Greece Under the Radar: A Guide to Your Next Mediterranean Getaway

Just about an hour by ferry from Athens, Kéa feels a world apart. The island is defined by quiet coves and olive-dotted hillsides where walking paths slip between stone terraces and wildflowers. Even in the main town of Loulida, you’ll find a slow pace of life that has inspired artists and poets, including Simonides, Kéa’s native son.

A new addition to Fine Hotels + Resorts, One&Only Kéa Island leans into this sense of luxurious simplicity. Each villa and private home come with an infinity pool and sunlit terrace, with interiors in cool white stone. Atria, the flagship restaurant, showcases Mediterranean flavors and fine wines, while Bond Beach Club and the breezy Kosmos Lobby Bar keep the mood more relaxed. Use your $100 credit towards cocktails or restorative treatments at the three-level spa.

For adventure, plunge into Kéa’s clear waters with the resort’s own dive center or take to the hills on an e-bike to explore ancient temple ruins. A hike out to Agios Nikolaos Lighthouse – one of the Cyclades’ oldest, built atop the remains of a Poseidon temple – is worth every step for the sweeping sea views. With guaranteed 4pm check-out, you have ample time to hit the fitness center overlooking Vroskopos Bay for a tennis session or yoga in a seaside pavilion.

Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

History buffs and active families alike will find much to do in Pylos, a city in the Peloponnese, a peninsula at the southernmost point of Greece’s mainland. The quaint harborside city invites visitors to relax at the cafés that line its cobblestone streets. While hard to imagine now, Pylos was once the setting for fearsome battles. A monument to a notable victory stands in the Square of the Three Admirals, Pylos’ main square, and visitors can view memorabilia at the Antonopoulio Museum (also known as the Archaeological Museum of Pylos). 

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is tucked among ancient olive groves and uses locally sourced materials in its design. After taking a moment to appreciate the view from your suite’s private balcony, spend an afternoon brushing up on local history. Travel back in time at Pylos Castle, an ancient fortress that’s among the most well preserved in Greece. It’s part of a sprawling site that features a museum with expansive views of the ocean. Marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of Nestor, once home to the king who commanded troops in the Trojan War and prominently featured in Homer’s epic works. 

Back at the resort, hit the beach with one of the property’s watersports offerings or join a Greek cooking class; kids can opt to make traditional Greek butter cookies. Take a dip in your suite’s private pool or book a treatment at the Mandarin Oriental’s spa. You might use your $100 credit at the Three Admirals Lounge, where they can raise a glass to the past with a bespoke cocktail while admiring panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. 

While you can find fresh, authentic Greek food wherever you find yourself, it’s widely agreed that Crete – the largest of the Greek islands – boasts one of the best dining scenes. There’s a reason many trace the roots of the healthful Mediterranean diet here. 

Local tavernas typically serve the catch of the day whole, seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon, alongside local cheeses and mezze. You’ll want to request a Dakos (also known as Koukouvágia) salad, a traditional Cretan plating of tomatoes, feta, and herbs atop a barley rusk. Crete counts Greece’s greatest concentration of vineyards and wine tours abound. There are also ample opportunities to taste local olive oils, another product that flourishes thanks to Crete’s fertile soil.

Book a spacious suite with a terrace or balcony at The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton. You may have more time to enjoy the space, thanks to 12pm check-in and late check-out, both when available. During your stay, you can feast on dishes inspired by Grecian grandmothers’ cooking at Cretamos or enjoy lamb dishes served from a round grill at Mitato. Order from the wine cellar or swing by Zeno Lobby Bar to sample a flight of Raki, a local spirit made from twice-distilled grape pomace and flavored with aniseed that’s like ouzo, but stronger, so pace yourself. 

Argolida (also known as Argolis) has some of Greece’s most significant and ancient archaeological sites like Mycenae, where visitors can tour the Tomb of Agamemnon. Music buffs will appreciate the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a remarkably preserved amphitheater known for its acoustics – which are still enjoyed at live performances today. 

Book your stay at Amanzoe, which sits on a hill encircled by olive groves with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Inspired by classic Hellenistic architecture, the resort offers suites with private plunge pools and villas with columns and cornices. At The Restaurant, you can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast for two. 

After fueling up, visit ancient ruins or catch a ferry to the nearby island of Spetses, which boasts a storied naval history – and some truly stunning beaches. The island doesn’t allow cars, so many visitors opt to tour Spetses by horse-drawn carriage. Grab lunch with a view of the sea at one of the many lively tavernas that line the harbor. 

Back at Amanzoe, unwind and recharge at the resort’s spa, where you can put your $100 credit towards a therapeutic treatment inspired by Hippocrates’ healing practices.

Ancient Greek sculptors flocked to Paros for its quarries, which produced Greece’s highest quality marble, pure white and semitranslucent, and many of today’s visitors come for the rich artistic history.

Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros, awaits in the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, with thoughtful design touches that channel the beauty of the Aegean Sea beyond. Suites feature private balconies to take in restorative coastal vistas and the hotel has its own private beach club where you can sunbathe on the pillow-soft sand and drink in views of the crystal-clear waters. 

Put your $100 credit to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand from the resort’s al fresco Circe Bar – staff mix up inventive cocktails like a Champagne Pina Colada. Before heading to bed, pay a visit to the Stargazing Terrace for views of the night sky through the hotel’s high-powered telescope. The Cycladic islands are noted for their exceptionally clear skies due to the region’s minimal air pollution, making for a breathtaking celestial experience.

You can easily spend a day at Paros Park, a lush nature reserve with a network of walking trails, hidden coves, caves, and secluded beaches. While the quarries no longer operate, you can view the fine stone preferred by many of Greece's artists and visit architectural museums and small galleries — with guaranteed 4pm check-out, you're in no rush.

Wake up to a new destination each day in the comfort of your spacious home at sea when you sail in all-inclusive luxury with Explora Journeys^††. All suites and residences feature private oceanfront terraces, and Mediterranean itineraries include multiple ports across Greece, as well as coastal Spain, Turkey, and Morocco. Explora’s intimate, yacht-inspired ships feature vibrant onboard amenities and immersive experiences at sea, including gourmet culinary experiences, open-air wellness programming, unlimited fine beverages, and a thermal spa.

When you book a cruise through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card, enjoy additional benefits with the Cruise Privileges Program* on eligible bookings of five nights or longer with participating cruise lines.^† On your voyage with Explora Journeys, receive a $300 per stateroom onboard credit to enjoy a spa day at sea, elevated fine dining experience, or on-shore experiences, and savor a sampler of modern macarons delivered to your suite or residence. Plus, you’ll earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible bookings, which you can put towards your next cruise voyage using Pay with Points* when booked and paid in advance.

^†Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
^††Ships' Registry: Malta

Get in touch with our Travel Consultants through AmexTravel.com or by calling 800-525-3355 to start planning your next voyage.