Mainland Greece is bursting with idyllic hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Venture through towns of pure white buildings before heading to expansive olive groves, set against a backdrop of undulating peaks with small villages tucked away on the hillsides. Choose to stay along the coast and soak up the incomparable views of the Aegean Sea as you languidly laze upon the cream sands. Dive into Greece’s rich history through an exploration of its ancient ruins and finish off with delectable Mediterranean cuisine at a world class seaside restaurant.
Search for undiscovered spots along Halkidiki’s 300 miles of coastline; amble through marinas or frolic in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Head inland for nature trails and immerse yourself in Greece’s glorious flora and fauna. Choose to holiday in the south west of Greece, where the Peloponnese is home to rugged coastlines and lush green countryside. A short trip from Olympia, take the time to visit the town where the first Olympic games were held.
Holidays in Mainland Greece offer an unforgettable experience, thanks to its picture perfect beaches and sprawling countryside, which are soaked in glorious sunshine and temperate warmth. With incredible resorts and hotels, escaping to Greece ensures ultimate tranquil luxury.
Here at Sovereign we know the importance of luxury and thanks to over 50 years of experience, we know how to tailor-make holidays to add a touch of luxury. We’ve handpicked some of the best hotels in Mainland Greece that will ensure a seamless blend of serenity and luxury. Sani Beach is set upon the seafront and boasts views of the Adriatic Sea and Mount Olympus, providing the perfect backdrop for couples. For a resort that has it all, visit The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. Moments from the beach, an array of adventurous activities and incredible UNESCO sites sit nearby.
Holidays in Madeira are packed full of beautiful natural sights, from its rugged cliffs leading down to the sparkling ocean to manicured botanic gardens brimming with native trees and flowers. The mountains are perfect for those wanting to explore Portugal’s natural landscapes, while the cosmopolitan capital, Funchal, is home to upmarket bars, restaurants and shops. Children will love riding the cable car up to the top of the cliffs, while adults will be delighted to sample the local wines and fresh seafood on offer.
Spend your days taking in the architecture of the pretty fishing villages dotted around the island or exploring the ancient ruins and 18th Century churches. Visit the old town of Funchal for narrow streets and a vibrant marina showcasing yachts of the rich and famous. The buildings will take you through the fascinating history of the island, with Gothic, Victorian and modern architecture rubbing shoulders and housing luxury hotels, pretty bars and cafés, as well as some of Portugal’s best restaurants.
Take a boat trip around the island and stop off in crystal clear bays, where you can snorkel and discover golden sandy coves where you can enjoy a picnic packed full of locally sourced produce. Sunset cruises are the perfect way to enjoy a romantic evening over cocktails or delicious champagne.
Madeira is also known as the “Floating Garden” after its emerald landscapes, valleys filled with wildflowers and bougainvillea lined streets. Horse riding, hiking and mountain biking are a great way to see the interior landscapes, while the perfect way to fully relax is to spend a lazy day unwinding on the beach.
Greece has some of the best weather in Europe – long, dry summers with poolside-perfect temperatures that kick off as early as April and last all the way to October. There’s little risk of rain, and as many as 12 hours of sunshine a day in midsummer. Things can get seriously hot, though, with July and August temperatures peaking in the early 30s – great for beach-lovers, although dedicated sightseers may want to pick the cooler spring or autumn months.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Greece.
In Greece, a service charge will be included in the bill at restaurants and bars. Much like the UK, an additional tip is not required, although is appreciated for particularly good service. It is common to round off the amount when paying cash, particularly with restaurant staff and taxi drivers.
The official language of Greece is Greek. English is widely spoken, too, so getting by is easy.