Best for luxury 2019: Greece

Greece is a firm favourite with Travelzoo members, and we see brilliant deals to this popular destination throughout the year.

Why go in 2019

Next year, we expect to see Greece cement its reputation for affordable luxury. An array of high-end tour operators are serving up cut-price offers on off-the-beaten-track getaways, and you can also find great discounts at exclusive boutique hotels.

Even better, you can fly to a range of destinations across Greece with low-cost airlines like easyJet, Norwegian and Ryanair.

Greece is known for

Island hopping by yacht, luxurious beachside lounging and infinity pools with panoramic Aegean views - all within easy reach of some of Europe’s most priceless historic sites.

Jet off to Elounda or Agios Nikolaos in Crete, the brilliant beaches of Halkidiki (which The Daily Telegraph calls “Greece's best-kept secret”), or scenic Nafplio with its medieval castles, fountains and squares. If you’re more of a city slicker, the capital, Athens, is a nightlife, arts and culture hotspot - and a short hop from the glamorous Athenian Riviera, which is dotted with 5-star resorts and beautiful beaches.

When to Go

The best time to visit Greece is in the spring and autumn months (May, June, September and October), when temperatures are warm without being baking. This is also when the crowds are thinner, compared to the peak-summer rush, so you’re more likely to find a great deal on your luxury Greece escape. 

Greece can be surprisingly cold in the winter, but it’s still likely to be warmer than the UK. In Athens, temperatures reach an average daily high of 13 degrees in January.

Try This

High up on Lycabettus Hill - the tallest peak in Athens - sits Orizontes Lycabettus restaurant. It's worth making the journey alone for the fresh seafood and Epirus feta cheese, which they drizzle with thyme-infused honey, but it's the views that make the dining experience a real spectacle. Secure one of the tables on the terrace and you'll have stunning views of the acropolis and all the way down to the harbour. And don't worry, there's a funicular that will take you to the top of the hill from Aristippou.

Travel info

How to get there: you can fly direct to many popular destinations in Greece from airports across the UK. Flights take around 3.5 hours, depending on your destination, and with a range of budget carriers to choose from, you can easily book a cheap flight and save your cash for a luxury experience when you get there.

Currency: the euro.

Visa: no visa is required.

Plugs: Greece uses standard European plugs with two round pins.

Average cost of a pint of beer: £3.10. Food is affordable too.