This classic itinerary hits all the highlights but steers clear of the crowds. From hip hotels to caldera sunsets, this trip is two weeks of Greek island serenity, so whilst you may not be able to pack your suitcases just yet, bookmark this escape for when things start to look sunnier.
Days 1 to 3: Athens
Base yourself in Plaka and check into Ergon House, a boutique hotel where the entirety of the ground floor is dedicated to Greek produce, with a greengrocer, a butcher, a fishmonger, bakery and deli, as well as a restaurant and two bars. If you’re looking for somewhere that brings in the locals too, this is it, and with cool, contemporary rooms to retire too, this is the perfect haven after a day’s sightseeing.
Speaking of which, naturally you’ll want to head to the Acropolis, just a 15-minute walk away and don’t miss the Athens National Garden for an afternoon’s meander. Take in some contemporary art at EMST—the national museum of contemporary art and spend your evenings exploring the plentiful bars and restaurants that spill onto the pavements. Don’t miss your hotel’s own rooftop though—an urban oasis with spectacular views of ancient Athens.
Days 4 – 6: Mykonos
It’s a three-hour ferry from Piraeus, the port in Athens, to Mykonos. Arrive at The Wild Hotel, with its own private beach and beautiful infinity pool, and any remaining worries from home will dutifully drift away. There’s a beautiful candlelit taverna, whilst interiors are white-washed, decked out with natural materials and artisan accessories.
Whilst you’re here, the hotel can arrange boat trips, days out diving, horse riding or kite surfing. Get a taxi over to Chora (Mykonos Town) to spend the morning, and stroll through the alleyways—you’ll find plenty of boutiques for a spot of (stylish) souvenir shopping. Try Fokos Taverna on Fokos beach if you’d like an evening out from the hotel.
Days 7-10: Santorini
Next up, your destination is the Istoria Hotel in the south east of the island of Santorini. There are up to four ferry crossings daily from Mykonos to Santorini, taking about two hours. Steering clear of the crowds of the caldera, this hotel has just 12 suites, so you’ll find sublime, sun-drenched tranquillity here. Mr E, the hotel’s restaurant, has a charming sandy floor, and serves elevated Greek classics.
You can access Perivolas beach directly from the hotel—remember this island is volcanic, so the black sand you’ll find here isn’t to everyone’s taste, but that also means the beaches are often quieter than you might expect. You can't come to Santorini and not take in the magical sunsets, though be warned—you won’t be the only one. Head to the villages of Oia, IImerovigli or Fira—book a table for dinner to guarantee the best views. Looking for other ideas? The hotel can arrange sea-view wine tasting, horse hiding on the beach or private beachside dinners. And for a day out, book a wine tasting at Sigalas winery—it's the vineyard to know.
Days 10:14: Folegandros
Just a thirty-minute ferry over from Santorini, Folegrandos is a small, quieter island at the centre of the south-western Cyclades and makes the perfect end to your stay. With deep blue waters and pristine beaches, it’s full of the charms of days gone by. Book in to the Anemi Hotel, just a short walk from the island’s old town. Head to Hochlidia beach for its family tavernas and tamarisk trees or hire a boat for the day and explore beaches that aren’t easily accessible by road, like Katergo and Livadaki.
Stroll through the alleyways of the Chora (old town) and find its Kastro—a medieval settlement. The hotel itself has everything you need—take your pick from its 44 rooms and while away the days relaxing by the infinity pool with its glistening views over the turquoise Aegean. The restaurant serves up innovative dishes inspired by local cuisine.
Don't wait until the last minute to drag your luggage down from the loft—shop our January sale whilst our best offers are on, so you'll be ready to go as soon as holidays are back on the horizon.