I’ve always been drawn to the Greek Islands. Something about the Aegean Sea feels calming and peaceful. I love listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the smell of salt in the air on a hot summer day. Enjoying a glass of Assyrtiko while absorbing all these sensory impressions is truly an unforgettable experience. Each Greek Island has its unique charm, but three, in particular, have always stood out to me.
Santorini: Postcard-perfect Views and a world-famous Sunset
I started my expedition to the islands in Oia, a Cycladic village in Santorini, which was breathtaking. The white buildings with blue roofs contrasted perfectly against the bright blue sky. I could see why it was such a popular destination for sophisticated travelers from all around the world. I checked in at a posh hotel famous for its infinity pools with magnificent views and outstanding hospitality. The Master Suite is equipped with a plunge pool, which excited me to take a nighttime bath later that day and enjoy the view of lit-up Oia at night with its famous Caldera.
I experienced rich moments of pure luxury and world-class service when sunbathing and relaxing at the hotel’s infinity pool, taking in the soft, sweet Aegean breeze, while Kostas, one of the exceptionally friendly staff members, recommended me to try their Freddo Cappuccino, which absolutely hit the spot! After lounging and daydreaming for hours at this heavenly place, I decided it was time to get changed and get ready to see the famous Santorini sunset, which is truly a sight to behold; people worldwide flock to the Castle of Oia to get a glimpse of the unique landscape. The charming volcanic island, with its white and blue houses and windmills, is a stunning backdrop for photos.
Mykonos: A luxurious Paradise
There’s something about Mykonos that just exudes luxury. Maybe it’s the chic white-washed architecture, the balconies with richly decorated fragrant flowers, the stone-paved alleys, the unique ambiance, or the stunning azure sea in front of you. Whatever it is, there’s no denying a vacation in Mykonos is memorable.
I arrived at the island’s picturesque capital Chora by ferry from Santorini; the sun was shining bright on the glittering blue sea. I couldn’t wait to explore the many sandy beaches, go on a shopping spree, and find culinary inspiration on the Island of the winds. I was aware of Mykonos’ recent spike in popularity, so when a friend told me to go check out Mykonos Town early in the morning, I decided to do just that. Once I arrived, it was immediately apparent why the town had become such a popular destination for cosmopolitans from all over the world – the cute narrow alleys, the sugar-cube-like houses, and small white churches all bathed in the early morning sun. It looked like something out of a perfect postcard. After taking plenty of pictures and enjoying the morning peace, my stomach started growling.
I stumbled across Cosmo Café in one of my trusted travel guides and knew that this place located in a beautiful Mykonian – Cycladic setting would be the perfect place to start my day off right. With freshly brewed coffee, delicious homemade peach juice, and a hearty omelet served with irresistible sympathy from the owner, I was ready to take on some serious retail therapy!
I was on the lookout for a unique piece of jewelry that would remind me of my time here and found exactly what I was looking for at Ilias Lalaounis, the finest jewelry shop on the island that focuses on accentuating a modern woman’s beauty. Very happy with my newly purchased, delicate bracelet, I made my way towards Psarou Beach, about 2.6 miles away from Mykonos town, to continue my shopping adventure in Nammos Village, where some of the most famous fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Balenciaga, Etro, Balmain, Valentino, and Missoni can be found.
After a well-deserved rest, I was ready to explore the island’s famous nightlife. The hotel I was staying at is well-known for its spacious rooftop bar, where I enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail (or two) while enjoying magical Aegean views and a breathtaking sunset. Not much of a party-goer, I cherished the relaxed atmosphere away from the big crowd and the loud music while still getting a glimpse of Mykonos’ renowned nightlife.
Crete: Top-notch Cuisine on Greece’s most diverse Island
The last stop on my trip was Heraklion in Crete. The largest island in Greece is full of adventurous hiking trails, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins. And, of course, who could forget about the delicious food?!
I spent the afternoon strolling around the Old Town with its scenic promenade; I loved exploring all the new places and observing the locals going about their everyday lives. I especially enjoy strolling through the narrow streets and watching as they open up their small convenience stores and restaurants or chat about the weather or current world events. In my opinion, this is the best way to get a feel for the culture of a place, plus an effortless way to incorporate my 10 thousand steps for the day!
Crete’s fertile land, in combination with its exceptional nature and mild climate, offers a range of high-quality products; knowing Heraklion was my last stop before heading back home, I went to Kampos, a luxurious store that sells local Cretan and Greek products with ingredients like donkey milk or olive oil.
Surrounded by divine scents and a warm welcome from the owner, I received in-depth advice on which organic, homemade body lotion would help soothe my irritated skin. Mesmerized by the owner, who’s incredibly passionate about helping her clients, I would have loved to spend hours just listening to her, but this would probably have had very negative consequences for my wallet, so I followed the growling of my stomach and said goodbye, looking forward to a delicious dinner.
I’d heard that the food in Heraklion was terrific, so I wanted to try a restaurant known for local cuisine. I asked the hotel concierge for recommendations, and he sent me to a place called Peskesi, which offers traditional Cretan cuisine. It must have been my lucky day as I got a table. According to the dedicated and attentive servers, they are usually booked out for days, and making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
The purpose of the award-winning restaurant is to convey to its guests the entire Cretan philosophy while promoting the cultural heritage of Crete and sustainable gastronomy, which perfectly aligns with my values.
Peskesi’s offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience thanks to its unique combination of superb dishes and fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm. I had oven-warm bread with a lovely beetroot dipping sauce, a Greek salad with fresh herbs and savory feta cheese, followed by a mouthwatering chocolate mousse, accompanied by honey-flavored halva, which was an excellent choice to end my vacation.
The location itself is an experience and incredibly beautiful in the evening when all the lights accurately placed illuminate the old buildings and vegetation. I felt refreshed and invigorated after taking in all these new sights and sounds, which will stay with me forever. Even if it sounds very cliché, traveling really does broaden our horizons.
The Greek Islands offer so much variety and potential for exploration – I can’t wait to come back and make more unforgettable memories.
