Greece epitomises summer. Sunshine, islands, the outdoor lifestyle, eating long into the night and a culture that invites you to try more.
With so many islands, destinations and resorts, Greece can suit many different travellers and moods. So why not experience more than one destination this summer?
Here we present the best resort combinations for families and couples. Five two-destination holiday ideas for experiencing the best of Greece this summer.
It’s easy to travel between these destinations and resorts, yet they offer completely different Greek styles. So it’s like experiencing two holidays in one.
Grecotel Mykonos Blu + The Rooster
Two stunning yet very contrasting resorts, on two tiny islands that couldn’t be more different in atmosphere.
This holiday is for people who want a fun, lively and stylish holiday. Plus a few days of genuine escapism and complete downtime.
Designed for both couples and families with older kids, we combine well-known Mykonos with virtually unknown Antiparos.
These two Cyclades islands are easily connected on a short private boat transfer; make it a full day by private yacht and you can also explore other places in the archipelago.
Mykonos Blu, Grecotel Exclusive Resort
The best Grecotel resorts offer absolutely prime locations. Mykonos Blu is on the iconic Psarou Beach, just ten minutes by road outside Mykonos town.
This is where you come to enjoy some partying. To dine in style, pamper yourself and let loose in all the trendy spots nearby.
We love the bungalows and suites with private pools at Mykonos Blu. There are 20 accommodation categories and most have only slight variations. We’ll advise you personally on the best choices. All have this lovely whitewashed, stone and minimalist modern style.
Mykonos Blu is a lively resort on a lively beach. It has great restaurants, bars on all levels, and in our experience, top-level service.
This is where you come to have fun in the sun and be central to the best of Mykonos.
The Rooster
And now…breathe. Inhale the quiet, salty air. Listen to the sounds of nature and soft lapping of the waves.
While Mykonos tourism has been at peak levels, Antiparos remains small, pristine and one of the enchanting Greek islands most people don’t know.
Come to Antiparos and The Rooster to do nothing. Disconnect from the noise of everyday life and find a Greek island from yesteryear.
The Rooster has only 17 houses, all with a private garden and pool. It’s a completely different feel to Mykonos Blu, more private although with far fewer amenities.
Do you prefer spending more of your holiday on Mykonos or on Antiparos?
Santorini + Calilo Ios
Direct flights between Prague and Santorini are helping to keep this postcard-perfect Greek island a favourite among our clients.
Santorini barely needs an introduction. It’s a fabulous destination when you don’t blindly follow the masses.
It’s best we advise you personally on hotel choice, as even seemingly tiny variations in location have a huge impact on privacy and vibe. And some Santorini hotels are all about hype, high prices and poor value.
We suggest combining Santorini with a stay at Calilo Ios. They are two very similar islands, which are now completely different in atmosphere.
Santorini is adored for its architecture and landscapes. And so is nearby Ios. Although the views aren’t as legendary.
Santorini is the chic hangout with hundreds of places to explore and tens of thousands of tourists going to the same places.
Most of Ios remains a Cyclades island from 30 years ago: quaint, relaxing, slow paced and mostly unspoiled. We suggest staying clear of Chora to the west – the east of the island is magnificent.
Split your time equally between the two islands as it’s hard to know which you will prefer most. And connect them on an idyllic full day cruise between Santorini and Ios.
Porto Zante + Amanzoe
The two most private and exclusive Greek resorts, connected by a private helicopter transfer. You experience Zaknynthos, Peloponnese and a scenic flight.
This is the holiday combination for people who want to avoid other people. At two boutique resorts which have helped to redefine luxury in Greece.
Fly to Zaknythos and Porto Zante for a beach stay. This longstanding favourite among our clients has just nine villas with private heated pools. It’s sublime.
Then soak up the distinctive style and tranquillity of Amanzoe, a remarkably spacious Acropolis-like retreat with an emphasis of wellbeing.
From Amanzoe you can then travel by road to Athens for your departure flight, a 2.5hour journey.
Crete for Families
Now to the largest of all the Greek islands. The one with the most to offer, yet perhaps the one that is most misunderstood (just imagine, it’s 40 times larger than Mykonos and Santorini combined).
Crete is a magnificent destination and featured as a headline destination in Explorer III magazine, last spring. We especially recommend it for families.
Holidays on Crete are about relaxing and adventure. Ancient historical sights, glorious mountains, yacht cruises, traditional villages, vineyards, truffles, fishing, fossil hunting and we’re only just getting started.
It’s a well connected destination for spending lazy days on the beach and around the resort. As well as enjoying authentic explorations that can be tailored to the ages and interests of your family.
We suggest staying at two of the best Crete resorts. Yes, there is the inconvenience of changing. But you will enjoy a different style of property, and open up easier access to all sides of the island, both west and east.
Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Amirandes is the archetypal family Greek resort, although that’s not to say there’s anything plain or ordinary about it.
- Great location on the beach
- Excellent choice of resort restaurants
- Spacious villas and residents, designed for families
- Tons of sports facilities and summer activities for all ages
- A good Ayurvedic spa and heated indoor pool
- An atmosphere of tranquillity, even during summer when there are hundreds of kids
- The vast Grecoland children’s club
Amirandes is only 20 minutes from the airport and has a good location for exploring eastern Greece. We particularly like the villas with direct beachfront access, which are a rarity in Greece.
It’s also where your children can enjoy a classic resort holiday with lots of supervised activities.
Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort Hotel
Now move towards western Crete and the charming town of Rethymnon, with its historic fortress and shops.
It’s a different style of resort to Amirandes, with fewer accommodations and facilities, yet still the excellent location and good vibes we always expect from Grecotel properties.
It’s quieter with more privacy, more traditional in design too.
We don’t recommend staying here if you want to spend all your time at the resort. Amirandes is much better for this.
Instead, stay in a bungalow or villa close to the beach and spend your days exploring the west of Crete. We can tailor a program to the interests of your family, on an island with almost endless summer options.
One&Only Aesthesis + Your Favourite Greek Destination
One&Only Aesthesis just opened on the Athens Riviera and it is an ideal stopover on any Greek holiday. It’s especially good when you need to travel via Athens to reach a new or favourite destination.
It’s a highly contemporary beach resort that feels like an island getaway, yet is located only 30 – 45 minutes from the airport and close to the major city attractions too.
Many amazing Greek islands are not connected by direct international flights. Or they’re only connected by budget airlines. Then what about Greece’s mainland destinations?
CEO Petr Udavsky visited this new One&Only and believes it’s a perfect resort for the start or end of a Greek holiday. He said:
The resort can adapt to any mood as it works as either a relaxing stay or an active base. It’s open year round and the service is at an amazing level considering how new it is.
Which place in Greece do you really want to visit? Why not stop by the Athens Riviera for a few days and make it a realistic two-stop Greece holiday?
Your Greece Summer Holiday
For most people, summer is the opportunity to have a long holiday, to combine multiple destinations and experiences.
So…where do you want to holiday in Greece this summer?
We can advise you on great destination combinations all over the world, to create a very holistic holiday that will excite everyone you travel with.
