Greek

I went to the pretty Greek island with hillside resorts, kumquat limoncello and unique British icon

THERE aren’t many places where your holiday begins with a grandstand view of an island monastery as your plane skims the deep-blue Ionian Sea.

Landing in Corfu is an experience in itself, and dozens of people stood on a viewing platform jutting out over the ocean to watch our flight land at sunset just metres away from the Vlacherna monastery.

Paleokastritsa is nestled on the northwest coast of Corfu Credit: Getty Images
Fine dining in Corfu Old Town square Credit: Supplied

But the real magic starts when you head for the hills.

Tucked away on a dramatic cliffside near Agios Ioannis is the 5H Valmar Corfu by Louis Hotels.

Tumbling down the hillside, the chic all-inclusive hotel only opened to guests last summer and offers incredible 180-degree views of the sparkling, calm waters from almost every vantage point.

I immediately took a liking to the modern aesthetic — think pale wood and acres of glass — and loved the welcome pack of wine, fruit, local kumquat marmalade and some of the best baklava I’ve ever tasted.

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The next morning, I was able to appreciate the full beauty of the hotel, as a picturesque red-orange sunrise across the bay gave way to my first view of its private beach.

A delicious mojito with homegrown mint was fully justified at 11.30am as I settled down to soak up the rays on the comfy sun lounger.

The hotel has two pools — one adult-only — with stunning views, as well as a splash park and a tennis court on the cliffside above.

A spa offers more than 20 different treatments and there’s an air-conditioned gym.

And if you ever get bored of swimming in the clear waters of Valmar beach or taking a dip in the mountainside pools, Corfu has plenty of other beautiful beaches and sunbathing spots.

Paleokastritsa is one such beach, in the north of the island, where dark and light-blue waters contrast beautifully with the sands.

The Vlacherna monastery view that greets incoming jets Credit: Getty
The rooftop Cavalieri Roof Garden restaurant with a view of the old fort Credit: Supplied

To enjoy an unforgettable view of this beach, head up to Paleokastritsa Monastery — maybe the only religious site in the world to have a whale skeleton inside.

To the south, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos and the Blue Caves are destinations for the most popular boat trips from Corfu.

But after a day at the beach, the hotel provides excellent dinner options.

As well as two buffets, there’s the unique Viru Peruvian fusion restaurant on the roof terrace, and the beachside Gill and Olive eaterie serving Greek and international dishes.

For a hotel orientated toward families with young children, the Valmar’s sister hotel, Kerkyra Blue, can be found on the outskirts of Corfu Town.

It boasts a kids’ club and buffet, two swimming pools, a badminton court, a tennis court, a gym and a mini-football pitch.

The adult pool at Valmar Corfu Hotel Credit: Supplied
The hotel’s private beach Credit: Supplied

But if you’re really missing the English sporting summer, you can venture into Corfu Town and find Greece’s only cricket pitch — on the main square, Spianada.

It is just one of the legacies of five decades of British rule during the mid-19th century.

Our excellent tour guide, Nausica, insisted that we were actually quite popular, as we introduced running water and roads to the island.

One Brit, however, is more popular in Corfu than any other — the late author Gerald Durrell.

The man whose memoirs of life growing up on Corfu in the 1930s inspired ITV comedy-drama The Durrells — starring Keeley Hawes — is immortalised with a statue on Spianada Square and has a park named in his honour.

Perhaps the most unique thing the British brought to Corfu, though, was the kumquat. The island’s climate made it the perfect place to grow the small, sweet, citrus fruit, which British traders imported from China into Europe.

A room with a sea view at Valmar Corfu hotel Credit: Supplied
Keeley Hawes with Milo Parker in The Durrells

Today, kumquats are sold on every street in the old town — and one of the most popular drinks on the island is the kumquat limoncello.

The drink suits the place because a period of almost 500 years of being ruled over from Venice has given the town more of an Italian appearance than that of a typical Greek island.

The Corfiots are fiercely proud of their international history, which has made their island look like a Tuscany in the middle of the Ionian Sea.

And they’re so determined to keep it that way that a law is in place which allows buildings in the old town to be painted in only a limited number of colours, in keeping with tradition.

These include browns, terracottas, greens and yellows.

The Cavalieri Roof Garden restaurant offers one of the best vantage points to admire the town’s uniquely coloured buildings, especially at sunset when the old fort glows above the sea.

As you sip a cocktail and watch day turn to night, you’ll feel at one with nature thanks to the sound of thousands of swallows circling above the town.

After sunset, we enjoyed a fish feast at Barbas Taverna.

The exquisite quality of the locally caught seafood is matched only by the quantity — which may see you opt for a tactical approach to dinner, prioritising your favourite dishes over aiming to consume everything.

When we left Corfu, it was a less frantic journey than the Durrells had to make when they left the island on the eve of World War Two.

But we did get to see the spectacular setting of the island’s airport once again.

GO: CORFU

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Valmar Corfu by Louis Hotels costs from £782 per person including flights from Stansted on May 1, 22kg luggage and airport transfers.

See jet2holidays.com or call 0800 408 5599.

MORE INFO: See valmarcorfu.com.

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The island nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ which is just a £29 flight away

FOR the beauty of the Caribbean that’s much closer to home, the Greek island of Lefkada comes pretty close.

Often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Greece‘, the island is the biggest in the Ionian Sea and has direct UK flights.

Lefkada has been called the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ Credit: Alamy
Kathisma is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island Credit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Lefkada is known for its bright blue waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs – much like you’d find in the likes of Barbados and Jamaica.

But luckily for Brits, this island is much closer as just under 4hr30 away, compared to the Caribbean’s nine hours.

Not only is it as warm as 26C in spring, but the island has some amazing beaches for spending the day on too.

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Some of the top sandy escapes include Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma.

Porto Katsiki translates to ‘Goat Port’ and it was formerly home to just goats as it was largely inaccessible by people, because of its steep cliffs.

Now, the white-pebbled beach is accessible by a pathway down to the sand.

Egremni on the southwest coast of Lefkada is known for its ‘dramatic white cliffs’ and is hard to access unless by boat – if not, you have to take the steep staircase with over 400 steps.

Kathisma is easily accessible and much more family-friendly with a long stretch of golden sand dotted with sunloungers and beach bars.

Lefkada has a bustling town too; the capital is at the northern tip of the island and is easily accessed by the bridge from the mainland.

Here you’ll find colourful, traditional houses filled with shops, cafés, and churches.

The best part is that it’s all walkable in around 20 minutes.

For some culture, head to the Agia Mavra Fortress, a 14th-century Venetian castle at the entrance to the island.

If you want to find fresh food, head to Sikelianou Square near the seafront which is lined with Greek and Mediterranean restaurants.

Agios Nikitas is one of the most charming coastal resorts on the island.

It’s tucked around the bay of the same name and is built in amongst olive groves.

There are plenty of outdoor restaurants with sunny terraces like T’agnantio that overlooks the bay.

Here you can enjoy local specialities, salads, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.

One visitor even wrote on Tripadvisor that it has the “best food on the island”; another said it was the “best Greek food I’ve ever had”.

The island has pretty tavernas with outdoor seating and often, sea views Credit: Alamy

For more holidays in Greece, here are some of our favourite resorts…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

BOOK HERE

Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

BOOK HERE

Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

BOOK HERE

TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

BOOK HERE

Geni Village has ‘floating’ tavernas and restaurants at the waterfront Credit: Alamy

Across the island from Agios Nikitas is Geni Village.

It’s renowned for its waterfront dining, especially on Vlycho Bay where some restaurants actually feel like they’re floating.

It’s even easier to visit Lefkada now thanks to its new £3million marina which opened in April 2025.

If you’re not going to the island by boat, another way to get to Lefkada is by a 50-metre long car bridge that connects to the mainland.

In spring, you can fly to nearby Preveza from £29 with Ryanair which takes around 3hr20.

From there its just over an hour’s drive to the island.

For more on Greece, here are our top five Greek islands with white-washed houses and pretty beaches.

And here’s a Santorini-alternative Greek island that’s half the price has unspoiled beaches & cheap hotels.

Lefkada is considered the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ Credit: Alamy



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The stunning Greek island that will pay you to move there AND give you a house

DO YOU WISH you could live out the Mamma Mia dream on a remote island, away from cars, pollution and social media?

Well, in Greece you can, as one island is offering to pay people to move there.

Antikythera is a small, eight-square-mile island found between Crete and Peloponnese Credit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Antikythera is a small, eight-square-mile island found between Crete and the Peloponnese and is home to only 24 permanent residents.

One recent visitor even described it as “a small, peaceful planet that moves at its own unique pace”.

And the local church is inviting people to move to the island.

Read more on travel inspo

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Not only will those who move there be paid €500 (£433.49) a month for three years, they will also be given a newly built house to live in.

Of course, there are a couple of catches including that you must be a family with four children and you must have a skill or work in trade, such as fishing.

This is because the scheme is aiming to grow the island’s population as well as its economy.

To apply, you will need to contact the local council.

As for life on the island, it couldn’t be further from other tourist hotspots in Greece.

The entire island remains untouched and boasts natural, rugged beaches and to get to it, you’ll have to hop on a two-hour ferry from Kythera.

Once you reach the island’s port, you’ll see white houses and chapels, as well as a statue dedicated to a diver who discovered a bronze man, underwater, just off of the island.

The statue is believed to date back to between the first and second centuries and one of the divers mistook it for a heap of rotten corpses.

Today, you can see the statue in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece.

While there isn’t much to do on the island, as you’d expect with Greece it does boast beautiful beaches.

The island is offering to pay people to live there Credit: Alamy
As you reach the port, you will see a statue of a diver who found a bronze statue off of the island which is now in a museum in Athens Credit: Alamy

One beach found near the port is Paralia Potamos Beach, which according to local reports, is about 80metres long, with pebbles and clear water.

A recent visitor commented: “Peaceful beach on a peaceful, charming little island.”

Another beach you can head to on the island is Xiropotamos, which is about a 20-minute walk from the port and is bigger than Paralia Potamos.

Across the rest of the island you’ll find ancient ruins, with the Greek Ministry of Culture often carrying out excavations on the island.

There’s also a number of small chapels and ruined windmills and just off its coast there’s a shipwreck that dates to around 82BC where parts of a mechanism thought to be the world’s first computer were found.

If you get hungry, there’s only one place to eat on the island – Strato’s Corner – which is run by one of the locals and sells typical Greek dishes as well as local goat and fish caught off of the island.

When it comes to shopping, the island has only one food store which doubles as a coffee shop, where you’ll often find the locals hanging out.

If you don’t fancy living on the island but do want to visit, there is a small hostel as well with 15 rooms.

The island also has a few beaches to explore Credit: Getty

Our favourite Greece holidays

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

BOOK HERE

Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

BOOK HERE

Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

BOOK HERE

TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

BOOK HERE

And if you do travel to the island, make sure to head there on August 17 when the island celebrates its patron saint – Saint Myron.

The celebrations bring about 1,000 people to the island, where they enjoy a festival.

In addition to the ferry from Kythera, there is also a small airport in Kythera with flights to Athens, which take about an hour each way.

Or you can also catch a boat trip from the island to Crete or Athens, though these services are less regular.

For more inspiration on Greek holidays, here are our top five Greek islands with white-washed houses and pretty beaches as Emily in Paris heads to Greece.

Plus, forget Mykonos and Santorini – TUI says these four less-popular Greek islands are set to be huge in 2026.

You can get to the island via a two hour ferry from Kythera Credit: Alamy



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Perfect Padua and a Greek theatre in Sicily: readers’ favourite places in Italy | Italy holidays

Padua – the perfect base for visiting Venice

When we visited Venice, we stayed in Padua. It’s half an hour to Venezia Mestre (Venice’s mainland suburb), trains are frequent and cheap, as long as you avoid expresses, and easy to book if you have the Trenitalia app. You’ll find accommodation and restaurants significantly cheaper if you are based in Padua and day trip into Venice, and Padua is worth exploring in its own right. There are also trains to Vicenza, Verona, Bologna and Bassano del Grappa – we found it the perfect base for a public transport trip in north-east Italy.
Fergal O’Shea

History in the mountains near Turin

The Arch of Augustus in Susa. Photograph: Jiri Hubatka/Alamy

On a recent break in Turin, we made the short hop to the mountain town of Susa. Situated in a stunning valley on the old Roman road to Gaul, Susa’s historic centre is a charming mix of medieval and Roman architecture set against classic alpine loveliness. We were astounded by the jaw-droppingly well preserved Arch of Augustus, built in the 1st century BC to demonstrate the loyalty of the local tribes to Rome. In typical Italian fashion, the modern road runs right underneath. Heading back to Turin, look out for the dramatic mountaintop abbey, the Sacra di San Michele, which was among the inspirations for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.
Peter

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Escaping the Colosseum crowds in Rome

Casina del Salvi. Photograph: Fabrizio Troiani/Alamy

In Rome, take Metro Line C to the Colosseo/Fori Imperiali station, which doubles as a subterranean museum, showcasing ancient lead pipes and original Roman saunas for just a €1.50 fare. Afterwards, escape the Colosseum frenzy at the nearby Casina del Salvi. This hidden gem on the edge of Parco archeologico del Celio offers a stunning and tranquil sun terrace overlooking the Colosseum. It’s the perfect spot for an espresso or a sandwich, providing a peaceful, panoramic sanctuary just steps from the tourist trail. A true local secret for the price of a coffee.
Alice

Exploring the Cinque Terre by bicycle

A cycle path in Liguria. Photograph: Giovanni Saini/Alamy

The villages of the Cinque Terre are very popular – perhaps too popular? I suggest a stay in Levanto. You can easily do a train trip to the famous five towns, but I recommend hiring bikes in Levanto. Then you can cycle along resurfaced old train routes, called the Maremonti path, for about two miles, delightfully shaded from the sun, to Bonnasola. You can stop en route at beaches only accessible by foot or bike. Then cycle on to Framura and have a gorgeous lunch at the tiny harbour, where it’s also OK to swim. The joy is that it’s not only beautiful but quiet too. A real treat. I’ve cycled this path with a baby and a teen.
Kate

Sea kayaking off Sicily

Rocks off Vulcano island. Photograph: Irina Fischer/Alamy

The island of Vulcano lies in the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily. We were there for a kayak trip in the safe hands of our friendly guide Eugenio. He knows every little stone of the sea stacks, arches, coves and caves along the rugged coast. We played in the swells on the cobalt sea and dipped our toes in the fumaroles rising up on a volcanic black sand beach. One highlight was Eugenio’s abundant home-cooked lunch, which he had stowed on his kayak, including biscotti dipped in local malvasia wine – a well-deserved reward after a morning’s paddle. We went with Sicily in Kayak, which operates excursions from half a day to six days, some including hiking and snorkelling.
Phil Davis

Riviera vibes on the Adriatic

Grottammare beach. Photograph: Alamy

On Italy’s Adriatic coast in the Marche region, Grottammare has beaches that stretch the length of the town and beyond. The palm-lined lungomare promenade, dotted with bars and restaurants, has a classic Riviera vibe. In Grottammare Alta old town, the honey-coloured stone and medieval alleys packed with colourful plant pots explain why the place is listed as one of the borghi più belli d’Italia – the most beautiful villages in the country. From the Piazza Peretti’s loggia, there are incredible views across the town to the sea. Hop on a train to explore larger towns like Ascoli, Piceno and Pesaro, or simply enjoy Grottammare’s relaxed atmosphere.
Deborah

A peaceful archaeological park in Sicily

The third century BC Greek theatre of Akrai, near Syracuse. Photograph: Robert Harding/Alamy

Syracuse has an amazing amphitheatre. However, the highlight of our trip to the area was Akrai archaeological park about 45 minutes inland. It is on a smaller scale, but has an amphitheatre and catacombs around which we could wander freely. As it’s off the beaten track, it has few visitors, making it a beautifully calm place away from the larger crowds in the city. The nearby village of Palazzolo Acreide is also worth a wander and has delicious lunch options.
Dawn

Another side to Florence

The River Arno in Florence. Photograph: Kevin Britland/Alamy

There’s a different side to Florence in the summer, if you know where to look. Follow the banks of the River Arno east beyond the centre and you’ll come across a real slice of local life. Nestled among the trees, pop-up bars and food stalls appear, often with live music. This is where the city’s residents come to socialise at the end of the day. It’s relaxed, informal and a mix of generations. Start near the Ponte San Niccolò, then walk east towards Lungarno del Tempio. Grab a drink, stop for a pizza and hang out like a local. After a day’s sightseeing, it’s the best area of the city to unwind in.
Paul

A fascinating 1930s villa in Milan

Villa Necchi Campiglio. Photograph: mauritius images GmbH/Alamy

Italy is mostly associated with ancient architecture, but the high point of our recent trip to Milan was the 1930s Villa Necchi Campiglio. The Italian rationalist villa is a fascinating mix of elegant, spacious modernism and more elaborate 18th-century styled rooms – two radically different architects were employed at separate stages. The villa also boasts Milan’s first private swimming pool. Film buffs may recognise the house from Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love or Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, yet it remains under the radar – my wife’s Milan-born cousin had never heard of it. What a pleasure then to introduce him to one of the city’s most striking hidden gems.
David M

Winning tip: a brutalist masterpiece in Trieste

Inside the Temple of Monte Grisa. Photograph: Stephen Bisgrove/Alamy

On a walking tour of Trieste, I spotted a curious building high up in the distance – the Temple of Monte Grisa, a brutalist masterpiece of a cathedral on the edge of the Karst plateau. It is accessible via a steep hike (or bus) through the village of Prosecco, during which you are treated to a magnificent view of the Gulf of Trieste. Inside, the architecture is breathtaking – a repeating M-shaped pattern of concrete and gigantic modernist representations of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Go on a sunny day to make the most of the shadows and light.
Richard

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Our top five Greek islands with white-washed houses and pretty beaches as Emily in Paris heads to Greece

EMILY has been to Paris (obviously), the Alps, St Tropez, Venice, Rome – and now, it looks as if she’s off to Greece.

According to show creator Darren Star, filming is expected to take place across Greece and Monaco with production starting as soon as next month.

Emily in Paris is going to Greece – islands like Santorini are one of our favourites Credit: Getty
Kara loves the Royal Senses Resort & Spa in Crete Credit: Kara Godfrey

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

With the cast members like Lily Collins set to jet off to Greece, we’ve put together our favourite islands with top resorts and world’s prettiest villages…

Crete

As an anti-fly-and-flopper, you know a hotel is good when even I’m tempted to just stay there the whole time.

Over on the west side of Crete, I spent a blissful few days at the family-friendly Royal Senses Resort & Spa.

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The sprawling resort had me sold instantly with the massively long heated swimming pool, as well as the adult-only spa section with day beds and hot tubs.

I had way too much fun travelling on the private hotel funicular every day up to my two-storey suite (that made me feel like I’d stepped into a Selling Sunset property).

Maldives floating breakfasts, live music at dinner, it was serious luxury without having to spend too much – rooms start from around £146 a night.

If you really do want to explore, this side of the island has some beautiful little spots, such as Margarites – a small village known for its ceramics – or Rethimno, a coastal city perfect for market shopping and cocktails.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

A feeling of zen still wafts over me when I look back on my visit to Crete, around eight years ago.

Mum and I were staying in the sleepy town of Agios Nikolaos, on the east coast of the island, in a rugged and airy resort whose white-washed walls were contrasted by large pots of fuschia-coloured roses and climbing vines.

The hotel was a short wander to the main port, where terracotta-roofed houses overlook sparkling waters lined by authentic restaurants serving properly delicious tzatziki and Greek salads.

Gioma Meze is nestled into the cliff-face and whips up all the classic mezze dishes in a fuss-free setting.

From this port you can hitch a boat over to the teeny island of Spinalonga, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It once operated as a leper colony in the early 1900s and has a fascinating story to tell – much of its stony fortress remains intact.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Sophie loves the chilled out vibes of Crete Credit: Sophie Swietochowski

Feeling inspired? Here are some other Greece holidays…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

BOOK HERE

Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

BOOK HERE

Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

BOOK HERE

TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

BOOK HERE

Mykonos is known for being luxe with sleek beach clubs and designer shops Credit: Alamy

Mykonos

Being one of the most expensive islands in the Cyclades, Mykonos oozes glamour and luxury from its exclusive resorts to sleek beach clubs.

But it still has the charm of Greece with its classic white architecture, lime-coated trees and stone pathways all perfectly framed by bright pink bougainvillea.

Chora Town is beautiful and has lots of boutique shops selling elegant dresses, designer handbags and it is fun to window shop – or splash out if you wish.

There are 16 windmills on Mykonos and seven are on the hill in Chora which at sunset makes for an incredible photo.

If you’re lucky, you might spot several of the island’s pelicans walking about too.

They’re a mascot of the island, starting with the original, Petros who roamed the island for 30 years.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Kefalonia

My very first Greek island holiday is still my favourite – when I took my son, then three years old, to the stunning Kefalonia.

The island in the Ionian Sea — a Hollywood star in its own right thanks to the 2001 film version of Louis de Bernières’ wartime novel — ticked all the boxes and boasts what is often claimed as Greece’s best beach.

We spent a week on the island in mid-May and enjoyed everything it had
to offer — without spending too much money.

Our timing (outside of school holidays) meant we were one of the few
tourist groups on the island.

The weather was still perfect though. The average is highs of 21C in
May and the same in October. There were no crowds, either.

So we were eating al fresco at top seafront restaurants without
needing to make a booking.

On my favourite day, we picnicked at Myrtos Beach with huge Greek
tomatoes, spanakopita, feta and hunks of bread with olive oil.

In a post lunch dip at what is regularly named one of Greece’s top
five beaches, we were the only people in the sea.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)

Head up high in Santorini to get views of the caldera Credit: Alice Penwill

Corfu

I’m convinced I’ve found the most underrated spot in Corfu.

Sidari sits on the northern tip of the island, and is often overlooked by those heading to popular resorts like Kavos or Corfu Town.

Sidari has some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen. The Canal d’Amour is a dramatic sandstone cliff split in two to reveal a tiny beach, with pretty turquoise waters and caves to explore.

A short walk away you’ll find a main strip lined with affordable restaurants that feel super high-end.

Savannah Seaside offers amazing fruity cocktails and delicious flame-grilled skewers in a tropical beach club setting, plus there’s plenty of spots serving gyros and fries for €3.

Plus hotels in this region are mind-bogglingly affordable. I stayed in the Eleni Apartments with TUI, who offer week-long breaks there including return flights from £297.

So if you want a Greek island holiday with plenty of sea views, fruity cocktails and delicious gyros – but without the Mykonos prices – give Sidari a try.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Santorini

Santorini is just as beautiful in real-life as it is in all those posts on Instagram.

The clifftop village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is the most famous where you’ll see the three blue dome churches across the skyline.

It’s even been called one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Yes, it’s busy. So if you want to avoid the crowds then I’d suggest going in shoulder season like I did in May.

In saying that, you do still have to dodge tourists for a good photo and walking down lively Nikos Monikos Street was particularly cramped.

But it’s all worth it for when you get a small gap in the streets between villas and get a glimpse of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

If you want peace and quiet, and stunning views, head up to the Venetsanos Winery.

Not only does it offer wine tastings, there are unbeatable views across the Santorini caldera.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

For more on Greece, here’s where you can find the world’s best island with chalky houses and beach clubs.

And this ‘last paradise’ island is unknown to tourists and where locals actually go on holiday.

The Greek islands are known for white-washed building and incredible views Credit: Alamy



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