Discover the Mediterranean from Athens to Venice

Athens exudes a unique charm; its lively character wins over tens of thousands of visitors every year. Street markets vine-covered tavernas souvenir stalls and ancient monuments are dotted among high-rise buildings in this capital city which one out of four Greeks calls home. For tourists the greatest advantage is that most attractions are accessible on foot in the central area around the landmark Acropolis.Athens was named after Athena the Greek goddess of wisdom who according to mythology won the city as prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of western civilisation; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy art and architecture were refined. After a classical golden age when it was home to Socrates Plato and Aristotle the city declined in the Middle Ages dwindling to nothing but a town with a few thousand residents gathered in the colourful area that is now known as the Plaka until its rebirth as capital of an independent Greece in 1834.Nowadays the city is busy and bustling. While the pollution frantic gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open beauty of Greece's coast and islands Athens is truly the heartbeat of the country and ancient wonders like the Acropolis the Parthenon and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaesus ensure that Athens will always have its attractions.

Itea

Cephalonia (or Kefalonia) named after a Greek hero from around the 5th century BC lies in the centre of the Ionian Sea 53 nautical miles from Patras. This is one of the most enchanting of the Greek islands which accounts for its having become one of the most sought after by holidaymakers. Thousands of visitors descend on the island year round avid for the quiet windless beaches many at the base of steep cliffs that plunge into the sea or to explore the verdant mountainsides clad in shadowy forests.Kefalonia has an excellent tourist infrastructure is connected to Athens by air (the airport is situated just south of the ancient capital of Argostoli) and to Patras and surrounding islands by ferry. In addition to some spectacular golden beaches Kefalonia boasts numerous historic and natural attractions. Best known of these are the caves at Melissani where a subterranean lake reflects a kaleidoscope of gorgeous colours; the enormous caverns of Dragostoli; and the 'swallow holes' where visitors marvel at the phenomenon of seawater literally disappearing through the rock.The beautiful city of Argostoli the island's capital since ancient times was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 but among the remains are the fascinating archaeological and folk art museums. The island's main town Lixouri is peaceful and picturesque situated close to the south coast where the best beaches are to be found. Visitors to Kefalonia are never at a loss for an entertaining way to spend their time. There are quaint villages traditional fishing harbours Roman ruins architecturally marvellous churches and castles and magnificent views to discover.

The island of Corfu best known of the seven Ionian islands that lie off the north-west coast of Greece differs markedly from the other popular Greek islands because not only is it green and lush but also very developed with tourist resorts and hotels. Summer time is hectic on Corfu with charter flights arriving daily from European cities ferries disgorging travellers from Italy and cruise ships docking.There is plenty to draw visitors to this magical island also known as Kerkyra. Modern Corfu Town is upbeat and cosmopolitan offering an exciting conglomeration of Greek Italian French and British influences. The old town was laid out by the Venetians in the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with multi-storied pastel-coloured buildings with red tiled roofs creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the town centre is the Liston an arcaded row of cafes and restaurants copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.Those wishing to escape from the melee in the town can head for the interior to enjoy some spectacular scenery and greenery. Corfu has for instance 43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside and there are countless olive groves. Finally there are of course the beautiful beaches washed by the sparkling Ionian Sea and it is still possible to search out a secluded cove or two even in the busy season when the over-developed resorts on the east coast are awash with package tourists.