GREECE has a plethora of stunning islands to discover. The Mediterranean nation's Aegean islands are littered with coastal hotspots and luxury resorts. Here is what our writers had to say about three of them.
SKIATHOS Senior Writer Donna Smiley discovered an enchanting escape at Princess Resort. THE PAD Nestled between the sea and hills dotted with pine trees, and just a 15-minute drive from Skiathos Town and the airport, Princess Resort is a gem. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS You’ll find light, airy rooms – some with views of the bay of Agia Paraskevi – and a pool surrounded by pretty gardens.
The golden beach is mere steps away, too. Book the 50-minute Deep Tissue Apocalypse massage, £65, at the Harmony spa to feel recharged, then wander down to beachside restaurant Ammos, with its mezze platters and mouthwatering tuna tartare, £15.50.
Come morning, hit the buffet at Basilico, where barista-made coffees are served at your table. Most read in News Travel OUT & ABOUT Grab lunch with one of the best views of the Aegean at stylish all-day cafe bar BU in Skiathos Town (if you’re lucky, like us, you may even spot dolphins as you feast). Every dish we tried was delicious, but be sure to order the sea bass alla ghiotta with vine leaves, tomatoes, raisins, olives and capers, £20, and a Jetlag cocktail – a mix of gin, orange, mezcal, watermelon, saffron, lime and bitters, £8 ( Bourtzi-skiathos.
gr ). Both will set you up for a walking tour of the old town, including the pretty marina where some of Mamma Mia! was filmed (and local guide Michael was an extra). Weave through the narrow alleyways of tightly packed whitewashed houses and learn about the town’s Venetian history.
Tours cost from £29 per person for 21/2 hours, booked via the hotel. There are plenty of boutiques to drop by, too. Staying out? Visit The Blind Dog bar for live music and dancing into the early hours ( Dannyandzoesblinddog.
com ). SET SAIL Explore the hidden beaches of Skiathos’ 45km coastline in style with a fab boat trip. First, drop anchor at the white-pebbled Lalaria beach, before heading to Kastro beach to swim in the crystal-clear waters – both are only accessible by sea.
Next, stop by the blue cave before sailing to beautiful Tsougria island. Full-day boat trips cost from £57 per person for up to nine people ( Skiathosboatsrental.gr ).
BOOK IT Olympic Holidays offers seven nights at the Princess Resort Skiathos from £860 per person B&B, including flights and resort transfers ( Olympicholidays.com ). CRETE Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found the kids were more than alright at Elounda Bay Palace.
THE PAD This place has old-school charm as well as bucketloads of sand, thanks to its two private Blue Flag beaches. It’s a skip and a hop between the indoor pool, the outdoor pool, the kids’ pool and the sea. Rooms are classic in style, and our spacious bungalow came with a Jacuzzi bath, which the children adored.
There’s also a playground, tennis courts and watersports. Sister hotel Elounda Beach next door is a little snazzier, as are its restaurants. Make an escape from the nightly buffet and dig into squid and mussel pasta, £27, at Italian Argonaut, or teriyaki beef skewers, £32, at Blue Lagoon, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant where you dine under the moonlight on the water’s edge.
Your half-board credit is redeemable at both, but it won’t go terribly far. OUT & ABOUT It’s a 10-minute walk into Elounda village, with its pretty waterfront and shops selling stylish ceramics and local soaps. Check out the sea treasures at Paris Shell Shop, before letting the kids loose on the shell pick ’n’ mix ( Facebook.
com/paris.shellsshop ). Later, jump on the mini-train to explore nearby villages – tickets cost from £11 for adults, £6 for children over four.
Tuck into beef stifado, £13, and crab tortellini, £15, at Elounda’s excellent Okeanis Bistro ( Instagram.com/okeanis.bistro ).
Or, for a romantic setting floating on the water that’s also kid-friendly, book Moon Spinners. The sea bass is fantastic, while you can’t go wrong with the lobster spaghetti, or asparagus and truffle risotto, £16. Finish with the chocolate sphere, £12.
50 ( Facebook.com/moonspinnersrestaurant ). SET SAIL Across the water from Elounda sits Spinalonga Island, and a trip to the former leper colony and setting of Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island is a must.
Wander through the ruins, learn about the isle’s fascinating history and climb to the top for stunning vistas. Return boat transfers cost £12 for adults, £6 for children, while island entry is £7 for adults and kids are free ( Spinalongatours.gr ).
BOOK IT Family rooms sleeping four cost from £222 a night half-board ( Eloundabay.gr ). Return flights from the UK to Crete cost from £148.
50 with Jet2 ( Jet2.com ). RHODES Assistant Editor Jess Wilson found a load of fun at Amada Colossos Resort.
THE PAD Sitting on the golden sands of Rhodes ’ north-east coast, the chic Amada Colossos is huge. Think 699 bedrooms, five restaurants (including Italian and Asian), a five-slide waterpark, a 140m pool with Jacuzzi and a private beach. Rooms are sleek, with natural woods, marble and blue textiles.
The spa is even better – pop in for a sauna and steam, followed by a heavenly 45-minute salt scrub, £51. The buffet serves up treats such as local grilled fish and authentic baklava, but don’t miss the squid with basil sauce and bulgar wheat and shrimps with orzo, both £21, at the à la carte Greek Taverna. After dinner, grab a glass of local white, £5, at one of the many bars – our fave was the Tropicana.
OUT & ABOUT A 20-minute drive away is medieval Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jewellery lover? Make a beeline for Miracolo, selling trinkets from indie Greek designers – we loved the stamped gold-plated rings, from £22. Cool down with an iced tea under the trees in the oasis of Socratous Garden ( Socratousgarden.
gr ), before stopping by the Palace Of The Grand Master Of Knights to see mosaics and statues of Greek gods. Entry costs £7 for adults ( Hhticket.gr ).
Come sunset, meander down to Mandraki Harbour and grab a Mythos beer, £5, and a seat alfresco at Ronda Beach Bar, with its soul and funk DJs ( Ronda.gr ). SET SAIL Hop on the hotel’s yacht for a four-hour cruise, including a visit to Anthony Quinn Bay, a secluded cove peppered with fishing boats that’s perfect for snorkelling – or just borrow one of the inflatables on board.
Boat hire starts from £80 per person for up to 10 people, including a delicious lunch of Greek salad, cheeses and bread, plus all drinks. BOOK IT READ MORE SUN STORIES Doubles cost from £117 B&B ( Amadacolossosresort.com ).
Return flights from the UK to Rhodes cost from £145..
