DESTINATIONS GREECE & CYPRUS | LOW SEASON


exper expert ASK THE


Leanne Edwards,


head of sales, Olympic Holidays “An increasing


number of travellers are discovering the beauty and value of visiting outside the traditional peak months. A handful of Greek islands are gradually extending their seasons for travel into April, May and October, with islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Evia enjoying mild temperatures, fewer crowds and a more authentic local feel at this time of year. Beyond the islands, Athens and Thessaloniki are excellent city-break options, both offering a vibrant arts and dining scene, world-class museums, and easy access to nearby archaeological and natural attractions. Meanwhile, Cyprus remains a year-round destination and we have seen a notable increase in bookings for January and February departures. Enjoy Limassol’s coastal promenade, Paphos’s heritage sites and Larnaca’s relaxed seafront atmosphere, which is increasingly popular with winter holidaymakers.”


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Rethymno Carnival, Crete; pot smashing, Corfu; Paphos, Cyprus; Parnassos Ski Centre


PICTURES: Shutterstock/Paul Cowan, D_Zheleva, Oleksandr Savchuk, Heracles Kritikos; GNTO/H Kakarouhas


Or try: In Corfu, Easter steals the show. Celebrations blend Greek Orthodox rituals with Venetian flair, including candlelit processions, brass bands and a true spectacle in Corfu Town, where ceramics are thrown from balconies to symbolise regeneration. Outside Easter, clients can explore pastel-hued towns, the elegant Achilleion Palace and forested trails. Book it: CV Villas offers a seven-night stay at Villa Oriana in Corfu from £2,441 per person, based on four sharing. Includes luggage, car hire and flights departing Gatwick on April 11, 2026. cvvillas.com


Thessaloniki’s Waterfront


BEST FOR . . . WINTER SPORTS Few people associate snow with Greece, but just two hours from Athens lies picturesque Arachova, set on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Its traditional stone houses, luxurious chalets, ice rinks and lively tavernas make it the country’s best-known winter resort, with lower prices than in major Alpine ski resorts. The Parnassos Ski Centre in Kelaria and Fterolakkas has 23 runs for both beginners and pros. For après-ski, dance to DJs in local bars, browse chic boutiques in town or sip honeyed rakomelo liqueur by the fireside. Or try: The Troodos Mountains reveal an unexpected side of Cyprus, far from the sun-kissed coastal resorts. Snow dusts Mount Olympus from December to February and the small Troodos ski centre has a handful of runs for beginners, but the real draw is the landscape, with its pine forests, painted Byzantine churches and scenic paths that wind past waterfalls,


38 30 OCTOBER 2025


best explored by foot or 4x4. The nearest airport is Larnaca, served year-round by direct flights from London. Book it: Sunvil offers a seven-night stay at Troodos Hotel in Cyprus from £1,005 per person, based on two sharing. Includes breakfast, transfers, luggage and flights from Heathrow on February 3, 2026. sunvil.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . OFF THE BEATEN TRACK In the Ionian island of Kefalonia, clients can drive through Mount Ainos National Park, explore the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake, relax in Assos with its Venetian castle, or wander Fiskardo harbour with its pastel-coloured houses. Jet2.com has recently added flights from Manchester and eight other UK bases to Kefalonia until October 2026, with connections via Athens throughout the rest of the year. Or try: Evia, Greece’s second-largest island, is a vast, underexplored land of pine forests, mineral springs and mountain villages. In seaside Aidipsos, more than 80 thermal baths of different temperatures are said to offer healing powers – ideal for wellness-inclined clients – while hikers can tackle trails both easy and challenging around Mount Dirfi or the Drimonas waterfalls. The capital Chalkida remains open for waterfront dining year-round – suggest the mezze bars, fish tavernas and cocktail spots under the shadow of 17th-century Karababa Castle. Book it: Jet2holidays offers a seven-night stay at Aelia Suites in Kefalonia from £809 per person, based on two sharing. Includes breakfast, transfers, luggage and flights from Stansted departing on October 3, 2026. jet2holidays.com TW


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