Named after the mythological Trachinean queen Lamia, this beautiful city in central Greece is famous for its rich history dating back thousands of years. It is also a busy commercial center and home to archeological excavations. If you are keen to learn about Greek history and architecture, then Lamia is a must-see.

Lamia was a significant Spartan military base, ruled by Alexander the Great. After subsequent wars over ownership ended, it became a modern Greek city in 1829. Today, Lamia is a commercial hub with many restaurants, buildings and hotels. The city is surrounded by fountains and plane trees and characterized by its distinct architectural style.

It has four main squares, including the Platia Eleftherias (Freedom Square), Platia Diakou (Diakos Square), Platia Parkou (Park Square) and Platia Laou (People’s Square) .The city’s independent day celebrations take place at Freedom Square. It also houses the main cathedral and you can find many outdoor cafes here. In the Diakos Sqaure the statue of Greek revolutionary hero Athanasios Diakos is installed.

One of Lamia’s important landmarks is the Kastro acropolis. Another place worthy of mention is the Lamia museum, which displays archaeological artifacts that include sculptures, statues and figurines.

If you plan on vacationing in the picturesque Greek islands, then make sure Lamia is on your list of places to visit.

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Located in western Cycaldes, the mountainous island of Kythnos is famous for its beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. From relaxing on scenic beaches to soaking in thermal springs, the options to pamper yourself are plenty.

Kythnos is home to more than 70 beaches- in fact its unique Kolona beach has sea on both sides, resulting in a unique sunbathing experience. Its sandy beaches with their crystal clear waters are perfect if you want to soak in the sun. You can also try your hand at snorkeling and yachting.

You can visit the medieval-style village of Chora or take a walk through the villages of Messaria and Dryopsis that are unique for their winding streets, which are too narrow for movement of vehicles. Another popular spot is the village of Loutra that has thermal springs which are believed to have medicinal properties, and claim to cure rheumatism.

It is also home to archaeological sites and interesting historical artifacts such as the Hellenistic site at Vryokastro, which was discovered in 2002. While Kythnos doesn’t have much of a nightlife to speak of, younger tourists can visit Merihas, which has quite a few beach bars and hosts beach parties.

Quite a few tourists visit Kythnos during the summers and it is convenient to get to the island as it is located close to the Greek capital of Athens.

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Knossos is one of the most significant archaeological sites in present-day Greece. Located in Crete, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is thronged by tourists from the world over, thanks to its impressive historical and archaeological significance.

First discovered by Minos, the palace was razed to the ground many times by earthquakes, invasions and volcanic eruptions and rebuilt into a complex, fascinating structure. Between 1900-1930, Englishman Sir Arthur Evans conducted an extensive excavation, leading to the discovery of the Minoan Palace, a symbol of Minoan civilization. He subsequently restored many parts of the palace.

The layout of the site is like that of a labyrinth and there is an air of mystery about it. It is rich in architectural detail and considered to be the seat of political and religious power of the Minoan civilization and culture. Knossos artifacts include paintings, frescos and figurines.

Knossos is a symbol of Greek archaeological achievement that establishes a sense of pride in the rich historical landscape of this beautiful country. If you are a student of archaeology, or have an interest in exploring ancient civilizations, Knossos is one location you cannot afford to miss.

To get to Knossos, you have to drive about two miles from Crete’s capital Heraklion. Alternatively, tour buses and cruise ships will also take you there.

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If you want to spend time away from the hustle bustle of city life and are willing to try a unique and exotic destination, look no further than the beautiful Greek island of Kimolos. Its quiet beaches and clear blue waters create the mood for relaxation. Kimolos also gives you a taste of Greek culture and heritage.

You can have your pick of sandy or white pebble beaches. Aliki, Kambana, Prassa are some of the popular, clean beaches that you can lounge on. Kimolos also lets you indulge in activities such as fishing, diving and snorkeling.

The Archaeological Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of post-excavation exhibits, is another interesting option if you are keen on exploring the island’s heritage. Other noteworthy locations include the Castle of Kimolos and the Vromilini cave.

You can choose to walk or take a taxiboat to its quaint villages and try out traditional delicacies on offer at tavernas and restaurants .You have a good choice of accommodation and the people here are generally warm and hospitable.

If you want to de-stress, then Kimolos can be therapeutic for you with its abundant visual therapy and tranquil beaches. Getting to Kimolos is simple-you can catch a flight to Milos or Athens and then take a ferryboat to Kimolos.

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As Cyprus’s most popular resort, you know you’re in for a wild time when you visit Ayia Napa. Best suited to the young, fun-loving crowd, this resort has emerged as a real contender to Ibiza’s party capital crown. And with a huge choice of stylish bars and clubs it’s easy to see why.

But the real difference between Ayia Napa and Ibiza comes in the music. Wheras Ibiza plays to a predominantly dance music crowd, Ayia Napa almost exclusively centres on the upcoming grime, r’n’b and hip-hop scenes. Places like Club Ice and the Black & White Club pump out brilliant music until the early hours.

After all that partying, you can sleep off your sore head in the sun at Nissi beach! Its long stretch of sandy coastline has all sorts of watersports on offer, as well as a bungee jump for those adventurous enough! With lots of cafes in the area serving up tasty pizzas and authentic kebabs, you’ll be feeling ready to party again by sunset.

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One of the quietest tourist resorts in Greece, Lesbos is a haven of unspoilt scenery and beautiful beaches. It’s a great choice if you just want to get away from it all, as you’ll sometimes feel that you almost have the island to yourself.

The under-developed fishing village of Skala Kalloni is an ideal place to stop by. The area lies near to a long stretch of golden sands and there are many restaurants serving rustic, and utterly authentic Greek delicacies. Then it’s just a short ride over to Molyvos and its peaceful cobbled streets.

While you’re in Lesbos, it’s also well worth visiting the capital, Mytilene, as it has a long history, as you can see today with the Roman aqueduct and theatre which are both still standing.

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As one of the westernmost islands of Greece, Rhodes has an amazing mishmash of cultures in its roots from Turkish to Venetian, Roman to Ottoman. What that means for you is a great selection of sights including the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Castle of Monolithos and the Grand Master’s Palace.

But of course, Rhodes is not just a history buff’s delight, it has some great places for a simple bit of rest and relaxation too. Kiotari is a great choice for sunseekers, as the Rhodes climate virtually guarantees great weather over the summer months. It’s a quiet resort with stylish hotels, traditional tavernas and a lovely long beach.

If you want a mix of peace and partying, you’d be best off going to Koskinou. Set on a sloping hill with pine-tree lined streets, it’s a beautiful area, but also close enough to the party central of Faliraki if the mood takes you. Rhodes Town is also a short bus hop away, and it’s worth a visit if just to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic old town with its medieval walls.

History, scenery and nightlife – that’s Rhodes in a nutshell! Whichever one takes your fancy, you can book a brilliant bargain holiday there with Sunmaster right now.

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For such a small island, you have a huge choice of holiday options when you visit Kos. If you just want a tranquil atmosphere in beautiful surroundings, head to Kefalos or Agios Fokas. Or you could opt for something livelier, amid the bustle of Kos Town and the buzzing nightlife of Kardamena.

A feeling of calm comes with the territory when you take a trip to Kefalos. Situated in the quiet hillsides, you’ll discover plenty of traditional tavernas for an authentic Greek experience. Likewise in Agios Fokas, its best feature being the nearby volcanic Nissyros beach, which has hot springs that make the water wonderfully warm. What a way to relax your muscles!

If all that sounds far too sedate for you, go for the carnival atmosphere of Kardamena. Over the summer months the bars are packed with young tourists enjoying the warm nights and cheap drinks. It’s your best bet for clubs too, alongside Kos Town, with places like Status and Heaven offering great music and the ideal surroundings to get dancing!

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Being the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, Crete has the size and the space for real depth of diversity. So sitting alongside all the usual attractions of beach holidays, you’ll also discover quaint little villages untouched by time and even some of the oldest ruins in Europe.

That Crete has such a rich history is largely thanks to it being the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilisation. We’re talking way back here – almost 5,000 years ago! That’s older than all the Athenian and Spartan legends you’ve probably heard lots more about. The Palace of Knossos in Heraklion is still standing as a fantastic monument to Crete’s Minoan roots. One of the best historical sites in the world, let alone Greece, it features 1300 rooms and remarkably well preserved frescoes. It’s an absolute must for anyone visiting Crete with even a little interest in history.

Bringing things slightly more up to date, the Fortezza in Rethymnon dates back to the 16th century when the Venetians built it as a defence against the Ottoman Empire. Aside from being a fascinating artefact, it also offers stunning views of both Rethymnon town and the Mediterranean sea.

So you see, Crete can be so much more than just your standard sunny beach holiday. But it can also be just that if you want it to be! Visit Sunmaster to choose your ideal Crete holiday either way.

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Kefallonia is the most beautiful and the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece. It is located between Lefkada and Zakynthos.

It has many beautiful beaches with soft sand and turquoise coloured water. The Myrtos beach is the most famous one on the island. Tourists also throng to the Antisamos beach, Lourdas beach, Emblisi beach and Foki beach.

Other than the beaches, there are beautiful villages on the island. It also has a National Park, situated on Mount Ainos, the highest mountain on the island. The park is famous for a rare specie of fir forest and amazing landscapes.

Melissani’s underground lake offers another magical experience. You must take a boat ride and see the way sun reflects from water through the cavity above the lake. Diving is also a common activity here. The Church of Saint Gerasimos, the Archaeological Museum, Agios Andreas Monastery, Melissani Cave are some of the other places you should visit while you are here.

The climate is mild Mediterranean, like the rest of Greece. Winters see some rains though the summers are dry and hot. The island has many hotels, bungalows, apartments etc that you can hire for your stay here.

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