Make me a Greek island holiday!

[Solasum]

I would love some ideas and inspiration, the more specific the better

May halfterm, 5-7 nights

a Greek island with some ruins and interesting places to visit, also swimming if possible, snorkelling even better

direct flights from Bristol and London

To suit grandparents, 11 yo and me

local character and food, rather than UK abroad

Would anyone like to find me the perfect break?

Not Kos, mainland near Athens

Kefalonia? There are direct flights from Bristol and London, lots of Archaeological
sites to see (this is a good list A visit to the Archaeological sites in Kefalonia - Kefalonia), authentic tavernas, beautiful beaches and also loads of places to snorkel. TUI do package holidays if that's what you'd prefer (Kefalonia Holidays 2025/2026 | TUI.co.uk) or there are lots of villas on airbnb.

Kefalonia is beautiful and very relaxed. St George’s castle is a lovely old ruin to mooch around and the family run cafe there is just amazing! Beautiful beaches and lovely food. You can see the turtles all the time at Argostoli port. One of the nicest and most relaxing holidays we’ve had.

corfu is also lovely. A bit more touristy than Kefalonia but Corfu old town is stunning and the old and new forts are good for history. Corfu is also beautiful and probably has more to entertain an 11 year old. There’s a good sized water park which I believe has a hotel attached to it, but personally I wouldn’t stay in that hotel as not near the beach and not the most pretty area. The north east and west are the prettiest areas. The north coast is popular Roda, sidari etc but though nice enough they very much cater to brits and the sea isn’t as clear. paleokastritsa in the north west is gorgeous. There’s a small aquarium there and water sports etc. sandy beach and great snorkelling.

crete has loads of interesting places to visit. Spinalonga, Knossos, the fort at Heraklion and the archaeological museum. Lovely beaches. Elounda and agios nikolas are both lovely. We’re going to the chania end of Crete this year. The old town of chania looks beautiful and there’s some stunning beaches at the western end of the island. Not been yet, but looking forward to it.

crete and Corfu tend to be the best value for money of all the Greek islands to travel to from Bristol.

Co pilot would help you with this?

I second Crete. Elounda and Spinalonga are lovely. If you have the cash - Domes of Elounda.