The attractions of the Greek Islands are no secret to frequent travellers, but most of the visitors sleepily sunbathing at the resorts won’t realise quite how much there is to discover once you dig a little deeper. By staying in one of our luxury villas, you can avoid the crowds and head straight for the authentic towns and villages that still line the Mediterranean shores and hillsides.
SpetsesVilla Essa, Spetses – Oliver’s Travels
The Spetses is a favourite holiday spot among locals, but you won’t find masses of tourists here. You’re unlikely to see many cars either – there are around four taxis on the whole island, so many people get around by horse-drawn carriage, bike or motorcycle. Visitors can hire motorboats to take a tour of the 18 miles of coastline, stopping by Agia Paraskeví, a beach lined by pine trees on Spetses’ western coast, to enjoy an afternoon of water sports.
PatmosVilla Kassia, Patmos – Oliver’s Travels
If you’re planning to take a summer break, visit Patmos‘ capital city of Chorá. Outside peak season this idyllic getaway empties, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Your first day should be spent exploring the ancient Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1088. Its chapels really are spectacular, with marble floors, Byzantine artefacts and breathtaking decor. Wind your way through the city’s fifteenth-century streets and you’ll find Vagellis Taverna, a family-run restaurant in Chorá’s main square serving delectable traditional Greek dishes like stuffed vine leaves, garlicky skordalia and moreish taramasalata.
ParosVilla Lefkia, Paros – Oliver’s Travels
As one of the largest islands in the Cyclades, parts of Paros have become tourist traps – but you can get away from all the fuss in Villa Lefkia, located just a three minute walk from peaceful village of Lefkes. Spend your days wandering through the Agias Trias ‘secret garden’ cemetery, browsing through the traditional pottery shops, and if you’re feeling energetic, hiking across the mountainous Byzantine Road trail. To recharge your batteries, stop off for Greek coffee and a generous slice of freshly baked carrot cake at Kafeneio Marigws.
KeaVilla Dalmat, Kea – Oliver’s Travels
Kea is often overlooked in favour of the larger Cyclades islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but that can only be a good thing for travellers searching for a retreat off the beaten track. Visit Red Tractor Farm to try out their mystical St John’s Wort oil, said to heal wounds and scars. If it’s azure waters you’re after, relax on Koundouros beach and have a bite to eat at its seafront cafe. With four luxury villas on the island to choose from, all you need to do is take your pick and get packing.
Cyprus has beaches for almost every kind of holiday, from soft, pale sands and shallow family bays to turtle-nesting shores, watersports hubs, and quiet coves beneath cliffs. Better still, the island makes it easy to combine time beside the sea with ancient ruins, mountain villages, and lunches in coastal tavernas. The best beaches in Cyprus […]
The 10 Best Beaches in Mykonos
Mykonos may be known for its whitewashed lanes, late-night parties, and famous beach clubs, but its coastline has more range than the headlines suggest. Long sandy bays curve around the south of the island, while the north coast feels wilder, more exposed to the Aegean wind. The best beaches in Mykonos cover almost every mood. […]
10 Best Villas in Ibiza
The fabled ‘White Island’ is a place of many faces. On the one hand, Ibiza is renowned as a prime clubbing destination with a vibrant nightlife that’s a magnet for partygoers. But there’s more to the island than exclusive clubs and dancing ’til dawn! Further inland, you’ll find there’s a much more laid-back atmosphere among […]
The bountiful islands of Greece feel like a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Life by these seas is slow-paced and indulgent, simple but breathtakingly beautiful. Time seems to have slowed down here, and when things at home get hectic, that’s often just the thing we need. Nothing brings a family closer together […]
Top 10 Villas in Greece
Fresh Mediterranean food, ancient history, sandy beaches, and the glistening blue of the Aegean, Greece does summer with serious style. Across its mainland and islands, you’ll find whitewashed villages, harbourfront tavernas, myth-soaked ruins and villas in Greece made for long days beneath the sun. For this top 10 round-up, we’ve picked some of our favourite […]
Top 10 Villas in Crete
With 650 miles of stunning coastline at your fingertips, Crete is sure to give you a healthy dose of sun, sea and sand! The island has also been dubbed the birthplace of modern civilisation, so you can explore ancient remnants, take in breathtaking views and trek across magnificent mountainscapes. Ready to start planning your Greek island […]
Top 10 Villas in Corfu
With stunning beaches and Venetian charm, Corfu successfully masters equal measures of cosmopolitan and tradition, so is perfect for a villa holiday. And those travelling to this Grecian paradise can expect a whirlwind of fun, with something for everyone, including families, couples, and companions. Naturally, any memorable adventure begins with a jaw-droppingly good villa, and […]
The Top Family-Friendly Activities in Corfu
If you’re travelling to Greece with little ones, then look no further than our list of the top family-friendly activities in Corfu. This island’s magical combination of sunshine and sandy beaches is always a hit with younger visitors: the shore is essentially one giant playground, while the breaking waves provide hours of entertainment. But there’s […]
Top 10 things to do in Corfu: Activities & Places to Visit
Whether you’re craving rest and relaxation or an all-action holiday adventure, crowd-pleasing Corfu has something to tempt every traveller. From mountain biking on rugged peaks to scuba diving with eels, you can find plenty of energetic ways to get under the island’s skin. Low-key days can be spent wine tasting, strolling ancient streets or hopping […]
Best Foodie Experiences & Restaurants in Corfu
Corfu’s Med diet is one of the healthiest and tastiest on the planet. Fresh, locally grown ingredients are key to Corfiot cuisine, as are lashings of homegrown olive oil. Hearty dishes of lamb and game, fresh seafood, and made-for-sharing mezze plates are what you’ll find on most Corfiot dining tables, typically partnered with glasses of […]
Top Things to Do in Kefalonia
Nestled in the heart of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is the perfect island for an unforgettable holiday in Greece. While it might not be as popular as other islands like Mykonos or Santorini, the blissful atmosphere and rustic charm beckons visitors like a siren song. Kefalonia’s fine shingle stretches, bleached white in the sun and […]
A Week in Crete - Your Island Itinerary
With a tapestry of castaway beaches, dreamy villages and enchanting scenery, Greece’s largest island, Crete, has everything you could wish for. But natural beauty and unspoiled charm aren’t the only draws. The birthplace of Zeus has an incredible history, showcased in world-famous archaeological sites and museums stuffed with antiquities. There are wildlife-rich gorges to roam […]
Best Greek Foods to Try On Your Next Visit
Everyone is familiar with Greece, where the Aegean Sea meets a rugged coastline and ancient ruins whisper tales of a mythical past. But a view shared by many is that the best part of Greece is its delicious culinary offering. With timeless recipes, inviting aromas and fabulous flavours, there are so many Greek foods to […]
