Peloponnese, Costa Navarino
I started my holiday in Greece in the Peloponnese. The Peloponnesian Peninsula, already known in ancient times, is connected to the mainland from the north by a large, impressive bridge. After paying a fee of 13 euros, I pass this architectural masterpiece and I am already in one of the most historically famous regions. The Peloponnese is the place of the first Olympic Games and the discovery of tablets with linear writing in the Palace of Nestor (13th-12th century BC).
The road runs through typical Greek towns and endless olive groves. After 2 hours of driving from Patras, I reach the area of Messinia. This is where the first destination of my trip is: Costa Navarino and its three resorts: the 5-star The Westin Resort and W Costa Navarino and the 6-star The Romanos. The Westin Resort and The Romanos have been operating for over a dozen years, thanks to which beautiful, lush gardens have been created around them. They are an inseparable attribute of Costa Navarino, to them we owe the ubiquitous scent of lavender and rosemary. It is worth knowing that the W Costa Navarino hotel is a gem of the coast, its modern, luxurious concept delights primarily demanding guests, and - interestingly - its opening took place in August 2022!
I am staying in the Infinity Suite. The spacious, 80-meter apartment provides exceptional privacy, and the pool is large enough to swim in it. The hotel's surroundings include traditional villages, small towns and local taverns. Next day I decide to see one of the most famous, and according to "The Times" also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Voidokilia beach. The title is deserved - I confirm. The best view is from the top of the mountain, where there are also the ruins of Messini Castle.
During my stay, I rate the Romanos hotel very highly. This is definitely one of my favorite holiday destinations in Greece - authentic and with beautiful nature. Moreover, it is easy to get here from Athens or Kalamata airport.
Holidays in Greece - Peloponnese continue
The next destination of my trip is Nafplio, the former capital of Greece and one of the most interesting cities in the eastern part of the Peloponnese. Thanks to its short distance from the current capital is a favorite weekend getaway for Athenians. Nafplio is not very popular among foreigners, but it is worth enjoying the richness of colors there by visiting the morning market with fish, greens and fragrant fruit. Moreover, behind the large mountain with the castle there is a hidden treasure - there is a beautiful beach above the crystal clear water, which we will reach along a narrow path. A characteristic, I would say postcard view of Nafplio is the Bourtzi defensive castle, built on a coastal island. Especially at night, when illuminated, it creates an exceptionally romantic scenery. It is worth staying at the Amphitrion hotel, on a higher floor, from where we will have the best view of the bay.
The next destination of my trip turns out to be very important in terms of nature, although not in terms of hotels. The town of Methana is located on the "peninsula of all peninsulas". Slightly isolated from the quite developed tourist Peloponnese, hides a fantastic secret: a volcano is erupting in the sea here. The result of mixing sea water with volcanic water is that it turns a beautiful, light blue color. The baths are free, are quite an attraction and have healing properties. The town is a famous sanatorium in Greece, and the average age of visitors is about 85 years. Unfortunately, Methana does not have a single decent hotel, otherwise it would immediately appear on the map CARTER®. That's sad because between the coast of the Peloponnese and the tiny, charming island of Agistri there is a sunken ancient settlement, which can be admired while diving and snorkeling.
Syros, i.e. SYrakuza and gyROS
Then I go to the island of Syros. The main attractions there are the incredibly Italian, neoclassical architecture, but also the two churches dominating the capital of the Cyclades: Catholic and Orthodox. The town of Ermoupoli was built by the Venetians in the early 13th century. Sometimes it reminds me of Palermo, sometimes Syracuse and Venice. Beautiful local villas and houses have direct access to the sea. Several of them, properly restored, now house boutique hotels. I have the pleasure of staying in one - Apollonion Palace has only 13 rooms, each unique in its own way.
Syros has a lot to offer: the beautiful white and blue old town of Ermoupoli with architecture typical of the Cyclades, nice and well-kept streets with interesting boutiques, and in the evening, fashionable and lively places in the port. It is worth going there for at least two days and getting lost in the maze of streets... During the day, the island delights not only with small, hidden beaches, but also with hospitable taverns and numerous churches. It was on this island that I tasted my first gyros. Perfectly baked with fresh meat, with a spicy sauce - lick your fingers!
Mykonos: Party Time!
Mykonos welcomes me with 40-degree heat. The visitor is surprised by the fact that there are no trees on the island. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to park your car in the shade. However, I find a great radio station - Venus FM, which broadcasts the same music as in the most famous local clubs! I immediately get the party atmosphere.
The first hotel I go to is Kivotos, which is located in Ornos Bay, on a escarpment, and belongs to the Leading Hotels of the World. Despite its small size (only 38 rooms), it is a hotel-institution that everyone in Greece has heard about, as the biggest stars come here. The hotel owner collects quite unique art that decorates the interiors. The best part of the hotel is the filtered seawater swimming pool and beautiful bar. Moreover, the hotel has a wonderful yacht. Breakfast at Kivotos is a real feast: a wide selection of meats, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh fruit and juices. Guests can use the excellent hotel restaurant and in the evenings enjoy a romantic dinner on a platform located in the sea. The hotel does not offer facilities for children, so 95% of the clientele are couples and groups of friends.
Party holidays in Greece
Ornos Bay has a developed sandy beach with sun loungers and several interesting bars and restaurants. However, to taste real nightlife, you should go to the capital of the island, Mykonos Hora. It is there, at the Theoxenia Hotel, that I spend the next night. It can't get any closer to the center!
The 50-room Theoxenia hotel is part of the Design Hotels chain. Located near the famous five windmills, in a beautiful, extensive garden, its design refers to the style of the 50s and 60s. I occupy a Junior Suite with a view of the garden and the sea. Moreover, as a welcome gift I receive a perfectly chilled bottle of Greek rose wine. The hotel does not have a SPA, but offers professional massages in the garden.
Breakfast at Theoxenia has two advantages: it is delicious and they serve it until noon. This is the right approach to a partying client! Most people come here for... endless party in Cavo Paradiso or on Paradise Beach. And I'm going there. Good music all around and a laid-back crowd of all ages. The setting and atmosphere are very "glamour": a boutique where no one buys anything sober, a few models, a group of guys with sculpted six-packs, older men with young girls, yachts of the size of small ships and menus moored opposite the bar. with dizzying prices. I remember a 30-liter bottle of rose champagne for PLN 120. euro.
The best hotels in Mykonos
The next day I leave the Theoxenia Hotel. I recommend it to young, entertainment-seeking people who don't like to overpay. For another overnight stay I'm going to one of the most expensive and fashionable hotels - Bill & Co, which belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels chain and is basically what it is: luxurious and very intimate. I get the impression that all guests have the latest collections of designer clothes. The hotel is not located on the beach, so life centers around the pool bar, which is also a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rooms are large and very nicely furnished. Luxury surrounds, you can feel special care for the customer. The hotel is intended for demanding clients with a budget of PLN 10. euros per week. Its location allows you to be wherever you need to be within 10 minutes, i.e. in the town, in Ornos Bay or on Paradise beach...
For the next day, I planned a visit to two equally interesting hotels: Santa Marina and Myconian Ambassador.
Hotel Santa Marina, located in the bay of Ornos, in my opinion the most luxurious hotel on the island. It has, among others: its own sandy beach, delicious restaurants, a fashionable seaside bar, facilities for children, luxuriously and designerly furnished rooms and great privacy. Only guests and people booking a table in the restaurant are allowed to enter the hotel.
I decided to eat my last meal in Mykonos not just anywhere, but in the hotel restaurant Myconian Ambassador, Relais & Chateaux chain. Both the hotel and the restaurant are among the best on the island. The hotel has a professional SPA, offering a wide range of treatments and Elemis and St. cosmetics. Barth. The restaurant staff is well-trained, as befits Relais Chateaux, and the dishes served are true poetry. Everything seems simple and typically Greek, but delicately seasoned and properly marinated. I haven't tasted such delicate octopus or such perfectly baked eggplant with cheese anywhere else in Greece. On this tasty note, I ended my stay on the island of sun, parties and - as I found out - great hotels.
Paros
The third and last island of the Cyclades that I go to is the quieter and less known Paros. This time I buy a ticket for a fast ferry, and the journey takes less than an hour. There is also a small international airport on Paros.
The Cyclades surprise me with their diversity. Unlike the island of Mykonos, Paros welcomes me with olive trees, pine trees and vineyards. Paros is also one of the largest islands in the Cyclades archipelago, dotted with beautiful beaches and enjoying perfect weather for all types of water sports. Santa Maria Beach is a surfing center and a professional diving base. The most beautiful town on the island is Naoussa. There we will see a labyrinth of streets and white tenement houses, traditional boats with tangled fishermen's nets, ubiquitous bars with countless chairs and thirsty visitors sipping the famous café frappe or local white wine. At night, the port turns into a very romantic place, lit only by candles and small lamps. It couldn't get more romantic!
There are several decent hotels on the island, the best of which include: beautiful hotel Parilio, Member of Design Hotels or boutique Mr & Mrs White in the picturesque village of Naousa. Both are just right a peaceful holiday in Greece in beautiful surroundings, close to paradise beaches and blue water. It is worth driving around Paros by car or scooter and stopping at the Pisso Livadi mini-resort for fresh seafood. The town's specialties include octopus dishes and tuna steaks. For active people, I suggest a full-day cruise along the coast of Paros and neighboring Antiparos, with fishing and a barbecue on less frequented beaches.
Holidays in Greece mean hundreds of beautiful photos and memories for several years guaranteed!
Author: Diana Carter
