Escape the pressures of everyday life and slip into a world of complete luxury, blissful relaxation and stunning natural beauty in glorious Greece and its spellbinding islands.

This enchanting Mediterranean getaway is the place to unwind and enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Mainland Greece is a treasure trove of history and culture, while Crete, Corfu and Rhodes are among its magical islands brimming with charm and wonder. Beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, idyllic villages, 5-star hotels, ancient ruins, fabulous food and warm hospitality all await. There's also plenty of vibrant nightlife, entertainment and water sports action to provide a feast of fun for couples, families and groups of friends. From epic architectural landmarks and postcard-perfect scenery to sensational outdoor activities and attractions, this awe-inspiring destination really does have it all. But with so many locations to choose from, where’s the best place for your holiday in Greece? Here’s our guide to the sensational mainland and island hot spots.

Search our luxury Greek hotels.

Mainland Greece

Take flight and marvel at the delights of mainland Greece, from the famous architectural treasures in the capital Athens to the pristine beaches in the popular resort of Halkidiki. The home of Mount Olympus and birthplace of the Olympic Games is blessed with great weather, fantastic cuisine, charming people and jaw-dropping scenery. Athens, which is the oldest city in Europe steeped in 4,000 years of myths and history, is definitely worth a visit. Must-see landmarks include the 5th century Acropolis, the Parthenon, The Temple of Zeus and Ancient Agora. Halkidiki is an ideal beach holiday destination, with 500kms of soft sands, crystalline waters and lively beachfront tavernas. Shaped like Poseidon's trident, this peninsula resort is home to 40 Blue Flag beaches, quaint fishing villages and plenty of water sports. Other popular mainland destinations include Peloponnese, Parga, Sivota and Thessaloniki.

The Cyclades Islands

Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular getaways in the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea where you’ll discover heavenly beaches, turquoise waters, delightful blue and white architecture and mesmerising landscapes. The beauty all around you will take your breath away. Santorini is perfect for couples and honeymooners, with secluded coves, romantic boutique hotels and beguiling sunsets. Sit in front of the caldera on this volcanic hideaway, sipping cocktails and gazing at bewitching seascapes. The island is home to the delightful villages of Oia, Imerovigli and Kamari, with its famous narrow streets and whitewashed walls. Mykonos boasts superb museums, high-end boutiques and plenty of nightlife in the capital Chora. It is also renowned for its white windmills which have graced the island since the early 20th century. Other beautiful Cyclades islands include Paros, Naxos, Syros, Ios and Milos.

The Dodecanese Islands

Rhodes and Kos are the most well-known of the sun-kissed escapes in this group of islands. Venetian-style houses, medieval castles, Byzantine churches, excellent museums and gourmet restaurants are among the delights you’ll discover. The largest island, Rhodes, has been inhabited since the Stone Age and is home to many cultural and historical attractions, including the Palace of the Grand Masters, Acropolis of Rhodes and Street of the Knights. The island is a great choice for family holidays with its water parks and beach resorts, including Faliraki, Kolymbia and Kallithea. Kos will impress with its unspoilt beaches, emerald waters, picturesque harbours, historic landmarks and pulsating nightlife. Key resorts for luxury all-inclusive hotels include Kardamena and Marmari, while Kos Town, with its museums, ancient sites and lovely harbour, is well worth a visit. Other Dodecanese islands include Karpathos, Kalymnos, Astypalea, Simi and Patmos.

The Ionian Islands

Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante are the main destinations in this group of seven islands in the Ionian Sea. Cliff-backed beaches, rolling landscapes and sapphire waters make these idyllic retreats a great choice for a spectacular holiday. Corfu is overflowing with Instagrammable opportunities, offering rugged mountains, olive groves, Venetian fortresses and magnificent sunsets. Attractions include Achillion Palace, Temple of Artemis and Angelokastro Castle. Kefalonia is also a gem of an island, with amazing beaches, lilting hillsides and Byzantine monasteries. The Castle of Saint George and the roofless cave of Melissani are among the attractions on this alluring island, which was the setting for the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The island of Zante also has the wow factor, with white sands, pine forests and sea turtles, while the legendary Laganas Strip has helped make it one of Europe’s most popular party destinations.

Crete

Charming Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and the perfect place to create magical memories. This compelling destination in the southern part of the Aegean Sea will amaze you with its beautiful countryside, rocky gorges, mountain ranges and 650 miles of coastline. There’s no shortage of wonderful things to see and do in the island’s main resorts of Hersonissos, Gouves, Elounda, Reth and Malia. Visit the lovely fishing village of Sissi, explore the 14th-century Venetian harbour in Chania, set sail on a dolphin-spotting catamaran trip or tuck into delicious Greek mezze in a beachfront taverna. Crete is also home to fascinating cultural and historical attractions including ancient tombs, imposing monasteries, excellent museums and endearing old forts and castles. The island is a popular choice for families, with amusement parks, zoos, water parks and aquariums among the many attractions.

Mainland Greece and its beautiful islands have one key factor in common when it comes to weather – they are all blessed with hours of invigorating daily sunshine. May to late October is a great time to visit, with July and August being the hottest months, when temperatures are steady in the 30s. These months enjoy plenty of bright and sunny weather, with cooling sea breezes making it ideal for lazing on the sands or setting out to explore a myriad of fascinating attractions. The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November are also options for a wonderful holiday, when the beaches are less crowded, queues are shorter at the major attractions and cut-price holiday deals are available. Winter weather, between October and March, is still mild and pleasant, with occasional periods of rain.

"It’s no surprise Greece and its beautiful islands continue to be a compelling choice for a luxury holiday experience in the golden sunshine.

“This incredible destination has all the ingredients needed for an adventure of a lifetime – amazing beaches, rich history and culture, wonderful natural attractions, water sports galore and no shortage of nightlife.

“There’s something for everyone during a Greek getaway, with every type of holiday catered for, from solo travellers and romantic couples to fun-seeking families and groups of friends. Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday lazing on the sands, an adventurous time travelling around the main attractions or thrilling days visiting a myriad of architectural wonders, this enthralling getaway has you covered.

“The locals in Greece and its islands are renowned for their friendliness and warm hospitality, so you can expect to be greeted with welcoming smiles throughout your holiday.”

Grecotel Lux Me Costa Botanica

Corfu

A feast of family fun awaits at this luxurious 5-star beachfront retreat in the charming resort of Acharavi in Corfu. You’ll spend heavenly nights in lavish accommodation and savour delicious local and international fare in an array of top-class dining venues. A host of other wonderful attractions include a cutting-edge fitness centre, a lively kids clubs, a sumptuous spa and a thrilling water park for a splashing time in the glorious sunshine.

Check out the Grecotel Lux Me Costa Botanica

Grecotel Lux Me Dama Dama

Rhodes

It’s fun, leisure and entertainment all the way at this magical all-inclusive getaway next to golden sands in Kallithea, on the enchanting island of Rhodes. Sparkling pools and water slides, a fabulous aqua gym, pedal boats and canoes are among the delights which will ensure hours of fun. You’ll also discover tastefully-appointed accommodation, superb dining experiences, children’s clubs and a pristine sandy beach which features a relaxing adults-only zone.

Check out the Grecotel Lux Me Dama Dama

Grecotel Lux Me White Palace

Crete

Succumb to the ultimate in luxury, style and comfort at this opulent 5-star sanctuary in the blissful Cretan sunshine. Culinary delights will tantalise your taste buds in a myriad of gourmet restaurants, a plush spa will provide head to toe pampering and the hotel’s legendary parties and professional shows will ensure your evenings go with a swing. Other superb amenities at this beachfront hideaway in Rethymno include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a tennis court, glistening swimming pools and a fun-filled kids club.

Check out the Grecotel Lux Me White Palace