Kefalonia

A big island brought into the spotlight by Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Kefalonia has seen Italian occupation, German invasion, civil war and a  devastating earthquake. But today it stands strong and beautiful, a destination back to its best with masses to see and do. From Skala in the south to Fiskardo in the north, from dramatic Assos to the beach pin-up of Myrtos, Kefalonia has a costal vibe that is hard to beat. There is swimming, snorkelling, diving, yachting, beach bumming and cave exploring plus the food is excellent. Restaurant tables groan under the weight of mezze, sensational seafood and flagons of local wine. Inland the countryside is covered in olive groves and vineyards, fields are dotted with sheep and goats and Mount Ainos rises above it all, take a walk to the summit for spectacular views of the entire island.

Lefkada

Lefkada is the most cosmopolitan of the Ionian family. For a start, it is connected to the mainland by a causeway and secondly, it was the only island in the archipelago to be conquered by the Ottoman Empire, giving it a more Turkish feel. Often overlooked for its more popular sisters, those who off-road to Lefkada find an under-appreciated gem with intricate lagoons, spectacular cliffs and some of the best beaches in Greece. In addition to lovely Lefkada town with its pastel houses, cobbled streets and excellent food scene, there are the smaller resort towns of Nidri, Perigiali, Nikiana and Lygia. Sunbathing, swimming, siestas and water sports are high on the agenda but for the more gung-ho, the mountainous interior is great for trekking, cycling and riding, and regular ferries run to Ithaca and Kefalonia for those seeking a bit of island hopping.

Paxos

 The small, quiet, pine-covered Paxos is a popular stop-off with the yachting fraternity. Just 12km by 4km, a seasoned trekker could explore this get-away-from-it-all island on foot, while the more hammock-inclined can hire a scooter and pootle past ancient olive groves, through tiny villages with locals and down to little-known coves. We love the three pastel-coloured towns (Gaios, Loggos and Lakka), their harbours abuzz with boats, bars and restaurants. On the coast, cobalt sea meets cobalt sky and lazy days pass in a dreamy haze. Ultimately, Paxos is a place to relax, unwind and lift very few fingers. 

Zakynthos

Tsilivi is a lively town. It has a gorgeous two-kilometre beach.

Halkidiki

Think craggy hillsides, the smell of pine trees and beautiful beaches. This gorgeous region has holidays for every taste and budget. There are unspoilt villages and traditional harbours, with everything from back-to-basics accommodation to treat-yourself luxury. And take your pick of romantic restaurants, lively tavernas and bars. Then all you have to do is choose between hiking trails inland and the lure of the sea.

Take a boat trip to see Mount Athos, the oldest surviving monastic community in the world, which is forbidden to women, and which men need a special permit to visit (hence the fact that you view it by boat, often followed by a school of dolphins. The ban applies to all animals on the peninsula too, apart from cats weirdly. The many hillside monasteries around here look like something from a fairy tale.

Crete

From the airport

Bus: local buses run every 10 minutes to the city centre.

Shop

The village of Margarites, in Rethymnon province, is renowned for its handmade pottery. Wander through the village and watch the potters at work and pick up some beautiful souvenirs.

If you enjoy the buzz of a young and (very) lively crowd, then Malia Beach Road is the place to be. Bars, cafes and nightclubs abound along this strip with music and action all day and night.

Day trip

Visit the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini. The centre of the volcano erupted inwards into the sea in about 1600BC leaving a huge caldera. The island's capital, Fira, clings to the top of the volcanic crater and is reached by cable car. High-speed ferries depart every day from Herkalion port (a two-hour journey).

Corfu

Fresh, green and mountainous, Corfu is Greece's longest-standing tourist destination. Much of the island's terrain remains unspoiled and in just a few minutes you can find yourself off the beaten track, stumbling across remote farmhouses and little restaurants serving steaming plates of moussaka. From ancient ruins and untouched nature, to a thriving beach scene and a smattering of pretty towns such as St Stephano and Kassiopi to potter about in, there is lots to see and do. The coast is where most of the action is, a veritable playground of swimming, boat trips, diving, snorkelling and water sports.

Shop

At Ecological Products Kiosk (opposite Aqualand), the proprietor sells organic fruit and vegetables grown on his nearby farm. Get your five a day and help to support a local business.

You can pick up emails from San Stefanos on a free WiFi network. While you are online, go to www.corfunet.com for a five-day weather forecast.

Glyfada, on the central west coast, is Corfu's hottest beach to see and be seen. Expect hordes of stunning young Greeks and Italians.

Day trip

Aqualand. With lots of fun slides and rides Aqualand, near Agios Ionnis, is billed as 'Europe's most amazing water park' and boasts the world's third-largest wave pool. What's more after 3pm, entry is cheaper and you still get four hours of water-based fun for all the family.