Beat the booking rush – now’s the time to plan your Greek getaway – Olympic Holidays
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Olympic Holidays reveals the Greek Islands which always sell out first so you can get ahead of the game and be sure to get your top pick
Dreaming of a Greek escape? The specialists at Olympic Holidays advise thinking ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. There’s nothing worse than choosing your dream island, picking the perfect hotel and then discovering that it’s already fully booked. With over half a century of organising trips to the Greek Islands, award winning Olympic Holidays is known for its unrivalled local knowledge. They have the inside track on which islands sell out first, so you can get your skates on and secure your Greek adventure. And if one island just isn’t enough, why not check out some of Olympic Holidays’ bespoke Island Hopping Adventures.
The spectacular sell-out islands you’ll need to book in advance include…
Named by sailors in ancient times who were dazzled by its luminous cliffs, Lefkada means ‘white island’. The landscape of this under-the-radar gem is, however, amazingly varied – from craggy mountains cloaked in forests to wildflower-filled meadows and ancient olive groves. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular, uncrowded beaches in theIonian archipelago. Windsurfers will love Vassiliki, a wide bay at the island’s southern tip that’s famous for its consistent breezes.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Armonia Boutique Hotel, Lefkada from £577pp staying in a Standard Double Garden View on a B&B basis including flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
Crowds may flock to Mykonos and Santorini but Paros is the secret star of the Cyclades. Boasting those iconic white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, it’s also home to over 40 stunning beaches as well as buzzing waterfront towns such as Parikia and Naoussa with winding lanes, chic boutiques and laidback tavernas. Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Polos Hotel, Paros from £874pp staying in a Standard Room on a room only basis including transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is heaven for foodies thanks to its thriving agriculture and outstanding home-grown produce. From family-run tavernas to gastronomic restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice with farm to fork menus and, of course, the freshest seafood. There are gorgeous beaches galore (including some of the longest in the Aegean) and a rich history to boot – don’t miss the ruins of the unfinished Temple of Apollo with its giant Portara, a massive marble gateway dating back to 530 BC.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Naxos Palace Hotel from £899pp staying in a Double Room on a B&B basis including transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
According to ancient mythology, Leros is the sacred island of the goddess Artemis, who liked to hunt deer here. The atmospheric archaeological ruins of her sanctuary are just one of many reasons to visit this sleepy Dodecanese island. The charming capital has three distinct districts, each worth exploring: romantic Agia Marina with its neoclassical mansions, bustling Platanos with its boutiques and cafes, and picturesque Panteli with its traditional windmills and lovely marina. Then there are the turquoise waters, characterful tavernas and 11th century Byzantine castle with hypnotic views.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at Anna House, Leros from £1,029pp staying in a 2 bed apartment sea view on a B&B basis including transfers and flights from London Stansted. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
This dazzling Cycladic island is widely known as party central, drawing young people from around the world with its vibrant nightlife from dusk till dawn. Yet you don’t have to travel far from Chora (the hub of the island’s party scene) to find another side to the island, with tranquil butter-coloured beaches and hidden coves, an ancient Bronze Age settlement and a ruined medieval castle.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Liostasi Hotel & Suites, Ios from £1,611pp staying in a Loft Suite on a B&B basis including transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
Separated from mainland Greece by a narrow sliver of sea, Poros is perfect for combining relaxed beach time with fascinating day trips to the Peloponnese. Spend some time soaking up the sun on Poros, with its pine-scented coves and sweeping bays. Then catch the boat over to the mainland for an excursion to the spectacular UNESCO-listed ruins of 4th century Epidaurus, or perhaps head to beautiful Nafplio for the day – Greece’s most photogenic town, with a sensational spot on the Argolic Gulf.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Golden View Hotel, Poros from £957pp staying in a Double Room on a B&B basis including transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
Tiny, tranquil Tilos, midway between bustling Rhodes and Cos, is one of Greece’s greenest islands and part of a protected ecological area, allowing wildlife to flourish – keep a lookout for majestic eagles and falcons along with turtles and seals. The island was even home to the last population of elephants in Europe, with their bones on display in the museum. Don’t miss a stroll on the traffic-free waterfront promenade at the pretty port of Livadia, with the cobalt sea providing a spectacular backdrop.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Apollo Studios, Tilos from £680pp staying in a Studio on a self catering basis including transfers and flights from London Stansted. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
Just a short boat ride from Athens, the Saronic speck of Agistri is where in-the-know weekenders from the capital come to relax on quiet, pristine beaches such as secluded Chalikiada and sandy, family-friendly Skala. The island’s three postcard-pretty villages are a delightful mix of flower-filled streets, traditional coffee houses and tavernas. Agistri also makes a lovely base for island-hopping adventures, with Poros, Aegina, Spetses and Hydra within easy reach.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Hotel Agistri from £910pp staying in a Standard Room on a self catering basis including transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
Halki, a serene gem in the Dodecanese, enchants with its unspoiled charm and tranquil ambiance. With pastel-hued neoclassical homes encircling its picturesque harbor, it’s a haven for those seeking peace. Pristine beaches, like Pondamos, beckon sun-seekers, while crystal-clear waters entice swimmers and snorkelers. Free from mass tourism, Halki offers an authentic Greek experience, blending local traditions, warm hospitality, and breathtaking sunsets that make it an idyllic island retreat.
Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights staying at the Elena Studios, Halki from £623pp staying in Double Studio on a self catering basis including transfers and flights from London Luton. Price based on 3rd May 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com
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