Greek Islands: Off the Beaten Track

Two nights exploring Greece's historic capital, Athens

Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens is a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue and beauty. It’s not just a place for history buffs, however, it’s also one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Two nights on the picturesque island of Milos

The island of Milos sits in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The southwestern-most of the Cyclades, it encapsulates the beautiful beaches, rustic white-washed houses, cyan waters, great food and rich history of its neighbours, without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.

Its landscape is sublime, with over 70 beaches including some of the most stunning in Greece, often dramatic coastline dotted with idyllic fishing villages and volcanic interior. The famous Ancient Greek Aphrodite of Milos, better known as the Venus de Milo which now stands as a centrepiece in Paris’ Louvre, was found here in 1820, and the rest of the island has thousands of years of history to discover.

Two nights discovering the beauty of Folegandros

Folegandros is an island with a laid-back atmosphere and serene charm. There are three villages Karavostasi (the port), Chora and Ano Meria, as well as a number of hidden beaches and historic relics and rustic terraced farms on almost every sun-bathed slope. The pace of life here is traditionally laid back, perhaps best enjoyed in the evenings with a glass of wine and some wonderful food in one of Chora’s three linked squares.

Two enchanting nights in Santorini

Floating in the southern Aegean Sea is a little slice of Greek heaven. A huge volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago left a caldera which turned the then- circular Santorini into a crescent shaped island, one that has been charming visitors since they first arrived.

Santorini is the largest island of a small archipelago, wrapping its arms protectively around the islands of Palea, Nea and Thirasia. Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.