Aegean Delights

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.

One of Turkey’s biggest hubs, Izmir is your gateway to Ephesus, the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city. It was in Ephesus that one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World once stood, the Temple of Artemis. Be whisked back to the Roman age and feast on its architectural riches…….

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…….

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.

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.