Greek Island-hopping Guide

Greek Island-hopping Guide

There is no better way to start the holiday season than embarking on an island-hopping adventure around Greece. From gastronomic delights in Santorini to yachting excursions in Corfu, holidaymakers are spoiled for choice on Greece’s most picturesque islands.

PATMOS: For Style & Spiritual Solace

A small, picturesque island in the Dodecanese complex, Patmos is the perfect option for discerning travelers looking to explore a new destination in 2023. An unspoiled haven of discreet luxury and adventure, Patmos is paradise for jetsetters wanting to disconnect from the everyday and embrace a slower pace of life. Once referred to by locals as the ‘holy island’, it served as the backdrop for St John’s Book of Revelation, and has since maintained its wild Mediterranean beauty. Visitors are invited to explore its religious past and revel in its cosmopolitan present.

Stay: Four miles south of the main port of Skala, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa is a chic boutique resort that makes for an idyllic base to discover this Grecian gem. Boasting an unrivaled location on Grikos Bay, enveloped by the glistening Aegean Sea, the resort seamlessly blends contemporary design with the island’s natural untouched beauty and provides direct access to the bay’s lapping waves. Complete with a private jetty for guests to doc their boats, the resort provides a stylish sanctuary for both domestic and international travelers and truly raises the bar for island living. Dine on rich local flavours at two waterfront restaurants and unwind at the island’s only five-star wellness center, with a curated menu of treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind.

Do: Take a stroll to the charming village of Chora, the island’s capital, which stands high on the hilltop overlooking the port of Skala. A perfect spot to take shots of breath-taking views beneath, travelers can wander through Chora’s cobbled streets lined with quaint boutiques and lively tavernas. Uncover the island’s rich history and marvel at the stunning architecture of houses dating back to the 1500s.

Eat: Set on the beach of Lampi, known for its green, tawny and kidney-colored pebbles, head to Lampi Taverna to sample the restaurant’s catch of the day, designed to be enjoyed with an array of sumptuous sides.

To book and for more information on Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, visit: https://www.patmosaktis.gr/

CORFU: For Adventure with a side of Wellness

Once a favored retreat for jetsetters and royalty, today Corfu is famed for its blue-flag beaches and UNESCO-listed old town. Framed by pine-covered mountains and verdant olive groves, visitors to the island are invited to bask in its natural beauty and tranquil waters. A combination of contrasts, Corfu Town seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering something for every taste. Culture vultures can venture to the heart of the island to explore quaint villages which provide insight into traditional Corfiot life, whilst adrenaline-seekers can head off-the-beaten track by bike or on hikes.

Stay: Set on the Kommeno Peninsula, engulfed in turquoise tides and peppered with cypress trees, Grecotel Corfu Imperial provides everything and more for an opulent Greek escape. New for 2023, the luxury resort has unveiled a collection of two to six-bedroom waterfront villas, complete with private infinity pools, sweeping sea views and a private entrance. Guest are invited to while away their days in undisturbed luxury, or make use of the resort’s various amenities. Dine across 16 restaurants and bars, ranging from traditional Greek mezze to freshly caught seafood, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the two-storey Elixir spa or partake in an array of activities including archery and yacht excursions, all of which can be arranged by the esteemed concierge.

Do: Travel back in time and embark on a tour of Danilia, a unique replica of a 1930s Corfiot village that played host to the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”, and most recently the popular ITV series “The Durrells”. The venue boasts two village squares, a church, café, and the largest indoor tavern on the island, all waiting to be explored.

Eat: Set above the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, Yali serves up the freshest seafood and creative cocktails all designed to be enjoyed in the most picturesque of settings. Opt for Seabream a la Spetsiota or Shrimp Saganaki accompanied by zesty Greek salads and tzatziki.

To book and for more information on Corfu Imperial: https://www.corfuimperial.com/

SANTORINI: For Gastronomy and Spectacular Views

Nobu Hotel Santorini is a serene clifftop hideaway, balancing authentic wellbeing experiences with sensational dining at the country’s first and only Nobu restaurant, surrounded by some of the island’s most spectacular vistas.

Stay: The hotel features a boutique collection of 25 suites, including five luxurious pool villas, seamlessly blending whitewashed Cycladic style with Japanese minimalism and incorporating warming accents such as ochre-hued rugs, linen pendant lighting and locally produced artwork. Villas are split across two levels and feature private gardens, swimming pools and spacious outdoor lounge areas, while the namesake Nobu Suite enjoys a sprawling private veranda with a plunge pool and breath-taking views of the Caldera.

Do: The hotel is located near Imerovigli on the famed Oia-Thira hiking trail, a 10km route ideal for mindful wandering amidst some of the island’s prettiest villages, churches and viewpoints. To truly disconnect, guests can indulge in in-room spa treatments, meditate on the resort’s yoga patio – which doubles as a book club – exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness studio or simply lay back and relax beside the volcano-facing dual-level infinity pool.

Eat: Guests can enjoy a front-row seat to Santorini’s sensational and uninterrupted sunset vistas from the sea-facing restaurant, serving iconic dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Fried Umami Chicken Wings, and Wagyu Beef Sando, as well as a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes and rotating off-the-menu specials. The restaurant has just launched an exclusive Omakase menu, allowing guests to leave their culinary fate in the hands of expert Chef Manuel Jimenez to enjoy classic Nobu dishes paired with Greek wines and signature cocktails.

For more information or to book, please visit https://santorini.nobuhotels.com/

RHODES: For Relaxation and Indulgence

Perched at the base of the majestic Acropolis, the village of Lindos beckons as a captivating blend of tradition and cosmopolitan charm. Once the site of the ancient Greek town, Lindos now stands as a testament to Rhodes Island's unique allure. With its narrow winding lanes, whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and enchanting donkey rides, Lindos encapsulates the essence of a quintessential Greek island village.

Stay: Rhodes’ most stylish adults-only resort Lindos Grand Resort & Spa is located just moments from Lindos old town. A haven of relaxation and indulgence, this hideaway hotel comprises 189 sleek, sophisticated and contemporary rooms with lavish amenities – many boasting panoramic sea views and swim-up private infinity pools.

Do: Immerse yourself in serenity and rejuvenation within the tranquil surroundings of Lindos Grand Resort & Spa. Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience at the serene Evridiki spa, where skilled therapists offer a range of rejuvenating treatments to nourish both body and soul. Engage in a blissful yoga session to find inner balance or simply unwind by the pool, soaking up the soothing ambiance. As the sun sets, savor delicious cocktails expertly crafted by mixologists at Blanc de Blancs Lounge or experience the relaxed elegance of Atmos Sky Lounge.

Eat: Embark on a culinary journey like no other with Lindos Grand Resort & Spa's array of fine-dining options. Indulge in delectable dishes prepared with the finest and freshest island ingredients at the resort's à la carte restaurants. Thalatta Fine Dining Restaurant awaits, offering innovative and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Craving the catch of the day? Immerse yourself in the islander ambiance of Agistri Greek Fish Restaurant. Indulge in Italy's authentic flavours at La Cucina, boasting homemade pastas and thin crust pizzas. For an exotic adventure, discover the harmonious blend of Asian and Japanese cuisine at Takara Asian Restaurant or Yume Mou.

To book and for more information on https://www.lindosgrand.com/