Crete

From the airport

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

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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.

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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.

Mykonos

Known for its vibrant nightlife and boutiques.

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Get the garb for your relaxing beach holiday at Surface. Bikinis, board-shorts and flip flops in an array of bright colours. Famous brands including Billabong, Quicksilver and O'Neill adorn the rails.

The port area, with boats running to historic Delos and Blue Star Ferries to other Greek islands, is great for a wander, boasting promenade-side bars and restaurants, keen for your custom.

Small Delos, the must-see island near Mykonos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo, was once the world's greatest commercial centre.

Day trip

Ornos. Just three kilometres south of Mykonos Town, Ornos is an attractive bay with a beautiful beach boasting neat rows of sunloungers and umbrellas. Take your pick from the smattering of seafront restaurants and cafes for a late and leisurely lunch, while gazing over at the impressive yachts bobbing in the bay.

Rhodes

With its guaranteed sunshine, beaches and bars, Rhodes is great for girls who want to have fun in the sun. Bronze yourselves on the numerous sandy beaches before hitting the bars and clubs in Rhodes Town centre and Faliraki. Things don't get going until late there, so partying hard, lie-ins and lounging around the pool are the way forward. Rhodes has something for everyone. The old town will fascinate culture vultures while sunseekers can head to one of its 42 beautiful beaches (alhough the children may prefer to make a beeline for Faliraki's Waterpark, the largest in Europe)

From the airport

Bus. There is a bus every 45 minutes to Rhodes city.

Ibiscus sells unusual medieval, oriental and naval items and replicas. Swords, miniatures, jewels and more are based on originals and legends. 

Ascend to Monte Smith (Acropolis of Rhodes) at the main boulevard for a sunning view to lalysos Bay. 

Get off the well-beaten path and explore the southern districts of the Medieval Town, filled with lesser-known shops.

Day trip

Kallithea Springs. This 80-year-old complex with beautiful springs also has a magnificient beach surrounded by a small pine-tree forest, with plenty of space to roam and a cafeteria for refreshments. It is just 15 minutes from Rhodes Town, near Faliraki.

Thessaloniki

From the airport

Bus. Bus 78 takes you direct to the city centre, as well as the central train and coach stations.

If you are into music in a serious way, head to Ippodromiou Street where you will find plenty of music shops specialising in records and music magazines dating from the 1970s to the 1990s.

General Store, on the corner of Pavlou Mela and Mitropoleos streets, sells casual wear if you need to supplement your holiday wardrobe.

St Dimitrios is the patron saint of Thessaloniki, so a trip to Agios Dimitrios church is a must. Visit the crypt beneath the church: it was here in these former Roman baths that Dimitrios was tortured and killed by soldiers.

If you don't have much time in Thessaloniki, call Doucas Tours. It organiese short trips around the city, a great way to take in all the sights.

Located in the western part of the city centre, the vibrant and colourful area of Ladadika is the ideal place for dinner followed by drinks into the early hours.

In the city centre, you can browse the market all day long, with everything from food to traditional coffee mugs. Take a walk up to the fish aisle and gaze at the unusual seafood on offer.

February means one thing in Thessaloniki: Carnival! Everyone puts on costumes and hits the streets.

Thessaloniki is the second city in Greece to get an underground railway.

Small earthquakes hit Thessaloniki on a regular basis but nothing as powerful as the one in 1978 when many of the city's beautiful Byzantine churches were destroyed. Many are still being restored. 

Day trip

Lake Volvi. This is the second largest lake in Greece, about 40 kilometres from  the city centre. Visit one of its lakeside tavern and try the fresh fish or water buffalo delicacies. Buses leave every half hour from the central coach station.
Pella. This small village is about 40 kilometres from Thessalonoki. Pella is home to an impressive archeological site dating back to 300BC. Take a stroll around the village and stop off for a Greek coffee at the local kafenio before heading back.