Aegean Delights / Grecian Discovery

For those who want to shop – and those who want to explore – the main seaport of Limassol offers lots of opportunities.

Limassol is the place to discover the real traditions of Cypriot life. Search through traditional old boutiques for curios, sample the island’s famous whisky-sour drink in dark inns, visit the medieval Limassol Castle, or find authentic Cypriot crafts in the Folk Art Museum.

Kos Town is the capital and the main port of the island. It is built on the north eastern side of Kos, around a vast area full of greenery.

Decide on a lazy day at the beach of go for the archaeological ruins – the choice is yours in one of the highlights of Turkey, Kusadasi.

Choose from fine beaches or relaxed walks through narrow cobbled streets, the beautiful port itself or the ruins at Ephesus. Kusadasi has something for everyone and is a chance to experience a true taste of the flavour of Turkey. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the ancient city of Epheus is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The marble pillars of the library of Celsus support intricate friezes and sculptures, while the enormous amphitheatre offers superb views over the whole city. Add great shopping for carpets, jewellery, souvenirs and leather goods in Kusadasi itself, a range of great cuisine and even a waterpark for you to enjoy and you’re spoiled for choice.

Patmos, an Aegean island in the north of Greece’s Dodecanese island group, is a significant Christian pilgrimage site. Its Cave of the Apocalypse is where John of Patmos (St. John the Theologian) is said to have written the Book of Revelations. A fortresslike, 11th-century monastery dedicated to the saint overlooks the whitewashed houses of the hilltop capital, Hora (also known as Chora).

Bright and breezy meets class and sophistication as the yachts of the rich and famous anchor off the the coast of Marmaris.

Being the largest of the Turkish beach resorts, there’s a definite ‘Riviera’ feel to Marmaris. Elegant palm-lined promenades run along the waterfront while the marina plays host to a large collection of yachts. By day the young and beautiful frolic in the sea or bathe on the five kilometre stretch of Uazn Yali Beach – but scratch the surface and traditional Turkey is never far away. The rabbit warren of small streets with its whitewashed, red-roofed houses hide a treasure trove of delights including a bazaar. Not too far away is ancient Ephesus, one of the world’s most impressive classical sites that was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Legendary hangout of Queen Cleopatra, Alanya’s two-faced for all the right reasons. On the one hand an ancient Seljuk city, on the other a slick beach resort, it’s a place where old meets new and the pair get along famously. Walk around and you’ll notice a lot of places with Cleopatra in their names, even one of the beaches. It’s no coincidence. In 44BC, Mark Antony presented the town to his girlfriend as a present. And as gifts go, it takes some beating………

For those who want to shop – and those who want to explore – the main seaport of Limassol offers lots of opportunities.

Limassol is the place to discover the real traditions of Cypriot life. Search through traditional old boutiques for curios, sample the island’s famous whisky-sour drink in dark inns, visit the medieval Limassol Castle, or find authentic Cypriot crafts in the Folk Art Museum.

Surrounded by beautiful hills, Athens offers a blend of traditional Greek culture and modern hustle and bustle. From the ancient marketplace of Agora to glass-faced skyscrapers, it is quite simply unforgettable.

Prepare to fall head over heels for this sun-blushed beauty. Santorini is the very essence of Greek charm. Sugar-cube houses cling to the cliffs. Vivid blue church domes add a splash of colour. And steep cliff-sides tumble into an impossibly clear sea. Just beautiful…….

Modern Bodrum is a bit like St-Tropez, only with belly dancers. Mega-yachts slide into the town’s twin harbours. Celebs lunch in trendy waterfront eateries. And bronze-limbed beauties lounge at wood-decked beach clubs. What’s the draw? For a start, the stop-and-stare scenery – think whitewashed houses dripping in bougainvillea, and olive-green hillsides melting into the Aegean. Then there’s the history – this place is home to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. And, of course, there’s its traditional Turkish charm. Bodrum’s jet-set following and blow-out night scene may have catapulted the place into the 21st century, but bazaars, belly dancing and backgammon are still the mainstay of life…….

Today, Heraklion is a city of contrasts where old meets new – ancient Byzantine churches sit in perfect harmony against the modern skyline.

Crete’s capital, Heraklion, is the cultural and commercial hub of the island. It’s taken on a vibrant, cosmopolitan air and brims with
pavement cafes, sophisticated bars, elegant boutiques and intimate tavernas. Traditional Cretan life can still be seen in the winding backstreets and alleyways that surround the old harbour.

Pack your beach towel, your sunblock and your camera, The third largest Greek island and one of the sunniest places in Europe also features Rhodes Town.

Combining cosmopolitan charm with medieval sights, Rhodes Town has all the sun, sea, sand and attractions you could wish for. Wander through the Old Town to see the Palace of the Grand Masters, decked with mosaics, sculptures and antiques. Call in at the 15th century Knights of St John Hospital, now a splendid archaeological museum which houses the statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes. Continue down to the beaches and find the Street of the Artists, where artists share pavement space with open air cafes. And for the best view of the town and harbour, take a taxi to the top of Monte Smith, crowned by a 3rd century BC stadium.

For those who want to shop – and those who want to explore – the main seaport of Limassol offers lots of opportunities.

Limassol is the place to discover the real traditions of Cypriot life. Search through traditional old boutiques for curios, sample the island’s famous whisky-sour drink in dark inns, visit the medieval Limassol Castle, or find authentic Cypriot crafts in the Folk Art Museum.