Corfu seems to exist between two worlds; one is a garden retreat, peaceful and serene, the other is a bustling hive of life, awash with the laughter and music of cafés, tavernas, bars and clubs. Known as the Ionian?s ?Emerald Isle?, its many faces never cease to surprise.

Colourful villages melt into musky olive groves and church bells sing out to verdant, pine-clad mountains in the inland regions. The island is aflame with colour in springtime, wild flowers dancing atop pretty coves and throughout inland meadows. And in the lively towns of the south and the east, old and new collide in a vigorous celebration of fair climes and fine wines!

Golden sand stretches most of the length of the south and west coasts, while the north and east coasts are more sheltered. Pebbles blend with sand around Gouvia and Dassia. The larger resorts have a selection of watersports, and the strong winds on the west coast make fine conditions for experienced windsurfers. There's plenty to see away from the beach, especially in Corfu Town. Watch an afternoon cricket match from below the arches of chic Liston Arcade, or take an evening stroll around the main square and admire the splendid medieval churches and forts.

Great value for money, a famously hospitable people and a warm historical relationship with Britain have made Corfu the most popular of all Greek destinations.

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If you're dreaming of dazzling sunshine and glorious beaches then Kos is for you. Filled with reminders of its long and glorious history, its fertile slopes, spectacular scenery and relatively compact size make it a fabulous place to explore. With over 4,000 bicycles for hire on the island, pedal power is the way to do it! Warm turquoise waters, timeless villages and blue-domed churches, tumbling columns and majestic monuments to centuries gone by - all these and more ensure that you?ll never be left wanting for things to do.

There are 40 kilometres of beach in Kos; from Kardamena's long stretch of sand to the secluded bays of the south coast, there's plenty of choice. There's also a variety of watersports all over the island; Kefalos is great for windsurfing, but there's also plenty to choose from on Lambi Beach near Kos Town. Away from the beach there's lots to see and do. In Kos Town visit the magnificent 14th-century Castle of the Knights, or while away the afternoon in one of the many cafés or patisseries that line the shady squares.

Take a dip in the healing spas of Thermes or, for a real taste of Greek life, visit the pretty village of Kefalos with its magnificent views from the old village. Or you could always take a boat trip to one of the other islands - Kalymnos and Patmos are an easy hop away. In the evening there's plenty of choice when it comes to dining, from fast food joints to traditional tavernas. For all-night parties, Kardamena won't disappoint, while Marmari's local restaurants and bars are ideal for something more low-key.

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Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands, there?s so much to see and do. A coastline that varies between long stretches of soft sand and tiny coves; warm seas; and a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains divided by green valleys.

You'll find towns and resorts offering everything from historical buildings to bustling shops, tavernas, bars and nightlife. The three perfect bays of Hersonissos are pretty but can get busy, whilst the long sweep of Chania Bay is the one if you think you might be tempted by windsurfing or scuba-diving.

Visit Knossos and the remains of the palace of King Minos or put on your walking shoes for a stroll down the Samaria Gorge. Chania and Rethymnon are both historical with lots of Turkish and Venetian influence. Evenings can be as relaxed or as lively as you choose.

Browse around shops or linger over dinner as you watch the boats in the harbour or prepare yourself for some of the more exuberant bars and nightclubs.

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With more hours of sunshine than any other Greek island, outstanding beaches, sparkling resorts and a fascinating history, it's easy to see why Rhodes is so popular.

It's an island of endlessly blue skies, soft sands lapped by crystal clear seas and mountains sloping gently into cool valleys and olive groves. Some resorts combine ancient buildings with enough shops, bars, restaurants, music and nightlife to ensure you can party until dawn!

For long lazy days where your main aim is to achieve the golden tan of a Greek god or goddess, Rhodes is perfect, especially Lindos, where temperatures are the hottest on the island. Beaches shelve gently into warm seas, guaranteed to tempt you off your sunbed to swim in the azure waters. Watersports are readily available and you?ll find the gentle breezes on the north coastline make Trianda and Ixia the best choice for windsurfing. It?s worth investing in a snorkel and mask to view the underwater treasures at Kalithea ? you?ll quickly see why this area is much favoured by the local scuba-diving schools! On land, there is also the Afandou 18-hole golf course, about 19 kilometres from Rhodes Town and not far from Faliraki.

Enjoy some of the best shopping on the island in the narrow, cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town before strolling down to a harbour, lined with bars and tavernas. There?s plenty of nightlife, with lively clubs and discos, along with a casino if you fancy a flutter. Outside of the capital, Faliraki is buzzing until long after midnight or check out some of the chic nightspots along the steeply winding streets of Lindos.

If history is on the agenda, visit the Temple of Apollo above Rhodes Town or climb up to the acropolis above Lindos ? the views alone make the trip worthwhile. Spend some time away from the coast, exploring charming medieval villages.

Rhodes has something for everyone ? under 25's will love the resorts and lively beaches while others will find plenty to please in the more peaceful areas.

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Castaway Kefalonia - the island of Captain Corelli fame - is the unexplored giant of the Ionian Sea. A heavenly canopy of endless blue skies cradles the craggy hills, the rolling plains and sticky sweet pine-filled valleys.

Turquoise waters lap at dazzling beaches under dizzy cliffs, and citrus groves, alive with fluttering fauna, immerse picturesque villages in a tangy aroma. Here you may chance upon a feast day where all is a riot of colour and laughter ? the emphasis is on agreeable days spent in convivial company, rather than sleepless boozy nights.

Explore the Drogorati Caves where the natural acoustics are so good that one chamber is used as a dramatic setting for concerts; slip across the icy-blue underground lake of Mellisani in a rowing boat, or follow in Odysseus? footsteps to the fabled isle of Ithaca.

Rarely crowded and rich in natural beauty, Kefalonia begs to be discovered.

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As the sun yawns farewell on the horizon, the golden beaches of the south and east coasts take on a rosy glow.

Over on the west, cliffs plunge into the frothy surf and the caves below resonate with the echoing roar of the endless crashing swell. Smuggler?s Cove, with its half-buried wreck emanates mystery; the Blue Grotto swims in unearthly shifting silver and blue light. Kalamaki Beach is host to the Loggerhead turtles, quietly nesting under the stars as the distant sound of music and laughter rolls down from the seafront bars and clubs of Lagana.

Lively, sporty, fun, but in places intimate, Zakynthos is alive ? you can feel it. It?s a place of memorable moments: the inviting lights of a taverna after a long day?s sunbathing and of boats bobbing lazily in sleepy harbours.

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