Page 31 - Flipbook

Rhodes: Hippocrates square in the historic Old Town of Rhodes Greece.
Before you go...
There are so many other Greek Islands to explore each offering a unique experience well worth the day trip or simply add-on to your stay.
SKiATHOS
The islands stunning beaches and Old Port were used as the backdrop for several scenes in the movie Mamma Mia. As a result, it has become fairly popular with tourists, but don’t let that put you off. Skiathos is still among the prettiest of
the Greek Islands and if you come during the off-season you’re guaranteed to find a piece of unspoiled paradise. Be sure to eat at Asprolithos, where the cast and crew of Mamma Mia used to dine.
It takes between 1.5 and 3.5 hours by ferry or hydrofoil to reach Skiathos from Agios Konstantinos, or 50 minutes by plane. By sea expect to pay about $37 for a one-way ticket.
Corfu: (Right) Town fortrus.
Skiathos: (Below) The oldest parts of the island are some of the most picturesque.
Lesvos: Petrified forest.
and it’s possible, away from the crowds, to experience something of what Greece was like hundreds of years ago. Fly direct from Athens on several low-cost operators for around $100.
CORFU
Made famous by Homer and more recently by Gerald Durrell, Corfu lies just 20 km off the coast of Albania. Venetian castles and Byzantine churches rub shoulders here, while the town of Corfu itself is a thriving cosmopolitan hub of winding cobbled lanes, cool bars and art galleries. It’s possible to while away many days in the town, enjoying the vibe and stopping to refuel in quaint tavernas.
Other highlights of Corfu include the quaint village of Kassiopi, which dates back to Roman times, and the Museum of Asian Art. It takes six hours by ferry to reach Corfu from Athens and costs about $30. Alternatively catch a flight for around $150.
lESvOS
Lesvos is the birthplace of countless poets and writers and is one of the most cultural and least visited of the Greek Islands. It’s also the third largest, with 370 km of coastline. Vatera in the south is one of the longest beaches in Greece, but the real highlight of the island is the Petrified Forest.
The eight-hour ferry ride from
Athens costs around $30 one-way. There are several flights a day to Lesvos from Athens. Expect to pay around $120 for the hour-long flight.
RHOdES
Rhodes gets a mixed rap, with some proclaiming it to be a package tourist nightmare, while others rave about its mild climate and many World Heritage- status sites. The island is a mixture of ancient ruins and cities, blissful beaches, towering mountains and wild hinterland,
ENDLESS VACATION 29