EUROPE
Hopping the Greek Islands
The Dodecanese, Sporades, Cyclades, Ionians and North eastern Aegean. A mere 5 of the 1000s of islands Greece has to explore.
The sunshine is there for your pleasure year-round and the people are some of the most hospitable folk you'll meet. All in all, Greece packs in sun, beauty and a friendly, lively atmosphere.
There are two fundamental reasons for choosing Greece this summer. Firstly, hopping the beautiful islands is very affordable. And secondly, the relics of Greece's past, one of the oldest civilizations in Europe, are all over to be explored.
The price of a fortnight won't differ much from one in Portugal's Algarve, Spain's Mallorca, Italy's Sardinia or France's Nice. But there is a difference - for the same price, you can hop to a different island every day. The villages are soothingly calm, the white houses dotting the landscape are comfortable, the sea is a special emerald green, and the beaches are some of the best on the mediterranean.
Parts of Santorini, probably the most recognized name, still record volcanic activity. Naxos is where you'll find the Temple of Apollo, set amongst some of the best beaches in Greece. The city of Ermoupolis, in Syros, has some of the best neoclassical treasures of Greece's past to be explored. Mykonos is the choice for classy shopping sprees, and where us common folk rub shoulders with the international jetset. And although Mykonos is extremely lively on most nights, it is Ios where you'll find the best nightlife.
Getting there and around
Most major European cities offer direct flights to Athens. From Athens, there are ferries to all major islands, from which you can catch other ferries for the smaller islands. You don't need to book in advance, and services are efficient and regular.
Money matters
Expect to spend no less than €50-€75 per room per night over the peak summer months. Another €25-€35 should be expected for such things as ferry-tickets and meals.
Similar destinations
To visit Portugal we recommend Discovering Portugal where you ccan find useful information for every traveller wanting to learn more about this beautiful country. Alternatively, there's Spain. The Costa Blanca Spain Travel Guide is where you'll find relevant information for this top destination.
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