Luxury holidays in Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are a very large group of individual land masses, with some counts putting the total at more than 220 inhabited islands, and potentially 6,000 including uninhabited (and even very small) dry land in the same area. Crete is the largest, Euboea second, Lesbos third and Rhodes fourth, with quite a steep drop-off in size after that; there are also ten islets located very close to the Greek mainland, rather than in one of the larger groups further out in the Aegean or Ionian Sea.

Unmatched coastline on the Greek Islands

Thanks to its unparalleled number of islands, Greece officially has 16,000km of coastline, and about half of this is in the Greek Archipelago. It offers the usual blend of landscapes, from steep rocky cliffs with caves that can be explored from the water, to sandy beaches with dunes and rolling grassy hills behind them. Some of the beaches are strewn with pebbles rather than soft fine sand, while in places the sand takes on a dark colour that hints at its volcanic origin. Coastal activities add to the appeal for tourists, and you can join in the usual pastimes on many of the Greek Islands, from snorkelling to scuba diving, or just swimming in the warm waters by the beach.

Adrift in the Ionian Islands

It is impossible to touch on all of the attractions of this extensive and diverse destination, so here instead is one of the most picturesque: Navagio Beach on the Ionian Island of Zante. This is sometimes called Shipwreck Beach, and sometimes Smuggler's Cove, in honour of the wreck that still stands in the centre of the sand there, and has become something of a pilgrimage point for tourists visiting the island.

When should I visit the Greek Islands?

The islands' reputation as a tourist paradise is well deserved, with low rainfall totals, warm temperatures all year round, and the meltemi - a cooling summer breeze that can take the uncomfortable edge off of the very hottest days of the year. Even over a short distance the microclimates can vary between the coast and the interior of the islands, so if you are spending your time in a particular destination, it is always worth double checking what to expect, along with the short-term weather forecast so that you can pack the appropriate clothing for your break.

What's on offer on a luxury holiday?

Luxury holidays in the Greek Islands are all about taking time out for yourself. If you want to indulge in delectable Greek cuisine, your luxury hotel will make it happen. Go island hopping, swim in clear, blue waters or simply lie back and let your hotel masseuse ease those aching muscles. The Greek Islands are perfect for luxury holidays, and if you want the very best then it's well worth paying a little extra to make your experience all the more memorable. Let the Greek Islands cater to your every need, with attentive yet unobtrusive service that is so important on a luxury holiday. While you may not have a view of lush, rolling hills, you will have azure water and tranquil beaches just moments from your hotel room. What more could you ask for?