To celebrate our brand new summer scent, Aegean, our top 5 greek island escapes.
We’re missing the endless blues of Greek island hopping this summer, but we can dream about long days and blissful sunsets on our five favourite Grecian getaway places…
SKIATHOS
Conde Nast Traveller recently named Skiathos as THE Greek island to visit in 2020 (a pipe dream currently!). Its easy to see why. With some of the most stunning beaches in all of the Greek islands, it is a sun worshiper’s paradise. It’s also still possible to find quiet spots for quiet adventure, like the northern coves accessible only by forest trails. Emerald seas and white sands, Skiathos will never let us down.
KOUFONISIA
Just 10 square miles in size, Koufonisia is only accessible with a two hour boat ride from Paxos. It’s mood is firmly set to ‘relaxed’, where long lunches at wooden tavernas extend into sunset cocktails. If your thrills are peace, quiet and calm, this is the island to find it. Remote and rugged, a true escape.
HYDRA
This island has been a muse for artists for generations. From Chagall to Leonard Cohen, the architecture and landscape has inspired many visitors. Serene and less frenetic than many Greek islands, vehicles are banned in the main town, where donkeys are the only means of transport.
CORFU
Green, leafy and lush, Corfu remains one of Greece’s most popular island for british travellers. Brits have long been associated with the island – the Duke of Edinburgh was born there, the Durrell’s famously moved to Corfu in search of a quieter life, and even Shakespeare has connections with the place and modelled his island in The Tempest on descriptions of Corfu. If you are looking to avoid the brits, perhaps give the North East coast a miss: it’s often described as Kensington By The Sea!
ITHACA
The home island of mythical Odysseus is surprisingly not spoiled by tourists eager to follow the path of the gods. It’s a wonderful island for hikers, with dramatic and quiet hiking trails into the forested hills. If you are looking for Homer’s hero, don’t miss the 8th Century BC ruins of Odysseus’ palace.