Athens accommodation fit for the Gods

One of the oldest cities in world, often touted as the birthplace of Western civilisation, nobody does historical attractions quite like Athens. Just because the sights are out of era, however, doesn't mean the Athens hotels on offer are dated in the least!

From lodgings close to the Athenian Acropolis – resting place of the Parthenon – to the boutique offerings of stylish Psiri, there are plenty of places to sleep or ponder philosophy in Athens. If price is not an issue, there are masses of 5-star hotels including the Sofitel close to the airport and Radisson Blu Park Hotel near the city centre.

Explore offshore in Crete

Plonked in the Mediterranean, Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and among the most beautiful. Trimmed by unfathomably blue waters with scores of sparkling beaches, Crete can fulfil the ideal of an indulgent time-out on the deck of a yacht or the balcony of an ocean-view villa.

Your Greece accommodation options in Crete are generous to say the least. A holiday haven catering to travellers of every ilk, the modern capital of Heraklion has a number of hotels to choose from including the luxurious Aquila Atlantis and GDM Megaron. There are many more beach hotels and apartments in the picturesque Rethymno, while budget accommodation is easy to come by in party-central Malia.

Island-hopping through the Aegean Sea

Possibly more popular with tourists than mainland Greece, the assortment of islands scattered throughout the Aegean and Mediterranean are extraordinarily beautiful, varying from quiet history-laden pockets to wildly popular nightlife spots with unlimited options for leisure in between.

Set sail to Rhodes where you will be treated to refined Grecian sophistication at a luxury spa resort, or head west to the smaller but scenic Santorini – enjoy the classic view of whitewashed, dome-shaped houses climbing the volcanic mountainside in the delightful townships of Fira or Oia. If it's excitement you wish to inject into your itinerary, Mykonos is the place to be, accommodating backpackers and honeymooners alike.