From activities that up your pulse to slow-paced beach holidays, let these island ideas inspire your break this summer.
Escape to the Athenian Riviera
Overlooking the azure waters of the Athenian Riviera, on its very own private peninsula, Grand Resort Lagonissi offers travellers a welcome balance of seclusion and quiet, close to the vibrant heart of Athens. Featuring chic exclusive villas, private beaches and direct access to the sparkling Aegean Sea, every stay is crafted for ultimate relaxation.
Wake up to breathtaking views over endless horizons, spend days relaxing under the Greek sun and wind down in the evening with leisurely Mediterranean dinners beside the water. Active travellers will love the fitness centre, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, followed by time to recuperate in the excellent spa with its therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments.
Get 20 per cent off your summer 2026 getaway at Lagonissiresort.gr (offer valid on bookings made until 30 April 2026)
Book now
Plan a family villa holiday in Sicily or Puglia
For families looking to spend meaningful time together, Villatravellers offers a collection of private homes across sun-soaked Sicily and Puglia. The portfolio ranges from smaller villas suited to young families to larger, impressive historic estates designed for multi-generational groups, ultra-contemporary homes and unique trulli and masserie.
Generous living spaces give everyone plenty of room in which to relax, whether travelling with children or a large group of friends, and many homes have heated pools. Some even feature saunas, hydromassage pools, private gyms and jacuzzis for an indulgent getaway. Beyond the villa, experiences include coastal excursions, cooking classes, vineyard visits, boat trips and 4WD adventures. On-the-ground support by the friendly team and plenty of local knowledge ensure your holiday to southern Italy is one to remember.
Get up to 20 per cent off week-long stays in selected villas in Sicily for holidays in April, May and June at Villatravellers.com
Book now
Indulge in a wellness-focused getaway on the Adriatic Coast
Just outside Split’s historic centre and the Unesco-protected Diocletian’s Palace is the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, which offers a relaxing base by the sea with city culture only moments away. Spacious rooms and suites overlook the glimmering Adriatic and sun-soaked days revolve around the lively Mistral Beach Club, where private decks, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and live DJs extend the vibes from daytime through to the evening.
For quieter moments, the large Spalato Spa offers a menu of restorative treatments alongside tranquil pool areas and a modern gym. Whether you want to have fun, explore or slow down, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, provides the setting for all three.
Book your stay at Radissonhotels.com
Book now
Experience refined seaside living in Crete
Set on a Blue Flag stretch of the Rethymno coast, Grecotel LUX®ME White offers a modern take on Greek beachfront living. Clean-lined architecture, a variety of pools and light-filled spaces in soft whites create an easy sense of flow between indoors and out. Recently refreshed rooms and villas bring elevated comfort and wide views across the Cretan Sea, while the half-mile-long sand-and-pebble shoreline invites unhurried swims, coastal walks and early morning yoga.
Dining sits at the heart of the experience, with the generous LUX®ME all-inclusive concept spanning seven a la carte restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean and Italian options to spicy Asian flavours. Wellbeing is centred at sea-view fitness areas, spa facilities and watersports, while families are catered for with spacious accommodation, kids-go-free dining and access to the Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park.
Discover more at Luxmewhite.com
Book now
Head on a contemporary Aegean escape
Across a sprawling 100,000-square-metre estate of swaying palms and lush tropical gardens, where the Aegean stretches endlessly and the coast of Anatolia shimmers on the horizon, GRECOTEL LUX®ME Kos invites you to surrender to Greece completely afresh. Recently renewed, the resort features contemporary rooms, suites and villas arranged across wide, landscaped grounds.
Days can be spent between six outdoor pools, a pebble beach and a choice of watersports or fitness sessions, while the Elixir Spa provides a calmer pace with tailored treatments and thermal facilities. Dining moves from relaxed lunches to more elegant evening settings, with a range of 15 restaurants and bars across the resort. Family activities and lively entertainment add energy after sunset, creating an easy balance of relaxation and activity.
Book your stay at Luxmekos.com
Book now
Stay at the most iconic hotel in Istria
Overlooking the idyllic old town of Rovinj and the Adriatic Sea, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj sits between a fragrant pine forest and the edge of the coast. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame island-dotted views, while spacious rooms and suites pair natural materials with thoughtful touches for a little luxury. Spend relaxing days at the hotel’s world-class spa, beside cascading sea-view pools or on a private beach reached by a short speedboat ride.
Named among The World’s 50 Best Hotels, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is also home to two Michelin-starred restaurants that celebrate Istria’s seasonal produce, truffles and Adriatic seafood, all paired with standout Croatian wines.
Plan your 2026 stay with special packages at Maistra.com using code ‘GPHR26’
Book now
Wake up to wild Cypriot landscapes and Mediterranean Sea views
The sun-soaked northwest coast of Cyprus is home to the wild landscapes of Akamas National Park, the historic harbour city of Paphos and Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, a stylish and quintessentially Mediterranean resort that beckons travellers for a revitalising escape. The 202 light-filled rooms and suites are designed to frame the coastal views over the resort’s 427-ft stretch of private beach.
Spend mornings relaxing on the sand and indulgent afternoons at the Cleopatra Spa by Valmont & Cinq Mondes or a leisurely lunch that celebrates Cypriot produce. Adventure is never far away either, with sailing, horse-riding and rounds at one of the island’s leading golf venues on offer. Families will likely gravitate towards the lively waterpark and balmy evenings mean cocktails, music and a sociable buzz by the sea.
Book your stay at Capstgeorges.com
Book now
Indulge in laidback luxury on Crete’s western shores
Right on the sandy shoreline of Agia Marina near Chania, Santa Marina Beach Hotel offers an easy-going base for exploring the western coast of Crete. The honey-hued hotel has a selection of rooms that open out right onto the beach, pool or gardens. Spend blue-sky days sunbathing on the beach or dipping in the two outdoor pools or hit the fitness centre for a holiday workout, followed by a massage in a calming treatment room.
Dining includes generous buffets and relaxed restaurants serving Greek and international dishes, while the laidback bars provide spaces for sunset drinks. Families are particularly well catered for, thanks to dedicated children’s pools, a kids’ club and a regular roster of evening entertainment.
Book your stay at Giannoulishotels.com
Book now
Get active on a sport-filled Greek island getaway
Further west on the Cretan coast and facing the wide sweep of the sea near Kolymvari, Cavo Spada Luxury Resort & Spa is a more modern getaway destination in the Giannoulis portfolio. Its design draws inspiration from traditional island architecture, with low-rise buildings set around a long lagoon-style pool that stretches towards the shore.
The resort is defined by a strong wellness and sports offering: a lagoon-style pool, spa with indoor pools, treatment rooms and a hammam. Tennis courts, beach volleyball and cycling routes make it a favourite for active travellers – the Swedish Olympic team have even stayed and trained here. For added privacy, the nearby Ele Villas offer secluded three-bedroom stays with full access to the resort’s restaurants, spa and sports facilities.
Find your perfect stay at Giannoulishotels.com
Book now
Succumb to relaxation on a dreamlike Greek island
On the tranquil coastline of Ampelas on Paros and near to the lively harbour of Naoussa, Vione Paros is a brand new five-star lifestyle retreat by SWOT Hospitality that captures the essence of relaxed Cycladic elegance with ultra-contemporary styling. This adult-friendly haven welcomes guests aged over 14 with its calming suites in soft island hues and clean lines, many with private pools that take in the sweeping Aegean views to create an atmosphere of unmatched calm.
Shift between laps in the infinity pool to walks in the fragrant gardens, then drift toward the tranquil Dione Spa for restorative rituals. As dusk sets in, Italian culinary artistry meets exceptional Parian produce at Vione, for evening meals charged with island flavour.
Book a stay at Vioneparos.com or email reservations@vioneparos.com
Book now
Take your pick of Corsica’s most stylish boutique stays
For those seeking an understated holiday, Corsican Places’ collection of luxury villas and boutique hotels across the island are specially selected for their dreamy settings, character and quality. Choose between secluded hilltop villas, beachfront retreats or stylish hotels overlooking the sparkling ocean. The Premium Collection villas boast a luxury edge, with sweeping views and wow-inducing interiors, and provide both privacy and space for families or large groups.
The boutique hotels in its portfolio present an elegant mix of style, service and location, making them perfect for couples or smaller parties seeking a stay in the heart of the action. Guests have access to 24/7 in-resort support, and flights from London Stansted on the company’s dedicated charter ensure the whole journey is taken care of in a single booking.
Save £200 off holidays departing from April to October, plus a complimentary fast pass for everyone travelling from Stansted with code ‘GETAWAY’ at Corsica.co.uk (offer ends 30 April 2026 and is valid on new package holiday bookings only)
Book now
Delve into history on the Dalmatian Coast
Like something out of a fairytale, the idyllic town of Omiš is set between the shimmering Adriatic Sea and the dramatic Cetina River canyon. The historic old town charms visitors with narrow stone streets, medieval fortresses and a calendar of cultural events that celebrate Omiš’s rich past. The surrounding sandy and pebble beaches invite relaxed days under the sun while the canyon plays host to thrilling rafting, kayaking, canyoning, zip-lining, hiking and climbing for those keen on a high-octane holiday.
Whether you come to discover hidden coves, glide along the Cetina River or shop-hop in the old town, Omiš provides visitors with a distinctively authentic Croatian experience, all within easy reach of central Dalmatia, including Split and the nearby islands.
Learn more at Visitomis.hr
Book now
Enlist the help of travel specialists to curate your perfect Greek getaway
Discover the best of Greece through a variety of curated travel experiences by Greece Insiders, designed for curious and discerning travellers. From tailor-made itineraries and luxury villa stays to private guided tours and immersive cultural activities, each trip is personalised to unveil the country’s best bits beyond the usual tourist routes.
Wander the historic streets of Athens, sail through the sun-drenched Cyclades or uncover the flavours of lesser-known regions through food, wine and cooking experiences. Off-the-beaten-path excursions and exclusive access to cultural sites with local guides make every trip personal and memorable. With all the planning taken care of and trusted local knowledge, Greece Insiders lets you connect with the country’s history, landscape and people in a way that feels truly authentic.
Tailor your Greek getaway at Greeceinsiders.travel
Book now
This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.
