Get out of the driver’s seat and explore these Greek islands slowly
1. Hydra
One of the Saronic Islands, Hydra is Greece’s original car-free haven, with all wheeled vehicles – including bikes – banned since the 1950s. Clients can visit the former home of Leonard Cohen or see the cliffs where Sophia Loren shot scenes for 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin. The main town has everything needed for a chilled-out break: hotels, historic mansions, museums, tavernas, boutiques and boat-trip operators.
Book it: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hydroussa Hotel near Hydra port starts at £1,527 with Sunvil, based on two sharing. The price includes luggage, transfers and flights on May 14, 2025.
sunvil.co.uk
2. Agistri
Just over an hour from Athens by hydrofoil, Agistri measures about five square miles, so clients can easily get around by bike, which can be rented at the port.
There are other ways to get moving on Agistri, from swimming in the turquoise inlet at Aponisos to horse riding through pine-lined forest tracks; though if clients simply want to munch on gyros with their feet in the sand, that’s an option too.
Book it: Olympic Holidays offer seven nights’ B&B at the Oasis Beach Hotel & Spa from £828, based on two sharing. The price includes transfers and flights on June 2, 2025.
olympicholidays.com
3. Corfu
Corfu is easy to navigate without a car – buses can take clients everywhere, from the heart-shaped bay at Palaiokastritsa to the boulevards of Corfu Town. Even a villa stay can be a car-free getaway: CV Villas offers a selection of properties in the castle town of Kassiopi, from where there are regular services to Corfu Town.
Book it: Villa Cassia, which sleeps up to eight, starts at £4,731 for a week in June. Byway offers a flight-free journey to Corfu by train and ferry from £2,575 per person in June.
cvvillas.com; byway.travel
4. Astypalaia
The sparsely populated Cycladic isle unveiled an electric vehicle scheme in 2023. The tie-up with Volkswagen includes e-vehicle charging points plus electric cars, bikes and scooters hireable on the astyMOVE app. These options have made it easier to discover Astypalaia’s pebbly coves and cliff-edge chapels.
Book it: Islands of Greece sells an eightnight holiday that combines a night in Athens with seven at the Tholaria Boutique Hotel in Astypalaia. Prices start at £1,059, based on two sharing, including breakfast, transfers and flights departing May 5, 2025.
islandsofgreece.co.uk
5. Folegandros
Steep-sided Folegandros isn’t car free, but the best way to explore its zigzag paths to Mamma Mia-esque chapels is by lacing up hiking boots; there are places accessible only by foot, such as the unspoiled shores of Katergo Beach. New luxury hotel Gundari Folegandros (pictured) offers guided walks, as well as electric bike and car rental.
Book it: Four nights’ B&B in a Standard Suite with Outdoor Private Pool starts at £1,695 with Elegant Resorts, based on two sharing. The price includes UK lounge passes, transfers and flights on May 16, 2025.
elegantresorts.co.uk
PICTURES: Henry Woide; Shutterstock/Motion Loop
