One of the absolute joys of having a chum who lives out in a sunnier part of the world is being invited to fly out to join her every summer for a girls’ break.  We stay at her villa and do all the things you normally do on holiday but without the expense of a hotel or guest house.  She take a three week break from her usual busy schedule and we drive out to the various villages and hotspots of the area and act like every day tourists.   There are all sorts of ruins and roman remains dotted around the island and many ancient artefacts, as well as some gorgeousw little family run tavernas, bakeries and pattiseries.  Many of the places we like to visit do not feature on the general tourist leaflets, and his is excellent.  We also manage to avoid the busy eateries that crowd the beautiful marina and harbour areas.  Not for us the over priced fish & chip empioriums.  No, we definitely prefer finding the family run places tucked away down side alleys and up in the hills with the monasteries!    We don’t involve travel agents or booking agencies.