‘The isles of Greece, the isles of Greece, eternal summer gilds them yet…’

Lord Byron was on to something when he waxed lyrical about the Greek islands. But with more than 200 to choose from, which one is right for you? After a difficult decision to be taken, because of the fact that each one is unique and there is so much beauty to be  revealed in any case, here are the best Greek islands to visit this summer.

These sunny islands are the perfect half-term hideout. Easy to get to, with fabulous beaches, clean waters, delicious food and a cheek-pinching matriarchal love of local  people.

HYDRA

Best Greek island for: a long weekend with the art crowd

You know when Dakis Joannou, Greece’s foremost art collector, is on Hydra. His yacht, Guilty, is painted in garish ‘camouflage’ by Jeff Koons. Every summer, Joannou invites big hitters such as Matthew Barney and Maurizio Cattelan to create site-specific installations in the Greek island’s old slaughterhouse. Even the school is commandeered for exhibitions in the summer holidays. Car-free and protected by a preservation order, Hydra has always been the artists’ muse of the Greek Islands. Leonard Cohen, Brice Marden and Juergen Teller have homes here. Athenian artists take up residence at the SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS, one of the vast, grey, stone mansions overlooking the horseshoe harbour.

Less than two hours from Athens, Hydra fills up with chic Greeks at weekends. Wily cats and weary donkeys patrol the back alleys, but all the action happens along the waterfront. Oh look! There’s Olivia Palermo at THE PIRATE BAR and Chloë Sevigny shaking her tail feather at HYDRONETTA BEACH BAR. Who cares if there are barely any beaches? You can always find a slab of rock from which to dive into the clearest water in the world.

Where to stay in Hydra
Built in 1796, nine-room Orloff Boutique Hotel oozes old-world charm. If a pool is a priority, check into atmospheric Bratsera. To get in with the art crowd, stay at a leading local Artist’s Villa .

Search for Hydra’s Hotels and Villas here

MYKONOS

Best of the Greek islands for: Decadent parties and five-star hotels

Mykonos has seduced glamorous hedonists since the 1960s. It had gay clubs and sunrise parties before rave culture was even invented. Its bohemian allure has never faded, although nudist beaches now have nail bars, personal trainers and house music pumping out all hours.

The influx of supermodels and superyachts has inspired ever more decadent resorts and restaurants. The latest place to show off your abs is SCORPIOS, a louche beach bar that puts Ibiza’s finest in the shade (book a cabana to watch the sunset). After hours, it’s always ASTRA, where you might find Keith Richards chatting up Karolina Kurkova.

If the glitzy excess gets too much, escape to KIKI’S, an off-grid grill-shack overlooking AGIOS SOSTIS BAY, where even Naomi Campbell has to queue for a table. Or cruise over to the tiny island of DELOS, an archaeological sanctuary that once thronged with 30,000 sun worshippers (the temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light).

Where to stay in Mykonos

Kenshō hotels

Definitely Kenshō hotels in Psarou & Ornos, combine high-quality services that go beyond the standards for a truly luxurious hospitality experience. Amazing relaxing environment, extraordinary service and one of the best restaurants in Mykonos are only some of the main reasons to stay there.

Book your accommodation in Kensho here :

Kenshō hotel Psarou

Pale and interesting, Bill & Coo Coast on Agios Ioannis beach, opened in 2016. San Giorgio, overlooking Paranga beach, captures the original bohemian spirit of Mykonos.

And of course the Legendary ,

SANTA MARINA, MYKONOS proves to be the Best choice…

see why…!

Beach-chic interiors offer modern, natural luxury, opening to balconies with hypnotic Aegean views. Besides, the only private sandy beach on Mykonos is located there, gorgeous infinity pools, the international-calibre Ginkgo Spa and four options for dining and drinks, highlighted by the world’s first-ever Buddha-Bar Beach.

Santa Marina invites you to savour the glamorous lifestyle of Mykonos in the island’s most fashionable and sophisticated setting.

 The Greek island of Mykonos has, just like Ibiza, a calmer family-friendly side. This hotel other than being bliss for children , it is also close to the airport, with super-friendly staff, and gorgeous views.

Whether you’re staring out to Ornos Bay with its bobbing boats and backdrop of sugar-cube houses, or out the other way over the turquoise sea, with the hazy outline of Paros and Naxos in the distance – you’ll be serenely happy. Even more so, perhaps, on discovering the kids’ club, set right next to the main pool and free for those aged between two and 12. There are stacks of games and cheery English-speaking staff, so they probably won’t even notice you’re gone. Add to this a tennis court with resident coach, a brilliant playground and a pretty beach.

It’s goodbye terracotta tiles and dated furnishings, hello minimalist cool. If you want to avoid steep steps, of which there are many, plump for connecting rooms rather than the villas at the top of the hill. The groovy little spa has a host of Ila treatments.

And as night falls, the BayView restaurant does all it can to make parents feel cool again, with front-row seats looking over the Aegean Sea and a resident DJ. You may not be dancing till dawn, but you’ve still made it to Mykonos.

SANTORINI

Best for: Honeymooners and first-timers

Cooing American and Japanese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behind Santorini‘s flooded volcanic crater. That view may be a romantic cliché, but it still takes your breath away. A volcanic explosion blew out Santorini’s heart 3,500 years ago, leaving black-sand beaches, vertiginous cliffs in psychedelic hues, and swirling rumours about Atlantis in its wake.

The breathting view from the incredible & stylish Cavo Tagoo Santorini

The eruption also preserved the ancient city of AKROTIRI under layers of ash, and created fertile ground for exceptional Assyrtiko grapes and Vinsanto wines.

Apart from a boat trip to the smouldering crater of NEA KAMENI and hot springs at PALIA KAMENI, there’s not much to do but gaze at the mesmerising views from your suite, dangling on the edge of the caldera.

The breathtaking view from Grace Hotel, Santorini

The best hotels are concentrated in OIA, but the inland village of PYRGOS is up-and-coming. Go for a twilight Bellini at Franco’s then dinner at SELENE, a pioneer of new Cycladic cuisine.

Stay

Trendier pretenders come and go, but Perivolas is still the most stylish place to stay. If you have cash to splash, Perivolas Hideaway is the ultimate waterfront villa. I also like Grace Hotel  and Canaves Oia , with its unique unlimited pool and relaxing atmoshere.

Besides,  Cavo Tagoo Santorini  is really a certain place to be, where the views are Breathtaking from any side, the  staff is excellent and  the amazing minimal design promises relax and serenity.

Book Hotels & Villas in Santorini here

SYMI

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

Little Symi has the prettiest port in Greece. As you round the headland, neoclassical mansions in every shade of apricot and peach rise like a mirage from the sea. Built by 19^th-century sponge and spice merchants, the whole town is now a national monument. You need strong legs to explore – it’s about 500 steps up to the crumbling acropolis – but you won’t need a car.

The only proper road peters out at PANORMITIS MONASTERY, a major pilgrimage site. Ravishing beaches such as AYIOS YORGOS DISALONAS (backed by monumental cliffs) and MARATHOUNDA (where goats will try to filch your picnic) are only accessible by boat or on foot. In the rugged hinterland, more than 100 monasteries are hidden among the pine and cypress forests.

With its laid-back glamour, luminous sea and almost tropical microclimate, Symi is a hit with French and Italian yachties.

You’ll find them eating flash-fried baby shrimp, a local specialty, at THOLOS, a sensational taverna where the harbour views almost steal the show.

Stay

The Old Markets is the only smart hotel, but there are just five rooms so be quick and book one. Serendipity rents a handful of outstanding villas.

CRETE

Best for: Antiquities, active adventures and sunshine all year round

Crete  is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, 88th-largest island in the world and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete and a number of surrounding islands and islets constitute the region of Crete (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης), one of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. As of 2011, the region had a population of 623,065.

Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits (such as its own poetry and music). It was once the centre of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), which is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe.

Balos

Crete is mountainous, and its character is defined by a high mountain range crossing from west to east, formed by three different groups of mountains:

• The White Mountains or Lefka Ori 2,452 m (8,045 ft)
• The Idi Range (Psiloritis ) 2,456 m (8,058 ft)
• Kedros 1,777 m (5,830 ft)
• The Dikti Mountains 2,148 m (7,047 ft)
• Thripti 1,489 m (4,885 ft)

These mountains lavished Crete with valleys, such as Amari valley, fertile plateaus, such as Lasithi plateau, Omalos and Nidha; caves, such as Gourgouthakas, Diktaion, and Idaion (the birthplace of the ancient Greek god Zeus); and a number of gorges.

Gorges, rivers and lakes

The island has a number of gorges, such as the Samariá Gorge, Imbros Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Ha Gorge, Platania gorge, the Gorge of the Dead (at Kato Zakros, Sitia) and Richtis Gorge and (Richtis) waterfall at Exo Mouliana in Sitia.

The rivers of Crete include the Ieropotamos River, the Koiliaris, the Anapodiaris, the Almiros, the Giofyros, and Megas Potamos. There are only two freshwater lakes: Lake Kournas and Lake Agia, which are both in Chania regional unit. Lake Voulismeni at the coast, at Aghios Nikolaos, was formerly a freshwater lake but is now connected to the sea, in Lasithi. Lakes that were created by dams also exist in Crete. There are three: the lake of Aposelemis dam, the lake of Potamos dam, and the lake of Mpramiana dam.

Climate

With the exception of ELOUNDA – a pocket of bling popular with oligarchs – the north-east coast is scarred by over-development. Instead head south, where there are miles of empty sand dunes, sprinkled with  SIMPLE yoga retreats such as YOGA ROCKS at TRIOPETRA and YOGA PLUS  at AGIOS PAVLOS. Or take a back-to-nature break with WILD FITNESS  at MILIA, a 17th-centruy hamlet powered entirely by solar energy.

Paleochora, Chania

Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki (Cretan grappa) for breakfast and celebrate saints’ days with a volley of gunshots. Even the road signs are peppered with bullet holes.

Transport 

The island has three significant airports, Nikos Kazantzakis at Heraklion, the Daskalogiannis airport at Chania and a smaller one in Sitia. The first two serve international routes, acting as the main gateways to the island for travellers.

The island is well served by ferries, mostly from Athens, by ferry companies such as Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines.

Although the road network leads almost everywhere, there is a lack of modern highways, although this is gradually changing with the completion of the northern coastal spine highway.

Archaeological sites and museums

There is a large number of archaeological sites which include the Minoan sites of Knossos, Malia (not to be confused with the town of the same name), Petras, and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, and the diverse archaeology of the island of Koufonisi which includes Minoan, Roman, and World War II ruins. The latter, however, has restricted access for the last few years due to conservation concerns so it is best to check before heading to a port.

There are a number of museums throughout Crete. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum displays most of the archaeological finds of the Minoan era and was reopened in 2014.

Stay
A 300-year-old hamlet surrounded by olive groves, Kapsaliana Village Hotel exudes peaceful authenticity. On a sandy bay just beyond Chania, Ammos Hotel smartly combines Scandi chic with a child-friendly vibe.

Chania, Old Town

Elounda’s finest hotels offer VIP services, luxurious rooms and suites with exclusive view and exclusive deals for conferences, honeymoons and more.  Guests can choose from several luxurious resort experiences including Beach and Bay, Domes, Blue Palace and Daios Cove.

Amirandes

Amirandes is an exclusive beachside resort that epitomizes Crete’s most inspiring features. It is known for its beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning land and seascapes.
Just 20 minutes from Heraklion Airport, the Resort also offers good sea links and is just a short drive from attractions including the Palace of Knossos and Crete Golf Club.

Creta Palace

Styled after the sprawling palaces of the Minoan kings and Venetian nobles who once ruled Crete, Creta Palace introduces guests to the easy elegance of true European luxe including olive trees, tropical palms, brilliant blue skies and sparkling teal waters. Fragrant gardens lapped by azure waters and palm-fringed lagoons swirling past natural stone terraces are the hallmarks of this relaxing yet sophisticated beachfront resort that offers the highest standards of Mediterranean luxury and refinement.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Fifteen percent of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of Heraklion (port and airport), while charter journeys to Heraklion last year made up 20% of all charter flights in Greece.  Overall, more than two million tourists visited Crete last year, 2016.

Today, the island’s tourism infrastructure caters to all tastes, including a very wide range of accommodation; the island’s facilities take in large luxury hotels with their complete facilities, swimming pools, sports and recreation, smaller family-owned apartments, camping facilities and others. Visitors reach the island via two international airports in Heraklion and Chania and a smaller airport in Sitia (international charter and domestic flights starting May 2012) nor by boat to the main ports of Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.

Popular tourist attractions include the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilisation, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, and Spinalonga and the Palm Beach of Vai, which is the largest natural palm forest in Europe.

NAXOS

Best for: Endless sandy beaches & Amazing Homemade Food

Naxiots once made considerable fortunes exporting potatoes, cheese, marble and emery. Locals bequeathed undesirable seaside plots – useless for farming – to their laziest offspring. When tourists cottoned on to the island’s scores of fabulous beaches, these wastrels found themselves sitting on gold mines.

The west coast of Naxos is fringed with mile upon mile of powdery sands. AGIOS PROKOPIOS and AGIA ANNAdelight toddlers and teenagers alike with their shallow waters and beach bars.

As you head south, the beaches get wilder: PLAKA, where you can gallop across the dunes on horseback, MIKRI VIGLA for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and crystal-clear KASTRAKI.

Should you tire of frolicking on the shore, three supersized kouros statues are hidden in the hills and there are dozens of drowsy villages to explore.

Try kitron, the local citron liqueur, at the VALLINDRAS DISTILLERY in HALKI or sample homemade wine and arseniko cheese under the plane trees in ANO POTAMIA VILLAGE. No wonder Herodotus described Naxos as ‘the happiest of islands’

Stay
Corona Borealis is a seven-suite retreat with a pool poised for sunset and a private cove where you can have supper under the stars.

TINOS

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

In antiquity, Tinos was also known as Ophiussa (from ophis, Greek for snake) and Hydroessa (from hydor, Greek for water). The closest islands are Andros, Delos, and Mykonos. It has a land area of 194.464 square kilometres (75.083 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 8,636 inhabitants.

Tinos has more than 50 villages, each vying to be fairest of them all. In PYRGOS, famous for its marble craftsmen, sculpted birds and flowers decorate every doorway. In VOLAX, basket weavers squat outside cottages carved from giant boulders, seemingly flung from the heavens by Zeus in a fit of pique. There’s even a village called love, AGAPI, where you can tuck into wild-fennel fritters at the only taverna.

Tinos takes its food culture seriously: there are artichoke, caper and honey festivals. Greeks travel for days to eat cuttlefish risotto at THALASSAKI, served on the jetty in ISTERNIA BAY, then watch dusk bleed into the horizon from EXOMERIA BAR.

Tinos is only 15 minutes from Mykonos, so it’s a wonder it isn’t overrun with tourists. The harbour is swarmed on 15 August, however, when Orthodox pilgrims flock here to kiss the icons at PANAGIA EVANGELISTRIA MONASTERY, one of the holiest sites in Greece.

Tinos is famous amongst Greeks for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, its 80 or so windmills,  about 1000 artistic dovecotes, 50 active villages and its Venetian fortifications at the mountain,  Exomvourgo. On Tinos, both Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic populations co-exist, and the island is also well known for its famous sculptors and painters, such as Nikolaos Gysis, Yannoulis Chalepas and Nikiforos Lytras.

Otherwise, the island is miraculously untouched. Solitary chapels and whimsical dovecotes stud thyme-scented hills, dropping to sandy bays whipped by the meltemi wind. There’s a nascent surfer scene on KOLIBITHRA BEACH.

The most impressive outdoor pool worldwide is located in a modern residence in Tinos, in  Mirage.

The island is located near the geographical center of the Cyclades island complex, and because of the Panagia Evangelistria church, with its reputedly miraculous icon of Virgin Mary that it holds, Tinos is also the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the date of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (15 August, “Dekapentavgoustos” in Greek). This is perhaps the most notable and still active yearly pilgrimage in the region of the eastern Mediterranean. Many pilgrims make their way the 800 metres (2,600 feet) from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as sign of devotion.

Following the capture of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, Tinos was one of several islands ruled by private Venetian citizens and belonged to Andrea Ghisi, whose heirs held it until 1390 when the last member of the family branch bequeathed both Tinos and Mykonos to Venice.  It was ruled by Venice until 1715, when Tinos was captured by the Ottoman Empire (see Ottoman–Venetian War), and became known as İstendil. The Ottomans held Tinos until 1821 when the inhabitants joined in the Greek War of Independence. 

Tinos has a varied landscape. From the shores of Panormos and Kolimbithra on the North Shore to Kionia, Agios Yannis O Portos, and Agios Sostis on the Southern Shore, Tinos has many beaches. Tsiknias is the highest mountain on the island at 750 metres (2,460 feet) and hides the village of Livada. The mountain of Exobourgo is quite distinct, and unlike its more rounded Cycladic neighbors, has a jagged appearance that would be more at home in the Alps. Between Tsiknias and Exobourgo lies the fruitful plain of Falatados. This area is unique on the island as its relatively flat terrain (albeit with an elevation of about 300 metres (980 feet)) is rare on the island. This made it a strong candidate for a proposed airport on the island. The Meltemi winds and concerns of local villagers of the towns of Falatados, and Steni have all but halted the project.

The area around Volax is a surreal and very unusual landscape with giant boulders some the size of multi-storey buildings. The village of Volax lies at the center of this landscape. To the west, the mountains surrounding Pyrgos are full of some of the most beautiful green marble in Greece.

All around the island of Tinos, the islanders have made the most unusual things out of stone. The hills are all terraced with stone walls and every village is connected to its nearest neighbors by stone walkways set between a parallel set of stone walls.

The island’s mineral resources include marble, Verde antico, asbestos and a granite mine near Volax (also known as Volakas).

Stay
Hipaway has villas with real personality, including Loutra house, a masterclass in Cycladic minimalism. For fancier villas, try Five Star Greece.

MILOS, the Untouched Greek Island You’ve Been Looking For…

The island has a mythological landscape, uncrowded tavern-lined port towns, and the bluest water in the Cyclades.  It is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group.

The island is famous for the statue of Aphrodite (the “Venus de Milo“, now in the Louvre),

and also for statues of the Greek god Asclepius (now in the British Museum), the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. Milos is a popular tourist destination during the summer. The Municipality of Milos also includes the uninhabited offshore islands of Antimilos and Akradies. The combined land area is 160.147 square kilometres (61.833 sq mi)  and the 2011 census population was 4,977 inhabitants.

AMONG THE ISLANDS OF THE CYCLADES, even of the world, Milos stands luminously in the history of art. Not because a great artist came from here, or was inspired by it, but rather because of a chance discovery in its soil.

“…The luminous Greek Island of Milos has the best beaches in the Aegean, a fascinating history and superb seafood – and yet it is so often overlooked. All the better for the few who do go there, entirely alone in its turquoise bays..” Conde Nast Traveller

Some things about the Statue of Aphrodite…,

On 8 April 1820 an ensign in the French navy and amateur archaeologist named Olivier Voutier went ashore to dig in the vicinity of the island’s ancient theatre. He noticed a farmer a few paces away pause in his labours, peer through a gap in an old wall, register an expression of surprise, and then turn away. Voutier was curious. He went to the wall to have a look. In the recess within he saw a shape, the naked torso of a woman, carved in marble, lying on her side. He paid the farmer to help him dig it out. Torso was followed by draped legs, a wedge from the hip, plinth, foot and other fragments. Wedge and torso were stacked on the legs and in the afternoon light what would become known as the Venus de Milo stood before Ensign Voutier.

Sarakiniko Beach

Once displayed, the multitudes thronged to see her, as they still do. Whatever her age, she paid back for the attention given her with her mystique, serenity, timelessness and ease with her own beauty. The life force in the Venus’s cocked leg, her gaze and slight twist of torso as the robe slips from her hip make her godliness proximate, earthy, even human. She’s been salt cellar, lamp, promoter of Mercedes-Benz cars and subject of a song by Chuck Berry. The artists Rodin, Dalí, Max Ernst and Jim Dine have all remade the Venus according to their own visions. When she travelled to Japan, 100,000 people went to the harbour to greet her.

How the gouged, dusty, battered figure, arm-, foot- and noseless, became the entrancing star of the Louvre is a tale of disputatious and counterfeit scholarship, lies, cover-ups, vanity and restorations both inept and artful. Above all it is a tale of one-upmanship among imperial nations, for not long before the Venus arrived in Paris, the British government acquired sculptures taken from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, who had refused a higher bid from Napoleon, and installed them in the British Museum, making it the pre-eminent institution of its kind in the world. The directors of the Louvre were piqued. The Venus would be an eloquent riposte, but there was a problem. It would only be important enough if she was from the Classical Age and evidence suggested that she dated from the later, more prosaic Hellenistic period. Patriotic scholars were deployed. It was as if the empire depended upon it. The scholars delivered the verdict expected of them, the Germans were suspicious, war was waged in academic journals, evidence was destroyed, veils drawn and ambiguity allowed to prevail.

Many of those involved in the struggle to get the Venus off the island and on her way to Paris were scornful of the place that had been her home. It was a barbaric outpost, a source of resentment. A Texan named Gregory Curtis who wrote a book about the Venus declared that when tourists leave Milos, it ‘returns to its unlovely self – dull, remote, harsh’. In the travel marketplace it tends to be overlooked in favour of its more glamorous neighbours: dramatic Santorini, gastronomical Sifnos, hedonistic Mykonos, the chic and diminutive Folegandros.

There are about 70 beaches on Milos Island. Hivadolimni Beach is the longest at about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). The rest of the beaches are starting from (North): Sarakiniko Beach, Papafragas, Kapros, Pachena, Alogomantra, Konstantinos, Mitakas, Mantrakia, Firopotamos, Nerodafni, Lakida, Plathiena, Fourkovouni, Areti, Pollonia, Gourado and Filakopi. (South): Firiplaka, Paliochori, Provatas, Tsigrado, Agia Kyriaki, Psaravolada, Kleftiko, Gerontas, Gerakas, Agios Sostis, Mouchlioti, Katergo, Spathi, Firligos, Pialothiafes, Kalamos, Krotiraki, Psathi, Svoronou and Sakelari.

(West): Agios Ioannis, Cave of Sikia, Agathia, Triades and Ammoudaraki. (East): Voudia, Thalassa, Paliorema, Tria Pagidia and Thiafes. (In the Bay Area): Hivadolimni, Lagada, Papikinou, Fatourena, Klima, Skinopi and Patrikia. The North and South and bay beaches are tourist attractions. The east beaches are very quiet, and those to the west are also quiet beaches.

In Milos they are in rock-backed villages around the cape on the eastern side of the immense harbour – at Klima, Areti, Fourkovouni, Firopotamos and Mandrakia, whose beauty is incredible.

Milos’s colours and wealth and the shaping of its history derive from its having been flung out of the sea by volcanoes that blew around two million years ago, the principal crater forming one of the largest harbours in the Aegean at Adamas (‘diamond’ in Greek). Hot springs praised by Hippocrates still bubble up around the island. Obsidian was its first star mineral, the traders at Phylacopi selling it to the Minoans for weapons and razors. Pliny wrote of alum that rivalled Egypt’s and declared that it had the most abundant supply of sulphur in the known world. At Theorychia you can see the haunting remains of a sulphur mine clinging to a cliff striped in yellow, rusting wagons still on the tracks, the water crystal clear, the beach stones like a painter’s palette with the colours running together, an odour of rotten eggs in the air. An 11,000-year-old mining industry still thrives through the collection of kaolin, baryte, pozzolan and bentonite. All this geological munificence has produced crystals, solidified volcanic ash and streaks of oxidised metals that make you feel you are in a place that has been dreamed up rather than naturally evolved.

Getting There
In high season, there are regular flights from Athens on Olympic Air, but these are small planes that have to be booked in advance. Most people still arrive by boat from Athens (four-and-a-half hours on the Speedrunner) or on a Seajet/SuperJet boat from Santorini.

The Best Time to Go
The days are long in June and early July and everything’s open (seasonal businesses operate from April to October).

Where to Sleep

Most small hotels (and the best restaurants) are in Pollonia, including the new Milos Breeze, which has an infinity pool overlooking the town, and the popular Salt Suites. Design-conscious villas are popping up too, including three (and soon three more) at Skinopi Lodge, between the port of Adamantas (a.k.a. Adamas) and Trypiti, and Five Star Greece’s luxe compound, Voronoi’s Corrals, at the end of a winding road on a remote cliff above the southern coast.

Eating Out

Pollonia’s beach is lined with restaurants, including Armyra—in what was once the owner’s grandfather’s house—which specializes in seafood mezedes like fried baby shrimp and whatever is freshly caught. After evening drinks at Outopia, in Plaka, cross the cobblestones to Archontoula, a classic, no-frills taverna with traditional dishes from stuffed squid to rabbit stew. The waterside taverna MEDOUSA  at  Mandrakia (+30 2287 023670) for late lunch or sunset dinner , was memorable as much for the setting as the food.It is located opposite the church and above the syrmata in the village of Mandrakia, known for its grilled sardines, octopus (you’ll spot it drying in the sun), and salads.    NAVAGIO in Adamas (+30 2287 024124), where chef Konstantines Papaioannou conjured a succession of brilliant cold seafood dishes after his oven broke; and above all, ARMENAKI in Pollonia (+30 2287 041061), where it’s best to allow chef/owner/sommelier Adonis Mavroiannis choose for you.

Locals (and the emir of Qatar) love O Xamos, on the shore outside of Adamantas, for its old-school menu, including chickpea casserole and piglet in parchment. You’ll probably keep going back to Ergina, in Trypiti, where the owner serves his grandma’s traditional recipes. The short sail to the satellite island of Kimolos is worth it for a meal by the water at To Kyma.

FOLEGANDROS

With its beautiful main town, small hotels, picturesque houses and secluded coves, Folégandros offers the ideal Greek hideaway. However, as is so often the way, this fantastic island in the southern Cyclades is not the easiest to reach. Remote and rocky, it has no airport, no package tours and no chain hotels.

It is a small barren rocky island with an area of surface area is about 32 km² E of Milos and S of Serifos. The used to be one of the most isolated islands in Greece where political exiles were sent, as recently as during the Junta of the Colonels (1967-72). Also, its town Chora has some of the best examples of Cycladic architecture. Unfortunately, the island has been “discovered” and its 600 hundred inhabitants multiply many times over every summer with tourists, complete with bars, discos etc. Still, it does have wonderful architecture and one can take many nice walks in its stark terrain.

Folegandros gets its name either from the son of King Minos of Crete or from the Phoenician word Phelekguduri meaning rock-built.

The main point of interest is Chora with its fantastic architecture. In Chora there is a small Folkloric Museum. Near Chora there is the church of Panayia which is built over a sheer cliff right over the ancient temple to Artemis. Legend has it that the church was looted by pirates who stole the icon of the Virgin. As the were getting away their boat capsized and they were drowned.

The icon returned to the foot of the cliff. Every year the islander take the icon for a tour of the island to commemorate the miracle. Under the church there is a large grotto Chrissospilia (Golden cave) with stalactites and ancient inscriptions. Again legend has it that Barbarossa’s treasure is buried within the grotto but no one has ever found it.

 

Where to Stay :

• Anatoli Hotel

  Ano Meria, Folegandros(+30 22860 41069)

  http://www.hotelanatoli.gr/

  Six well-priced rooms on a hillside in Ano Meria with stunning views of Chora and the sea.

• ANEMOMILOS APARTMENTS

  Chora, Folegandros(+30 22860 41309)

  http://www.anemomilosapartments.com/

  Teetering on the abyss on the edge of Chora, these bright and airy studios aren’t fancy, but the location is unbeatable. It’s worth paying the extra for the Blue Studios: they have the best views and biggest terraces. Relax with apricot daiquiris by the pool.

• 

• Agali Beach

• FATA MORGANA

  Chora, Folegandros(+30 22860 41237)

  An effusive welcome and spectacular sea views compensate for the slightly kitsch interiors. Exuberant owner Fani Anastasiadi also rents rooms in her grandmother’s house across the street.

The Church of Panagia , above the Town.

• THEMONIES

  Chora, Folegandros(+30 22860 41517)

  http://www.themonies.gr/

  A cluster of 19^th-century stone houses on a hillside overlooking Chora, this is a secluded hideaway close to the action, with quietly stylish interiors in earthy tones, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings.

• ANEMI

  Karavostasis, Folegandros(+30 21072 54871)

  Quirky photographs of Folegandros inject a dash of colour into the interiors of these whitewashed bungalows. Chef Themis Papadopoulos serves contemporary Cycladic cuisine at the poolside restaurant. The only drawback to this swish 44-room resort is the location: a barren hillside overlooking the port.

SIFNOS

Best for: Big, fat Greek feasts

Sifnos owes its foodie reputation to its most famous descendant, Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote the first Greek cookbook in 1910. Forget souvlaki and moussaka: here, chickpea croquettes and stewed capers are taverna staples.

The island is peppered with potteries that produce the earthenware casseroles used for revitháda (baked chickpeas) and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill). Traditional dishes are slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven at TO MERAKI TOU MANOLI, a local institution on sheltered VATHY BAY.

In postcard-pretty ARTEMONAS, all roads lead to THEODOROU, purveyors of nougat wafers and almond sweets since 1933. You can eat in your bikini at OMEGA 3, where locally foraged and fished ingredients are given an exotic twist: baby-calamari tempura, crayfish, saffron, and ouzo risotto. Lobsters are plucked straight from the sea at HERONISSOS, then served with spaghetti on the jetty. It’s just the right balance of low-key luxury and unspoiled authenticity. Rather like Sifnos itself.

Stay
With its cliff-top infinity pool and soft-focus sunsets, Verina Astra is effortlessly sexy. Verina Suites on Platis Gialos beach is more family-friendly.

ASTYPALEA

Best for: Escaping the crowds

A throwback to a gentler, slower, more elemental way of life, Astypalea is surprisingly easy to get to (daily one-hour flights from Athens). Every gap in the burnished hills frames a different view of HORA, cascading from the Venetian castle to seaside SKALA. The scent of saffron biscuits wafts through the whitewashed lanes. Tucked beneath the battlements, CASTRO BAR has a magical terrace that seems to float above the archipelago.

The nearest beach is LIVADI, a sort-of-resort surrounded by citrus orchards. The rest of the island is stark and wild. Treacherous tracks hurtle down to shingle bays such as VATSES, with a rocking beach bar, and KAMINAKIA, where Linda’s farm-to-table taverna serves the best roast goat in the Dodecanese.

If you really want to be alone, rent a motorboat from MALTEZANA, an old-time fishing village, and putter to   KOUTSOMITI and KOUNOUPES, tiny islands connected by a double-sided beach. At VATHY, a lagoon where erotic graffiti was etched into the rocks 2,500 years ago, the only taverna is called GALINI (Peace). Which sums up Astypalea perfectly.

Stay

Well-appointed Melograno Villas , Aphrodite studios , or Oltre Mare, simple maisonettes with endless blue views.

Patmos

Best for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

Patmos has an indefinable je ne sais quoi – an otherworldly quality that radiates from its crowning glory, the medieval monastery of St John. This turreted fortress, bursting with Byzantine relics, is named after John the Divine, who conjured up his apocalyptic revelations in a cave nearby.

Pure-white CHORA, a World Heritage Site, is where A-listers and fashion editors stay. High walls and heavy doors conceal magnificent mansions dating back to the 16^th century.

The almighty church has kept nightlife in check. If you must see and be seen, head to ASTIVI for watermelon Daiquiris or GEORGE’S PLACE on KAMBOS BEACH, where the full-moon parties last until sunrise. Beach life is generally languid and low-key; PSILI AMMOS and LIVADI GERANOUare our favourite hideouts. Dinner reservations are essential at BENETOS, for Med-Asian fusion on an organic farm, and LAMBI for grilled fish on a purple pebble beach.

STAY
Archontariki is a gorgeous, five-suite hideaway in Chora. If money is no object and privacy is paramount, Serendipity has the most exclusive villas.

Other than personal preferences,

Part of  Source :

Condé Nast Traveller

Big Thanks !

Combining unique design, personalized services and the luxurious comfort of Kenshō Boutique Hotels, the Kenshō Villa Psarou is  Kenshō ‘s brand new entry, raising the standards of luxury even higher.

Guests of Kenshō Villa Psarou indulge themselves with the services and amenities of the Kenshō Boutique Hotels while enjoying their privacy in a luxurious setting.

This 4-bedroom ensuite private luxury villa (150 sqm) is located on the cosmopolitan Psarou beach within the Kenshō Psarou hotel property. It features a 100 sqm outdoor area with a private pool, garden and a massive terrace. Villa guests can pamper themselves with panoramic views over Psarou bay.

Explore and Book here :

The Kenshō Villa Psarou

Sleeps up to 8 people.

Aegean views, easy access to Mykonos town and a beach nearby-you’ll find it all at the Kensho Psarou villa. Built into the hillside,  this welcoming vacation rental gives you a nearly bird’s-eye view over the sea and the natural  harbour of Psarou. Spend your holiday relaxing on its spacious terrace with friends and family or simply exploring this beautiful  island.

the Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

the Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Kenshō Villa Psarou

Book your ideal vacation to Kensho Villa Psarou here.

Mykonos is probably the most famous Greek island and one of Europe’s hippest vacation resorts. The jet set fell in love with this sun-kissed, windswept island in the 60’s. Today, it is still the ultimate refuge for discerning travellers, fashionistas, celebrities and anyone who wishes to party until sunrise. Mykonos, however, is not just about intense lifestyles. It is an island suitable for children, as well as adults, with most people staying at home by the pool or on a beach during the day and venturing out to the town’s restaurants and nightclubs at night. That is why one of  our highest recommendatios in the magic island , is the Kensho Private Villa in Ornos.

Located just ten minutes from the Chora, the Kensho  luxury Villa ,   is perfect for enjoying all the benefits of Mykonos without the hustle and bustle, ready to meet all your expectations.

Travellers seeking luxurious serenity will find a perfect hideaway with all the facilities of a five star hotel  protected as a little treasure in absolute privacy. Just 4 minutes walk from the beach. Featuring an infinity pool and a spacious, furnished terrace with panoramic sea views, the split-level Kensho Private Villa is set in the famous bay of Ornos.

Elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and white tones, the villa has 7 bedrooms , 6 of them with ensuite bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen with dining area.

Explore & Book your ideal vacations in Kensho Villa , Ornos ,

Aficionados of Greek ancient history will be fascinated by the nearby sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Sail away to secluded beaches nearby, or relax by the pool watching the sun set and you will find that Mykonos can offer one of the most relaxing holiday experiences.

Easy to go there:

• By plane directly from major European cities
• From Athens either by domestic flight (25 min), or by boat (3 hours) or by helicopter (35min)

Kensho Private Villa , Ornos 

What we love most about Mykonos…

The absolute hotspot of the world’s jetset, many may think fast-paced Mykonos is all about partying and socializing but trust us, there is also an unspoiled and quiet side of the island, with which you will fall in love with.

The Press for Kensho Ornos:

THE TIMES “20 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN GREECE” // THE SCOTTISH SUN “KENSHO, A BRAND NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL, IS SURE TO BE A BIG HIT THIS SUMMER” // LONDON EVENING STANDARD “THE LATEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL TO OPEN IN MYKONOS IS A MUST FOR DESIGN LOVERS…”//ARCHITECTS DATAFILE “WHERE ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN TRULY SHINE” // EGLOBAL TRAVEL MEDIA “A DESTINATION OF PURE COMFORT AND SUPREME LUXURY” //

This ultra modern property, evoking a very fresh feel, is located uphill the bay of Ornos as it has been already  mentioned.

Harmonically integrated into its Cycladic setting, the villa rises graciously with its smooth bright walls and natural stone surfaces, to face the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea.

At night the scene is really magic… All shades of blue , falling stars and  the awesome Aegean moonlight promise to give you unforgettable moments to remember for a long time….

The very modern feel of this villa is alluring, offering a cool and very stylish living ambience. The dominating colors are nuances of a white palette complemented by quality natural wood surfaces and furniture and the brisk sea-blue entering the interiors from the numerous large window openings.

The villa features elements of traditional Myconian architectural style like the natural stone and white-washed walls, which it pleasantly blends with modern Greek style , handcrafted art and custom made furniture pieces.

Kensho Private Villa Ornos

Truthful to the modern pace is also the stylish kitchen with its cutting edge appliances as well as the spacious en suite bedrooms offering premium accommodation. Matching the wonderful interiors is a summery open-air environment expanding at its front with shaded dining and lounge areas, sun loungers by the pool and wonderful views throughout.

Kitchen & Outside Pergola

The villa features numerous sitting and dining areas, each with its own charm, for convivial get-togethers. The coziest area of the villa is the pergola-covered lounge and dining area, which is totally shielded from the occasional ‘meltemia’ winds, a perfect spot to view the amazing sunset and the island of Delos!

The main entrance area & the living room

Living Room area

Master Bedroom & outside area

Noble wood panelling and clean lines come together in fine balance of unabashed luxury and Greek tradition.

Master double bedroom en suite bathroom

Hermes Cosmetics and products of personal hygiene are provided.

Kensho Villa, Ornos

• Daily Maid Service
• Concierge service

A flat-screen TV, a safe and free toiletries are provided.

Kensho Private Villa , Ornos

This villa is a typical gem of traditional Mykonian architecture with smooth and cube lines, ideal for bohemians or romantics or simply for those who love calmness and elegant simplicity.

The nearest airport is Mykonos Airport, 3 km from Kensho Private Villa, Ornos.

With its calm secluded setting and wonderfully relaxing amenities, it offers a serene villa experience in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan islands.

The Kensho Villa in Ornos is a beloved place for many Royals and their families from all over the world and people from the international jet set.

We highly recommend the Kensho Villa Ornos, as one of the Best Places to stay in the island of Mykonos, as anyone can luxuriate in the excellent service from Kensho Hotel Ornos,  combined  with the absolute privacy that the Villa offers .

From Ornos, Mykonos

Georgia Papadon & team

Summer Holidays…!

Maybe the best time to recharge batteries,  reload positive thinking  , reset priorities and start new beginnings from the next day at office… in all levels..!

When I think of my summer holidays, I could never imagine anything less than sunbathing under the golden sun 🌞 of  my favourite island in  my country , drinking  either smoothies or cold pink Champagne , always combined with gorgeous seafood,  having fabulous Mediterranean breakfast by the pool and diving into the crystal water every half an hour…! Amazing…!

How lucky could everyone be when all the above prove to be  a reality,  in a location where  Class is the matter and the premium luxury combined with the best quality  in any aspect,  is the main substitute .

Explore & Book 

Of course I’m talking about my last experience in Mykonos and the latest Kensho Psarrou, the new brother of the Kensho Ornos Luxury Hotels and Villas.

Kensho Psarrou is a  magic place,  peaceful as a hidden paradise,  built in an ideal environment with great respect to the local architecture and natural surroundings , friendly and helpful personnel and the best beach on the island for sure with excellent service …! Actually I found  Psarrou so attractive in my latest trip in Mykonos,   that I barely went anywhere else.

At this five-star hotel, set on one of the world’s most exclusive beach, Aegean architecture meets local stone and aged wood. Inside, 30 luxury rooms and suites tell their own stories.

Luxury rooms & suites comes with either outdoor Jacuzzis or private plunge pools. Lie back and behold the sea views. No matter your choice of stay, you’re bound to feel like you’re in paradise.

Right outside your door is the busy and cosmopolitan Psarou Beach, the most famous beach on the island. Dig your toes into the white sand. Then dip in the calm, crystal waters and take in the mountain backdrop.

Kensho Psarrou 

Spoil yourself at the Kenshō Beach Spa. At this well-being and beauty powerhouse, therapeutic rituals instantly calm and uplift you.

Enjoy luxury dining on the water’s edge at the Kenshō Psarou lounge. The restaurant’s menu, signed by Mykonian chef Ippokratis Anagnostelis, offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Aromas of Greece, Japanese influences and Peruvian flavors are used in artistic ways to create gourmet dishes. The pool and sea lie just a few steps away.

Our experience at the Kensho Psarou Restaurant was more than brilliant. We got so impressed by the creations of Mr. Anagnostelis that  I’m very sure  we will look for something similar for a long time…

I highly recommend this restaurant as the best in the island  for this summer , 2018 and I suggest the tuna Tartare , the Crawfish orzo or Crawfish Kritharoto and the fish ceviche as the must dishes. Trust me …!

Kensho Psarrou

Kensho Psarrou

From design that shines to fine dining on the water’s edge to a well-being powerhouse on an iconic beach – Kenshō Psarou is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Kensho Psarrou 

Online booking HERE

in the Best Prices

KENSHŌ PSAROU MAIN DISTANCES

Center of Mykonos: 3.4 km
Airport: 3 km
Heliport: 40 m
Private Dock: 30 m
New Port: 7.2 km
Delos: 4 n.m. (30 minutes by boat)

From Mykonos,

Georgia Papadon & team

Photos :

by my iPhone &

Courtesy : Kensho Psarrou Mykonos

I simply can’t get enough of this magic place…

Those who haven’t yet visited Mykonos, the whitewashed island in the heart of the Cyclades, should expect an Ibiza-ish vibe – glamour, luxury and plenty of parties for those who want them. With its white stone streets, flowering bougainvillea trees and tucked-away churches, it’s a paradise for anyone looking to unwind in the baking Greek sunshine. That said, it’s also a buzzing tourist spot, so insider advice when planning your trip is essential.

“I’d say there are more great beaches on Mykonos than on any other Greek island,” Here I  share my  guide to the destination that me and my family ’ve fallen in love with.

Breakfast by the pool

For me, breakfast in Mykonos is something easy and simple – maybe an omelette with fresh tomatoes or  feta cheese for the majority of Greeks, You’ll be on the Greek summer schedule, so that means you eat it at 11am or 12pm, ideally in your swimsuit by the pool, easing into the day.

Swim and sunbathe

Beach vibes on this island vary hugely, so find the right spot for you. “You have totally wild scenes at Super Paradise, for example, and then super-chill scenes elsewhere. My favourites are Ornos  and Psarou.

Psarou Beach

“Ornos  beach is smaller and more calm I ‘d say,  but very charming and connected to a great mediterranean restaurant, Kouzina  (the greek word that means kitchen) .

Crystal , Clear water at Ornos Beach

Psarou can be crowded but it is amongst the most beautiful on the island. It has the most incredible Aegean blue water.”

Lunch by the sea

“For a big group, nothing is better than lunch at Spilia,” my personal advice. “It’s an incredible restaurant built into a cave on the seafront, in a quiet part of the island. Most of times, the fish is caught from the sea in front of you.”

Another favourite is Kiki’s Tavern. “You can’t reserve and there’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it because it’s maybe the most authentic taverna on the island. The calamari is amazing, and in terms of local produce, you can never go wrong with a Greek salad – ‘horiatiki’. That combo of tomatoes, feta, cucumbers,  green pepper, onions and olives… there’s nothing better in the world.”

After lunch, walk down to nearby Agios Sostis beach. “Because you can only reach it by hike, it’s super-secluded – definitely not a disco beach.”

Shop at Nammos Village

Oscar de la Renta’s new pop-up is nestled in Nammos Village, a luxury shopping area scattered with palms and olive trees next to Psarou beach. The boutique is designed by Jeang Kim, Laura’s sister, in a traditional Mykonian space with bare stone walls. Pick up ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and fashion jewellery from the spring, pre-fall and resort 2018 collections; sunglasses from the Oscar de la Renta x Morgenthal Frederics collaboration and an exclusive capsule collection of tunics, kaftans, palazzo pants, swimwear and towel ponchos – all inspired by Mykonos. All unique and Amazing…!

Visit Delos,  an island of Greek legend

If you can bring yourself to set sail from Mykonos, I suggest renting a boat for a trip to Delos, an Unesco world heritage site around half an hour away. “It has some  amazing Greek ruins and is considered  to have been the birthplace of Apollo.” At one stage this mythology made it so sacred that no mortals were allowed to be born or die on the island.

Enjoy the most Amazing sunset and Drink at Scorpios

I definetely  recommend Scorpios as the must place to be on the island . It’s an amazing , huge bar – restaurant by the sea, really atmospheric in bohemian style. Gorgeous food & cocktails !  Ideal for sunset time & night parties. Don’t skip a Sunday afternoon party..! A super must of Mykonos! I highly recommend it..! It is located  between Paraga and Kavos beaches and the view is simply  breathtaking . They always have the best DJs and fabulous unforgettable parties. too. I insist…!

Dine al fresco

After lazy days in the heat, Mykonians like their evenings more upbeat. There are so many great restaurants on the island, but personally I love the courtyard at Interni – amazing food and the most charming al fresco setting.

Or if the goal is for your party to be dancing on the tables by the time dinner is over, Sea Satin is your place – delicious seafood and great vibes.

Sea Satin Restaurant

If you’re in a more chilled-out mood, try the smaller, upmarket restaurant Katrin .

Be sure to grab one of the few tables outside on the square for great people-watching. Mykonos attracts people from all over the world, so it feels super-cosmopolitan, but laidback at the same time.

Dance all night

My favourite beach club has to be Alemagou in Ftelia.

The music ramps up as the sun is setting – it’s perfect for dancing on the sand. You can go home from there or carry on for late night dancing at Jackie O’s, the most famous bar in town, which is always playing cheesy pop hits until the early morning. Everyone ends up there.

Sleep in luxury

I have  two favourite hotels, which should cater for your needs whether you prefer to be in a quiet spot or at the heart of the action.  I like the Belvedere , downtown  – it’s right in the centre, so the best spot if you want to walk around in the evening,

If a super-relaxed holiday is what you’re there for, the Santa Marina is an amazing resort with a  helipad, private beach – which is a rarity in Mykonos and means you never have to leave. Another reason to stay at this fabulous hotel is that it recently

Unveiled  the World’s First Buddha-Bar Beach, 

which is located there and it is one of the most high end places of the island.

Buddha-Bar Beach at Santa Marina Resort

Or for more comfort,  luxury and privacy I highly recommend some of the most Beautiful villas on the island with breathtaking view and excellent VIP service 24 hours.

I talk about Iris Villa at Fanari

Pasiphae Villa at Paradise,

Phoebe Villa at Ftelia ,

or Aegean Blue Villa at Agios Lazaros for the most amazing Greek Hospitality and splendid Aegean view.

Of course there are so many more incredible villas on the island which I can give recommendations , but I’d  currently  like to share the ones I really prefer for my accommodations  because apart from feeling  like home there,  I feel so lucky when I meet the owners. They are all wonderful people , so hospitable and friendly that I always be there so happy like visiting my own relatives.

my photos : Themis Iakovakis , Mykonos

From Mykonos ,

Georgia Papadon & team

which means Rainbow in English ,

was the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, personified the rainbow, and was the special attendant and messenger of the queen of heaven, whose commands she executed with singular tact, intelligence, and swiftness.

The luxurious Iris villa in Fanari, just outside Mykonos, was created to capture the most amazing sunsets over the Aegean Sea. The huge, open terrace is your front row seat to the most breathtaking show on the Island. With eight elegant bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and ocean views, Iris is the perfect place for an unforgettable Greek vacation with family and friends.

Inquiries & Booking at : iokasti75@gmail.com

Set on a hill overlooking the water,  near Fanari, the villa has gorgeous views . Moreover it is located close to several famed beaches. The newly built property’s modern decor offers contemporary luxury, and eight bedrooms on two levels provide privacy for families or groups of friends.

Cycladic architecture mixed with sleek modern design creates a traditional, yet luxurious, atmosphere inside Iris. Stone walls , White roofs and an open-air environment are staples of the Greek style, as is the appreciation of the wondrous natural surroundings. You’ll find evidence of this throughout Iris’ entire property. The bright living room opens to the terrace , allowing seamless flow of guests and ocean breeze. The formal dining room, with seating for ten, adds a sophisticated minimalism to the villa with its designer furnishings and carefully selected decor. The fully equipped kitchen is finished almost completely in clean white and details of natural wood, with high end appliances and plenty of workspace. With so much functional free-flowing indoor/outdoor space, Iris is perfect for hosting an upscale dinner soiree.

The grounds at Iris Villa,  feature an unlimited  swimming pool that overlooks the iconic Mykonian skyline and Aegean Sea. The pool deck includes plenty of sun loungers and an alfresco lounge.

Let the party spill out on to the terrace, or, maybe that’s where you should have dinner in the first place. With Alfresco dining, a generous amount of comfortable seating, sound system, and a wood fire barbecue, the terrace is a fully capable place for hosting as well. For a refreshing afternoon, take a dip in the infinity pool, and after, air dry under the glowing sun in one of Iris’ many lounge chairs.

The infinity pool overlooking Aegean Sea & the deep blue Skyline is definitely my favourite point in Iris Villa.

The interiors of this private residence are chic, with an eye for retro design. The main area is an open space that includes living and dining sets, as well as a contemporary kitchen.

Seven gorgeous bedrooms  plus one for the  staff ,   and nine bathrooms ,  eight of them en suite ,  accommodate up to sixteen guests at this non-smoking villa. The master suite offers a dual vanity  and television. Access to the outdoors is a breeze!

Accommodates : 16 people

bedrooms : 7

Staff bedroom : 1

Bathrooms : 9 , 8 of them en suite

Living room – Dining area

Office

Two Kitchens (indoor & outdoor) fully equipped

Fitness Room

Hammam

Special Pool for Children

Mediterranean Breakfast based on pure elements and home-made marmelades and  traditional pies.

Amenities

Helipad

Infinity Pool

Kid’s Pool

Sunbeds & Umbrellas

Outdoor Jacuzzi

Air Conditioning

Ceiling Fans

BBQ

Satellite TV

Blu Ray Player

Outdoor Sound System

Al fresco shower

More Amenities…

Open Fireplace

Outdoor Security Cameras

Private Parking

Built in safe Alarm

During your stay, be sure to visit the nearby beaches: Agios Stefanos, 2 miles away, Grand Beach, 4 miles away, Agios Sostis, 5.5 miles away, Panormos, 6 miles away, and Mykonos Paradise, 6.5 miles away. It’s also worth a visit to Super Paradise Beach, 7 miles away, Kalo Livadi Beach, 8 miles away, Elia Beach, 8.5 miles away, and Kalafati beaches and Lia Beach, about 9 miles away. Spend an afternoon in the towns of Mykonos, 4 miles away, or Ano Mera, 6 miles away, play a game at Mykonos Tennis Club, 5 miles away, and plan on a 4.5-mile drive to Mykonos Island National Airport.

Relaxing Atmosphere & white shades prevail at the eight bedrooms…

Complementary Service:

Mediterranean Breakfast

Massage for two people , twice daily (20′ minutes)

Daily Maid service

Daily Change of Towels

Staff speaking : English, French, German

VIP Concierge Services

When it’s time to get out and do some exploring, make the beautifully scenic coastal drive to Mykonos, you’ll notice a few great public beaches on the way. Rich with ancient historic sights, museums, architecture, boutique shops, and the finest dining, Mykonos is a town that has changed very little over the years, yet still remains one of the trendiest places on the planet…!

Iris Villa , Fanari     – up to 16 people

Price starts from : 2.000 euros daily

For Inquiries & Booking , please contact : iokasti75@gmail.com

The Classy & Fabulous Way of Living Team

Georgia Papadon

Phoebe:

Phoebe was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia. Her name means ‘shining and brilliant’.

With its fresh, modern aesthetics and spacious outdoor surroundings ,

This newly built villa of 450sqm, built in a 5.500 sqm lot, with stunning view to the bay of Ftelia, one of the best places worldwide, for Wind & Kite surfing, is going to be your next important reason to visit the Windy Island.

For Inquiries & Booking, please contact : iokasti75@gmail.com

Ftelia Bay is spread on a sandy beach with  impressive waves – the most of times, gourmet restaurants and an interesting archaeological site.

Its northern location has established the beach as a windsurfer‘s paradise.  The beach is also well known for the famous neolithic settlement found there that is believed to be the tomb of ancient Iliad war hero Ajax the Locrian.

Ftelia is an isolated, very tranquil place and even during the busy Mykonos months of July and August it is not very crowded because of its secluded placement.

This luxurious venue is ideal for guests in search of privacy and tranquility as well as for active travellers.

The guests can dive in the unlimited pool of 60 sqm , have fun barbequing , or simply relax in the serenity of the Phoebe villa, gazing at the Aegean Sea, or observing the shooting stars of the clear Mykonian sky at night time, in the four outside sitting areas.

At a distance of 2 km , with the picturesque village of Ano Mera, which is regarded as a small heaven of traditional Greek food with taverns of homemade dishes, – such as moussaka , pastitsio & more … – , 6 km of the dazzling night life of Chora and just 4 km of the famous beaches of Elia, Kalo Livadi and Kalafati , villa Phoebe is in the middle of the Mykonian universe.

There are 4 outdoor sitting areas , two of them located next to the pool.

This luxurious property can comfortably accommodate, 16 quests in 8 spacious rooms.

The guests can enjoy high quality VIP services any time they want, 24 hours.

There is a vast open Kitchen with huge seated area with BBQ space.

The clear deep blue Mykonian sky , in contrast with the pure white  , captivate one’s sight & mind…

The top level consists of 4 spacious bedrooms , two of them with an en suite bathroom. There is a modern furnished living room , in natural colours  with  dining space up to 10 people.

The lower level consists of 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, one of them with its own private entrance.

Amenities

Helipad

Pool

Sea views – Mountain views

7 Outside Sitting Areas, 3 of them sheltered

Kitesurf Equipment – (3 kite surfs)

2 Barbeques

Fireplace

Laundry machine

Laundry Dryer

Fully Equipped  Kitchens ( indoor & outdoor )

Ceiling Fans

Prices start from 1500 euros daily at Low Season ( 1/04 – 15/06 and 15/9 – 30/10 )

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The Classy & Fabulous Way of Living Team,

Georgia Papadon

Wearing a sheer, off-the-shoulder gown custom-made by Valentino, the model’s bridal party was made up of a few fellow models, including Alesssandra Ambrosio (whose daughter, Anja, was one of the flower girls),

Isabeli Fontana and Fernanda Motta, who wore gowns in an array of blush hues, before changing into matching swimsuits for the post-wedding celebrations. 

The star-studded nuptials, which were well-documented on Instagram, were preceded by an equally enviable party the day before, to which the bride also wore lace – this time a ruffled Alessandra Rich design – with her hair loosely braided and dotted with daisies.

The gorgeous view from Santa Marina Luxury Hotel in Ornos, Mykonos.

Step inside the idyllic weekend …below.

Great company at Skorpios, Mykonos.

Alessandra’s Abrossio son as a little fisherman at the rocks of Santa Marina Luxury Hotel.

Ana – Beatriz with Isabeli Fontana.

The girls…!