Late availability holidays to Greece

One of the greatest advantages of Greece for a spontaneous summer escape is the sheer breadth of accommodation – if you know where to look. There are big-brand hotels all over Greece, but for a more intimate and luxurious last-minute holiday it pays to seek out private villas or boutique hotels, where you know you will be well taken care of, even if you book a late deal. Even at short notice, you can often secure exceptional suites or a villas with a private pool that would be far harder to find elsewhere in the Mediterranean during peak season. Combined with reliable sunshine, excellent air connectivity from across Europe and a long season stretching well into October, Greece needs to be high on your list for a last-minute beach holiday.

Which islands are best for last-minute holidays in Greece?

Last Minute holidays to Crete

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is the choice for you if you want maximum variety and plenty of options for exploring. Its scale means you can experience everything from elegant Venetian towns to ancient mountain villages, with a range of beaches that’s unmatched anywhere else in Europe. Choose the upmarket area around Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and the Gulf of Mirabello for a luxury vibe, complete with smart shops and fine dining. If you're after a more tranquil and traditional take on Cretan life, Mochlos village, tucked away at the most easterly edge of the Gulf of Mirabello, is enchanting. In the west of Crete, Chania is a must-visit whether this is your first or 15th time on the island, with sandy beaches nearby and conveniently short transfers from the airport.

Want to walk on the wilder side? The far east of Crete is a destination where tourism is part of local life but not its raison d’être. Book a last-minute holiday in this part of Crete and you’ll be rewarded with mountains, gorges and rocky hillsides scattered with tiny villages and ancient ruins, plus some of Crete’s finest beaches including spectacular Xerokambos and palm-fringed Vai, whilst Palekastro is one of Europe’s favourite windsurfing spots. And there are plenty of tempting seaside tavernas where the passing of time is best marked by the waves rolling in nearby.

Best for: direct flights, historic sites, huge variety of landscapes and things to do

Last-minute Corfu holidays

The best known of the Ionian islands, Corfu has long been a favourite last-minute destination. With direct flights from several UK airports, it’s a winning combination of simplicity and style for couples, families and multi-generation groups. Corfu has a cosmopolitan elegance rarely found in Greece, a pleasing consequence of its Venetian, French and British occupying influences. Corfu Town is a UNESCO-listed gem which provides an atmospheric backdrop for people watching in a shady square, or roof-top cocktails as the sun goes down.

But most of all, last minute Corfu holidays are about taking to the water, whether that’s a few languorous laps of a stunning infinity pool, or messing about on a boat around the jewel-coloured seas that sparkle off the spectacular north east coast of the island. The accommodation choice ranges from the relatively simple to the lavishly luxurious, with family-friendly beach hotels that make even the most last-minute booking a seamless and stress-free experience. And if you’re not a sun lounger sort of person, there are many hiking trails to explore in the cooler months, plus day trips to neighbouring islands to add an extra dimension to your week away.

Best for: direct flights, spectacular scenery, luxury villas

Last minute deals to Greek islands

If the excellent climate and stunning beaches of Greece appeal, then you should also consider the wider Ionian islands. Kefalonia (setting for the eternally romantic Captain Corelli’s Mandolin), Lefkada and Zakynthos, famous for their white beaches and electric blue seas, all have the ease of direct flights from the UK, making them a convenient solution for your last-minute holiday. The Ionians are some of Greece’s most exclusive islands, so search late availability options on Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos and you could well strike gold with a beautiful private villa.

For a slower-paced trip and a more traditional island vibe, those looking for a last-minute beach holiday in Greece should be thinking about Ithaca, Meganissi or Paxos. For us, these are the quintessential Greek island experience; think waterside tavernas with checked tablecloths and a chalk board menu, shocking pink bougainvillea draped over pretty stone houses and the soothing swish of sapphire seas on smooth pebbles. There are no airports on these island idylls, which adds a step or two to your last-minute holiday logistics, but our local teams can take care of everything for you, including ferry tickets and car hire.

Which company has the best last-minute holidays to Greece?

When you’re looking for a last-minute deal to Greece, time is naturally of the essence, and the choice can feel overwhelming, so why pick Simpson Travel? The answer is experience. Greece is where it all began for us well over 40 years ago, with Anglo-Greek couple Graham and Yianna Simpson offering villa holidays on Crete. History and connections count for a lot in a country like Greece, even more so in an increasingly digital world where it's sometimes hard to distinguish fact from fiction! Thanks to our heritage, we are true experts in delivering holidays in Greece; we have the skills, the knowledge, the connections and the people on the ground to make it all silky smooth, no matter how last minute you leave it. Looking for more advice on booking last minute? View our practical summary

Considering Greece last-minute? View all our availability for the next few weeks.