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Top 10Specialist Holidays

1Archaeology

The fabulous palaces of Knossos and Phaestos on Crete, Paleókastro on Kefaloniá and the ruined temples on Corfu’s Mon Repos Estate are some of the places that appear on holiday tour itineraries. In addition, the island of Delos is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

2Island Hopping

The island groups lend themselves to hopping from one port to another. Numerous ferries ply between the islands. For example, in the Ionians it is easy to reach Paxí from Corfu, or from Nydrí on Lefkáda to Fiskárdo on Kefaloniá, or to Frikes on Itháki, while in the Cyclades you have the choice of visiting all the islands.

3Wildlife

The islands and islets provide an ecosystem for many flower varieties as well as wildlife and bird species that can be seen on specialist holidays. The Aegean alone has some 80 indigenous plants, including the pancratium maritimum or sea daffodil, and some 300 resident and migratory birds, including the endangered Bonelli’s eagle.

4Walking and Hiking

While the hilly landscape can present challenges to the novice hiker, there are designated trails from long, difficult routes to small ones over flat terrain. Many take in sights too. For example, the Paleohóra to Vathý route on Itháki is a 4-km (3-mile) walk with a break at the Melissáni cave.

5Cruising and Sailing

With a good choice of ports, marinas and anchorages, a mild climate with moderate winds most of the time, and tide movements that change by just a little each day, the waters around the Greek Islands are ideal for cruising and sailing holidays. Harbourside tavernas add to the charm of the experience.

6Cooking

Greeks are famous for their love of food and some of their most delicious recipes are steeped in tradition. Covered by vineyards, the islands are known for their wine. The advent of cuisine-themed holidays is new to the isles but are gaining popularity. Wine tours are also becoming common.

7Painting

Specialist companies and individuals do offer painting holidays, but this is one of the easiest types of breaks to do alone. The landscape of flowers and trees, tiny villages of white-washed, red-roofed stone buildings, harbours full of boats and crystal clear turquoise seas make this an enchanting place to capture on canvas.

8Horse Riding

It is magical to take a trek through olive groves or farmland in the early morning or mid-evening. Centres under the Hellenic Equestrian Federation dot the isles. They include the Range Rodeo Riding Club, Corfu, Kos Riding Club and Rodo Riding Club Kadmos, Rhodes.

9Golf

There aren’t too many good international standard courses to choose from. Two of the largest are the Corfu Golf Club and the Crete Golf Club, both 18-hole courses. They have the usual hire facilities, a driving range and Pro Shop. The Hellenic Golf Federation controls the sport.

10Diving and Snorkelling

Seeing the underwater beauty of the islands has long been a popular holiday choice for many diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Government regulated schools can be found in all the major coastal towns, each offering dives for novices and experienced divers.