‘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 !

Istoria Hotel, Canaves Oia Epitome, Andronis Arcadia, Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini and Kivotos Santorini are the most important new hotels in Santorini that we highly recommend for you.

Canaves Oia Epitome

In May 2018, Santorini welcomed a new kind of luxury in form of Canaves Oia Epitome. Perched above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi, the property is inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, combining natural and earthy materials with modern design and style.

It is the only property on the island that offers both sea and sunset views from the privacy of each of the 24 luxury villas.

Located on the northern part of the busy island is this hidden and very exclusive all-villa property. Positioned above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi, these stunning villas are quickly becoming the ultimate celebrity escape.

Canaves Oia Epitome

The Canaves brand has become among the most popular in Greece after Ioannis and Anna Chaidemenos transformed 17th-century wine caves dug from the volcanic rocks into luxury hotel rooms. This led to the birth of their first hotel, Canaves Oia Hotel. In 2010, Markos Chaidemenos and his brother, Alexandros, took over the brand.

Andronis Arcadia

Arcadia Hotel is the newest addition to the Andronis Exclusive family of five-star hotels, villas and honeymoon retreats on the idyllic island of Santorini.

Named after the mythical home of the god Pan, Arcadia was a place of natural harmony and pastoral enchantment.

This earthly Arcadia is located on the fringe of picturesque Oia, an easy stroll from the village centre, but far enough away to ensure peace and privacy.

The all-suite hotel offers guests the highest standards of comfort and elegant living space, in keeping with the Andronis Exclusive reputation for excellence and personal service. Every suite has its own pool, situated to capture the magical views towards the Aegean sea and the island’s unforgettable sunsets.

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Moreover, the Andronis Concept has its own helipad and offers up the unique opportunity of taking a helicopter from Athens directly to your hotel and also day trip charters over the islands.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Located on the east coast Monolithos Beach, the resort offers up a collection of 62 stunning rooms and suites, 10 offering a private Jacuzzi and 37 with private pools. The large main pool will be the attraction for the trendy crowds wanting a unique beachfront experience on the island.

This 5-star Santorini lifestyle beachfront resort  , features spectacular views over the Aegean Sea.

Stylishly outlined rooms and suites, their relaxing colors in combination with the energy variations of sounds and lighting, create a lifetime experience. Every space offers a Zen retreat feeling by itself.

The accommodation types feature a variety of private Jacuzzies, pools, gardens and decks. The resort brings sophisticated cuisine in its Restaurants and lounges, as well as relaxation and fitness experiences at Nikki Spa and Tone Gym.

Kivotos Santorini

Brothers Philip and Jason Michopoulos run the Kivotos properties with the sister property in Mykonos.

This stunning new property located in Imerovigli,

the most private area of Santorini.

On an island bustling with visitors for many months of the year, Imerovigli is definitely the quietest, most intimate district on the island with only a few hotels and a couple of gourmet restaurants to shatter the ambience.

Unlike many of the properties on the island there is no climbing down involved in accessing the hotel. You can drive straight to a waiting parking space in front of the entrance to the first building with a mere twenty steps leading down to the second.

Kivotos Santorini features five suites and two villas with stunning views; a swimming pool next to the restaurant.

All of them with indoor or outdoor pools and Jacuzzi, a Hammam, en-suite treatment rooms and other unique five star elements are offered which in combination with the hotel’s  gourmet restaurant and skybar are here to further enhance your accommodation experience.

All the bedrooms not only look out onto the magnificent view but the  supremacy that the windows are specially curved so whatever the time of year you stay the last rays of day will stream directly in onto your bed!

180 degrees worth of pure majesty, across the entire bay and caldera. You are drawn first to the remains of the ancient acropolis of Santorini, called Skaros, perched on a single defiant turret of rock in the sea. Cast your gaze wider to take in the magnificent sunset and world famous volcano of Santorini.

Istoria Hotel

Istoria derives its name from the Ancient Greek word for story, and its design, by Athens-based firm Interior Design Laboratorium, opens a new chapter in the island’s unique architectural narrative. Here, the simplicity of the spaces blends harmoniously with the island’s traditional building materials of volcanic stones and colored plaster and a few well-chosen pieces of wooden furniture and handcrafted textiles.

Far from the tourist-clogged sunset spots of western Santorini, Istoria is located on Perivolos Beach on the island’s paradisiac eastern half where there are still very few high-end accommodations.

From Santorini with love…!

the Greek island which connects its name with Saint Irene,  named by the Latin Empire in the thirteenth century, as  a reference to Saint Irene, from the name of the old cathedral in the village of Perissa . The name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini.

Better known as the most romantic places in the world it is correctly chosen by hundreds of couples around the world for their honeymoon and wedding ceremonies. What makes Santorini and its group of islands so unique is that it is the only volcano in the world having its Caldera (crater) into the sea. Following one of the gratest volcanic explosions ever recorded around 1630 BC, this island volcano was reshaped, part of its crater collapsed into the sea creating the most breathtaking landscape of crater side cliffs ever seen.

Canaves Villa

Oia, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 7

This spectacular villa is situated near the village of Oia on the Greek island of Santorini. Perched on a hillside just minutes from Thera and Playa de Baxedes, the villa enjoys panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic caldera emerging from the azure expanse. Its luminous, accentuates the exquisite sunlight and spectacular sunset hues, with ample alfresco living areas inviting you to linger in the open air, and breezy, light-filled interiors infusing stylish serenity into your gatherings with loved-ones. Three bedroom suites accommodating seven guests provide the ideal space for families and groups of friends seeking a unique, contemporary experience of Santorini’s age-old enchantment.

Gaze upon the sublime horizon and savor the delicious breeze on the villa’s ample terrace. Play in the sparkling swimming pool and laze on elegant loungers in the sun. Cook a delicious lunch of local seafood and vegetables and relish it alfresco. Sip cocktails in the lounge while marveling at the sunset, and steep your body in the hot tub for a starlit soak.

Beautiful French doors open to the villa’s interior, inviting the sea’s eternal presence to circulate throughout the home. The brilliant white décor is at once elegant and spare, evoking both the contemporary style and primordial pedigree of the Cycladean archipelago. A comfortable lounge invites you to aperitifs before gathering in the dining room with vaulted ceilings and expansive views. The open kitchen with chef-grade features will inspire the gourmet chefs among you.

Each of the three bedrooms features a king bed and ensuite bathroom with rain shower, while one of the bathrooms additionally includes a deep soaking tub. Beautiful doors and windows fuse your private space with the vast cosmos, imbuing your private downtime with the sea’s ancient rhythms.

At Canaves Villa, you’ll relish serene seclusion along with convenient proximity to some of the most beautiful and charming attractions on Santorini. Nearby Oia features extraordinary views of the caldera along with stunning architecture, fine restaurants and bars, and a fascinating maritime museum. Santorini Airport is only fifteen kilometers away, making the villa an excellent choice for destination wedding guests or easy weekend getaways.

Canaves Villa

Oia, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 7:  $4,445 – $8,763 / night

The Astra Villa

Explore & Book 

Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 4:

This spectacular villa is situated on the west coast of Santorini at Imerovigli and enjoys panoramic sunset views of the Aegean Sea and caldera. The villa offers ample space for alfresco relaxation along with cool, elegant interiors, melding an ancient Cycladic spirit with exquisite contemporary comforts. Two bedrooms sleep four guests, providing an ideal setting for couples and small families seeking a unique yet quintessential experience of this enchanted Greek Isle.

Enjoy long days and evenings on the terrace, sunbathing on floating loungers in the infinite swimming pool and plunging into the sparkling water. Rinse off in the alfresco shower and relish an alfresco lunch on the veranda beneath the rustic canopy. Sip champagne in the hot tub at sunset while beholding the colors of the horizon.

Lovely sets of French doors lead from the pool terrace into the interior living area, kitchen, and bedroom suites, allowing the entire home to breathe the sea-kissed air. Prepare delectable Greek cuisine in the chef-ready kitchen, and drink fine wine in the sumptuous and spacious lounge. The villa also features a sauna and fitness room, perfect for warming your muscles before a refreshing dip in the pool.

Both bedrooms feature queen beds and ensuite bathrooms. The primary bedroom suite opens to the pool terrace and enjoys expansive sea and caldera views, its ample windows and luminous white walls casting a serene incandescence during the day. Ancient forms infuse the rooms with enchanting ambiance, while beautiful artwork and design details such as the astral-themed shower harmonize with the vast sea and sky.

From this unique perch overlooking the Aegean, you’ll enjoy easy access to some of the finest beaches and historic villages in the region. Kamari Black Pebble Beach and Perissa Beach are both an easy drive away. Visit Imerovigli to see the church of Ai-Stratis and the monastery of Saint Nikolaos.

FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Nespresso Machine
• Formal dining area with seating for up to 6
• Television
• Bluetooth sound system
• Mini bar
• Wi-Fi
• Exercise room
• Air conditioning
• Sauna
• Safe

STAFF & SERVICES

Included:

• Maid service: Twice daily
• Welcome basket: Local wine & fresh fruit
• Daily breakfast
• Airport transfer
• Pool heating

Extra cost (advance notice may be required):

• Villa pre-stocking
• Activities and excursions

Location

Points of Interest

• 3.7 km to Thera
• 15.7 km to Akrotiri
• 12.2 km to Athinios Port Santorini
• 14 km to Ancient Thira

Villa Astra

Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 4:  $1,387 – $3,028 / night 

For Booking in Astra Villa and in order to take the best prices, please contact : iokasti75@gmail.com.

Villa Etheras

Explore & Book here

Firostefani, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 4:

The quintessential rock, sea and sky of the Greek islands appear in all their glory at Villa Etheras. This cliffside Santorini vacation rental was named for ether, believed by the ancient Greeks to be the mystical fifth element from which the world was created along with air, fire, earth and water—and, in their mythology, the pure air breathed by the gods. When you sample its panoramic views, gorgeous terrace and chic interiors, you may enjoy a spiritual experience, too.

Set into the rock of the hillside, the villa’s private oceanfront terrace commands views over the caldera and along the coast. Gather around the shaded dining table, stretch out on a seat in the sun or cool off in the infinity pool, which features a lounging platform that appears to be floating on the water’s surface. Inside, a TV, sound system, DVD player, Wi-Fi and air conditioning round out the amenities at this luxury property.

The white stucco walls so characteristic of the islands are carried into Villa Etheras, where they wind around an open-concept living room and kitchen. A sleek fireplace surround and polished marble coffee table contrast with the soft slipcovered sofa in the living room; in the fully equipped kitchen, a rock slab is a rugged counterpoint to the minimalist cabinets and breakfast bar.

The villa’s two bedrooms are the perfect size for a small family or two couples on holiday together—or even for an indulgent honeymoon in the Santorini sun. Both bedrooms have king beds, en-suite bathrooms and sea views.

With a location in the quiet village of Firostefani, Villa Etheras is a short drive from the larger town of Fira and scenic, unpretentious Exo Yalos beach. When it’s time to leave your island retreat, plan on a 7-mile drive from the villa to the ferry docks at Athinios Port Santorini.

OUTDOOR FEATURES

• Infinity swimming pool
• Alfresco dining with seating for 8
• Terrace
• Sun loungers
• View of the caldera

FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Espresso machine
• Television
• Sound System
• DVD Player
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning

STAFF & SERVICES

Included:

• Daily housekeeping
• Airport transfer

Extra cost (advance notice may be required):

• Villa pre-stocking
• Activities and excursions

VILLA POLICIES

• Maximum 4 guests
• Non-smoking villa
• Pets are not allowed
• Social events permitted (upon request only)
• Check in: 2:00 PM
• Check out: 10:00 AM

Canaves Villa , Book here

Firostefani, Santorini, Greece 

Sleeps 4:  $1,116 – $2,791 / night

Nafsika Estate 

Explore & Book here

Megalochori, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 10

Watch the ships and sunshine move across the sea from your own private idyll at Nafsika Estate. Perched above the cliffs in the caldera near the village of Megalochori, this enchanting Santorini vacation rental feels like the only house for miles around. Invite up to ten friends or family members to hide away in this tranquil, five-bedroom island retreat.

A holiday at Nafsika Estate begins with an airport transfer and welcome basket, and includes a daily breakfast and beach transfer. (Of course, you can also use the villa’s helipad to arrive.) Revel in the sunshine and sea views from resort-worthy outdoor living areas with a pool, lounging and dining areas, and a built-in barbecue—and nothing but a glass railing between the terrace and the rocky coastline.

Inspired by Cycladic architecture yet filled with modern pieces, the villa’s nearly 3,800 square feet of living space exude contemporary luxury. In the main-floor open-plan living and dining room, white walls and large windows connect the interiors to the pool terrace, while sculptural furnishings add further visual interest. There’s a second living area on the ground floor, and fully equipped kitchens on both levels for your convenience.

Nafsika Estate has four bedrooms with queen beds and sea views, and one bedroom with two twin beds; all five have en-suite bathrooms. The gorgeous master suite also has its own study and terrace where you can relax with a morning coffee or stargaze in the evenings.

Whether you’re in the Greek islands on a family holiday or a honeymoon-style escape, the area around the estate is well worth exploring. The villa is a short drive from the otherworldly Vlychada Beach and popular Perissa Beach, as well as the island’s capital, Thera.

BEDROOM & BATHROOM

• Bedroom 1 – Master: Queen size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Rain Shower, Walk-in Closet, Television, Study area, Terrace, Safe, View of sea and caldera

• Bedroom 2: Queen size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Rain Shower, Television, Terrace, Safe, View of sea, caldera & pool

• Bedroom 3: Queen size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Rain Shower, Television, Terrace, Safe, View of sea, caldera & pool

• Bedroom 4: Queen size bed, Ensuite bathroom, Rain Shower, Lounge area, Television, Terrace, Safe, View of sea, caldera & pool

• Bedroom 5: 2 Single size beds, Ensuite bathroom, Rain Shower, Television, Safe

FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Two fully equipped kitchen
• Espresso Machine
• Formal dining area with seating for 10
• Television
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Washer/Dryer

OUTDOOR FEATURES

• Swimming Pool
• Sun loungers
• Outdoor furniture
• Alfresco dining
• Barbeque
• Parking
• Helipad
• View of sea and caldera
• Gated property

STAFF & SERVICES

Included:

• Welcome basket
• Daily breakfast
• Twice daily maid service
• Air conditioning/Heating
• Airport/Port transfer
• Beach transfer (Once daily)

Extra cost (advance notice may be required):

LOCATION

Points of Interest

• 5.3 km to Thera
• 4.2 km to Athinios Port Santorini
• 6.8 km to Kamari

Beach Access

• 4.9 km to Vlychada Beach
• 6.6 km to Perissa Beach

Airport

• 6.6 km to Santorini (Thira) Airport (JTR)

VILLA POLICIES

• Maximum 10 guests
• Non-smoking villa
• Pets are not allowed
• Children welcome
• Social events permitted (upon request only)
• Check in: 3:00 PM
• Check out: 12:00 PM

Nafsika Estate , Book here

Megalochori, Santorini, Greece
Sleeps 10:  $5,566 – $10,019 / night

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms , Pool

The Classy & Fabulous Way of Living team

By Georgia Papadon

Enjoy…!

Anastasi Church

Let your gaze wander freely all over the island`s natural beauties and into the magic of the Aegean Sea. Relax and unwind in a warm, cozy environment where traditional decorating is combined with luxury and …let yourselves enjoy the dream !The Sea and Sky Villa has been furnished with a functional and tasteful design so as to respond to your needs as well as to your aesthetics.

Sea and Sky Villa is built following the typical Aegean architectural style. It harmoniously combines neo-classical forms with arches and rounded edges at the walls, together with modern elements all together resulting in a dreamlike setting.

There are four traditional rooms in the villa. Each of them has two double and two king size built-in beds, two bathrooms, a small garden, ideal for breakfast or lunch and a second balcony with a view. The external stairs lead to the roof of the villa where there is a Jacuzzi for your relaxing moments in the secrets of the deep blue .

The Villa also has a small, fully equipped kitchen with electrical appliances such as fridge and freezer, kettle, electric cooker and a toaster. Cutlery and cooking utensils are also available .Filter coffee, tea, milk and sugar are available all day. Free Wi-Fi access is available and free of charge in all indoor and outdoor areas.

The serene villa is located at the world famous village of  Imerovigli (Greek: Ημεροβίγλι) which  is a village adjacent to the north of the island capital Fira.

Imerovigli is mostly famous for its beautiful sunset, that it is called “balcony to the Aegean“. Its houses are built amphitheatrically around the caldera and it is crossed by narrow, paved paths.

Imerovigli has many lovely churches, all made in the Cycladic architectural style. They most notable are the church of Ai-Stratis, in the centre of the village, and the Monastery of Saint Nikolaos, on the way connecting Imerovigli to Fira. Another famous site of Imerovigli is Skaros, which are the remains of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, the ruler of all Cyclades islands that time.

The gorgeous campanile of Agios Georgios.

The Villa sleeps up to 10 people and caters for value travelers, families , groups of friends, or honeymooners since there is a honeymoon bed in the loft for guests who want to enjoy their honeymoon or for guests who love romance and want a romantic setting with candles available in their room!

Sea and sky villa offers the vacation of your dreams with a wide selection of the finest amenities and services thoughtfully designed with the needs of todays traveler  :Quality, comfort and luxury.

Sea and Sky Villa`s rooms feature :

• Bath towels and bedding.
• Daily maid service
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Wi-fi
• Air conditioning
• TV-Sat tv
• Hair dryer
• Iron / Ironing Board
• Safety Box
• 24 hour emergency call
• Luggage Storage

Sunset time at Agios Nikolaos Monastery,

which is one of the most historical monasteries of Santorini  dating back to centuries and it is situated  just some minutes far from the villa.  It was originally built near Skaros but it was moved there, after the castle-town has been abandoned. It is open for visitors several hours a day.

The daily cost for this amazing villa starts from only 800 euros up to 1500 during High season.

Of course you can easily Book here .

Free transfer included from the airport/port to the villa & from the villa to the airport/port.

I hope this will prove to be a wonderful experience and I’m really curious to know your point of view soon.

Lots of Love,

From Santorini,

Georgia Papadon

Santorini (Greek: Σαντορίνη, classically Thera  and officially Thira (Greek: Θήρα , is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast of Greece‘s mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km² (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550. The municipality of Santorini includes the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. The total land area is 90.623 km² .

Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4.3 mi), is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high, steep cliffs on three sides.

The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest.

The depth of the caldera, at 400m, makes it impossible for any but the largest ships to anchor anywhere in the protected bay; there is also a fisherman’s harbour at Vlychada, on the southwestern coast. The island’s principal port is Athinios. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine, and have a small presence of   hornblende.

It is the most active volcanic centre in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, though what remains today is chiefly a water-filled caldera. The volcanic arc is approximately 500 km (310 mi) long and 20 to 40 km (12 to 25 mi) wide. The region first became volcanically active around 3–4 million years ago, though volcanism on Thera began around 2 million years ago with the extrusion of dacitic lavas from vents around the Akrotiri.

The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption(sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of metres deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (68 mi) to the south, through a gigantic tsunami. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis .

Santorini was named by the Latin Empire in the thirteenth century, and is a reference to Saint Irene, from the name of the old cathedral in the village of Perissa – the name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini. Before then, it was known as Kallístē ( means , “the most beautiful one”), Strongýlē (Greek: Στρογγύλη, “the circular one”), or Thēra. The name Thera was revived in the nineteenth century as the official name of the island and its main city, but the colloquial name Santorini is still in popular use. During the Ottoman Empire‘s domination of the Aegean Sea, the Turkish exonym for the island was “Santurin” or “Santoron” .

Speculation on an Atlantis connection

Archaeological, seismological, and vulcanological evidence has been presented linking the Atlantis myth to Santorini. Speculation suggesting that Thera/Santorini was the inspiration for Plato‘s Atlantis began with the excavation of Akrotiri in the 1960s, and gained increased currency as reconstructions of the island’s pre-eruption shape and landscape frescos located under the ash both strongly resembled Plato’s description. The possibility has been more recently popularized by television documentaries such as The History Channel programme Lost Worlds (episode “Atlantis”), the Discovery Channel‘s Solving History with Olly Steeds, and the BBC’s Atlantis, The Evidence, which suggests that Thera is Plato’s Atlantis.

Santorini became independent of Ottoman rule in 1821, during the Greek War of Independence, and was united with Greece in 1830 under the Treaty of London.

During the Second World War, Santorini was occupied in 1941 by Italian forces, and in 1943 by those of the Germans. In 1944, the German and Italian garrison on Santorini was raided by a group of British Special Boat Service Commandos, killing most of its men. Five locals were shot in reprisal, including the mayor.

Cuisine 

Local specialties:

• Brantada – A local Santorinian fish dish. Cod fillet coated in a mixture of flour, water, salt and sometimes beer, normally served with garlic salad. The best place to try it is in some less touristic villages, like Exo Gonia. 
• Koskosela (local Strapatsada)
• Santorinio Sfougato – A traditional Santorini dish. Ingredients: small zucchini, onions, extra virgin olive oil, flour, eggs, rosemary leaves or spearmint tea leaves or dill, xinomyzithra or other sour milk cheese or soft feta, naxos sweet gruyère, salt and fresh ground pepper, sweet peppers, sesame seeds. 
• Tsounisti (Manestra)

• Fava – A local Santorini dish, originally made with the broad bean. Later on, the broad bean was replaced with an easier version, the yellow shelled lentil. Its name originates from the word “favus” which is the Latin word for broad beans.
• Melitinia (dessert) – Melitinia are cookies that are made for weddings, engagements and festivals. They are made of unsalted mitzithra cheese and yogurt and they also have a beautiful smell of mastic. They can be found in the traditional bakeries of Santorini. 
• Tomatokeftdes – also known as tomato fritters, is made with Santorini cherry sized tomatoes. It is cooked in olive oil with onions, peppers, mint and other herbs.

Of course one of  the Best Places to Dine with Unique view is the Character  Lounge Bar & Restaurant  at  Fira. Other interesting restaurants  are  ” The Athenian House”  in Imerovigli,  “Lauda Restaurant” at Adronis Boutique Hotel,  “Sea Side by Notos” at Agios Georgios – Perivolos,  “FlyAway” Creative Restaurant  & Bar at Imerovigli, “Mylos” at Firostefani , “Casa di Te” – Firostefani without view but excellent food.

Wine industry 

 

Architecture 

The traditional architecture of Santorini is similar to that of the other Cyclades, with low-lying cubical houses, made of local stone and whitewashed or limewashed with various volcanic ashes used as colours. The unique characteristic is the common utilisation of the hypóskapha: extensions of houses dug sideways or downwards into the surrounding pumice. These rooms are prized because of the high insulation provided by the air-filled pumice, and are used as living quarters of unique coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. These are premium storage space for produce, especially for wine cellaring: the Kánavawineries of Santorini.

When strong earthquakes struck the island in 1956, half the buildings were completely destroyed and a large number suffered repairable damage. The underground dwellings along the ridge overlooking the caldera, where the instability of the soil was responsible for the great extent of the damage, needed to be evacuated. Most of the population of Santorini had to emigrate to Piraeus and Athens.

Where to stay in Santorini :

Some nice choices for your accomodation would be Cavo Tagoo Santorini in Imerovigli,  Andronis Boutique Hotel in Oia, Canaves  – Oia Suites & Spa , Astra Suites , Katikies Hotel – Oia  ,  Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini , Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel and Suites – Oia.

There are also plenty of luxury private villas all over the island where we can give you recommendations and prices upon request. Boheme Villa in Pyrgos is an excellent point for example.

Best way to go there:

Santorini is one of the few Cyclades Islands with a major airport, which lies about 6 km (4 mi) southeast of downtown Thera.  Scheduled airlines include the new Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair and Athens Airways, with chartered flights from other airlines during the summer, and with transportation to and from the air terminal available through buses, taxis, hotel car-pickups and rental cars.

My Look :

Dresses & Shoes  : Zara 

Sunglasses : Michael Kors 

Purse : Celine 

Watch : Rolex 

Hair Stylist : Gerasimos Galatis Santorini 

The infinite power of Caldera, the incredible beauty of the sunrise, the magic time of the sunset… My bare feet inside the black sand…, Amazing Cocktails…, Late Afternoons in the dark blue sea…, Cool evenings catching the glorious sunset in Oia…, every night playing hide-and-seek with the moon- beholding the shape that it has today and the shape it will get tomorrow… A stunning moon  that sets off at Anafi and ends up plunging into the tranquil volcano , no matter its size… These are only just a few of the things that have seduced me in Santorini.

In my latest trip there, there were so many things to do and share…, so I decided to start with a glorious villa in Pyrgos, where I found out through a prudent reserch involving friends and natives and I would like to present it to you as I’m sure that it will be proved to be a great choice if anybody wants to visit the magic island.

The villa is located at Pyrgos, as it was mentioned , just a few minutes away from the Monastery of Prophet Elias. It is magic place, tranquil and peaceful that can guarantee intimacy and serenity.

It is a 200 sqm, cozy luxury villa, built up to the Pyrgos area, having to capacity to host up  to 10 people.

The breathtaking view is unique .

The villa is ideal for families or friends .

The whole area has a lot of things to offer, such as historical sites and restaurants, monasteries, interesting pathways.

In Pyrgos there are 56 churches. The oldest of them Theotikaki was built in the 11th century. St. Georgios in Kelefhio, which used to serve as a refuge for the inhabitants at the time of pirate raids. At the Monastery of Prophet Elias you will enjoy one of the best views. The Boheme villa is located just some metres away from the Monastery, that is why its view is awesome.

About Pyrgos …

        Pyrgos Kallistis or simply Pyrgos (Greek: Πύργος Καλλίστης, literally ‘Tower’) is a village on the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of 912 according to the 2011 census. Pyrgos is part of the Municipality of Thira and is situated approximately 7 km away from the island’s capital Fira.  It is built amphitheatrically on a hill that offers magnificent views of Santorini in almost all directions.

On top of this hill remain the ruins of a Venetian castle (Kasteli) that was once the island’s administrative center. Pyrgos is a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow, labyrinthine streets, fortified walls and hidden passages. Nowadays it is one of the villages of Santorini least spoiled by tourism.

The price for this magnificent villa is really lure and there is a couple of things that is granted if you stay at a  minimux  of four days.

The daily rent is 2.250 euros for the whole house and there is also a BMW X5 available (or something similar in the same category)

if you stay four of more days.

PLUS +

An one day cruise with Catamaran around the Santorinian gulfs with full service, Champagne and dinner inside the boat.

I hope you will enjoy it…!

Booking  via email at : iokasti75@gmail.com

Happy Holidays in Santorini…!

The invitation from some special friends for  an afternoon brunch at  Character Santorini, proved to be a great experience for me last week and none of special things could be better if you don’t share them with your beloved ones…! The hospitable and stylish owner Mrs Vassiliki Nomikos was there to welcome me and share the best of her ambrosial specialties in a Unique and Classy environment, leaving no space for any kind of anxiety of everyday life  routine. I would like to thank her and finally share with all of you the amazing experience.

Enjoy…!

Perched above Santorini’s famous caldera, offering a breathtaking view of its surroundings and the world famous sunset, Character invites you to take a magical journey in authentic, pure Italian cuisine.

The ultra stylish  Italian restaurant and lounge bar opened its doors in 2012 at the most beautiful spot of Thira town. The multi-level venue which was  renovated by award winning decorator D. Economou , releases  a sensational, casual but yet classy space with inviting atmosphere surrounded by the outstanding Caldera view.

The story of the building begins years ago, when about 1500 the manor was inhabited by the Dekigalla family. Much later, in 1934, opened the first tourist hotel with a restaurant, pioneering for its time under the name of “Vulcan Hotel”. It stopped working in 1956 after the disastrous earthquake.
Today the hospitable owner, Mrs Vassiliki  Nomikos rents the property from  the descendants of Dekigalla family.

Mrs Vassiliki Nomikos

Character is located in the center of Fira town, in the rim of the caldera, one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. It is next to Santozeum Museum and 50m from the cable car and the Archaeological Museum. The building is situated right across the volcano island of Santorini (Palaia Kameni) and over the old port.

All three different levels offer uninterrupted, sweeping panoramic views of deep blue sea, the volcanic islets and the astonishing Santorinian sunset that makes it an ideal place for any occasion.

Fresh fish and an exceptional selection of award-winning wines and signature cocktails come to complement this magical experience.

Breathtaking view , amazing shades of Blue and Unique surroundings is the magic scenery of Character – Santorini.

Reserve your perfect table and immerse yourself into a culinary journey of rich, original Italian flavors from Tuscany, Bari and San Remo, served in the most idyllic environment in the world.

Chef Branislav Mladenovic prepares for you some of the finest fresh pasta, pizza and Italian dishes on Santorini. The owner firmly believes  in authentic italian cuisine and  that “quality” means healthy eating. Mr Branislav uses only the freshest and finest ingredients with love and respect to the  Italian nature  in order to provide a gastronomical experience with a variety of excellent flavors.

Some of the dishes I really fell in love…

My selection of amazing cocktails combined with the astonishing  view of Caldera and Fira.

During summer season music live performances & cocktail parties take place. The most beautiful time of the day is of course the sunset time. I enjoyed  the beauty of the sunset  to the full in a unique combination of  sensational sounds that travelled me  into the horizons.

I highly recommend this gorgeous Restaurant and Lounge bar  for drink or dine… Trust me…!

I ‘m sure in one of the three different levels of terraces resting on a volcanic plateau, you will find an oasis of colors and senses with discreet luxury and majestic sceneries.

The cliff side restaurant tempts its guests with gastronomic Italian delights. New flavours are to be explored and accompanied with an exquisite wine list, the most welcoming service and a view second to none. Character is actively involved in the “ 2013 YEAR OF GASTRONOMY IN SANTORINI” municipality initiative, which inspired more astonishing local recipes. A combination that promises a truly memorable time.

Wedding Receptions & Events   are also held in Character . The elegant atmosphere, the incredible view, the delicious cuisine and the superb service makes Character the ideal place to host your event.

Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner or planning your wedding reception, the excellent  team of hospitality professionals will ensure that  every need is attended.

There is a selection of spaces for ideal wedding parties. You can choose either the spacey teracce that can hold a bigger reception or the absolute private balcony, ideal for smaller parties.

“…We found ourselves naked on the pumice stone watching the rising islands, watching the red islands sink into their sleep, into our sleep…”

George Seferis

Character Sanrorini 

Character Italian Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Fira, Santorini Island, Greece

Tel.: +30 22860 21816, Fax: +30 22860 33228
Email: info@character.gr
Open: April to October

My afternoon outfit:

lace top:  Zara

Trousers: Gucci

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Watch : Rolex