Great Greek villa getaways

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Whether you prefer quaint villages to party resort towns, watersports hubs or quiet coves, Greece has an island for you and your family.

Opt for luxury villa holidays and you'll enjoy a relaxing home from home. Here's our pick of the hotspots for summer 2010.

Island dreams
The popular islands of Corfu, Crete and Kefalonia offer a wealth of attractions for kids. Their safe, golden beaches make them a great choice for family villa holidays. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers the most in the way of modern attractions such as waterparks and watersports. If you've got teens who want to explore while you relax at your villa, make your base in bustling Elounda on the beautiful Bay of Mirabello. Or stay in the pretty fishing village of Almereida, where you can relax and play on two Blue Flag beaches.

If you're travelling with younger children, you'll fall for the laid-back charms of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante. The north-east tip of Corfu, where you'll find the lovely resorts of San Stefanos, Avlaki and lively Kassioppi, offers plenty to keep the kids entertained on the water and on dry land, and all feature a tempting choice of villas with pools. You'll find a fabulous choice of villas in Kefalonia that cater for small to large family groups in the resorts of Fiskardo, Ai Hellis, Kourkoumelata and Skala. The harbour town of Fiskardo blends old world charm with modern sophistication: glamorous yachts are moored alongside weathered fishing boats, and chic restaurants and traditional tavernas provide dining for all budgets. Parents will love relaxing in the smart café bars and designer boutiques while teens hang out at the beach.  If you've got younger kids and a teenager or two, the little island of Zante could be the perfect choice. Build sandcastles in sugar-sand bays with the little ones, while older kids swim and snorkel, take a boat trip to Smuggler's Cove, go hiking in the lush green hills and sample the nightlife in Laganas. You'll find gorgeous villas in Zante in the resorts of Aghios Leon and Vassilikos.Mainland delights
If you're looking for luxury villa holidays in Greece where you can rub sunkissed shoulders with the jet-set, look no further than the glamorous Athenian Riviera, which begins on the palm-fringed shores of Glyfada, Athens's buzzing Knightsbridge-on-Sea. The capital's coastline is home to miles of idyllic bays and cosmopolitan resorts. Explore the four glitzy marinas at Glyfada, treat yourself to a special family dinner in the exclusive resort of Vouliagmeni, and head to the little resort of Varkiza for the best windsurfing on the Riviera. Be aware that visiting the upmarket private beaches such as the jet set sands of Lagonissi will cost you - entrance fees apply.For more laid-back family fun, make your villa base at Katafigi Bay, nestled on a hillside overlooking a pretty sandy cove. Katafigi Bay is a peaceful retreat popular with Athenians. There are no shops or bars but panic not, when the sun goes down nearby Palea Fokea is the place to drink, and dine. Simply make your way to the waterfront where you'll find excellent fish tavernas, shops and cafés.Or check-in to a villa with a private pool in the little town of Saronida which has some of the most conveniently situated holiday villas in Greece. Set on a hillside directly above the coast with stunning sea views, villas in Saronida are located just a short drive from Athens and the resort's shops, bars and restaurants are on your doorstep. The beaches here have shallow, clear waters making them ideal for families with young children. 

For a great choice of luxury villa holidays, and family villa holidays in Greece, go to www.meonvillas.co.uk.

02 July 2010