Page Text Content
Thomson Destinations
Crete
Crete is the king of Greek Islands. It's the largest. The oldest. And arguably the best. Which is hardly surprising - it's had a pretty good head start. Folk have prospered on this island for over 4000 years. In fact, some would say it's the cradle of European culture. All across Crete you'll find reminders of a bygone era, when the ancient Minoans sowed the seeds of the Western civilization. Cue places like the Palace of Knossos, where the fearsome Minotaur is said to have lurked. But there's more to this island than just a flashy past. There are the beaches to think about, too. Turquoise seas whisper sweet nothings to beaches that stretch for miles. And keeping watch over this shoreline you'll find a grab-bag of places to stay. From action-packed resorts that keep things frisky and full-on to old towns that flaunt their Venetian credentials. And then there are the little villages that lie just off the beaten track. Venture inland and you'll find whitewashed farmsteads and sleepy stone hamlets. Here, donkeys continue to work. Locals live off the land. And herds of goats still rule the roads. And that brings us to Crete's other trump card - its unspoilt beauty. Rugged mountains cut through the island. Pines cling to gorges. And flower-filled meadows add a splash of summertime colour. You've probably got the picture by now - Crete's like a great big jigsaw with a piece of the puzzle to suit everyone.
Greece
Kos
It may be small, but Kos manages to squeeze in two very distinct identities. The first to catch your eye is its hostess-with-the-mostest' side. Cue resorts perched right on the shore, designed purely to put you where the sun is. Bars, clubs and cafés practically falling over themselves to grab your attention. And enough duvet-soft sands that'll have you barefoot and bronzing in no time. You'll find this version of Kos strutting its stuff in places like Kos Town, Kardamena and Lambi. But don't let that heady combination of sun, sand and sparkling seas fool you. Head inland and you'll find the island's shy and retiring side. Deserted hamlets ripe for exploring. Intimate beaches tucked into rugged coves. And dotted across the wooded hills, little pockets of peace in the form of whitewashed villages. But to discover this other, quieter side, you don't have to swap your flip-flops for hiking boots. Mini-resorts like Marmari and Mastihari delve into the real' Kos fusing beach lounging with rustic living. But the best thing about this island is that, whichever Kos you choose, you're never too far from the other.
Rhodes
It's not for nothing that Rhodes is the most visited of all the Greek islands. Boasting the best sunshine record and offering up plenty in the way of sprawl-on-me sands, it's been flaunting its tan for years now. No wonder it's such a firm favourite with beach-loving Brits. The east coast, in particular, is laced with golden nuggets and rocky coves, not to mention one of the Med's most famous party playgrounds - Faliraki. But there's more to Rhodes than just snorkels, bikinis and glow sticks. For starters, you've got the gorgeous scenery. Head south and you'll come face to face with vineyards and wooded slopes. Get a map, pull on a good pair of walking boots and explore. And then you've got Rhodes' event-crammed past to consider. Ancient ruins hark back to the days of Alexander the Great. Terracotta-topped churches remember the Byzantine glory years. And Ottoman minarets recall Rhodes' stint under the Turks. It's as if history seeps from every cobblestone. And nowhere more so than the island's star attraction -Rhodes Town. Ringed by battlements, this Medieval citadel stands as monument to the Rhodes' most famous overlords, the Knights of St John. A must on everyone's sightseeing list, the sheer drama of the place puts Rhodes Town up alongside Venice and Dubrovnik. Knee-deep in history and with beaches and nightlife on tap, it's fair to say that Rhodes is the ultimate all-rounder.
Highlights
Crete: Minoan Magic Visit the most famous of all the sights in Crete The Palace of Knossos'. Join your expert guide on a journey into myth and legend as you learn the story of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth while unlocking the secrets of the ancient Minoan civiliasation. You have the option to visit the famous, archaeological museum (which houses the richest collection of Minoan art in the world) and see the many artefacts on display, or take some free time to browse around the bustling capital Heraklion. Rhodes: Simply Symi The view as you sail into Symi harbour is simply breathtaking: Venetian-style houses tumbling down the hillside make a colourful backdrop to this pretty harbour. The sea around Symi is famous for its natural sponges - a perfect gift from one of the spice and sponge' stalls. Climb to a great viewpoint above the town, or sample freshly caught fish from one of the seafront tavernas that line the harbour front. A chance to step back in time and see old fashioned Greece.
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
445
|
Save it »
inbro