The Carrier guide to Greece: where will you travel to?

Words by Jennifer Prince

6 min read

Handpicked by our luxury travel experts, these are the destinations, hotels and experiences not to be missed on your next Grecian getaway.

Europe, Greece, Paros, whitewashed street with pink flowers

Stories for... The Head

The cradle of western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, and the founders of Olympic glory; it’s no tragedy that Greece has long topped the list of our most-loved European destinations.

A land of legend with a naturally sunny disposition — in both climate and culture — its islands mottle the Mediterranean, tempting travellers away from the mainland with the promise of coastal comforts. And though the phrase may be as time-worn as its ancient ruins, there really is something for everyone across these fabled lands.

But with so much to choose from, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees (or should we say beach for the sand). That's why we’ve selected our top five destinations to inspire your summer sojourn, complete with exclusive experiences and even an extended stay. Read on to find out more from those who really know the name of the game...

Halkidiki

Perfect for: Strolling over golden sands

A picturesque playground for beachgoers, the three peninsulas of Halkidiki stretch languidly out into the sun-warmed waters of the Aegean. An ideal destination for those who like to take a dip, the sea here lies both crystal clear and calm, lapping secluded bays and sands as far as the eye can see.

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Stay at: The Danai

The place for utter relaxation and all-important reconnection, the scent of lavender dances on the sea air in this resort, where passionate Greek hospitality meets ancient mythology. A definitive destination for foodies, award-winning options for fine dining are set to a backdrop of timeless grandeur on the Toroneos Gulf.

Step out for: Touring the shores of Sithonia Peninsula

Welcomed under the wings of The Bird — a luxury yacht exclusive to The Danai — sail the second peninsula of Halkidiki, stopping to spot local wildlife en route. Characterised by smooth lines and spacious sundecks, cruise in classic comfort before taking the plunge to snorkel, swim or paddleboard.

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Costa Navarino

Perfect for: Sustainable sanctuaries

Taking extra care on the southwest Peloponnese, an exclusive collection of luxury resorts are preserving the Messinian landscape and legacy in their elevated excellence. Expect blonde sands along a sweeping coastline, luscious green hills hiding spacious escapes, and a waterfront Agora to rival the high-flyer hotspots of Montenegro at its heart.

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Stay at: Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino

Sweeping panoramas of sea blue may steal the show from every angle, but it’s the ease of life here on Navarino Bay that we love most. A haven for travellers who value time to themselves, enjoy the private oasis of an earth-sheltered hideaway, paired with an attention to detail that appears almost effortless.

Step out for:  Laid back e-biking at Gialova Lagoon

A birdwatcher’s paradise — and the only European home for the African Chameleon — Gialova Lagoon plays host to 270 species of winged wonders, including rare ospreys, imperial eagles and purple herons. Find pink flamingos striking a pose here in the winter months, and be sure to visit Voidokilia Beach, shaped like the Greek letter Omega.

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Crete

Perfect for: A little bit of everything

The largest of the Greek islands, this Mediterranean mosaic encompasses everything from beautiful beachfront resorts to postcard-perfect towns; and an abundance of UNESCO world heritage sites. Somewhat spoilt for choice, you really can do it all here: sail out to Spinalonga, tour Agios Nikolaos at ease, and step into the first European civilisation at Knossos Palace.

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Stay at: The Island Concept

Capturing the romantic radiance of Santorini on a luscious Cretan peninsula, a salt-tinged taste lingers at the tip of your tongue in this stay that plays by the rhythm of the sea. Cycladic shades of whites and blues bask in sparkling views from all sides, and al fresco dining leans towards local seafood.

Step out for: Rustic mountain ranges

Hidden among the heights of the Dikti mountain range, the Lassithi Plateau is Crete at its most authentic; its quaint collection of villages retaining their rustic charm. Pay particular attention to Psychro, one such village concealing the Dikteon Cave — a geological giant said to be the birthplace of the almighty Zeus.

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Paros & Antiparos

Europe, Greece, Paros, The Rooster, Farmhouse table set for dinner outdoors

Perfect for: Auras of authenticity

Petite and picturesque, these lesser-known islands bring a slow pace to life in the Cyclades, much preferred by those that favour the tranquillity of tradition over tourist crowds. Remaining relatively untouched (save for the hands of mother nature herself), rural scenery reigns over the land, interrupted only by classic villages of white gleaming in the sunlight.

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Stay at: The Rooster

Inspired by the rooster’s morning call, awake with the dawn in the bliss of simplicity. Laidback above Livadia Beach, step back to basics at this wellness resort where farm to fork cuisine nourishes the art of relaxation. Here, a less is more ethos puts family and friends at the forefront.

Step out for:  A taste of Paros

The home of Mediterranean hospitality, the Greeks really know how to cook up a storm. In a day spent learning from the locals, you’ll first visit an organic family-run farm to get a flavour for how ingredients are grown, before trying sweet spoon tasting, traditional Mezze and freshly brewed coffee.

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Mykonos

Perfect for: Peace beyond the parties

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Mykonos sure can celebrate, though there’s much more to the most cosmopolitan of the Cyclades than reputation suggests. Far from the tourist crowds — if like us, you know where to look — let the ‘island of the winds’ reveal its rural charm, for a stay centred in serenity, rather than revelry.

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Stay at: Cali Mykonos

Quite the revolutionary, Cali has succeeded in putting Mykonos on the map for more than just the clubbing crowd. In a sleepy corner of the island where the thump of a bass is a distant memory, wellness is the soundtrack to days spent beside possibly the largest pool on the island.

Step out for: Idyllic island life

Swap modern monochromes for authentic architecture to experience the real Mykonos. On this day-long excursion, first tour a traditional farmstead likened to a whimsical ‘Chorio’ or village. The journey then continues to the mountain tops, where an enchanting old house awaits — its courtyard set with a table of Myconian delicacies for a sunset soiree.

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Spoilt for choice? Simply extend your stay

No one wants the sun to set on their Grecian getaway. Luckily at Carrier, we have an extended stay close to the ancient city of Athens that might just tick all the boxes.

From the Athenian Riviera’s glitzy shores — brimming with old Hollywood charm and the classic scent of olive groves — to the romantic island air of Kèa; this curated One&Only twosome is a feast of Greek authenticity.

Stay first at One&Only Aesthesis — Harking back to an age of celebrity mystique, Sinatra and classic cinema – when only hues of silver illuminated the silver screen – the scene is set for a blend of city break and beach retreat. Find sophisticated seclusion, with no compromise on cultural charm.

Followed by One&Only Kéa Island — Helicopters touch down and yachts drop anchor to arrive in style at the gateway to the Cyclades. Where One&Only’s exclusive all-villa resort has beautifully blended their contemporary flair into a sleepy island sculpted by ancient civilisations.

Take me there...