Curfew
Curfew is the northern island in the blissful Ionian. On its east coast, two powerful Venice-era forts protect its UNESCO-listed nickname capital. Here the streets of Kabul reveal pastel colors Palaces, Quaint churches, old-fashioned cafes and traditional taverns serving local rent. Its focal point is Liston, an arcade walkway overlooking the giant green Spianada, where locals play cricket on summer evenings – a 19th-century tradition when Corfu was a British patron for almost 50 years. Outside the city of Corfu, the coast offers crystal clear waters, and sandy and rocky beaches. The rugged interior is lined with olive groves, many more than half a millennium old, from which Corfu produces some of Greece’s finest olive oil. Walk down the slopes of Mount Pantocrat, the old Perithia, a village of 14th-century stone cottages, some now restored, to see what rural life was like.
Seven miles north of Corfu is Kommeno, a picturesque peninsula with lush green olive groves, fragrant pines, elegant cypresses and exotic palms. Here is the five-star Grecotel Corfu Imperial Offers the most luxurious accommodation on the island. Expect waterside villas to accommodate up to 12 guests, including sophisticated rooms, suites, bungalows and private pools. Each is unique, some built in minimalist contemporary style, while others are borrowed from Corfu’s grand Venetian tradition, with pastel-colored faces, balustraded balconies and terracotta-tiled roofs. Guests can explore the resort’s rocky shores, secret bays and beaches, and landscaped gardens lined with ponds. The main promenade features a selection of bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local seasonal products, as well as the island’s lovely olive oil.
Mykonos
Rising from the Aegean, Mykonos Island is famous for its hedonistic nightlife. The city of Cosmopolitan Mykonos is a warren of cobbled streets, with whitewashed solid houses, typical of cyclades, host cocktail bars, gourmet restaurants and chic boutiques. During the day, glamorous sun-tanned guests snooze and bathe on the gorgeous long beaches of the South Coast – and for the sport type, there are also windsurfing, kite-surfing, waterskiing and scuba diving. After dark, many beaches host open-air dance clubs featuring famous DJs. From the harbor, daily cruise ships sail to the rocky island of Delos. Apollo (the sun god) and Artemis (the moon goddess) were believed to be the birthplace of the ancients, and today its temple and proud stone lions are UNESCO-listed.
Overlooking the magnificent Psarou Beach on the sunny south coast of Mykonos, Grecotel Mykonos Blu The best heat is escaping. It has a beautiful spa and a thin cave-like infinity pool built into the rocks. From here, the steps lead to the golden sands, and hotel guests receive free sunbeds and beach towels. The hotel includes bungalows inspired by traditional cycladic architecture, suites and villas with sea views and private pools. Consider the Aegean-cool interior, with predominantly white distinct blue details. Get up for a generous Greek breakfast, enjoy a light sushi lunch, and end the day with a romantic sunset dinner on the beach with a private waiter and personalized menu plan.
Cos
The city of Kos is known for its palm-lined roads, large sailing marina, and 15th-century Neranjia Castle, which guard the port’s entrance. At the back of the town is the hillside Asclepione, a 3rd century BC sanctuary and healing temple. It was built in honor of Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, who was born in Kos in 460 BC. His famous pamphlet, On Airs, Waters and Places examines the relationship between health and the environment – he believes that we thrive on good food, fresh air, rest, exercise, hygiene and mild weather. Hippocrates may have approved an eight-mile cycle lane on the coast of Kos from Salidi Beach to Pharos Beach. Favorite by the wind- and kitesurfers, Psalidi enjoys a steady side-noise wind, and there are several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, providing tuition and rental equipment. In the western part of the island, Plaka Forest is home to pine trees, fresh spring water, terrapins and dozens of peacocks – kids love it.
In a fantastic location just outside the city of Kos, you will find the family-friendly Grecotel LUX ME Kos Imperial. Located along Psalidi Beach, it is set in landscaped plains with exotic tropical plantations, freeform ponds with cascades, a turquoise lagoon and a pebble beach. Outdoor activities include yoga, pilates, tennis, beach volleyball, windsurfing and scuba diving. There is also a fun spa offering a wide selection of health and beauty treatments and indoor hot tubs, and an array of waterside bars and restaurants serving healthy Mediterranean menus and special options for children. Accommodation range from elegant rooms and suites to bungalows and villas, all decorated to create the perfect recreational island mood.
Crate
About 5,000 years ago, Crete was home to a sophisticated civilization called the Minoans. Their main settlement was Nosos Palace, where they enjoyed beauty and entertainment – the ruins of which you can still visit today.
Built around a large central courtyard, its rooms were adorned with magnificent murals depicting jumping bulls, as well as dolphins, blue birds and lilies. It also had storage rooms for giants amphora – Ceramic storage containers – Filled with olive oil and alcohol. The fields around the site still support beautiful vineyards, some reviving almost forgotten indigenous grape species.
Nearby, on the coast, Heraklion was originally the port of Nosos, and in the 15th century it was fortified by the Venetians, who also added elegant churches and waterfalls. At the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, you can see antiquities from Knossos, such as frescoes, painted ceramics and gold ornaments. There are dramatic mountains in the interior – the ancients believed that Zeus, the king of the gods, was born in the cave of Mount Ida (2,456 m).
Grecotel Amirandes is located on the north coast of Crete, 14 miles east of Heraclian, set between a pond, a lagoon and a careful landscape with delightful beaches. A family-friendly resort, it offers activities related to a healthy, active lifestyle that Minoans admire. The site offers yoga, aerobics, tennis and kayaking, as well as nearby scuba diving and mountain biking. Sophisticated dining options include Italian and East Asian cuisine, but the highlight is the rustic Cretan cuisine, made from fresh local ingredients and organic products from Grecottel’s own agro farm. Accommodation ranges from rooms and suites to bungalows and villas – perfect with direct access to the sands with private gardens, infinity pool, and private beach cabanas.
Book your luxury Greece vacation at ba.com/grecotel
With British Airways Holidays, you can reserve your well-deserved breaks with deposits starting at 60 per person and pay the balance in small or large installments of your choice *. All package bookings are ATOL-safe (5895) and include a luggage allowance of 23kg per person. Their customer commitment is a commitment to quality and service that ensures their hotel partners adhere to strict safety standards, you will get back to you quickly if your vacation is canceled and there is a 24-hour helpline if you need any assistance during your vacation. 92% of customers said they would choose British Airways Holidays again.
* T&Cs applied. Deposit 7 weeks in advance for long distance and 28 days in advance for short distance. Travel restrictions may apply.
** From over 27,000 independent Reevoo reviews in the last 12 months – March 2022