Island-Hopping in Greece with The MarBella Collection

While there’s plenty of joy to be had in staycations, nothing quite matches up to the experience of hopping aboard a plane to sunnier climes. For many of us, foreign holidays are a distant dream – but things are looking up. New travel rules coming into play this August mean quarantine-free trips around many European countries will be possible for fully vaccinated travellers – one of those being Greece.

When it comes to luxury Greek hotels, the MarBella Collection is the name to know. It’s a group of three five-star hotels: MarBella Corfu and Marbella Nido in Corfu, and MarBella Elix in Parga on the Greek mainland, which opened its doors for the first time this May. All three have unveiled a range of new experiences for 2021, from culinary pop-ups to sports and private cruises, with plenty of activities on offer for all ages.

Fancy an island-hopping adventure? Begin at MarBella Corfu before hopping on a ferry to MarBella Elix. Both offer idyllic beachside settings with sparkling sea views – but each brings something new to the table. MarBella Corfu is nestled on the island’s south-east coast, while MarBella Elix overlooks the beach of Karavostasi in Parga. The hotel team can arrange transfers between the two.

Below we highlight some of the wonderful things you can do on a twin centre trip.

A Sunset Cruise

Greece is renowned for its magical sunsets – which look even better from a catamaran on the ocean. A special experience at MarBella Corfu offers one and a half hours sailing around the Aegean while listening to jazz and sipping sparkling wine as the sun goes down.

Visit Paxos and Antipaxos

If two islands isn’t enough for you, take a trip towards the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. A catamaran trip from MarBella Corfu will take you towards the crystalline turquoise waters and sandy coves of Antipaxos before stopping off at Gaios, the quaint capital of Paxos, arriving to spectacular views via the fjord-like canal.

Tennis Lessons

Inspired by this year’s Wimbledon? Try your hand at tennis at MarBella Corfu’s new tennis academy, running in collaboration with specialists Active Away. All levels of experience are welcome, and children can take part in complimentary taster sessions.

Culinary Adventures

Hop aboard a traditional Greek kaiki for a tour of some of the island’s best tavernas. Alternatively, visit MarBella Corfu’s new bohemian-style beach restaurant, Deck Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy fresh meat and fish cooked Greek-style on the open grill. MarBella Collection has also launched its inaugural Greek Chefs Abroad Culinary Series, which sees renowned Greek chefs returning from abroad to work their magic in the hotel kitchens. Next up: Yiannis Kioroglou on 10 and 12 September. Find out more here.

Adventure Club for Kids

Keep little ones entertained at Marbella Elix’s new Adventure Club, designed for younger guests over six years old. Activities on offer include snorkelling expeditions, sailing trips and treasure hunts, while at MarBella Corfu children can keep busy with pottery classes, robotics and 3D printing workshops.

Water Sports

Keen to stay active on your trip? Both hotels offer a variety of different water sports. Explore the diverse underwater life at Karavostasi beach with some snorkelling or give stand up paddleboarding a go on the beautiful bay of Agios Ioannis.

Olive Grove Tour

Olives are a staple of the Mediterranean diet – both as an edible fruit and in oil form, boasting a plethora of health benefits. Learn all about the wonder ingredient on a private tour of the groves at the Gardiki area’s Medieval Castle, where you’ll meet native experts and hear the story of the oldest olive variety in the world.

BOOK:

Visit marbella.gr for more information and to book a stay. This summer the hotel group is offering 25 per cent off all-inclusive stays at MarBella Corfu. 

READ MORE:

The C&TH Greek Islands Guide