GREECE: A LOVE STORY
A guide to some of the Top Greek Island Vacation Destinations - Off the Beaten Path. Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first.
Every Greek Island is like a different country. Some are very religious, while others are hedonistic; some court tourism, while many don’t want it.
Photo: The Greek Islands as an ideal vacation destination
The beauty of the Mediterranean continues to draw people
there year after year. Hopefully, these guidelines will assist with your decision.
Best nightlife: Mykonos, also known as
‘The Island of the Winds’, is world renowned for their vibrant nightlife. Although it’s known as a jet-setting party
island, it’s managed well. You can now
drive a car there, but there’s still places that are undeveloped and easier to
reach with a motorcycle or scooter.
Little Venice and Paradise Beach are popular party
destinations where clothing is optional, and the LGBT scene is major. There are male go-go dancers everywhere and
parties typically last all night. July
and August are the main months for tourism and the wildest parties.
Best traditional village life: The island, Naxos
is the largest of the Cyclades and has a little over 6,500 inhabitants and a
bit over 20 small villages. Naxos
has ancient towers, paved streets and has maintained its unique Venetian
architecture.
Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: With gusty
winds that can be seen from a mile away; Paros island is best known for
kiteboarding and windsurfing sports goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the
main beaches where the sport is practiced.
The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular
hub for the sport.
Best beaches: Located in the Aegan Sea, Milos is a beautiful volcanic island that is rich in minerals as well as rich history. Firopotamos, Kastanas and Paliorema are some top beach destinations in Milos. The white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands are picturesque backdrops. Although some may be only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches throughout Milos that you can explore.
Photo: Navagio Beach or Smuggler's Cove on Zakynthos
Best for nature lovers: Ikaria has some
of the World’s most pristine and untouched nature territories. It has been
identified as a place that promotes life longevity and better overall health.
Karpathos is relatively untouristy. Apella Beach is on the remote side of the
island and has qualities of Northern California – big, craggy rocks and mountains
and pristine white-sand beaches – not to mention the motorcycles.
Best Robinson Crusoe destination: Koufonisia
is comprised of two islands, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). The preferred way to navigate the area is by
foot or cycling as everything is within walking distance. The island has a museum and many sightseeing
options.
Best couples getaway: Folegandros does
not get the crowded tourist scene as most Greek towns do. They have a broad selection of restaurants
and cafes. Chora is the main village and
has been preserved well, noting open landscapes and clifftop housing.
Santorini is famous for Oia, and is one of those beautiful Greek villages. Churches and religious icons hold a magical, mystical place in Greece and in Greek culture, and most photographed shots synonymous for Greece.
Photo: Greek Islands - Ultimate Romance Destination no matter what age
Greece has these amazing sensual qualities. The fish taverna, Katina’s, is one of the
best places characteristic of those qualities; with really good, basic Greek
coking and those simple string lights – nothing fancy. Located in Ammoudi, Santorini, the
fishermen here still spend hours cleaning and mending nets. It’s just one of those things that time hasn’t
changed.
Best food: Cretan cuisine focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands. Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita and Apaki.
Photo: The Greek or Mediterranean Diet - flavourful and healthy
Some other captivating islands worth mentioning: Hydra
is a small island near Athens, is a favourite of wealth Athenians. The island used to be on the old hippie trail
– Leonard Cohen, Brice Marden, and Joni Mitchell all owned homes here at one
time.
Nestled into a cliffside in northern Greece, on Macedonia,
the Mount Athos monastery is owned by the church and only men can go there. You can sleep in a monk’s cell for a few
nights and eat dinner in a long hall in silence.
A FEW INSIDER’S TIPS:
Best time to visit:
Spring from April to early June and autumn September and early October. The crowds have thinned out, and the weather
is spectacular.
What to pack: Summer nights through September are
warm, so a light sweater, a few bathing suits, shorts and one or two dressy
pieces will do.
Don’t miss: Athens.
Because most North American tourists typically fly into the capital,
allow an extra couple days to visit the new Acropolis Museum and dine in the
nearby market area, the Plaka, before heading to the islands.
Bring back: Symi.
Its pastel amphitheater port has often been described as the most
beautiful in Greece. You get around by
boat, which makes it all the more special. Symi gets a lot of day-trippers, but after
they all leave in the evening, it’s Greek perfection.
Favourite beaches: Agios Sostis and Fokos on Mykonos
are virtually untouched and among the best in the Aegean, even though the rest
of the island is fairly touristy.
Don’t forget: Your camera. A scene from the film The Sisterhood of
the Traveling Pants was shot on Santorini – supposed site of the lost city
of Atlantis - at Ammoudi, located at
the base of Oia. Take photos at the big
rock where all the kids go to dive. It’s
a wonderful people-watching spot, too, with an incredible view of the
island. A favourite hotel in Oia, Perivolas,
has stunning vistas of two volcanoes and the Aegean.
Now you’re all set!
With a myriad of beautiful architecture, scenic waterfronts, rich
history and tips. There is much to
enjoy. Let me take care of the planning and all you
have to do is show up.