Korina Miller - Lonely Planet Greek Islands

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Lapped by brilliant blue water and sprinkled with sun-bleached ruins, a visit to the Greek islands will fill your imagination with mythical tales, your belly with local flavours and your soul with true relaxation.

Before you even arrive, the Greek islands flirt with your imagination, promising the ultimate sun-soaked getaway. Youll soon discover that this archipelago of over 1400 islands and islets doesnt disappoint. The days melt from one to the next, filled with big blue skies and endless miles of aquamarine coastline blessed with some of Europes cleanest beaches. Soak up the majestic beauty of Santorini or dive headfirst into the pulsing nightlife of Mykonos. Take in the ancient sights like Knossos that youve read about all your life, or the exhilarating possibilities of the islands mountainous interiors. Wander through lush wildflowers in spring or laze on isolated sandy coves in summer with the warm sea lapping at your feet. Youll quickly become acquainted to the melancholy throb of rembetika (blues songs) and the tang of home-made tzatziki. Many travellers simply settle down and never go home.

Head to an island harbour to watch the fishermens daily catch tumble from their nets; seafood takes pride of place in many Greek kitchens and nowhere is it fresher than on the islands. Greeks pride themselves on their cuisine and will go out of their way to ensure you are well fed. Basic ingredients like feta and olive oil are at home in kitchens across the country, but its the regional dishes and styles of cooking that make travelling around the country such a culinary joy. Turkish and Italian legacies are woven through many dishes and youll discover islands or towns known for distinct ingredients. Cheeses, herbs and mountain greens you might never have heard of compliment local seafood, meat and vegie dishes. The secret of Greek cooking is often found in the back garden where many of the ingredients are freshly gathered and produced. These days, a renaissance in traditional cooking means that chefs are increasingly taking time-honoured dishes to new gourmet heights.

Its easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated in this vast and varied landscape, with wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands. The islands offer endless activities and are like floating magnets for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Wander along cobbled, Byzantine footpaths, hike into volcanoes, kayak with dolphins, watch for sea turtles and cycle through lush forests. Greece is also an excellent place to try new pursuits, with some of the worlds top kitesurfing, diving and rock climbing locations. Be brave. Be passionate. Be Greek.

Assos (), Kefallonia, Ionian Islands
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Visit some of Greeces quieter or slightly more remote shores and island life will urge you to slow right down. Join locals as they contemplate life from the coffee houses or unwind on sandy stretches of isolated beach. Try Leros (). Time seems to stand still in these places or at least moves very, very slowly.

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Chic Capital

Life in Athens () is a magnificent mash-up of the ancient and the contemporary. Beneath the majestic facades of venerable landmarks, the city teems with life and creativity and Athenians love to get out and enjoy it all. Galleries and clubs hold the exhibitions, performances and installations of the citys booming arts scene. Trendy restaurants and humble tavernas rustle up fine, fine fare. Ubiquitous cafes fill with stylin locals and moods run from punk rock to haute couture. Discos and bars aboundand swing deep into the night.

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Santorini Sunsets

Theres more to Santorini () are packed with visitors awed by the vast blood-red canvas of the western sky as the sun struts its stuff. You can catch the sunset without the crowds from almost anywhere along the cliff edge. And if you miss it, you can always face east at first light for some fairly stunning sunrises too

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Rhodes Old Town

Getting lost in the Old Town () is a must. Meander down twisting, turning, cobbled alleyways with archways above and squares opening ahead of you. The beauty of the Old Town lies in these hidden corners. Explore the ancient Knights Quarter, the old Jewish Quarter or the Turkish neighbourhood. Hear traditional music in tiny tavernas or dine on fresh seafood at atmospheric outdoor restaurants. Wander along the top of the citys walls, with the sea on one side and a birds-eye view into this living museum.

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Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach () comprises one of Greeces most instantly recognisable stretches of sand. Bisected by a freshwater river and flanked by cliffs concealing sea caves, Preveli is lapped by the Libyan Sea, with clear pools of water along its palm-lined riverbank that are perfect for cool dips. The beach lies under the sacred gaze of a magnificent monastery perched high above. Once the centre of anti-Ottoman resistance and later a shelter for Allied soldiers, this tranquil building offers magnificent views.

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Easter Festivities

The Greek calendar is chock-full of festivals, but by far the biggest event of the Greek Orthodox Church is Easter. Villages, towns and cities come to life with fireworks, dancing in the street, huge outdoor lamb roasts and plenty of ouzo shots. Begin with the moving, candlelit processions of flower-filled biers that mark the start of the celebration on Good Friday and by Saturday night youll be shouting Hristos Anesti (Christ is risen) and cracking vibrant red-dyed eggs. The best spot to join in the festivities is Patmos ( ) in the Dodecanese.