S01 TB Med Islands 2017 Hotel News_Layout 1 05/06/2017 10:55 Page 1
June 2017
All about the
Mediterranean Islands
Your one-stop guide to all latest news and developments in Mediterranean Islands
Produced by
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
S01 TB Med Islands 2017 Hotel News_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:25 Page 2
S01 TB Med Islands 2017 Hotel News_Layout 1 05/06/2017 12:52 Page 3
Mediterranean
Islands CONTENTS
T
he islands of the Mediterranean offer a plethora of different experiences; from a simple sun, sea and sand holiday to culture-packed experiences featuring events and festivals that give visitors a real opportunity to get to really know a destination, its people and its history. From the Balearic Islands in the west, the islands of the Italian coast to the tiny Dodecanese islands of Greece in the east, there really is a holiday experience to fit any brief. This year’s All About the Mediterranean Islands supplement kicks off with a What’s New feature, which includes all the latest news on hotel openings, villa specialists adding to their portfolio and operators adding new itineraries. Malta is gearing up for a busy 2018 as its capital Valletta prepares to celebrate being European Capital of Culture. Malta has always prided itself on busy calendar of festivals and events throughout the year, which makes the destination a great allyear-round destination. In this feature, operators reveal why they think Malta is the perfect place to visit whatever the season. Cyprus has gone through a few tough years following its financial crisis of 2013. However, the economy is starting to pick up with the first quarter of 2017 seeing the highest quarterly growth since the crisis of 2013. This too is reflected in its tourism figures with the island seeing a 3.6% rise in visitor numbers from the UK in January to March this year. With this in mind, operators talk to us about Cyprus’s ongoing success and what makes the island a 365-day-a-year holiday destination. Greece’s enduring appeal makes it popular with Brits, not only because of the variety of places to holiday, but because of the mixture of experiences it offers. In this part of the supplement, we pose the question island vs mainland and ask operators to recommend their favourite destination. Finally, Holidays for Less Than features a comprehensive round-up of the packages on offer this year and next so that you can direct your clients to the island that best suits their needs and budget. Hope you enjoy this year’s Med Islands supplement and it proves to be a useful selling tool for you. Angela Cronin Supplements editor
What’s new - 4
Malta - 7
Cyprus - 11
Greece - 13
Holidays for Less Than - 15 Published by
University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova, Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: Buxton Press - Cover Picture: Cyprus Tourism Organisation
3 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S01 TB Med Islands 2017 Hotel News_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:25 Page 4
What’s new
What’s new There’s a lot happening on the islands in the Mediterranean this year with new hotels opening, villa specialists expanding their portfolios and operators adding new product
The White Palace Resort on the island of Crete has unveiled a new all-inclusive product
Majorca Villa Retreats has expanded its portfolio of properties in Majorca with the addition of a four-bedroom property on the outskirts of Deia. The accommodation specialist, which has recently started selling through the trade, has enhanced its programme in Majorca with the addition of the Finca Bauza, a four-bedroom house with 32 acres of land situated above the quaint village of Lluchalcari. The property, which features many traditional features of a Majorcan home, boasts uninterrupted sea views from the private pool, veranda and first-floor balcony. Villa Retreats offer seven-night stays at Finca Bauza from £20,035, for up to eight sharing on self-catering basis. Villaretreats.com Virgin Limited Edition The luxury operator has added a new
villa to its portfolio of properties in Majorca. The Son Balagueret on the Son Bunyola Estate is spread over three floors and includes a secluded central courtyard, a private heated swimming pool and panoramic views over the estate and the dramatic coastline. The villa sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms, one of which is located in a unique and historic turret dating back to the 13th century. The new villa is Son Bunyola’s latest addition following the opening of the first two villas, Sa Terra Rotja and Sa Punta de S’Aguila last summer. The private estate, with its own gated entrance, covers more than 700 acres and is located between Esporles and Banyalbufar on the northwest coast of Majorca. At the heart of the estate is an original Finca building dating back to the 1800s surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees, almond and olive trees. Prices start at £11,017 and include
4 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S01 TB Med Islands 2017 Hotel News_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:25 Page 5
What’s new
breakfast, lunch and dinner at a local restaurant reservation one night, a concierge service to take care of activities and restaurant bookings, daily housekeeping and pool servicing. Tel: 0800 716 919; e-mail enquiries@virginlimitededition.com Iberostar The Spanish hotel chain has expanded its luxury accommodation offering at its Grand Hotel Puerto Portals Nous, which is due to open on the island of Majorca this summer. The new accommodation is the Stargazer Suite, which recreates the atmosphere of an authentic planetarium, aiming to offer guests the peace and quiet of space, as well as the opportunity to sleep under a Swarovski-starred constellation ceiling. The room also has a professional telescope and a fascinating selection of astronomy books. The hotel has also teamed up with the Majorcan Institute of Astronomy and Aeronautics to get advice from the experts on how to fit out the suite with the best possible materials. The Grand Hotel Portals Nous will be Iberostar’s first Grand Collection establishment in Majorca and the company’s most ambitious venture into the luxury market in the Mediterranean. Ibertostar.com
Ibiza A new luxury hotel is opening on the Balearic Island of Ibiza on 30 June. Located on the shores of Talamanca Bay, a mile from Ibiza Town, the five-star Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay resort has Ibizan-style rooms, two private seafront pools, restaurants, spa, boutique, four restaurants and a pool bar. Elegant Resorts offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay for £6,850 for a family of four. The price is based on two adults sharing a deluxe sea-view room interconnecting to a cool sea-view room for the two children under 12 years, and includes breakfast, return flights, private transfers and UK airport lounge passes. nobuhotelibizabay.com; elegantresorts.co.uk
The new Stargazer Suite at the Grand Hotel Puerto Portals Nous in Majorca
Greece HF Holidays Walking holidays specialist HF Holidays has added a new walking experience to its Greece programme. The operator has put together a seven-day itinerary that explores the Greek island of Evia in the Aegean Sea. Seven nights’ half-board leads in at £999 including flights and transfers to and from Athens airport. Hfholidays.co.uk White Palace Resort Grecotel’s White Palace Resort on the island of Crete has launched the Lux Me All-In Living package for 2017. The new product includes: 24-hour mobile concierge service, with staff available on WhatsApp all day, every day; an exclusive collection of 15 different room types, all with seaviews; dining at six restaurants; access to the Golden Sand Beach and the resort’s 17 pools; time out in the Hippie Spa; and live entertainment and activities. Thomson offers three nights’ half-board at the White Palace Resort with flights from £479 per person based on two people sharing. Meanwhile, the Grecotel Riviera Olympia hotel in the Peloponnese is debuting its new Aqua Park this summer, which will be the largest in-resort water park in Greece. The park will have a wide array of water rides, including the Space Hole, the Wave Slide, and the
Looping Rocket as well as a dedicated children’s play area. thomson.co.uk; thewhitepalace.com Olympic Holidays The Greece and Cyprus specialist has signed a partnership with airline ASL France, which is helping to boost flight options and locations from the UK to the Mediterranean. Olympic Holidays offers a total of 50 islands from 27 UK airports, and this latest partnership further increases daily flight schedule options for customers. ASL France will be the main airline partner for flights from Manchester with a B737-700 new generation aircraft , and will be just part of a network of flight options from other UK airports, flying to the Greek islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, Heraklion and Chania, Skiathos, Santorini, Kos, Parga , Zakynthos, Rhodes and Larnaca in Cyprus. Olympic Holidays chief executive officer George Michalias said: "We’re celebrating 50 years as an island specialist and this partnership only enhances our commitment to offering as many different holiday experiences from as many UK departure locations as possible” Olympic Holidays is offering seven nights’ self-catering at the three-star Anthea Apartments in Ayia Napa, Cyprus from £261 per person based on two travelling. The package includes return flights to Manchester. Olympicholidays.com 5
All About The Mediterranean Islands
S02 TB Med Islands 2017 Malta_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:21 Page 6
S02 TB Med Islands 2017 Malta_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:21 Page 7
Malta
The Malta and Gozo Carnival takes place in February with colourful, family-friendly parades in Valletta and parades for the grown-ups in Gozo
The seasonal effect Spring, summer, autumn or winter, there’s a good reason to visit Malta whatever the weather
T
he Malta Tourist Authority has worked really hard over the years to establish the destination as a year-round holiday option, and its hard work has really paid off. While the natural factors of sun, sea and sand make it a popular summer-sun destination, its history and heritage help to promote Malta as an appealing city-break destination too, and along with its extensive calendar of events, the island is now a firmly established all-year-round holiday destination. There’s even a carnival in the winter, which is bound to lift the spirits of anyone looking to see off the winter blues back in Blighty. The annual events combined with the island;s strong culture and heritage offering have undoubtedly played a part in helping Valletta land the title of European Capital of Culture 2018. Talking about Malta as the perfect destination whatever the season, Olympic Holidays chief commercial officer Clare Tobin says: “Malta is a wonderful year-round destination – the country's breathtaking scenery and beautiful beaches make it a perfect base for a spring or summer beach holiday, while the rich local culture and vast array of festivals give it a unique appeal in the autumn and summer months.” So here is a look at the seasons in Malta. Spring There’s no shortage of events to attend and experiences to enjoy on the island of Malta during spring. The island is big on culture and music and packed with a number of events that take place throughout the year. Back in Easter 2011, the Malta International Music Festival was launched and has grown to be bigger and better each year.
The 10-day event takes place every Easter and sees musicians from around the world rock up on the island to perform, teach and enjoy each other’s company. The event also hosts a highly regarded piano competition where pianists from all age groups can compete in front of a panel of esteemed judges. The music theme continues on the island into May with the Lost and Found festival by legendary DJ Annie Mac. Launched back in 2015, the four-day event brings together big-name DJs from across the world on the island for pool parties, boat parties, castle raves and all night raves, all taking place against the backdrop of some amazing sounds. It is recommended that visitors to these events stay in the iconic five-star The Phoenicia hotel, which has recently reopened following extensive refurbishment. The hotel has a majestic setting overlooking Marsamxetto Harbour and the city walls and prices with Kirker Holidays lead in at £568 per person based on two sharing for three nights’ bed and breakfast including flights and private car transfers (kirkerholidays.co.uk). Summer Malta, Gozo and Comino are the perfect summer-sun holiday destinations for a number of reasons. Their position, nestled between Sicily and North Africa, means that the islands get their fair share of sizzling temperatures with slightly cooler conditions as a result of a light breeze in the evenings. So, while there are beaches to soak up the hot summer sun, many visitors take to the water to either explore the islands’ 7
All About The Mediterranean Islands
S02 TB Med Islands 2017 Malta_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:21 Page 8
Malta
Autumn and winter are great seasons to discover the islands by foot
coastline from the comfort of a yacht, or enjoy the sealife that is under the water. Dive Worldwide believes that Malta is the perfect dive destination as it’s just a short flight from the UK, yet a world apart in terms of seascape, it boasts year-round sunshine, exceptional visibility and calm waters. The dive tours specialist has a week’s dive trip to Malta that includes seven nights’ accommodation at the Sands Apartments in St Paul’s Bay, which caters specifically for divers. The apartments are just a five-minute walk from the seafront, where there’s also a selection of shops, restaurants, bars, old Roman swimming pools in Sirens Bay and the Maltaqua family-run dive centre. The majority of dive sites can be accessed from the shore, and the Dive Worldwide Visit Malta trip includes 10 shore dives that feature a mix of wrecks, reefs and caves that cater for all abilities. Prices for the seven-night, self-catering break start at £645 per person based on two sharing, including return flights from the UK, airport transfers, 10 shore dives and tanks and weights (diveworldwide.com). Meanwhile, short-breaks specialist Superbreak recommends that visitors enjoy a four-day break on the island, which includes an excursion around one of Malta's natural treasures, the Grand Harbour. This tour journeys around the many creeks and ports in the harbour and gives guests breathtaking views of the island from the sea as well as providing lots of photo opportunities. The four-night break costs from £289 per person and includes bed and breakfast at the four-star Kennedy Nova Hotel, a traditional harbour cruise and return flights from Leeds Bradford Airport (superbreak.com). The events calendar steps up a gear in the summer with two big, well-established festivals taking place. Now in its 11th successive year, the Isle of MTV Malta is a free concert that sees renowned artists perform on the island. Stars that have performed in the past include Lady Gaga, David Guetta, Nicole Scherzinger, Jessie J and Dizzee Rascal.
This year’s line-up includes The Chainsmokers, Jonas Blue and DNCE. The festival, which is taking place from 23-28 June, is the biggest free concert in Europe and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and is firmly established as a must-attend event in the annual calendar of European festivals. July welcomes in the Malta Jazz Festival. The three-day event, which takes place from 20-22 July at Ta Liesse in Valletta, is one of the island’s longest-running festivals and expects to draw in visitors from across the world. In addition to performances from top jazz musicians, there are a number of activities, master classes and jazz contests taking place throughout the event. Autumn The autumnal months of September, October and November are the perfect time to discover the island by foot. Walking holidays specialist HF Holidays has a number of breaks in the autumn that give visitors the chance to explore the island with a series of guided walks and sightseeing tours. The operator has a seven-day walking break with a number of departures during the autumn months featuring guided tours that explore the rich history of Malta, visiting Neolithic temples and churches built by the Knights of St John, historic Valletta and Mdina. The seven-night break leads in at £499 per person and includes half-board accommodation, a full programme of guided walks with two options every walking day plus one full sightseeing day, all transport to and from the walks, return flights and hotel transfers. HF Holidays also offers a seven-night walking tour of neighbouring Gozo, which explores the green hills and secluded coves of the island along with uncovering the history of the region from prehistoric times right through to the 20th century. The walking tours take visitors on tours of ancient temples, the quiet streets of old Mdina, a wealth of beautiful churches – apparently, there are 365 – and a trip to the capital city of Valletta.
8 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S02 TB Med Islands 2017 Malta_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:22 Page 9
Malta The seven-night experience costs from £689 per person and includes half-board accommodation and a full programme of guided walks with a choice of two levels each day (hfholidays.co.uk). Superbreak recommends visiting Malta during the autumn months when the high summer temperatures have disappeared and the air is a little cooler and fresher, making the islands perfect for outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, tennis and golf. The operator suggests visitors take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures and enjoy a jeep safari, which takes visitors off the beaten track and heads to the more remote parts of the island from the coast to the countryside. Superbreak has a three-night package that leads in at £219 per person and includes three nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Roma Sliema Hotel, a jeep safari excursion and return flights from Luton (superbreak.com). Winter Solos, which specialises in holidays for single travellers, has introduced a walking holiday in Malta. The seven-night break, which has departure dates from 20 November to 19 February, starts with three days in Gozo and includes two guided walks. One tour explores the rugged coastline of the island and passes through the village of Gharb, Wied il-Mielah, Ghasri Vally, and the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. The other trip explores several beautiful historical sites as well as fertile valleys where walkers can watch the local farmers using traditional farming method. The tour then heads back to Malta with the remaining days spent exploring the island with two tours, one of which that
takes visitors out into the countryside to explore the natural habitats and geological formations, while the other tour follows the Dwejra Lines, which are defensive fortifications and walls built by the British in 1897. The seven-night holiday costs from £859 per person, including flights, B&B in a single room, four dinners, welcome drink, two guided walks in Malta and two in Gozo (with ferry transfers) as well as the services of an accompanying Solos Tour Leader solosholidays.co.uk. Winter is also a busy time for events, particularly with Valletta being named as European Capital of Culture 2018. Two big events are the Valletta International Baroque Festival in January and the Malta and Gozo Carnival in February. The baroque festival, which takes place from 13-27 January 2019, is firmly established on the global music scene and attracts the most prestigious baroque artists and ensembles, with the city’s embellished churches, cathedrals and public buildings providing a range of impressive venues for a range of events throughout the festival fortnight. Operators, such as Kirker Holidays, put together dedicated packages for travellers keen to experience the event. Meanwhile, the Malta and Gozo Carnival, which takes place from 9-13 February, is one of the oldest festivals on the islands and the week-long celebration featuring colourful floats, extravagant costumes and parties into the early hours. The family-friendly carnival takes place in the capital of Valletta, while the parade that is more suited to adults occurs on Gozo. Olympic Holidays offers a seven-night package that coincides with the 2018 carnival. Prices lead in at £241 for seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Santana Hotel in Qawra, including flights departing on 6 February. Olympicholidays.com
Lady Gaga performing at the Isle of MTV festival in Valletta, which is the biggest free music festival in Europe
9 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S03 TB Med Islands 2017 Cyprus_Layout 1 05/06/2017 14:06 Page 10
S03 TB Med Islands 2017 Cyprus_Layout 1 05/06/2017 12:54 Page 11
Cyprus A traditional Cypriot village in the Troodos Mountains
Year-round appeal From its beaches and its charming mountain villages to its cosmopolitan capital and a year-round calendar of events, it’s easy to see why Cyprus is a destination for 365 days a year
C
yprus is a long-time favourite with Brits who flock to the Mediterranean island every year in search of sun, sea, sand and culture. This year, the island’s seaside resort of Paphos is celebrating being named European Capital of Culture 2017 with a programme of all-year-round events that are pulling in visitors in big numbers. Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage site so it has more than its fair share of historic treasures and culturally significant sites, and this year, these attractions will provide the backdrop to a wide range of cultural events, including open-air concerts in the medieval Castle Square, cinema screenings along the city’s beaches, daily celebrations of art, dance recitals on street corners, plays, musicals and outdoor exhibitions. In fact, there will be 300 events taking place over 365 days. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is hopeful that
these events, combined with the island’s reputation as the perfect all-year-round holiday destination, will help them to beat last year’s historic 3.2 million arrivals. The UK is Cyprus’s number one market with 40% of total arrivals, and figures for 2017 are already up on last year; the island received 99,503 UK visitors from 1 January to 31 March 2017 – a 3.6% increase compared to the 96,009 UK visitors to Cyprus from the same period in 2016. These figures show how popular Cyprus is as an all-year round destination and is a result of the CTO’s efforts to make the island a 365-day-a-year holiday experience. Clare Tobin, chief commercial officer for Olympic Holidays, says it’s easy to see why Cyprus is known as the year-round island. “Spring is ideal for outdoor pursuits such as cycling and walking, which is all the more enjoyable when nature comes to bloom.” 11
All About The Mediterranean Islands
S03 TB Med Islands 2017 Cyprus_Layout 1 05/06/2017 12:54 Page 12
Cyprus
“Summer and the autumn are great times to enjoy Cyprus’s wonderful beaches and tantalising gastronomy and winter is perfect for a cultural break, especially this year with Paphos named as European Capital City of Culture.” Olympic Holidays operates a year-round programme to Cyprus with summer sun prices from £334 per person based on two sharing a room for seven nights’ all-inclusive at the three-star Polycarpia, Protaras. This price is based on 17 June departure and includes flights from London and transfers. For winter packages, Olympic Holidays has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort, Paphos for £462 per person based on two travelling. The package includes return flights from London departing on 6 December (olympicholidays.com; 0208 492 6868). Saga holiday creator Ben Stratton agrees with Tobin that Cyprus’s year-round offering is strong. "Cyprus provides travellers with good weather all year round, making it not only an ideal destination if you just want to fly out and relax for a week or two, but also perfect for those that want
to use their time to explore. “The island has some fantastic highlights, from the ancient sights in Paphos, to the hidden gems such as traditional Cypriot villages in the Troodos Mountains,” Stratton adds. "I would highly recommend a visit to Limassol during the Greek Orthodox Easter to experience the amazing Limassol Carnival where days are filled with parades, music, and celebrations. The Anthestiria Flower Festival in May is also great, where the island welcomes the arrival of spring and celebrates the rebirth of man and nature with a fascinating floral parade.” Saga has put together a new tour of the island. The 12-night Jewels of Cyprus experience explores all aspects of the island, from its beaches to Roman relics, ancient monasteries, charming villages and mountainous interior on this relaxed-pace all-inclusive holiday. Prices for the tour lead in at £949 per person based on 30 November departure and include 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners, free bar, return flights and transfers, Saga tour manager, a welcome drinks reception and four excursions (saga.co.uk; 0800 300 500).
Lauren Ross, product and commercial manager for Simply Luxury by Travel 2 Europe, says Cyprus has so much to offer all types of visitors “as there is so much to do and it is the perfect place to visit no matter what time of year”. “Paphos is an ideal destination to enjoy local, cultural experiences as this area has so much history. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to see this beautiful coastal town as it stops off at the must-see places. “A stroll down the Paphos harbour is a must do, with many shops, bars, cafes along the way, and for those interested in learning about the history of Paphos, there is a museum and a small medieval castle. “The Archaeological Park is a great place to explore the ruins that date back to Roman times and is also home to the incredible Tomb of the Kings. For those that are not interested in the history, there is so much more to do including boat tours, horse riding and Segway tours.” Simply Luxury by Travel 2 has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star Olympic Lagoon Paphos Resort, with prices leading in at £969 per person including
flights from London and private transfers (travel2.com). Inntravel has put together a walking tour that offers walkers and hikers the opportunity to explore the island in the cooler months of March, April, May, October and November. The seven-night Island of Surpises tour discovers the sleepy villages, terraced slopes and neat vineyards of the Troodos Mountains, before heading west to Neo Chorio, the gateway to Akamas Peninsula, home to the famous Baths of Aphrodite. The walking tour follows some trails along uninhabited sections of the coast and offers breathtakings views across the Bay of Chrysochou. The itinerary also takes in a nature trail to the Kaledonia Waterfall and the opportunity to admire all that Paphos has to offer and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Kourion, located close to Limassol. The seven-night walking tour leads in at £530 per person based on two sharing and includes seven nights’ bed and breakfast, three dinners, route notes and maps and category B car hire (inntravel.co.uk; 01653 617000).
Aphrodite’s Rock, between Paphos and Limassol, is said to be the birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess.
12 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S04 TB Med Islands 2017 Greece_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:06 Page 13
Greece
Spoilt for choice Planning a holiday to Greece? Do you head for a resort on the mainland or hop on a ferry and enjoy an island adventure. We speak to the experts for some advice.
Citta dei Nicliani, a collection of three traditional historic tower houses set back in a quiet village on the Mani peninsula
Island life Saga holiday creator Ben Stratton is passionate about Greece, and while he loves the mainland, his heart lies with the islands, in particular Crete, Rhodes and Symi “You can’t help but fall in love with the islands and their charm. In Crete, I visited the old Venetian harbour of Chania, with its wonderful tavernas spilling out on to the promenade. And in Rhodes, strolling through the narrow streets of Rhodes Old Town, following the lightly lit corridors, it felt like stepping back in history,” adds Stratton. “The highlight though, was Symi. A beautiful island in the Aegean Sea. As you arrive by boat, through the crystal waters, into the charming harbour of Symi, your eyes can only wonder at the hundreds of colourful houses tucked into the hillsides. Thinking back to the drive to the top of the island, where I could truly appreciate the magnificent views, I ask myself the question – islands or mainland – and I would have to say islands." How much? Saga offers a 14-night Islands of the Aegean tour that visits Rhodes, Leros and UNESCO-listed Symi with prices leading in at £1,349 per person based on 2 May 2018 departure date. The prices includes most meals, a free bar at each hotel, return flights and transfers, a Saga tour manager, a welcome drink reception and five excursions. Saga.co.uk; tel: 0800 300 500 Olympic Holidays says that island hopping in Greece is particularly popular with their clients, who love to combine a big island experience with a few days on a small island escape. Packages that offer the best of both worlds include Rhodes and Tilos, Kos and Symi and Skiathos and Skopelos. Clare Tobin, chief commercial officer, Olympic Holidays, says: "Our island hop breaks are a great way to enjoy two contrasting 13 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S04 TB Med Islands 2017 Greece_Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:06 Page 14
Greece
Greek experiences. Particularly popular is a two island hop between Rhodes offering history, authentic Greek dining and bustling nightlife, and Tilos, for its contrasting quiet, pristine beaches and secluded villages. Island hopping really provides two holidays in one.” How much? Olympic Holidays offers a 14-night twin-centre holiday combining seven nights’ self-catering at the Llidi Rock Apartments in Tilos with seven nights at the Rodos Palace and Suite in Rhodes on a half-board basis. Prices lead in at £2,002 for two adults including flights and transfers, departing on 13 September. Olympicholidays.com; 0208 492 6868 On the mainland Mainland Greece packs a punch or two when it comes to history, culture and stunning landscapes. Whether island hopping or holidaying on the mainland, many people’s first experience of Greece is Athens, the birthplace of western civilisation, which is packed with incredible sights to see such as the Acropolis with its Parthenon and Erectheion. To the north of the capital is the picturesque Halkidiki Peninsula, which boasts a rugged coastline that conceals some stunning hidden beaches. The well-established luxury Sani Resort has been popular with Brits heading to the mainland for a number of years. The resort has four hotels, all very different, but all very luxury. However, this year, Sani Resort has decided to up the ante on its high-life offering with the introduction of the new five-star Sani Dunes hotel for adults and children over the age of 12. Opening later this month, the private beachfront hotel has a spa, three restaurants, bar and indoor and outdoor heated pools. Accommodation includes 80 junior suites and panorama junior suites, as well as 56 double and family rooms. Sani Dunes guests have access to Sani Resort’s range of sports and activities, with six tennis courts, basketball court, beach volleyball and mini football, as well as water sports The small island of Symi features in Saga's 14-night Islands of the Aegean tour that visits Rhodes, Leros and UNESCO-listed Symi
including windsurfing and water skiing. Sani Dunes will also offer a range of activities specifically designed for teenagers to complement the football, sailing and dance academies and Ozone Teen House. How much? Sovereign has seven nights’ half-board at Sani Dunes from £749 per person. Groups of three or more will receive a free stay for one adult. The offer includes an exclusive welcome gift, UK airport security fast passes and access to airport lounges, private airport transfers and return flights from Gatwick. Based on 17 October departures. sovereign.com Citta dei Nicliani To the west of Athens is the Peloponnese, a peninsula that is packed full of authentic Greek experiences, with villages where it feels like time has stood still, and a myriad of Ancient Greek monuments, including Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Mani Peninsula is an area of the Peloponnese that has been virtually unaltered due to a preservation order on the Mani Peninsula since 1958 ensuring that it retains all of its typical Greek charm and beauty. Visitors to the region will experience fresh, traditional food, family-run boutique hotels, pristine beaches, hiking trails, and a culture steeped in ancient Greek history and Byzantine architecture. A property that is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Mani Peninsula is the Citta dei Nicliani, a collection of three traditional historic tower houses set back in a quiet village. Set across two terraces and around an enclosed courtyard, the hotel has just seven rooms and is the best place to stay if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. How much? A six-night, seven-day stay at Citta dei Nicliani costs £480 per person based on two adults and two children sharing a family room on a bed and breakfast basis, return flights to Athens on EasyJet and self-drive car hire. cittadeinicliani.com The best of both Contiki, group travel specialist for 18-35-year-olds, has a 13-day trip that offers travellers the best of both worlds. The tour begins in Athens with two days exploring the ancient capital of Greece before setting sail from the port of Piraeus across the Aegean sea to the Cyclades group of islands, the first stop is Mykonos, well known for its high-quality nightlife, luxury shop outlets and windmills. After three days in Mykonos, the tour heads to Santorini for three days of incredible sunsets and volcanic vistas before setting sail for the little-known island of Ios, which also has a well-established party scene in the village of Hora. Then it’s time to head back to Athens for the last part of Contiki’s Greek odyssey. How much? Prices start at £1,525 per person and include boat trips, accommodation, daily breakfasts and selected dining and sightseeing experiences. contiki.com
14 All About The Mediterranean Islands
S05 TB Med Islands 2017 Best of ..._Layout 1 05/06/2017 11:17 Page 15
Holidays for less than...
Holidays for less than...
Seven nights at the Forte Village in Sardinia with Citalia lead in at £2,448 per person
From activity holidays in Rhodes to sun, sea and sand breaks in Sardinia, here is a round-up of Mediterranean island breaks for 2017 and beyond
First Choice has seven nights’ all-inclusive to Ibiza staying at the operator’s Sirenis Cala Llonga Resort. How much? Prices lead in at £468 per person based on two adults sharing, including flights from Gatwick on 5 July and transfers. firstchoice.co.uk; 0871 200 7799
£1,000 Mark Warner has a seven-night break at its Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes How much? Seven nights’ half-board start at £829 per adult and £729 per child. The price includes flights, transfers, childcare, sailing and windsurfing tuition, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis and fitness classes and cycling with guided tours. markwarner.co.uk Thomas Cook offers seven nights’ all-incluisve at the four-star SENTIDO Cypria Bay in Paphos. How much? Prices lead in at £689 per person based on two adults sharing including flights and transfers. thomascook.com; 0844 412 5970 Prestige Holidays has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Db San Antonio
Hotel and Spa in Malta. How much? Prices lead in at £564 per person and include return flights from Gatwick and private return transfers. prestigeholidays.co.uk
£2,000 Sicilian Places has seven nights at the Verdura Resort Rocco Forte Hotel. How much? Seven nights’ bed and breakfast leads in at £2,314 per person based on two sharing a grand suite including flights and car hire. sicilianplaces.co.uk; 01489 866 994 Citalia is offering a seven-night holiday to Forte Village in Sardinia, staying at the four-star Hotel Bouganville, on a half-board basis. How much? Prices lead in at £2,448 per person based on two sharing. The offers includes one complimentary Thalasso Spa experience per person and one gourmet dinner per person per stay (excluding drinks) private resort transfers and return flights from Stansted with easyJet. The price is bassed on 16 June departures. citalia.com 15
All About The Mediterranean Islands
S05 TB Med Islands 2017 Best of ..._Layout 1 05/06/2017 14:08 Page 16