The port of Itea, situated on the Greek mainland to the west of Athens, is the gateway to the magnificent ruins of Delphi. The spectacular cliffside setting at the foot of Mount Parnassos adds to the drama of this holiest of Ancient Greek sites, home to a famous oracle in antiquity.

Rugged Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, and remains unspoilt by tourism despite earning fame as the setting for ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’. The island rewards exploration, with some splendid beaches and lovely little villages, and the vineyards here produce some excellent wines.

The pretty town of Parga sits on the Ionian coast of northwest Greece, on a sandy bay between two rocky outcrops. The pastel-coloured houses and lively seafront tavernas make this a pleasant place to spend some time, and points of historical interest include the hilltop Venetian castle.

Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a beautiful island of verdant hills and rocky coves, and away from the more crowded resorts it remains a sleepy and idyllic place. Don’t miss the picturesque Venetian architecture of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sarandë is southern Albania’s premier seaside resort, and in summer the population swells with day-trippers from nearby Corfu. If the beach doesn’t appeal then visit the fascinating archaeological remains at Butrint, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the beautiful Blue Eye Spring.

Kotor sits at the head of a beautiful, fjord-like bay, hemmed in by glowering mountains. The compact, walled old town is Montenegro’s star attraction, a warren of little alleyways and shady squares that is often described as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’.