Winter Sun Holidays to Greece

Blue Flag awarded beaches give winter visitors clean water and well-kept sand on the mainland and islands that still welcome visitors through the cooler months.

• Chalkidiki: Chalkidiki sits in northern Greece as three finger-shaped peninsulas with sandy beaches that shelve gently into the sea, a feature that suits families with younger children. In winter the northern climate is cooler and wetter than the southern islands, so we treat it as a choice for travellers who want a quieter coast and do not need guaranteed sunshine. The main airport gateway is further away, so transfers take longer than on the islands, but the drive is straightforward. We think this is a strong option for those who value calm, uncrowded sand over reliable warmth.
• Corfu: Corfu is an Ionian island with sandy beaches on its east and west coasts and a main settlement at Corfu Town, which holds a Venetian fortress and an Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winter here tends to be milder than the mainland, though rain is more frequent, so we recommend the island for visitors who enjoy walking the old streets as much as swimming. Flights from several UK airports make it one of the simpler Greek islands to reach in the off-season. We find it works especially well for travellers who want heritage and greenery alongside a sheltered coast. It is exactly the brief our Corfu holidays deals are built around.
• Rhodes: Rhodes has sandy beaches along its east coast, and its medieval Old Town is the island's main draw for winter visitors. The island has direct flights from UK airports, and the resort facilities that remain open in winter give guests a sheltered base near the sea. The trade-off is that many beach bars and water sports operators pause during the quieter months, so expect a calmer atmosphere than summer. We think Rhodes suits those who want a reliable setting with the Old Town as the main draw. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Crete beaches north coast: Crete offers long sandy beaches on its north coast, and the island is served by its main airport, which keeps transfers manageable from most resort areas. Its size means winter weather varies, with the north coast generally more sheltered than the exposed southern shores. Many family-friendly resorts stay open through the cooler months, although some smaller properties close. We recommend Crete for visitors who want Blue Flag style beaches combined with a wider choice of landscape and history on the same island. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Naxos: Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and has a relaxed harbour town, a historic Venetian castle and beaches suited to a quieter winter stay. The Portara gate stands on a nearby islet and makes a memorable walk when the weather is mild. Ferries link the island with the mainland port, although winter timetables run less frequently than in summer, so travel days need planning. We favour Naxos for travellers who prefer a slower pace and do not mind a longer ferry journey in exchange for quieter sand.