Gouves (pronounced Goo-vez) is the place to head for if you're looking for a get-away-from it all holiday. This once quaint little village is growing rapidly but has maintained its friendly atmosphere.

During the day you can hit the beach where most activity is centred, here the golden sands slope gently into shallow waters making it ideal for kids and a great family holiday.

The Marina Beach outside the Marina Hotel has fine, clean sand, sunloungers and a lifeguard - plus a good choice of watersports.

The smaller beach outside the Pantheon Palace hotel is similarly sandy and also offers the security of a lifeguard. There is life after sundown and it remains fairly tame.

Tavernas and bars scattered around provide relaxed night-life which is supplemented with a good choice of music and occasional dancing.

In addition to an historic Old Town which features a number of outstanding churches, Gouves offers a handful of small, sandy beaches plus easy access to Dia Island by boat.