MORE HIDEAWAY DELIGHTS
A lesser-known island
Lesvos is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets, with fewer tourists and more affordable prices than the well-known islands, despite its white-sand beaches, wild forests, mountains and traditional tavernas. Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa is in Eresos in the west of the island and dates back to 1850. Previously a family home, it offers two suites, two rooms and a dining room, and retains the feeling of staying in an authentic Greek home. The spa won Small Hotel Spa of the Year 2021 at the Greek Hotel of the Year Awards.
SUMMER BOOKING Real Lesvos offers The Sappho Suite for £175 a night for two guests when staying seven nights, including breakfast (reallesvos.com). Jet2 offers return flights from London Stansted, Manchester and Bristol to Mytilene, Lesvos, from £425 (jet2.com).
Far from the crowds
Greece’s most northern region of Macedonia offers quiet coastal towns, uncrowded beaches and pine, fir and chestnut woodlands. A highlight of the area is its walking routes, which is why Ramblers Walking Holidays has recreated a tour that includes Aristotle’s Trail, with views over Olympiada; a walk to the Varvara waterfalls; the archaeological site of Amphipolis, inhabited from the 5th century BCE; and a Mount Athos cruise to view the hanging monasteries.
Those in the know seek out Hotel Liotopi, a family-run beachfront hotel that offers a warm welcome and serves amazing home-made breakfasts of fresh pastries, poached pears and jams. SUMMER BOOKING Ramblers Walking Holidays offers a seven-night Olympiada holiday from £1,395pp, including return flights from London Gatwick, accommodation with breakfast, dinners at a local taverna, all transfers and a local guide (ramblersholidays.co.uk).
Boat-only access
Accessible only by boat from Corfu, Paxos is another unspoilt Greek island gem offering a slice of paradise. James Villas has gorgeous properties there, including Villa Marguerita House, situated among olive groves in Dendiatika. The swimming pool and terrace are surrounded by a walled garden and there’s a two-bed villa and one-bed studio, catering for up to six people – ideal for a family of four, plus grandparents. Balconies have sea views, there’s a barbecue and Loggos’s beaches and shops are a short walk. SUMMER BOOKING James Villas offers seven nights at Villa Marguerita House from £2,029 (jamesvillas.co.uk). TUI offers return flights from London Stansted to Corfu from £240 (tui.co.uk). The Kerkyra Lines ferry costs around €20.
A private beach
Santorini is one of the most sought-after of the Greek islands, and the Sea Breeze Beach Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is one of the few luxury resorts on the island located on its own private beach. It has just 37 rooms, most of which come with private heated pools and hot tubs. It’s also close to Akrotiri, one of the most important Cycladic settlements, dating back to 4,000BCE, and the picturesque seaside village of Perissa, with its famous black sand beach.
SUMMER BOOKING Olympic Holidays offers seven nights at the Sea Breeze Beach Resort from £2,187pp, including breakfast and return flights from London Gatwick (olympicholidays.com).
Take it slowly
Known as the isla de azul y verde (island of blue and green), Menorca still has a sleepy, hideaway feel, with pretty villages and fine-sand coves. Beside the coastal neighbourhood of Torre Soli is Casa Maria Jesus, a four-bed house within walking distance of traditional-style restaurants, bars, shops and the golden sands of Son Bou. With everything so close, you can save on car hire costs and go by foot or public transport. The bus goes to the market town of Alaior, and Maó, the island’s historic capital. SUMMER BOOKING Vintage Travel offers a one-week stay at Casa Maria Jesus (sleeps eight) from £1,798 in June, rising to £3,298 at peak times (vintagetravel.co.uk).
Sun-drenched coastline
For a value-for-money holiday on the French Mediterranean coast, near the Spanish border, Résidence Les Bulles de Mer is the latest property to open under the Pierre & Vacances brand. Set in Saint-cyprien – with a sandy beach, large marina, plus food markets and free concerts in summer – and eight miles from Perpignan, this waterfront residence offers bright, air-conditioned apartments with terraces. There’s yoga, Pilates, golf and paddleboarding from the beach, along with a pool.
SUMMER BOOKING Pierre & Vacances offers a seven-night self-catered stay at Résidence Les Bulles de Mer from
£1,398 for a one-bedroom apartment, sleeping up to four (pierreetvacances.com). Easyjet offers return flights from London Gatwick to Montpellier from £127pp (easyjet.com).
Rural walks
With its rugged nature, rich history and culture, western Sicily is a joy to explore on foot. Inntravel’s self-guided hotel-tohotel walking holiday takes guests from medieval Erice to Zingaro Nature Reserve via the remote, unspoilt Egadi Islands. And new this summer, Inntravel is including three nights on the island of Favignana, a laid-back, idyllic retreat that blends North African and Sicilian influences. It’s the perfect place to enjoy walks through sun-scorched hills and fishing villages. SUMMER BOOKING Inntravel offers seven night trips from £850pp, including breakfast, luggage transfers, walking notes and maps (inntravel.co.uk). Ryanair offers return flights from London Stansted to Trapani from £86pp (ryanair.com).