Island escape
There are over 100 inhabited Greek islands, many of which make for fabulous holiday destinations due to their hot climate, refreshing blue sea, and delicious cuisine.
Although they’re all part of the same family, each island has its own personality and quirks that it’s known for. Fortunately, finding the perfect place for you is easy with the help of our travel experts.
Kefalonia
Best for… natural beauty
Alongside the beautiful beaches and inviting blue waters, Kefalonia is home to an abundance of wildlife and has a range of caves and hiking routes to explore too.
Jane, Branch Manager at Long Sutton Travel, says…
“I stayed in Svoronata, an idyllic town in the south-west of the island. Despite being a small town, it has everything you would want from a Greek getaway, including lots of family run tavernas offering delicious food, soft sandy beaches, and traditional architecture. Additionally, it’s only a short drive to the airport, and Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital.
“One of my holiday highlights was going on a boat trip. It took us to caves and several beautiful beaches, which we were able to swim up to. As well as enjoying the beautiful landscape of Kefalonia, we loved seeing all the wildlife, from the turtles swimming freely in the sea, to the goats that pass you by on the road. The trip was made even more enjoyable by the incredibly accommodating locals, and we enjoyed many fabulous meals while in Kefalonia.”
Rhodes
Best for… exploring ancient history
The very existence of this island is wrapped up in Greek mythology and the land is jam-packed with impressive archeological sites – making it the perfect place to learn about past civilisations.
Charlotte, Travel Consultant at Moorland Centre Travel in Lincoln, says…
“The acropolis in Lindos is a must visit, and if you go on a nice clear day, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views. You can look over St Paul’s Bay, which has the most inviting clear blue water. You can also see the wedding chapel, which is where my brother got married – it is so beautiful!
“I also loved exploring Rhodes Old Town, the towering city walls surround fascinating medieval buildings and museums, making it the perfect setting for a Greek adventure back in time. It’s very historical and full of culture, with lots of quaint restaurants and shops on offer. While things are slightly more expensive within the city walls, it’s worth every penny.”
Skopelos
Best for… experiencing Greek culture
Skopelos is a smaller, more remote island, only accessible by boat and famed by the Mamma Mia movie. It has an air of exclusivity and has maintained a very authentic Greek charm.
Sue, Travel Area Manager, says…
“The island is very calm during the day, so it’s great to switch off and recharge. At night, the town becomes a little more lively, with many trendy late night cocktail bars opening their doors, offering great views over the harbour.
“Excursions are mainly boat trips - I would recommend taking a day trip to Alonnisos. This includes a beach stop for a couple of hours, and a visit to the old town perched on top of a hill. There are also loads of great beaches to explore. Two of my favourites include Panormos, which is a more laid back pebble beach with crystal clear water backed by Greek tavernas, and Kastani, which is the location for the Mamma Mia film. It’s sandy and much busier, with boat trips coming in here.”
Crete
Best for… time together
As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete has a lot to offer, meaning there’s something for everyone – it’s the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones, whatever your interests.
Laura, Assistant Manager at Sleaford Travel, says…
“I absolutely love Crete - in the early 2000s, I worked as a holiday rep for two summers, and have been back for several holidays since then! There’s plenty to see, and I would highly recommend hiring a car so you can experience as much as possible. We’ve toured the island this way and loved the freedom and variety that came with it.
“Staying in the east of the island, we drove up to the west, to the town of Chania. Here, we visited the Souda Bay War Cemetery and had lunch in the stunning harbour area. We also drove down to Elounda and took a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, which has a rich history and spectacular views. Another great spot is a beach on the south-west coast, called Elafonisi, it has pink coral sand! Pure paradise.”