We love Greece and for good reason – warm azure waters; welcoming locals; sun-drenched sandy beaches; the food; balmy evenings; the epitome of laid-back luxury; water-based activities aplenty; and the scenery is spectacular.
It is for these reasons that Greece is at the top of our Mediterranean travel hit list and why it’s been in such high demand in recent years. Read on to find out some of our favourites and why.
Our favourite for secluded escapism
Our handpicked Greek villas are wonderfully located to escape the crowds, yet remain close enough to take advantage of the local tavernas, activities and sandy beaches. Surrounded by lush vegetation, with striking sea views, infinity pools, shaded terraces and spacious interiors they offer the perfect villa holiday package. Head to Meganisi to really feel in a world of your own or to North East Corfu for the best of both worlds. In each destination you can add catering and rent one or more of our villas together, so gather the troops for the reunion of the decade!
Our favourite for the active family
A firm favourite of Philippa, Eagles Palace is ideal for those searching for a luxurious holiday with facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Nestled in a bay of turquoise water and white sand, Eagles Palace is a family-run resort, offering a little slice of authentic Greek heaven. Choose to sail, water-ski, windsurf, kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard, charter a boat (a must-do) or dive. You can also explore the local villages and islands; visit a winery; horse ride around Cholomontas mountains; experience the Petralona caves, or just lie by the pool with a cold drink and some deliciously fresh meze.
Our favourite for romance
This picture-perfect retreat is not only extremely Instagramable for its views and architecture, but ideal for those searching for some privacy, with each of the spacious suites featuring its own private pool. Clinging to the side of the caldera on the fringes of Oia you can do as little or as much as you want here. Discover Santorini by land or water, head to the luxurious spa, hike the Calder, try diving or horse riding, or just stare out across the water, cocktail in hand, as the sunsets.
Our favourite for having it all
Don’t lift a finger at Daios Cove located in the northeast of Crete. We love the Residence Club offering that is included when you book a villa or a suite (most of which come with their own private pools). With this, you can wine and dine on a luxury all-inclusive basis (including alcoholic beverages) offering the ultimate holiday freedom. We recommend this hotel for both families and couples; for an active or relaxing break; for foodies (there are nine restaurants and bars) and for those who want to be looked after by an unfalteringly friendly team.
Our favourite for seeing it all
Why choose to stay put in one location when you can see so much more from your own private, skippered and catered yacht?!
We have three luxurious yachts based out of Corfu. They are just like floating private villas, with all the toys and equipment you can imagine and an expert crew. The perfect itinerary and routes are planned with all your preferences taken into account – leisurely cruising or as much sailing as possible. Breakfast and lunch are on board, and dinner can be a local taverna or a deliciously fresh creation up on deck, and there’s a different anchorage each night. You don’t need to be an expert sailor, in fact, you might never have set foot on a yacht before.
Our favourite for adventure seekers
Adventurers will relish the collection of activities on offer at Elounda Peninsula in Crete. This is where scuba diving lessons, a wakeboarding class and a water ski session can be easily achieved in one day. Those keen to explore the surrounding islands can charter the hotel’s own yacht, or rent one of its smaller motorboats to pootle over to sleepy coves for picnics. Back on land, tennis galore and a 9-hole golf course with views over the Aegean towards the Sitia Mountains are typically rounded off with a deep-tissue massage in the Six Senses Spa.
Our favourite for the foodies
A haute riff on rustic, The Rooster on Paros’ laid back, little sister, Antiparos, elevates an earthy, understated aesthetic to luxury, cane-and-cult-furniture levels. This nature-first design mantra is reflected in restaurant menus filled with just-caught fish, local lamb, fresh fruit and vegetables plucked from The Rooster’s organic gardens and nearby farm. A mix of inventive twists on Greek favourites and global palate-pleasers is pared down to allow the stellar ingredients to do the talking.
To plan your Greek adventure, speak to our friendly travel experts Gemma or Jo on +44 (0)1306 264 005 or by emailing [email protected].