Greek Islands Paradise

Mykonos has a reputation for its jet-setting crowd; the daytime parties and nightlife certainly did not disappoint. Nammos beach club is $$$$ - however price tags of this kind shouldn’t come as a surprise anywhere on this island. I highly recommend not riding the ATVs but get ready to wait in long lines for a taxi. The island is filled with fun energy and people who are ready for a fabulous party that starts at noon and lasts until early morning - Yia mas!

A romantic, relaxed island where the meals and views of the Mediterranean were the highlights. Lunch in the small harbor town of Skala is not to be missed. You can visit Vegghera, a mansion overlooking the harbor, for a quiet and delicious dinner at sunset. A hike up and around twisting lanes, you’ll eventually reach the medieval village of Chora clustered around the walls of the Monastery of St John.

There aren’t too many places more visually stunning than Santorini, especially the white-washed town of Oia. I highly recommend taking a cruise around the caldera which offers an experience of the island from the opposite vantage point as typically you are looking down. Tourists and donkeys are plentiful so be prepared to deal with “traffic” as you make your way around; this is a crowded place filled with eager picture-takers! Santorini is most certainly a culinary destination - the fresh fish, homemade pasta and rice, and wine from the local wineries….the best I had in Greece and especially at Sphinx! This island certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the most sought-after places to visit in the world. Do not miss this special place.

The brilliant turquoise water in Folegandros was beautiful against the gray-toned, rocky arid landscape; if I had a summer home I would decorate it with the colors of this island. Recommend seeing the island via boat if possible; you’ll have access to swimming coves that you would not have otherwise by land. I took a dip irrespective of the super cold temperature because with water that crystal-clear (you can see straight down to the bottom!) you just have to! This island takes its fishing culture seriously; all you need is a little oil, parsley, and lemon on your octopus and teleiótita (perfection)! I read that Hora and Eva’s Garden offer notable culinary experiences with traditional Greek specialties although ran out of time to visit myself. Pattiri was the first bar opened on the island and has been in operation since the 1800’s - it’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists, perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening in the interior courtyard!

If you come to Create, do not miss Elafonisi beach, this is the #1 place to visit and for good reason. The lagoon-like water expands in all directions as far as the eye can see, there is seemingly no end. Just knee deep and perfectly clear; it feels like you can walk for miles on the pink sand! It’s magic! Nearby is the Chrysoskalitisa monastery which resembles a fortress and is worth a visit. Koum Kapi is the district just outside the walls of the old town of Chania (Crete). This is a lively area to spend your evenings. Try Odos Oniron for jazz or Synagogi for cocktails at an upscale lounge. The best dining options per my research can be found in the Venetian port and old town - Chrisostomos, Glossitses, Semiramus Taverna, Opaka, Well of Turk. Also notable things to see in the Venetian port is the Firkas fortress and lighthouse and Turkish mosque (Yiali Tzami), you can take a walk through Dikastira Square, stop by the Turkish baths in Chania Town, or the outdoor food market. There is something for everyone in Crete. One caution in getting around the island - lots of pedestrian and car traffic, vague road signs and driving rules, finding the beaches is truly not for the faint of heart. Beware if driving along cliffs, steep mountain-sides and harpin turns against oncoming cars is not your idea of a relaxing day!

You may have a few visitors stop by your lunch table for a scrap on this wild, windy, remote beach of Achata; goats roam freely around and they are quite friendly! Achata is part of a trio of swimming coves tucked into the island’s jagged east coast (Kyra Panagia and Apella are the others). Karpathos has a bit of an Italian vibe to it as lots of Italians choose to spend their holiday here. The port of Pigadia is low-key and relaxed with plenty of options for a delicious meal - you can try Al Porto or La Gorgona for Italian or the Four Seasons Taverna for gorgeous views of the bay. A convenient way to see the picturesque villages (notably Enetes and Othos) and architecture of the island is by a guided bus and walking tour.