The hidden gem offers a unique blend of charm reminiscent of a Greek island
13:13, 27 May 2026Updated 13:14, 27 May 2026
This gorgeous spot is perfect for a staycation(Image: Jim Monk via Getty Images)
For Brits dreaming of a Mediterranean escape but keen to stay on home turf, a hidden treasure tucked away in Cornwall could be the ideal answer. Nestled along the stunning south coast, Polperro boasts a distinctive mix of charm and tranquillity that feels far more like Greece than your typical Cornish fishing village.
According to experts at Park Holidays: “With whitewashed cottages and boats bobbing in the tiny harbour, Polperro feels more like a tucked-away Greek island than a Cornish fishing village.”
Framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery, the village enjoys a breathtaking backdrop to its peaceful bay. What truly makes Polperro stand out, however, is its unspoilt beach, which on bright sunny days appears to take on the colours of the Aegean Sea, turning an “Aegean shade of turquoise”.
It’s this winning combination of scenery and serenity that makes Polperro such a coveted destination for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean without ever boarding a plane, reports the Express.
As the experts note: “Narrow, winding streets lead to cafés and shops with serious Santorini charm.”
While souvlaki and baklava may not feature on any local menus, the village’s wonderful selection of fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours offers a thoroughly British yet equally delightful alternative to Greece’s beloved tavernas.
For those with a passion for both history and the great outdoors, Polperro delivers on all fronts, with its rich maritime heritage proudly on display at its lively harbour, where local vessels have dropped anchor for centuries.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Polperro was a bustling hub for pilchard fishing and smuggling. According to Holiday Cottages Polperro, “pilchards were caught in huge numbers by Polperro Gaffers, large gaff-rigged boats of which there were once 40 operating out of the harbour.”
“The fish once caught were processed in the village and this provided work for many women and children. There were three factories by the harbour involved in this and here the pilchards were salted and then cured.”
Stunning coastal walks along the surrounding clifftops offer breathtaking panoramas of the sea below, with the famous South West Coast Path weaving directly through the village itself.
What makes Polperro all the more attractive is how conveniently situated it is within Cornwall. Just a short drive from well-loved spots such as Fowey and Looe, it serves as an ideal base from which to explore the wider region.
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.
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Emily in Paris is going to Greece – islands like Santorini are one of our favouritesCredit: GettyKara loves the Royal Senses Resort & Spa in CreteCredit: Kara Godfrey
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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.
The sprawling resort had me sold instantly with the massively long heated swimmingpool, 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 CreteCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Feeling inspired? Here are some other Greece holidays…
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Mykonos is known for being luxe with sleek beach clubs and designer shopsCredit: 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 calderaCredit: 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.
