Each piece of Greece offers something unique. And if you’re seeking a luxury holiday, you’re in luck. You’ll find its idyllic islands are well equipped for serene stays, with gorgeous hotels that’ll pamper and cater to you every step of the way. But that’s not all you can expect – chic boutiques, swanky beach clubs and divine dining are all on the cards too.
With the option of simply flights or the full Jet2holidays works, you can linger in Greek luxury for as long as you desire. While you can browse our Luxe Collection and Indulgent Escapes for inspiration, let us walk you around the heavenly islands and their resorts that are best suited to luxury holidays.
Santorini
The quintessentially Greek blue and white hues of Santorini’s patchworked clifftop setting will seem familiar to you. Why? Because it’s a much-photographed hotspot that’s featured on postcards and in glossy coffee table travel books for decades.
Perched atop a caldera, this outstanding destination looks out across the glistening Aegean Sea and will leave you spellbound. Between the must-sees of Ancient Thera and the Three Bells of Fira and good-for-the-soul outings to wineries and spas, easygoing beachfronts beckon with their beauty in Kamari and Perissa. But the most luxurious places to set down your suitcase on a Greek holiday are Oia, Imerovigli and Fira, each with an individual sense of style. The former is a whitewashed paradise of wall-to-wall boutique shops, while the latter lies just 2km from the capital and is where A-listers are known to swing by. Santorini’s classy resorts are exceptional.
Crete
Crete offers a variety of luxury holiday options, with glitzy resorts between the areas of Chania and Heraklion. And regardless of where you decide to base yourself, you can get around relatively easily. Great Greek getaways here are peppered with culture, teeming with history and blessed with beaches, so you can bank on them being all-rounders.
While the mighty Palace of Knossos beckons with its Minoan past, scenic seafronts such as the candy floss-hued sands of Elafonisi Lagoon also pack the wow factor. Hersonissos is one of the island’s most popular picks and you’ll find it has a handful of sophisticated properties within its confines. Trace the emerald-tinged waters to Elounda, which delivers a smorgasbord of waterfront tavernas that are sublime at sunset. The ornate Venetian elements of time-treasured Chania Town will also charm you. So, where’s it going to be?
Corfu
You might think that Corfu is all filmset-style scenery, olive-strewn hillsides and traditional towns, but it dips a toe in the luxe pool too. Its mythical past is the stuff of legends, so be sure to pack comfy shoes and uncover Achilleion Palace and Angelokastro.
The sands of Sidari and Acharavi will entice beach fans, though that’s really just scratching the surface of what Corfu lays on during a luxury holiday. Amble along the winding streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to experience museums galore, before sitting down to a coffee or glass of wine in a trendy bar. While you’re in town, how about a tasting of the local award-winning wine? Put yourself in the picture and visit Danilia Village, where The Durrells was filmed. Then it’s just a case of picking which plush property grabs your attention…
Rhodes
All Rhodes lead to luxury holidays in these parts… The whitewashed wonderland that the Acropolis of Lindos resides in is every bit the history hunter’s playground. Much like its neighbours, this island shows off a number of landmarks – including old walls and fortresses among its resorts – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t supply the finer things.
Box off the archaeological treasures and blissful beaches of Lindos, then hillside walks, vineyard visits and local cuisine tastings will be among the next best things to do. Rhodes Town peels back the pages of the history books to expose a once medieval city, while its newer side is big on boutique shops and hip cafés. Ialyssos also has that old-meets-new style, with a combination of churches that nod to the past and its laid-back but excellent dining scene.
Skiathos
Welcome to an astonishing Aegean gem that blends all the lush landscapes you’d expect from Greece with lavish elements on top. Skiathos gets a thumbs-up from us for R&R, but it’s lively too!
This island has struck a chord with celebrities and fans equally after the smash hit Mamma Mia! was filmed there. It’s also praised among beachgoers, with the shimmering shore of Megali Ammos the jewel in its crown. You can savour breathtaking sea views from peaceful Agia Paraskevi too, before sipping cold cocktails at sundown. Vibrant Skiathos Town has a more cosmopolitan set-up. Head high above the quaint harbour to find a cluster of tavernas delivering a delectable dining experience – The Windmill is a firm favourite.
Kefalonia
Cool Kefalonia is awash with natural beauty. Velvety green hills tumble down into golden swathes and azure waters, and attractive towns are dotted throughout. Similar to Skiathos, its claim to fame as a filming location has boosted its profile since the release of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
The silver screen aside, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than picking and choosing what you do while you’re away. How about heading to Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave or Koutavos Lagoon? Eager to do nothing but unwind beside the sea? Unfurl your towel on the smooth sands of Skala and you’ll start to feel replenished. It’s there and in Lassi that you’ll spy a cluster of swish hotels ready to lay on the luxury. And if there’s anywhere that oozes a glitzy look and feel, it’s Sami.
If these luxury Greece holiday ideas have inspired your next trip abroad, why not turn the daydream into a reality and book a remarkable retreat to one of these isles today?
Posted: 1st Feb 2021. Updated: 12th Apr 2023.