Five Star Greece shares their favourite holiday spots across the stunning landscapes of the Ionian Islands
For those of you with sun-drenched images of the young Gerald Durrell roaming free through dappled olive groves, searching for clams on pebbly coves with waves lisping on the shore, or pottering around in a boat, the best islands to visit are just off the west coast of Greece.
Green and calm, the Ionian Islands ? which were once part of the British Empire ? include Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, and their mountains enfold pretty pastel-washed villages, innumerable bays, and offer the best swimming spots in Europe.
Villas range from the large, prestige villas on the Gold Coast of North East Corfu, with full staff and private jetties, to exclusive secret gems on the smaller islands, and affordable small villas for single families. Having easy access to the water ? either by having a boat moored nearby, or having a beach at the bottom of the garden ? is the classic way to enjoy these islands. Enjoy island-hopping
Over in the Cyclades, Mykonos and Santorini are the King and Queen ? there is something for all ages here. Mykonos has the best beach scene bar none in the Mediterranean, with great dining, shopping and sporting and boating possibilities. However, if you have children, you should bear in mind that the summer crowds can make it less than relaxing, so choose a villa where you are happy to spend a lot of your time.
Take in the stunning sea ...