Where to go in 2023: Greece
Greece is another destination that has been highly requested this year! It’s among the most popular travel choices in Europe. The spectacular islands, sapphire sea, architecture, food, history and hospitality – it’s a destination for everyone.
Over the past few months, we have been sharing some travel trends we are seeing unfold the year. In each of the countries we can help you discover, there are some special spots that keep coming up in client requests.
2023 has started to fill up this summer at a record pace. These travel trends are places to keep on your radar for early fall or next year. The accommodations, providers, guides and tours we work with are all hand picked and top choices. This means they fill up fast – the best always does! To ensure that our clients have their dream experience, we will recommend holding off certain last minute trips. To mantain our high standards, its better to travel in a period when we can help you have your perfect dream vacation.
This week, we focus on two special islands in Greece – Corfu and Santorini. These are emerging trends we see in client requests over the upcoming summer season. And these iconic islands aren’t going anywhere. Keep these ideas in mind as well for a future trip!
Santorini – Iconic Greece
This beautiful volcanic island boasts dramatic landscapes and views in every direction. It is home to the interesting ancient city of Akrotiri, both black and red sand beaches. To top it off, it also has some of Greece’s best wines.
Santorini is world famous and one of the most visited places in Europe. However, when seen the right way, it is a destination that you cannot help but fall in love with. It also is an easy stop to add in to a tailor made Greek itinerary.
Tailor made tours
One of our absolute favorite tours in all of Greece is our Semi-Private Catamaran Cruise. In the warm sunshine, you will sail past some of the best-known Santorini landmarks and beaches. Experience the unique opportunity of sailing into the spectacular caldera. This luxury cruise includes an unforgettable barbeque paired with Santorini’s finest wine and beverages whilst relaxing onboard. You will start your sailing adventure at Ammoudi port.
After, continue below the Caldera and make your first stop at the Hot Springs for swimming and an incredible mud bath. To continue, your journey will continue past Aspronisi, the ancient lighthouse, Akrotiri and Indian Rock before making your second stop at the White Beach for some fun water activities, swimming, and snorkeling. While on anchor you will also indulge in a delicious barbeque paired with Santorini wines and refreshments. After your batteries are recharged, it is time for the third stop at the Red Beach for your final dip of the day before you return to shore.
This is a tour we have personally done ourselves, and one that so many of our clients (be it family trips or on a honeymoon) love as well!
Paradise in Greece
One of our dream hotels is in Santorini – the Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel and the Canaves Hotel family. Set in the village of Oia on the rim of the Santorini caldera, the Canaves Oia Hotel will leave you breathless. It is composed of renovated 17th-century houses carved into the cliffside. This romantic retreat features 17 modern accommodations in the island’s iconic Cycladic architectural style. You’ll discover this is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Activities include taking in the spectacular view of the caldera from the pool. Or perhaps heading out during the day on a sightseeing tour and finding the ideal spot on one of the magnificent nearby beaches.
Santorini is an incredibly special destination, and Canaves Oia is the perfect place to stay to experience it. We have so many clients requesting to stay here this upcoming year, its a real favorite!
Corfu, Greece
Corfu, Greece is one of the most beautiful and romantic Greek islands. Located in the Ioanian island group, it is a great choice for a tailor made vacation. We love Corfu. It’s not as world famous as other islands like Mykonos and Santorini, but it is an incredibly special spot.
A bit about Corfu
This was Odysseeus’ last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca. For centuries, Corfu is the most famous of the Ionian islands. Its coastline is incredibly diverse. There are golden sandy beaches, romantic pebbled coves and crystal blue waters perfect for snorkeling. The beaches have a total length of 134 miles. If you head inland the scenery is just as gorgeous. It has a mountainous terrain mainly in the northern part, with its highest peak being Pantokratoras. It’s an authentic island with traditional mountain villages. In many, you’ll still see locals in traditional Corfiot costumes and even donkeys along the dirt roads. It’s like a piece of Greek island life that time has not touched.
Tailor made Corfu
Our inland olive oil tour today is a highlight of client’s trips to Corfu.
First, visit the Theotoky Estate. Located in the Ropa Valley, in the center of the Island, the estate has been in the family for many generation. Theotoky is one of the oldest families in Greece. It is over 300 acres, and covered almost entirely by pine trees, olive trees and vineyards. Truly one of the few ecological and peaceful spots that still exist. The locally famous and of excellent quality Theotoky wine is produced in the estate’s 30 acres vineyards. The wine exists in two main varieties, dry white and red.
The estate also has an abundance of olive trees, which are grown in the fields without the use of chemical fertilizers. The harvesting is done directly from the trees and olives are milled in the cold press. There are also many farm animals such as sheep, horses, cows, and donkeys run about and reproduce freely. Every morning, the estate’s owner Mr. George Theotoky personally attends to the feeding of the animals, which gather around him for that purpose.
You will have the opportunity to tour the winery and olive oil refinery. After the tour, you will enjoy a typical Greek meze of local produce grown on the estate (consisting of light snack with organic tomatoes, olives, salami, feta from a local producer, two wines and bread to taste the olive oil) along with a glass of wine.
The perfect place to stay
The newly opened Angsana Corfu is a dream. A Mediterranean sanctuary of extraordinary beauty. It is a luxurious spa and beach resort offering the warmth and charms of its unique blend of Greek and Asian hospitality. Its proximity to Achilleion Palace, once home to the famed Empress Sissi of Austria, enriches its surroundings with echoes of a royal era. The resort is set on an idyllic lush green hilltop overlooking the turquoise waters of the historical Benitses Bay. It boasts a close vicinity to the exotic Paxoi and Antipaxoi islets. Located a short 12 km drive south of Corfu town, an UNESCO World Heritage site with its imposing Old Fortress, the resort is strategically positioned for must-see spots, beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites and activities for all tastes, an experience of local heritage and a deep sense of belonging.
Trending destinations in Greece
Greece is one of our top client choices for the upcoming 2023 travel year. These are just some of the destinations we are seeing a piqued interest in – for good reason! As always, all of our vacations are tailor made to your travel style, interests and dreams. If any of these locations or experiences are your perfect choice, contact us to start planning today!
