Unknown Towns and Luxury Villas: Discovering the Greek Islands

The attractions of the Greek Islands are no secret to frequent travellers, but most of the visitors sleepily sunbathing at the resorts won’t realise quite how much there is to discover once you dig a little deeper. By staying in one of our luxury villas, you can avoid the crowds and head straight for the authentic towns and villages that still line the Mediterranean shores and hillsides.

Spetses

Villa Essa, Spetses – Oliver’s Travels

The Spetses is a favourite holiday spot among locals, but you won’t find masses of tourists here. You’re unlikely to see many cars either – there are around four taxis on the whole island, so many people get around by horse-drawn carriage, bike or motorcycle. Visitors can hire motorboats to take a tour of the 18 miles of coastline, stopping by Agia Paraskeví, a beach lined by pine trees on Spetses’ western coast, to enjoy an afternoon of water sports.

Patmos

Villa Kassia, Patmos – Oliver’s Travels

If you’re planning to take a summer break, visit Patmos‘ capital city of Chorá. Outside peak season this idyllic getaway empties, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Your first day should be spent exploring the ancient Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1088. Its chapels really are spectacular, with marble floors, Byzantine artefacts and breathtaking decor. Wind your way through the city’s fifteenth-century streets and you’ll find Vagellis Taverna, a family-run restaurant in Chorá’s main square serving delectable traditional Greek dishes like stuffed vine leaves, garlicky skordalia and moreish taramasalata.

Paros

Villa Lefkia, Paros – Oliver’s Travels

As one of the largest islands in the Cyclades, parts of Paros have become tourist traps – but you can get away from all the fuss in Villa Lefkia, located just a three minute walk from peaceful village of Lefkes. Spend your days wandering through the Agias Trias ‘secret garden’ cemetery, browsing through the traditional pottery shops, and if you’re feeling energetic, hiking across the mountainous Byzantine Road trail. To recharge your batteries, stop off for Greek coffee and a generous slice of freshly baked carrot cake at Kafeneio Marigws.

Kea

Villa Dalmat, Kea – Oliver’s Travels

Kea is often overlooked in favour of the larger Cyclades islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but that can only be a good thing for travellers searching for a retreat off the beaten track. Visit Red Tractor Farm to try out their mystical St John’s Wort oil, said to heal wounds and scars. If it’s azure waters you’re after, relax on Koundouros beach and have a bite to eat at its seafront cafe. With four luxury villas on the island to choose from, all you need to do is take your pick and get packing.

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– Have a look at our fantastic selection of luxury villas in Greece
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– More blogs on Things to Do
– Four Festivals in Corfu You Must Not Miss

Photo credit: lead image via Antje on Flickr