The best (and worst) Greek islands episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 17, 2026 · 33 MIN

The best (and worst) Greek islands

from The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

As Simon dials in from a taverna on the island of Patmos, this week’s episode focuses on the best ways to explore the Greek islands. Where is best for a luxury escape or a family getaway, and what is the best possible island-hopping itinerary? And after a hectic 48 hours in Dubai, Greg shares his findings as geopolitical tensions ramp up in the Gulf. He found cut-price hotels, stoic locals, mobile phone missile alerts, but not too many British tourists as the mercury hit 45C. Elsewhere in the news this week, Simon reveals that Heathrow has lost its crown as Europe’s busiest airport. Turkey’s young megahub, Istanbul Airport, has taken top spot. Greg and Simon discuss why, and how, the Turkish airport has risen above London Heathrow.As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including a recommendation request for a European minibreak in October, and the man who thinks he has found an innovative solution to the EU 90-day travel limit imposed on British citizens.Send your questions to [email protected] our latest travel adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 17, 2026

As Simon dials in from a taverna on the island of Patmos, this week’s episode focuses on the best ways to explore the Greek islands. Where is best for a luxury escape or a family getaway, and what is the best possible island-hopping itinerary? And after a hectic 48 hours in Dubai, Greg shares his findings as geopolitical tensions ramp up in the Gulf. He found cut-price hotels, stoic locals, mobile phone missile alerts, but not too many British tourists as the mercury hit 45C. Elsewhere in the news this week, Simon reveals that Heathrow has lost its crown as Europe’s busiest airport. Turkey’s young megahub, Istanbul Airport, has taken top spot. Greg and Simon discuss why, and how, the Turkish airport has risen above London Heathrow.As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including a recommendation request for a European minibreak in October, and the man who thinks he has found an innovative solution to the EU 90-day travel limit imposed on British citizens.Send your questions to [email protected] our latest travel adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The best (and worst) Greek islands

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This episode is 33 minutes long.

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This episode was published on July 17, 2026.

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As Simon dials in from a taverna on the island of Patmos, this week’s episode focuses on the best ways to explore the Greek islands. Where is best for a luxury escape or a family getaway, and what is the best possible island-hopping itinerary? And...

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