With some of the best food in the Mediterranean; stunning beaches, bays, coves and coastlines; an incredible wealth of history and so much more to see and experience across its mainland and 6,000 islands, Greece is a true gem. The unending choices of places to see can make it all the more difficult to decide on a location for your next luxury break, but we’re here to help.
Whether you’re seeking an action-packed trip or a more relaxing and restful break, Greece has you covered. When you only have time to indulge in a short break, such as for long weekend, you’ll want to be assured that your choice of destination will satisfy your every desire, which is why we’ve shortlisted five of the best luxury places for a short break in Greece this year.
Rhodes
From the rooftop restaurants and incredible ancient acropolis of Lindos to the medieval city of Rhodes and all of its history to discover, the island of Rhodes is a must-visit for history lovers and luxury seekers alike. If exploring the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town Rhodes and its cafes, shops and museums sounds like too much effort, head to a top hotel instead to soak up the sun, dine on delectable food and laze by the pools. Ella Resorts is the ideal choice for this, while being perfectly placed on the north east coast for water sports and exploration when desired.
Athens
The perfect city break combining incredible history and architecture, top hotels, great food and fantastic shopping experiences, Greece’s capital city shouldn’t be missed. The heart of Ancient Greece, a great empire and civilisation, visitors can find an array of monuments from the 5th century BC to explore, while artefacts can be viewed up close in the National Archaeological Museum.
Don’t miss the Parthenon temple, the Acropolis and also the array of delightful restaurants offering up some of the finest foods by the very best chefs. A three-day trip will be plenty of time to get around the city and explore some of the finest ancient landmarks in the world today.
Santorini
A favourite for honeymooners and luxury lovers alike, Santorini’s popularity has rocketed in recent years, with its whitewashed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea providing the perfect backdrop for those Insta-worthy photos. Its unique landscape is worthy of exploration and its main towns of Oia and Fira will provide plenty to see and do.
Stunning sunsets, long volcanic beaches, a remarkable caldera and unique hotels set into the cliff make Santorini a popular destination to slow down and enjoy the best of what mother nature can provide.
Mykonos
Greece is great any time of year, but let’s face it, some destinations are best visited during their warmer months and Mykonos is no different as the destination comes alive during spring and summer.
Partygoers will be in paradise here at the famous beach bars and dance clubs that are frequented by some of the world’s best DJs, but there’s plenty more to fill your time with besides the nightlife. From iconic landmarks such as the row of 16th-century windmills, which are perched on a hill above Mykonos town to its beautiful sandy beaches, renowned restaurants, luxe hotels and picturesque villages to explore, you can craft any type of holiday you wish here.
Crete
Greece’s largest and most populous island has so much to explore that you’ll be hard-pushed to experience it all in just one weekend, but there’s nothing stopping you from making your trip last a little longer.
Find Greek hospitality at its finest, some of the best seafood and olive oil you’ll ever devour, picturesque Venetian harbours, Roman and Ottoman influence, natural wonders like the blissful lagoons, shopping galore in Chania and Heraklion, the Bronze Age and Minoan city of Knossos Palace, and the World Biosphere Reserve that is Samaria Gorge.
