Sitting on a headland in the northwest Peloponnese, the pretty port town of Katakolon could be one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. A visit here acts as a gateway to both the largely agricultural province of Ilia (also known as Eleia) and the ancient site of Olympia that gave rise to the modern Olympics. Despite the popularity of Olympia, the town itself and the surrounding countryside remain delightfully untouched, meaning many elements of a visit will be familiar—long, sandy beaches, rolling hills, great food, incredible wines and the warmest of welcomes.

Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. It’s known for the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones. On the seafront is the Prokymea (Molos) Sculpture Park, with sculptures by Cypriot, Greek and international artists. 

Paphos is a city on the southwest coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has several sites relating to the cult of goddess Aphrodite, whose mythical birthplace was at Old Paphos (Kouklia). New Paphos is the modern city that incorporates the harbor, and the ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theaters and villas at Paphos Archaeological Park. ― Google

Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known for its beach resorts, ancient ruins and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. The city of Rhodes has an Old Town featuring the medieval Street of the Knights and the castlelike Palace of the Grand Masters. Captured by the Ottomans and then held by the Italians, the palace is now a history museum. ― Google