GREECE: BEST TIME TO VISIT

With a golden glow almost any day you choose

This is the place to kick off your shoes, don a floppy straw hat, and let the gorgeous feeling of the sun on your skin fade your worries away. If you’re not sure when is the best time to visit Greece, then we have good news: you can expect fabulous sunshine practically the whole year.

So what is the best month to go to Greece? Summers on the mainland are steamy, and locals will often use the breezier islands to cool off. Many of the islands welcome good weather and sunshine from early April to the end of October, and the most gorgeous balmy sunsets are often found here in the autumn months. Visit in milder spring to escape the crowds, or seek out the sun-drenched buzz of summer for days filled with adventure. Winters in Greece are often mild, and there will sometimes be wetter weather on the islands.

Most of our villas come with an abundance of al fresco space for special, convivial meals beneath the sun or stars, but rest assured, we also have cosy fireplaces and indoor cinema rooms to retreat to on a night of cooler wind or changeable skies.

GREECE: WHAT TO PACK

The checklist for island life

You may only have to watch Mamma Mia once before you get a burning itch to replace your wardrobe with linen overalls and boho-chic dresses. It’s these kinds of timeless, breezy numbers that will feel all the more pleasing under the beating sun as you stroll through Corfu Old Town or catch a Cycladian sunset, soaking up every moment of the best summer weather in Greece. With an oversized beach bag, your holiday read, and bare toes and warm sand beneath you, the checklist for island hopping could not be more simple.

GREECE: WHAT WE LOVE

The muse to many, there is no end to Greece’s treasures

Between 6,000 island outposts, it can be hard to know exactly where on the map you should plant your next pin. We can help you choose where to go when island hopping in Greece, or guide you in seeking out the best spots for culture and relaxation on the mainland.

When it comes to choosing things to do in Greece, there is a veritable melting pot of gorgeous food and wine to taste, speed boats that make beelines for tavernas across the sapphire waves, and exquisite sea-facing villas, where every detail is considered with the help of our local know-how.

What keeps our guests coming back for more each time is the glorious diversity of the regions and the unique homes they hold, from sun-kissed spots overlooking the Ioninan to villas perched on rugged hilltops in the Cyclades, Dodacanese, and the wild Peloponnese peninsula.

There are islands where time seems to stand still, steeped in tradition and shielded from the touch of modern life. It’s easy to spend your days here barefoot, tiptoeing across hot sand for an afternoon dip and padding to your balcony for a sunset apéritif. Among its portfolio of treasures is its very own blue zone, Ikaria, where a strong focus on local ingredients and a simple way of life yield an extraordinarily high number of centurions.

Yet, not so far away are the cosmopolitan hotspots, where thriving towns spill out onto chic waterfronts. No place more so than prosperous Athens on the mainland, our gateway to Greece and one of the most exciting capitals in Europe.

All is imbued with enduring natural beauty, endless wonder, and a true celebration of life that has inspired our minds throughout history—from the founding of western philosophy to the nostalgic childhood memories of the Durrells and many a sunkissed film set.

The list could go on and on. Undoubtedly, each has planted its own cultural landmark, and Greece’s allure continues to blossom.

Athens & Mainland

When flying to Greece, you may be able to take a direct route to one of Greece’s international airports on the mainland or on a larger island such as Corfu or Kefalonia. However, many of the smaller island outposts are only accessible by ferry, or by an internal flight from an airport in Greece. 

Stopovers on the mainland are most often fleeting; however, should you be fortunate enough to venture through Athens on your way to the Peloponnese, Aegean, or Dodecanese, this thriving capital should not be overlooked as a destination in itself. One of the world’s oldest cities, today Athens rests under the shadow of the Parthenon as an elite hotspot for Mediterranean cuisine, modern art, and, of course, archaeological wonders around almost every corner.

Ionian Islands

Ionian land makes up the wealth of our Greek portfolio, and for good reason. There truly is something here to suit every palate.

Perhaps the most desired of all is Corfu for its timeless beauty, family-friendly vibe, and easy access, with an international airport of its own—a rarity on Greece’s islands. Ever-welcoming and with some of the loveliest beaches in Greece, families with young children can rest assured that there are a splendid array of activities to do in Corfu.

Rent a boat to discover hidden coves, snorkel in crystal waters, meander the lush green coastline by horseback, or let teenagers have their fill at Kassiopi’s twinkling stretch of bars in the north-east of the island.

Equally lovely is the thought of passing a lazy afternoon eating seafood at a waterfront taverna or taking an amble through Corfu’s Venetian Old Town to find your favourite dinner spot. Many of our Corfu villas come with the service of a private chef, so if you prefer for the island’s most exciting flavours to be brought straight to your al fresco terrace, you will not be left wanting.

For a peek into Greece’s mythical past, away from crowds and surrounded by the whispers of Homer’s tales, let us take you to Ithaca. This small yet mighty land is an immersive destination of rugged natural beauty and archaeological treasure. As soon as you step off the ferry, you will feel a sense of wonder in the air. Soak up the peace in a secluded sea-facing home, surrounded by verdant olive groves, or choose a villa that is just a moment’s walk from a twinkling fishing village or secret beach.

Kefalonia and Meganisi are for a soulful island life among an abundance of greenery—a sumptuous slice of understated Greek paradise. What are the best beaches in Kefalonia or Meganisi? It’s impossible to choose just one, but if you can tear yourself away from the bliss of your poolside lounger, you will be rewarded with generous chalky coastlines, surrounded by an undulating mass of green and a peppering of mountain villages.

There is no shortage of activities to do in Zakynothos or Lefkada, with sailing, windsurfing, and gorgeous local wines aplenty. Both vibrant hotspots for younger travellers and nature lovers alike, these dreamy outposts are places for carefree exploring, followed by a rest of your head in our most sumptuous of villa beds. We can craft you an activity itinerary to delight or leave you to your own agenda of ultimate relaxation.

Kefalonia and Zakynthos both have their own international airports, and the other islands are interconnected by ferries.

Aegean Sea & Cyclades

The Cycladic islands have mastered the art of enjoying life. Everywhere you look, the gleam of whitewashed houses is a mirror for endless sunshine, with splashes of azure from domed rooftops rightfully making this region the archetype of postcard Greece. A peppering of names here have earned themselves international cachet. On Mykonos or Paros, you will find glittering beachfront parties, narrow streets lined with designer boutiques, and a steadfast display of cosmopolitan flair. What are the best beach-party destinations in Mykonos? We love the buzz of Psarou for a celebration under the stars or the hum of Little Venice for a quieter evening against a backdrop of enchanting windmills. There’s an effortlessly chic vibe to be enjoyed if you want to dress up and sip cocktails on the waterfront, or an abundance of soulful natural beauty for romantic, hidden sunsets.

If you prefer a peaceful paradise without any fuss at all, there are few more spectacular places than Antiparos. This low-key, sandy outlet has plenty to offer when it comes to quiet stretches of coast and tranquil waterfront tavernas. Our villas here are secluded havens with access to the best beaches and front-row views of sunset. Slightly lesser known but worth travelling to just for the food is Sifnos. This tiny island is only accessible by ferry from Athens. It takes some dedication to get here, but it’s worth it for the incredible local recipes that have been protected by generations of islanders. The best beaches in Sifnos can be found on the southern side, where the sand is golden and the tavernas sell the freshest fish.

Perhaps the most famous name in the Aegean Sea, Crete has earned its spot on the map. The largest island in Greece, here you will find no shortage of rugged hiking trails, cosmopolitan restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and archaeological ruins.

Dodecanese

On the Dodecanese Islands, you may find yourself scratching your head and wondering if days here are indeed a little longer. Perhaps it’s the never-ending hours of sunshine, the spiritual solace sought by many a pilgrim, or the ever-so-sparse population of islanders. This is certainly true of Patmos, where around 3,000 permanently reside, and the rocky grotto and monastery of St. John the Theologian give an other-worldly feel to the peaceful streets. Once so inaccessible that it was filled with only monks and farmers, this verdant land is slowly cultivating its own wonderfully unique appeal for discerning tourists. Rent a boat on Patmos, discover the island’s gorgeous beaches on foot, or simply bask in the air of tranquillity from a plush daybed by the pool.

You won’t stumble upon these islands by accident; they are closest geographically to Turkey, and only Rhodes and Kos have international airports. From here, you can travel by ferry to the smaller outposts. Alternatively, you can choose flying to Greece via Athens and taking an overnight ferry to the islands.