Janine Kelso uncovers the best places in the Greek islands for clubbing, romance, families and escapism
The Greek islands offer everything from romantic seclusion to huge family-friendly resorts, so there will be something to suit even the fussiest of clients.
Here’s a round-up of the top islands and what they have to offer.
For nightlife
Mykonos
Cosmopolitan and gay friendly, Mykonos is often hailed as one of the Mediterranean’s top clubbing destinations, alongside Ibiza and Ayia Napa.
Its beach bars and palatial clubs attract star DJs that draw the crowds until the early morning and beyond. It’s also popular with young couples who come here for weddings and honeymoons.
Zante
Zante is a tourist honey pot. Over-developed Laganas leads the way with its jumping clubs, but there are a few peaceful fishing villages on the island if your client prefers a quieter holiday.
For culture
Rhodes
The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is blessed with an ancient charm and a treasure trove of cultural attractions. Medieval Rhodes Town is a huge museum, with numerous castles and historical sights.
Thanks to its 300 days of sunshine a year, Rhodes attracts more visitors per year than any other Greek island.
For romance
Santorini
Popular with honeymooners or as an idyllic wedding setting, Santorini is famed for its spectacular volcanic landscape that blends soaring cliffs with red sandy beaches. Couple this with steamy sunsets and sun-kissed beaches and you’ve got an island that oozes romance.
Skopelos and Skiathos
These neighbouring islands were put firmly on the map thanks to hit musical film Mamma Mia! The movie, starring Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep, was mainly shot in Skopelos, although some scenes were filmed in Skiathos.
The verdant hills of scenic Skopelos are dotted with olives and pines, while its pretty coastline is lined with quaint tavernas.
Skiathos is livelier, with a range of water sports available on its crowded beaches and a vibrant nightlife in Skiathos Town. Its north coast and rural interior are quieter.
Kefalonia
Couples have flocked to Kefalonia since love simmered between Italian soldier Nicolas Cage and local girl Penelope Cruz in the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, filmed on the island.
The best resorts are in the southwest at Lassi, or in Skala in the southeast. Hire a car to see the views from the forest-clad mountains.
For family holidays
Corfu
A favourite with Brits, this island is closest to the UK at only three hours’ flying time. Mainly attracting the bucket-and-spade brigade who want cheap package deals, holidaymakers flock to this island for its family-friendly beach resorts.
One of these includes Canal D’Amoput, a tiny creek full of sandstone coves, each with pools of shallow warm water and its own sandy beach.
Nearby Roda also has shallow bays, while Dassia has a wide choice of water sports including waterskiing, pedaloes, windsurfing and parascending.
If your clients want to get off the beaten track, head to the mountainous north or the unspoilt centre and south part of the island.
Crete
The setting for 1960s movie Zorba the Greek, Crete has a diverse landscape punctuated by mountains, meadows, and endless beaches.
Mass tourism has left its mark on eastern Crete, but fans of noisy bars serving up cheap booze will love it.
To escape the crowds, advise clients to head to the west coast or to the interior, which is teeming with historical treasures and great scenery.
For escapism
Paxos
This tiny island provides an escape from the crowds, with its relaxing fishing villages, coves and olive groves. It’s only accessible via ferry from surrounding islands or the mainland.
Alonissos
Escapists seeking peace and tranquillity should head to this slow- paced island for its empty beaches and unblemished scenery.
Ithaca
Like Paxos, there is no airport on this sleepy island, which helps keep the crowds away. The best resorts can be found in the north where there are also some pretty walking trails, while visitors will find hilly green farmland to the east.
Sample product
- Olympic Holidays offers seven nights’ self-catering at the Alexander Beach Hotel in Corfu from £189, including flights and transfers. Tel: 0800 093 33228
- Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights at the five-star Ixian Grand in Rhodes, from £620 per person, including flights and transfers. Tel: 0800 008 72888
- Cadogan Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at On the Rocks in Santorini from £1,052 per person, including flights and transfers. Tel: 0845 615 67938
