Top 10 Greek island holiday destinations for summer 2013

By Marjorie Yue

Whether it's some peace and quiet, charm, history, beauty, sports, glitz or glamour that you're looking for, the Greek islands have it all. Here are our top 10 choices...

Tilos has plenty of remote beaches

1 - TILOS from £687pp

Get away from it all when you beach up on this tiny Greek isle. A paradise for birds, it has wonderful flora and fauna and is an EU-registered Special Protection area. Many of its 19 beaches can only be reached by foot or boat.
THE DEAL: Base yourself at the Olympus Studios in Livadia, just a three-minute walk from the beach. Seven nights’ self-catering in September will cost from £687pp (based on two sharing), including flights from Gatwick and transfers with Sunvil Holidays.

2 - KEFALONIA from £491pp

Kefalonia: The setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

The largest of the Ionian group of islands soared in popularity when Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was published because that’s where Louis de Bernieres’ novel is set. The island has one of Greece’s most photographed beaches, Myrtos – a breathtaking sweep of white sand. Just outside the impossibly picturesque harbour village of Fiskardo, on the northern tip of Kefalonia, Alexanna Apartments have views of beautiful Dolhia Bay and Ithaka. The village of Maganos, with its colourful greengrocers and handful of tavernas, is a short walk away.
THE DEAL: Save up to £328pp on a seven-night, self-catering stay in a studio apartment (sleeping two), which costs from £491pp, including flights from Gatwick or Manchester departing on June 29, transfers, seven days’ car hire and welcome hamper, with Ionian and Aegean Island Holidays.

3 - SANTORINI from £553pp

Go to Santorini for dramatic beauty

 For breathtaking scenery, Santorini delivers in spadesful. There’s no mistaking those iconic images of precipitous cliffs and whitewashed buildings against startlingly vivid blue skies. And the volcanic island’s dark sand beaches only add to its dramatic beauty. In the resort of Kamari, on the east coast of the island, the four-star Anabel Studios and Apartments are set in a peaceful complex and a short stroll away from the beach.
THE DEAL: Seven nights’ self-catering at the Anabel Apartments costs from £553pp, including flights departing Gatwick on September 11.

4 - KOS from £579pp

Kos is a big draw for sun-worshippers. Why? Just Kos...

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 This Dodecanese island’s abundance of beaches is a big draw for sun-worshippers and watersports fans. But it’s worth taking time away from the sea and sand to explore the mountain villages inland. And you’ll find plenty of nightlife in the old quarter of Kos town. On the southern coast of the island, Lakitira Beach Resort is only a short distance from Kos. The Mark Warner resort offers excellent water sports, top-quality tennis, as well as mountain biking.
THE DEAL: Seven nights half-board costs from £579pp (saving £350pp), including flights departing Heathrow on June 22.

5 - ALONISSOS from £724pp

If you’re looking for peace, try Alonissos

 Just a short ferry hop from Skiathos lies its more peaceful sister island of Alonissos. Its rugged terrain offers wonderful walking trails through unspoilt landscapes past quiet beaches and atmospheric fishing villages. Old Alonissos, a pretty hilltop village, was abandoned in the 60s but is now a haunt for artists and writers.
THE DEAL: Seven nights’ self-catering in Neptune Cottage, which is set amid olive groves beside the beautiful bay of Lefto Yalo, costs from £724pp (based on two sharing), including flights from Gatwick and car hire with GIC Club The Villa Collection.

6 - ZANTE from £549pp

Stunning: Shipwreck Bay, Zante

 The southernmost of the main Ionian islands combines spectacular coastline with dramatic mountains in the north west and a central patchwork plain of vineyards (the island’s fine wines are not to be sniffed at). At Laganas, the nesting site of the endangered Loggerheads, there’s a chance to spot these protected turtles. Hotel Margarita in the quieter part of Laganas resort has two pools and plenty of activities, from waterpolo to French bowls.
THE DEAL: Thomas Cook offers seven nights staying all-inclusive at the three-star Hotel Margarita from £549pp (based on two sharing), including flights from Birmingham on July 4.

7 - RHODES from £266pp

Claiming the status of the sunniest place in Greece, this Dodecanese island isn’t just about its superb beaches. As one of the most cosmopolitan of the islands, it has a fascinating history. A visit to Rhodes medieval Old Town is a must, as is a trip to the hillside village of Lindos and its ancient acropolis. The three-star Stella Apartments in the centre of Pefkos have magnificent views out to the Aegean sea.
THE DEAL: Airtours offers seven nights’ self-catering at the Stella Apartments from £266pp (based on four sharing), including flights from Manchester on July 6.

8 - SKIATHOS from £845pp

Jet-setters and yachties flock to Skiathos

 This glitzy island attracts its fair share of jet-setters and yachties, and has arguably the best beach in the Sporades islands, Koukounaries, a crescent of fine sand, curving round against a backdrop of pine woods. Just a minute’s walk from Skiathos town centre, chic four-star La Piscine Art Hotel is all about style, whether it’s chilling by the laid-back pool or settling down in a comfy sofa with a drink in the cocktail lounge.
THE DEAL: Thomson offers seven nights with breakfast at the four-star La Piscine Art Hotel from £845pp (saving £100pp) based on two sharing with flights departing from Manchester on August 13.

9 - CORFU from £375pp

Corfu is a favourite with the Brits

 Back in the 19th century, Corfu’s spell under British administration left its mark... don’t be surprised to see the odd game of cricket being played, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a glass of the refreshing local ginger beer. Not surprisingly it’s a perennial favourite with the Brits, with an array of fine beaches to choose from, such as Roda and Acharavi, in the north and to the west of Sidari.
THE DEAL: Seven nights’ self-catering at the three-star Anemona Apartments in Sidari costs from £375pp (a saving of 45 per cent and based on three adults sharing a studio apartment), with flights from Birmingham departing June 17 with Cosmos.

10 - CRETE from £598pp

The largest of the Greek islands and home to the Minoans, Europe’s earliest civilisation is heavily steeped in history amid a landscape of rugged beauty, from its fertile coastal plains to its flower-filled valleys. At the foot of towering mountains lie charming villages, secluded coves and gorgeous beaches.
THE DEAL: Seven nights’ self-catering at the three-star Camari Gardens Apartments near Rethymnon costs from £499pp (based on four adults sharing), including flights from Manchester departing August 23 with Manos.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/europe-short-haul/greek-island-holidays-destinations-summer-1953066