Where to have a Luxury Holiday in Greece this Summer
If you are planning
holidays to Greece this summer, surrounded by clear turquoise blue waters, cloudless blue skies, uninterrupted sunshine, delicious Greek cuisine and amazing historical sites to boot, may we suggest the gorgeous islands of Crete, Zakynthos, Mykonos and Santorini as options that will not disappoint!
Crete
The largest of the Greek Islands,
Crete, is also the southernmost point of point of Greece. Undoubtedly the best place to stay here is the Chania area on the western coast with its beautiful sandy beaches, the historical town of Chania which bears the influence of both the Venetian and Ottoman Empires, with its stylish bars and restaurants to please any foodies and wine lovers, and its bustling waterfront along the picturesque harbour.
The famous pink sands of Elafonisi, an islet off the southwestern coast connected to the mainland by a sandbar submerged in water, are not too far from here and definitely worth visiting on a day out. Further afield the ruins at Knossos Palace, which date back to the Minoan civilization will delight any history buff and for the energetic hard-core exercise buffs, the famous Samaria Gorge hike, provides the opportunity to work some of those holiday calories off.
The Chania area offers some of the very best five-star hotels in Greece and the newest addition to this area is the adult-only, Chania Flair Luxury Boutique hotel, offering the very best of luxury on a sandy beach and within walking distance to the old town of Chania.
Crete holidays are very popular so get yours booked up today.
Zante
On the western shores of Greece, lie the Ionian Islands surrounded by the crystal clear azure waters of the Ionian Sea and Zakynthos otherwise known as
Zante, is among them. This verdant island thanks to its fertile soil was ruled by the Venetians and named Fioro di Levante by the Venetians, who ruled it from 1484 to 1797, meaning Flower of the East as there are over seven thousand species of flower on the island. The island’s diverse landscape showcases steep rocky mountainous areas, fertile valleys, lush green plains, amazing sandy beaches, hidden coves, sea caves and high rise chalky cliffs. Zakynthos is home to probably one of the most photographed beaches in Greece depicting the world famous shipwreck at Navagio lying on the sandy beach with tall cliffs rising up above it.
This is also the island where the protected loggerhead turtles known as caretta caretta come to nest and if you abide by the rules set out by the Sea Turtle Protection Society on the island, you can get to see them and even swim near them during July and August. Pure luxury, in Zakynthos, can be found at the Lesante Cape Resort and Villas, with its private beach, in Akrotiri Village. The hotel is built in the style of a Greek village including a village square at its centre, where all the activities and events take place, a café, a taverna, a few shops, a small church and a folklore museum scattered all around.
The traditional architecture combined with all the modern comforts in this old historical area of the island are the perfect combination for your luxurious stay where you can enjoy fine wining and dining in a number of restaurants and bars and where you can relax, pamper and rejuvenate at the Armonia Wellness and Spa.
Mykonos & Santorini
Lying off the south-eastern part of mainland Greece, out in the Aegean Sea, the two Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini probably need no introduction.
Santorini experienced a volcanic eruption in the 16th Century during which the centre of the island collapsed and formed an underwater crater and shaping the rugged landscape of the island which we know today. Even if you’ve never been to Santorini you will immediately recognise it since it is probably the most photographed island in Greece, with its cliff top towns of Oia, Fira and Imerovligi carved out of the caldera’s cliffs. This is the island where you finally get to the whitewashed towns with their blue rooftops for yourself, enjoy the most spectacular sunsets over the caldera and get to swim in the sapphire blue Aegean Sea along its rugged coastline of black volcanic rock beaches. Famed for its sunsets, the town of Oia (pronounced eeya) attracts many visitors and you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your own accommodation at the Katikies luxury hotel in Oia.
Built into Santorini’s caldera, this town is filled with shops bars, restaurants, stunning architecture and embodies the beauty of the island. The hotel provides world class travellers with world class luxury and service. The dramatic scenery, landscapes, sunsets and beauty of Santorini may be unmatched by its neighbour,
Mykonos but Mykonos has its own beauty and charm ranging from the very photogenic Mykonos Town famous for the shopping, the picture perfect Little Venice with its colourful houses, bars and restaurants on the water’ edge, to the ancient windmills and churches dotted all around the island. With nudist and LGBT friendly beaches and an abundance of boutique shops, swanky bars and eclectic restaurants, Mykonos is known as a party capital and is a holiday destination for a diverse chic and swanky upmarket crowd that is attracted to the island’s stylish nightlife.
Luxury holidays on what is probably the most expensive island in Greece is plentiful and one place where it can be found, close to the hustle and bustle of the nightlife but far enough for seclusion and relaxation away from it, is the Myconian Imperial Resort and Spa on Elia Beach. The hotel refers to itself as a luxury hotel with all the grace and none of the airs – a paradise where barefoot luxuries abound.