IONIAN BREW

Sunday Mirror, Apr 23, 2006 by SARAH WHITFIELD KING

THE Greeks mark Easter a week after us this weekend. It is a time when those working in the cities return home to their families on the islands. Special Easter lamb menus are served in tavernas and there are a lots of late nights when a few glasses of ouzo and retsina get everyone in the mood for dancing. Late April and May is also a perfect time for anyone to visit the Greek islands, as wild flowers cover the hillsides, the weather is not too hot and the beaches are by and large crowd-free. The choice of places to stay is almost limitless ranging from cheap village rooms to upmarket four- star hotels. Here SARAH WHITFIELD KING picks ten perfect places on the islands from a new guide by Alas tair Sawday - Special Places to Stay: Greece (pounds 11.99).

KEFALONIA

THE ISLAND: This is the fastest-growing Greek island, post- Captain Corelli. In the north, idyllic Fiskardo and castle-crowned Assos fill with yachties and villa owners in the summer but still retain a relaxed atmosphere. Don't miss the dramatic, sweeping beach of Myrtos... probably the most-photographed beach in Greece.

EMELISSE ART HOTEL: One of the finest hotels in Greece, claims Alastair Sawday's guide. The position is faultless (just outside Fiskardo), with Ithaka and Lefkada rising up across a turquoise sea. By day, teak loungers line the pool terrace, by night hundreds of candle lanterns illuminate the paths. The estate has 14 stone houses, four of which have private pools. Bedrooms are elegant with four-poster beds and a private terrace with sea views.

ROOMS: From pounds 64pppn when two share. Book on 00 30 26740 41200' www.arthotel.gr/emelisse

CRETE

THE ISLAND: This is Greece's largest and most mountainous island with four fascinating north-coast harbour towns. Hire a car and explore - the beaches are terrific and the tiny villages are wonderful. Chania is the most attractive harbour town on the north coast. Out of town head for the Samaria Gorge - leave early in the morning and arrive in good time for a lazy long lunch. Buses leave from Chania to the start of the gorge, high up in the hills, and a boat meets groups at the bottom. A great day trip.

CASA DELFINO: This hotel in Chania was built by a sea captain and oozes sophistication. Rooms are large with classic wooden furniture and hi-spec bathrooms. Cool and relaxing courtyard for breakfast and lazy evenings.

ROOMS: From pounds 45pppn sharing. Book on 0030 28210 87400/ 93098' www.casadelfino.com

MYKONOS

THE ISLAND: The best known and most expensive island in the Cyclades chain - a partying, shopping and gay-friendly mecca. The main town is full of perfect white cubed houses and cobbled streets - the waterfront is packed with bars and restaurants. Nightlife is legendary. Shirley Valentine fell in love here - and its attractive beaches are lined with beautiful bodies in summer. Take a boat to Delos to see its ancient monuments and famous stone lions.

VILLA KONSTANTIN: Owners Dimitris and Sharon built this villa themselves and the result is a very friendly and warm place to stay. Rooms have stone beds with bright quilts, tiled floors and excellent showers. The thick walls keep the place cool in high summer and every room has a balcony or patio.

ROOMS: From pounds 21pppn sharing. Book on 0030 22890 26204/ 25824' www.villakonstantin.com

HYDRA

THE ISLAND: This island is an easy hop from Athens and is traffic- free. You either walk across the island or climb on a donkey. Water taxis from the harbour take visitors for day trips and swimming. Its coastline is mainly rocky - so not for beach lovers. The harbour is circled by elegant 19th Century houses built by sea captains - many are now pricey but good restaurants.

HOTEL LETO: This stylish hotel is just above the harbour and has beautiful views. The bedrooms are large with great bathrooms and gleaming marble floors. There is a wheelchairfriendly room - a rarity in these parts.

ROOMS: From pounds 33pp per night when two share. Book on 0030 22980 53385 or visit www.letohydra.gr

RHODES

THE ISLAND: Rhodes Town is Greece's best preserved medieval city, and the island's Lindos is one of the loveliest towns - whitewashed and car-free. Uncrowded beaches on the south coast but if you want the opposite, there's Faliraki to liven things up.

MELENOS LINDOS: Bougainvilleas fan out across whitewashed walls and lanterns illuminate the rooftop restaurant - this delightful spot is on the side of a hill at the end of Lindos. Behind, the Acropolis rises above olive trees. Beneath, the bay shimmers. All the large rooms have their own terrace or balcony, most have sea views. The food at the hotel is exceptional.

ROOMS: From about pounds 62pp per night when two share. Book on 0030 22440 32222 or visit www.melenoslindos.com

SANTORINI

THE ISLAND: This spectacular island has astonishing views from its high capital town, Thira, and is renowned for its sunsets. There's a preserved Minoan city, an ancient hill town. Beaches tend to be black sand. Good restaurants and nightlife in Thira.

SUN ROCKS THIRA: A hotel for couples only. You are greeted on arrival with a glass of sparkling wine on the terrace. Rooms are classic - white walls, marble floors and vaulted ceilings. For the romantic there are petal-strewn beds and candles everywhere. Two restaurants and a bar make this a perfect spot for honeymooners - but there are 150 steps to reach the hotel.