Saronic Islands, Greece

The Saronic islands are situated at a close distance from Athens, the capital of Greece and its port, Piraeus and are scattered between the prefecture of Attica and the eastern side of the Peloponnese. This group of Greek Islands is composed of Angistri, Aegina, Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses and Hydra and they have a lot to offer to the visitors: natural beauty, clean sandy beaches and even small deserted islets to explore. 

 Aegina

Beautiful and picturesque Aegina Greece has many traditional villages which can be found in the many mountains or close to the sea and which have kept their authenticity and unspoiled beauty. Touristy and busy resorts are also available, offering nice sandy beaches with crystalline waters. The capital of the island is one of the most attractive villages for it is full of neoclassical buildings and narrow stone-paved alleys.

 Agistri

The island of Agistri has three main settlements: Megalochori or Mylos village, Skala village, which is also the main port of the island, and the traditional village of Limenaria.  The island of Agistri offers many beaches which are distinguished for their crystal clear waters. The most popular one is in Skala village, which is ideal for children, but there are many others worth visiting, like the beaches of Mariza, Mikri Dragonera and Megali Dragonera, Chalikiada, Xekofti or the more isolated small beaches in the area of Aponissos, Magiza and Bariama. The beautiful island of Agistri is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Nightlife on Agistri is not as vivid as on other Greek islands. However, there are several places where one can spend an enjoyable evening or night. Although there are cafes, restaurants and bars in all the villages of Agistri, the most touristy -and therefore vibrant- places are the villages of Skala and Megalochori or Mylos.

Hydra

Hydra Town (or port, harbor), capital and port of the island, is the only true village of the island. This is mostly due to the fact that the whole island is closed to any kind of motorised vehicles and doesn’t have any roads, except from donkey paths. The town is a paradise-like place, protected by a special preservation order. It is full of traditional red-tiled houses, old mansions and stone-paved narrow alleys.

Poros

The beautiful island has many interesting, picturesque and quiet fishing and mountainous villages proposing nice accommodations built according to the traditional architecture of Greece. It also have a very attractive capital, called Poros Town, where two-storey houses with coloured windows, doors and walls are standing next to fine neoclassical buildings, surrounded by narrow stone-paved streets and alleys.

Spetses

Charming Spetses has the particularity of having only one main settlement formed by many districts that only locals can distinguish. Those districts show how the town has expended over the years and how its centre has moved. The actual centre of the town is Dapia which is also the main port and the oldest centre is Baltiza, a fishing settlement which is the old harbour . All districts offer beautiful architecture of Greece. 

10 Best Driving Holidays around the World

Great Ocean Road, Australia

 

If flying into the culturally enriching and modern city of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road simply cannot be ignored. With the benefit of driving a car, you are at the gateway to a 300km designated route through a number of staggering natural wonders that hug the serene ocean setting.

Sydney to Cairns

Australia’s east coast is simply crammed with innumerable awesome places and natural wonders to go and visit and by driving along this coast you truly get the most out of a trip from Sydney to Cairns. Take in Sydney’s iconic sights and then head north towards Cairns ending up at the inimitable Great Barrier Reef.

Garden Route, South Africa

 

Without question, the 200km of coastline that make up South Africa’s ‘Garden Route’ are among the most beautiful on the planet. This astonishing voyage takes you through mountainous landscapes, gorges, dense forestry, golden beaches, immense lakes, rivers and caves.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Arguably, the Amalfi ranks as Europe’s most scenic stretch of coastline. The mesmerizing beauty of the landscapes that present themselves are almost too idyllic as you venture through pastel-colored villages and terraced hillsides nestled in amongst lush-green mountains and dazzlingly blue waters.

Banff and Jasper, Canada

From the Great Plains through to the devastatingly inspirational mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Park, this drive through western Canada could quite easily be the greatest this planet has to offer. The views are simply exhilarating as you traverse forests one moment and dominant glaciers the next.

Rocky Mountains

The natural wonder of the mountains and the age-old lure of cowboys, ranches, wilderness and world-beating ski resorts are all yours with the benefit of driving on holiday. For many, it is the allure of driving in seemingly deserted wilderness under huge open skies that attract many.

Provence

If getting away from it all is up your street then Provence is for you. Fly into Carcassonne and marvel at the charm of this pleasant walled city before heading into the Black Mountains where panoramic scenery will bombard the senses.

French Riviera

Head along the coast taking in the wonderful beaches in famous towns such as St. Tropez and Cannes before heading down to the millionaires playground that is Monaco.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Ascending to steep cliff drops overlooking the sea donning wonderful views all the way to incredible San Francisco. From here, expect wineries and redwood forests as you cross the Oregon state border where spectacular bays and small fishing villages present themselves.

Rhine Valley, Germany

The Rhine Valley is famous for its historic castles and fortifications, dense forests and beautiful river settings and is regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful scenic drive.