DESTINATIONS LOW SEASON | GREECE & CYPRUS BEST OF THE REST


LESVOS For bird lovers, late winter and early spring are ideal for spotting more than 300 species in Lesvos, especially around Vatera and Skala Kalloni, as birds – including the hoopoe and European bee-eater – migrate from Africa. The island is reached via connecting flights from Athens.


ANDROS Andros in the Cyclades is green year- round and remains largely undiscovered by foreign visitors. Clients can explore Chora’s neoclassical mansions or hike the 62-mile Andros Route through olive groves and waterfalls. The island has no airport, but year-round ferries run from Athens’ Rafina port.


Agents can also highlight that vineyards and olive


mills stay open for tastings year-round. Book it: Tui offers seven nights at Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort in Rhodes from £1,530 per person, based on two sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis. Includes luggage, transfers and


flights from Gatwick departing October 24, 2026. tui.co.uk


LATCHI On Cyprus’s northwest coast, Latchi offers a relaxed seaside base for walking, sailing and exploring the Akamas Peninsula. Clients can visit the Blue Lagoon or hike the Aphrodite Nature Trail before sampling wine and meze in Droushia or Kathikas. Paphos airport lies just 22 miles away.


BEST FOR . . . FESTIVALS In Crete, the island’s three major towns of Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are hotspots for local nightlife and art exhibitions. February’s Rethymno Carnival is a month-long affair that transforms the pretty fortress town into a riot of colour, music, costume parades and even one of the world’s largest treasure hunts.


KALAVRITA In the northern Peloponnese, Kalavrita has ski slopes, mountain railways and timeless charm. Clients can ride the rack railway through the Vouraikos Gorge, explore the Cave of the Lakes or ski at Mount Helmos. It’s an easy winter add-on from Athens, just two hours away by road.


Outside the festival seasons of Christmas and carnival, clients can explore Crete’s archaeological wonders at Knossos and Phaistos. Alternatively, snowy mountain villages such as Archanes and Anogeia offer hearty, veg-packed Cretan cuisine and traditional guesthouses, while Chania’s Venetian harbour boasts photogenic orange-tinged sunsets in winter.²


A New Sanctuary by the Sea


FIVE STAR IMPERIAL ISLAND RESORT TO OPEN IN PAPHOS, CYPRUS IN MAY 2026 Louis Hotels is excited to announce the opening of the five-star Imperial Island Resort,


nestled along the scenic shores of Paphos. Launching in May 2026, this family friendly hotel emerges following an extensive metamorphosis of the popular four-star plus Louis Imperial Beach Hotel, to become a Premium All Inclusive, Family Resort.


Stylish Spaces


Following a comprehensive transformation, enjoy 239 newly renovated elegant rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed with muted colours to balance comfort and sophistication.


Elevated dining experiences Enjoy four dining experiences and two bars.


Relax in your stylish room or suite. The main restaurant provides an extensive buffet expe- rience with live cooking stations and themed evenings seven times a week, featuring local and international favourites. Book a table at Fiki Japanese Fusion restaurant for bold Eastern flavours or savour gourmet burgers at Pygmalion Handmade Burger Restaurant. The new Snackeria offers freshly made treats and light bites throughout the day.


Inspired facilities for families


Relax, renew and rejuvenate at the spa - unwind in the sauna, enjoy the bubbling Jacuzzi, or indulge in revitalizing massages and treatments. Young ones can enjoy the brand-new Kids & Teens Club.


The property will be fully renovated in two phases with the first phase opening in May 2026 with. The second phase will be completed in April 2027 and will comprise: An extensive waterpark with waterslides, two new family pools, new kids’ pool.


The new Imperial Island Resort is part of the Elegant Collection by Louis Hotels, which has a focus on couples and families who seek comfort and exclusive touches that are tailored to their personal preferences.


W. imperialislandpaphos.com | FB. facebook.com/imperialislandpaphos | IG. instagram.com/imperialislandpaphos


travelweekly.co.uk


30 OCTOBER 2025


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PICTURES: Shutterstock/Simon__kranz, Sven Hansche, DaLiu, samrabani


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