The first settlement on the windy coasts of Costa Brava in Lloret del Mar was made by Greek colonists in the 4th century before Christ. Archeological excavations in the 60s brought to light layers of urban structures along its winding, California-type beaches...

In the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, you can find Ios, between the islands of Santorini, Paros and Naxos. It's a little island (108 sq. km.) but it has big beaches and many picturesque bays. With a total coast length of 86 km., over half of that is perfect sandy beaches.

The fabled Greek Isles are full of vomiting and fornicating backpackers, ugly package tourists and other detritus of global tourism, but Jeremy Hurewitz uncovers a little gem on it's southern front.