Last Minute Holidays to Greece in January

These resort-led options suit travellers who want a warm base with pools, restaurants and easy access to the sea during the winter months.

• Rhodes resorts: Rhodes is one of the stronger choices for a winter resort stay because it has direct flights from several UK airports and a resort strip at Faliraki that is well served by buses. Faliraki sits about 15 km from Rhodes Town, so you can combine beach days with a trip to the medieval Old Town. Many resort hotels reduce their services in January, so we check which properties are open before we confirm a booking. We think Rhodes works best for travellers who want reliable transport links and a mix of relaxation and sightseeing. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Corfu resorts: Corfu offers sandy beaches and shallow bays with a green landscape that feels different from the dry Cycladic islands. Corfu Town is the main settlement, with Venetian and British-era buildings to explore on foot, and the island has flights from several UK airports. In January the island is quiet, so some seafront cafes and beach bars may be shut, which is worth knowing before you go. We recommend Corfu for travellers who value greenery and a slower pace over nightlife. It is exactly the brief our Corfu holidays deals are built around.
• Crete north coast: Crete is Greece's largest island and its north coast has long sandy beaches near Agios Nikolaos and Malia, with resort accommodation that remains open in the off-season for many operators. The island's main airport serves it directly, which keeps transfers short compared with more remote islands. Winter weather on Crete can be changeable, so expect cooler days and possible rain. We suggest the island for those who want a larger landmass with more choice of accommodation and day trips. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Kalamata: Kalamata is a lively port city on the southern Peloponnese, known for its olive groves, waterfront promenade and the famous dark olives that bear its name. It is easily reached from Athens by road or coach, and the town centre sits a short stroll from the marina. In January the seafront is quiet and the mild climate makes walking the harbour pleasant, while last minute rooms at hotels and apartments are often available at lower rates than in summer. We think Kalamata suits travellers who want a relaxed, authentic Greek base with good food and easy access to nearby beaches. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Kos resort strip: Kos has a resort area around Kardamena and a sandy coast reached by a short domestic flight or ferry from the neighbouring island to the east. The island has a range of hotels and restaurants that stay open through the winter in limited numbers. Services are reduced compared with summer, so we check operating dates for each property. We recommend this Dodecanese island for travellers who want a quieter base with a practical mix of beach time and local villages. It is exactly the brief our Greece Beach Holidays deals are built around.