Anyone fancy Greek Island hopping?

Certain to be a winner with connoisseurs of off-the-beaten-track Greece, a visit to Fourni evokes charming memories of travelling to the smaller islands back in the 1980s.

Fourni is the largest of a mini-archipelago of around a dozen islands, scattered between Samos and Ikaria, some of which are very small indeed and only two of which are inhabited. Its craggy charms include a small and pretty port halfway down its west side, also known as Fourni (or Korseon), where a traditional village atmosphere and sublime sunsets await. Its waterfront tavernas are the place to come for fresh food and seafood, which is plentiful and well-priced (particularly the island lobster) thanks to Fourni’s busy fishing fleet, the largest in the Aegean.

Beach-lovers will be spoilt for choice too, with several secluded spots reachable on foot from the harbour and all lapped by the clearest of seas. There are many more to try out, hidden away in bays around the island, including Petrokopios, a ten-minute drive from Fourni Korseon, with a shoreline of gleaming white pebbles – a legacy of the ancient marble quarry which once operated nearby; the swimming is quite magical.

It is easy to island hop from Fourni, with regular ferry links to Samos and the north Dodecanese islands of Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos and Kos.

Expect to see more goats than cars whilst exploring Fourni on four wheels… or head out on foot to explore this unspoilt gem of an island, where the chances are you will have the walking trails and beaches largely to yourself.

Just a short flight (45 minutes) from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Samos and Lemnos, Chios is easily accessible and is rich in history, with varied mountainous landscape and unique appeal.

Despite being the fifth largest island in Greece, Chios remains blissfully off the tourist trail. Its size lends itself perfectly to a multi-centre stay, combining time in the capital, Chios Town (a modern island capital on the east coast, separated from Turkey by the narrow Chios Strait, with lively harbour area and fascinating old quarter), with other settings such as Kardamyla (great for fish tavernas) on the north-eastern tip, Limnos (a remote, quiet area with several lovely coves and beaches) on the north-west coast, laid-back Karfas (the closest Chios has to a resort, with a fine beach, and a good selection of hotels and self-catering apartments) or Emporios,  a small village in the south that’s home to Chios’ famous volcanic black pebble beach, as well as several great tavernas.

Car hire is highly recommended on Chios; the island’s bus service is limited and there are no organised tours, further adding to its appeal as a Greek island for the more intrepid traveller. Explore the fertile plain of Kampos – bursting with citrus trees and beautiful mansions – drop in on characterful villages (there are 64 to choose from, including the unique medieval villages of the Mastichochoria!) and visit fascinating monasteries including the 11th century, UNESCO-listed Nea Moni, its wonderful mosaics considered to be amongst the finest in Greece.

In 2021, Sunvil adds two new destinations to its collection of over 50 Greek islands. Largely unknown and off the tourist trail, these gorgeous Greek gems will provide all you need for a holiday with peace and privacy (when safe to travel – but you can book now for something to look forward to!), along with the security of Sunvil’s Peace of Mind promise.

A seven-night self-catering stay at the Kosta Reli Apartments costs from £663 pp (two sharing), including flights with 23kg of luggage each, and transfers.

A seven-night stay at the Kardamyla Hotel costs from £892 pp (two sharing), including flights with 23kg of luggage each, B&B, and transfers.

Sunvil also offers a new three-week island-hopping break, exploring Chios, Fourni and Samos from £1,448 pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, return flights (Gatwick) and ferry transfers. For May departures.

To book, speak to the experts at Sunvil on 020 8758 4758, or visit www.sunvil.co.uk.

Click here to read Sunvil’s helpful Coronavirus policy.