Villa holidays in Greece

From its bewitching islands and its breathtaking mountainous interior to its love of good food and famous hospitality, it’s easy to see why so many are drawn to Greece. Throw in its ancient history and near-perfect weather, and you’ve got the total package. As you’ll discover during your villa holiday in 2023, Greece truly is an “all-time classic”.

For many, a Greek holiday means one thing: idyllic islands. And with good reason. There are literally thousands strung out across the Aegean and Ionian seas. While you can’t stay on all of them (some 200 are inhabited), you definitely won’t struggle for options.

If you’re after the classic family-friendly island experience check out Kefalonia, Crete, and Corfu. Rent a villa one of these isles for a wide range of resorts, safe Blue Flag beaches, and plenty of ancient history for the kids to delve into.

Looking for something a little more romantic? Picture-perfect Santorini, all white-washed walls and cobalt blue domes, is usually go-to for couples; cosmopolitan Mykonos, tiny Symi and underrated Milos are excellent options as well.

Away from these bigger names, there are plenty lesser-known, more traditional islands to choose from. These include chilled-out Lemnos, intimate Halki, and, among countless others, old school Karpathos. Do note that villas in many of the smaller islands may be harder to find, so you may need to be flexible with your search.

But it’s not all about the islands. Greece’s cities offer an exciting glimpse into Hellenic urban life and culture.

Its iconic capital, Athens should be top of your list. Home to the Acropolis and a wealth of historic landmarks, exciting neighbourhoods (try Plaka or Neapoli) and a mind-boggling array of cultural attractions, such as Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, the city has a timeless quality to match its epic past.

Second city Thessaloniki, with its wild nightlife and Roman ruins, is another worth considering, especially if you’re keen to explore northern Greece. Meanwhile, the likes of Larissa and its busy café culture, Ioannina and its impressive lake, and Trikala and its bicycle-friendly vibes, all offer something subtly different for a villa holiday.

For city breaks in Greece, make sure you rent a villa with a pool – you’ll be thankful for a dip in the scorching Greek summer.

Away from the major cities, there’s more incredible myths, ancient antiquity and glorious landscapes waiting to be experienced. Head to Monemvasia for slender cobblestone streets, ruinous buildings and an imposing fortress. Zagóri for natural beauty – such as the Vikos Gorge – and quaint villages. Kalambaka for Meteora, an awe-inspiring rock formation topped with monasteries (and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

And that’s only just scratching at the surface. You can also base your Greek villa holiday in picturesque Galaxidi, idyllic Karpenisi, and extremely romantic Nafplio.

Incidentally, one of the best things about these towns and villages is that they’re largely under the radar, meaning a lot more tradition and a lot less tourists.

Discover Greece with a villa holiday in 2023.