Welcoming, comfortable loungers are alongside the pool with jacuzzi at one end. Whether you prefer sun or shade, there was plenty of options over where to sit. Chris was told they would be bringing in DJ's to play chilled out music next to the pool area so that hotel residents can get a real experience, rather than just a hotel stay.

It was clear from the rooms that a lot of thought had gone into the hotel. As you enter the room on the left hand side, there is a large space for hanging clothes along with an equally large vanity unit with towels etc. The toilet and walk in shower are opposite this.

The bed was super comfortable with a thoughtful side table and chair also in the room. A really nice touch was the record player which you can get records from the main lobby area to listen to. The small balcony with two chairs which either overlooks the ground floor pool area or the front entry to the hotel.

Whilst Chris was not able to get the full eating experience at the hotel as it had not yet fully opened, the chef had prepared an extensive choice for breakfast which was excellent and the plans for the restaurant and coffee shop were explained.

The staff at the hotel were second to none with no request being too much. Happy to strike up conversations all the way from the General Manager to the bar and lobby staff, it was a pleasure to see people proud of what they have done.

All in all this will be an excellent addition to the very up and coming Glyfada/Hellenikon scene and makes an ideal option either instead of a couple of days in the centre of Athens (which is still only 20-25 minutes away by taxi or public transport) at the end of your holiday or for a relaxing city/beach break with the beach clubs of the Athenian Riviera close by.

Chris will definitely be making a return to this hotel.

For further information please contact enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or call 0115 654 7795

A beautiful region in northern Greece characterized by its 3 peninsulas, often referred to as the ‘fingers’ or ‘claws’, Halkidiki has a wealth of wonderful things to see and do. Each of Halkidiki's peninsulas is different and offers a unique experience which means you can feel the real Greece in every step you take.  In this article we’ll take you through some of our favourites to make the most of your trip to Halkidiki.

How to get there
Halkidiki doesn’t have an airport or any ferry ports. To get there you have to fly into Thessaloniki. From there it is only a 40 minute drive to the top of the Kassandra peninsula which is the nearest and most westerly. To Sithonia (the central one) and to Aristotelis (the eastern one) it is around 2 hours. You can fly into Thessaloniki directly from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted and Newcastle. 

Things To Do

1 – Visit Ammouliani
Ammouliani is a small island located just off the coast the Aristotelis peninsula, between it and Sithonia. Meaning ‘fine sand’, the beaches on Ammouliani definitely live up to the name. The island has some of the best beaches in Halkidiki. You can even rent a boat or join a tour discovering the little inlets and coves across the island as well as spending time on the even smaller island of Drenia just south of Ammouliani. Along with the beaches the island is made up of low, rolling hills dotted with olive trees and houses. The port town is also named Ammounliani and is home to the local museum of folklore as well as the church of Agios Nikiolaos. The streets are full of tavernas and when there you have to try the fish and other seafood, all of which is caught freshly. 

2 – Go Sea Kayaking
As the waters surrounding the peninsulas are crystal clear it provides the perfect environment for water sports and it is one of the most popular things for people of all ages to do in the area. The SCUBA diving and snorkelling are great, however as both relaxing and a great way to see the area from a different perspective, Sea kayaking is the best of the water sports on offer. Fun if you’re on your own, with a group of friends or as a family, there are many sizes of kayak to accommodate you. Most beaches have ample facilities and you can even join guided tours which will take you around some of the best spots nearby and accommodates all abilities, the best of which is the tour of Diaporos. 

3 – Visit Mount Athos
Commonly known as the Holy Mountain – Mount Athos is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world. Everywhere you go in the area you will see monasteries, cells, hermitages and plenty of monuments, in fact it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself. Some of the monasteries of Mount Athos are over 1000 years old. However, only men are able to permitted to see these monasteries up close and non-orthodox visitors are limited to 10 a day and you must apply for a permit. The best way to see them then is by boat and boat cruises depart daily from either Ouranoupoli on the eastern coast of Aristotelis or from Ormos Panagias on Sithonia.  

4 – See the Ruin of Ancient Stagira
Located away from the peninsulas in the northeast coast of Halkidiki is Ancient Stagira. Known as the birthplace of Aristotle, it was founded in c.655 BC and much of the foundations of the city still stand today, along with the walls of the classical city. At the site you can see the aforementioned well preserved city walls, the Agora as well as parts of a temple and some houses and the acropolis. A great attraction of Stagira is that you can see the development of different building styles as they progress and have been rebuilt. There are also remnants of Byzantine buildings at the site. 

5 – Relax on the Beaches
Halkidiki boasts a coastline of 550km full of loads of beautiful sandy beaches from larger, better serviced ones to ones that are small and secluded.  If you’re looking for a larger beach check out Pefkohori, a quaint little village on Kassandra made up of whitewashed houses, its beach hosts a number of activities and facilities. Numerous watersports are available  such as SCUBA diving, you can also lie on a sun lounger or sit in the shade of an umbrella at one of its many beach bars. Kavourotrypes beach has a bit of a different feel, surrounded by luscious greenery this beach is located between Armenistis and Platanitsi beaches in Sithonia. A white sandy beach amongst sporadic rocks its waters beautiful clear.  

We hope this has helped give you some ideas about what to see and do when you’re in Halkidiki to experience the real Greece. If you’re looking to go to Greece don’t hesitate to contact us on 01157843388, email enquiries@ct4ntravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking at and we’ll be in touch.  Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Halkidiki, where was your favourite place or thing to do or anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media

This week's article is focused on the rugged but naturally beautiful island of Folegandros. Part of the Cyclades Island Group, Folegandros is located in the south of the island's circular shape. Only 8 miles long and 3 miles wide, it is one of the smaller islands yet it is known as an island of peace, for it’s tranquil way of life those who live on the island experience. So here at The Greek Specialist we’ve put together some of the best places to go and things to do on the island so that you make the most of your trip or think of putting it on your holiday list.

​The port of the island, Karavostasi is a low key resort with the typically Cycladic accommodation of whitewashed houses with blue shutters covered in bougainvillea. It lies on a beach and it’s beautiful blue waters stretch out into the Aegean, it’s also a great place to sit and watch the ferries come in. These ferries operate on the western Cyclades route which you can get from the nearby islands of Santorini and Milos or from Athens Piraeus port. There are a few boutique properties, accommodation and a 5 star hotel here along with a smaterring of tavernas and a bakery not to mention car rentals and other amenities. 

Looking down over Chora and out across to the Aegean, the Church of Panagia provides some of the best views on the island. This Greek Orthodox church is one of the island’s most famous spots and it’s easy to see why. The zigzagging path up to it takes the steepness out of the hill and when you get to the top the view is spectacular at anytime of the day, especially sunset. Little is known about the church itself apart from that it was reconstructed in the 19th century and was possibly built on top of the remnants of an ancient marble temple. It has a tall and very impressive bell tower just next to the church.

Chora, which means town in Greek and you will find this the name of many main towns on the Greek islands, is the largest settlement on Folegandros. Perched high on a cliff, there has been a settlement on the site of Chora since ancient times and the modern town is full of many winding roads and beautiful whitewashed buildings. The town itself is closed to motor traffic which makes it perfect for wandering around sampling many of the tavernas, bars and shops. Most of the accommodation on the island is in Chora and ranges from larger hotels to small boutique ones. ​

Kastro is the oldest part of Chora and was originally built in the Medieval period as a castle to protect the town from pirates. Later the walls of the castle were used to create tightly packed Cycladic houses that are still there to this day. These very thin winding alleys are the most picturesque part of Chora and are very instagram worthy.
 
We hope that this has helped give you a bit more of idea about what you can do on Folegandros whether you’re just there for a short period or an extended stay. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 of the Greek islands and mainland destinations. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands get in touch on 0115 784 3388 or email enquiries@ct4ntravel.co.uk. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Folegandros, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media

Patmos is most well known for being the place where the vision came to, and the Book of Revelations was written by St John the Divine. This means it is popular with Christian tourists but we’re here to make the case for it to be on more people’s radar. Throughout this article we’re going to show you what Patmos has to offer and more information about it to help you see why you should visit. 

​Chora is the most immediately recognisable place on the island. High on a hill overlooking Skala, the Monastery of St John dominates the rest of Chora and draws all eyes to it. Looking more like a fortress than a monastery, the interior does look more religious. It is built on the site of an ancient temple. This is the most visited site on the island. Sticking with the religious sites, the Cave of Apocalypse, also in Chora is the site where St John the Divine penned the Book of Revelations. A monastery has been built around it. 

​Outside of the religious sites, Chora is an excellently preserved medieval town, looking more Cycladic in style with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. Within these streets you’ll find some wonderful restaurants, flower filled courtyards and shops. It is a lovely place to walk around and, due to its elevated position will offer excellent views of the whole island. 

​The port and the largest settlement on the island, Skala curls around a thin cove on the eastern side of a thin strip of land that connects the two parts of the island. Whereas throughout history most locals used to live purely in Chora, in the last few centuries they have spread throughout the island and Skala especially. As such it has a lot to it, plenty of accommodation and restaurants that makes it the best place to stay on the island. If you’re looking for a day of shopping and leisurely strolling between cafes, tavernas and restaurants than Skala is perfect. 

​Another driver of tourists for Patmos is its unique natural landscape. The islands uneven and rocky landscape produces some wonderful sights and a coastline full of coves and beaches. One such feature is the Rock of Kalikatsou. This uniquely shaped rock with its octopus shape overlooks Petra Beach and inside it is said to have had a tunnel that ran all the way to the Monastery. 

​As mentioned in the above paragraph, Patmos’s unique landscape creates lots of beaches which are great places to relax. Patmos has a mix of sandy and pebbled beaches most of which have very little near them. For convenience there are beaches at Skala, Kampos and Grikos so you can easily have somewhere near to where you’re staying. Grikos is pebbled whilst Skala and Kampos are sandy. Each has some facilities as it near or directly by the village

​If you’re looking for somewhere more isolated check out these beaches. Psili Ammos is one of the best beaches on the island with soft golden sands and beautiful clear waters. With dotted trees for shade and a taverna it is a good spot for a day. You can reach it by car or boat trip or by the very good bus service on the island. Petra beach has amazing water for swimming and provides some great views up to the Monastery. Lefkes Beach is perfectly isolated and can only be reached by car, you can be one of only a few there.

For a day trip or a few hours, you can get a boat over to one of the nearby islands - Agathonisi, Akri or Marathi. All of these have very few inhabitants and some services but are great for beaches to relax on.

​Outside of Chora and Skala there are a number of smaller villages on the island, the main two of these are Grikos and Kampos. The main two spots to visit in these villages are, in keeping with the rest of the island, churches. The Church of Evangelistria in Kampos and the Church of Saint John in Grikos are whitewashed churches with some lovely frescoes. Both villages have some accommodation and a few tavernas so you have more than enough to stay there if you want somewhere quieter and go into Skala or Chora for the day. 

​We hope this has helped you see what Patmos has to offer and why you should consider it as part of a Dodecanese island hop. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01157843388. If you know where you’re looking to book call us, email enquiries@ct4ntravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Patmos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

​Symi is an island in the Dodecanese just 24 miles from Rhodes. This makes it a popular destination for day trippers from the island, but Symi has a lot more to offer for those wanting the stay longer as well and can be a good addition to an island hopping itinerary. We’re also seeing an increase in enquiries for those looking to do the majority of their stay on the island. This is because before and after the day trippers leave, and if you venture further from Symi Town the island takes on a whole new personality. In this blog we’ll take you through why Symi is much more than a day trip island. 

Explore the town
Symi Town is not only the capital and largest settlement on the island, but is also the port of the island. As you are brought in and taken back from Symi Town, many day trippers only visit the town (mostly the Yialos) and depending on how long you are there, you would have to rush to see all of it in one day. The capital has two distinctive sections to it – Chorio (at the top) and Yialos (the bottom). They are linked by 400 steps called Kali Strata. They each have their own tavernas, shops and cafes as well as their own atmosphere. When you enter on the ferry you are immediately taken aback by the beauty of the port area, it looks like something only possible in your imagination. The many beautiful houses and buildings lining the port hint at the islands past as a commercial centre. Another reminder of its past is the Venetian castle which sits overlooking the town. The history of the island can be learned about in the Nautical and Archaeological museums in Symi Town. 

​Discover the beaches
If you’re staying on the island you’re going to need some good beaches to relax on when you aren’t exploring. Don’t worry, Symi has got you covered on that front. The island has some organised beaches, the rest aren’t, with a mixture of sandy and pebble although the majority tend to be pebble. This, however makes them perfect for snorkeling. Some of the best beaches can be found at Nos and Yialos, both of which are near Symi Town. Others further away that are good are Emborio, Pedi, Panormitis and Marathounda. Many of the smaller beaches are best reached by small boat. These beaches are a great way to escape the busy town during the day when the boats arrive from Rhodes.

Hike the trails
Symi has the hikers dream combination of being fairly mountainous and not having a huge number of roads, with the main ones running through the centre. There are a number of trails across the island that can take you to some truly beautiful and secluded spots where you can get away from all of it. Whilst hiking around any of the trails you will likely come across some of the wine presses built long ago. 11 of these presses have been reconstructed and can be found by walking through the forest of Kourkouniotis. Exploring can also take you to the many monasteries and churches on the island

See the monasteries
The most famous of the many religious sites on the island is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. This site which dates back to the 18th century, has ornate paintings across its walls and a number of carved wooden icons. This site can be reached by road or by boat from Symi Town. If you’re around the island on August 15th you should check out the traditional folk festival held at the monastery of Panagia Altheini. You’re in luck again if you’re on the island then as a feast is held at Panagia Myrtariotissa. There are many more monasteries and churches across the island worth checking out, many of them off the main road which runs north to south on the island.

We hope this has helped you see what Symi has to offer and why it is more than just a day trip island from Rhodes. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 0115 6547795. If you know where you’re looking to book call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Symi, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

Parga is a seaside village in the northwest of Greece in the province of Epirus. Known as the prettiest village on the mainland, it is an hour’s drive north from Preveza airport. In this article we’ll give you 5 reasons why Parga is so special, and why you should consider it for your next holiday in Greece.

​Parga is great for those people who want that small and traditional Greek island feel but don’t want to get a ferry. Parga is an hour north of Preveza airport which has lots of connections to UK airports, so it isn’t that difficult to get to. The town’s waterfront is bustling with tavernas with outdoor seating perfectly shaded from the sun whilst you look out at the boats moored up or across the crystal-clear water to the island in the bay. Like many pretty villages across Greece, Parga’s buildings are a beautiful assortment of colours with orange tiled roofs that expand outward from the seafront and climb the slight hill giving it an amphitheatrical feel. This evokes the look of other similarly aesthetic places as Assos on Kefalonia, Symi or Hydra Town or the villages along the Amalfi Coast. 

​The fact that it is on the mainland may worry you that there are not enough beaches, do not worry Parga definitely has you covered. There are three beaches immediately in and around the town, Ai Yannakis  and Piso Krioneri beaches sit in the east, Ai Yannakis is a sandy beach popular for swimming and snorkeling whereas Piso Krioneri is a pebbled beach slightly further out, both are serviced well by nearby tavernas and accommodation. On the western side of the headland is Valtos beach. This shingle beach is protected on both sides by headland and gorgeous blue waters lap at its shores. Providing views of the Venetian Castle, the beach is well served by nearby cafes, tavernas and hotels. There are also others which can be reached either by car or water taxi, the most popular and well known of these is the beach at Saraniko. 

​Many of our customers come to us looking to discover the ‘real’ Greece, by this they are wanting places that are traditionally Greek where you can have an authentic experience that is a bit more off the beaten track. Parga definitely fits within this description. Despite being only an hour from Preveza airport it is often overlooked because it sits on the mainland rather than being an island. Parga’s buildings are very in keeping with those in the region, red clay tiles and light pastel colours. Buildings on the Ionian coast and islands tend to have Italian influences too.

​Despite being on the mainland Parga is within a short ferry trip of Corfu or its more southerly neighbour Paxos. Whether you are staying in either of these two places or in Parga, a short ferry can make a great day trip for those wanting to explore somewhere else. It is nice and straightforward too, with ferries and boat trips running from the jetty in the centre of the town.

​Picture this, you’re sat at a bar on the seafront enjoying a cocktail with the dark night sky illuminated by the dim street lights and the ambient light coming from the bustling tavernas and bars. Does there sound any better way to spend an evening in Greece? Parga can deliver this in spades. Bars and tavernas cling to the seafront that curves from the Venetian Castle on the headland around past the ferry quay and around towards the beach. Look out at the sea and the islands in the bay, on the largest you will find ruins and a small chapel.
 
We hope that this has given you a taste of Parga and opened your eyes to what it has to offer. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 Greek islands and mainland destinations. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0115 784 3388 or email enquiries@ct4ntravel.co.uk. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek holiday needs. If you've been to Parga, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

Greece has 19 international airports that are well connected with those in the UK. This gives UK tourists lots of options to visit the wonders of the country. Corfu is the best connected airport with flights to it from 20 UK airports. This is followed by Rhodes and Zakynthos with 18 and Heraklion (Eastern Crete) with 16. Below we've got a list of destinations that you can fly to from airports up and down the UK so you can see where you can go and decide. 

Aberdeen - Corfu and Rhodes

Belfast - Corfu, Zakynthos, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes

Birmingham - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kalamata, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Chania (Western Crete), Kavala, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes. 

Bournemouth - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Heraklion and Rhodes

Bristol - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Chania, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes 

Cardiff - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes

East Midlands - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Chania, Skiathos, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes. 

Edinburgh - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes.

Exeter - Corfu, Zakynthos, Heraklion and Rhodes.

Glasgow - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Chania, Heraklion (Eastern Crete), Kos and Rhodes.

Leeds Bradford - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Chania (Western Crete), Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes. 

Liverpool - Corfu, Heraklion and Kos.

London City - Skiathos and Mykonos

London Gatwick - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Kalamata, Volos, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Chania, Kavala, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Samos, Kos and Rhodes. 

London Heathrow - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Kalamata, Thessaloniki, Athens, Chania (Western Crete), Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Kos and Rhodes. 

London Luton - Corfu, Zakynthos, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion (Eastern Crete), Kos and Rhodes. 

London Stansted - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Kalamata, Chania, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Lesvos, Kos and Rhodes. 

Manchester - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, Kalamata, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Chania, Kavala, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Lesvos, Kos and Rhodes. 

​Newcastle - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Chania (Western Crete), Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Athens, Santorini, Heraklion (Eastern Crete), Kos and Rhodes.

Norwich - Corfu, Heraklion and Rhodes. 

Teesside - Corfu

As you can see there are lots of options for UK travellers. Importantly though, many of the hidden gems of Greece can only be reached by ferry. Here at The Greek Specialist we feature over 80 islands and mainland destinations which feature some of the best of what Greece has to offer. These 19 destinations with airports are good as starting points from which to explore nearby places. 

If you’re wanting to book a holiday to Greece, call us on 01156547795, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media for inspiration of where to go in Greece, click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Island group and definitely one of the most beautiful. Like all the others in the group, it is very green and lush forests cover much of the island. As an island with an international airport, it is easy to get to and has lots of facilities for tourists. With lots of villages and towns up and down the island, it can be difficult to decide where to stay, this is where we come in. When you enquire with us, we can go through everything in more personal detail but here is a more general overview of the main places.  

​Located on the western coast and backing onto the island’s capital Argostolion, Lassi has everything you could need, at your fingertips. With lots of choices of accommodation and a variety of restaurants, it can cater perfectly to what you’re looking for. There are also a number of beaches very close, the two nearest are Gradakia and Paliostafida beaches. Being near to Argostolion, you have easy access to plenty of things to see such as the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore and the Memorial of Acqui Division. Lassi’s excellent location also includes being only a 10 minute drive from the airport

​Sitting on the southern tip of the island, Scala also caters excellently for tourists with plenty of accommodation and lots of tavernas. It sits next to a lovely beach that is a mix of pebbles and sand. Skala is easily connected to Argostolion by the bus which makes it easy to get around if you don’t have a car. Sitting right next to the beach and the village is a Roman Villa. This popular historical site dates back to the 3rd century and has a lovely mosaic on the floor. 

​Assos is a picturesque village in the north of the island that straddles a small outcrop connected by a thin strip of land to the rest of the island. A much more traditional looking village than others on the island, there are a few hotels here and a number of apartments which offer views across the village and out to sea. It has a small pebbled beach which sits directly next to the buildings and with some waterfront tavernas. On the rocky outcrop sits the Venetian Castle of Assos, this large and powerful castle used to be one of the biggest and strongest castles on the island.

​Fiscardo is the only village which escaped the great earthquake of 1953 and is very popular with the yachting community. Its cosmopolitan waterfront has tavernas run by famous Greek chefs, pleasant cocktail bars and so many pastel shades of houses you would think an artist had painted it. The village itself sits on the northern tip of the island and looks across the beautiful blue waters at the island of Ithaca. Accomodation here is apartments and villas that a short walk from the village. 

​Spartia has an excellent choice of accommodation with a wide range of properties. It is also only a 15-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of a number of beaches. Whilst Spartia offers an excellent range of accommodation we would recommend renting a car if staying here as there aren’t many places to eat or things to see in the village.

​Located in the south west of the island nearby to Spartia, Trapezaki sits within a cluster of small villages very close together. It along with Moussata, Vlachata and Lourdata have lots of accommodation options for you to choose from and unlike Spartia, there are more restaurants nearby. There are also a number of beaches nearby. Lourdata has a long stretch of golden sandy beach which has plenty of restaurants right next to it, but for a more secluded spot look for Agios Thomas beach.

​Lixouri is located on the western half of the island on the peninsula of Paliki. It is the second largest town on the island and has a long waterfront which looks across at the rest of the island. Because of its size, Lixouri has lots of accommodation and restaurants to choose from. To save yourself the long drive you can get the ferry across to Argostolion to explore more of the island.

​A pretty village on the north of the island, Agia Efirmia sits in a small inlet on the eastern coast and provides those who stay there with gorgeous views. Surrounded on both sides by tall hills, its marina is always full of boats. The waterfront is lined with tavernas and bakeries that offer you lovely seafront views whilst you eat. 

​We hope that this has helped give you a bit more of idea about where you can stay on Kefalonia. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 Greek islands and mainland destinations. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01156547795 or email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek holiday needs. If you've been to Kefalonia, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

This week’s Island of the Week is the Argo-Saronic island of Poros. Actually made up of two islands joined by a bridge. Spheria, which was created by volcanic activity, is taken up mostly by Poros Town and is the closest to the Peloponnese (just 200m at its shortest). Kalavria is the far larger of the two islands and is covered in dense pine forest. 
 
How to get there 
Poros doesn’t have a domestic airport and can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, either by high-speed (approx. 1 hour) or slow ferry (approx. 2 ½ hours) run by either Saronic Ferries or Blue Star Ferries . There are several of these ferries a day which stop at the other Saronic islands such as Aegina and Agistri.  

There are many places to see in Poros Town although many of the more popular ones are dotted around on Kalavria. These included all of the more scenic ones. We’ve picked these 5 places for their interest and as they give you a feel of the history and culture of the Poros. 

1 – Monastery Beach 

Located in the south of Kalavria beneath the Zoodohos Pighi Monastery (which is also a must see by the way) this quiet beach has sparkling clear waters which stretch out towards the mainland. With pine forests coming down from the hills and the Monastery overlooking it, you are sure of a beautiful backdrop whilst swimming around or lounging on a sunbed. There are some amenities at the beach and water sports and underwater diving are available there as well. The beach is 5km from Poros town and can be reached by foot, car, bus, taxi or even water taxi from Poros town.   

2 – The Russian Dockyard
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Located on the south west of Kalavria, this building stands as a reminder of the history of the island and of Greece itself. It was built after the end of the Russo-Turkish war by the Russian Navy in the early 19th century to supply its fleet in the Aegean, today however only of the warehouses remain. There is also a sandy beach in the bay adjacent to the dockyard with beautifully blue water and an island you can swim out to that is just out of the bay. The dockyard can be reached by foot but as it is further from Poros Town, car, bus or taxi is probably best. 

3 – The Temple of Poseidon

Right in the centre of Kalavria, stands the Temple of Poseidon. There isn’t much left of the temple these days except the foundations and the bases of some columns. Although that’s not to understate its importance as there is lots of studies and research being conducted about this 6th century BC building at the moment. It was also where the famous ancient orator Demosthenses committed suicide in 322BC. Some remains from the temple can also be found in the Poros Archeological Museum. 
 
4 – The Clocktower

A main feature of Poros Town, the clocktower stands over the ferry port and offers stunning views across the strait to Galatas and up and down much of the Peloponnese coast to all who climb to the top. The tower was built in 1927, the original clock mechanism which was built in 1915 was repaired in 2015 and now can be seen in a display case as you enter the clocktower.  

5- Poros Archeological Museum 

Located in Koryzis Square and looking out to sea, the archaeological museum houses and gives you an insight into the history of the island. The museum displays artefacts excavated on the island as well as from neighbouring sites at Methana and Troezen. Most of the artefacts displayed there range from the Mycenaean to the Roman times. 

Due its many beaches that make safe natural harbours, Poros is perfect for water sports. However, it also boasts many walking trails and beautiful views. Here are our top 5 things to do in Poros
 
1 - Take a water taxi

Starting off with the water theme, Poros can be reached from Galatas by water taxi. These small boats with roofs are also a great way to get to some spots on Kalavria, making it a quicker journey that also provides a very different view than that of the road. 

2 – Visit Love Bay

This pretty pine-shaded cove is one of Poros’ best loved beaches. It’s perfect for chilling as you can sit in the sun or move into a bit of shade whilst visiting any number of the food places and bars in the cove. Further up the road from Megalo Neorio and Mikro Neorio, its around 3.5km from Poros Town so can be got to by any mode of transport.  

​3 – Walk the Anargiron Trail

Starting at either Saint Anargiri Church or near the old windmill in Poros Town, this is one of many trials and walks you can do in Poros. Provided you’ve come prepared, Poros is a place you should explore by foot and this trail gives you some of the most spectacular views on the island. Walking over the spine of the hills which take up most of the south of the smaller Spheria, it gives you panoramic views of the Peloponnesian coastline across to Galatas and on the other side across to Kalavria. You’ll also have an excellent view of Poros Town as you walk down into it. 
 
4 – Go Snorkeling and See The Ruins of an Ancient Sunken City at Vagionia Beach

Up on the northern and much quieter coast of the larger island Kalavria is Vagionia Beach. Vagionia bay once used to be the main port of Poros and by snorkeling you can see the ruins of the ancient city under the water. This along with the fact it is one of the quieter beaches on Poros make it a must go to.
 
5 – Water Ski and Play at Askeli Beach

Askeli Beach is probably the largest and most well known of the beaches on Poros. But this does mean that there’s a lot to do there. The water sports options at Askeli are various and the beautiful blue water only makes it more inviting.
 
We hope that this has helped give you a bit more of idea about what you can do on Poros, whether you’re just there for a short period or an extended stay. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 of the Greek islands. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01156547795 or email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek holiday needs. If you've been to Poros, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media

In recent months we’ve seen an increase in interest and enquiries for Meganisi, so we thought it was a great time to showcase what this great little island has to offer. A small island in the Ionian group, it is filled with luscious greenery, scenic villages and an abundance of beautiful coastline that holds many secluded beaches and the sea caves which the island is known for. In this article we’ll take you through how to get there, where to stay and things to do so that you will have all the information you need to know to decide when to visit this beautiful island. 

How to get there
Meganisi doesn’t have an airport as it is far too small for one. The nearest one is on the mainland at Preveza. Preveza Airport is accessible from a number of UK airports, these are Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. From there you can get a transfer to the town of Nidri on the island of Lefkas. Lefkas is connected by a bridge to the mainland which makes it another great place to visit from Preveza. A good twin centre Ionian island hopping itinerary is Lefkas and Meganisi due to their close proximity and good ferry links. Once at Nidri, you would then get a ferry across to Meganisi. 

Where to stay on Meganisi
There are 3 villages on Meganisi – Spartochori, Vathi and Katomeri. Vathi is the most picturesque village on the island and sits at the end of an inlet with lots of seaside tavernas and cafes to choose from as well as a number of hotels and villas. This idyllic village is the best place to stay on the island. If you’re looking for convenience and gorgeous views then choose Spartochori. This is where the ferry from Lefkas arrives so you can easily walk up to your accommodation. There is only one taxi on the island, so walking is best and only a short distance. The village sits on a hill overlooking the beach and marina and its narrow streets house gorgeous buildings, tavernas and cafes as well as apartments and hotels. Spartochori is also the largest of the three villages.

Finally, Katomeri sits on a hill looking out across the eastern half of the island. There are fewer hotels and tavernas here, but it is still very beautiful place to stay. Wherever you decide to stay on Meganisi, it will provide stunning views, pretty buildings and will be near to everywhere, as you can walk between the three villages in an hour. 

Things to do on Meganisi
The best thing to do on Meganisi is relax. It is a small island so at times it can seem as if you have parts of it to yourself. Popular activities are to explore the coastline by boat, leisurely drifting from beach to beach and exploring the sea caves. Make sure you stop by Papanikolis Sea Cave, a pretty cave which is named after a Greek submarine who used to hide there in World War 2. 

Take a hiking path from Spartochori down to the Chapel of Agios Ioannis, a Greek church dating back to the 15th century. It sits next to a pebbled beach with clear turquoise waters that looks across at Lefkas. There are lots of quiet beaches you can find across the island where you relax and let the world go by. Each surrounded by the lush greenery of the island and next to the beautiful, clear waters of the Ionian Sea. All the beaches on Meganisi are pebbled and mostly unorganized (no sunloungers & umbrellas, little to no facilities nearby), so bear that in mind when deciding if island is for you. Some of the best beaches to try are Pasoumaki, Fanari, Abelaki and Limonari. Many of these can only be reached by foot or boat. The beach with the most facilities nearby is Spillia, which sits next to the port of Spartochori. 

Meganisi could also be done on a day trip from Lefkas, as much of things to do and see are in the north of the island and it is only a 25 minute ferry between the two. There is lots of flexibility as there is up to 6 boats daily in the summer months.

We hope this has given you more information about Meganisi and hopefully you want to visit. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you want to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Meganisi, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

The Peloponnese is the name given to the southern part of the Greek mainland, from the Corinth Canal downwards. This is where Greece shines through – the food is amongst the best in the country, the region's vineyards provide some of the new guard of Greek wines that are winning awards but most importantly the ‘filoxenia’ or hospitality really is visible here. The area has so much to visit as well, such as beautiful beaches and lovely towns, however it is also home to many of Greece’s historical landmarks, especially from the classical period. Unless you want to stay in one place for the majority of your holiday, you will need to rent a car to see many of them and this opens up opportunities. In this article we’ll take you through how to do a 7 day road trip across the Peloponnese, starting and ending at the region's airport of Kalamata, in which you can take in most of the historical landmarks of the area. At The Greek Specialist, we can all the stress out of it and organise the whole thing from flights to accommodation and car hire, it can all be discussed at the time of enquiry.
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How to get there
Kalamata is the airport to fly into for the Peloponnese. You can fly into Kalamata from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Stansted, Bristol and Manchester. For most of these destinations there is only one or two flights a week, giving us our timeframe for a 7 day road trip. Flights into Kalamata for 2023 go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, although most tend to be at a weekend.   

Day 1
After landing in Kalamata, you can either spend the day exploring all the city has to offer and stay the night there or you can drive to Sparta, which takes just over an hour, from which you can then explore the next day. If you’re staying in Kalamata, there’s plenty to explore, whether it be museums or churches such as the Church of Agioi Apostoloi or relaxing on any one of the beaches on the cities coast. If you drive straight to Sparta, there’s many places to get some food whilst you walk around the city and take in the sights and sounds.
 
Day 2
Once you’re in Sparta, the two main historical sites are the remains of Ancient Sparta and Mystras. The archaeological site of the famous ancient Sparta is in the north of the town. Here you can explore the fascinating area and see the sites of the Acropolis, Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia and the theatre amongst others. The sites which remain date back as far as nearly 3000 years ago. Think about the history they have seen, walking through you can imagine what it was like in its heyday. Not far out of the town is Mystras, a Byzantine settlement dating back to the 13th century. Built around a large hill, much of the settlement is still standing and one of the churches hosts a museum holding various items from the city. Not only has this settlement still got many of its original buildings, all of which give a good idea of the importance of the city in the region, but also it has a wonderful panoramic view across the surrounding landscape. 

Possible Addition
From Sparta you can then drive north towards Nafplion, if you want to however, you can detour to Monemvasia. Known as the Gibraltar of the East, Monemvasia’s main town is on the easternmost of the Peloponnese’s southern peninsulas. The castle and part of the town is located on a small outcrop which is attached to the mainland by a 200m long causeway. The settlement dates back to the 6th century AD and is another example of the Byzantine era of the region. Much of the town keeps its original rustic appearance and many of the buildings have been restored to keep up the appearance of the town. It should be visited if you have the time.  

Day 3
If you take a detour to Monemvasia you can go back up and stay in Sparta another night. If you continue onto Nafplion you can stay the night there. Once in the Nafplion area you’re spoilt with what you can do and the sites you can visit. Those that are a must visit are the Fortress of Palamidi in Nafplion and Epidaurus, around a 30/40-minute drive east of Nafplion. The Fortress of Palamidi sits on a hill overlooking Nafplion, this Venetian fortress dominates the surrounding landscape and is intricately built with a number of bastions which when defending could hold out individually without relying on the others. This fortress is well worth exploring in its entirety and gives you excellent views across the surrounding area. The ancient site of Epidaurus contains a stadium and sanctuary but the highlight is the large and impressive theatre. With impressive acoustics and a stunning view across the mountains opposite, this theatre alone makes it worth visiting Epidaurus. Whilst in the Nafplion area, you can go to Argos, the city Perseus saved from the Kraken in the film Clash of the Titans. In Argos there is an ancient theatre and Larissa Castle, a Byzantine-Venetian fortress, amongst other things.   

Possible Additions  
Just north of Argos is a number of archaeological sites, one of which is the site of Ancient Mycenae. This civilization once ruled much of Greece around 1200 B.C. Impressively much of the city remains, the focal point being the Lion Gate, named after the lion sculpture which sits above the gate. The site was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Alongside the lion gate, there are the remains of the great hall which is surrounded by many other smaller buildings which likely functioned as shops and smitheries and other trades required by the settlement. There are also two grave circles at the site, as well as some domed tombs. 

Day 4
Moving on from Nafplion, continue driving north towards Corinth whose canal separates the Peloponnese from the rest of the mainland. Corinth, like Nafplion is full of historical sites and museums. As you drive in from Nafplion sits the site of Ancient Corinth, on its acropolis, Acrocorinth. Some of the buildings here date back to prehistoric times and from around the 4th century B.C. Most of the buildings still visible are from the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods. Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth are the highlight of this area. In the south of Corinth is the site of the ancient city of Isthmia, known in part for the Isthmian Games, one of the Panhellenic Games that also included the Olympics. Isthmia was also famous for its temple to Poseidon, the remains of which can be seen in a museum that also holds finds from the site.  
 
Day 5
On day 5 you can drive round to the north of the Peloponnese and visit the city of Patras. The modern city is the third largest in Greece and the capital of the region. It also has ferry links to Ionian islands such as Kefalonia and Ithaca. In terms of historical sites, Patras is home to the Mycenaean Cemetery of Voudeni as well as Patras Castle. Patras Castle is a site that has been the centre of the city for its entire existence, with the ancient acropolis being home to the first settlement. This was then built on by early Byzantines and subsequently Crusaders and the Venetians.  Alongside these sites, the city's museums tell the history of the area and feature items of various archaeological sites from across the city. 

Day 6
From Patras you can then drive down to Pyrgos the best place to stay near the site of Ancient Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games. Ancient Olympia covers a large area and is full of the ruins of over 70 temples and sanctuaries including those to Zeus and his wife Hera. Alongside its Olympic roots, Olympia was also a spiritual centre which explains the number of religious sites. It is this variety which makes Olympia a must visit. For more insight into the history of the site you can visit the museum which has artefacts relating to the games held there, as well as sculptures and other objects that were found at the site. Whilst there, also visit the stadium where the games were held.  

Day 7
With most flights back from Greece flying in the evening it gives you plenty of time to make the hour and a half drive from Pyrgos to Kalamata and be in time for your flight. If you have time, take a detour to Methoni, which has one of the best preserved fortresses on the Peloponnese. It can be found on a small outcrop in the western most of the peninsulas. Inside there are some ruins and buildings as well as some Turkish baths.

As you can see the Peloponnese is home to many historical sites and we could only fit the main ones into this proposed road trip. If you want to see more, make sure to do some further research. Alternatively if you want to spend more time or take it at a slower pace, then you could simply explore just the western or eastern half, rather than trying to cover it all in 7 days. There are a number of main roads which run across the middle, mainly through Tripoli which allows you to adjust your sightseeing accordingly.

We hope this has given you an idea of how you could see some of what the Peloponnese has to offer. The area has much more to it than historical sites and we can help you find places to relax or explore another side the region. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to the Peloponnese, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

Santorini is an island in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades island group. It is very popular with tourists and is one of the most recognisable islands in all of Greece, known for its whitewashed buildings that climb the caldera side of the island. If you’ve decided you want to go to Santorini, you probably know where you want to stay (if not or either way we can help, just click here to fill in our enquiry form), but when is the best time to go? You probably want to know what Santorini’s weather is like and how busy it is going to be to help you decide. In this article we’ll talk you through all of this and more so that you can have the best possible time in Santorini. 

How to get there
Santorini Airport, known as Kratikos Aerolimenas Santorinis is located in the central part of the island’s eastern coast. You can fly there from both major UK airports like Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester or regional ones such as Bristol, East Midlands, Newcastle and Edinburgh. With plenty of options and flights it’s easy to get to Santorini. Santorini is a great place to have as part of an island hopping itinerary, especially as a start or end point due to its international airport and excellent ferry links.

When is the best time to go?
Like much of Europe, Santorini has its warmest weather in July and August, with temperatures regularly reaching over 30 degrees. This is also when it is the busiest as school holidays in the UK mean families descend on the island looking for some sun. Not only is it the busiest time to visit but the most expensive as hotel prices are higher than usual, knowing it will be busy and demand will be massive. Therefore, if you can visit at another time then it is recommended as it will be cheaper and less busy.
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Outside of these months June is the next busiest. Busy has become common for a number of years in Santorini though. Across the board 2022 was a record year for Greece with more people visiting than ever before. Smashing figures from 2019. June has the joint lowest average rainfall of the whole year and temperatures average around 27 and 28˚C.

​If you’re looking for a cheaper and quieter time to go then look at May or September. Santorini is one of the most southerly islands in Greece, as such its weather in May stays in the 20s most days and is a more reliable choice than northerly islands. It also only rains 3 days throughout the month on average, around the same as September. May is also when more regular flights begin to Santorini, making it a good time to go if you get in early.

If you want heat and to avoid school holidays, then September is the best month for you. It retains lots of the warmth from July and August whilst staying free of almost all rain. Temperatures in September stay firmly in the mid to late 20s, without some inconsistency that can come in May, making it a good option for holiday makers still seeking sun outside of the busier times. Just a note, Santorini is the most expensive island in Greece so whilst it will be cheaper in certain months such as May and September, the price of accommodation, food and drink will be higher than other islands at the same time. 

​Last but not least is October and April. Santorini's weather in October can be temperamental, even though it is one of the more southerly islands. Whilst the temperature stays mostly in the early 20s there is an increased chance of rain, when compared to September and the other summer months. October on Santorini sees an average of 4 days of rain throughout the month and 38mm of rainfall. If can see past this though, it is the joint quietest and cheapest month to visit, equal with April.

April is the worst of the possible months you can go to Santorini as average temperatures haven’t yet reached the 20s, despite this April still has less average rainfall than October but the same amount of rain days. There are also far less flights in April than in any other month when you can go, with flights only becoming more regular towards the end of the month.

Between November and March there are no direct flights from the UK to Santorini, meaning you would have to fly via Athens or somewhere else. We do not recommend that you go during these months as it rains more regularly and is not very warm.

​We hope this has given you some insight into when is best to visit Santorini. To find out more about Santorini or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website, visit https://www.visitgreece.gr/ or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Santorini, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

Sikinos manages a rare feat, being a secluded island that is undiscovered by mass tourism in an island group that is the most accessible in Greece and features mainstays such as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios, as well as up and comers such as Naxos, Paros and Milos. So come with us as we tell you more about Sikinos, the Cyclades most secluded island.

How to get there
Unsurprisingly for its secluded status, Sikinos doesn’t have an airport and is only accessible by ferry. You can fly into Athens and get a ferry from Piraeus but the ferry takes a long time. It is far quicker and easier to fly into nearby Santorini and get a ferry from there. There are around 8 ferries a week to Sikinos but these aren’t always every day, so we take that into consideration when planning your trip to line up with flights. You can fly into Santorini from London Heathrow, London City, Bristol, London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Newcastle and East Midlands. 

Things to Do
There aren’t many things specifically to do or see on Sikinos, but it makes for a perfect place to relax and recuperate from the rigors of daily life. The best thing to go and see is the Monastery of Episkopi, this monastery is an old Byzantine church over the top of Roman mausoleum. It has some excellent frescoes and you can take time to admire the beautiful old exterior. You can find out more about the island's history at the Folklore Museum or Byzantine Collection in Chorio. There are some other typically Cycladic churches to see throughout the island with whitewashed walls and blue domes. 

One of the best places to relax on Sikinos is its golden sandy beaches. Relax and watch the slow pace of island life from the beach at Alopronoia, from this port village you can also reach some of the other beaches of the island; Agios Georgios and Malta Beach. Get there in a car or see a different side of the island and get there by boat.
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One of the most popular things to do on the island is walking. There are many organized trails that take you across the island. Some of these trails will take you past the beaches of the island, and where better to take a break? At the end a long day of walking, relax and sit in the town square in Chorio. Here there are several tavernas and bars where you can get some food and unwind. The locals on the island are very friendly and are appreciative of tourists who made the visit.

​We hope this has given you more information about Sikinos and showed you that it can be the perfect place to unwind. To find out more about Sikinos or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Sikinos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

Serifos is a beautiful and quiet island hidden amongst the Cyclades. It isn’t really hidden though, being on a main ferry line between Piraeus and Milos, yet it has not been discovered by the larger tourist market. It has stunning scenery, much of which is visible from the Chora, and a plethora of gorgeous sandy beaches. Some who visit do not venture out of the south of the island, as this is where most of the settlement and therefore the accommodation is. It is our hope, that by telling you the joys of the best beaches on Serifos including some smaller, more remote ones, it will also encourage you to firstly, go and visit the island and secondly explore it entirely. So, here we go with the best beaches on Serifos.

In total there are 60 beaches to explore on Serifos, the majority of them sandy and many with natural shade so you can explore the more remote beaches without need of an umbrella or sunlounger. We’ll start with a beach that is highly recommended, so much so that the Sunday Times named it as Europe’s Beach of the Year, and that beach is Psili Ammos. This gorgeous, secluded beach sits on the east of the island 5 miles from Chora. It is unorganized (meaning there are few facilities around and no sunloungers or umbrellas) but its not needed with trees standing amongst the golden sands providing shade from the hot sun. Its an excellent place to relax on an already quiet island. 

​Another of the most popular beaches is Agios Sostis, just further south down the coast from Psili Ammos it sits in a secluded cove overlooked by a small Greek Orthodox. It is also unorganized and is easily accessed by a road. It also backs onto another beach so you’re surrounded by the gorgeous turquoise waters on both sands. If you’re looking for a beach near where you’re staying then look no further than Livadakia, Livadi and Ganema. All in the south of the island, Livadakia and Livadi sit next to the popular places of the same name. Livadi is a long stretch of soft, sandy beach where you can relax surrounded by beautiful views or sit in a nearby café watching the ferries come and go. 

​Explore the north of Serifos and discover beautiful, secluded beaches away from the tourist spots of the south. Three of the best are Sikamia, Platis Gialos and Karavas. All of them are sandy, unorganized and very secluded giving you the feeling that you have the island all to yourself. Similar to many beaches on Serifos, there are trees near the beach that provide natural shade should you need some. You can reach these either by bus in the summer or for more freedom and regularity we recommend renting a car to explore. 

​We hope this has given you some idea of the beaches on Serifos and why the island is worth visiting. To find out more about Serifos or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Serifos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

Often overshadowed and forgotten about when compared with its larger and more well-known neighbour, Kimolos is a small island with a relaxed way of life and a typically Cycladic feel that is best known for its beaches. This lack of awareness is what works for the island, and it can be a great place to stay and relax whilst exploring Milos in the day, or the other way around. Because of the island's small size, the most common way to get around the island is walking, and many of the things mentioned in this article are close together. In this we’ll show you what Kimolos has to offer and why it is somewhere worth visiting.   

How to get there
Kimolos is only accessible by ferry. Milos, its neighbour, has a domestic airport that links with Athens meaning you can fly into Athens, transfer to Milos, and then go to Kimolos from there. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Athens Piraeus port. Some ferries stop on Kimolos, others you may need to stop at Milos and go from there.
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Beaches
Beaches are the thing that Kimolos is most known for. Like much of the Cyclades the beaches on Kimolos are sandy with beautiful blue waters surrounding the island. On the island there are some beaches that are organised, but many aren’t, and you can be one of only a few there, depending on the time of year you go. The most popular beach on the island is Psathi, which is right next to the port. The beach itself is quite short but it gives you a lovely view out across the port and marina. There are a number of small hotels and apartments near the beach, and it is well served with cafes and tavernas nearby too. 

​Just north of Psathi are three beaches in short succession: Rema, Elephant, and Karras each that sits within its own cove. There is a road that leads from Chorio (the main town of Kimolos) to them. In the northeast of the island are the beaches of Prassa and Agios Georgios. Both have long stretches of beach and Agios Georgios has stunning white sand, akin to something in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean. Whilst Prassa is mostly alone, Agios Georgios has a small beach bar, which serves drinks and snacks. Both beaches are protected on one side meaning they are hidden from the wind. 

Further south from Chorio are the beaches that sit next to the villages of Kalamitsi and Aliki. Being next to villages mean they are well serviced with some tavernas just a short walk away as well as a few accommodation options. If you fancy a walk, Aliki is only a half an hour from Chorio, or if not, there is a good bus service on the island and cars that you can rent as well. There are a few beaches on the western side of the island that are not served by the bus so if you’re wanting to see them, you will need to rent a car. If you do, on your way west make sure to visit one of the Kimolos’s most photographed places, Skiadi. This rock has been weathered in a unique meaning it most looks more like a giant mushroom. 

Chorio
Chorio is the main town on Kimolos. Its buildings are typically Cycladic with whitewashed walls and are very square in shape. Within the town is an area called Kastro, which is what used to be the castle. Here the streets are more tightly packed creating a very authentic Greek look and feel. These narrow streets wind up and down the village and make for great photos. Within Kastro are some picturesque churches which the locals have lovingly preserved and are something you should visit. In the town are a few museums where you can learn more about the island. There is the Folk and Maritime Museum, housed in a mansion in the Kastro district, that chronicles life on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then the Archaeological Museum exhibits ancient remains and artifacts from across the island, giving you a picture of what it would’ve been like thousands of years ago. 

We hope this has given you some idea of the best things to do on Kimolos. To find out more about Kimolos or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Kimolos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

A short ferry from Athens is the small but beautiful island of Hydra. Part of the Argo Saronic group, this picturesque place has attracted a number of famous faces over the years and is known for not having cars or any vehicles on the island. In this article we’ll take you through what Hydra has to offer and why it is perfect for a day trip from Athens or a great place to experience the traditional side of Greece and relax. 

How to get there
Hydra is far too small to have an airport.  As it is near to Athens though it is easy to fly into there and get a ferry from Piraeus. Athens has many direct flights from the UK including the four major London Airports, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 

Hydra Town
Hydra Town is the only large settlement on the island and is where most of the accommodation and things to do on the island are. The town climbs up the hillside like an amphitheatre offering a great view whether you have just gotten off the ferry or are looking down from above. Something you’ll notice pretty quickly is that there are no vehicles, this peace and quiet takes you back in time and offers a serene setting for you to relax and take in everything this island has to offer. Whereas when you get off the ferry on most islands you are greeted with taxis and cars to pick up guests and take them to hotels, on Hydra you are met by a man holding a donkey. This will be taking your luggage to your accommodation. Walking is the only way to explore the island by land.

Walking through the town you can see the beautiful architecture of its buildings from elegant mansions built from stone to white walled buildings topped with red tiles that scales the hills surrounding the harbour. For a small island, it has plenty to see and do, especially if you like museums. Attractions such as the Historical Archives Museum, Merchant Marine Academy and Ecclesiastical Museum can be found in town and give history lovers plenty to get their teeth stuck into. The best of these is the Bastions, forts built at the port entrance that used to protect the island from attackers.
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Soak up the atmosphere in one of the many tavernas and cafes that line the waterfront. Here you can watch the boats and ferries come and go and get a feel for what a traditional Greek Island is like. 

Beaches 
Whilst not an island known for its beaches, there are some good ones, many of which are very secluded. You can only get to a few by foot so you have to travel by boat if you want to go to the others. Most of the beaches on the island are pebbled and unorganised but the larger ones closer to the town have tavernas and sunloungers nearby so that you aren't fully isolated. Tours around the island go from the harbour and take you around the sights of the island showing small coastal villages such as Kaminia and Vlychos both which can also be reached by a walk along the coastal path.
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We hope this has given you some insight into the island of Hydra. It's relaxed and quiet atmosphere is the reason those such as Leonard Cohen have come here to get away it all. To find out more about Hydra or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Hydra, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

Lesvos is an island full of great places to visit and plenty of things to do. Despite still being a more traditional island and not visited by many tourists, it is easy to get around by car and boasts some of the most beautiful spots in the North East Aegeans. In this article we’ll give you just a selection of the wonderful things you can get up to and see on the island so that you can make the most of your time there or maybe we can make you decide to visit Lesvos.

How to get there
Good news for those looking to stay on a more traditional island but don’t want to get a ferry, Lesvos has an airport that has direct flights from Bristol, Manchester and London Stansted. If you aren't near one of those though, you can fly indirectly via Athens or Thessaloniki. If you want to get a ferry, they do visit Lesvos however they are less regular so we would have to match up your holiday with them.

Immerse Yourself in Lesvos’s Culture in Mytilini
Mytilini (sometimes spelt Mytilene) is the capital and the largest town on the island. In the town there are many places where you can experience the history and culture of the island. Discover the ancient past of the island at the Archaeological Museum and the Ancient Theatre and then learn more about its time under Turkish rule through the Mosques of Yeni and Valide. In Mytilini you can experience excellent authentic Greek food at restaurants throughout the town, some highlights are the fresh fish and deep-fried bread that some places are famous for. 

Drink Ouzo in Plomari
Ouzo is an alcoholic drink that Greece is famous for. Lesvos is the one of the foremost and traditional hubs for producing the drink and Plomari (or Porto Plomari) is one of the centres for it on the island. Therefore, when on the island this is a must do. Not only can you taste it but can also see how it is made at The World of Ouzo Museum just outside of Plomari or the Barbayannis Ouzo Museum which is a bit closer to town. Both of these museums which are also functional distilleries, take you through the process of making the drink, its history and the place it plays in Lesvos’s culture. 

Relax on One of Lesvos’s Quiet Beaches
Being such a big island (it is the third largest in Greece, behind Crete and Evia) Lesvos has plenty of coastline and beaches for you to explore and the size of the island and the lack of mass tourism mean that even in the height of summer you can find a quiet spot to sit and relax. As we recommend hiring a car to explore Lesvos, finding a quiet spot is just a car ride away. Lesvos has very few sandy beaches and most of them are pebble. This makes for beautiful clear water that is great for snorkeling and other water sports. For those of you reading this that are looking for well organised beaches with sunloungers and nearby amenities there are some great ones at Petra, Molyvos and Anaxos. For those searching for one on a lesser trodden path there are plenty of isolated beaches to choose from. Some highlights are the beaches at Agios Stefanos, Kampos and Geras. 

Climb the Cobbled Streets to Molyvos Castle
Molyvos (also known as Mithymna) is the postcard town of Lesvos. A beautiful town with a small harbour, red tiled buildings that climb up the hill and the castle at the top that overlooks the bay. Many fishing boats operate out of the harbour and bring in fresh seafood that is served in the many restaurants that line the waterfront. Walking along the cobbled streets of the town you will pass many beautiful buildings that lead up to the castle. Molyvos Castle was built by the Ottomans during their occupation of the island and much of the building still remains. It provides a great view out across the town, surrounding countryside and sea. The town also has a beach that is great if you’re staying in the town or visiting for the day. 

​We hope this has given you some insight into the wonderful some of the things to do on Lesvos. We have just scratched the surface of this wonderful island and there is much to see. To find out more about Lesvos or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Lesvos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

When you think of the Greek Islands, Mykonos is probably one of the first places you think of. It's photogenic buildings, gorgeous golden sands and thriving nightlife scream Greek luxury. Part of the Cyclades islands, it is the perfect place to add in on an island hop due to its central location and excellent transport links. In this article we’ll take you through what there is on the island and what makes it so iconic and help you decide whether to add it to your bucket list.  

How to get there
Mykonos has an international airport which it makes it the perfect place to start or end an island-hopping trip. You can fly directly into Mykonos from London Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Luton, and Stansted as well as Southampton and Manchester. Alternatively, you can get to Mykonos via a ferry. These can come along many routes as it is a well-connected island. 

It is immediately clear when you arrive on Mykonos that it is part of the Cyclades, with its whitewashed houses standing out against the rocky landscape. These only become more picturesque as you come into Mykonos Town where the narrow streets look like something out of a postcard. Around the town you will see some of the landmarks associated with Mykonos such as Little Venice, a row of buildings just on the waterfront with colourful shutters filled with bars and restaurants, or the windmills which sit a 2-minute walk away from it and overlook the town. Little Venice is one of the most popular spots for drinks and its many bars and restaurants offer a view over the bay towards the small nearby islands of Mpaos, Kavouras, Rineia as well as the headland further to the south. All of this provides a wonderful backdrop day or night and is a popular place to watch the sunset.
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Nightlife is something Mykonos is known for. The town bustles with life in the day and this only goes up a notch in the evening. The narrow streets are filled with bars of all shapes and sizes serving a range of cocktails, beers and spirits. The whitewashed buildings mean the lights reflect and give streets a hue which makes it seem like it’s the middle of the day. Along the shorefront are a number of clubs where you can dance the night away and many of them are open till the early morning. 

Outside of the town there is still plenty to see, and you can explore and relax in equal measure. Immediately north of the town is Agios Stefanos and Tourlos, they sit right next to Mykonos’ port and are a good way the experience the buzz of the town whilst staying somewhere nearby, cheaper and quieter. There is plenty of accommodation here that climbs up the hill and offers great views across the harbour towards the town. Agios Stefanos has a great beach which is a little quieter and you don’t have to pay the premium for sun loungers. There is also only two small beaches in the town that only have space for a few people so many people flock out of the town to experience Mykonos' golden beaches. Further north of these two are Faros Armenistis and Agios Sostis. Faros Armenistis is home to a lighthouse of the same name which makes for a great photo out across to the sea. Agios Sostis has a quieter and more secluded beach should you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. There are some tavernas and accommodation here as well as more beaches about 10 minutes’ walk up the coast.

To the south of Mykonos Town are the popular resorts of Ornos and Platis Gialos. They are known for their beaches and those staying in the town often get the bus to relax on a beach for a day. Unlike in the town where most of the accommodation is smaller boutique hotels, many of the larger hotels and villas are found in this area. This area is perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxing time on Mykonos. There is no shortage of places to eat here and you can sample Greek food and other cuisines on your doorstep. 

To see the more traditional side of the island, rent a car and explore the eastern side of Mykonos. It is much quieter here, beaches are dotted around the coastline so you can find somewhere more secluded if you want. There is plenty of accommodation here so you’ll never be short of somewhere to stay.

We hope this has given you some insight into Mykonos. To find out more about it or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Mykonos, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

Corfu is an island in the Ionian Sea, it is very popular with tourists especially from the UK. If you’ve decided you want to go to Corfu, you probably know where you want to stay (if not we can help just click here to fill in our enquiry form), but when is the best time to go? You probably want to know what Corfu’s weather is like and how busy it is going to be to help you decide. In this article we’ll talk you through all of this and more so that you can have the best possible time in Corfu.

How to get there
Corfu Airport, known as Corfu Airport Ioannis Kapodistras is located in the centre of the island near the island’s capital Corfu Town. You can fly there from both major UK airports like Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester or regional ones such as Bristol, East Midlands, Newcastle and Aberdeen. With plenty of options and flights its easy to get to Corfu. Despite this, Corfu isn’t good if you are looking to island hop as it is isolated from the rest of the Ionian Islands and ferries only run to Igoumenitsa on the mainland.  

Like much of Europe, Corfu has its warmest weather in July and August, with temperatures regularly reaching over 30 degrees. This is also when it is the busiest as school holidays in the UK mean families descend on the island looking for some sun. Not only is it the busiest time to visit but the most expensive as hotel prices are high, knowing it will be busy and demand will be massive. Therefore, if you can visit at another time then it is recommended as it will be cheaper and less busy.

Outside of these months June is the next busiest. Busy has become common this year though. Across the board 2022 has been a record year so far for Greece with more people visiting than ever before. Smashing figures from 2019. June has the second lowest average rainfall of the whole year and temperatures average around 27 and 28˚C. Many of Corfu’s resorts stretch along the north coast such as Sidari, Kassiopi and the beautiful Paleokastritsa. If you are looking to visit these areas June and the other summer months are best as it gets slightly colder quicker than the south of the island. 
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If you’re looking for a cheaper and quieter time to go then look at May or September. Corfu’s weather in May stays in the 20s and it doesn’t rain much throughout the month, around the same as in August and September. May is also when flights begin making it a good time to go if you get in early. If you want heat and to avoid school holidays, then September is the best month for you. It retains lots of the heat from July and August whilst staying free of much rain. Temperatures in September stay firmly in the mid to late 20s making it a good option for holiday makers still seeking sun outside of the busier times.  

Last but not least is October. Corfu's weather in October can be temperamental, mostly because it is one of the most northerly of all the Greek Islands so it gets colder quicker and rain is more likely. Whilst the temperature stays mostly in the early 20s there is an increased chance of rain, with it doubling when compared to September. If can see past this though, it is the quietest and cheapest month to visit and staying in resorts in the south such Benitses and Myrtiotissa can give you a better chance of good weather. Outside the months mentioned above there are little to no flights from the UK as it is outside the tourist season.
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We hope this has given you some insight into when is best to visit Corfu. To find out more about Corfu or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website, visit https://www.visitgreece.gr/ or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Corfu, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

Often forgotten about next to its larger and more popular neighbours such as Corfu and Zakynthos, Ithaca is a small island located next to Kefalonia in the Ionian Island group. It is a peaceful island that is naturally beautiful and the focal point for many stories in Greek mythology. Ithaca is a very green land that makes the red tiled roofs of its buildings stick out amongst the trees, making for beautiful views wherever you go on the island. In this article we’ll highlight this serene island and give you some ideas of what you can get up to and why you should visit.

How to get there
Like many smaller Greek islands, Ithaca doesn’t have an airport. You can fly into Kefalonia and then get a ferry across from there. These ferries can take anywhere between 20 and 50 minutes to reach Ithaca and go from either Poros or Sami. You can fly into Kefalonia from many UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. 

Vathy  
From above Ithaca looks like two islands joined by a thin piece of land in the west. Vathy is the capital of Ithaca and is located on the southern half of the island. It is the only large settlement on this side of the island. Multicoloured buildings line the bay as you enter Vathy, many of these are accommodation ensuring you always have a stunning view across the water. When you reach the centre of the town, you’ll find Vathy’s waterfront bustling with restaurants and cafes which look out at the boats in the harbour. It is a great place to sit and relax whilst the slow rhythm of island life happens around you. Vathy is home to many of the things to do on the island such as the museums of Archaeology and Folklore and the beautiful, whitewashed Church of Saviour Christ. 

The Northern Villages
Whilst the main town of the island is in the south, almost all of the villages on the island are in the northern half. These range from picturesque hillside villages to those which hug the end of an inlet and whose buildings climb around it. A popular place to stay is beautiful village of Kioni. This small port has plenty of apartments and studios to stay in and some villas for larger groups further up the hill. Kioni reflects Ithaca’s heritage in maritime exploits and is still a working fishing village. There are some tavernas on the waterfront which serve up tasty local treats.

Sandwiched between two hills is the small port village of Frikes. Its beautiful turquoise waters contrast the steep white hills that are covered in lush shrubbery and make for a wonderful view wherever you look from. There is some accommodation in Frikes, mostly villas and apartments, but as with all these villages in the northern half of the island, you will want a car so that you can explore the rest of the island easily. Nowhere on the island is further than a 30-minute drive, so you can see all of Ithaca in a few days. 

The largest of the villages in the north is Stavros. This hillside village sits amongst the lush green hills and has a few places to stay. Mostly it is a better place to visit for the day and is full of locals, giving it a very authentic Greek feel. There are some great places to get food and you can explore the history of the area at the Stavros Archaeological Collection. 

Beaches
Ithaca has many beautiful beaches, the majority of which aren’t close to the settlements on the island, hence why we recommend a car. This does mean though that they are surrounded beautifully by nature. Most beaches in Ithaca are pebbled and this means that the water is brilliantly turquoise and see through. Near Vathy are the beaches of Loutsa, Gidaki and Skinos Bay. Gadaki and Skinos stretch along the bays they inhabit, the beautiful blue water shimmers and they are often quite meaning they are perfect for those looking for a isolated spot to read or sunbathe. Loutsa is the only sandy and organised beach on the island and is perfect for those with kids.  Across the rest of the island there are nice beaches at Marmaka, Polis and Rachi. 

We hope this has given you some insight into what Ithaca has to offer and shown you why it is becoming more and more popular. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re looking to book, call us, email enquiries@verinitravel.co.uk or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Ithaca, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages