A Summer in Greece - Best of The Cyclades

It’s no secret anymore that Greece is the winner of this summer’s go-to-list. Might it be dazzling Mykonos, Insta-worthy Santorini, enchanting Athens or (yet) lesser-known Antiparos - we feel like the entire world is coming to the Cyclades post-pandemic. In order to make the most out of your trip and stay away of the crowds, we have collected some of the most unknown places. Spots that are worth being put on your list for a late summer trip to Greece. After all End of August, September and the beginning of October are the best months to experience the Cyclades. The sea is still warm, the weather mild and prices are lower than in peak season. Plus there are some remarkable newly opened hotels to be discovered along the trip.

Paros

As one of the larger Cycladic islands, Paros has always been a celebrated summer hotspot for the Greeks. With sandy beaches, windy shores and fancy alfresco dining, this island has lots of activities to offer and plenty of stunning landscapes. Stylish hotel additions put Paros on the international luxury radar and gourmet venues pop up in rapid pace just in line with the ever increasing demand for sunset dining after sun-kissed hours at one of the cool beach clubs.

Summer Senses Resort Paros

SLEEP

Summer Senses Resort - as one of the island’s finest places to stay, this resort comes with rooms that even have their own pool, is located close to Punda beach club and has a great selection of F&B outlets, basically everything a luxury hotel needs

Parocks Luxury Resort & Spa - the newcomer to the island with a fantastic design and super chic rooms, a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, though it seems that service still needs a boost (according to several online reviews)

Parilio - the Ferrari of hotels on the island, an established luxury hotel with perfect design and lots of Insta-worthy corners plus fine interior design

Cove Paros - another brand new property on the beach of Naoussa with spacious rooms and nicely designed public spaces plus their restaurant is a go-to for lunch when in Naoussa

Seven Santa Maria - the winner when it comes to value for money has rooms with complimentary sunbeds on the prettiest beach of Paros

Parea Paros - an unconventional newly opened property that comes with a sleek and fresh look as well as a fair price, perfect for island discovering

EAT

Saline, Aliki - sleek and modern spot to watch the sunset in the southern part of the island

Stilvi, Naoussa - chic dining spot in the heart of the lively town, come here for the vibes not the view

Siparos, Naoussa - a frequented place to be seen during lunch, however a pretty spot for dinner, too

Salair, Parikia - brand new and yet super secret with sweeping views of the port and amazing drinks

Stou Fred, Parikia - highly rated hidden restaurant in the not-to-be-missed capital town of Paros island

Les Amis Restaurant, Paros - for those not wanting to miss the perfect wine along their set menu

Galazia Hytra - legendary Athens-based and Michelin-starred Hytra restaurant’s summer venue

Galazia Hytra - one of Paros’ finest restaurants

EXPLORE

Rent a Boat and cruise around the island

Kite Surfing at one of the best spots in the Cyclades

Exploring the island on an ATV, enabling you to get to the most secret spots

Do a wine tasting and purchase Rosé at the Moraitis winery in Naoussa

Wander the narrow streets of Naoussa, get lost and have dinner in one of the open-air restaurants at the harbour such as Sigi Ikthios

Linger longer at one of the island’s celebrated beach clubs: Blue Oyster, Santa Maria Beach Bar, Monastiri Beach, Magaya

Antiparos

Just off Paros, we can find a real hidden gem in the Cyclades. Thanks to the buzzing opening of The Rooster hotel, an Aman-like retreat, Antiparos also came on the radar of the luxury jet-set lately. Still, it has the typical Mamma Mia vibes and feels traditionally Greek all over. Generally, Antiparos is more laid back and also more affordable than neighbouring Paros but feels more boutique and charming though. Arriving to Antiparos can be a bit of a journey, too. You may need to fly into Athens and then change to a ferry towards Paros for another boat trip to Antiparos or you fly into Paros directly to catch a cab taking you over to the island. Honestly, I do believe that the harder the arrival, the more unique the destination.

SLEEP

The Rooster Antiparos - much talked about hospitality project with an astonishing design concept and healing programme

Casa Botanica Antiparos Luxury Villas - a wonderful and very stylish option for those travelling with children or a bunch of friends

EAT

Vassilenas Antiparos - the summer dependence of the Athens-based diner really deserves the title of best restaurant on Antiparos

Kalokeri - laid-back greek tavern with a modern interior design and concept store

EXPLORE

Enjoy a day at the various beach clubs like luxe Soros Beach, relaxed Sunset or pretty Beach House Resort. Don’t forget to book the sunbeds ahead in order to secure a space at these highly celebrated spots on Antiparos.

Renting a boat to discover the hidden bays and turquoise waters around the island is a must for those who can afford to do it.

If you haven’t planned your trip ahead or are one of those unlucky ones who couldn’t secure a villa at The Rooster, call them to reserve a spot for drinks. The sunset from the property is among the best in the Cyclades - certainly comes with a high price.

Milos

A journey to Mars. Milos is probably the most talked about island in 2022 - thanks to Insta-shots of bloggers and influencers posting on whitewashed stones hanging into the bluest waters one can imagine. Yes, Milos is still a steal compared to Mykonos and Santorini and there might be fewer people than on the two classic go-to-islands. While I would have loved to check out what is considered to be the place to be in 2022, I have decided to skip Milos this time for time reasons. Never have I seen Santorini and I guess there won’t be coming fewer people in the next years, so I have saved Milos for later. However, it is an amazing island with cool hotels, laid-back restaurants and stunning beaches.

Santorini

The Greek fairytale island. I am not sure if I am the only one receiving tons of Insta Reels of Santorini these days. Maybe I am, maybe Santorini is just THE place to go post-pandemic. While there is no limited time frame like for Venice, I don’t really get the hype about this island but I decided I need to see it this year in order to be able to judge about it afterwards and join the conversations. I have heard of Oia, Imerovigli or Caldera and I feel these are the places to just go and see. Hence I decided for a hotel in pretty and less touristy Pyrgos.

SLEEP

Nous Santorini - one of Europe’s sexiest hotel openings this summer, Athens-based YES Hotels have landed a real stunner with an amazing value

North Santorini - situated high above the island, this hotel is the real view-winner, not even considering the sleek design and private pools

Santo Maris Oia - luxury resort with elegant suites, a great restaurant and the right setting for sunset

EAT

Nero Restaurant - amazing view and fresh look with cool vibes in Imerovigli

Aroma Avlis - winery and farm-to-table dining in a rural setting just like at any Greek countryside

Trinity - brand new restaurant with a fine dining approach and sweeping views except for sunset

EXPLORE

Of course I have to mention the famous Santorini Sunset at this point. No doubt the best view is from the western part of Oia as well as on the Northern end of Imerovigli.

If your travel budget is still up for some indulgence, go on a day cruise to explore the volcanic springs and to enjoy the best views of the volcano island.

A day on the beach should not be missed especially since Santorini beaches come with black sand due to the volcanic fossils.

After taking the must-shots for your Instagram friends in Oia, head to Pyrgos for the real surprise. There are fewer tourists, more affordable restaurants with a better quality and really the best views of the entire island. It isn’t all about Social Media, think of #FakeLife

Athens

Because no trip to Greece is complete without a stop in the capital. I am telling myself this sentence every time, however, I have not had the right interaction yet. The last time I visited the capital of Greece, they had demonstrations due to the European Union no longer sending money to Athens. It wasn’t very friendly and ended with the staff of the Grande Bretagne evacuating the famous rooftop. I was there on spot. However, I feel this time will be very different. Athens changed a lot and more cool restaurants and shops are helping the city recover and becoming a new go-to place. I mean that’s the only right way since the city is magnificent. Where else can you wander through ancient ruins, and stunning monuments while having the best life on the sea at the same time? Athens deserves a second chance.

SLEEP

Grande Bretagne - the Grand Lady and number one luxury hotel of the city comes with all amenities one can dream of including a high price tag

Academias - a new addition to the hotel scene with amazing interiors, a cool pool and gym plus a great location in an upcoming district

Four Seasons Athens - needless to mention that this resort is a Mediterranean dream on a private peninsula, a picture-perfect flagship property

EAT

Spondi Restaurant - this two-Michelin-starred place is worth securing a table long before you even book your flights to Greece

Okio Restaurant - for a more casual dinner, this bar-like design spot is your go-to

Aneton - a design-lovers dining venue with tasty dishes and well sorted wine list

EXPLORE

Culture in Athens should be your top priority. Make sure to visit the Acropolis, with its nearby museum for the best insight into Greek culture and history

Wander the lovely districts of Pláka and Anafiotika. Check out one of the many lovely shops or pass by at a café to indulge in the atmosphere of the lively city life. Make sure to walk along the Monastikari district for impressive perspectives of Acropolis.

Enjoy the View From Lycabettus Hill by either hiking up the hill or taking the cable car. Once atop, enjoy a breathtaking view of the city with the Acropolis in front and the sea at the horizon

Make sure to spend a beach day in posh Vouliagmeni, where the local upper-class meets for lunch at Matsuhisa or enjoys champagne on heavy sunbeds under the shades of the old pine trees