Greek

The island is a Mediterranean paradise that is well worth a visit, with visitors commenting on how authentic and unspoiled it feels, as well as its stunning natural beauty

The picturesque Greek island of Samos, nestled just off the coast of western Turkey in the eastern Aegean Sea, is a haven of stunning seaside resorts and quaint fishing villages. Separated from the Anatolian peninsula by the narrow Mycale Strait, this 185-square-mile island is a blend of mountainous terrain and fertile plains.

A significant part of Samos is carpeted with vineyards, producing the renowned Muscat wine. The landscape is dominated by two towering mountains, Ampelos and Kerkis. Ampelos, the larger of the two, sits at the heart of the island, reaching heights of 1,095 metres. Kerkis, although smaller in area, boasts the island’s highest point.

With a population just shy of 34,000, Samos ranks as the ninth most populous of the Greek islands. It’s also a hotspot for diverse fauna, including golden jackals, stone marten, wild boar, flamingos and monk seals.

Samos is steeped in history, with the Eupalinian aqueduct being one of its many archaeological treasures. In the 6th-century BC, under the rule of the infamous tyrant Polycrates, a 0.6-mile tunnel was carved through Mount Kastro to construct an aqueduct, providing the ancient capital with fresh water, reports the Express.

This engineering marvel, dug from both ends in a methodical manner akin to the Channel Tunnel, stands today as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient city of Samos was once fortified by a wall stretching 6,430 metres. Starting from the eastern pier of the ancient port, it extended northwards, ending near the ancient stadium on the city’s western coast.

Today, only fragments of the limestone wall and a tower north of Glyfada Lake remain.

Classical Samos is perhaps best known for its connection to the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. In 1955, the town of Tigani was renamed Pythagoreion in honour of his birth there.

The historian Herodotus, famed for his Histories – considered the founding work of history in Western literature – also resided in Samos for some time.

Samos enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, July is the hottest and driest month, but temperatures remain a pleasant 24C in October.

Whether you prefer remote or commercialised beaches, Samos has something for everyone. Tsamadou, eight miles from Vathy, is a pebbled, partly organised and family-friendly beach.

For those seeking seclusion, Mikto Sitani beach is non-organised and tucked away from the crowds.

Tourists have been full of praise for Samos, with one visitor gushing on Tripadvisor: “What a surprise! We had never heard about Samos but we booked by coincidence because it was one of the only European destinations where they didn’t expect cold and rain. So happy we did it. It’s a wonderful island. It’s still authentic[ly] Greek.

“Samos is not made for mass tourism. The roads are narrow, and there are hairpin bends everywhere. Some destinations are only accessible by 4×4 cars because there are no paved roads in some areas.

“Most of the island still looks untouched and the coastline is rugged and just magnificent.”

One Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea is famed for its gorgeous weather – even in September.

This stunning little Greek island could be your ideal paradise if you’re seeking a September escape.

As temperatures start to drop across the UK, many Britons will longingly begin contemplating warmer destinations.

Greece remains a beloved holiday retreat for British travellers – and one petite island enjoys glorious weather with September temperatures averaging a pleasant 25C and peak daytime highs reaching 27C.

However, what the charming island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea is truly renowned for is serving as the backdrop to the enormously successful film Mamma Mia!, reports the Express.

Skiathos features an incredible 60 beaches with sparkling azure waters alongside dense pine woodlands. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene offering a wealth of culinary hotspots, pubs and nightclubs.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport, beach visitors on the island can also watch commercial aircrafts soaring mere metres overhead.

Greek tourism platform Visit Greece described the island as “paradise on earth” and stated: “Skiathos [is] the most cosmopolitan island in the Northern Sporades.”

The tourism website also noted: “The island is picturesque, unspoilt and blessed with more than 60 beautifully crystal clear waters and beaches.

“The most famous is Koukounaries, which is considered as the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. When you add in its bustling nightlife, it is only natural that the island attracts thousands of young visitors every year!”

Travel bloggers are equally smitten with the destination, with one delighted visitor describing the island as “postcard perfect”.

Lynsey from travel blog lynseysnotebook.co.uk said: “For my first introduction to Greece, Skiathos could not have been more perfect.

“I took ages to decide where I wanted to visit for my first trip to Greece – Rhodes and Zante both looked beautiful – but Skiathos has an authentic charm that I couldn’t resist.”

She added: “While Mamma Mia certainly put Skiathos on the map, it still retains its authenticity and simplicity.”

Meanwhile, travellers have flocked to review website Tripadvisor to rave about this breathtaking destination. One declared that Koukounaries beach has “got to be the best beach in Greece”.

The Greek island was once a “model of co-existence” but has been left with “nothing but bars” as tourism has sucked the life out of it, a local has claimed

A stunning Greek island once “teeming with children and shops” has been left with nothing but bars due to tourism, according to a local resident.

Iosif Stefanou, an architect, urban planner and professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), has spent decades working to preserve traditional Cycladic architecture on Syros, and shared his concerns with Greek publication ekathimerini.com about how the tourist industry has drained the area of its character.

Speaking to the publication during a stroll through the neighbourhood, Stefanou lamented that whilst the island’s capital Ermoupoli had previously been “self-sufficient”, it now “only has bars — in summer, it’s crowded with people; in winter, it’s dead”..

The academic previously viewed the island as “a model of co-existence. A mother would hear her neighbor’s baby crying and would run there first”, but properties now sit empty for months whilst their proprietors are elsewhere, he said.

“Now most houses are closed for most of the year because they’ve been bought by foreigners or Athenians,” Stefanou explained, according to the Express.

“Fortunately, most of them respected and saved the houses. Many of the locals think about easy profit, which is why only bars have sprung up recently. They don’t understand they’re cutting the branch they’re sitting on. They see Mykonos on the horizon and envy it, but they don’t learn from its current state.”

Local music teacher, Aristos Vamvakousis, told the outlet: “We are fighting, and as long as such efforts exist, Syros won’t become just a tourist destination.”

In addition to his school, he said “there are many theatre groups, dance groups, sports clubs, and groups of people who fight to provide variety and stimuli during the months outside the summer season. That’s what saves us, life in the winter.”

Vamvakousis expressed concern that graduates from his music school struggle to find places to play traditional music, with many rembetiko venues now shut.

“After October, you can hardly find a taverna to eat in,” he revealed to the outlet. “The reason is that catering businesses are now owned – after the Covid pandemic – by non-locals who don’t care about keeping the shops open during the difficult months.Syros major Alexandros Athanasiou has been contacted for comment.Popular Greek holiday spots like Mykonos and Santorini are among the most impacted by overtourism in the country.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a commitment in June to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

Anna Theodorakis, a local resident, told France24 about being forced out of her home in the Metaxourgio neighbourhood of Athens, stating: “I think the answer is to go in the streets and block everything and just not do something because people are losing their homes. It is very depressing.”

Ms Theodorakis criticised the surge of Airbnbs in the city for “wiping out the traditional places”, expressing that she felt like “a foreigner in my own country”.

Meanwhile, Dimitri, a property developer converting a former warehouse into Airbnbs, conceded that excessive tourism was causing harm to Athens.

There are no signs to the hot spring, but I locate it on the map and we drive to the end of the paved road. Overlooking the sea is a stone bench someone has dedicated to her parents, “with gratitude and love as deep as the Aegean”. My dad died recently and the words strike home. I’m glad my mum has joined me on this little adventure.

We walk down to the deserted cove at Agia Kyriaki thermal springs. There are old fishing shacks with stone-slab roofs, and shuttered cottages. Down an unmarked path, we find a rock pool where hot waters bubble gently from the sand, blending with the sea to a perfect temperature. Immersed in the healing mineral bath, I look up at juniper trees and blue sky, lulled by lapping waves and cicadas.

Ikaria, in the eastern Aegean – named after Icarus, the Greek mythological figure who flew too close to the sun – is known for its forests, springs and wine, communist leanings and longevity. Its population of about 8,000 is spread across dozens of scattered villages over 255 sq km, with few dedicated to tourism, and it only really gets busy in July and August. We arrive in mid-June from Kos (ferries also connect Samos and Athens to the port of Evdilos) at the port of Agios Kirykos and drive north-east to Faros, which has a mile of beach without a single hotel. The house we’ve rented for our first few days, Lighthouse Lodge, is perfectly located next to a cafe-bar and two tavernas – the hot spring a few kilometres away.

While Mum reads in the shade of a tamarisk tree on the beach in front of the house, I walk around the mastic- and thyme-covered cape to Drakano tower, with remains of fortifications from the fourth century BC. The lofty peak of Samos and the Fourni islands are the only features in an expanse of blue – the space and light are mesmerising.

A few Greek families with young children linger on Faros beach until dark. At Grigoris taverna, we eat grilled sardines and soufiko, summer vegetables cooked slowly in olive oil, and drink Ikarian red wine. Then we fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

The next day we explore the north of the cape, swimming in the clear turquoise waters of Iero bay, near the cave where legend has it that Dionysus was born.

Getting to Monokampi, a pretty village 15km inland from Agios Kirykos, and our base for the following two nights, requires negotiating the forest-covered Atheras mountain, which stretches in a 40km ridge across the full length of the island, rising to more than 1,000 metres. Our route zigzags up a vertiginous slope, cypresses poking up from the tangle of trees.

We’re late and I call George, owner of Moraitika Farmhouse, to say we’re on the mountain somewhere. “Ten kilometres in Ikaria are not like 10km anywhere else!” he laughs. When we arrive, George shows us around what was his great-grandmother’s farm, lovingly restored over 15 years. Three houses are now tourist accommodation, while the oldest one, from the 14th century, is like a museum to old Ikarian life, with a large fireplace for smoking meat, an inbuilt oven and a secret back door for escaping from pirate raids. A forest of arbutus (strawberry tree), oak, olive and ivy has grown over the once-cultivated terraces and the footpath his grandmother used to walk over the mountain.

In the evening on the terrace, as the sun descends over the sea, we eat local cheese with an organic dry white wine, Begleri – all picked up en route, as we’re a long drive from a taverna. Eleonora’s falcons swoop, an owl hoots and there are tiny, bright lights of glow-worms.

In the cool morning, birds sing their hearts out. We walk through Monokampi’s village square, dominated by a huge plane tree, and follow a sign to Agia Sofia, a hidden chapel built into a rocky spur. Mum points out honeysuckle and walnut trees, and we pick mulberries and plums.

The next day we descend to the coast and continue west, stopping at Karavostamo for a swim and fresh spinach pies from the bakery, then we drive on, looking for a place to stay for the next few nights. We stop above an impressive beach at Gialiskari, but there’s the thump of music from a bar so we keep going.

At Nas, we pull in at a taverna. After a lunch of courgette fritters, herby meatballs and homemade cheesecake with sea views, we think we might have found our place. We walk on until we spy a lush river canyon and a sparkling cove, and soon find rooms at Artemis Studio.

Steps lead down the rock to the bamboo-fringed estuary, where swallows and damselflies flit. The other bank is dominated by the walls of an ancient harbour and a ruined sanctuary for the worship of Artemis, protector of nature and wildlife. The waters flow from the deep, pine-covered Halari gorge, which extends several kilometres inland, with paths leading in various directions. The riverbed, with pink-flowering oleander and little waterfalls, fills with wild campers in mid-summer. For now, quiet reigns.

We quickly fall in love with Nas. Mum swims in the freshwater lagoon with the frogs; I swim in the sea, which is cold enough to leave my skin tingling. When the sun sets into the ocean, we settle on Artemis’s peaceful terrace for baked aubergine with kathoura cheese and red peppers, and goat roasted in olive oil and wine. The taverna is run by Thanasis, a musician who offers tours of his family’s organic farm, and Anna, who has a ceramics studio and shop, where we take our time choosing pretty jewellery.

After a breakfast of fresh juice, eggs and Ikarian smoked ham at nearby Reiki cafe, we head on to our next stop, in the village of Agios Polykarpos. We’re staying at Monopati Eco Stay, which has studios of stone, wood and bamboo, with large windows framing a magnificent view of blue sky, canyon and forest.

The owner says we will find his 87-year-old mother in the garden. Svelte and sprightly Popi, covered up against the sun, is thinning out her basil plants and beams at us. She shows us terraces filled with courgettes, sweet potatoes, aubergines and tomatoes. The next day she picks me apricots, shows me how to make basil pesto with walnuts and sunflower seeds, and tries teaching me to dance the ikariotiko, with a deep laugh when I mix up the steps.

Her philosophy is: good food, good thoughts and outdoor exercise. Every morning, she looks at the magic of nature and feels gratitude. “We only have one life – we must make the most of it.”

Mum and I feel that exact sentiment as we wave goodbye. We’ve made the most of our two weeks of discovery in Ikaria. We leave not only revived by good food and rest, but energised and inspired by the sweeping landscapes and time together, with precious memories to last a lifetime.

Lighthouse Lodge, Faros, from £105 a night (sleeps 4, minimum three nights); Moraitika Farmhouse, Monokampi, from £55 per house (sleeps 2-4); Artemis Studio, Nas, from £40 per studio (sleeps 2); Monopati Eco Stay, Agios Polykarpos, from £80 per studio (sleeps 4-6, minimum three nights)

A left-wing Greek opposition party denounced the sale Tuesday of a major domestic defense company to the Israeli SK Group, whose portfolio includes Israeli Military Industries (IMI) and Israeli Shipyards, Anadolu reports.

“It is not a simple sell-out, but another act of complicity of the (Kyriakos) Mitsotakis regime with the genocide in Palestine,” the New Left party said in a statement.

“At the time of the genocide, the Mitsotakis government, is tying the country to Israel’s chariot, proceeding with a nationally detrimental choice that gives away critical sectors on terms of servitude,” is said.

The party underlined that the sale of ELVO to the Israeli holding company is another episode in the selling out of critical public infrastructure and strategic industries.

“The loss of the most important Greek defense industry to foreign hands undermines the country’s national security and technological self-sufficiency,” it said.

Thessaloniki-based ELVO (Hellenic Vehicle Industry) has, for around five decades, produced buses, heavy utility trucks, military jeeps, armored vehicles and tanks, mostly under licenses from third parties, for the Greek Armed Forces.

In 2020, the sale of ELVO to an Israeli-interest consortium that comprises Plasan Sasa, Naska Industries — SK Group and Greek businessman Aristidis Glinis, was concluded for around $3.4 million.

SK Group announced Tuesday that it completed the 100% takeover of ELVO.

Israeli authorities froze all bank accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem over a long-standing property tax dispute, escalating tensions with Christian institutions in the occupied city, local media said on Thursday, Anadolu reports.

A statement by Protecting Holy Land Christians, a group founded by Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, said the freeze has left the Patriarchate unable to pay salaries to clergy, teachers, and staff.

The Times of Israel news outlet said the freeze, enacted on Aug. 6, stems from the Jerusalem Municipality’s push to collect Arnona, a property tax, on church-owned properties used for non-religious purposes, such as guesthouses and coffee shops.

The municipality claimed that the measure followed “efforts at dialogue and engagement” that failed because the Patriarchate “ignored letters from the municipality demanding payment.”

“Administrative enforcement measures were taken against the Greek Patriarchate because it failed to settle its property tax debts for assets not used as houses of worship,” its spokesperson office said.

“This was done despite efforts at dialogue and engagement with them, and in light of their ignoring letters from the municipality demanding payment.”

A decades-long agreement had historically exempted churches from such taxes, but in 2018, the city narrowed the exemption to properties used solely for prayer, religious teaching, or related needs, seeking tens of millions of shekels in back taxes.

The dispute echoes a 2018 clash when then-mayor Nir Barkat froze church accounts, prompting a three-day closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in protest. The municipality relented after intervention by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tensions have since flared periodically over specific properties and activities.

The weekly service will start from May 26, 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20, 2026 giving travellers the opportunity to enjoy the sun-soaked hotspot

Scots and those living in the north of England dreaming of a Greek escape can fly directly to an island famed for its sandy beaches and rich history. From next summer, Jet2.com will operate flights from Glasgow Airport to Kos.

The weekly service will commence on May 26 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20 2026. This gives travellers the chance to soak up the sun in this hotspot, which is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician considered the father of modern medicine.

Greece has seen a boom in tourism after nearly going bankrupt a decade ago following the 2009 global recession. In fact, the country was recently ranked as the world’s second top destination in a poll by TrovaTrip, a group travel platform, losing out only to Italy. It comes as news emerges that UK beachgoers risk £2,500 fine for causing common problem.

READ MORE: Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2 passengers urged to ‘pack a roll of cling film’ in luggageREAD MORE: UK gardeners told to stop cutting the grass on their lawn this week

Now Scots have a direct route to the island of Kos, making it Jet2.com’s sixth Greek destination from Glasgow, which also includes Corfu, Heraklion (Crete), Kefalonia, Rhodes and Zante.

Holidaymakers can seize the opportunity to explore Kos’s diverse range of historical sights, stunning scenery and golden beaches, reports the Daily Record.

Part of the breathtaking Dodecanese Islands, Kos has long been a favourite for sunshine holidays. Holidaymakers can choose from lively party towns, relaxed seaside resorts and traditional fishing villages – all boasting beautiful beaches and serving up traditional cuisine.

Kos, with its rich culture and history, is an island where ancient relics sit side by side with vibrant bars and bustling promenades. Passengers can also benefit from the airline’s generous 22kg baggage allowance.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, has said that the popularity of Greek getaways shows no signs of waning. He stated: “Demand from customers and independent travel agents in Scotland is telling us that flights and holidays to Greece are very popular for Summer 26.

“As the largest airline and tour operator to Greece from Scotland, we have responded quickly to that demand to give customers even more choice from Glasgow Airport.

“Kos is a magical destination, and we know its appeal, coupled with our award-winning customer experience, will make it an extremely popular option for holidaymakers looking to book a welcome escape to Greece.”

Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer at AGS Airports, also expressed his delight at the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to see Jet2.com announce its sixth Greek destination from Glasgow to the sun-soaked island of Kos next summer.

“Expanded flight options to Greece have been sought after by Glasgow passengers for some time and the market dynamics clearly show the increasing trend of people in West Scotland searching for travel to this part of Europe.

“We are delighted to see Jet2.com respond to this demand with an expanded Greek programme for Summer 2026. Glasgow Airport looks forward to welcoming even more Greek-bound passengers from the city and the wider West Scotland region travelling from their local airport next year.”

Amazon deal on Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£209

£159

Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Shoppers can save £50 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 2025 model for a limited time

ADVERTISEMENT

Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, described the acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange by the European stock market group Euronext as “one of the largest foreign investments in recent years”.

“For the Greek economy as a whole, this is a decisive step forward,” Pierrakakis said from the floor of the Parliament.

The announcement of the all-share deal came on Thursday, with the offer worth €412.8 million. The deal will exchange 20 Athens Exchange ordinary shares, valued at €7.14 each, for one new Euronext share, worth €142.70 based on a 30 July closing price.

“[This investment] strengthens our credibility and upgrades the country’s position on the European and international economic map,” continued Pierrakakis.

“We will examine the details of the agreement and follow the progress of its implementation. Overall, this is a highly positive development, and undoubtedly a major opportunity for the country as a whole.”

And the acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange was not only welcomed with satisfaction by Greece’s Minister of Finance.

Euronext CEO Stéphane Boujnah commented that “Euronext aims to expand its geographical footprint in Greece and to create a financial centre of Southeast Europe through the Athens Stock Exchange”.

Boujnah added: “Greece has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, supported by increasing investment, the cultivation of international confidence and strong economic indicators. This is the right time, the proper moment to invest in Greece.”

What it means for Greek businesses

The integration of the Greek stock exchange into Euronext’s European family opens a new gateway to financing for Greek companies, at a critical time when international competition is increasing and global trade is being redefined.

Euronext is the largest liquidity pool in Europe, managing around 25% of total cash equity trading activity. It operates capital markets in major financial centres such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris.

It brings the following to Greece:

Access to a wider investment base

Membership of a pan-European group offers Greek businesses direct exposure to a much larger network of international investors, both institutional and private. This translates into increased liquidity for their shares and greater chances of success in future capital raises or bond issuances.

Know-how and digital tools

Euronext has well-developed digital platforms, trading tools and compliance infrastructure that will support the technological modernisation of the Greek stock exchange. This will help more firms and investors to participate in the ecosystem.

Enhancing credibility and prestige

Participation in a network with a strong European presence could act as a “seal of credibility” for listed Greek companies, making them more attractive to foreign investors.

Easier access for SMEs

Euronext’s focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through initiatives such as the ‘Euronext Growth’ programme, could lead to the development of simpler and less expensive listing procedures for Greek SMEs.

Interconnection with other capital ecosystems

Through Euronext, Greek companies will gain access to alternative financing tools such as green bonds, ESG ratings, dividend reinvestment programmes.

What it means for the Greek economy

The acquisition of the Greek stock exchange comes at an important juncture for the Greek economy, which continues to record significant GDP growth (2.3% in 2024), yet faces serious challenges.

The main challenges include the completion of the Resilience and Recovery Fund, the looming recession threatening the European economy, and the need to change the country’s production model, with less reliance on services such as tourism.

Greek businesses need sources of funding in order to develop beyond the Greek market, which is small and showing signs of fatigue in terms of domestic consumption.

Furthermore, despite the impressive increase in foreign direct investment over the last five years, the country still suffers from a large investment gap, hindering the modernisation of the Greek economy.

Greek riot police clashed with demonstrators in Rhodes who were protesting the docking of an Israeli cruise ship. The Crown Iris had previously bypassed Syros after Gaza-related protests. The incidents mark a growing pattern of anti-Israel demonstrations at Greek ports.

Not too far from the UK’s capital, there’s a coastal gem that bears a striking resemblance to the gorgeous and dreamy Mediterranean Greek island – but it’s cheaper

Escaping the city for a couple of days and going to a paradise with poor phone signals and ocean views is something many of us dream about. Now, with the cost of living cutting short our annual trips, who said there’s a need to fly out of the country? Walking sandal experts FitFlop found the UK’s best lookalike locations to dreamy destinations like Italy, Greece, India, Iceland and even the Caribbean.

A five-hour drive from London to Cornwall will take you to a magical place with gorgeous coastline and crystal clear waters. Called Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall, it has positioned itself as one of the must-visit places this summer.

Nestled among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas in Cornwall lies one of the most beautiful beaches. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Big 7 Travel named Pedn Vounder Beach as one of the must-visit beach destinations in 2023, competing against well-known holiday spots like South Africa and Iceland.

Cornwall’s hidden gem

The site wrote: “Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near the famous Logan Rock, Pedn Vounder is a tidal beach that looks more Mediterranean than British. Its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sands are reminiscent of Greek islands like Zakynthos or Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda.”

“At low tide, a sandy causeway connects it to neighbouring Porthcurno Beach, adding to the magical, untouched feel. With more than 40,000 monthly Google searches for ‘Greece holiday’, this Cornish gem is a hidden hack for a faux Grecian staycation.”

The famous Logan Rock, a 80-ton rock stone located on the east headland of the beach, is known for its turquoise waters and picturesque views. It’s a good area for those who love outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking.

However, if you’re looking for a quiet holiday, you might want to reconsider visiting during the summer months. Pedn Vounder Beach is extra busy during the holidays, and, of course, when the temperatures go above 20 degrees Celsius.

With a 4.4 rating out of five stars on TripAdvisor, visitors seem to have been left impressed. Many were happy to enjoy swimming, tanning and participating in water activities.

One holidaymaker said: “The beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK!” A second one added: “Beautiful, unspoiled beach, much quieter than other beaches because it is not easy to get to.”

Pedn Vounder Beach is not easy to get to

Although it’s one of the most remote spots in Cornwall, it’s always been one of the most popular to visit. However, those who wish to dip in the beautiful waters and lie down in the white sand have to be careful, as it can be dangerous to get there.

The majority of comments recommended that future visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as it might be tricky. The review continued: “The last bit requires you to climb, literally, holding on with both faces, face to the rock and being very careful not to slip or you risk falling 5 or 6 meters onto hard rock. Proper shoes are a must, plus a rucksack with your stuff, you don’t want anything in your hands.”

So, if you’re heading to Cornwall this summer, don’t drive past Pedn Vounder Beach. It might be challenging, but it’s so worth it.

A popular tourist destination in Greece has often been known as an idyllic escape during the summer holidays, but for one traveller, it became a holiday from hell

A summer getaway to Greece is about immersing yourself in the culture, soaking up the sun-soaked rays, indulging in the local delicacies and wandering around the enchanting cobbled streets. But for one traveller, their luxury holiday to Santorini left them less than impressed as they battled the crazy crowds taking over the Greek island.

Gabriella Barras, 27, visited Santorini on holiday earlier this year this month after scenic images of the island caught her attention on social media. The four-day trip cost her £2,200, but it wasn’t anything like she imagined, with an “overflow of tourists”.

“I expected Santorini to be a picturesque, relaxing and gorgeous holiday,” Gabriella, who lives in Dubai, told Luxury Travel Daily. “I wanted to experience Greek culture and food.

READ MORE: Ryanair staff could get bigger bonuses for spotting oversized bags

“Photos of it looked incredible. While it was indeed picturesque and the views were phenomenal, I didn’t think that there was much old school tradition and culture. It’s so commercialised to the point where I didn’t necessarily find it relaxing at all.”

She added: “The overflow of tourists at every given spot we went to was overwhelming and definitely not the gorgeous, relaxing retreat I was expecting. There were hundreds of people trying to see the sunset at once.”

In addition to the overcrowding, Gabriella found it tricky when it came to the stairs on the island. She explained: “We rented a car, so getting around wasn’t difficult; however, a lot of the accommodation is up a whole load of stairs up the mountain.

“At some places, getting your luggage to and from your room or even just getting yourself up can be strenuous and maybe not possible for everyone.”

Gabriella isn’t the only traveller to have slammed Santorini. Claire Smith, 25, stayed in the popular tourist destination for six nights just a few weeks ago, which set her back £600. However, instead of admiring the crystal clear waters through the iconic white and blue buildings, her main view became the overcrowding of tourists.

Claire, who hails from Sydney, Australia, stayed in Fira, the capital of Santorini, but caught buses to Oia, one of Santorini’s most popular towns, and Kamari, a village on the east coast of the island, for the day. “Trying to get on a bus was animalistic mayhem,” she explained.

“I wanted to explore beaches and relax. I expected the stunning views and the classic pictures of the caldera that you see all over Instagram, the blue dome buildings and for it to be very hot.

“Oia was the most crowded and jam-packed in reality. That made it hard to enjoy. It was beautiful, but the main streets in the town were so jam-packed that it took ages to walk through, and it was also super hot with no shade anywhere. That was probably the worst part.

“We walked the steps down to Ammoudi Bay, which were covered in donkey poo, so it smelled pretty bad. I had to squeeze up against a wall on the way back up, as there were donkeys on their way down. I was kind of worried they’d squash me.

“We were getting the bus back from Kamari to Fira, and the bus stop had heaps of people all scrambling to get on it. There was no line at the bus stop to make it orderly, so it was a free-for-all.

“We luckily got on the bus, but I heard an Australian family saying that one American couple didn’t manage to get on the bus and they’d also missed the previous one, so I felt really bad for people like that.

“Fira was easier and accessible for walking around. It was crowded but not to a crazy extent, where it makes it hard to appreciate anything.”

Following her experience, Claire advises other holidaymakers to avoid Santorini during the peak season. She shared: “I⁠ would still recommend it to people because I think it’s a pretty unique island with the incredible views, the caldera, white buildings and sunsets.

“My advice would be to probably not stay in Oia, and to avoid July and August if you hate the crowds and peak summer heat. I’d aim for the slightly calmer months when you can probably appreciate it a bit more.”

Meanwhile, Gabriella said she’s not in a hurry to return and recommended visiting quieter destinations in Greece, such as Milos, Koufonisia and Amorgos. “I wouldn’t go again. I’ve been to much better islands and don’t feel the need to see Santorini again,” she said.

“⁠I’d recommend people to go see it as a bucket list trip, but two to three days is more than enough, and I’d highly recommend other less commercialised islands.”

READ MORE: ‘Brilliant’ waterfall feature that ‘looks great’ in outdoor pools and ponds has 25% off

The four women jetted off on holiday to Greece and looked significantly different at the end of their getaway to how they looked at the start, leaving many people feeling concerned

A mother and her daughters have shared footage of their tans before and after holidaying in Greece and people have been left with the same concerns. Lots of people hope to achieve a post-getaway glow, with a tan often associated with looking healthy – but it does come with serious risks.

The NHS warns there’s “no safe or healthy way to get a tan” and adds that “people who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s for work or play, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they do not take the right precautions.”

It’s important to use at least factor 30 sunscreen, never let your skin burn, and spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest and most intense.

Of course, many people still want to look as though they’ve tanned in the summer and on holiday.

A growing trend on social media sees people comparing their skin tones before and after they’ve jetted off for a break in the sun, with one family’s video gaining a lot of attention online.

In the footage, which was shared on TikTok, a family of four women take it in turns to showcase their complexion before and after their holiday in Greece.

One of the daughters goes first and shows herself twirling around and smiling at the camera before it cuts to her doing the same movement in the airport, only in this second clip, her skin tone is significantly darker.

Next, her mother completes the same gestures in two different clips spliced together to show her paler complexion before her holiday, then a much, much darker tone after their getaway’s completion.

In the third and fourth spot, the other two daughters show their approach to tanning – and it’s a lot more subtle. Both girls have a bit of a glow but their skin colour isn’t dramatically different like the first two.

In the comments beneath the TikTok video – which has been viewed more than 46.7 million times – people were keen to share their thoughts, and many had the same concerns about the women’s skin and the associated risks of tanning.

One person said: “Tanning is skin cells in trauma. No tan is worth the skin cancer risk.”

Another said: “3 and 4 were the only ones that tanned naturally. The other two (ESPECIALLY 2) went to a solarium and you cannot convince me otherwise”.

A third quipped: “Number two used boot polish instead of suntan lotion.” A fourth asked: “Did 1 & 2 sleep outside?”

One TikTok user added: “So 3 and 4 actually know how to put on sunscreen”, while another joked: “I’m sorry, was the resort they stayed at THE SUN?!”

While someone else commented: “TANNING GIVES YOU WRINKLES AND……CANCER”.

Another person chimed in: “The first 2 definitely sunbathed whereas the other 2 used sunscreen and moderate exposure”.

Someone else asked: “Did you guys not use sunscreen at all?”

Another added: “Yall, can we normalise just wearing sunscreen?”

The NHS states: “Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.

“There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.

“Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.”

A charming Greek island just a stone’s throw from the insatiably popular Santorini and Mykonos has stunning beaches, a rich history, and delicious seafood – but hardly any tourists

Escape the bustling crowds of tourists on this idyllic Greek island recently voted the best in the entire world.

Last year, a whopping 40 million international visitors flocked to Greece, marking an impressive 12.8 per cent spike compared to 2023. The sheer influx resulted in hotspots such as Santorini and Mykonos becoming so insufferably busy – swathes of visitors have vowed to never return.

However, if you’re desperate for golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, mouth-watering food and a ubiquitous history – you have to check out Páros. This tiny island, located in the Aegean Sea, boasts 120km of unspoilt coastline – complete with quaint cliff-top villages, rugged mountains, and a vibrant nightlife.

If you’re not satisfied with soaking up the rays on sugar-like beaches, head over to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, aka the Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary. This Byzantine church complex is a must-see for history buffs, and is one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece. According to legend, the original church was either constructed by Saint Helene herself or Saint Constantine, the first Emperor of Constantinople, after the oblation of his mother.

Staying in the charming villages of Naoussa, Lefkes, and Marpissa, is a great way to explore the island’s whitewashed houses with blue windows and flowered yards. It’s as Instagram-worthy as the domed buildings in Santorini, but comes without coachloads of selfie-stick-waving tourists.

And if you’re feeling extra boujee, explore Páros’ wildlife-rich waters with a private boat trip or yacht charter. The island is also a great place for scuba divers, home to barracuda, groupers, and moray eels, as well as sea turtles and even dolphins and seals. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that the island was voted the world’s best in Travel and Leisure’s most recent survey.

“This Aegean isle has made the European islands list every year since we added the category to our ‘World’s Best Awards’ survey,” the publication said. “This year, it takes the top spot for the first time since 2020—and readers named Páros not only their favourite island in Europe, but also the best in the world.

Travellers hailed the island’s fresh seafood, shopping options, natural beauty and ‘warm hospitality’ from locals. “There’s more to explore than I expected,” said one survey respondent. “[There are] surprises around every corner.”

While there is an airport in Páros, it only operates as a domestic hub connecting the island to the mainland. This means Brits will have to first fly to Athens, and then hop on another flight to Páros – which altogether takes around six hours and 15 minutes.

If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return indirect flights for around £264 in August – if you’re travelling from London. Flying from northern airports such as Manchester or Edinburgh increases the cost to £358 and £336 respectively.

There is a wide range of accommodation types on Páros, from no-frill hotels to luxury resorts. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, August 4-11) at the Surfing Beach Huts will only set you back £585. This is based on two adults sharing two single beds in a wooden cabin.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, you have to check out Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa. This five-star hotel is situated just 100 metres from the beach, and boasts a stunning spa, beautiful sea views, and excellent leisure facilities. Staying here on the exact same nights, in a Superior room which includes breakfast, will cost £2,358.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite Greek island? Let us know in the comments section below

Boats look like they’re hovering in mid-air due to how clear the waters are on this tranquil Greek island that has incredibly managed to avoid the tourist limelight – but getting here isn’t easy

Escape the crowds of bustling tourists by visiting this breathtakingly beautiful Greek island that has somehow managed to avoid the limelight.

If you’re dreaming of stunning beaches, turquoise waters, cobbled streets and balmy temperatures – Greece is probably already on your bucket list. However, in recent years, many of the country’s hotspots have become too popular for their own good.

Take Santorini, for example, a tiny island with just 15,000 residents that begrudgingly welcomed a staggering 3.4 million tourists last year. The result? Coach loads of selfie-stick-waving holidaymakers queuing for hours just to take a snap of the sunset, and fed-up locals threatening to protest against over-tourism.

However, tucked away in the western part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea lies the idyllic island of Kimolos. Once referred to as the land of Silver due to its constant shimmer – boats look like they’re hovering in mid-air due to how clear the water is. In fact, the Greek Reporter recently found that Kimolos has the most pristine waters in the entire world, after analysing more than 2.4 million traveller reviews that mentioned ‘clear water’.

There are 11 beaches on the island, including the famous Prassa – known for its sugar-like sand and shallow cobalt waters. This is one of the few stretches of coast that has amenities like a beach bar and loungers nearby, but if you’re wanting to get off the beaten track – there are plenty more secluded coves to explore.

Plage De Monastiria is a beautiful alternative that offers a more laid-back vibe. However, tourists say the road to get there is ‘long and in very bad condition’, meaning you’ll have to put in the effort before soaking up the rays.

Inland, you’ll find quaint cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses with blue windows, and cosy eateries serving up fresh seafood and local delicacies. It’s a similar vibe to Santorini, but with hardly any tourists in comparison.

Getting to Kimolos isn’t such a breeze, which could explain its low levels of tourism. First, Brits will have to fly to Athens on the mainland – which takes an average of three hours and 55 minutes. In the summer months, you can take this route directly from London Luton, Gatwick or Heathrow.

If you’re flexible with flights, you can grab return fares for as little as £93 in August. A great way to keep costs super low is by checking if it’s cheaper to fly home to a different airport than the one you departed from – but this may not work if you’re wanting to park your car nearby. After touching down in Greece, you’ll have to take a six hour ferry over to Kimolos. Adult tickets start from around £41.46 in the summer months.

Accommodation on Kimolos can be hard to find due to its small size, especially during the peak summer months. For example, on Booking.com – the only property available for a week in August (Monday, 4-11) is Pigados Beach House Kimolos, with all other listings being booked out.

This stunning one-bedroom holiday home boasts a private beach area and terrace with incredible sea views, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and free WiFi. However, it’ll also set you back a whopping £3,674 for the week. If this is way out of your price range, it might be worth visiting Kimolos in the shoulder seasons – or visiting as part of a day trip from the nearby island of Milos.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and don’t mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you’re looking for

A Greek island rivals Mykonos in its charm and beauty, but you’ll have to work hard to get there.

Mykonos is one of the Cyclades, sitting in the sparkling Aegean Sea, and offers a bit of something for everyone. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music and can set the stage for a big night of clubbing. It also has a gentler side, such as a row of 16th-century windmills perched on a hill above Mykonos Town, and plenty of quieter coves.

It’s a big hit with Brits, in no small part because of the ease of the journey. You can grab direct flights with easyJet from London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester.

According to Kathimerini, more than 1.5 million people visit Mykonos each year, with another 1.2 million arriving by cruise ship. This small island has just 11,000 residents and covers only 85 square kilometers, yet hosts more tourists annually than Peru.

READ MORE: Little-known plane rule means Brits risk being hit with £53 fines onboard

The sheer number and density of visitors mean that Mykonos is not for everyone. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and don’t mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you’re looking for.

It is one of the most picturesque of the Greek islands; however, it’s only the third most popular holiday destination to reach from the UK, according to Travel Republic.

While Milos’s beaches and ancient history are iconic, it lacks its own airport. For Brits longing to visit, the best option is to fly into Athens and take a ferry to the island.

The ferry ride can vary from 2.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. For the smoothest travel experience, consider visiting between late May and early September, when the seas are typically calmer and ferry services more frequent.

Despite the longer journey, Milos remains one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, with demand surging by over 500% in the past month as Brits look for sun-soaked escapes. Shaped by a volcanic eruption, the island offers something for everyone, from scenic coastal hikes and a thriving food scene to fascinating ancient artifacts.

Milos is known for its picturesque fishing villages and indigo bays and as the place where one of the world’s most famous artworks was discovered. In 1820, the Venus de Milo statue was found by a peasant named Georgios Kentrotas. As he wasn’t aware of its historical importance, he kept it on his farm. When a French sailor named Jules Dumont d’Urville arrived on the island, he saw the statue and immediately understood the importance of the discovery. The statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The beaches on the island are iconic, with the most famous being the gorgeous Sarakiniko Beach. It boasts a lunar landscape of gleaming white volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Kleftiko is another popular attraction, albeit one that is only reachable by boat. Boasting towering rock formations and emerald waters, the former pirate hideaway is now a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours.

The blaze comes as southern Europe contends with an acute summer heatwave which has killed people in several countries.

A wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has led to the evacuation of more than 1,500 people, local media outlets have reported, as an early summer heatwave continues to grip southern Europe.

At least 230 firefighters, some dispatched from Athens, were attempting on Thursday to contain the blaze, which broke out on Wednesday evening near Ierapetra, a town on the island’s southeastern coast.

Elsewhere, a wildfire killed at least two people in the northeast Spanish region of Catalonia, and heat-related deaths have also been recorded in France and Italy this week.

Spread by gale-force winds, the blaze on Crete reached houses and hotels, according to local authorities, who said dozens of residents and tourists had been evacuated to an indoor stadium in Ierapetra.

“Three settlements were evacuated and more than 1,000 left their homes. Some were taken to health centres with respiratory problems,” George Tsapakos, Crete’s deputy civil protection governor, told public broadcaster ERT.

Meanwhile, Vice-Prefect Yannis Androulakis confirmed that the blaze, which currently has “three active fronts”, had spread quickly because of strong winds.

“There are still a number of different fronts. The fire is burning scrubland and crops,” he said. “The winds are very strong – up to nine on the Beaufort scale.”

In an interview with the TV channel Mega, Androulakis added that water bomber planes were unable to reach the affected areas overnight.

Drones and 10 helicopters were also being used to fight the fire, according to a spokesperson for the Greek fire service.

In its daily bulletin on Thursday, the fire service warned that the risk of wildfires in Crete and southern Greece remained very high.

Last year, Greece experienced its warmest summer ever, with 45,000 hectares (111,200 acres) torched by wildfires, according to WWF Greece and the Athens National Observatory.

Even more land was damaged in 2023, when almost 175,000 hectares (432,400 acres) were affected by wildfires as temperatures hit 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit).

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe – and a rotten place to go on holiday

Santorini, often hailed as one of Europe’s most picturesque islands, is paradoxically a dreadful choice for a holiday destination. Indeed, the Greek island boasts impeccably white walls. True, its blue domes are strikingly azure. And yes, the celebrated sunsets are truly breathtaking. However, I can assure you that no amount of scenic sunsets, pristine walls, or vivid domes could justify the expense of visiting Santorini, writes James Walker.

I recently endured the unfortunate experience of joining the two million tourists who flock to the island annually. My partner and I spent 36 hours there, concluding an otherwise splendid nine-day Greek odyssey that had delighted us in Athens and Naxos – both exceptional locations.

READ MORE: FatFace’s ‘cool’ summer dress that ‘doesn’t crease’ and will ‘pack well for holidays’

We never expected Santorini to be the pinnacle of our trip. We were well aware of the notorious crowds, exorbitant prices, and utter pandemonium.

We had even been tipped off about a few scams. Still, we pondered, could Europe’s most sought-after destination really be that terrible? The answer, regrettably, was a resounding disaster.

Within mere minutes of our arrival, we encountered telltale signs of the worst tourist traps: an out-of-place Indian restaurant in the Mediterranean, a shop touting “100% legal cannabis”, and a dodgy sex store. We brushed it off, thinking these nuisances could easily be overlooked.

After all, we hadn’t even reached the central town yet, reports the Express. But then our coach deposited us in Fira. What unfolded before us was a quagmire of chaos that could make Leicester Square seem like a tranquil paradise, complete with an M&M World.

American visitors stood agape. Traders of cheap souvenirs hawked their wares. Social media influencers posed incessantly.

After battling through the throngs of counterfeit vendors, American tourists and selfie-stick wielders, we finally arrived at our hotel. Following a brief rest – and a refreshing cold shower – we plunged back into the fray.

For a moment, the trip seemed to be improving. The vistas were as breathtaking as advertised and the weather was bearable. However, an hour and two beverages later, I found myself frantically opening the EasyJet app whilst being cornered by a herd of charging donkeys. When could I escape this hellhole?

Not soon enough, it seemed. I confess, I’m not one for stoicism. That trait seems to have been omitted from my genetic makeup.

However, I’ve conversed with other Santorini survivors – those of a more resilient disposition – and the consensus is clear: your hard-earned cash is better invested elsewhere.

Sure, you can enjoy a pleasant evening with a romantic dinner and a mesmerising sunset. And if you’re flush with cash, you might relish a day lounging by the infinity pool.

But you’ll be missing out on so much more: the excitement, the cuisine, the beaches, the history and the culture that are abundant on nearly every other Greek island.

So, scrap your plans to visit Santorini. Absorb the cancellation fees. Reschedule those flights. Then use whatever funds remain for a jaunt to Naxos and thank me afterwards.

Greece is famous for its stunning islands and one in particular has been a favourite with holidaymakers since the ’70s – but despite people flocking there, businesses are struggling

Despite being one of the most photographed islands in Greece, thanks to its awe-inspiring beauty and mesmerising sunsets, local businesses are grappling with challenges, according to a local tour operator.

Greece is renowned for its myriad of scenic islands. With a total of 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, it’s a paradise for travellers.

The stunning beaches, secluded coves and caves, significant archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes draw millions of tourists annually. One particular destination has been a favourite among holidaymakers since the ’70s, regularly attracting families, friends and couples to its dazzling white-washed houses and spectacular hilltop views of the surrounding azure waters.

Last year was no exception.

READ MORE: Best summer wedding guest dresses 2025 chosen by the Mirror fashion team

However, a local from the volcanic island of Santorini has raised concerns that despite the influx of visitors, businesses are struggling due to under capacity. Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator who has resided on the island for 18 years, claims that while the streets are teeming with people during the day, come nightfall, the place turns into a ghost town.

Greece, amid a holiday hotspot renaissance, is wrestling with the dilemma of welcoming a surge in tourists while preserving the quality of life for locals. During peak season, crowds of up to 17,000 cruise ship passengers descend daily on the island, flocking to Fira and Oia, renowned for its stunning sunsets.

Santorini, which has earned the nickname ‘Instagram Island’ thanks to its breathtaking views and photogenic avenues, is proving irresistible for globetrotters.

By nightfall, the narrow lanes and scenic balconies are swamped to an almost stifling degree by snap-happy travellers. However, tranquility is restored post-sunset as they retreat to their vessels. Despite social media being awash with footages suggesting otherwise, Chimenti told CNN that these portrayals are inaccurate.

“The problem is that the social media are showing something completely different from what is the reality,” he insisted. “The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it’s the worst season ever.”

He reveals distressing figures indicating “the hotels right now are more or less under 30% of a normal season,” also highlighting that other trades, like eateries, across the island are feeling the pinch.

In Chimenti’s view, potential visitors eager to explore off-peak or genuinely unwind there are being deterred by the mythical image of excess congestion. He said: “Over-tourism doesn’t exist. What I see is a lack of structures.”

Chimenti said that more strategic measures were needed regarding tourist destinations. “Santorini has one of the most important archaeological sites right now in Europe,” he claimed.

“Why are cruise ships not organising tours to the archaeological sites? If you split the people in three parts of the island, so at different times they are doing multiple things, they have time to enjoy and you will never have crowds in any part of the island.”