Top 5 destinations for a great Greek Summer

Ever wondered what the top 5 destinations for a great Greek Summer are?

If Greece is already on your holiday-radar for this summer, or even the next one, you have made a solid vacation decision. The Greek Summer is not so elusive as Greece has been dubbed a summer classic for many years now, and justifiably so. The cosmopolitan party island of Mykonos and the incredibly diverse island of Crete are often making headlines, however, when seeking places that convey an overwhelming feeling, the top 5 destinations for a great Greek summer include some popular, some unknown and some timeless locations. These are Athens, Evia, Santorini, Pelion and Corfu.

Athens: city, summer splendour

The capital city of Athens is a temptress that appeals to many yet only really grips those who truly know what they seek. Athens during the summer is not a choice for the faint-hearted; the progression of the summer months make it gradually hotter, and people will tend to flee towards the islands. Yet those who dare go against the grain, and actually give Athens city a chance in the summer, will discover a different perspective. Sightseeing is much easier in the summer, if you avoid the hottest hours of the day. Typically from noon till 4pm, it is best to enjoy the ambiance of a hip, urban and absolutely sleek cafe-bar restaurant such as iFeel by Andronis Athens, set in the colourful streets of Psyrri is one of the top boutique hotels in Athens. In the mornings, Athens is indeed a sight for sore eyes. The famed, Greek sunlight that bounces off of every surface plays an intricate game of shadows, and reveals all the landmarks in all their glory which can often be overwhelming. In the evenings, the moonlight makes every distinction softer, more malleable and more seductive than ever.

Evia: holistic, thermal wellness

For a Greek summer holiday that has wellness at its core, consider an underdog of a destination, Evia. It is in fact the second largest island of Greece, after Crete and it can be reached by car and ferry combined, within a couple of hours from Athens. Greatly overlooked as it seemingly cannot compete with its more popular sibling islands, Evia still remains largely authentic with Edipsos being the long-standing cornerstone of its local heritage. Edipsos has a natural source of thermal springs which have been used for their multifarious benefits, since the ancient times. A narrow mentality has been developed that associates thermal springs with treating rheumatism and arthritic conditions; although this is not a false claim, thermal springs can do a whole lot more, but also for people of younger ages and even those highly-strung professionals on the verge of burn-out. One of the top thermal spa hotels in Greece, has a plethora of wellness treatments that will detoxify, revitalize and realign you, will rekindle your balance and help you regain your well-being.

Pelion: active holidays within nature

For some, summer is not just about relaxing on a beach all day long. For the more active ones or for the nature lovers especially, retreating to the mountains during the summer is a wonderful alternative to following the crowds to the islands and their beaches. Yet, in Pelion, you don’t have to forsake one for the other. One of the fantastic things about Pelion in the summer, is that you can both enjoy the mountainous terrain that maintains cooler temperatures even during the hottest hours of the day; similarly, the sea maybe closer than you imagine, depending on which village you choose to stay in. The region of Pelion is shaped like a peninsula, embraced by two seas; the Pagasetic on the west, and the Aegean on the east. For spending your summer holiday in the mountains and soaking up the refreshing ambiance of a stone settlement, a traditional hotel in Portaria will deliver. Activities within nature in Pelion include horse riding, trekking or hiking in the forests, mountain biking or cycling tours that lead you discover different mountain villages, even rappel or canyoning amidst waterfalls and sea kayaking.

Corfu: a place of aristocratic allure

When in search of a place that has it all, incredible beaches, an enchanting town, verdant landscapes and sunsets that dip into the sea, you’ll find that Corfu island does have it all. Once a place that was a poll of attraction for the creme de la creme of the international aristocracy, the royals, the politicians, the artists, the entrepreneurs. The old town of Corfu, which is just by the sea, is an open-air museum of landmarks almost everywhere you look. Apart from the fortresses and palaces that are important monuments, there is an array of striking mansions, stately manors, summer residences and estates. A stroll around the cobblestone slab streets, or the ‘kantounia’ as they are called by the locals, will reveal beautiful visuals at every turn that ooze old age elegance interwoven with more modern city touches. For fully immersing into the grandeur of past sophistication, the adults-only luxury hotel in Corfu town can offer exclusive moments for its guests, having been inspired by the namesake Mon Repos Palace.

Santorini: a fairy-tale come true

Santorini, the most iconic Greek island, could not be missing from any article that aspires to define the top 5 destinations for a great Greek summer. Since it is a highly popular destination nationally as well as internationally, it is perhaps most wise to visit Santorini in the shoulder season, that is at the beginning or the end of the season to avoid most crowds. Santorini is also one of those places that you can easily return to, as its charm is the epitome of timeless. Chances are you will have either stayed on the Caldera, or the high-profile village of Oia which is famous for its direct sunset views. The next time you visit Santorini, choose to stay in a location which belongs more to the island’s lesser seen side. What this means is that you can be sure to avoid the masses, secure your privacy, witness the island from an entirely new vantage point. A luxury hotel in Akrotiri, Santorini ensures precisely that. The views from the southernmost tip of the island’s crescent shape are overwhelming. You get to see the volcano, the caldera and Oia all in one frame. How about that?