Greek Islands
Island hopping on the Greek islands is pretty close to being the perfect holiday scenario for me. Sea views, cobbled streets, pristine beaches, sunsets, clear waters, blue skies, Mythos beers on tap and a Gyros on the go - I don’t need much else. We’ve explored a few islands but still plenty more to go!
Saronic Islands - Hydra & Spetses
Hydra is a very special island to us as it’s where my husband proposed and where we got married. So this place is full of very good memories. On our first trip here we flew into Athens and headed down to Piraeus Port to catch the hydrofoil boat across here.
The main thing you need to know about Hydra is that it has no vehicles on the island (apart from the rubbish truck). People get about using mules or boats and that’s what makes it. I think its clear that I love a wander when on hols and this island is perfect for it - the port is lined with restaurants, bars and the most stunning of boats (keep your eyes peeled) but when you head around the island there are some lush inlets with beaches and local restaurants - lots to explore.
You can venture further by walking up Mount Eros (just behind the Port) to get gorgeous views of Hydra and the Port too.
These islands are very popular with Greek locals as they’re perfect for a weekend break from Athens - there are 4 islands on the ferry route - Aegina, Poros, Hydra & Spetses so you can easily “hop” between them.
Santorini
Our trip to Santorini was a massive treat - we flew here after our wedding for a 5 day break to just chill out and stayed in one of the most fabulous places I think we’ve ever stayed in - Grace hotel. As I say it was our “mini-moon” if you will, so we splashed out!
That aside Santorini is exactly what you see here, white washed buildings, cobbled streets and blue domes popping up. Great for wandering/exploring at your leisure. The beaches aren’t anything to shout about here (its a volcanic island)…just to manage expectations. So if you need water defo opt for a hotel with a pool. We stayed in Imerovigli which is nestled 20mins walk from the main town of Thira. For us, this was perfect as we could opt to be in the hustle bustle or not. Thira does get busy with cruise ship/tourist dump during the day so be warned.
Oia is a lovely clifftop village where the windmills are and is best known for its sunsets, but make sure you get your place early…! It’s incredibly popular! Do that or hire a boat and see the sunset out on the waters which is incredible!
Mykonos
Mykonos was a surreal visit for us as we visited in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I feel like we didn’t really see the true Mykonos as it’s best known. But what I did see we absolutely LOVED.
The most pristine, palm tree lined beaches. And so many to choose from.
We stayed on the southern part of the island - Psarrou Beach, which was perfect as within a 20 minute walking radius we had another 4 beaches to explore by foot (Platis Gialos/Agia Anna/Paraga/Paradise). And not just OK beaches - gorgeous ones!
This didn’t stop us exploring more - Ornos beach for family fun, waves lapping the shore and bars/restaurants lining the walkway; Agios Sostis for golden sands and a delicious taverna (Kiki’s) that serves you wine whilst you wait (be prepared to wait and potentially get tipsy!)