Greece

Greece’s islands, scattered like jewels across the cobalt Aegean Sea, have long lured travellers with their blend of idyllic beaches and rugged countryside.

But the country’s mainland, with world-famous historic landmarks such as the Parthenon, has just as much to offer tourists.

Combining the best of both worlds, you could hire a private jet charter to Santorini – one of the Cyclades islands renowned for its stunning natural beauty and black sand beaches – or see the archaeological wonders of Crete, then fly on to the mainland to soak up the buzz of the capital, Athens.

When your private air charter lands at Thira Airport at Santorini, it’s a 10-mile drive to Oia and the hotel Perivolas where minimalist suites with dazzling sea views and infinity pools are carved from the cliffs.

Guests can also make use of the hotel’s fleet of speedboats to discover secret beaches and sea caves.

Black stone paths, lined with colourful geraniums, wind their way down to the spa and poolside restaurant.

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, eat at Veneze Santorini which serves sensational raw seafood, as well as lobster and steak cooked over a multi-level grill fuelled with olive wood and vines, all with a view of sunsets over the flooded volcano the island is built around.

If Santorini offers unforgettable views, Crete boasts the wonders of the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Samaria Gorge.

Once your private jet flight has touched down at Heraklion International Airport, it’s just a 12-mile drive to Abaton Island Resort & Spa, a casual but chic beachfront resort near the lively seaside town of Hersonissos.

The hotel has its own pier, several large pools, five restaurants serving Greek and international cuisine, a spa with Elemis products, and is near the area’s only 18-hole golf course.

For an atmospheric al fresco dining experience, try Palazzo Amare overlooking Chania’s old harbour.

The fine dining waterside restaurant shows off the best of Cretan traditional cooking with high-quality local produce including seafood caught in the surrounding water, and vegetables and herbs grown nearby.

Flying on to the mainland, your private air charter will land at Athens airport. A 45-minute drive takes you to Hotel Grande Bretagne – the hotel that hosts presidents and film stars when they visit the Greek capital.

The classic glamour of the hotel, which was built in the 19th century and boasts stained glass ceilings and potted palms, belies the cutting-edge facilities behind the facade – including a destination spa with mud chamber, ice fountain and ESPA massages, gym, hair salon, and outdoor pool.

Nestled in the centre of Athens, the hotel is within walking distance from the glorious Acropolis and the historic heart of the city.

But Athens offers more than its classical past – try CTC Urban Gastronomy for Michelin-starred fine dining with an element of surprise.

Greek cuisine meets French techniques and a sprinkling of inspiration to give diners treats such as corn soup flavoured with lobster, or an avocado dessert.

The best time to visit Greece is in the spring or autumn, to enjoy the glorious warm weather without summer’s soaring temperatures and bustling crowds.

Whether you want to relax in one spot or island hop, lie by the pool or explore the wonders of the country’s archaeological history, enjoy a simple meal while watching the sunset at a harbourside taverna or tuck into cutting-edge Michelin-starred food in the nation’s capital, Greece caters to all your holiday desires.