Greek Island Holiday, Symi, Pedi Beach Hotel

Symi Island, Yialos Harbour ©Solange Hando

Just 35 minutes from Rhodes by catamaran, Symi is one of the most enticing Dodecanese islands. The main settlement, also called Symi, includes the colourful harbour of Yialos and Chorio, the old village climbing up the hillside through a maze of steps and lanes.

Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

 Yialos has its share of hotels but just over the hill on the east coast, Pedi Beach welcomes you in a secluded bay lined with fishing boats, pretty cottages and a clean pebble beach lapped by crystal clear waters.

It's the perfect place to relax, away from it all, casual and friendly in an authentic Greek setting.

Quiet Corner in Pedi Beach Hotel ©Solange Hando

This low-rise traditional hotel has 56 rooms, from single to family, simply furnished but all with balcony and sea or mountain views. The buffet restaurant and bar include a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay.

The Pedi Beach Hotel has air conditioning, a small library, a pleasant courtyard draped in palms and bougainvillea, beach umbrellas and sunbeds.

Looking across the Bay from Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

Framed by mountains and cliffs, the bay is formed by a deep inlet of the Aegean sea, a true haven of peace, especially in early or late season.

Here you soon forget the hustle and bustle of Yialos but if you feel like a change, the town is within walking distance, about 30 minutes up then downhill (with spectacular views), but there's also a regular bus service for less than 2 euros each way.

Saint Nicholas Cove, Pedi ©Solange Hando

Guests can swim by the hotel but for a desert island feel, follow the scenic coastal path and within 10 minutes or so, you will reach this glorious little beach, accessed only on foot or by water taxi.

Other popular excursions in Symi range from mountain and village tours to cruises around the island, stopping en route at the stunning monastery of Panormitis down south.

Panormitis Monastery on Symi Island, Greece ©Solange Hando

Corfu 4 Star Louis Grand, Glyfada Beach

Glyfada Beach, Corfu ©Solange Hando

Glyfada beach is just 15 km from the airport and Corfu Town, a lovely location for the newly refurbished lti Louis Grand hotel tucked almost out of sight between the mountains and the sea.

The nearest village is 4 km up the hill but public buses and the hotel courtesy shuttle provide transfers into town, frequency according to season.

lti Louis Grand Hotel in Corfu ©Solange Hando

On this vast stretch of sand backed by greenery, the 6-floor Louis Grand fits neatly into the landscape with some 240 rooms, including family rooms, claiming mountain or full or partial sea views.

Rooms are finely furnished, light and spacious, with balcony or patio and all mod. con.

Interior courtyards and plush seating areas are scattered around the building, creating a cosy atmosphere where spotless marble floors add a touch of classic elegance.

Louis Grand Swimming Pool ©Solange Hando

The swimming pool overlooks the beach, next to the Pergola Bar serving exotic cocktails and Greek coffee. There's a full entertainment programme ranging from water sports or volley ball in the day to Corfiot folkore or quizzes in the evening.

Guests will also find a tennis court, gym, massage room and hair salon, plus internet services, a souvenir shop and car or bicycle hire.

Restaurant with a View at Louis Grand ©Solange Hando

The Figaretto restaurant and terrace offer fabulous buffets which include the best breakfast I've ever seen, four themed dinners every week and some spectacular sunsets.

Other dining options are the Asian restaurant, where it is wise to reserve, and the Sailors Beach for lunch and BBQ.

Louis Grand and its Beach ©Solange Hando

Enclosed by cliffs and accessed through the hotel pleasant gardens, the hotel beach is quiet though on a hot summer week-end, you may have to share the vast sweeping sands with the locals.