Greece Holidays 2026

Why Greece Is Trending for 2026

Greece has cemented its place as a perennial favourite warm-weather escape for British travellers, and 2026 brings fresh reasons to visit. Expanded direct flight routes from regional UK airports now serve Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kefalonia alongside the established Athens and Santorini connections. The result: more choice, more competition, and better fares than ever for Greek island holidays.

The Mediterranean climate guarantees sunshine from May through October, with sea temperatures reaching 26°C by midsummer. Early bookers reap the biggest rewards — early bird Greece deals save up to 30% on peak July–August rates, especially for sought-after Santorini caldera hotels and beachfront Crete resorts. Book airport transfers in advance to avoid the queue for taxis at Heraklion, Rhodes, or Athens arrivals.

For those drawn to the thrill of island-hopping, Greece's ferry network opens up dozens of itineraries. Santorini's caldera sunsets are legendary, but neighbouring Naxos offers unspoiled villages and the longest beaches in the Cyclades. Mykonos pulses with nightlife and beach clubs, while Crete — the largest Greek island — rewards explorers with the Samariá Gorge, Minoan palace of Knossos, and hidden coves accessible only by boat. Compare flights to Athens or Heraklion as your gateway, then connect onward by fast ferry or domestic hop. Many travellers pair two or three islands in a single trip, making Greece one of the most flexible multi-stop hotel booking destinations in Europe.

History lovers will find few places on earth as richly layered as Greece. From the Acropolis towering above Athens to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora and the oracle at Delphi, the country is an open-air museum. Book guided archaeology and culture tours to experience these sites with expert commentary — small-group excursions to Meteora, Olympia, or the Peloponnese are especially popular. Greek cuisine adds another dimension: expect freshly grilled octopus, creamy feta, village-pressed olive oil, and meze platters best enjoyed at family-run tavernas away from the tourist strip. Families will appreciate the calm, shallow waters at beaches like Elafonissi in Crete or Agios Georgios in Naxos, plus the welcoming attitude of Greeks towards children dining out late into the evening.

Shoulder-season travel in June or September delivers the sweet spot of warm weather, fewer crowds, and significantly lower prices — savings of 25–30% compared to the July–August peak are common. Whatever your travel dates, protect your trip with comprehensive travel insurance for Greece, especially if you plan island-hopping with multiple ferry connections. Staying connected is effortless with an eSIM for Europe — activate data before you land and avoid roaming surprises across every island. For hassle-free arrivals, pre-book airport and port transfers so a driver meets you at Athens, Heraklion, or Santorini and whisks you straight to your accommodation.