Santorini

Only on Santorini, the volcanic Greek island where the legend of the sunken city of Atlantis likely originated, will you find luxury hotels that are -- well, basically, caves.

That's how people have lived for thousands of years along the 1,000-foot-high cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, in caves hollowed out of the black and cream-colored rock. Every now and then, most recently in 1956, an eruption and earthquake reduce the houses and churches to rubble and people rebuild, always around the caves, or "traditional houses" that have long provided shelter there.

Greek island of Skopelos was being brought under partial control

Gale-force winds blowing in the area had been hampering firefighting efforts since the fire broke out on Monday, but no inhabited areas were in immediate danger.

Skopelos Mayor Christos Vasiloudis said that the fire was brought under partial control, and that he hoped it would be fully under control in a few hours' time.

It was not clear how the blaze began. It continued to burn through the night despite overnight rainfall.

Greece often suffers from extensive forest fires, but they usually occur during the summer months.

Last August, devastating fires raged out of control across the country for a week, killing more than 60 people.

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A massive strike in Greece is causing headaches for tens of thousands of travelers

Over 100,000 workers walked off the job in all sectors, in order to express their opposition to government plans aimed at reforming the country’s pension scheme. Well over 60 flights operated by Olympic Airlines were cancelled, with roughly half being international and the other half having been comprised of domestic routes. Additionally, a total of 23 flights operated by Aegean, Greece’s alternative carrier, were also cancelled over the course of the day.

While the strike wrecked havoc for those relying on air travel, people who use trains did not fare any better. According to news reports, virtually all intercity train service in Greece was suspended due to the mass strike. City buses, trams and underground trains were also reported to have experienced disruptions as part of the walk-out.

Kefalonia Island

Traditional villas remain the most common type of housing on Kefalonia, as a result of strict Greek planning laws. New structures must follow the established rectangular form, be pale in colour and made of comparable materials. Porphyrios has come up with a two-storey courtyard structure in tune with the island's Italianate buildings,

Influenced by a period under Venetian rule during the Middle Ages. His design cleverly allows every hotel room to have a view over the valley to the sea. Elia Valley aims to be up there with the few truly luxurious hotels on Kefalonia, competing with the Emelisse and Olive Grove Studios. It will be managed by the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.

Mykonos: Greece's 'Super Paradise'

Mykonos, Greece — I thought I knew myself. At least, I thought I knew what kind of vacation I like — a topic that occupies an enormous chunk of my waking hours.
Point me toward the Uffizi or some other vast museum and I'll be happy for days. Hand me a ticket to a London West End theater or some tragic Italian opera and I'll think I'm in heaven.

My vacation philosophy until now? Give me a lively city and let me cram in as much culture as possible. I'm happy to let others soak up the scenery and show me their pictures later.

So why am I utterly content to be stretched out on Super Paradise Beach doing absolutely nothing?

Ancient Tomb Found on Greek island of Lefkada

The find is a miniature version of the large, opulent tombs built by the rulers of Greece during the Mycenaean era, which ended around 1100 B.C. Although dozens have been found in the mainland and on Crete, the underground, beehive-shaped monuments are very rare in the western Ionian Sea islands, and previously unknown on Lefkada.

The discovery could fuel debate on a major prehistoric puzzle — where the homeland of Homer's legendary hero Odysseus was located.

"This is a very important find for the area, because until now we had next to no evidence on Mycenaean presence on Lefkada," excavator Maria Stavropoulou-Gatsi told The Associated Press.

The Greek town of Monemvasia.

Monemvasia is almost an island; its only link to the mainland of southern Greece is a narrow causeway. To reach it, it’s best to go by road from Athens, either by car or coach, which takes about five hours.

Sometimes ferries call; sometimes not. If you’re thinking of going and don’t have your own transport, the hotels or a good travel agent will give you the latest advice about what’s running. For train-lovers, there’s a quirky little railway that follows a circular route around the Peloponnese from Athens; but you’ll still need to combine that with a bus/coach/car journey. There are also luxury cruises that call in.

Isle be back - guide to the Greek islands

EasyJet’s decision to retain four routes to the Greek islands following its purchase of GB Airways has come as a relief to specialist operators and dynamic packaging companies. Dave Richardson looks at what five of the top islands have to offer:

Skiathos Where: It’s one of the Sporades islands in the northern Aegean, in eastern Greece.

Flights: Charters only, from main UK airports between May and October.

Accommodation: Mainly three-star, with a choice of hotels, apartments and a few villas. A few boutique hotels have opened recently.

Typical visitors: Skiathos is almost exclusively for couples and families, attracted by the many sandy beaches.