top tip


Escape to the country with an agritourism


stay during the harvest season – olive-picking starts in October on islands including Crete, Kefalonia and Kalymnos


BEST FOR . . . FAMILY HOLIDAYS Where: Crete, Greece Why: As the southernmost island in Greece, Crete retains its sunny skies and decent temperatures for longer, with averages of 17C even in November. “You’re likely to get the best weather out of all of the Greek islands at this time of year,” says Nicole Williams, marketing manager at Carrier. “The sea is also still warm enough for swimming and you’ll find fewer crowds than during the summer months.” That makes it an excellent option for families – as do the many child- friendly resorts scattered across the island and the plethora of things to do, from visiting Knossos Palace, the Bronze Age archaeological site coined ‘Europe’s oldest city’, to exploring its beaches, mountains, monasteries, caves and beyond. Stay: Suggest the five-star Domes of Elounda for families after a swanky seaside retreat – and upsell to a Private Residence if they’re really looking to push the boat


30 16 JULY 2020


to explore as well as traditional villages that really put you in touch with the local culture, plus ancient ruins, island boat trips and more


out, says Williams. “These offer à la carte dine-around options and enhanced VIP services, as well as boasting heated private pools (ideal for this time of year) and ample space for families to spread out and relax in,” she says. Book it: A week’s half-board in October costs from £4,710 for a family of four sharing a Domes Private Residence Two Bedroom with Private Pool, including flights


from Gatwick and private transfers. carrier.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . BEACH BREAKS Where: Rhodes, Greece Why: With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Rhodes is a safe bet for late-season fly- and-flops, with clear blue skies


stretching well into winter. “Rhodes tends to stay open for longer than other Greek islands with resorts usually still busy,” says Mark Hall, Tui director of product. “There are beautiful beaches to explore as well as traditional villages that really put you in touch with the local culture, plus ancient historical ruins, island boat trips and plenty more.” Among its most popular spots is Lindos Beach, where bright aqua water laps a long, gold-sand curve. For a quieter alternative look to Kolymbia, a peaceful pebbled bay on the eastern coast, flanked by leafy trees and crystalline water. Stay: For clients wanting to base themselves close to Kolymbia, suggest the 5T-rated Tui Blue Atlantica Imperial Resort, an adult-


In Rhodes, there are beautiful beaches


only retreat boasting swim-up suites, a lagoon-style pool, restaurant with live cooking station and impressive spa, plus wine tasting, watersports and other activities. Book it: A week costs from £659, based on two sharing half-board with flights and transfers, departing


Stansted on October 14. tui.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . CITY LOVERS Where: Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece Why: With its smattering of ancient Greek and Roman remnants – not least the Acropolis and its hilltop Parthenon – Athens needs little introduction, and there’s no time like the off-season to wander its cobbled alleys and age-old archaeological sites without the humidity of summer. “There’s so much to see and


do here throughout the year, plus Delphi and the Athens Riviera can both be done as day trips,” says Harry Kyrillou, commercial and aviation director at Planet Holidays.


travelweekly.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36