Hop to it: One trip, multiple Greek islands with Sunvil

If one slice of paradise isn’t quite enough, but the thought of island-hopping seems too stressful, then look no further than to independent specialist, Sunvil.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, the travel company’s knowledge is second to none, with its team of passionate experts having spent years getting to know Greece and her islands and building long-lasting relationships with local partners – making lesser-known areas more accessible to travellers each year.

Sunvil makes island-hopping effortless, organising the entire itinerary – including all transfers and ferries – leaving travellers simply to enjoy the journey. Sunvil’s team of local agents and reps on the ground are there to provide support and information as needed throughout the holiday, and will re-book ferries and accommodation automatically at no additional cost in the event of ferry schedule changes, delays or cancellations.

Discover a world where ancient history meets spectacular beaches with these top three island-hopping adventures from Sunvil…

1. CYCLADES: 7 nights: Milos (3), Sifnos (3), Santorini (1)

Begin your journey in Milos. Thanks to its volcanic origins, it is rugged and hilly, with a richly variegated coastline. From its curving sandy beaches and smooth white rocks, to its hidden lagoons and colourful rock formations – the coastline has something for everyone.

Second stop is sophisticated Sifnos, for its uncrowded and peaceful beaches. A walker’s haven, too, the island offers an expansive network of walking trails (over 100km), spanning its many beaches, wending past some of its 227 churches and its collection of hilltop monasteries.

The final leg of the trip takes you to the sheer volcanic cliffs of Santorini – simply unlike any other island. The beautiful whitewashed villages perched high above are popular with tourists, seeking incredible sunsets and views, along with wonderful food and wine. Despite the crowds, this island deserves to be visited at least once.

This trip costs from £1,432 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick to Santorini), seven nights’ accommodation (three nights’ room-only at Thalassitra Village on Milos, three nights’ B&B at the Efrosini Hotel on Sifnos and one night’s B&B at the Sunrise Hotel on Santorini), all ferries and transfers.

2. AMORGOS & THE SMALL CYCLADES: 10 nights: Koufonissi (3), Schinoussa (3), Amorgos (4)

A favourite with couples and families alike, Koufonissi offers gently shelving beaches with the whitest sand and turquoise sea, making for incredible snorkelling adventures. This tiny island has only one village, perched on a small hill above the tiny harbour, with tavernas, cafés and shops. This is a place to truly relax.

Next stop is Schinoussa, an island virtually untouched by tourism. The main village, Chora, sits above the harbour, with a street lined with white buildings and their iconic blue doors, plus small cafés and tavernas with shaded terraces. Hike local paths to 18 lovely beaches and enjoy local flavours, including its famous fava beans, en route.

One of the most remote – yet most beautiful – islands is Amorgos, with its mountains reaching 821m, 600 species of flora and its very traditional way of life. Wander the attractive whitewashed Cycladic towns, whitewashed with narrow alleys, stairs and arches, and stop off at local kafeniohs to enjoy a glass of raki (grape-based liquor). The monastery of Hozoviotissa is a highlight, wedged into a cliff face 300m above the sea, where once, in the 18th century, 100 monks lived.

This trip costs from £1,119 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick to Athens), 10 nights’ B&B accommodation (three nights’ at Anna Villas on Koufonissi, three nights’ at Iliovasilema on Schinoussa and four nights’ at Lakki Village on Amorgos), all ferries and transfers.

3. DODECANESE: 10 nights: Kos (1) Lipsi (3), Leros (3), Patmos (3)

After spending one night in bustling Kos, transfer to unspoiled and sleepy Lipsi. The small port is the only village on the island, with many pretty little tavernas along the quay. With a gently rolling landscape, enjoy lovely walks to blue-domed chapels or you can take a boat to some of the smaller islands dotted in the archipelago.

Next stop is Leros, a tiny member of the Dodecanese island group, closer in proximity to Turkey than to the Greek mainland. Its extraordinary modern history saw the second-world war leave its mark on the island, with Leros home to an underwater museum of shipwrecks and warplanes that divers can explore. Away from the war time capsule, relax on small, crowd-free beaches and coves, try a twist on classic Greek fare in one of the tavernas or head up the cliff to the super-chilled Café Del Mar lounge bar for a cocktail.

Patmos is the most northerly island in the Dodecanese, famous for its connection to St John the Divine’s Book of Revelation. Its attractive and bustling port of Skala has elegant arcaded cafés (a legacy of the Italians), charming tavernas and smart shops hidden in the narrow backstreets. High on the hill above is the Monastery of St John, one of the most magnificent sights of Greece.

This trip costs from £1,044 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick to Kos), 10 nights’ accommodation (one night B&B at Kosta Palace Hotel on Kos, three nights’ self-catering at Aphroditi Hotel on Lipsi, three nights’ B&B at Alea Mare Hotel on Leros and three nights’ B&B at Skala Hotel on Patmos), all ferries and transfers.

To book or speak to the island-hopping experts at Sunvil, call 020 8758 4758 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk for more information.

Commissioned press trip enquiries welcome

Notes to Editors: Award-winning holiday specialist Sunvil has pioneered many fascinating destinations in its 50-year history and has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives and good practice, protecting its destinations and ensuring that local people benefit from tourism.

Press: For further information, to request high-res photography or to interview Chris Wright, Managing Director of Sunvil, please contact Charlotte Griffiths or Jackie Franklin at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440, or email c.griffiths@travelpr.co.uk or j.franklin@travelpr.co.uk. ​