The floating garden
The Greek Islands offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in mythology and history. With boutique stays off the beaten track or luxurious resorts and with 6,000 islands to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice. Ideal for couples who are looking for a romantic escape or for families who want a blend of relaxation and entertainment, there is an island that will cater to your needs.
Holidays in the Greek Islands are a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers. The world renowned island of Corfu is prefect for families. Often described as the ‘Emerald Island, thanks to thick forest blanketing the rolling hills, it’s an ideal location for exploring. Beaches with hidden sandy coves are excellent sunbathing spots and the crystal clear sea is great for water sports. For a relaxing and glamorous getaway, the island of Mykonos offers an indulgent experience. Opt for a romantic amble through the whitewashed old town before retreating back to a luxurious resort for some well deserved relaxation.
Santorini is straight from the pages of a magazine. Nestled in the rugged hillside, brilliant white buildings coruscate in golden sunlight, the whitewash often interspersed with electric blues and buttercup yellow. Ultimate serenity can be found in Zakynthos, where pristine shores of cream and cerulean are set against towering cliffs and rustic old town restaurants offer exquisite authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
Holidays in the Greek Islands do not disappoint. Choose from a plethora of hotels and resorts, whether you opt for a seaside stay or a hillside retreat, each is a haven of decadence and tranquillity. No matter where you escape to, you will be moments away from areas of cultural and historical importance.
Sovereign’s Personal Travel Planners are equipped with expert knowledge of luxury getaways; we will find you the ideal hotel to complete your holiday to the Greek Islands. Opt for a sophisticated break at Minos Beach Art Hotel, a unique waterfront hotel which boasts manicured gardens and contemporary works of art. Bill Coo and Suites is a luxury boutique hotel, ideal for those who want a romantic hideaway.
Holidays in Madeira are packed full of beautiful natural sights, from its rugged cliffs leading down to the sparkling ocean to manicured botanic gardens brimming with native trees and flowers. The mountains are perfect for those wanting to explore Portugal’s natural landscapes, while the cosmopolitan capital, Funchal, is home to upmarket bars, restaurants and shops. Children will love riding the cable car up to the top of the cliffs, while adults will be delighted to sample the local wines and fresh seafood on offer.
Spend your days taking in the architecture of the pretty fishing villages dotted around the island or exploring the ancient ruins and 18th Century churches. Visit the old town of Funchal for narrow streets and a vibrant marina showcasing yachts of the rich and famous. The buildings will take you through the fascinating history of the island, with Gothic, Victorian and modern architecture rubbing shoulders and housing luxury hotels, pretty bars and cafés, as well as some of Portugal’s best restaurants.
Take a boat trip around the island and stop off in crystal clear bays, where you can snorkel and discover golden sandy coves where you can enjoy a picnic packed full of locally sourced produce. Sunset cruises are the perfect way to enjoy a romantic evening over cocktails or delicious champagne.
Madeira is also known as the “Floating Garden” after its emerald landscapes, valleys filled with wildflowers and bougainvillea lined streets. Horse riding, hiking and mountain biking are a great way to see the interior landscapes, while the perfect way to fully relax is to spend a lazy day unwinding on the beach.
Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
Flight time from the UK to Madeira is around 3 hours 45 minutes.
If you're planning a trip to Madeira (FNC) from the UK, the following airports have direct flights:
Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), East Midlands (EMA), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Liverpool (LPL), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL).
Madeira has a pleasant mid-20s average throughout summer, with mild temperatures in the spring and autumn that are ideal for beach-going, sightseeing and golfing. Madeira tends to get most of its rain out of the way in November and December, leading to beautiful springs.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Portugal.
Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge, so check your bill carefully – if it hasn’t been included, you should leave around 10% tip. Taxi drivers, hotel staff and other tourism workers are normally tipped two or three euros and it’s common to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.
Start with a day in Funchal, the island’s capital. Walk down the seafront promenade to the Old Town, stopping for a drink at one of the many bars on the way. From there, take the cable car (10€ per person, each way) to Monte, where you can visit the world-renowned Monte Place Gardens