Much like the UK, an additional tip is not required, although is appreciated for particularly good service. Greece holidays. Expect a combination of chic harbour towns and lively beach resorts. Many people go back to their family home for the festivities. Beaches with hidden sandy coves are excellent sunbathing spots and the crystal clear sea is great for water sports. This is a popular way to explore Greece and the islands and resort areas usually have a wide choice of car hire centres. 01293 - Calls are charged at your provider's local or national rate. Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Corfu, and Crete are open to UK customers visiting on their holidays. Registered in England. Including "children go free" offers at the best luxury family hotels and welcome gifts, we have the best offers for your family holiday. 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. In Greece, a service charge will be included in the bill at restaurants and bars. Mykonos holidays provide some of the best beach days in the Aegean Sea: just one of its many claims to fame. What? No one seems to know for sure, but one source says there are as many as 6,000 islands and islets. Busy tourist areas have comprehensive services and the vehicles are likely to be modern and air-conditioned. Islands of Greece are experts in tailor-made holidays to the Greek Islands. charm and legendary hospitality that so many people love. As well as a haven for relaxation, the beaches of the Greek Islands offer plentiful sports and activities. That’s not hard to believe once you experience the breath-taking beauty of its countryside and stunning beaches. No matter where you escape to, you will be moments away from areas of cultural and historical importance. Island Hopping in Greece, including Athens Explore our selection of predefined Greek island hopping itineraries, tours, cruises, and travel packages. It’s modern, vibrant, and stunningly picturesque. Please see our Travel with Confidence page for full details. There’s little risk of rain, and as many as 12 hours of sunshine a day in midsummer. Make…, Skiathos boasts more than 50 sun-kissed sandy beaches lapped by Caribbean-blue water which are among the best in Greece – and there’s a chic nightlife – so it's no wonder Olympic Holidays’ passengers return year after year. Pine forests and olive groves paint the island a lush green as they flow down hillsides to the beaches. But Paros is the secret charmer. Thessaloniki is where the 21st century combines brilliantly with thousands of years of amazing history and culture. Often described as the ‘Emerald Island, thanks to thick forest blanketing the rolling hills, it’s an ideal location for exploring. 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. Olympic is a registered trademark. Greek Island Holiday Packages. Traffic on a roundabout should give way to traffic joining the roundabout. No, it isn’t considered to be an island even though it is separated from the mainland by water. Zante and Kos rule the 24-hour party scene. If you are due to travel to these islands of Greece, a passenger locator form must be completed pre travel. There are thousands of beaches across the mainland and Greek islands. ABTA and. At the last count, 380 beaches were awarded a blue flag. 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. Start off in the diamond-bright emirate of Dubai, before spending seven nights between the sugar-sand beaches and tropical mountains of Mauritius. And the enchantment starts as your ferry glides into harbour. But Kalymnos does it with great style. You can walk it, but be warned, it's rough, rocky terrain and can take about seven hours to cover its full 16km length. 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. Zakynthos is one of the Ionians – a chain of islands famous for their ivory-white beaches and turtle-friendly coves. The island balances beach clubs, boutique hotels and chic cafés with an old-world backdrop of whitewashed windmills and Aegean-blue churches. It stands on giant marble blocks and almost 70 massive pillars supported the marble-tiled roof. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Located amidst 21 acres of landscaped gardens between the Al Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman, The Chedi Muscat offers a great base from which to explore this exciting region. Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Greece. More rural areas and some of the smaller islands will have more reduced services. The most magnificent is the white marble Parthenon, a temple to the goddess Athena, built 2,500 years ago and still the glittering crown on the Acropolis of Athens. We are delighted to be celebrating our 19th year of providing you with specialist holidays to the beautiful islands of Greece. Beautifully carved friezes of figures on a ceremonial procession or at war once decorated its walls. Kefalonia drops anchor just west of mainland. 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. Greece holidays are all about island life. With over 45 years experience of arranging holidays to Greece, our lucky team has travelled to most parts of the country; we’re experts. Save up to an extra £200 per person using promo codes RETURN50, RETURN100 and ISLAND200, plus enjoy exclusive upgrades and £1 coach transfers View Details, Newsletter It’s a ro…, Karpathos has a real Greek soul, where islanders proudly retain age-old customs on the second largest island of the Dodecanese. It’s not only the bright light that floods the sea and sky, or the elegant architecture and pure nature. Now, almost 80 years later, the Greeks still celebrate the day with parades, church services and parties. At the last count, 380 beaches were awarded a blue flag. Those traditional, family-run studios that were once the main accommodation for holidaymakers are still there. Opt for a far flung luxury holiday and enjoy complimentary upgrades to rooms & board and savings of up to 40%, Start preparing your dream holiday with the help of Sovereign Trusted Advisers, Download the latest Sovereign brochure for your 2021 holidays, Stay up to date and receive the latest travel news, offers and what's hot. Holidays in Greece are ideal for beach lovers. Visitors walk over glass windows in the pavement and peer down on ancient Greek history. Our Personal Travel Experts know Greece really well. Allow us to help you filter through our best holidays based on your desires and needs. From banana boat and jet ski rides, to wind surfing, water skiing, para-sailing, and kayaking, discover water-based fun aplenty. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert May 31, 2019 at 15:17. And they are definitely worth a gold medal. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Why Visit the Greek islands? It’s the very personal relationship you can have with your chosen island that puts a seal of perfection on these little Greek oases. …, Beautiful Naxos is a sparkling star in the deep blue galaxy of Aegean Sea islands. So much that’s so good. Kimolos island is arguably one of the hidden gems of Greece! Extend your stay and try a 'Workation' by combing home-working and holidays in one, with these great packages. The very name transports you to an ancient world of mythology and legend. Crete is the biggest Greek Island, stretching out through the Aegean Sea. There are a series of enchanting coves along the…, Poros is separated from the mainland by a 350m strait – so it is barely an island – therefore holidaymakers can enjoy relaxing sunshine days on Poros' beaches and tour the Peloponnese mainland whenever the mood takes them! It is one of the biggest and most beautiful islands in Greece, large enough to have an unbelievable wealth of attractions but traditional enough to…, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands; a favourite among sophisticated travellers and a stunning choice for your next holiday. They may also be busy. The capital of this Cycladic island is a jewel fit for royalty – and provides an enchanting welcome for visitors. Second, planning restrictions prevent high-rise buildings and “modern” designs. You can expect the temperature to be between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade although temperatures can soar above 30 degrees inland and in big cities. We’ve done the hard work for you by creating this list of the best Greek islands for families: Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Lefkada, Kea, Hydra and Astypalaia. 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. Santorini – often called Thira – is an island with volcanic good looks. Some Greeks fast for a fortnight before flocking to their home towns for church services, parades and big family parties. It’s been popular for millennia, so you can tour everything from Bronze Age settlements to big beach resorts. Expect snow-white clifftop villages and black sandy beaches with dramatic views of the surrounding Cyclades archipelago. To the remains of a medieval village laid waste by a notorious pirate. Cheap Greek Islands Package Holidays from Ireland . Ochi Day is on October 28, the day in 1940 when the Prime Minister said “ochi” or “no” to Benito Mussolini, an ally of Adolf Hitler, and brought Greece into World War 2. The Most Famous Island Package In Greece 5 days / 4 nights – 2 night in Mykonos, 2 nights in Santorini Mykonos and Santorini is the most explosive cocktail of passion, cosmopolitan flair, history and incomparable natural beauty. Sky blue and brilliant white, the colours of the Greek flag, are widely used across Greece and her islands, but not exclusively. For further information, please visit our "Travel Aware" information page at http://www.sovereign.com/about/booking-with-sovereign/staying-safe-abroad. To an olive grove with gnarled trees still alive after 2,000 years. Whatever you choose to do, our family holidays in the Caribbean offer plenty of fun in the sun, whatever age your children are. Please see our booking conditions at https://www.sovereign.com/about/terms-and-policies/. The government’s plan will unfold in seven phases during May and June and in each phase the effects on the population will be evaluated so timings could change. Holidays in Greece and the Greek Islands are packed with things to do. It is not easy to choose which island to visit in Greece. Greece Holidays 2021 / 2022 | Covid Cover Included | TUI.co.uk Taking a picnic in the shade of a Greek plane tree is a pleasant enough pastime, but on Kos you could be sitting in the shadow of the man known as the Father of Medicine. The world renowned island of Corfu is prefect for families. This multi-centre itinerary packs in all the highlights, from traditional cooking classes, to palace visits and authentic market shopping. For more information please see our Cookies Policy. During your Crete family holiday, embrace distinctive traditions, meet…, Exquisite Corfu is said to have been blessed by Mother Nature herself. My Booking. It was built as a temple worthy of Athena, goddess of war and wisdom. For a unique hotel experience, choose Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel. A fantastic journey through time starts before you get inside the Acropolis Museum. For further information, visit the ABTA website at https://abta.com/. Opt for a romantic amble through the whitewashed old town before retreating back to a luxurious resort for some well deserved relaxation. For example, Zante celebrates Saint Dionisios’ (Dennis) Day on August 24 with a three-day festival which includes fireworks, parties and a seafront procession in which the mummified body of the saint is displayed. Luxury Greek Island Holidays. Greek Islands family holidays. Call to book or speak to one of our experts 01293 762400. The pine forests and pretty harbours of Skiathos lie just east of the Greek mainland. Company Number: 446617. 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. 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. There are high-speed catamaran ferries as well as the large vessels that carry vehicles, people and, occasionally, goats. Easter, in March or April, is one of the biggest events on the Greek calendar. 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! Naxos and Paros both have great beaches and are very popular windsurfing islands. They even play cricket in Corfu! We offer many private Greek islands hopping packages in order to help you organize your holidays with ease and totally carefree. Bill Coo and Suites is a luxury boutique hotel, ideal for those who want a romantic hideaway. The sea will be comfortably warm in the mid-20s. Holidays in Greece are ideal for beach lovers. Greek Island holidays. For general booking and travel FAQs, head to our Travel with Confidence page. We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 45 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. Greek Islands Holidays offer so much variety that everyone seems to have a different favourite. What Is The Best Greek Island For Holidays May 25, 2019 at 21:21. Looking for a Greek island with nice beaches and windsurfing. And it’s thickly spread across mainland Greece and the Greek islands that are scattered like brilliant gems across two clear blue seas. 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. 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. We offer packages for 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 days and more. Travel. 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. Santorini is straight from the pages of a magazine. 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. ABTA and ATOL protected for peace of mind. To a stunning temple older than the Parthenon in Athens. 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. Discover Dubrovnik's Venetian chapels and Split's biggest living palace complex in the world. The official language of Greece is Greek. Terms & Conditions Set upon a clifftop and offering phenomenal views this hotel is a masterpiece. There are thousands of beaches across the mainland and Greek islands. Most businesses close for the day. Add a busy little harbour, the quayside lined with tavernas and small shops, but don’t add too many and spoil the taste. The green buses of the national KTEL service are the most popular form of public transport on the mainland and many of the islands. 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. Go beyond the sugar cube houses and blue minaret domes to unravel a rich and inspiring history. Agents 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. Imagine relaxing on an island of idyllic whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, perfect blue skies and the most incredible sun…, There may be only one place in the world where tourists can walk through a tunnel that was cut in a mountain nearly 3,000 years ago. Buildings from thousands of years ago have been discovered. Aren’t the dry and dusty Cyclades famous for brilliant-white, flat-roofed cube-shaped houses in barren landscape…, Quite simply, Athens is amazing. But they do, and they do it regularly and reliably and are used by Greeks, tourists and island-hoppers. Begin your holiday in Patitiri, a delightful town set in a serene bay and…, Waterfalls, rivers, bubbling springs, lush valleys, forests and neo-classical houses with terracotta roofs – ah, the beauty of the Cyclades. See our articles for our best recommended beaches in Corfu, Rhodes, Zante, Andros and Kos. …where my mission is to help you, the foreigner and tourist, plan your perfect Greek island holidays.. If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Because it has a three-legged peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea creating a wonderful 500-mile coastline and a trio of contrasting oppo…, OK, so Ios is a party island. It’s a tranquil Greek island that is serene and surprisingly green, with small valleys between rolling hills. But this is a myth you can visit! Close to the village of Karavomilo, on the east coast, it should be high on your list of things to do on a holiday to Kefalonia. 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. Every anniversary is special and an opportunity to celebrate; even more so as we have not only managed to flourish but also improve the quality of our holidays. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. Giant super-ferries are an iconic Greek sight and visitors marvel at how the huge vessels squeeze into such tiny harbours. 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. 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. There is another three-day festival in June for the Holiday of the Holy Spirit. Being twice the size of its neighbour, Skiathos, but much more peaceful, Skopelos with its flower filled courtyards, pretty cobbled streets and hillsides blanketed by greenery. Fares, cheaper than in the UK, are set nationally. The storytellers say Greek Gods created the world. But, no matter what time of the year you plan to go on holidays, some Greek islands are ideal for relaxing holidays. Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. A bridge across the Corinth Canal provides a permanent link between the peninsula and mainland. There are spas and gyms, water sports and hiking, tennis and golf, cycling and climbing. At Sovereign, we give you complete flexibility to choose your perfect island hopping holiday. I…, There are many things that make stylish Spetses special, but two are extraordinary. It is common to round off the amount when paying cash, particularly with wait staff and taxi drivers. August 15 is another major bank holiday to celebrate the Day of the Panaghia, the Virgin Mary, when Christ’s mother ascended to heaven. With short flight times and year round sun, Portugal is a fantastic choice for a family holiday. Explore Greece on your next luxury escape, North-easterly Corfu is practically within throwing distance of. With boutique stays off the beaten track or luxurious resorts and with 6,000 islands to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice. Plus, Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel and Spa. 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. The sea is generally warm enough for swimming throughout these shoulder periods, but it takes a while to warm up. For more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk. Want wonderful beaches, dramatic scenery and enchanting villages? 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/. And that’s on the lovely lush green Greek island of Samos. Mountain bikes, city bikes, e-cycles and e-scooters (the ones with electric motors) can all be hired. 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. They seek a place where time really has stood still, where what is often described as “authentic Greece” still thrives and where friendly locals welcome visitors like long los…, How can Halkidiki, a sensationally different part of mainland Greece, promise three amazing experiences in one holiday? This volcanic Greek island sits next to Milos and belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. 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! Fun and romance in the herb-scented air. The “no” was the rejection of Mussolini ’s request for Italy to occupy Greece and triggered conflict between Greece and Italy. It’s green, beautiful and relaxing and Cycladic down to its white-painted houses, blue-domed churches and pretty blue tables and c…, Just an hour by sea from Corfu is this amazing haven of peace and beauty, Paxos is a tiny island, approximately seven miles long by three miles wide, with over 30 white pebbly beaches and crystal clear blue sea. Comfortably warm in the deep blue galaxy of Aegean sea: just one of the most famous archaeological attractions Athens. Faqs, head to our style of laid back flotilla holidays lovely old town o…, this enchanting with! Get up-close to Mediterranean marine life in Crete s thickly spread across mainland Greece and its have... Ago have been discovered comprehensive services and the later summer months of April, May June! Endless swimming spots the fare before the journey and Rhodes form must be worn in all enclosed areas. Biggest events on the mainland and Greek islands offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in mythology and history every... 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