It’s a tranquil Greek island that is serene and surprisingly green, with small valleys between rolling hills. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert May 31, 2019 at 15:17. For further information, visit the ABTA website at https://abta.com/. Many people go back to their family home for the festivities. Crete is the biggest Greek Island, stretching out through the Aegean Sea. Choose from a plethora of hotels and resorts, whether you opt for a seaside stay or a hillside retreat, each is a haven of decadence and tranquillity. …, Golden sands, party-style nightlife, traditional charm, beautiful countryside and romantic seclusion – Zante is the full package for a captivating holiday with so much to see and do for couples, groups and families. Zakynthos is one of the Ionians – a chain of islands famous for their ivory-white beaches and turtle-friendly coves. But they do, and they do it regularly and reliably and are used by Greeks, tourists and island-hoppers. Naxos and Paros both have great beaches and are very popular windsurfing islands. To an olive grove with gnarled trees still alive after 2,000 years. No one seems to know for sure, but one source says there are as many as 6,000 islands and islets. You won’t just enjoy amazing discounts on your trip — you’ll have a huge amount of choice too. Waterparks and theme parks put in an appearance on some islands too. Discover history, beauty and plenty of charming waterfront towns in Malta and the spectacular coastline of Gozo. You can walk it, but be warned, it's rough, rocky terrain and can take about seven hours to cover its full 16km length. EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS TO THE GREEK ISLANDS. Pine forests and olive groves paint the island a lush green as they flow down hillsides to the beaches. Quad bikes over 150cc can be hired almost everywhere but you will need a full driving licence or motorcycle licence. Many of these islands are popular tourist destinations due to their natural beauty, not to mention the fantastic weather they experience for most of the year. Greece has become cosmopolitan and modern in every respect without ruining the traditional Mamma Mia! So this traditional little island, which has a history that str…, Symi is one of Greece’s best kept secrets and sailing into the harbour from Rhodes is an experience visitors never forget. A bridge across the Corinth Canal provides a permanent link between the peninsula and mainland. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Fun and romance in the herb-scented air. Like many other small Dodecanese Islands it promises a relaxing taste of traditional Greek life. We make travelling as a family easy, with our carefully selected range of luxury family hotels. Call to book or speak to one of our experts 01293 762400. How about fantastic castles and haunting places from…, Legend has it that Rhodes was blessed by the sun god Helios, which is why it enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine a year! Our Personal Travel Experts know Greece really well. It's a land steeped in ancient myths and legends and it still has the magic to make holiday dreams come true. There are thousands of beaches across the mainland and Greek islands. Package holidays are provided by Olympic Holidays (trading name of Travelworld Vacations Ltd) ATOL 4108. From May 4, the restrictions on the non-essential movement of citizens were eased, along with the obligation to notify authorities on essential movement via permits and text SMS messages for a gradual reopening of social and economic activity. What one would you recommend? There are places where the summer parties start early and go on through the night; resorts for families; places for people who want to sunbathe all day and places to play all day. Expect snow-white clifftop villages and black sandy beaches with dramatic views of the surrounding Cyclades archipelago. Olympic Holidays use ferries to transport clients to islands that don’t have international-quality airports. Famed for being the homeland of Ancient Greek hero Odysseus, Ithaca today is a romantic, rugged island perfect for people who want to find a re…, It seems impossible to pack so much into such a small space. The sea will be comfortably warm in the mid-20s. See our articles for our best recommended beaches in Corfu, Rhodes, Zante, Andros and Kos. Greece holidays are all about island life. Please see our Travel with Confidence page for full details. Mykonos holidays provide some of the best beach days in the Aegean Sea: just one of its many claims to fame. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Step back in time to find village festivals and celebrations, where musicians play locally crafted lyre and lauto, and sing just as…, It’s a bastion of authentic Greek beauty, but Kavala is a modern city that combines old and new in exciting ways. It was built as a temple worthy of Athena, goddess of war and wisdom. Their arrival, announced by blasts on the ship’s hooters, is a local attraction with people gathering to watch the ferries unload. Face coverings must be worn in all enclosed public areas. Those traditional, family-run studios that were once the main accommodation for holidaymakers are still there. They may also be busy. Before Greek islands had airports, Poros was a holiday favourite. † Refund guarantee: You will receive a guaranteed refund if we have to cancel your trip where travel to the destination would contravene the travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) You will receive a refund if you can’t join your trip because you or a member of your party is diagnosed with COVID-19 or has received a request from the NHS Test & Trace team to self-isolate. It is common to round off the amount when paying cash, particularly with wait staff and taxi drivers. Hi Dave. Second, planning restrictions prevent high-rise buildings and “modern” designs. Thousands of young people flock there from all over the world knowing they can drink and dance all night, sleep all morning, sunbathe and swim on a gorgeous beach in the afternoon, then start the frantic cycle all over again after…, Ithaca! The island balances beach clubs, boutique hotels and chic cafés with an old-world backdrop of whitewashed windmills and Aegean-blue churches. We offer packages for 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 days and more. Boats cross from Poros Town to Galata…, Peep into a kaleidoscope of Greek wonders. Set upon a clifftop and offering phenomenal views this hotel is a masterpiece. Greek Island holidays. That’s not hard to believe once you experience the breath-taking beauty of its countryside and stunning beaches. But tranquil Tilos is also Greek’s greenest island – and the last place in E…, On the northern side of the Cyclades islands, between Mykonos and Andros, Tinos is one of the most captivating Greek islands with beautiful sandy beaches and traditional villages featuring marble white architecture. Greece holidays. Privacy Policy Together with the lovely old town o…, This enchanting island with its picture postcard scenery is an artist's paradise. One of the most popular is…, The beauty of Lefkas isn’t only the lovely beaches and breathtaking scenery - it’s the amazing mixture of attractions it has for visitors. I…, There are many things that make stylish Spetses special, but two are extraordinary. Those taking Alonissos holidays will be bowled over by the charm of this beautiful Greek island. For more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk. Choose from a plethora of hotels and resorts, whether you opt for a seaside stay or a hillside retreat, each is a haven of decadence and tranquillity. August 15 is another major bank holiday to celebrate the Day of the Panaghia, the Virgin Mary, when Christ’s mother ascended to heaven. Add a busy little harbour, the quayside lined with tavernas and small shops, but don’t add too many and spoil the taste. And to…, Scattered with forests, orchards and meadows, with a coastline of many delightful coves. Expect a combination of chic harbour towns and lively beach resorts. These are the spring and early summer months of April, May and June and the later summer months of September and October. We love holidays to Rhodes and it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular Greek islands. The enchanting, sun-kissed island of Kefalon…, Kos has got it covered; the third largest island in the Dodecanese has a coastline that stretches over 290 kilometres. Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. If you want to explore the amazing countryside, visit the spectacular historic sites or use some of the many hundreds of miles of marked hiking or cycling routes then the “shoulder seasons” may be best. From all-inclusive holidays at beach resorts to natural wonders and water parks, family holidays in the Greek Islands offer something for everyone. Be warned, though. Holidays in the Greek Islands are a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers. It’s Greece as it used to be. Discover Dubrovnik's Venetian chapels and Split's biggest living palace complex in the world. Aren’t the dry and dusty Cyclades famous for brilliant-white, flat-roofed cube-shaped houses in barren landscape…, Quite simply, Athens is amazing. Greek islands have their own airports: Corfu International Airport for Corfu, with transfers of between 20 minutes and 2.5 hours, Heraklion International Airport for Crete, with transfers taking up to 2 hours and 40 minutes, and Rhodes International Airport for Rhodes with transfer times of 30–90 minutes. *£150 per booking offer: £150 Sovereign discount applies to all new packaged holiday bookings made between 17 December 2020 and 31 January 2021 for travel departing between January 2021 and March 2022, for a minimum stay of 7 nights. Your unforgettable holiday starts right here, right now! What? Our Private Greek island vacation packages depart from Athens but also from some popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. …where my mission is to help you, the foreigner and tourist, plan your perfect Greek island holidays.. It stands on giant marble blocks and almost 70 massive pillars supported the marble-tiled roof. 01293 - Calls are charged at your provider's local or national rate. Greece and its islands have been vigilant during the Coronavirus pandemic and started to lift lockdown restrictions on Monday, May 4. Lush green mountains fringe wide expanses of lovely beaches, and wherever y…, A quest for the holy grail of Greece is a constant challenge for some holidaymakers. More rural areas and some of the smaller islands will have more reduced services. The island ha…, A gleaming emerald in a block of brilliant white marble. Ultimate serenity can be found in Zakynthos, where pristine shores of cream and cerulean are set against towering cliffs and rustic old town restaurants offer exquisite authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The coastline is sheer delight with mile after mile of smooth, golden sand that mostly shelves gent…, Parga is, without doubt, the loveliest resort on the mainland of Greece’s north-western Preveza region. Terms & Conditions No matter where you escape to, you will be moments away from areas of cultural and historical importance. All uniquely suited to our style of laid back flotilla holidays. HIDDEN GREECE: Greek island holidays avoiding the crowds: Follow @hiddengreece: the HG Concept destinations choose a holiday getting there contact us make an enquiry car hire: How sad such an imaginative airline no longer serves Greece! For Lefkas is many different places wrapped up in one delightful island. Greek Island Holiday Packages. There is little rainfall in these months. Most businesses close for the day. The rocky citadel rises almost 500ft above the city, its white marble gleaming in the sun. Please familiarise yourself with the information found on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece as this includes information on any documentation which you may be required to complete prior to travelling and information on what to expect once your arrive in Greece. An astonishing number of delights are packed into this peaceful Eas…, Take one small, traditional Greek town in a sheltered bay that is sandwiched between tree-covered hills and the deep blue Ionian Sea. For a relaxing and glamorous getaway, the island of Mykonos offers an indulgent experience. Athens has a metro, trolley buses and trams as well as buses, trains and taxis. ABTA and. Buildings from thousands of years ago have been discovered. Giant super-ferries are an iconic Greek sight and visitors marvel at how the huge vessels squeeze into such tiny harbours. Kimolos island is arguably one of the hidden gems of Greece! There’s little risk of rain, and as many as 12 hours of sunshine a day in midsummer. With over 45 years experience of arranging holidays to Greece, our lucky team has travelled to most parts of the country; we’re experts. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Tourists are expected to tip. Company Number: 446617. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the NHS have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. Crete’s the biggest of the bunch, and home to some of the most famous archaeological attractions outside Athens. Go beyond the sugar cube houses and blue minaret domes to unravel a rich and inspiring history. Kefalonia drops anchor just west of mainland. It has an unusual three-in-one capital – the romant…, Lesvos is a jewel, often called the emerald isle because much of it is covered in lush forests and olive groves. Not all the facilities will be up and running in April and May and some will be shutting at the end of the season in October. Rhodes is a king-sized island in the south-easterly Aegean. Visitors walk over glass windows in the pavement and peer down on ancient Greek history. Towering behind the trees are rugged mountains w…, Pulsating, exhilarating, vibrant, fascinating, dynamic! If you want to sunbathe, swim or take advantage of the vast range of water sports then the sunniest, hottest and driest months are July to September. Bustling Athens dominates the south, and scattered around the mainland are some 6000 islands, each holding its own secrets. A popular form of transport and widely available. A QR code generated by completing the form the evening prior to departure, must be shown either on a phone or printed version upon arrival in to Greece. Proudly serving holidaymakers for over 50 years. The “no” was the rejection of Mussolini ’s request for Italy to occupy Greece and triggered conflict between Greece and Italy. We love holidays to Greece for the easy pace of island life, while mainland Greece is a worthy beauty contender with its treasure trove of Byzantine history and miles of soft sand and island-style vibes around the coastland of Halkidiki. This volcanic Greek island sits next to Milos and belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. If you are new to sailing or looking to introduce family and friends in the most relaxed environment possible the Ionian Islands can't be beaten. Just tell us as much as you can about what you would like from your Greek holiday and we will recommend destinations, resorts and accommodation to match. From banana boat and jet ski rides, to wind surfing, water skiing, para-sailing, and kayaking, discover water-based fun aplenty. It’s the very personal relationship you can have with your chosen island that puts a seal of perfection on these little Greek oases. There are still plenty of narrow roads too. You might even recognise it – Skiathos and neighbouring Skopelos starred in the. Holidays to Greece will give you ample time to discover the country’s incredibly diverse landscape. For general booking and travel FAQs, head to our Travel with Confidence page. There are high-speed catamaran ferries as well as the large vessels that carry vehicles, people and, occasionally, goats. By providing useful travel tips and practical resources, I aim to make sure that your long-awaited, upcoming holidays to Greece, will become the vacation of your dreams. At Sovereign, we give you complete flexibility to choose your perfect island hopping holiday. A guide to the best Greek islands to visit including Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and Mykonos. Things can get seriously hot, though, with July and August temperatures peaking in the early 30s – great for beach-lovers, although dedicated sightseers may want to pick the cooler spring or autumn months. Use of the patriotic colours was twice banned by tyrannical rulers, but the ban made the defiant Greek people more determined to use them. Average temperatures will be in the low to mid 20s in April and October but mid to high 20s in May, June and September. Experience the best of both worlds on a Kefalonia holiday, with sublime beaches, endless natural beauty, and opportunities for infinite adventures on land and sea. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful view of brightly painted neo-classical mansions tumbling down the hillside, traditional fishing boats and…, You can see why Syros is known as the Queen of the Aegean as the ferry sails into Hermoupolis harbour. It nestles in a small, sweeping bay between green olive groves and the sea and is a favourite among Greeks as a holiday destination too. Greek Islands Holidays. Crete Aquarium features 60 tanks with more than 100 viewing points to get up-close to Mediterranean marine life in Crete. If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Lots of islands are also linked by numerous smaller ferries. With between 1,200 and 6,000 islands, from tiny uninhabited specks to large rocky land masses, Greece is without parallel when it comes to island variety. This multi-centre itinerary packs in all the highlights, from traditional cooking classes, to palace visits and authentic market shopping. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. Browse our collection of hand-picked luxury villas, selected for their inspiring locations and exceptional quality. It’s not just the emerald water and the idyllic beaches that make holidays on the Greek islands a world-famous holiday experience. A Greek Islands holiday package makes travelling cheap and easy for everyone. Stunning white churches with blue domes have become one of the country’s iconic picture postcard images. Mykonos is the star of the Cyclades archipelago. Greece is the perfect getaway for so many marvellous reasons and about 25 million tourists will enjoy its delights this year. Don't just take our word for it, though - see what our customers have said about their Sovereign experience.. Find out more about Luxury Corfu Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Crete Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Kefalonia Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Mykonos Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Rhodes Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Santorini Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Skiathos Holidays, Find out more about Luxury Zakynthos Holidays, Find out more about Mykonos, Santorini & Crete, Travel with Confidence page for full details, http://www.sovereign.com/about/booking-with-sovereign/staying-safe-abroad, https://www.sovereign.com/about/terms-and-policies/. During your Crete family holiday, embrace distinctive traditions, meet…, Exquisite Corfu is said to have been blessed by Mother Nature herself. Take a boat trip underground to experience the magical atmosphere of this incredible cave, enclosing a subterranean lake, named after the nymph Melissanthi. Your provider 's local or national rate waterparks and theme parks put in an on! 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