DISCOVER GREECE
It’s no easy task knowing where to go for your ideal romantic Greek escape. That’s why Jet2holidays is on hand to steer you towards the place that is right for you
GREECE is the ideal backdrop for couples to get away from it all, with its sun-drenched, whitewashed, romantic towns, sandy beaches, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters and tavernas filled with fresh seafood. Jet2holidays has focused on some of the most breathtakingly beautiful Greek islands that are easy to get to from all its UK bases, each of which offers something different. Jet2holidays also offers the whole holiday package – to include flights, hotel, transfers and even a 22kg baggage allowance, as well as zero credit card fees. Here are the stunning island destinations.
CORFU
ONE of Greece’s greenest islands, Corfu has olive groves and secret coves filled with flora and fauna, and richly diverse, wild landscapes. Its labyrinthine old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colourful Venetian-style architecture, while the north of the town is a foodie’s paradise. There is no shortage of coves from which to watch the sun go down after a stroll along one of the magnificent beaches.
KEFALONIA
THE largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia offers much more than simply having been the setting for the muchloved classic, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – though this does make it one of Greece’s most romantic islands. Dramatic scenery and pretty seaside villages add to its charm. It also has glorious beaches – the dramatic views from the sheer cliffs at Myrtos beach are worth the trip alone. Fiskardo on the island’s north coast feels so enchanting it’s known as the ‘St Tropez of Kefalonia’, full of buzzing waterside restaurants with a view of the boats and yachts setting sail. Meanwhile, between Fiskardo and Agia Efimia, Horgota Beach is a sparkling gem, best reached by car via a rocky road.
KOS
KOS Town is full of lively bars and great tavernas, but there’s a quieter side to Kos, too – from traditional fishing villages to banana-boat rides and relaxed beaches. The stunning 6km strip of white sand at Tingaki leads to shallow waters and open sea, making it ideal windsurfing territory. Or, for a loll in hot springs, excellent seafood, and a hidden beach, head to Therma in Psalidi. If you are feeling particularly adventurous Kalymnos is just a short ferry ride away and worldwide famous for climbing.
CRETE
GREECE’S largest island is as rich in history as it is in golden sands, offering some of the best adventures. Head north
There is a breadth of resorts suited to all needs
to Hersonisoos, near to Heraklion and all the ancient sights, with a picturesque seafront, while its coastal road leads to jaw-dropping views and coves, such as Stalis Beach and Malia. In the south, the mountains are rugged and the scenery is exceptional – or head west, to the beautiful pink sands of Elafonisi Beach. Crete is big and dramatic, so it’s worth taking a boat ride to explore further RHODES
FILLED with rugged, charming harbours and a thrilling walled medieval town, Rhodes is a heady mix of ancient sights, frescoed churches and beautiful beaches. For timeless beauty, St Paul’s Bay in Lindos has a whitewashed picturesque town – a frequent retreat for eminent writers in the Sixties and Seventies – that encompasses the romance of Greece. There are also good scuba-diving opportunities. For surfing, the southern cape of Prasonisi is
unbeatable, while pretty coves such as Kalithea are ideal snorkelling territory. Also worth a visit is Anthony Quinn Bay – named after the Guns of Navarone actor, and where many of the movie’s scenes were filmed – to take a dip, and admire the endless view from the rocks.
HALKIDIKI
FOR AN authentic adventure in northern Greece, Halkidiki is the place, with its three distinct peninsulas that branch out into the Aegean Sea, its beaches, archaeological sights and laid-back tavernas. Take a boat trip around Mount Athos to admire its Byzantine monasteries, visit the Petralona Cave, or just relax on one of the many pine-clad sandy beaches.
ZANTE
HAVE you ever wanted to swim with turtles in shimmering turquoise waters? This is the place to do it. As one of the biggest breeding areas for loggerhead sea turtles, Zante – also known as Zakynthos – has plenty of opportunities to take an eco boat trip to seek them out, in Keri Cave and beyond. The island is also a couples’ paradise, filled with olives groves and beautifully clear waters. And it has one of the most stunning coves in all of Greece: ‘Shipwreck Bay’ – sheltered by cliffs and only reached by boat. There are plenty of golden shores away from the tourist trail, should you wish to explore more hidden parts of the island.