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.