.

Greek Gastronomy: A Vegetarian Paradise

“What do you mean, he don’t eat no meat?!” As you probably know, this is one of the most iconic lines from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a much beloved film about Greek culture in America. But is what it suggests about Greek gastronomy – namely that eating meat is an absolute must – actually accurate? Although I (along with most of the world) adore the film’s character of Voula, who is outraged upon meeting a vegetarian, I have to disagree with her assertion that meat is an essential component of Greek gastronomy. In fact, Greece has plenty of delights

Calella

Laidback, Lazy and Lovely! The Best Family Friendly Beaches of Lassi

With its quiet family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful stretches of soft golden sand and great facilities, Lassi is the perfect destination for a family holiday. The purpose-built resort on the picturesque island of Kefalonia – one of the Ionian Islands of Greece ­– stretches out along the coast just below the island capital of Argostoli. Built to make the most of some of Kefalonia’s most beautiful coastline, it is its proximity to the charming capital, and the island’s airport, that is one of the things I love most when travelling here with kids. When I travel with my little ones, I usually

Faliraki

Beaches, Bargains and Booze in Faliraki

How do you celebrate – or commiserate – your exam results? If your answer consists of going to the local pub or binge-watching your favourite soaps, it sounds like a much-needed rush of adrenaline is in order! This summer, why not turn up the heat (literally) and jet off to Faliraki? From balmy beaches to letting loose at bustling clubs, this tourist trove on the Greek island of Rhodes boasts sun, fun and plenty of rum. If you’re up for an unforgettable holiday, it’s time to get off the couch and start packing: an action-packed adventure awaits. Bathe on the

gulf of Elounda

Discover the Secrets of Spinalonga from Plaka Elounda

When holidaying in Plaka Elounda, it is definitely worth taking a day trip to Spinalonga. This famous island, which is visible from the Cretan village’s coast, hides a wealth of history and human tragedy. Though Spinalonga is now mainly inhabited by archaeologists exploring its ruins, it still has a great story to tell. You can explore its turbulent past as both a strategic defence mechanism for Elounda harbour and as a former leper colony. A Fortress with a History Though it is only a small island, Spinalonga hides many interesting secrets. Located near the Elounda harbour, many civilisations saw this

Lindos

Fall in Love with Lindos This Summer

Disappointed by the characteristically chilly temperatures of the northern European summer? You’re not alone. But while you – arguably – can’t change the weather gods’ wishes, you have a choice: you can either sit around the house and mope, or you can leave the near-arctic temperatures behind by jetting off to a warm and sunny destination. If you’re like me, you’ll find that the latter option sounds significantly more appealing. But how do you avoid the crowds of eager holiday goers who inevitably had the same idea as you? Let me tell you about Lindos, a scenic and off-the-beaten-path spot

Rethymno

Walk Through Classical History in Rethymno’s Old Town

Rethymno is a charming historical city located halfway along the north coast of Crete. Its complex history makes it the perfect time capsule for exploring the Venetian and Turkish periods. The Old Town in particular is a well-preserved treasure trove of attractions, with beautiful cobbled streets, lovely mansions and churches, as well as mosques and a fortress. Modern Rethymno is built on the town’s ancient site. The city first blossomed during the Mycenaean era, growing into an independent and autonomous town with its own currency. It was then occupied by the Romans, the Byzantines and the Venetians, becoming a buzzing

Rhodes

Much to Rave about Rhodes

So you’ve got the grades and now the whole summer stretches before you – this is what all those hours cramming in the uni library/down the pub were for! If you’re looking for inspiration on where to go for a post-exam summer blowout with your mates, then the Greek island of Rhodes has got it all: beaches that are so good they’re named after Hollywood stars, a range of water sports with lots of opportunities for lessons or going solo, and a cracking nightlife. Read on and get your passport ready… Water Sports at Lindos Beach Make Lardos Bay your

Agios Nikolaos

Tranquil Agios Nikolaos: A Family Guide to Crete

Crete has long been an ideal holiday destination for parents in search of some relaxed family fun. Thanks to its clear, crystal shorelines and whitewashed beaches, I’ve always enjoyed visiting this beautiful destination with my kids. But in recent years, when I tell people about idyllic holidays spent in Crete, they often look at me in horror because they assume that the whole of the island has been taken over by party-goers in resorts like Chersonissos and Malia. The fact that for every party resort there is another which is quiet and tranquil, like the beautiful Hersonissos, seems to have