Discover Western Mediterranean

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Skiathos is a small island (population 6,000) off the eastern coast of Greece, in the Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination with more than 60 sandy beaches along the coastline. The hilly interior, rising to 433 m, is covered with pine trees. Read more about Skiathos, Greece

Skopelos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, 130 km due north of Athens. It is one of the islands in the Northern Sporades group. Skopelos is roughly 20 km by 5 km, a hilly island with three mountains rising to 681m. Read more about Skopelos, Greece

Chios, the fifth largest of the Greek islands, is the main town on the island of the same name and is situated in the Aegean Sea just off the Turkish coast. Welcome to Chios, a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered. Fragrant and hospitable all year long, together with the smaller islands, Oinousses and Psara, it offers delightful images and experiences. Read more about Chios, Greece

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the centre of the seaside district of the same name. While best known as a starting point for visiting Ephesus, once one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a history dating from 3000 BC, there’s also a delightful range of activities in town. Places of interest include: the City Walls, of which one gate remains to-day; the peninsula at the end of the bay with its castle and swimming beaches; several aqua parks with wave-pools and white-water slides; Ladies Beach, once segregated but now open to all; and Dilek Peninsula National Park. Read more about Kusadasi, Turkey

Samos is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor. Perhaps best known for being the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras, it is of note that it was also home to the philosopher Epicurus and the astronomer Aristarchus who was the first known person to suggest that the earth revolves around the sun. The island itself is rich with pine forests, olive groves, and citrus trees. Read more about Samos, Greece

The Greek Island of Patmos is possibly best known as the place where the apostle John received his vision and wrote the Apocalypse, and is subsequently sometimes called the Jerusalem of the Aegean. Whether you are interested in history and religion or not, the Monastery of St. John is regarded as a 'must see'. Read more about Patmos, Greece

Paros is an island of Greece, part of the Cyclades island group, in the central Aegean Sea. Historically it was known for its fine white marble; today it is considered as the 'island for every man', as almost every ferry stops here, and according to the locals once people stop here some simply do not want to leave. Visitors enjoy the many delightful beaches that offer a range of water-based activities including kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. Read more about Paros, Greece

Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf. In ancient times the island was known as Hydrea, which was a reference to the (now depleted) springs on the island. There is one main town, known simply as Hydra Port. Read more about Hydra, Greece

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

Chania is the second largest city of Crete and lies along the north coast of the island. This region as a whole is rich in history, and Chania's Old Town with its old aristocratic appearance, arched doorways, stone staircases, small and crumbling Venetian harbour, a mosque, and narrow streets, is considered the most beautiful and well-preserved urban district on Crete. Places of interest include the Archaeological Museum housed in the church of St Fragiskos, the Chania Public Baths, and the Fortezza, a large Venetian castle. Read more about Chania, Greece

Taormina is a small town on the island of Sicily in Italy, in the Province of Messina. Settled on a hill, the town - accessible via an aerial tramway - dominates two sweeping bays, and on the southern side the top of Mount Etna can be seen. While it is unashamedly touristy and has a main street lined with high-end designer shops, the town remains a striking location with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre, and sweeping views. Read more about Taormina, Italy

Gozo - aka Isle of Calypso - is an island of the Maltese archipelago, and is considered one of the most untouched and unique islands in the Mediterranean. It truly is a tranquil land where time has stood still and where some of the oldest buildings in the world are located. It is rich in historical locations, such as the Ggantija temples, regarded as the world's oldest free-standing religious structures, pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Read more about Gozo Island, Malta

Porto Empedocle is a little port in Italy on the Strait of Sicily, founded in the eighteenth century. It is in the Caos district, and is well known to Italians because the home - which now contains a small museum - of the famous writer Luigi Pirandello, is located there. The town is also very well known as the setting of the Inspector Montalbano books, written by Andrea Camilleri, who when aged 80 years still had a home here where he lived for part of the year. Read more about Porto Empedocle, Italy

Valletta (aka Belt Valletta, Città Umilissima) - traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's principal administrative district - is the capital city of Malta, located in the central-eastern portion of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is essentially Baroque in style, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. Don’t miss the the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Read more about Valletta, Malta

Valletta (aka Belt Valletta, Città Umilissima) - traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's principal administrative district - is the capital city of Malta, located in the central-eastern portion of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is essentially Baroque in style, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. Don’t miss the the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Read more about Valletta, Malta