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The Mani Peninsula, with its stark and rugged landscapes, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth that captivates those who venture there. The land is characterised by its dramatic tower houses, evidence of a turbulent past where defence and vigilance were part of everyday life. These stone towers, some still inhabited, stand as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Maniots, reputed descendants of the ancient Spartans. The coastline is dotted with secluded beaches, offering serene escapes and breath taking views of the Mediterranean. Yet, beyond its physical allure, Mani holds a profound sense of isolation and tranquillity, particularly noticeable in the sparsely populated expanses that stretch between its quaint villages. This emptiness adds to the feeling of stepping back in time or entering a forgotten world, making Mani not just a destination, but a powerful, evocative experience at the edge of modern Greece. Whether it's exploring the historic sites, hiking the rugged terrain, or simply soaking in the vistas from a solitary beach, a drive through the Mani is bound to be an unforgettable adventure. Our drive through the Mani begins in Kalamata and ends in Cape Tainaron.

Vathia, Peloponnese

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers a multitude of reasons to visit. This island provides everything you could wish for on a holiday to the 'real Greece': miles of golden beaches, delicious cuisine, family-friendly, intriguing history, and ample opportunities to explore breath taking scenery. Here we share our top reasons to visit, but believe us, this is just for starters.

The White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

By Victoria Hislop, Travel Writer. Long, sandy beaches, ancient history, and charming villages made the writer Victoria Hislop fall for Naxos, in the Cyclades.

Naxos, Cyclades, Greece

For over 50 years we have been synonymous with tailor-made travel to less familiar destinations. Continuing this trend, we are delighted to bring you the real Catalonia, a region with way more than you might imagine, and one that has resisted the blight of over-development. We have exhaustively explored this conveniently-compact area of Spain, built trusted relationships with the people on the ground, and now feature the cream of Catalonia’s crop – from the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees to the sparkle of the Mediterranean’s shallow waters, via Girona’s fascinating, maze-like narrow alleyways and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Santa Pau

There's something magical about visiting a lesser-known beach, as if it's a secret haven just for you – a place where you can create your own memories. These secluded bays are often remote, breathtakingly beautiful, and just waiting to be discovered. While "undiscovered" may be a stretch, given their popularity, finding the right combination of sand, sea, and lack of crowds is many a traveller's dream. So why not embark on a journey to uncover some of the finest hidden beaches in Europe? From Portugal and Spain to Greece, Italy, and Croatia, your personal slice of paradise awaits. The Guardian Newspaper on 20 January 2024 highlighted their favourite hidden gems, courtesy of their acclaimed journalists - and we've listed those featured by Sunvil in our latest blog.

Crete, Greece