What would the Ancient Greeks think of their country today? They surely never imagined that their temples would survive millennia, drawing even bigger crowds in the 21st century than they did in ancient times, or that the very idea of “Greek island” would become synonymous with paradise. They’d be astonished to learn that their humble Mediterranean diet became one of the most exalted cuisines in the world, a timeless testament to fresh ingredients and local flavors.
Aug 14 – 15, 2023: (1 night)
Aug. 15 – 20, 2023: 5 nights
Aug. 20 – 23, 2023: 3 nights
Aug 23 – 25, 2023: Mesaria (2 nights)
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
August is one of the hottest months in Greece. Temperatures can range from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F) and sometimes even higher. It's advisable to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
Maintaining a place for thousands of years is no easy task and, on the surface, Athens can feel like a city in shambles. But if you’re willing to embrace the chaos, then hipster neighborhoods and an underground art scene give Athens an up-and-coming vibe, despite being one of the oldest cities in the world. It’s a capital of contradictions, where sipping a craft cocktail in a trendy rooftop bar overlooking the ruins of the Acropolis is par for the course.
Why we love it for you: In a city that prides itself on antiquities, the hotel feels downright funky. The design plays with jagged edges and eccentric furniture in a way that immediately lets guests know this hotel values experience over elegance. That same ethos flows seamlessly across all aspects of the hotel, whether it’s on an organized jogging tour of Athens or enjoying a cocktail at the rooftop bar appropriately named Art Lounge.
NEW Hotel
Largely an undiscovered island, with perhaps the most interesting coastline of any other island this size in the world. A volcanic island, Milos is known as the island of colors, mainly because of its spectacular, colorful rock formations. The island also has a fascinating history. The famous statue of Venus de Milo was discovered here in 1820, its early-Christian catacombs are older than Rome's and the island boasts an 11,000-year mining history.
Take the ferry from Athens Piraeus port to Milos.
Reference: 1112HUVHI
Check in here.
Pick up car from Martha Rental Cars by Milos Port.
Reservation Code: 002676
The Airbnb is a 10-minute drive from the rental car facility.
In Pollonia:
In Plaka:
In Adamantas:
In Triovasalos:
In Klima:
Be on the lookout for Karpouzopita—watermelon pie—a speciality of Milos.
Sarakiniko Beach is known as the "moon beach" because of the white stone landscape. It's one of Milos' most popular beaches.
Find Sarakiniko Beach here.
Many people have told me that Kimolos is one of the best islands in all of Greece, and it's just a short ferry ride away from Milos. Ideal to visit for a day trip to explore the island (no car is necessary).
Head to the charming town of Klima, the most picturesque fishing village of Milos. The scenic beauty of Klima is due to its syrmata, the fishermen's houses that are carved into their rocks and have brightly colored wooden doors. The sunset here is an amazing experience.
Nearby are two of the most important landmarks on Milos: the Catacombs of Milos and the Ancient Theater of Milos.
The local residents would tell you that their island is the most inviting of all the Cyclades. While they may be biased, it’s hard not to agree once you’re there. The gentle waves and sneaking coves beckon visitors like a siren’s song, and the people are so hospitable you may end up in someone’s home for family dinner. Brandishing its community spirit, the island is also on track to become the first plastic-free island in the Mediterranean.
Catch ferry from Milos to Paros.
Reference: 1112HIEDC
Check in here.
Alexandria's Rooms
The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Paros port.
In Alyki beach:
In Parikia:
In Naoussa:
In Lefkes:
In Prodromos:
In Dryos:
In Ambelas:
In Livadia:
In Marpissa:
In Chryssi Akti:
In Parasporos:
In Logaras:
On Sunday, August 20, it is International Lighthouse Day, and select lighthouses all over Greece will be open to the public (it is the only day of the year this happens), and there’s one in Paros!
A small little village hidden between the mountains, the former capital of Paros, full of white houses, narrow pebble streets, Venetian architecture and a Byzantine church dating back to the 15th century.
Paros has a hiking trail network of approximately 35 km. Hikers will encounter traditional houses, stone farm sheds made from lime, clay, reeds, and seaweed, windmills and watermills, cisterns and pigeon houses. Some are organized and well-marked, others are old and exciting and some are ideal for adventure lovers. We especially recommend the “Byzantine trail” from Lefkes to Prodromos and the path from Paros Park to the lighthouse in Cape Korakas, especially before sunset!
Antiparos is a tiny island across the southern point of Pounta, just 10 minutes by ferry. Once a traditional fishing village, it is now a popular destination for many celebrities who wish to enjoy Greece in a low-key style. A must is a visit to the Cape of Antiparos with stalagmites and stalactites and the nearby uninhabited islet of Despotiko, with unspoiled beaches and important archaeological excavations of the ancient temple of Apollo and Artemis.
Beautiful beaches on Antiparos are: Psaralykes, Sifneiko, Agios Spyridonas, Kalargyrou and Theologos, Glyfa, Apantima, Soros, Sostis, Monastiria, Kampos and Livadia, Agios Georgios. Accessible only by boat are amazing rock formations and caves – the Epitafios, Fokospilies and Cavos Skylos.
For Participants: Head out into Paro's countryside for a farm-to-table experience.
Of Greece’s thousands of islands, none is more glamorized than Santorini. Dramatic cliffs formed from a volcanic eruption are dotted with white-washed villages, where labyrinthine stairways always lead to a jaw-dropping vista. The island’s popularity means there is world-class cuisine to be enjoyed, even if it’s as simple as the catch of the day at a local taverna. However good the menu is, the most memorable part of dinner is likely to be the view of the sun setting into the caldera.
An individual and Kimiko catch a ferry from Paros to Santorini.
Find tickets here.
Take a cruise around the caldera in a private boat, enjoying the best of the scenery in the morning.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Take a guided tour—with various tastings—of one of Santorini's coolest local craft breweries.