---
title: "Escape to Greece: 5 Victoria Hislop Novels to Read on Your Holiday"
description: Discover Victoria Hislop's top five novels to read on your Greek island holiday, as recommended by Caxton travel card users.
---

[Travel money ](https://caxton.io/travel-money)

# [Escape to Greece: 5 Victoria Hislop Novels to Read on Your Holiday](https://caxton.io/travel-money/5-victoria-hislop-novels-to-read-on-your-island-holiday)

 Written by [Caxton Contributor](https://caxton.io/travel-money/author/caxton-contributor) | 25 Mar 2025

When we surveyed Caxton travel card users to uncover their favourite reads for long flights and lazy beach days, one name kept cropping up: [Victoria Hislop](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbooks%2Fsearch%2Fterm%2Fvictoria%2Bhislop). Whether they were island-hopping across Greece or relaxing in a quiet taverna, readers consistently recommended her novels for their rich settings, emotional storytelling, and ability to bring Greek history and culture to life.

## Books to sail away with

If you're heading to the Med this year, here are five of the most-recommended Hislop titles to pack in your hand luggage:

**1. *****The Island - [buy here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-island%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9780755309511)***  
By far the most popular pick among our readers. Set on the island of Crete, this novel explores the story of Spinalonga, a former leper colony, through a family’s generational saga. One Caxton user told us it inspired them to visit Elounda and take the boat trip to Spinalonga themselves. A beautiful, moving story that will add meaning to your travels.

**2. *****Those Who Are Loved - [buy here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthose-who-are-loved%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9781472223227)***  
Several readers highlighted this novel for its portrayal of the Greek Civil War. The story follows Themis, a woman navigating love, loss and ideology during one of Greece’s most turbulent historical periods. If you enjoy fiction rooted in real history, this one delivers.

**3. *****The Return - [buy here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-return%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9780755332953)***  
Though this one is set in Spain, it still came recommended by Hislop fans. Exploring the Spanish Civil War, it echoes many of the themes that define her Greek novels — memory, identity and national trauma. Perfect if your travels are taking you further afield in Europe.

**4. *****The Sunrise - [buy here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-sunrise%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9780755377800)***  
Set in 1970s Famagusta, Cyprus, this novel explores the impact of the Turkish invasion through the lens of two families — one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot. Caxton readers noted its relevance if you're heading to Cyprus or want to better understand the island’s history.

**5. *****Cartes Postales from Greece - [buy here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fcartes-postales-from-greece%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9781472223210)***  
A different format — part story, part travel diary, and beautifully illustrated. This book captures snapshots of Greek life and landscapes through a series of letters and tales. For readers who like something a little more visual and reflective.

> "Victoria Hislop’s novels are a must if you’re going to Greece," one Caxton Card holder and fan reader said. "She brings the islands alive."

Whether you’re planning a Greek escape or just want to feel like you are, these novels come highly recommended by those who’ve already travelled there. And if you’ve read them all? [*One August Night*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbooks%2Fsearch%2Fterm%2Fvictoria%2Bhislop%2Bone%2Baugust%2Bnight) continues the story from *The Island*, and [*The Figurine*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3787&awinaffid=1876500&campaign=INSIDERSREVIEWS&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-figurine%2Fvictoria-hislop%2F9781472263940) is her latest release.

## Read or listen

Caxton recommends [Audible for digital audiobooks](https://amzn.to/3R10nKO) to enjoy on your travels. Get a special offer, only £0.99 a month for the first 3 months

<https://amzn.to/3R10nKO>

## Don't forget your Caxton Card

The number 1 travel companion for secure travel money. Sign up free.

<https://caxton.io/travel-money/free-currency-card>

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