Greece has been one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations for decades, but travel preferences are changing. While islands such as Santorini and Mykonos remain popular, many British travellers are now looking beyond the well-known hotspots in favour of quieter beaches, authentic villages, and more immersive cultural experiences. This shift has fuelled growing interest in holidays to Ithaca, Greece, and the Dodecanese Islands, two very different destinations that offer unique ways to experience the Greek islands.
Choosing between them isn’t about deciding which is better; it’s about understanding which destination best matches your travel style. Whether you’re looking for peaceful coastal walks, island-hopping adventures, traditional Greek hospitality, or historical landmarks, both regions offer memorable experiences away from the busiest tourist crowds.
UK Travellers Are Choosing Authentic Greek Island Experiences
Travel trends across the UK show that many holidaymakers are prioritising meaningful experiences over crowded resorts. Independent restaurants, family-run accommodation, local culture, and sustainable tourism have become important considerations when planning overseas holidays.
Greece is particularly well placed to meet this demand. With more than 6,000 islands and islets, including around 227 inhabited islands, the country offers remarkable diversity. While many visitors continue to choose the better-known destinations, smaller islands are attracting travellers seeking a slower pace of life and a chance to discover Greece beyond the typical package holiday.
Both Ithaca holidays and holidays to the Dodecanese Islands in Greece reflect this growing trend towards experience-led travel.
Ithaca Greece Holidays Offer Peaceful Escapes and Timeless Charm
Steeped in mythology as the legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca is one of Greece’s most tranquil island destinations. Unlike larger tourist resorts, the island has retained its traditional character, making it ideal for visitors who value authenticity over nightlife.
Holidaymakers can spend their days exploring picturesque villages such as Vathy and Kioni, relaxing on secluded beaches, enjoying waterfront tavernas, or discovering scenic walking trails that overlook the Ionian Sea.
Ithaca is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy:
- Boutique hotels and villas
- Quiet beaches and hidden coves
- Sailing and boat excursions
- Walking holidays
- Local Greek cuisine
- Relaxed village life
Rather than filling every day with activities, Ithaca encourages visitors to slow down and experience Greece at a gentler pace.
Best suited for: Couples, solo travellers, walkers, sailing enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
Holidays to the Dodecanese Islands to Greece Offer Variety and Island-Hopping Adventures
The Dodecanese Islands provide an entirely different type of Greek holiday. Stretching across the south-eastern Aegean Sea, this island group combines ancient history, vibrant harbours, family-friendly beaches, and excellent ferry connections, making island hopping easy.
Popular destinations include Rhodes, famous for its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town; Kos, known for its beaches and cycling routes; Symi, celebrated for its colourful harbour; and Patmos, home to significant religious landmarks and beautiful coastal scenery.
Visitors choosing holidays to the Dodecanese Islands in Greece can enjoy:
- Historic towns and archaeological sites
- Beautiful sandy beaches
- Traditional Greek cuisine
- Family-friendly resorts
- Boat trips between islands
- Outdoor activities including cycling and hiking
The variety available in the Dodecanese makes it particularly attractive to travellers who want to experience multiple destinations on a single holiday.
Best suited for: Families, first-time visitors to Greece, history enthusiasts, and island-hopping travellers.
Ithaca vs the Dodecanese Islands: Which Destination Is Right for You?
Choosing between these destinations often depends on the type of holiday you want.
| Feature | Ithaca | Dodecanese Islands |
| Atmosphere | Quiet and peaceful | Diverse and vibrant |
| Ideal for | Couples and relaxation | Families and mixed groups |
| Beaches | Hidden coves and pebble beaches | Sandy beaches and resort coastlines |
| Culture | Mythology and traditional villages | Greek, Byzantine and medieval heritage |
| Island hopping | Limited | Excellent ferry network |
| Walking | Outstanding coastal trails | Good walking and cycling opportunities |
| Nightlife | Relaxed tavernas | More choice on larger islands |
| Holiday style | Slow travel | Flexible multi-centre holidays |
Neither destination is better than the other—each offers a different perspective on Greek island life.
Before Booking Your Greek Island Holiday
Whichever destination you choose, planning ahead will help you get the most from your holiday.
Consider the following before booking:
- Travel during May, June, September or early October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Check whether direct flights are available from your preferred UK airport.
- If planning to visit multiple islands, review ferry schedules before finalising accommodation.
- Consider hiring a car on quieter islands where public transport is more limited.
- Allow at least seven to ten days if you intend to combine several islands into one itinerary.
Taking these factors into account can make your holiday significantly more relaxed and enjoyable.
Specialist Tour Operators Simplify Greek Island Travel
While booking independently works well for some travellers, organising holidays to smaller Greek islands can involve coordinating flights, ferries, accommodation, and transfers.
Specialist tour operators provide valuable expertise by creating seamless itineraries that remove much of this complexity. They often have established relationships with local hotels and suppliers, making it easier for travellers to access destinations that are less frequently included in mainstream package holidays.
Sunvil Helps UK Travellers Discover Authentic Greece
Sunvil has earned a strong reputation for helping UK travellers explore Greece beyond its most commercial destinations. Rather than focusing solely on high-volume resorts, Sunvil specialises in carefully curated holidays to islands such as Ithaca and the Dodecanese, combining scheduled flights, quality accommodation, island-hopping options, and local experiences. Its approach is designed for travellers who value authentic culture, independent travel, and thoughtfully planned itineraries that showcase the character of each destination.
Comparing Leading UK Greek Holiday Specialists
Several travel companies offer Greek island holidays, although their approach varies considerably.
Alongside Sunvil, operators such as Olympic Holidays, Kuoni and Jet2holidays all feature Greece within their holiday programmes.
While larger operators often focus on established beach resorts and high-volume package holidays, Sunvil has developed expertise in lesser-known islands, tailor-made itineraries, and authentic local experiences, making it particularly appealing to travellers looking for something beyond the traditional Mediterranean holiday.
Experience-Led Travel Is Shaping the Future of Greek Holidays
Travel is increasingly about creating lasting memories rather than simply visiting popular destinations. UK holidaymakers are seeking local food, cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, sustainable tourism, and meaningful connections with the places they visit.
Both Ithaca, Greece, holidays and holidays to the Dodecanese Islands in Greece reflect this growing trend. Whether enjoying a waterfront taverna in Ithaca, exploring the medieval streets of Rhodes, or sailing between the colourful harbours of Symi and Patmos, these destinations offer experiences that go beyond the traditional beach holiday.
For travellers looking to discover a more authentic side of Greece, both regions provide unforgettable opportunities. The right choice depends on your preferred travel pace, the experiences you value most, and how you want to explore one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.