Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ports and perfect beaches all wait to be explored,
best experienced with a rental car.
1
Haniá
Vying for the title of the most attractive
town in Greece, this is the perfect place to relax
and people-watch.
See p.492
2
Samariá
Gorge
The most popular hike on
the Greek islands and as perfect a one-day
excursion as you can hope for.
See p.499
3
Réthymnon
A fascinating place with the
ideal town beach offering views of a skyline of
Ottoman minarets and Venetian mansions.
See
p.482
4
Iráklion
Crete's capital is the best base
for exploring the outstanding ruins at Knossos
and for hiking on the Lasíthi plateau.
See p.449
5
Ierápetra
Great resort town with a spotless
beach, excellent choice of excursions and a very
long summer season.
See p.480
6
Váï beach
You'd be forgiven for thinking
you'd left the Mediterranean for the tropics at
this fine-sand beach lined with exotic palm
trees.
See p.478
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Central and northern Greece barely feature on
travel agent radars but you'll find perhaps the
most “Greek” places here. As well as these
quirkier sights be sure not to miss Mount
Olympus (see p.281) and the monasteries of
Metéora (see p.235).
1
The Pelion
Wind your way down the
hairpin roads of this spectacular peninsula,
discovering lovely villages, quiet beaches and
enjoying a beautifully cool climate.
See p.221
2
Píndhos
Mountains
The Píndhos mountain
range offers rafting, skiing and one of the
country's best treks along the 20km Víkos Gorge.
See p.242
3
Vergina
Capital of the Macedonian dynasty,
Vergina was the burial place of Alexander's
father and a lot of gold, the latter on show in
nearby Thessaloníki.
See p.287
4
Mount Áthos
One strictly for the boys,
but this male-only monastic community offers
a unique glimpse of the Orthodox world.
See p.304
BULGARIA
REPUBLIC OF
MACEDONIA
TURKEY
ALBANIA
AEGEAN SEA
TURKEY
IONIAN SEA
CLASSICAL GREECE
A C RETAN ODYSSEY
ISLAND-HOPPING
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
