Discover the Hidden Charms of Corfu and Chios: Greek Island Holidays with a Difference

As UK travellers look for more meaningful and enriching holiday experiences, the Greek islands remain an enduring favourite. While destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are often in the spotlight, those seeking authenticity, natural beauty, and cultural depth are turning their attention to the lesser-explored gems of Greece. Two such destinations—Corfu holidays and Chios holidays—offer very different yet equally captivating experiences.

Whether you’re after lush green landscapes, Venetian charm, or untouched beaches and medieval villages, both islands have something special to offer. Here’s why these two islands should be on your travel list this year.

Corfu: A Blend of British Legacy and Ionian Beauty

Nestled in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is one of the most culturally rich Greek islands, shaped by centuries of Venetian, French and British influence. For UK travellers, it offers an appealing mix of familiarity and exotic charm. Corfu holidays are perfect for those who want to combine beach relaxation with a dose of heritage and local flavour.

What to See and Do in Corfu

• Old Town Charm
   Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and grand architecture. Stroll past Venetian mansions, visit the elegant Liston promenade, and stop for coffee in Spianada Square—the largest town square in Greece.
  
  
• Paleokastritsa Bay
   If you’re seeking postcard-perfect views, Paleokastritsa delivers with its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. It’s also a popular spot for snorkelling and boat trips.
  
  
• The Achilleion Palace
   Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this neoclassical palace offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the European royalty’s fascination with Corfu.

Why Corfu Appeals to UK Tourists

Corfu’s British connection is still felt in everything from cricket games on Spianada Square to its unique cuisine, which includes Anglo-Greek fusion dishes. Its direct flights from most major UK airports also make Corfu holidays a convenient escape, whether for a week-long retreat or a spontaneous long weekend.

Chios: Greece’s Best-Kept Secret

While Corfu enjoys a well-established reputation, Chios remains under the radar for many UK travellers. Located in the North Aegean, Chios is a place of serene landscapes, medieval mastic villages, and rich maritime history. Chios holidays are ideal for those looking to disconnect and explore a more authentic side of Greece.

Why Chios Stands Out

• Mastic Villages
  Chios is the only place in the world where mastic resin—used in everything from medicine to cosmetics—is harvested. Visit villages like Pyrgi and Mesta, known for their distinctive geometric facade designs and traditional architecture.
  
  
• Volissos and Anavatos
  These hilltop villages offer breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and a sense of timeless Greek island life that’s become increasingly rare.
  
  
• Beaches Without the Crowds
  Unlike better-known islands, Chios holidays offer a more relaxed beach experience. Karfas Beach is great for families, while Nagos and Lithi remain relatively untouched and peaceful.

Local Life and Culinary Delights

Chios offers an immersive experience of Greek hospitality. Sample local dishes like ‘mastelo’ (goat slow-cooked in mastic wine) and ‘souma’ (a traditional grape-based spirit). The island’s food scene is authentic, reasonably priced, and deeply rooted in tradition—something that makes Chios holidays truly memorable.

Choosing Between Corfu and Chios

Both islands are unique, and choosing between them largely depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

• If you love cultural diversity, lively towns, and easy travel logistics, Corfu holidays are a fantastic choice.
  
• If you’re in search of peace, history, and local authenticity, Chios holidays offer a more off-the-beaten-path alternative.
  

Of course, for the ultimate Greek island adventure, nothing beats a multi-island itinerary that allows you to experience the contrasts between Corfu and Chios in one trip.

When to Visit

• Spring (April to June): Ideal for nature walks, wildflowers, and avoiding the summer rush.
  
  
• Summer (July to August): Best for beach lovers and sun-seekers, but expect higher temperatures and crowds—particularly in Corfu.
  
  
• Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather continues, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed vibe—great for both Corfu holidays and Chios holidays.

Travel Tips for UK Visitors

• Flights: Corfu is well-connected to the UK with direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and more. Reaching Chios typically involves a connecting flight via Athens or Thessaloniki, but it’s well worth the extra leg of travel.
  
• Currency & Costs: Both islands use the euro. Corfu can be slightly more tourist-oriented in terms of pricing, while Chios remains more budget-friendly.
  
• Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Corfu. In Chios, learning a few Greek phrases will go a long way in connecting with locals.

Final Thoughts

Greece offers an incredible range of island experiences, but Corfu and Chios stand out for their unique character and rich cultural backdrops. Whether you’re after the romantic promenades and heritage of Corfu or the authentic charm and laid-back pace of Chios, both islands promise unforgettable memories.

For UK travellers planning their next escape, Corfu holidays and Chios holidays provide the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural depth—without the overcrowding of more commercial destinations. So pack your bags, pick your island, and prepare for a Greek getaway unlike any other.