Greece – Personal Travel Studio

Greece is somewhere we know exceptionally well, and somewhere we never tire of returning to.

We’ve travelled extensively across mainland Greece and its islands, both for our own holidays and on dedicated work trips where we’ve travelled specifically to experience destinations and spend time inside the hotels and resorts we recommend.

And there really isn’t just one Greece.

There are the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts of Halkidiki, the landscapes and wonderful hotels of Crete, green and elegant Corfu, the iconic whitewashed villages of Santorini and Mykonos and countless smaller islands where life moves at an altogether gentler pace.

Then there are the cities.

Athens brings ancient history into a vibrant modern capital, while Thessaloniki has become one of our favourite Greek city breaks, particularly for its fantastic food and drink scene.

For us, Greece is about finding your version of it.

Our travels in Greece

We’ve probably experienced Greece in more different ways than almost anywhere else in Europe.

There have been straightforward beach holidays, city breaks, island hopping and luxury resort stays, alongside work trips where we’ve travelled between hotels specifically to understand the differences between them.

We’ve spent time in Crete, Corfu and Halkidiki, explored Athens and Thessaloniki and travelled through the islands, including Santorini and Mykonos.

Those work trips are particularly useful.

A website can tell you whether a hotel has a pool, how many restaurants it has and what category the rooms are.

Actually staying there, walking around the resort, seeing the beach, understanding the atmosphere and comparing it with another property down the road tells you something completely different.

And Greece has some exceptional hotels.

That experience helps us ask more useful questions when choosing where you should stay. You might value an easy walk into town, a quieter beach or enough space for different generations to enjoy the same holiday.

We would consider those details alongside your travel dates and the time you have available. Knowing how places differ helps us suggest a holiday that suits you, whether that means returning to a familiar favourite or trying somewhere new.

Why we love Greece

Why do you keep returning to Greece? Because we’re still discovering it.

We can stay in a beautiful five-star resort one trip, explore a city the next and then find a smaller island or corner of the mainland that feels completely different again.

Add wonderful food, warm hospitality, extraordinary history and that unmistakable blue sea, and Greece is somewhere we never need much persuading to return to.

We also like the way a Greek holiday can be shaped around just a few priorities. A comfortable hotel and a nearby village may be enough for one trip, while another can bring together a city and time beside the sea.

The choice of where to stay makes those simple pleasures easier to enjoy. Being able to head out for dinner or spend a quiet afternoon at the hotel can matter more than adding another excursion.

For us, the variety keeps Greece interesting, while the best holidays give each place enough time. We would leave room for the restaurant you want to return to, the beach you discover and the days when you would rather do very little.

Our Greece picks

These six choices bring together some of our favourite resort areas, islands and city stays. We would use them as starting points, matching the location and hotel to the holiday you want rather than trying to include everything in one journey.

Halkidiki

Halkidiki remains one of our favourite areas for a Greek resort holiday.

The three peninsulas stretch into the Aegean, creating a coastline of beautiful beaches, clear water, pine-covered landscapes and some outstanding hotels.

It’s particularly strong at the luxury end.

The Ikos resorts have become incredibly popular with our clients and are a great choice when you want a high-quality resort experience where so much is included.

But one of the places we particularly love is Eagles Palace and Eagles Villas at Ouranoupoli.

We’ve stayed here ourselves and know the resort well. The setting is wonderful, overlooking the sea close to Mount Athos, and Eagles Villas offers a particularly appealing option if you want more space, privacy and your own pool while retaining access to the facilities of a larger luxury resort.

It’s the sort of place where you can genuinely switch off.

Halkidiki can also combine beautifully with Thessaloniki, turning a simple fly-and-flop holiday into something much more interesting.

We would choose the property around how you want to spend the day, considering the atmosphere and setting alongside the room. Time to enjoy the resort matters just as much as its facilities.

Halkidiki

Halkidiki remains one of our favourite areas for a Greek resort holiday.

The three peninsulas stretch into the Aegean, creating a coastline of beautiful beaches, clear water, pine-covered landscapes and some outstanding hotels.

It’s particularly strong at the luxury end.

The Ikos resorts have become incredibly popular with our clients and are a great choice when you want a high-quality resort experience where so much is included.

But one of the places we particularly love is Eagles Palace and Eagles Villas at Ouranoupoli.

It’s the sort of place where you can genuinely switch off.

Halkidiki can also combine beautifully with Thessaloniki, turning a simple fly-and-flop holiday into something much more interesting.

We would choose the property around how you want to spend the day, considering the atmosphere and setting alongside the room. Time to enjoy the resort matters just as much as its facilities.

Crete

Crete deserves much more than being treated as simply another Greek island.

It’s large, varied and has an exceptional choice of hotels and resorts.

We’ve travelled around the island extensively, including dedicated work trips visiting and staying at properties so we can understand not only the hotels themselves but how the different areas compare.

Elounda remains one of Greece’s great luxury destinations.

The coastline and views are beautiful, and the area has a concentration of excellent hotels that makes it particularly appealing when the quality of the resort is a major part of the holiday.

We’ve spent time experiencing properties around Elounda including Domes and Elounda Beach resorts, alongside some of the area's established luxury hotels.

Elsewhere in Crete, Nana Princess has been a particular standout for us, with impressive suites and villas and access to the wider facilities of its sister resorts, including Nana Royal.

Crete also gives you plenty of reasons to leave the hotel.

There are towns and villages, mountain landscapes, historic sites, wonderful food and plenty of coastline to explore.

You can make Crete as relaxing or as active as you want.

We would choose the area carefully, allowing for the distances between places when planning days out.

Crete

Crete deserves much more than being treated as simply another Greek island.

It’s large, varied and has an exceptional choice of hotels and resorts.

Elounda remains one of Greece’s great luxury destinations.

The coastline and views are beautiful, and the area has a concentration of excellent hotels that makes it particularly appealing when the quality of the resort is a major part of the holiday.

We’ve spent time experiencing properties around Elounda including Domes and Elounda Beach resorts, alongside some of the area's established luxury hotels.

Elsewhere in Crete, Nana Princess has been a particular standout for us, with impressive suites and villas and access to the wider facilities of its sister resorts, including Nana Royal.

Crete also gives you plenty of reasons to leave the hotel.

There are towns and villages, mountain landscapes, historic sites, wonderful food and plenty of coastline to explore.

You can make Crete as relaxing or as active as you want.

We would choose the area carefully, allowing for the distances between places when planning days out.

Corfu

Corfu has another personality entirely.

It’s wonderfully green, with beautiful bays, villages, elegant architecture and some excellent hotels.

It can work brilliantly for families, couples and multi-generational trips because there’s such a wide choice of accommodation, from larger luxury resorts to smaller boutique properties and villas.

Corfu Town also adds something special.

Its architecture, narrow streets, restaurants and historic character mean you can introduce a little culture and sightseeing without turning a beach holiday into a touring itinerary.

It’s one of those Greek islands that clients return to again and again, and we completely understand why.

We would think about the setting as carefully as the hotel itself. A quieter bay may suit a holiday spent mainly by the water, while a base with easier access to town can work well if you enjoy heading out regularly.

For families travelling together, the room arrangements and choice of places to eat deserve particular attention. Everyone should have enough space and a comfortable way to enjoy the day.

Leave time for exploring without feeling obliged to drive around the whole island. A few favourite places can give the holiday its own rhythm, with plenty of opportunity to return to the hotel and relax.

Corfu

Corfu has another personality entirely.

It’s wonderfully green, with beautiful bays, villages, elegant architecture and some excellent hotels.

It can work brilliantly for families, couples and multi-generational trips because there’s such a wide choice of accommodation, from larger luxury resorts to smaller boutique properties and villas.

Corfu Town also adds something special.

Its architecture, narrow streets, restaurants and historic character mean you can introduce a little culture and sightseeing without turning a beach holiday into a touring itinerary.

It’s one of those Greek islands that clients return to again and again, and we completely understand why.

For families travelling together, the room arrangements and choice of places to eat deserve particular attention. Everyone should have enough space and a comfortable way to enjoy the day.

Santorini, Mykonos and the smaller islands

Then there’s the Greece everybody recognises from the photographs.

Santorini is dramatic, romantic and unmistakable, with its caldera views and whitewashed villages.

Mykonos has a completely different energy, mixing beautiful Cycladic architecture and beaches with restaurants, bars and a much livelier social scene.

Rather than necessarily spending your entire holiday on one of them, they can work beautifully as part of an island-hopping journey.

And you don’t have to stop with the famous names.

Islands such as Paros, Naxos and Milos can introduce a very different side of the Cyclades, while over in the Ionian islands Kefalonia offers beautiful scenery, beaches and a more relaxed pace.

Some of Greece’s smaller islands are particularly good for boutique hotels and more intimate experiences, with quieter beaches, little harbours and a rhythm of life that encourages you to slow down.

Sometimes the less obvious island is exactly the right one.

We would begin with the pace and atmosphere you prefer, then look at connections between suitable islands. A shorter route with longer stays often works better than frequent ferry journeys. Give yourself time to settle in, explore and enjoy each place before packing again.

Santorini, Mykonos and the smaller islands

Then there’s the Greece everybody recognises from the photographs.

Santorini is dramatic, romantic and unmistakable, with its caldera views and whitewashed villages.

Mykonos has a completely different energy, mixing beautiful Cycladic architecture and beaches with restaurants, bars and a much livelier social scene.

Rather than necessarily spending your entire holiday on one of them, they can work beautifully as part of an island-hopping journey.

And you don’t have to stop with the famous names.

Islands such as Paros, Naxos and Milos can introduce a very different side of the Cyclades, while over in the Ionian islands Kefalonia offers beautiful scenery, beaches and a more relaxed pace.

Sometimes the less obvious island is exactly the right one.

Rhodes and the Dodecanese

Rhodes adds yet another option.

It has the beaches and resort hotels you might expect from a popular Greek island, but there’s also a huge amount of history and character, particularly around its remarkable medieval old town.

That makes it a good choice when you want a straightforward sunshine holiday without spending the entire week inside the resort.

Rhodes can also provide a starting point for discovering some of the smaller Dodecanese islands, creating another option for clients who have already experienced some of Greece’s better-known island combinations.

We would choose the hotel according to how you want to balance resort time with exploring. Being able to reach the places that interest you comfortably makes a difference, particularly when you want to go out in the evening.

Give the old town proper time rather than adding a hurried stop between transfers. Its streets and setting are part of the reason to choose Rhodes, and a slower visit leaves space to appreciate them.

If another island appeals, we would check the connections and whether the move adds enough variety to justify the journey. For a week, one well chosen base may be the most enjoyable option.

Rhodes and the Dodecanese

Rhodes adds yet another option.

It has the beaches and resort hotels you might expect from a popular Greek island, but there’s also a huge amount of history and character, particularly around its remarkable medieval old town.

That makes it a good choice when you want a straightforward sunshine holiday without spending the entire week inside the resort.

Give the old town proper time rather than adding a hurried stop between transfers. Its streets and setting are part of the reason to choose Rhodes, and a slower visit leaves space to appreciate them.

If another island appeals, we would check the connections and whether the move adds enough variety to justify the journey. For a week, one well chosen base may be the most enjoyable option.

Athens and the Athens Riviera

Athens is far more than somewhere to fly into on the way to an island.

We love it for a proper city break.

There is, of course, extraordinary history. Seeing the Acropolis rising above the city is one of those sights that never really loses its impact.

But modern Athens is just as important to the experience.

There are lively neighbourhoods, rooftop bars, fantastic restaurants and plenty happening after the archaeological sites close for the day.

And you don't necessarily need to board a ferry to add some time beside the sea.

The Athens Riviera stretches south from the city and can provide a completely different ending to an Athens break, with coastal hotels, beaches, restaurants and resorts within relatively easy reach of the capital.

Athens can therefore work as a standalone weekend, at the beginning or end of an island holiday, combined with its own coastline or as the starting point for exploring mainland Greece.

We’d always rather give it a couple of nights than simply drive past it from the airport.

We would consider the location of each hotel alongside the transfers, so the change from city exploring to coastal relaxation feels straightforward and leaves enough time for both parts.

Athens and the Athens Riviera

Athens is far more than somewhere to fly into on the way to an island.

We love it for a proper city break.

There is, of course, extraordinary history. Seeing the Acropolis rising above the city is one of those sights that never really loses its impact.

But modern Athens is just as important to the experience.

There are lively neighbourhoods, rooftop bars, fantastic restaurants and plenty happening after the archaeological sites close for the day.

And you don't necessarily need to board a ferry to add some time beside the sea.

Athens can therefore work as a standalone weekend, at the beginning or end of an island holiday, combined with its own coastline or as the starting point for exploring mainland Greece.

We’d always rather give it a couple of nights than simply drive past it from the airport.

We would consider the location of each hotel alongside the transfers, so the change from city exploring to coastal relaxation feels straightforward and leaves enough time for both parts.

Things to do in Greece

Thessaloniki

We love Thessaloniki.

It doesn’t necessarily have the instant recognition of Athens, but that is partly what makes it so enjoyable.

There’s history everywhere, but Thessaloniki also feels young, lively and wonderfully sociable.

For us, one of its greatest attractions is the food and drink scene.

Restaurants, bars, cafés and places to stop for something delicious seem to be everywhere. Rather than racing around ticking off sights, Thessaloniki is a city where we’re equally happy simply walking, eating and seeing where the day takes us.

A couple of nights here before heading into Halkidiki works brilliantly.

City first. Beach afterwards.

That’s our kind of combination.

Leave room to discover a favourite café and enjoy another slow morning before continuing towards the coast.

The Peloponnese and mainland Greece

Greece's mainland deserves more attention too.

Beyond Athens, the Peloponnese offers ancient sites, mountains, countryside, traditional towns and a beautiful coastline, alongside some exceptional places to stay.

It's particularly interesting if you enjoy exploring independently.

Rather than flying in and heading immediately for an island, you can hire a car and create a journey through a much more rural and historic side of Greece, combining sightseeing with quieter stretches of coast.

For repeat visitors who already know the Greek islands, it can provide a completely different way of experiencing the country.

We would choose a manageable route with time at each stop, so the driving supports the holiday rather than taking over the days you hoped to spend exploring.

Explore the Acropolis and the streets of Athens

The Acropolis gives an Athens stay a memorable focus, but the experience need not finish when you leave the ancient site. Allow time for the surrounding streets and the everyday life of the city as well.

We would plan the visit around the weather and your interests, choosing a guide if you would enjoy more context. Keep the rest of the day manageable rather than trying to cover every major sight at once.

A relaxed lunch and an evening exploring a different neighbourhood can provide a satisfying balance. With a few nights in the city, there is less pressure to rush and more opportunity to enjoy the Athens you encounter between the famous landmarks and busy streets.

Spend time in Corfu Town

Corfu Town adds a different dimension to an island holiday, with historic architecture and narrow streets that invite you to explore on foot. It is somewhere to give a little time, even when relaxation is the main reason for your trip.

We would leave room to wander, stop for a drink and enjoy a meal rather than build the outing around a long list of sights. If history is a particular interest, a guide can help bring the town's different influences into focus.

Consider the journey from your accommodation when deciding whether to visit during the day or stay into the evening. An unhurried outing can fit comfortably between quieter days at your hotel without making the week feel overfilled.

Discover the islands at a slower pace

Island hopping is most enjoyable when the travelling leaves enough time to appreciate the places you have chosen. A few nights in each location lets you move beyond the arrival day and find a rhythm of your own.

We would choose islands for the contrast they offer and the connections that make sense for your dates. A dramatic setting might be followed by somewhere quieter, with time to explore a harbour, enjoy the beach and return to a favourite restaurant.

Avoid treating ferry days as full sightseeing days. Leaving some breathing room around each move helps the holiday feel relaxed, while a shorter list of islands can give you more of the experience you came to enjoy.

Make a leisurely meal part of the day

Food is one of the pleasures we return to Greece for, whether the setting is a city street, an island harbour or a village away from the coast. A good meal can become the focus of the day rather than something fitted between activities.

We would leave room for places you discover along the way and opportunities to try the dishes that interest you. Ask what is available, take your time and enjoy the setting as much as the menu.

A relaxed lunch can follow a morning exploring, while an evening out provides a change from dining at the hotel. There is no need for an elaborate occasion: the meals you remember often begin with very simple plans.

Greece FAQs

When is the best time to visit Greece?

For us, one of the loveliest things about Greece is its long season.

The summer months are naturally the busiest and hottest, but May, June, September and early October can be wonderful times to travel, particularly if you want warm weather with a slightly gentler atmosphere.

The exact season varies by destination and hotel, especially towards the beginning and end of summer.

For Athens and Thessaloniki, travelling outside the height of summer can also make exploring the cities much more comfortable.

Which Greek island should I choose?

There isn’t one answer. Crete gives you enormous variety and exceptional resorts, Corfu is green and elegant, Santorini brings the drama and romance, Rhodes combines beaches with history, while smaller islands can provide a much quieter boutique experience. It depends entirely on the holiday you want.

Is Halkidiki good for a luxury holiday?

Very much so. It has some exceptional resorts. We know properties including Ikos and Eagles Palace & Villas personally, and Halkidiki is somewhere we regularly return to ourselves.

Is Crete good for couples and luxury holidays?

Absolutely. Crete has some outstanding five-star properties, particularly around Elounda, as well as resorts such as Nana Princess. It also gives you enough outside the hotel to make a longer stay interesting.

Should I visit Athens as part of an island holiday?

If your routing allows it, yes. Two or three nights in Athens before heading to the islands gives you history, food and city life before changing the pace completely. Alternatively, combine Athens with its Riviera or head into the Peloponnese rather than taking a ferry at all.

Is Greece good for island hopping?

It’s one of the great pleasures of travelling there. Santorini and Mykonos are an obvious pairing, but we'd also look at islands such as Paros, Naxos and Milos and create a combination based on ferry connections and the style of experience you want.

What if I've already visited the best-known Greek islands?

That's when Greece becomes particularly interesting. Look beyond the obvious names towards smaller Cycladic and Ionian islands, the Dodecanese or even forget the islands altogether and explore the Peloponnese and mainland.

Is Greece suitable for families?

Extremely. There are excellent family resorts, villas and all-inclusive options, particularly in Crete, Corfu and Halkidiki. The important thing is matching the resort to the ages of the children and how you actually want to spend your days.

Where would you recommend for a Greek city break?

Athens for the extraordinary history and the buzz of a major capital.

But don’t overlook Thessaloniki.

We love its energy, food, bars and atmosphere, and combining a couple of nights there with Halkidiki gives you one of our favourite Greek city-and-beach combinations.