Things to see

A trip to the Greek islands is all about chilling out, getting away from the city and doing a whole lot of nothing … or is it? Even the laziest of travellers might find 10 days on a sun lounger dull. But it’s not as though there’s nothing to do or see on the Greek islands.

The caves of Antiparos

Visit the small but beautiful island of Antiparos (a short boat ride from Paros) to see its awesome cave, which has been a tourist destination for hundreds of years – famous visitors include English poet Lord Byron, who carved his name into the walls.

Take a bus from the port and then enter a world of huge thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites.

Volcano/hot springs tour

Santorini’s impressive landscape is a result of volcanic activity in the area.

You can visit the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni on an excursion boat from the island.

Tickets for the half-day/full-day or sunset trip are available at just about any travel agent in town and the boats leave from the old port, which you get to by cable car or by walking down the 600 or so stairs (take the donkey convoy back up).

The trip, on a traditional wooden schooner, includes a tour of the volcano site and a swim in the hot springs.

Delos

This small island, a short trip from Mykonos, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

It’s the centre of the Cyclades and, as it is said to be the birthplace of Apollo, it is of archeological and historical significance.

You can‘t stay overnight on Delos, so take a boat over in the morning and spend a few hours wandering around the ruins.

Most impressive is the Terrace of the Lions but make sure you pop into the museum, as the original lions are actually in there (the ones outside are replicas).

Athens

Leave a few days spare at the start or end of your trip to explore Athens, the Greek capital and Europe’s oldest city.

Climb the Acropolis to check out the famous Parthenon, then wander back down to visit the Ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum.