Eat and stay: This is where Crete comes into its own. Cretan food is reasonably priced, hearty and fresh. Accommodation prices are average at grass roots, but avoid the overpriced resorts. Value: Crete is a great place to explore and relax, with a cheeky dive here and there. With its sheltered beaches and warm weather, it’ s well suited to family holidays. In general, a bit pricier than mainland Greece, average daily costs being about £ 180.
PHOTO: PAUL HANSON
Croatia
Flights: £ 180 Diving: Croatia has a strong diving pedigree; it’ s the sort of place that people fall in love with. Vis island has sheltered water and wrecks of all depths, while Hvar boasts a bona fide archaeological site complete with amphoras. The signature wreck is the Baron Gautsch on the Istria Peninsula, the so-called‘ Titanic of the Adriatic’, sitting between 30 and 41m. Eat and stay: Generally less costly than western Mediterranean destinations. For meals, expect a mix of influences, from Italian to Austro-Hungarian flavours. Check out the Brudet, a spicy fish stew or Struki – cheese filled pastries. Value: While it offers good value, Croatia is hardly a bargain basement destination. Costs can mount up here as anywhere else, but there is scope for savings, and the diving merits a dedicated trip. Average daily cost is £ 120.
Cyprus
Flights: £ 200 Diving: Regularly voted in the top ten best wreck dives in the world, the 172-metre-long Zenobia is undoubtedly the main draw. Elsewhere around the island, there’ s a variety of sites to suit differing tastes and experience levels. Shore dives off Paphos and Akamas National Park offer swim-throughs, walls, caves, sea mounts and ancient amphoras. Eat and stay: For clarity, this article refers to the southern, Greek part of Cyprus. Supermarkets offer great value, but it’ s worth breaking out your budget in the tavernas. Cypriot cuisine offers a mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences. Budget hotels are available from around £ 50 a night, but ask your dive centre about group options. Value: Cyprus enjoys a longer warm
PHOTO: NEIL HOPE
water dive season than most of Europe, extending from April through November. October is a fine time to visit for bargains. Average daily cost is around £ 140.
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