‘In the pursuit of love, one finds oneself – and then invites the world to witness’
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Athens
Berlin of the Mediterranean
Athens hums with a raw, unfiltered energy—a city where ancient grandeur collides with modern edge, and creativity seeps from every sunlit corner. Athens thrives on its contrasts: neoclassical mansions transformed into edgy art galleries, sleek modern buildings rising alongside millennia-old ruins, and rooftop bars with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, ever-present like a benevolent guardian.
The city’s food and wine scene mirrors its bold spirit. Creative chefs reinterpret Greek culinary traditions with flair, while natural wine bars serve homegrown vintages that taste of sunlight and salt air. It’s a city where dinner can stretch for hours under a canopy of vines, and every sip tells a story.
To eat
To stay
To do
Athens is best explored without too much of a plan. Start with the obvious: the Acropolis really is worth it, then spend the rest of the day getting slightly lost.
Walk through Anafiotika and down towards Monastiraki, make time for one of the city’s excellent contemporary art museums, browse the galleries and shops around Kolonaki, and climb Lycabettus when the light starts to soften.
If you have an extra day, head south. The Athens Riviera is close enough for lunch by the sea and far enough to make the city feel suddenly very distant.
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Skopelos
The island that exhales
Skopelos doesn’t perform; it simply is. Pine trees line the island's one main road, their scent mingling with the salty breeze as you wind towards hidden beaches and sleepy villages. At the island’s crown sits Glossa, a hilltop gem where time slows to match the pace of the golden sun dipping behind Skiathos.
This isn’t an island of noise or crowds—it’s one of whispered waves, sun-dappled terraces, and tavernas where the fish was still swimming that morning. Authenticity isn’t curated here; it’s woven into every olive grove and whitewashed wall.
Skopelos doesn’t rush or demand. It invites—quietly, steadily—to linger, to breathe, and to lose track of time under a sky painted with the soft hues of another perfect sunset.
To eat
Linarakia (great fish tavern at the edge of Panormons)
Flisvos (great fish tavern by the sea in Loutraki)
To do
Rent a little boat for the day / climb up to Agios Ioannis / wander through the streets of Glossa / spend an evening in Skopelos Town / visit the island’s monasteries / hike through the pine forests / follow one of the old monopati trails / rent a quad and head off-road.
From the villa
Morning coffee in Glossa. A swim at Perivoliou before the beach fills up. Lunch with your feet almost in the sand. A boat for the afternoon. Back to the villa in time for sunset. Dinner at Rouga.
Some days require even less planning: choose a beach, stop for a long lunch at a taverna or beach bar and see where the day takes you.
That is more or less how we like to do Skopelos.
Our favourite beaches
Skopelos is best discovered one beach at a time. Some call for long, lazy afternoons; others are perfect for a quick swim before dinner. These are the ones we return to again and again.
Armenopetra
Raw, peaceful and rarely crowded. Named after the striking rock rising from the sea, Armenopetra has beautifully clear water and an unspoilt setting. Bring everything you need: the lack of beach bars and sunbeds is part of its charm. A 10-minute drive from the villa.Perivoliou
Wild and dramatic. Even the drive there is part of the experience, ending at a beautiful stretch of pebbled coastline framed by cliffs. There is a charming little bar overlooking the beach: come early and stay longer than planned. A 15-minute drive from the villa.Amarantos
Not quite a beach, which is exactly why we love it. A rocky coastline, pine trees leaning over impossibly clear water and small coves made for swimming straight from the rocks. Easily one of the island’s most beautiful spots. A 40-minute drive from the villa.Milia
A long sweep of pebbles backed by pine forest, with some of the clearest water on the island. Our favourite spot is near the second, more bohemian beach bar: relaxed, unpretentious and perfect for an entire afternoon. A 20-minute drive from the villa.Limnonari
A sheltered bay with calm, almost lagoon-like water and an easy rhythm. Come for a swim, find a table for lunch and let the afternoon unfold from there. A 35-minute drive from the villa.Ftelia
Small, secluded and wonderfully laid-back. Settle into a sunbed at the beach bar, swim in beautifully clear water and stay for lunch or a drink afterwards. An easy place to spend the day without looking at the time. A 20-minute drive from the villa. -
Skiathos
The island that plays
Skiathos feels like summer bottled—a sunlit mix of golden beaches, emerald waters, and a laid-back charm that’s impossible to resist. The island’s pine forests tumble down to meet the sea, shading hidden coves and secret beaches only reachable by boat.
The heart of Skiathos beats in its lively streets, where whitewashed buildings house cozy tavernas, stylish boutiques, and buzzing cocktail bars. Yet, just a short drive away, you’ll find quiet corners where time seems to stand still—golden sands stretching under a wide Aegean sky, and only the soft murmur of the waves as company.
This is an island that embraces both vibrancy and ease—where days are spent lounging on golden sands, evenings unfold in waterfront tavernas, and every moment feels effortlessly sunlit.
To Skiathos from Skopelos
By Ferry: Regular ferries and smaller water taxis connect Glossa Port Loutraki to Skiathos. The journey takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the boat type and sea conditions.
Tip: Morning ferries are less crowded, and the light is perfect for photos as you approach Skiathos.
To eat
To stay
To do
Alonissos makes for an easy escape to a neighbouring island and is well worth a day of its own.
The main draw is the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe. Boats leave from Patitiri for days spent swimming in secluded bays, exploring the marine park and, with a little luck, spotting some of its wildlife.
On land, make your way up to Old Alonissos, or Chora, a beautiful hilltop village of stone houses and narrow streets with views across both sides of the island. From there, explore the island’s walking trails, stop at one of its smaller coves or head to Steni Vala for a long lunch by the water.
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Alonissos
Nature’s hidden sanctuary
Alonissos feels like a secret passed between old friends. Wild and unpolished, the island is home to Europe’s largest marine park, where dolphins and seals dance in turquoise waters. Quiet stone villages perch on hilltops, and untouched beaches such as Kokinokastro and Chrisi Milia beckon the curious. Here, simplicity reigns—hike, swim, or sip a glass of local wine under a sky bursting with stars. Alonissos is nature’s invitation to pause and breathe.
The island’s hilltop Chora is a postcard-perfect village of stone houses and flower-filled balconies, offering sweeping views over the endless blue. Coastal trails weave through pine forests, leading to hidden coves and solitary beaches where your only company might be the soft rhythm of the waves.
To Alonissos from Skopelos
By Ferry: Ferries run daily between Skopelos Town and Patitiri Port on Alonissos. The trip takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Tip: Opt for a smaller ferry for a more scenic and intimate crossing.
To eat
