Hey Diamond Lovers! Welcome back to Diamond Blog! Missed us? Well, I hope you did, because I did, haha. Today, you and me are going to travel to some amazing places that are both affordable and worth it.

You’re probably wondering that it’s already September.. summer vacation? Doesn’t sound exactly right, I know. Though, climate change, unfortunately has quite shifted the summer era. So, rest assured, in most places, September especially in the first two weeks, will hopefully be warm enough like August.

1. Corfu , Greece

An island located to the Ionian sea neighboring to Italy and Albania. Corfu is known for a majority of amazing beaches, Pontikonisi and graphic landscapes that leave you breathless. Every year, Corfu develops rapidly and it is now known as one of the most heavily populated islands of Greece. Corfu is a destination eligible to all seasons, honestly. Although, summer is undoubtedly the best season of all to visit.

Famous beaches you should definitely visit:
1. Palaiokastritsa Beach – Crystal clear turquoise waters (trust me I dream of that beach every night)
2. Canal D’Amour – Located very close to Sidari, Canal D’ Amour is a unique beauty. Need I say more? You NEED to go there. (if you have a lover it will be a nice idea to go there together🤭)
3. Sidari Beach – SIdari is an amazing beach with loads of beach bars and cafés. It is shallow and completely suitable for families.

Famous places you should visit:
1. Corfu town centre – If you’re staying outside of Corfu then make sure to visit the town centre. There you will find loads of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants with excellent food. There are also many tourists shops and the overall Italian influence to the architecture of the town deserve your recognition.
2. Pontikonisi – Despite it being a tiny island, Pontikonisi is a place of natural beauty, located only 30 minutes away with the bus, from Corfu town. Very close to it, is also located the airport, from where you can see many planes actually landing and taking-off above your head. If you want to enjoy the beach, you can go to Pontikonisi beach, which is located a few meters away from the boats (tickets have 3 euros) that take you to the small island.
3. Old fortress of Kerkyra/Corfu – One of the most distinctive, beautiful and unique monuments in town. With tickets starting from 6 euros, you will be able to see how the old fortress was built, its unique architecture and the amazing scenery of the endless sea unfolding in front of you.

In general Corfu is amazing destination in Greece if you haven’t visited yet. With several accommodation types for all kinds of people, it is certainly a place that you’d like to visit over and over again.

2. Crete , Greece

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is undoubtedly a dreamscape. Honestly, a week there isn’t close to enough, for you to be able to explore and enjoy such a beauty spot. If you have the ability to visit for around 2 weeks, then I totally recommend Crete as the ultimate purpose of your travel. Crete is best to visit at summer, if you enjoy more the beaches, rather than mountains. Otherwise, it is suitable for winter lovers too. However, for every season and every destination, it is important to plan activities according to the weather and of course our capabilities and well being.

Famous beaches you should visit:
1. Elafonissi Beach – A real work of art made my nature itself. Elafonissi beach is suitable for families as it has crystal shallow waters. It also has pink hued sand, which makes it an unusual destination.
2. Balos Lagoon – An outstanding, once again landscape, with crystal clear waters and stunning views. When going there be careful and wear sneakers since their is rocky terrain.
3. Falassarna Beach – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. The beach is sandy and family friendly. You can find many beach bars and cafés.
4. Matala Beach – A beautiful beach with sand and crystal clear waters. A family friendly beach with many beach bars and cafés.

Famous places you should visit:
1. Rethymno old town – Rethymno is one of the many big cities in Crete, beautiful and graphic. Restaurants, cafés and all kinds of shops are waiting for you in the town centre.
2. Chania town – Chania is another city you should definitely include in your go-to list. Being a coastal town, Chania has amazing restaurants with see food, a big port and amazing beauty. For the football lovers, you should definitely visit the Football museum in Chania town, that will amaze both kids and adults!
3. Heraklion town – Heraklion is the capital of Crete. Being one of the most vibrant and joyful cities, with many areas to explore, it is an ideal destination for history lovers, as you can go to the archaeological museum of Heraklion, and unfold the history of Crete!
4. Lake Kournas – A beautiful lake, around mountains. It has clean waters and is suitable for many water activities. Pic-nic lovers, gather all together. This is your perfect spot to pic-nic.

3. Zakynthos , Greece

Zakynthos is a island in Greece, that belongs to the Ionian sea. Known also as Zante, the island keeps attracting visitors thanks to amazing waters and breathtaking views. If not the best, then Zakynthos definitely is a magical place that will make you addicted, to always seeking good company and traveling to places that will sooth your soul.

Famous Beaches to visit in Zakynthos:
1. Shipwreck beach – One of the most remarkable attractions of the island is the shipwreck beach. The beach has perfectly clear amazing waters and the sight takes your breath away. You should definitely visit there, whatsoever.
2. Xigia Beach – A heaven in earth, actually. Maybe the bluest waters you’ve seen. Xigia is the ideal beach for anyone who likes therapeutic waters, since the waters are infused with sulfur. Only if you’re a professional, or you’re able to get on a small boat, you can go and see the Blue caves, which surround Xigia.
3. Gerakas Beach – A beautiful and golden sandy beach, family friendly. It is also home for sea turtles, in a certain designated area. Gerakas has clean and calm waters, which are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
4. Porto Limnionas – An amazing attraction with rocky terrain and turquoise clean waters. It is definitely a lovely spot for swimming, snorkeling, diving or just admiring the view! If you’re a brave swimmer, and love to dive in from high rocks then Porto Limnionas will give you an unforgettable experience. However, be careful!! We should always do things we know we’re capable of.

Famous Places you should visit:
1. Cameo island – A small island you can go to with a bridge! By walking a bridge, you actually pass the sea and you’re able to see Cameo island, take amazing photos and admire a beautiful view. On Cameo island, you’ll find beautiful beaches with clean waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and other activities. To go to the island you only need to pay a small entrance free, that provides you with souvenir photos and a welcome drink at the island’s bar.
2. Zakynthos Turtle Rescue centre – Apart from enjoying our vacation, it is important to know about animals that are endangered species, such as sea turtles. The centre has a café, a museum and a souvenir shop. You will definitely have a great time there!!

4. Kefalonia , Greece

Another island located in the Ionian sea with unique beauty. I promise to you, Kefalonia is going to keep you hooked, and addicted. Beautiful scenery and crystal waters are only a few of the many attractions you can find.

Famous Beaches you can visit:
1. Myrtos Beach – Myrtos is truly an amazing beach with clean waters. It is definitely worth your time. Whenever you want to visit, make sure it’s not too windy, since there are a lot of waves.
2. Petanoi Beach – Petanoi is another beach that will make you want to visit over and over. Clean waters with all the possible hues of blue, the location and the overall feeling you get when you arrive there, are truly unique.
3. Avythos Beach – Another beach in Kefalonia with an outstanding scenery, family friendly with shallow waters. Having clean waters and sand, Avythos is the ideal beach for anyone.
4. Dafnoudi Beach – Despite the small adventure you need to do, to reach there, Dafnoudi is a unique, small beach with amazing scenery, turquoise crystal clear waters and small shingles.
5. Ksi Beach – Another amazing beach, with slightly orange sand. Both sand and water contain clay, which is therapeutic. There are many bars and cafés. The water might be a little blurry, but this is not due to dirt, it’s because of the clay.

Famous places you can visit:
1. Cave Melissani – A beautiful cave you can visit with a boat. With outstanding views, you can also see the colour of the water inside the cave changing. Affordable tickets for an amazing experience of a lifetime!!
2. Assos – Assos is a small seaside village of Kefalonia, that has a few restaurants and cafés. It also has a wonderful beach with sand and clean waters. It is ideal for a morning visit, to walk around, grab some breakfast and enjoy the beach!
3. Mount Ainos National Park – If you are a lover of the mountains, or simply want to try something different apart from sunbathing, then the National Park of Ainos is definitely a destination for you! Breathtaking scenery, as well as a way cooler clean atmosphere, transfer you somewhere else, as if you’re not just to Kefalonia but a paradise instead. You might want to grab a light jacket though. The temperature there is significantly less than what in the central areas of Kefalonia!

That was it for Part 1 of our affordable travel guide!! Make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss the second part😉!! Thank you for reading!!