Bed and Breakfast Accommodation near Athens Airport
Athens, Greece is not really popular for Bed and Breakfasts. Hotels, yes – cozy boutique places, of course…but the concept of having a stranger pay to stay in one of your spare rooms in your home is a little strange to the Greek culture.
However, St. Thomas’s B&B is a bed and breakfast in Athens, Greece located in a gorgeous rural location about a 10 minute drive or metro ride from Athens International Airport and run by English lady Janet Wilkinson, Greek husband Aris and her daughter Elizabeth. This English influence is probably what encouraged the family to turn their beautiful home into a Bed and Breakfast near Athens airport, convenient for arriving or departing guests or even just to be in a rural location a train ride away from the city.
I didn’t really know what to expect when I was offered the opportunity to stay at St. Thomas’s Bed and Breakfast.
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation near Athens airport – meet and greet
Janet kindly met me – as she does all her guests if they need it…whether from the airport or the metro station (Peania/Kantza on the blue metro line).
St. Thomas’s Bed and Breakfast Athens – A personal feel
The first thing to make very clear – and what I immediately noted: if you’re looking for an impersonal hotel stay, don’t come to Janet and her husband Aris’s bed and breakfast in Athens.
Bed and Breakfast in Athens Greece near airport – LifeBeyondBorders
St. Thomas’s has four (delightful) rooms; you’ll eat breakfast in their kitchen with them in the morning, sit together in the evening around the wood burning stove and chat. In fact, the family run business very proudly has a bevy of return guests from around the globe.
The world’s come to me – I don’t need to go and see the world!
Entrance to St. Thomas’ Bed and Breakfast near Athens Airport, Greece – LifeBeyondBorders
Bed and Breakfast in Athens – St Thomas’s Rooms
All four rooms are named after plants or flowers.
Olive Room with two single beds; private bathroom just literally outside the door
Wisteria Room downstairs with en-suite and double iron bed with sofa chaise – enough to accommodate a child
The Garden Suite downstairs in the basement is perfect for families as it offers two adjoining rooms: double bed and two singles, with en-suite
I was placed in the Lavender Room on the first floor with gorgeous balcony and view of the back garden with large pool. Yes, there is even a pool!
Alas, Athens in October isn’t always kind and the night I was hosted by them, the weather wasn’t so kind.
The Lavender Room at St. Thomas B&BView from my balcony at St. Thomas B&B
Bed and Breakfast, accommodation near Athens airport – the area of Peania
Mainly agricultural, it’s a good place to base yourself for two or three days being only a 30 min metro ride straight into the centre. It’s near Mount Imitos (great hiking trails that Janet can point out), has a GREAT taverna/ouzeri nearby and the Vorres Museum should NOT be missed. The family are happy to either take you places or arrange for you.
Church in Peania town
Facts about Accommodation near Athens Airport – St. Thomas’s Bed and Breakfast
St. Thomas’ is located in Peania – the metro on the blue line stops here, about 30 mins from the centre. One of the family will come and collect you.
They can also collect you from the airport, unless your flight arrives at stupid o’clock – ask for info.
They can drop you off at the metro or airport too – again unless your flight is at stupid o’clock, then a taxi is arranged to collect you from their front door.
Don’t stay at St. Thomas’ if you’re looking for an impersonal style place – Janet really opens up her home to you and makes you feel welcome. BBQs in the summer by the pool are not unheard of.
Rooms from €65 a night depending on season/size of room – check their website for prices.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Wilkinson family for their hospitality and warmth, and for helping me discover another side of Athens I didn’t know about. St. Thomas’ makes a great alternative to hotel accommodation when going to the airport. I will be back!
PIN for later
Where to Stay near Athens Airport – Greece. LifeBeyondBorders
I originally wrote this article back in 2012 when there was a lot of negative press about Athens on the news. The Greek economic crisis was really starting to bite and rioting wasn’t an infrequent occurrence. In the midst of all this, Riot Dog – as he was affectionately known, became an ‘Athens Institution’.
Originally written in 2012 – completely revised and updated in OCT19
Who was Riot Dog in Athens?
Greece is renowned for its stray dog population.
As mentioned, Athens was frequently the subject of negative headlines around the time that riots erupted in response to the IMF and government-imposed austerity measures from 2010 onward.
One constant throughout this time of unrest was the presence of fearless stray dogs that appeared to be on the side of the rioters as they barked at battened, helmeted and booted riot police. Riot Dog was always there and seemed to be respected by the rioters.
Looking for alternative things to do when in Athens? This street art tour of Athens will give you some more insight and history of the incredible murals that are popping up everywhere.
There were actually two Dogs: Kanellos (meaning “Cinnamon” in Greek) and Loukaniko (“Sausage” in Greek).
Since 2008, both dogs were present at any riot taking place – although Kanellos passed away in 2008, developing arthritis. An Athenian college student donated money to allow him to live with a ‘doggy’ wheelchair inside instead of out on the streets until he drifted peacefully away.
(No, it’s not blood in the above picture but red dye).
Athens Riot Dog Loukanikos, a mutt that looked like an Alsatian cross whose name means sausage in Greek became a darling of the media – Time Magazinefeatured him in a piece in 2011.
Alas, the continued exposure to tear gas was bound to adversely affect him, and Loukanikos retired in 2012 to pass his remaining days peacefully with a carer, dying in 2014.
To honor this incredible animal, street artists Smart, N_Grams, and Martinez painted this mural in October 2014. The tagline reads, “All dogs go to Heaven.” Even today, locals pay their respects.
Loukanikos Riot Dog seen in Athens before his demise
McDonalds in Syntagma Square turned a blind eye to him sleeping in the stairwell, as you can see from my image (I popped in for a quick cheeseburger – not an every day occurrence, living amongst delicious Greek food!)
Riot Dog sleeping in McDonalds Athens, Greece
Long Live Loukaniko! See here a great video tribute to his partner in crime, Kanellos by Athens Living:
People who know me and, indeed, those who don’t but are familiar with my social media know I am a huge cat fan – HUGE! In fact, I have an Instagram Accountdedicated to my two Greek rescue cats. Imagine my delight in finding out about a cat cafe in London – Lady Dinah’s.
Cat Cafe in London – What is Lady Dinah’s?
The brainchild of Lauren Pears – senior project manager at Sony Playstation – Lady Dinah’s Cat Cafe in London opened in March 2014, and never seems to not be busy!
It’s important to make a reservation, you can’t just walk in off the street because as I’m sure you’ve realised by now, Lady Dinah’s is no ordinary cafe. Aiming to create a peaceful environment for the resident cats (all ten of them), your ‘session’ is 90 minutes long and you book a time slot for £6 per person, then come at your allotted time and settle down at your table amongst the peaceful environment of cat toys and, of course, the cats themselves.
Think of it as a place where you come to relax amongst your favourite furry friends. Hell, you don’t even need to really like cats – after all:
The Greeks are slightly bemused at the idea of a ‘cat cafe.’ One friend of mine suggested I invite my British friends to her place for a coffee (for free) and she could point out all the strays around.
That defeats the object. These cats are resident of Lady Dinah’s and are rescue cats, well looked after and some are even adopted out, known as ‘Lady Dinah’s Graduates.’ Think of Lady Dinah’s as a cafe version of the Cat’s Protection.
Upon entering the ‘outer sanctum’ of the cafe, I waited at the cat cafe for my allotted time and bang on 6pm, a door opened into the inner sanctum.
Would you like to come through?
A lovely young man explained the ‘rules’ of the cat cafe:
Approach the cats with respect
If they’re sleeping, don’t bother them
Let them sniff you first and if they like you – let them make the contact
Wash our hands before we go in, and when we leave
And through the secondary door we went, led to our tables.
Cat Cafe London – Lady Dinah’s, where to sit
There are two seating areas, a small one upstairs that’s rather hot – but downstairs is larger and has great air conditioning. As well as tables and chairs, the area is decked out with various cat paraphernalia such as toys, exercise posts and cute sleeping areas – oh, and a cat exercise wheel!
Sleeping cats
The time of day I went, most of the cats were in various stages of sleep, the website is very good at telling you when you book your time slot what ‘state’ the cats might be in, either restful and sleepy (as when I was there) or more playful.
Cat asleep in the window – Lady Dinah’s cat cafe London
Even though they were sleepy, as you can see, it was a cute thing to see as I sat, enjoying my cream tea.
Cream Tea at Lady Dinah’s Cat cafe – London
We didn’t stay the whole hour and a half…not because we didn’t enjoy ourselves, but because we had another appointment elsewhere. I really enjoyed my time there, and yes, the saying is correct: How can anyone feel stressed looking at one or more sleeping cats?
Cute Sleeping cats – Lady Dinah’s Cat Cafe London
For Londoners who maybe aren’t allowed to keep any pet in their rented apartments, it’s a great place to go and unwind, to de-stress. And in the past it’s offered events such as ‘cat yoga’.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Cafe London Address:
152-154 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London, E2 6DG
Nearest Stations: Shoreditch on the Underground or National Rail, or London Liverpool Street (approx. 0.7 miles away)
Treat yourself when you’re next in London – do something different: go and visit the cats!
And for more things to do in London, see my Best Food Tour with Eating London Food Tour.
In the UK, fish and chips is the takeaway of choice. In the US, Pizza reigns supreme. In Japan, sushi outlets are the norm. But if you’re hungry for the food of the Greek Gods, souvlaki is the snack for you.
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The word derives from the Greek word souvla, meaning skewer and is a general term for a light meal based around grilled, skewered meat. The meat (usually pork, although chicken and lamb are becoming increasingly popular options) can be served in a variety of ways; on the skewer with pita/flatbread salad and sauces, or with sides like fried potatoes or chips.
Souvlaki on a skewer Photo by pastitioSouvlaki in pitta with side salad Photo by Burger Baroness
Souvlaki originated in Greece and after absorbing influences from the Middle East and Turkey over the decades, remains hugely popular across the nation with thousands of souvlatzidiko (souvlaki restaurants or takeaway outlets) to choose from.
Athens, the heartbeat of Greece, offers up a particularly daunting array of souvlatzidiko options. Many are family run businesses, some dating back 50 years or more, while others are swanky, upmarket eateries which specialise in modernising this traditional dish.
The best souvlaki in Athens
Now, there’s nothing wrong with taking old-school foods and giving them a contemporary foodie twist, but in our hunt for the best souvlaki we went classic – tracking down the three places we felt best represented traditional Athenian cuisine for the best souvlaki in Athens.
Veer off the northeast corner of Monastiraki Square and you’ll find O Thanasis. The RoughGuide to Athens recommends it as the best place for souvlaki in Athens in the region and it has one of the highest ratings for a souvlatzidiko on Trip Advisor, – for good reason. The Tzatzikihas a real garlic-y punch which complements the succulent pork and punchy salad, and as it’s so manically busy, the turnover is rapid and the produce is always fresh. As well as fabulous souvlaki – O Thanasis dishes up to-die-for kebabs. In Athens the term ‘kebab’ refers to minced meat which is seasoned, fashioned into a cylindrical or oblong shape, grilled and served up with a whole host of accompaniments. The kebabs in O Thanasis are huge, flavourful and super scrummy!
Best souvlaki in Athens – Kostas
Kostas in Agais Irinis Square
If you stopped ten Athens residents on the street and asked them to pick their best souvlaki in Athens, they’d probably all give a different answer, but if one name ws to consistently crop up, odds are it would be Kostas.
In Athens, there are two souvlatzidiko eateries called Kostas – both with roots stretching back over 60 years, both serving up celebrated souvlaki. The first Kostas can be found in the upmarket Agias Irinis Square. Although roughly the size and shape of a modest hallway, it puts out dozens of juicy, delectable souvlaki on a daily bases. The Souvlaki served here are the traditional pork, cooked on a hot griddle and served with pita, delicious homemade spicy sauce, a salad of tomato, onion and parsley, refreshing yogurt and chips. The other Kostas is off the beaten track, hidden on Pentelis Street, but also well worth a visit. Its location may have changed since the business began in 1950, but it’s as popular as ever, particularly with the health conscious souvlaki lover. Some souvlaki are heavy, greasy and overly enriched with sauces, but not here. Fat-free pita is crammed with high-quality, tender pork, low fat yogurt and the iconic onion, parsley and tomato salad to form a snack so light and tasty you could probably manage two!
Best souvlaki in Athens – Nikitas
Nikitas
With so many eateries now industrialised and designed to cater to the masses, Nikitas taverna, with its old-fashioned charm and authentic atmosphere, has real appeal. Nikitas can be found at 19 Agion Anargyron, hidden behind the crowds of souvlaki-hungry fans. A friendly atmosphere, great value for money and fantastic food are the reasons why Nikitas has managed to hold on to a large and loyal clientele over the decades. Although the souvlaki is among the best in Athens, the meatballs with tomato sauce (listed as soutzoukakia) are real winners too. If you’re lucky you may be able to enjoy the scrummy food on one of Nikitas’ outside tables, but you’ll have to get there early!
Nikitas is very popular with locals, so is a real authentic Athenian experience.
Where have your eaten your best souvlaki in Athens? Share in the comments.
Avoid the more touristy markets of Covent Garden, Camden or Portobello Road when you visit London. Find your local one to explore. Here I look at the eclectic London’s East Street Market.
East Street Market is located in South London – London Borough of Southwark to be exact. Being British, I never tend to be a tourist in my own country but when visiting, I have decided to start to rectify this a little and thought a visit to the less touristy London Market’s was in order – in particular a visit to East Street Market in London.
Alternative London Markets – East Street – One of London’s oldest and busiest
Apparently there’s always been a market of some sort in East Street since the 16th Century. Farmers used to bring their livestock to Walworth Common to sell them on. Nowadays you can buy anything from lingerie to fresh fruit, wigs and clothes.
Colourful fruit & veg on display at East Street Market – LondonLingerie anyone?? Available to buy at East Street Market – London
The day I went to East Street Market in London, the heavens decided to open up on me (I hadn’t been lucky with the weather this visit to London). A raincoat was needed! I hunted down a great one, all for the grand total of…8 quid! (£8.00).
Great raincoat from East Street Market – London. For £8!
It’s eclectic with all sorts of things on offer. I didn’t think these tight pants would fit me to be honest.
Alternative London Markets – East Street, a bustling place
East Street Market is open every day except Monday’s – from 8am to 5pm, Saturday’s 8am to 6:30pm and Sunday’s 8am to 2pm. It’s a busy, eclectic place with people shopping for all sorts of reasons – and don’t forget the shops and cafe’s along the edge of the road too.
Hair extensions anyone?
For a real taste of London life, I would suggest seeking out places like East Street Market – you won’t find many tourists there – it’s a real slice of London life.
Looking for some more suggestions of things to do in London? Then check out Unique London Walking Tours – walking tours around various boroughs of the capital with a social conscience.
Or how about spoiling yourself with a High Tea at the Berkeley Hotel? It’s in Kensington, very near Harrods. Never mind the Ritz or Savoy – this is a fashionable alternative.
For foodies, take an East End Food Tour with Eating Europe. I loved my Paris Food Tour and think it’s a great way to experience any city.
And, of course, there’s the more touristy attractions of Experiencing the London Eye (which I recommend everyone does at least once) and The Shard.
One sunny Saturday in November 2015, I was afforded the opportunity to experience three Saronic Greek islands in one day; Hydra, Poros and Aegina, hosted by Olympic Cruises (now Evermore Cruises) on an Athens one day cruise.
Three Greek Islands – One day. Early departure
I met my friends at Flisvos Marina in Southern Athens, about half an hour from the centre of the city at 07:30 for an 08:00 departure.
NOTE: Evermore Cruises operates from the marina at Kallithea, about a 15 min drive from Piraeus and 30 mins from the centre. There is a pick up service from any central hotel.
How to see three Greek islands in one day – One day cruise from Athens.
Settling into the top deck of our ship, basking in the sunshine we relaxed and drank our tea and coffee whilst listening to live Greek music, watching the sea slip by as we cruised to our first destination, Hydra.
Motoring along to Hydra island
Three Greek islands, one day – Hydra
An hour and a half later, we docked in Hydra. We had about an hour on the island and your company offers a brief tour – not of the whole island, but the highlights.
A one hour tour took us around the narrow streets of the harbour, the opportunity to view daily life on Hydra – the island where no cars are allowed. Actually, there are only three vehicles on the island: the refuse truck, ambulance and fire truck. The rest of the population move around either on foot, or with their donkey. This has helped preserve Hydra’s authenticity. Although we had a taster of Hydra, I would recommend this island:
For its beauty
For a traditional Greek experience.
Some of the highlights of The Hydra Walking Tour are the 18th Century Naval School, the Monastery of the “Assumption of Mary” and the square where a scene from Roger Moore’s “For Your Eyes Only” was filmed.
Square / platia on Hydra from a scene of the Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only”It’s a donkey’s life. Everyday scene on Hydra.
Three Greek Islands – One day. Lunch on board.
On the way to Poros island, we ate a filling lunch;
Tuna and Greek salad
Marinated Perch or Roast Chicken
Pasta Napolitana
Traditional Lemon Potatoes
Basmati Rice
Pecan Pie
Lunch on board.
Three Greek islands, one day – Poros
There’s really not a lot to say about Poros to be honest. It’s a wonderful island and I have written my own posts about a Greek island break – Poros so you can see more.
The problem with the cruise stop in Poros is that it’s so short – only 45 minutes; just enough time to run up to the Clock Tower and take some pictures of the gorgeous views, then run back down to the ship before departing for Aegina.
Clock Tower on Poros Island
Three Greek islands, one day – Aegina
And then onwards to Aegina. Of all the islands, this is the place we spent the longest and had a wonderful tour to the Temple of Aphaia (part of the Holy Triangle: Acropolis in Athens, Temple of Poseidon at Sounio and the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina). Our coach awaited to whisk us away from the quayside to the Temple. And what a delight it was: peaceful, stunning and atmospheric.
Temple of Aphaea – part of Olympic Cruises’s Aegina tour
The next stop was the Monastery of St. Nektarios – one of the largest monasteries in Greece.
Built in approximately in 1904-1910 by the Bishop of Pentapolis, Nektarios. Nektarios lived in the Monastery and died in 1920. In 1961 he was declared a Saint. The church has two tall bell towers and four rows of windows, which all have red bows for a capstone. The Monastery is a convent for women in which 14 nuns live in. The memory of the Saint is celebrated on November 9th.
Monastery of St. Nektarios – Olympic Cruises tour of Aegina Island
After a 50 min stop here – back to the ship for our journey home.
Thoughts about Olympic Cruises (now Evergreen Cruises) One Day, Three Islands cruise
It is a great tour for those that have only a very short time in Athens, or even Greece and want to say they’ve been to three islands. I imagine it is tailored to those type of travellers – there were many Asian tourists on our trip who are maybe spending a great deal of time in Europe, but not necessarily in one place. So to be able to say you’ve been to three islands and see its highlights is great.
The cruise itself is pleasant, good food and delightful if the weather is good. The music can be a little loud, preventing conversation.
And be warned: due to the nature of trying to fit in three islands in one day, the tours are very very rushed. You feel a little as if you are herded from A to B before rushing back to the boat.
I question why there is a need to include Poros at all in the trip. To my mind, it would make much more sense to spend more quality time on Hydra and Aegina (but the time spent on Aegina was nice, so maybe longer on Hydra). Maybe the reason for including Poros is literally because their market dictates it: people want to say they’ve ‘seen’ three islands. For me, I would choose quality and cut Poros out completely…after all, there’s only about half an hour to 45 minutes spent there.
Three Greek islands one day cruise
Three Greek islands one day: Information
Myself and my friends were guests of Olympic Cruises – now Evermore Cruises.
A one day trip: 08:00 to approx. 20:00 (8am to 8pm) costs €100 for one adult. Check their website for any family discounts. The price includes transfer to/from your hotel and lunch.
It is a great tour to take to gain a taster of the Greek Islands near Athens, especially if you have limited time in the country
**A special thanks to Olympic / Evermore Cruises for hosting us during our tour. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.**
Paris, France is always a good idea, right? It’s one of the most visited cities in Europe and oh la la! People fall in love with its joie de vivre, not to mention the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. There are other ways to experience a city though, so when I recently visited and was offered the opportunity to explore the city through food by taking a Paris Food Tour with Eating Europe, I jumped at the chance.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Eating Europe and all opinions remain my own
Where to stay in Paris – 25 Hours
It could be said that the City of Lights is, indeed, a 25 hour metropolis as it appears to never stop – it’s so alive. The reason for this heading is because I was staying for a writing assignment at the beautifully renovated 25 Hours HotelTerminus Nord.
Located in what could be considered the slightly gritty 10th Arrondissement district of Paris, it is in fact a cosmopolitan mix of everything – and made the perfect starting point for my Eating Europe Paris Food Tour.
Our starting point with Eating Europe was in the Jardin Villemin – deeply embedded within the 10th Arrondissement and in the 1870’s during the Franco-Prussian war, home to a military hospital established in a former convent. Now you can find locals sunbathing, children playing and community vegetable plots.
Our friendly guide Dakota was actually an American student in the city, yet her knowledge was immense due to the length of time she’d lived there.
The 10th Arrondissement – a brief history
I learned more than the food that we sampled, I also learned about the area.
Paris is divided into 20 districts – or ‘Arrondissements’. The first 7 are the most expensive and very touristy as it’s where the landmarks can be seen.
The 10th is traditionally very working class and home to immigrants – evident around the Gare du Nord station. 2007 saw a start up revolution in France and with the 10th having many unused warehouses from the past, this district started to become big for hipsters as they located here to for their start ups.
Best Paris Food Tour
Paris food tour – what you’ll eat
Croque Monsieur at the canal side eatery of Fric Frac
Fric Frac by Canal Saint Martin
A Croque Monsieur is a melted ham and cheese sandwich and you’ll have the opportunity to try out two versions:
Emmental cheese, ham and béchamel sauce (my favourite – and the original) and a sightlier more upmarket version with goats cheese, nuts and honey.
Many Parisians can be seen here at the Canal Saint Martin, sitting by its banks eating away in their lunch breaks. I loved it – a real slice of Parisian life.
By the Canal Saint Martin – Paris – France
TSF Epicure
A slightly hippy delicatessen that serves you a charcuterie board with pickles, fresh baguettes, traditionally smoked and cured meats. The decor here alone made it worth a stop.
TSF Epicure Delicatessen – Paris
L’amalgame
The 10th Arrondissement is popular, as suggested earlier, is very cosmopolitain and this North African/Algerian spot served us delicious hand made semolina with raisins and cous cous, vegetable stew with parsnips and carrots and flame grilled Mergeuz sausage, topped off with delicious mint tea.
L’amalgame – Algerian Food – Paris
You could see it was a staple of hard working people who would stop off here as a social spot too.
Yann Couvreur
We didn’t stop to eat in this renowned patisserie – Yann himself having opened the chain after making sweet creations for the likes of Park Hyatt. Instead we waited for our guide to purchase some sweet surprises for us to eat after our tour.
Patisserie Yann Couvreur Paris France
Paroles de Fromangers
Those of you who speak a little French will know that ‘fromanger’ is cheese, so yes – we had the opportunity to stop in this 17th century cheese cellar tasting goats and sheeps cheese as well as crisp wines to accompany it. The place also arranges cheese making classes if you’re in town for longer.
I love cheese, so this was the favourite part of my tour
Paroles de Fromangers – Paris – France
Place de la Republique
We completed our tour just around the corner from here, sitting to eat our pasteries (eclairs and the like!) from Yann Couvreur and learning the historic importance of the Place de la Republique. Named after the French Republic and located between the 3rd, 10th and 11th Arrondissements, it’s a place where people come together to celebrate and mourn – for example the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris brought about an estimated 1.6 million people who gathered from the Square onwards to express their solidarity.
See my map below (blue) of the route taken and also see the description in red with some images:
Best Paris Food Tours – Eating Europe – Conclusions and tips
Cost: Adults €95 Adolescents 13-17 years €76 Children 4-12 years €60
Duration: 4 hours
Bring: Bottle of water, suncream and wear trainers/comfortable walking shoes and a hat in the summer, especially as it’s getting warmer and warmer
Good value?: Yes, in my opinion. Admittedly I was hosted, but for the length of time and amount you eat – OK you will not stuff yourself but you will get to sample a large selection of food in an interesting part of the city. And not only this – your Paris Food Tour also teaches you some history about the area, which I found very interesting.
Have you been on a food tour of Paris? Where did you go? What’s your favourite European Food tour city?
Located in the Dodecanese chain of islands—at its shortest point only 4km from the Turkish coast—after Rhodes, Kos is the second most popular holiday island. Why? Because of its magnificent stretches of beaches and lively nightlife. I decided to take a look at some of the top things to do on Kos, and also offer some alternatives.
Looking for tips on what to pack for your Greek island holiday at any time of the year? Then read my Greek island all round packing list guide.
12km from Kos Town, black sand, steep cliffs and dark, clear waters await you at this thermal beach. Many people come here to swim, or relax in the sea pool with hot springs and a lake sheltered by rocks. Thermes Beach is great for those with muscular pains, but also a good alternative from the typical touristy beaches.
Marmari Beach
Looking for a family friendly beach? 20km southwest of Kos Town is the sandy beach of Marmari.
It’s an organised beach, meaning you can expect plenty of sunbeds, tavernas, restaurants and water sports to choose from. The water is shallow enough for children – making Marmari a good choice for a daytrip.
Things to do on Kos – Nerantzia Castle – The Castle of Saint John
Nerantzia Castle Kos Island Greece
Take a break from the beach and visit the Knight’s castle, nestled at the entrance to the port of Kos Town. Constructed using local stone, visitors today can still see the four towers, gun ports, battlements and bastions that are intact, including the drawbridge over the moat. You can also visit the Museum at the north end of the castle, which houses several old inscriptions, sculptures and altars.
Drive away from the coast and the capital and head into the mountains for the day. Hidden amongst forests and running water, Zia lies at the foot of Mount Dikeos and the area offers amazing views across most of the island, including magnificent sunsets. Choose to eat at one of the many tavernas, or if you’re feeling energetic, follow the road winding out of the village that takes you up the slopes of Mt. Dikeos.
Top Attractions and things to do on Kos island Greece
Things to do on Kos – Water Park
An excellent choice for families—close to the village of Mastihari you can find the Waterpark Lido. Built in 2005 and offering rides such as Lazy River, the Wave Pool, the Giant Slide, the Black Hole and the Hydro Tube; for a fun packed day out, you can’t go wrong bringing your family here.
Things to do on Kos – Alternatives
Kos isn’t just an island for sun and beach worshippers, families and those looking for crazy nightlife, however. Lovers of history will relish the knowledge that Kos is famous for Ancient Greek medical history. Enjoy a trip to the Asklepieion—an ancient medical centre located just outside of Kos Town built in the first half of the 3rd Century B.C. to honour the God of Health and Medicine—Asklepios—and where the symbol of medicine, the coiled snake, originates from. It’s actually one of the major tourist attractions on the island.
Or there’s the famous Plane Tree of Hippocrates, located in front of the Castle of St. John’s in Kos Town. It’s said that it’s here that Hippocrates—one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine—used to sit and teach his students. The Plane Tree itself is actually only 500 years old, but be aware that when sitting there, you are resting in a place of true greatness.
Kos, therefore, is an island that offers something for everyone; families, groups, solo travellers and couples. With many travel companies flying direct from several European destinations and offering year round deals, you can’t go wrong by choosing Kos as your Greek island holiday destination.
As I am based in Greece, I decided to travel to Zakynthos by bus and ferry from Athens. Here I show you how to travel overland to Zakynthos when you’re in Greece. Let’s face it, it’s more environmentally friendly too.
How to travel to Zakynthos without flying
First you should head to Kifissou Bus Terminal in Central Athens to get the KTEL (public) bus. Kifissou Terminal is located at 100 Kifissou Avenue and serves many of the long distance destinations in the country including the Ionian chain of islands as mentioned above.
The bus station is relatively easy to reach; public bus number 51 leaves from the corner of Zinonos and Menandrou Streets near Omonia Square every 15 mins between 05:00 and 23:30.
How to travel to Zakynthos: Athens – Kyllini – Zakynthos
The journey by bus to the Peloponnese port of Kilini takes approx. 4.5 hours. Don’t be put off by this, even when full the bus is quite comfortable and there’s a stop for about 20 minutes mid-way for a toilet break anytime to purchase snacks and drinks.
There are a couple of ferry lines to Zakynthos. Levante Ferriesis the newer one and slightly more luxurious.
Levante Ferries – How to travel to Zakynthos
Created by Zakynthian Giorgo Theodosis (Greeks may know him as the creator of telephone directory service 11880), he created the “Fior Di Levante” specifically to operate the route Kyllini to Zakynthos. Ashamed of the ferries offered by other operators, he wanted only the best for his island, believing (correctly) that the first impression a traveller receives is the most important.
Fior Di Levante
A custom made ship designed specifically for the route Kyllini – Zakynthos, bought in Korea, re-modelled in China at a cost of approx. €25 million, Fior Di Levante means Flower Of The East. Its maiden voyage was in December 2014 and it has been operating the route ever since.
As you can see, it’s a beautiful ship and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Captain on the Bridge. Personally, it seems a shame to use such a beautiful ship for a short distance. It is so well equipped that it would be better served for a longer journey from Piraeus to Zakynthos (currently there are no ferries that operate this route). But I guess the logistics of applying for this would take years to approve.
Internet on Levante Ferries
Another plus for this ferry is the great internet they provide free of charge. So once you’ve taken some great photos of the views, you can immediately share them with your friends.
The caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) decoration on the FiorDi Levante. Loggerhead turtles are native to Zakynthos and a popular tourist attractionYes, there was even a VW van on board Levante Ferries!Frieze along one wall in the Fior Di Levante ferry to Zakynthos. This depicts traditional Zakynthian music
Levante Ferries is really beautiful. Approx. one hour later I docked in Zakynthos.
Book your Greek island ferries here. I will receive a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you:
Once you arrive in Zakynthos, there are so many things you can do:
Zakynthos Town is the beautiful capital that has the famous church with bell tower. A good day trip away from the beaches.
Return bus tickets from Athens to the port of Kyllini cost approx. €45 (at time of writing)
Return ferry tickets on Levante Ferries from Kyllini to Zakynthos cost approx. €16 (at time of writing – and it’s well worth it, considering the luxury of the ship).
Have you ever taken a ferry journey that’s worth writing about? Share in the comments.
You’ve come to Greece for your vacation and stayed in Athens for a few days, looking at the alternative guide to visiting Athens. Afterwards, most people naturally want to head to one or a few of the Greek islands – my Insider’s Guide to the Greek Islands will help you choose which ones.
You have an idea of what to pack with my Greek island all round packing list, but what about how to travel to the Greek islands and using the ferries in Greece? Here I put together what I hope will be a helpful guide for you for taking the ferries in Greece.
Are you looking for a Greece travel guide that fits into the palm of your hand? My Greece’s Best travel app for Android, iPad and iPhone is just for you.
Insider tips for ferries in Greece: How reliable are ferries in Greece?
Ferries in the summer have a very reliable timetable, especially to the main Greek islands such as Rhodes, Kos, Crete, etc. But smaller Greek islands such as Symi, Halkiwill see you having to travel to Rhodes and then connect on smaller ferries, for example.
Insider Tips: When do ferries stop in Greece?
Well, they don’t really but winter timetables dramatically reduce.
Smaller Greek islands don’t have airports making travelling by ferry a necessity, so it’s important, I think, to get the whole experience, to treat the journey as part of your holiday. So if you want to go to a smaller Greek island – which is well worth visiting as they don’t attract package tourism, I’d recommend planning your visit or allowing yourself enough time to be spontaneous.
Ferries in Greece are really quite luxurious, like mini-cruise ships, actually, with a choice of places to eat, either sit on the deck (and watch the sun set – it’s beautiful), sit in an airline style seat or pay for a cabin.
Insider tips for ferries in Greece: Are they safe?
This is an excellent question. From a seafaring point of view, I have travelled on many different ferry companies in Greece to the islands and have never had a problem. Blue Star Ferries is one of my favourites as they have great facilities and cabins (plus I have a loyalty programme with them!). They operate mainly out of Piraeus and the ports around Athens (see below section).
From a solo female traveller aspect, again I have no problems. If you are travelling solo and want to book a cabin because your journey is long but can’t afford the cost of booking a cabin alone, then many ferry companies give you the option of sharing with a person of the same gender in either a two of four birth cabin.
I always book a two birth one and have even made friendships with the interesting people I meet!
Tip: Sometimes you may be lucky. Pay for a shared cabin and during off season (so not summer or spring), you may get lucky and have paid the cheaper price to share, but end up with the cabin all to yourself! This has happened to me several times, but it’s not guaranteed.
Procedure: You would request a shared cabin at booking stage, go to the reception desk of the ferry with your ticket on your date of travel and once you board. If you’ve booked a cabin, you will be given a keycard and shown to it.
Leave your bags, go and get a coffee, sit back and enjoy the journey!
It’s not necessary to get a cabin though: if you sit on deck, keep your bags with you (but mine has a padlock on it anyway and I take my hand baggage to the toilet with me) – just think what you would do with your luggage if you were in an airport.
Insider tips to Ferries in Greece – Wi-Fi
BlueStar Ferries has wi-fi, I can’t remember, to be honest, about the rest of them but I can’t see any reason why not.
You buy a ticket from the Reception – the whole journey from Athens to Rhodes which was an overnight and took about 11 hours (because it was going slowly and had many stops) only cost €5, but don’t forget it depends on satellite service and if many people are trying to use it. So my tip? Please don’t get funny if it doesn’t work. Just go with it and relax…you’re on a ferry / journey in a foreign country! And besides, if you really need internet that badly, then use your 3/4G.
Here is a video I took of a departure from one of the Greek islands at night – taken a few years ago now:
Insider tips: Where do I catch the ferries in Greece to go to the islands?
There are several ports around Greece and the capital, Athens, where you can travel to the islands. Click on the map below to give you further info.
This is where a majority of the ferries go from. Piraeus is directly linked from Athens airport by bus and also the city centre by a 30 minute metro ride…ticket costing only €1.40!
You can travel to many of the Greek islands – from the nearby Saronic islands such as Poros, the non-motorised island of Hydra and smaller islands of Aegina and Agistri – journey times taking up to roughly one hour depending on the type of ferry you take: hydrofoil or slow ship to islands as far afield as Rhodesand Crete (journeys can take up to 12 hours depending on stops and time of day).
Guide to Greek Ferries
Piraeus is undoubtably the largest in Greece and one of the largest in Europe as it also has a major container port as well as cruise terminal. As with most major port areas, it can be a little unkempt but there are interesting things to do here nonetheless. The Hellenic Maritime Museum and Archeological Museum are interesting, as well as taking a stroll along the yacht harbour of Zea and take a coffee, admiring the expensive yachts moored here. Fan of old neighbourhoods and neoclassical buildings? Then the colourful district of Castella, sitting atop Piraeus will suite you as you wander its streets and come across the large Prophet Ilias church and an open air theatre.
Fish restaurants are also popular here. Varoulko is a Michelin starred fish restaurant in Mikrolimano Marina.
Rafina is actually the second largest port after Piraeus and is only 6 miles / 10 km from Athens Int. Airport and 19 miles / 30km from the city centre.
Routes served from here include to Heraklion in Crete, Santorini, Ios (in the Cycladic islands), Paros, Mykonos and the smaller islands of Tinos and Andros.
It’s quite a commercial place so best to come and take your ferry and not really hang around.
Along the Athens Riviera – approx. 45 minutes from the city centre of Athens and only 30 minutes from Athens Int. Airport out at Spata is the port of Lavrio.
It’s much prettier than Piraeus as it’s less busy and things to do here include a mining museum – showing off its local mining heritage. There is also a 200 ft deep hole atop a hill – thought to have been formed many years ago by a meteor. You can also see a small island opposite Lavrio called Makronissos which served as a prison island. This makes Lavrio worth spending a day to explore before hopping on your ferry.
Ferries from here mainly go to the Cycladic islands of Kea and the smaller one of Kythnos, plus in the summer the beautiful island of Syros which attracts many artistic types.
Here you would travel by public KTEL bus (some have free wi-fi on board) from the Liossion bus station, or contact Jetatours who run buses especially for people travelling from Athens (useful as they time the buses to connect with the ferry times). In a roughly 2 hour journey to the town of Ag. Konstantinos, you would take ferries here to travel to the chain of islands known as the Sporades which encompass Skiathos, Skopelos (of Mamma Miafame) and Alonissos – where there is a protected Marine Park for Monk sealsand it’s possible to see dolphins.
Skiathos has an airport though, with many European connections and from Athens. So if you’re short on time,
Ferries to the Greek islands – Volos
Port of Volos Greece – LifeBeyondBorders
On the east cost of Greece, Volos is another way to travel to the Sporadic islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.
It’s further than Ag. Konstantinos at about 4hrs 30 mins by national KTEL bus service. Volos is considered the gateway to the mountainous Pelion region of Greece, so it might be worthwhile spending some time here to explore the villages of Pelion, enjoying the foods of Pelion and hiking in the region before then hopping onto your Greek islands ferry.
Ferries to the Greek islands – Kyllini
Kyllini is in the Peloponnese region of Greece and is the port used to travel to the Ionian island of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, if you’re choosing not to fly. Once on any of these main islands, you can catch smaller ferries to Lefkada and the beautifully traditional, quiet island of Paxos.
It’s a 3 hour bus ride from Athens though, so you might be better off flying! As popular tourist islands, Zakynthos and Kefalonia have many flights from across Europe and connections from Athens.
Islands served from Greece’s second largest city in the north of the country include the Sporadic islands (also served from Ag. Konstantinos and Volos), Karia, Lesvos, Limnos, Chios and Samos in the North Aegean – but journey times can take up to 8 hours and Thasos.
Insider tips to Ferries in Greece – How to book
Link to book your Greek island ferries below. I will receive a small amount of commission, at no cost to you:
There are also several agents around Athens that you can book from when you are here. Just pop in and make your reservation.
Do you need to book in advance? It’s very advisable to – especially in the summer. Personally, because I live in Greece I tend to be a little spontaneous and just book when I feel too hot. This old post of mine describes how I ended up on Sifnos island travelling from Piraeus and another spur of the moment decision to go to Naxos. In both these cases I went to Piraeus and took a chance – feeling adventurous. And as you will see, it was worth it. But I travel solo and I appreciate that not everyone can afford the luxury of being spontaneous, hence the booking engine above will help.
Guide to Ferries in Greece
I hope my guide has been useful for you. Have you travelled by Greek ferries? What was your experience? Share in the comments.
It prompted me to then write my Things to Know Before Travelling to Greece post and expand it further, looking at best time of year to come, public transport tips and recommended pre-reading (including my novel! See below)
Due to the popularity of these posts, I’ve decided to take a look at what local people and/or long term residents would recommend – how to travel responsibly in Greece. This is designed to help you when you visit this beautiful country, to travel responsibly in general and respect your host culture. It could, really, be applied to where ever you travel.
Looking for a travel guide to Greece that fits into the palm of your hand? Then my Greece’s Best Travel App for Android, iPad and iPhone is just for you.
Responsible Travel When in Greece
You’ll find some pet peeves from people to some responsible travel advice local to Greece which you may not have known about prior to coming. I hope it’s helpful.
Travelling responsibly in Greece – some tips:
Do not, under any circumstances, think it is ok to have your wedding abroad and pose for lewd pictures of yourself with your groom outside the sacred church.
This is a true story. I know the British can make a bad name for themselves a lot of the time when we travel (and I am British so I can say this – sorry, but we do).
Back in 2017, a British couple wed at St. Paul’s Bay in the Greek island of Rhodes and felt they wanted to ‘pose for a cheeky photo to reflect their sense of humour’. Unfortunately that ‘cheeky photo’ meant them posing on the beach with the church as the backdrop, with the bride undertaking a ‘lewd act’ on the groom.
I am unsure if the ban has been lifted. You can read more from this Daily Mail article. Many future husband and wives to be were considering suing the couple for ruining their future wedding plans as they’d already paid to be wed there.
Lesson? I think this is an obvious one. If you want to get married abroad, just respect the local culture. And think to yourself; would you do this in your home country?
2. Don’t take advantage of the Greek friendliness/philoxenia
Greeks are known for being incredibly hospitable and kind – there’s even a word for it: philoxenia. It literally translates as a ‘love of strangers’ and is shown in numerous ways ranging from the way Greeks often offer you free dessert at the end of your meal to the time when my elderly father came to visit, became lost in my neighbourhood and ended up having a whole kafenion (men’s cafe) come to his rescue to help him find my apartment building.
But just because it is bestowed upon you does not mean it should be expected. There is the risk that visitors get used to it – through no fault of their own – just naturally assume their dessert will be free, for example. Enjoy it and be grateful when you receive it, because whilst it’s famous in Greece, it’s not bestowed on just anyone…it is selective.
Be sure to travel responsibly when in Greece
Travelling responsibly in Greece: some tips
3. Do not make the mistake of assuming the Elgin Marbles belong in the British Museum
And whilst we’re at it, don’t actually call them that – they are really the Parthenon Marbles. For those unfamiliar with the history, the Parthanon Marbles are a collection of classical marble statues made and designed to be part of the freeze that adorns the Temple of the Parthenon and other parts of the Acropolis in Athens.
Between 1801 – 1812 agents of British Lord Elgin 7th removed about half of them and shipped them to Britain, claiming he had a an official decree for this – but this has always been in dispute.
Now housed in the British Museum, there has been an ongoing dispute and various actions and movements to bring the Marbles back to their (rightful) place. In 2014, UNESCO offered to mediate between Greece and the United Kingdom to resolve the dispute, although this was later turned down by the British Museum on the basis that UNESCO works with government bodies, not trustees of museums. Read more on Wikipedia. Matt Damon and George Clooney, along with human right lawyers such as Amal Clooney are just some of the high profile figures that have campaigned for their return, to be placed in the Acropolis Museum. But the British Museum remain resolute; they will only loan the Marbles back to Greece for a period of time (perhaps fearing if a bid to return these are successful, maybe half of the British Museum’s possessions will have to be returned!)
What are your thoughts? Where should they go? Just remember, it’s a contentious subject in Greece – one they feel very passionate about.
4. Remember the importance of Greek traditions when visiting villages
The local that contributed this advised she is fed up with seeing tourists stick their cameras and phones almost in the faces of elderly Greek ladies dressed in black as they wander around the villages.
Remember, it is tradition in Greece (not so much these days, but for the elderly), for widows to dress in black and they feel it is a reminder of their husbands.
Just ask if you’d like a photo. And it doesn’t matter if they don’t understand – universal gestures such as pointing at your camera and shrugging always gets the message across. See my image below as an example – this lady on the Greek island of Kastillorizo was more than happy when I asked her grandson. She was a lovely old soul and gave me some honey as a gift.
Remember that Greeks have traditions to be respected – ask before taking a photo
Also, this lady clambered into the back of my rental car on the Greek island of Karpathos when she literally stood in the middle of the road. She lived in a high mountain village and her only way of getting anywhere was to walk, then demand a car stop! She didn’t even ask me – she just clambered into my car and indicated I should ‘drive’ by pointing straight ahead.
She was more than happy to have a picture taken. It was a rather cute encounter!
Travelling Responsibly in Greece – some more tips
5. Don’t think that Greece is one big bazaar and it’s ok to haggle on every single price
Many locals have complained to me that visitors seem to think it is ok to haggle with, for example, a restaurant/taverna bill at the end of a night – or to haggle with buying an item of clothing in a clothes store.
Travelling responsibly in Greece means recognising Greece is a country where haggling does not take place in everyday businesses. It can be possible to do so when going to the local laiki – Farmers Market – but then again, prices are so cheap here, why would you want to haggle?
A neighbourhood Farmers Market in Athens where you could, potentially, haggle
6. Travelling responsibly in Greece means respecting the signs
I have heard from residents on the holiday island of Zakynthos that several times, when travelling to the Blue caves and Shipwreck Beach (for which Zakynthos is famous for), visitors routinely ignore the ‘Do not Climb the cliff face’ signage. Often keen to get the best Instagram shot, people can be seen climbing up even a bit of the rock face.
I hate to point out the obvious, but signs are there for a reason are they not? And don’t forget, earthquakes – which can be a common occurrence in this part of the world – can make geology a little unstable.
If it’s safe to go on the beach – fine! But don’t walk where you shouldn’t.
Zakynthos Informer is a great resource to help you when planning your holiday to this island.
Be sure to travel responsibly when in Greece. Follow my tips
7. Going where you shouldn’t for that perfect Instagram shot
An example of not travelling responsibly in Greece is when a long term resident of Santorini pointed out she is not happy when she sees people trampling over the blue domes of churches to pose for that perfect Insta shot.
I am trying to be a little ‘gentler’: people may not realise where they are standing. Santorini is an island that is staged you see, raising in stages from the sea up the caldera to the top. It is possibly easy to stand on the roof of a building without realising it. However, paths are very clearly marked out and one would have to deliberately step off a path to have a photo taken.
Please be mindful that anything with a blue domed roof – and white cross – is actually a church and it is not OK to stand on to get that perfect shot. Would you do this at home?
I hope these tips have been useful. Mostly, how to travel responsibly in Greece – or any country – means exercising common sense really, mostly a lot of visitors possess this. But there’s never any hard in arming yourself with some more knowledge of local do’s and don’ts and practices.
What do you wish people would/wouldn’t do when they come to your country? Share in the comments below.
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Follow my responsible travel tips for visiting Greece
As an island, Paxos is relatively small at only 30 sq miles. There are several luxury villas in Paxos to rent on this Ionian island, inviting the visitor to merely go and relax for a whole week or longer. As it has no airport and the best way to reach it is to fly to nearby Corfu and then get a small ferry journey (up to about an hour), it means it doesn’t attract the package tourism crowd…perfect!
Here you’ll find a great search engine to help you book your journey:
**Note: My trip to Paxos was hosted as part of research for Villa Glaros – a luxury villa on Paxos**
Things to do on Paxos – Luxury Villa Glaros to rent
As mentioned, many people come to Paxos to rent a villa. I had the pleasure of experiencing Villa Glaros during my hosted stay and would highly recommend this as the place to base yourself when coming to the island.
Exclusive Villa Glaros offers a whole host of amenities and would really suite an extended family or corporate break, with the following;
Direct transfer from Corfu to Paxos arranged for you
6 ensuite bedrooms sleeping 10-12 guests. 7 bedrooms if you choose not to utilise the services of the chef and concierge (yes – Villa Glaros even comes with its own chef and concierge, should you need it. See more further down).
Daily maid service
Grounds on 3-4 levels surrounded by pine trees with various secluded sun and seating areas
Views from the villa all out to sea/the mainland opposite
Option of having a resident chef and concierge who have experience of working in places such as Verbier, The Hamptons and Lake Como
Floodlit tennis court
Heated outdoor pool
Open air gym with high quality equipment
Tree house in the woods – great for children (and adults young at heart!)
Direct staircase to a private cove where you can swim/sea kayak – all equipment included
Small sailing boat available to take you around the island / to AntiPaxos. Skipper for this can be arranged
Appointments with experienced personal trainer, masseur, yoga teacher can be arranged
Be sure to check out more photos of Villa Glaros and Paxos Villa Greece’s interior and exterior on the Flickr Account of Heather Cowper. Be tempted to book!
Exploring things to do on Paxos
Whilst it is tempting not to leave your villa, there are several things to do on Paxos that make it worth taking the time to explore. During my time there I experienced a variety – from the ubiquitous beaches and boat trips to ancient wells and a traditional village I’d recommend.
And I would also recommend preparing yourself for your holiday to Paxos with my Greek island all round packing list – it’s really handy and comes with a free downloadable/printable checklist.
You’ll not necessarily need these on a Greek island, but my Recommended anti-theft travel items is a handy post that gives you tips from clothing with hidden pockets to secure baggage – perfect for your Mediterranean and European vacation.
Things_to_do_in_Paxos_Harbour
I’ve provided a handy map for you to see the location with a small description and images, so come and see what there is to do on Paxos:
Things to do on Paxos – Beaches and Harbours
Mongonissi Beach
Located in the south of the Paxos, Mongonissi is actually a small island linked by a causeway just 2 miles from the capital – Gaios – with rocky vegetation and a small sandy beach with a restaurant and cafe.
At the northern tip of the island by the lighthouse, Plani is a windswept, wild beach with big rocks that can be seen from the lighthouse. Park up here and then walk down, or accessible by boat.
Plani_beach_and_Faros_LightHouse_Paxos_Greece
Lakka
A few minutes drive away from Faros – the lighthouse, you’ll come to the picturesque traditional Greek harbour of Lakka with good tavernas and eateries as well as the blue water that makes Paxos a dream island – and which the Ionian chain of islands is so famous for.
Longos
More of a small harbour, Longos – also known as Loggos – is notable for its old olive oil processing factory – now an exhibition space. It’s a great place to take a boat trip to and anchor up and take a coffee or lunch in one of its many recommended eateries.
Lakka_and_harbour_of_Longos_Paxos_Island_Greece
Gaios
This is where many of the ferries will come into when arriving into Paxos. There’s no airport, so Gaios is a bustling new harbour town that offers many boutique shops, tavernas, gorgeous blue/green hues in the water and a vibe of Greek laid back cool.
It took a long time to find these Cisterns of Sarakinos. It’s always nice to stumble upon a rare gem when exploring though, and I do mean stumble!
Buried deep within the olive groves near the village of Boikatika, these small stone structures are found down an overgrown track. In olden times they covered water wells to keep them safe from animals. They’re deep and quite ‘spooky’ in a way, but very interesting and make for an alternative place to visit.
You’ll be hard pushed to visit any Greek island and not want to take a boat tour around it. Paxos is no different.
A boat tour around Paxos revealed many wonders such as the beautiful naturally formed arch, formed as part of a collapsed sea cave. Also called “Kamara”, Tripitos Arch can be found on the south coast.
A lot of Ionian Islands offer blue caves – indeed, Zakynthos is famous for its blue caves and shipwreck beach. The blue caves of Paxos on the west coast are stunning – and all the better because there not as spoilt by over tourism.
Blue_Caves_and_Tripitos-Arch_Paxos_Greece
Last but not least, a boat trip to Antipaxos is a must. It’s literally only 1.9 sq miles in size and only has a resident population of about 20! It comes alive in the summer though, with beach bars and tavernas opening up. A swim in the blue waters of Voutoumi beach is definitely recommended.
Enjoying_a_Swim_On_Antipaxos_Greece
Things to do on Paxos – Traditional village
Most of the towns are focused around the coast. There are a handful of inland villages, more hamlets than anything else. My favourite was Magazia – a delightful small hamlet with two tavernas and church, plus small ‘supermarket’.
Things_to_do_in_Paxos_Beaches_and_Villages
So as you can see, Paxos does offer some alternative activities beyond the relaxation in your luxury villa stay. Make the most of it: hire a car, take a boat trip and explore.
Throughout my time as a travel writer located in Greece, I am very lucky to have been able to experience various luxury hotel stays around both the capital, Athens, and various parts of the country. When I was offered the chance to experience a luxury villa in Paxos island, Greece, I jumped at the chance. I didn’t know Paxos as an island – and I hadn’t experienced many luxury villas in Greece. See here my Things to do on Paxos as I was pleasantly surprised.
Be sure to also check out my Greek island all round packing list to be prepared to pack all the right gear for your luxury villa stay on Paxos.
My experience of this luxury villa in Paxos, Greece was hosted. All experiences and opinions remain my own.
Luxury villa on Paxos island – where is it?
Paxos – also known as Paxi – is the smallest island in the Ionian chain of islandsIt has no airport so one would reach it by flying to nearby Corfu and then taking a short ferry ride.
Check and book your ferry journey here:
What makes it so special is that not many foreign tourists frequent this island, hence it’s retained a lot of its tradition. And it’s small – at just under 30 sq miles.
According to Greek mythology, Paxos was created when the God of the Sea – Poseidon – struck neighbouring Corfu with his trident in order for him and his wife, Amphitrite, to have some peace and quiet. I can safely say that Paxos will certainly give you that!
Take a look at my handy map of tips of where to visit on Paxos island when you come for your luxury villa holiday here. Click on the point of interest for more info/some images:
People who come to this quiet island are normally looking for a Paxos villa rental for their holiday rental here. So there’re looking for a Paxos luxury villa, normally to include a swimming pool if possible. In fact, ‘Villas in Paxos’ is a highly searched term on Google for the island. And I have just the villa to recommend for you.
Your luxury villa in Paxos, Greece awaits
Villa Glaros – Luxury villa rental in Paxos
I knew I was staying in a villa, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what type of villa I would be staying in.
Paxos luxury Villa Glaros – where it is
Away from the harbour of Gaios and heading towards Lakka (see map above), you’ll come across a small hamlet called Magazia that consists of:
One quaint supermarket
Taverna
Bakery
Kafanion
Church and small square
In pirate times, it used to be the island’s small capital as it’s tucked away inland slightly, amongst olive groves and pine trees so therefore in those times, not easily accessible. It’s really very pretty and traditional.
Magazia_hamlet_Paxos_Luxury_Paxos_Villa_Greece
Before you reach Magazia from Gaios harbour, however, you have to turn off down a small track. Don’t be put off by it because it’s VERY bumpy and a drive of what would normally take 5 mins on a smooth surface could take about 10-15 mins, depending on how confident you are driving.
And bear in mind: being a small island, there aren’t many automatic cars around so you’d be hiring a stick shift.
There are 4-wheel drives for rent – and I would highly recommend one for your Paxos Villa Greece luxury stay.
But fear not! Your drive will take you down this secluded track through pine forest and olive groves, so you’re happy in the knowledge that if it’s privacy and seclusion you’re looking for in your luxury villa rental, you certainly have it. And what a treat awaits you at the end.
See how remote the villa is? Guaranteed privacy at Glaros Villa in Paxos, Greece
Villa Glaros – luxury villa on Paxos island Greece
Behind its green gate – remotely opened and closed – after this bumpy ride you are rewarded with your private villa.
Where to stay in luxury on Paxos island, Greece. Paxos villa.
Pictures speak a 1000 words, but before rewarding you with a series of images to entice you to book Villa Glaros for your luxury villa stay on Paxos island, you can expect:
Direct transfer from Corfu to Paxos arranged for you
6 ensuite bedrooms sleeping 10-12 guests. 7 bedrooms if you choose not to utilise the services of the chef and concierge
Daily maid service
Grounds on 3-4 levels surrounded by pine trees with various secluded sun and seating areas
Views from the villa all out to sea/the mainland opposite
Option of having a resident chef and concierge who have experience of working in places such as Verbier, The Hamptons and Lake Como
Floodlit tennis court
Heated outdoor pool
Open air gym with high quality equipment
Tree house in the woods – great for children (and adults young at heart!)
Direct staircase to a private cove where you can swim/sea kayak – all equipment included
Small sailing boat available to take you around the island / to AntiPaxos. Skipper for this can be arranged
Appointments with experienced personal trainer, masseur, yoga teacher can be arranged
Bedroom_Luxury_Villa_in Paxos_Greece
For me, the best part of this luxury villa Glaros in Paxos was the fact I had a choice of pool AND to swim in the small private cove. And as a writer, it was the perfect place to reflect and think about my next assignment in complete peace and quiet.
Come and take a look around with me:
Pool and private cove in your luxury villa rental on Paxos Greece
Even with a big extended family group, there are plenty of spots to hide away in and escape.
View of your Luxury Villa on Paxos – Villa Glaros – from the private cove
As much as Paxos is a beautiful, untouched island – this is just the sort of holiday I would like to book as a hideaway.
Do you know anyone who would be interested in a luxury villa holiday on Paxos? Check out Paxos Villa Greece for more information and for prices. And be sure to quote ‘Life Beyond Borders’ when contacting them.
Also be sure to look at the CP Slippers – best slippers for on the go as they slip on/off easily
I’ll be honest, when Butterfly Twists sent me their Madison boot in Pewter to trial out, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Butterfly Twists Madison in Pewter
Who are Butterfly Twists and their great traveller shoes?
Their conception is quite interesting. According to their website:
In 2007, two brothers and their two oldest school friends made a bet that saw the unluckiest of them attending a party in a pair of six inch statement stilettos. What started as a joke, however, gave the boys the idea that would change their lives; a new found solidarity with the women enduring evenings out in towering heels started a conversation about footwear that might deliver a little glamour, without ruining a good night out.
And so, armed with the first hand knowledge that shoes should be comfortable, and comfort shouldn’t have to mean forgoing fashion, in two years the boys got together a design team to “combine a consideration for style and luxury with comfort and versatility”.
Butterfly Twists shoes
The company offer a variety of women’s shoes: Ballet pumps, Hi Tops(which is the branding my Madison in Pewter fall under), Wellies and Slip One.
I recently went on a trip to Slovenia and wore my Madison trainers pretty much daily. The great thing about them is that I found them:
easy to pull on
light, so therefore not taking up too much space in my case
even though light, supported my foot well
moulded into my foot
even though a practical shoe, they did, indeed, maintain a degree of style
These last two are probably because Butterfly Twists went to great lengths to ensure their soles are flexible and featherweight, so it really does feel as if you’re not wearing shoes at all – which is perfect for travelling! But oh look, when you look down, even after a long day trekking around a city centre seeing the sites, even though you may not feel it inside, I at least still looked a little glamorous on the outside.
Looking pretty good in my Butterfly Twists Madison shoes in Pewter
I think the boots would be perfect to wear at concerts / festivals, especially in the UK where it rains so much! I intend to buy a pair of boots myself for those long walks in the wet British countryside.
Butterfly Twists’ Eton Wellie in Navy and Coral – my favourite wellie! Source.
Final words about Butterfly Twists – best traveller shoes
Thank you for providing me with a free pair of Madison Pewter trainers to trial out. I have only had them one month, so cannot comment on the longevity of them.
I feel able to wear them with long black trousers, so they’d look smart enough to a semi-formal meeting, yet also for long sightseeing trips too.
I highly recommend to go to their website, check out their prices and try for yourself. Butterfly Twists are, after all – great traveller shoes.
Malaysia is a varied country; from the lush jungles and orangutans of Borneo in the north of the country, to the glorious beaches of Penang—if you’re looking to choose Malaysia as a destination for your next vacation, you can’t go wrong.
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I went to the island of Borneo many years ago; being a fan of animals and rehabilitation I was keen to see the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the Malaysian district of Sabah on the island, but I’ve never actually spent any time in Malaysia’s capital—Kuala Lumpur. So I decided to explore what this city has to offer the traveller and see if I can whet my appetite too.
Your Malaysian experience actually starts at the airport. Whether you’re just in transit to another Malaysian or onward destination, or checking in to depart after a break in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s premier airport has much to offer the traveller. As well as the usual transit hotel rooms that can be paid for based on an hourly rate (depending on how long your transit is), there is a movie lounge, spa, showers (for a fee), reflexology and massage centre to revive your weary traveller’s legs as well as numerous food halls and unarguably the best duty free shopping. It’s almost like a shopping mall.
Wi-fi is free for three hours.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Things to do in this cosmopolitan Asian city are endless. From landmarks, shopping, nature and parks to museums, there’s sure to be something to suite all tastes.
Standing at 1483 ft (452 metres) and 88 floors, South East Asia’s answer to the World Trade Centre with its sky bridge connecting the two buildings is a must visit for first time and returning visitors. Hard to miss, the structure symbolizes the tradition yet technological advancement of Malaysian culture and 29 high-speed passenger lifts can whisk you various levels, or the top, at between 3.5-6.0 metres per second. Pretty fast!
Kuala Lumpur City Tour
To make the best of your time during your stay, why not book a city bus tour? There are numerous companies to choose from and it’s a good way to get a taster of the city before deciding on which attraction you may want to head back to in order to explore in depth later. Chinatown, the Central Market, the National Mosque, Palace of Culture or the Menara KL Tower, all can be viewed on a city tour.
Menara KL Tower
Photo by Artist in doing nothing.
Built before the Petronas Twin Towers in 1995, the Menara KL Tower is another distinguishing landmark of Kuala Lumpur…the seventh tallest communications tower in the world, and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Standing at 1381 feet (421 metres), it’s a world base-jumping centre but also offers many other gentler attractions such as the Observation Deck, cultural shows, a light show and even an Upside Down house where you walk on the ceiling, effectively. A very interesting day out for individuals and all the family.
Central Market
As its name suggests, located in the heart (centre) of Kuala Lumpur and built in 1888—it originally served as a wet market ie: fresh meat, fish and produce. Today, heritage and architecture oozes from its pours, making Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market the unique shopping opportunity for authentic Malay souvenirs, collectables and traditional foods, all under one roof.
The National Palace
Opened in 2011 to replace the old compound, Istana Negara—Malay for ‘National Palace’—is located northwest of the city and is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the monarch of Malaysia. It’s an architecturally imposing building with 22 domes and spread over approx. 242 acres (98 hectares).
Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur
Places to stay in Kuala Lumpur range from backpackers style – catering to single female travellers, hostels located in authentic Chinatown and ones that book tours to budget hotels, business hotels or romantic hotels. Your choice of hotels in Kuala Lumpur is endless. There are the ubiquitous 5* chains such as the Intercontinental, Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt and Hilton to smaller, mid-range places. Most, if not all, offer pool and/or Jacuzzi, so you’re guaranteed a relaxing time after a hard day’s sight seeing around the capital. Or situated a small commute from the capital, hotels such as the Best Western Petaling Jaya—mainly suitable for shorter or business stays—or the more boutique style JJ Boutique Hotel offer a good alternative to staying in the centre of the city.
Kuala Lumpur—and Malaysia in general—is well known for being a successful melting pot of cultures, religions and cuisine. Of all the south-east Asian countries to visit, I would love to have the opportunity to spend some time in this city sampling its gastronomy, culture and traditions.
How about you? Have you visited Malaysia or spent time in Kuala Lumpur? What were your thoughts?
Depending on which boat you catch from Rhodes, Kalymnos is between two and five hours away. Apparently, Kalymnos island, Greece is one of the most wealthiest overall in Greece. I was lucky to be afforded the opportunity to visit this island on behalf of my Rough Guideresearch.
I loved staying at Villa Melina – a boutique grand old Venetian house in Pothia harbour, with a pool. The host spoke Greek, English, Italian and German.
The newly (2017) opened Arhontiko Hotel in Pothia is also gorgeous: small and affordable boutique with harbour views.
Villa Melina – restored Italian villa
Discover Kalymnos island – Greece
The main town of Pothia – where the ferry docks, is bustling with tavernas all eager to get the custom of the many yachts moored in the summer. To fully appreciate the island, hire a car and go to Vathy on the west coast, then up to Emborio, in the north. English is limited in these places, but it’s possible to get by with a smile and lots of hand gestures (See Google map above).
Locals going about their day
Not many British tourists visit Kalymnos, even though it is reachable by airplane. The small airport is located near Panormous in the west of the island. Mainly German, Scandinavian and French tourists come here.
Pserimos island
Pserimos is a separate island just off the coast of Kalymnos and can be visited in a day. There’s not a lot here; the odd taverna and beautiful beaches.
Kalymnos became famous for its sponge trade. Many Kalymnians made their wealth from diving for the Mediterranean sponges and selling /exporting. One thing’s for sure, buy a sponge from here and you know it’s a genuine one, from the Med. Buy one from a tourist shop in Plaka, Athens and it’s most probably imported from the Caribbean or Costa Rica.
Original sponges for sale in Kalymnos island Greece
Kalymnos island, Greece for walkers
Lastly, with its mountainous terrain, Kalymnos is popular for walkers. Not me though, once my research was done, I was quite happy to relax in the heat by the pool or the sea.
Athens, Greece is a city blessed with it all; an ancient capital with enviable famous sites, yet also some hidden spots, see my Insiders Guide to Visiting Athens for more.
Within half an hour you can be along the Athens Riviera and visit geological phenomenons such as Vouliagmenis Lake where you can swim in natural spa waters with Gara Ruffa fish.
Athens is also surrounded by three mountain ranges. One of them – Mount Parnitha – is a densely forested area to the north of the city with a hidden secret: an abandoned royal estate.
Mount Parnitha – Athens
30km/19 miles north of Athens and you’ll come to a densely forested mountain range – although in recent summers, wildfires gradually take their hold such as in 2005 and 2007. it has national park status and Parnitha’s highest peak sits at 1,413 meters/4,636 ft. The peak has a casino in which was once a hotel. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding area and not only, but also out to sea and the nearby Saronic islands.
It’s possible to reach the casino either by specially laid on bus from the city centre or you can drive, but a popular way is by cable car.
Day Trip from Athens – Mount Parnitha
Tatoi Royal Estate – Mount Parnitha, Athens
Only 30 minutes by car from Athens city centre, within the national park you come across the best reason for visiting Mount Parnitha, Tatoi – the abandoned royal estate of the original Greek Royal Family and the birthplace of King George of the Hellenes.
The property and its various farm buildings, even a designated cemetery for the old Kings and Queens of Greece, are spread out over 10,000 acres/4047 hectares where you can wander around and see, for example, the old winery, stables, pigsty’s and dairy.
It has a chequered past as the estate was:
destroyed by fire in the early 1900’s, possibly arson
taken by the Greek state when the Royal Family was banished from the country.
Mount Parnitha’s Tatoi Royal Estate – a Day Trip from Athens
In front of the main ‘palace’ itself is an empty swimming pool and the whole area – both the open spaces and woodland – makes for a wonderful place to walk around, hike on various trails and see an alternative side of Greece’s history. Many Athenians come here from spring to autumn to picnic in the open fields around and whilst the actual buildings cannot be walked inside for safety reasons, it’s possible to get up close.
I loved my afternoon there and would go back in warmer weather for a picnic.
Tips for the Tatoi Royal Estate and Mount Parnitha, Athens:
Tatoi is free to enter – there is no ‘entry’ fee as such because it’s open land and abandoned buildings
Be sure to drive. It’s a 30 minute drive from the centre and also means you can go on and explore more of this mountain.
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Mount Parnitha’s Tatoi Royal Estate – a Day Trip from Athens Greece
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Where is Karpathos?
Located in the south east Aegean sea, Karpathos is the second largest Dodecanese island in Greece, after Rhodes. Did you know, apparently Dodecanese actually means ‘twelve islands’ in Greek? Twelve is the number that make up this chain of islands (actually, there are more – but I’m guessing that twelve are the main ones), and I had the fortunate task of researching them to update the new edition of the Rough Guides to the Greek Islands, due for publication in 2018.
If you’re looking for advise on other Greek islands to head to, slightly off the beaten track, see my:
One thing I noticed about Karpathos is that it’s very mountainous – I mean very. I had a car waiting for me at the airport, kindly sponsored by Euromoto in the main town of Pigadia, and I drove to my accommodation. The drive from the airport is not a problem, a little twisty turny, but this can prepare you!
In fact, the landscape of Karpathos is quite barren, mountainous and with sweeping sea views. It’s certainly something different to enjoy.
Things to do on Karpathos – Visit the Villages
There are 12 main villages to visit on Karpathos island, ranging from seaside to mountainous locations. I won’t go into depth about all of them here, but will give you a taster.
Pigadia
The capital and main port of the island, to be honest, it’s more of a self-made touristy resort and in the high summer months (July and August), expect booming music from the package holiday hotels that front the seashore. If package holiday is your thing, then basing yourself in Pigadia is for you. My advice? There are some cute hotels located about 1km (0.6m) outside of the town – still walkable into town if you wish. Stay here, away from the hustle bustle and hire a car.
Hotel accommodation recommendations on Karpathos can be seen here.
Arkassa
Arkassa – Karpathos Island – Greece
16km (10m) south west of the capital, you’ll find the seaside village of Arkassa. Yes, it’s touristy but it still keeps its tradition and quaintness with stone houses and central church. There’s also a lovely sandy beach here to relax on once you’ve had a good lunch in one of the many tavernas.
Finiki
Fishing Village of Finiki – Karpathos
One of my favourite seaside villages, it’s 18km (11m) southwest of Pigadhia and has such a pretty location. It’s not really been touched too much by tourism and you’ll be able to dine at one of the few tavernas along the front there amongst the locals. As with Arkassa, you’ll find a lovely sandy beach, not too big, so roll into the taverna or sea – literally – before/after your meal.
My favourite restaurant was the Delfini restaurant (meaning ‘Dolphin’). Family run, it offers good meat grills and seafood – plus cheese made by the owner’s mother, and olive oil grown and harvested on their land and vegetables grown on the land too.
Amoopi
6km (4m) south of Pigadhia, whilst Amoopi is more of a beach destination, it has a small church and a good selection of places to stay, to suite all pockets (more on that in my other post). It’s quiet and the sandy beach offers shallow waters – making it great for families.
Amoopi beach – Karpathos Island – Greece
Lefkos
31km (19m) over twisty-turny roads from the capital, making the time of the journey longer than you’d think, you’ll come to the small beach of Lefkos. It’s partly nestled in pine forest cascading to the sea and once again, a fine selection of accommodation can be found, as well as tavernas that front the sea.
Olymbos
This has to be the highlight of any visit to Karpathos – but be warned; if you choose to visit this remote mountainous village by car, where the women still dress in traditional garb, although the road is now paved, it hugs the mountainside perilously and at 58km (36m) from the capital, can take up to and/or over and hour and a half to reach.
But it’s worth it.
Village of Olymbos – Karpathos – Greece
More often than not, it’s a good few degrees cooler up here as it’s almost permanently nestled in the clouds (it’s 2,918m – 9,573ft), so bring a jumper.
With a permanent population of just over 400 people, you can rest assured they love to see the tourists in the summer months. Maybe this is the reason for their attire. It’s certainly impressive.
Traditional Greek Island of Karpathos – Olymbos village
Another way to reach the village is by ferry boat from Pigadhia to the nearest ferry port of Diafani, then a bus will take you the rest of the way to Olymbos, and back again later in time to take the ferry back. Make a day trip out of it and travel by this way, I’d suggest – unless you are a really confident driver! Personally, the twisty-turny roads make me feel sick in the end, and constantly worrying if a huge truck will come in the other direction spoils my enjoyment. Far better to travel by sea and enjoy myself.
The beautiful Greek Island of Karpathos might not be well know, but it’s well worth a visit. Look at this beauty!
Things to do on Karpathos – Hiking
Karpathos is well-known for its hiking, due to its mountain vistas. You can choose your level of difficulty and length of time. They can range from anything from 2 – 5 hour hikes and take you though the most glorious scenery and views across the Mediterranean sea. Let Ecotourism Karpathos prepare a programme for you.
Things to do on Karpathos – Windsurfing
Due to the strong winds on some of the beaches, Karpathos is an excellent windsurfing spot. But if you’ve always fancied trying your hand at the sport, Chris School Windsurfing School can take you to calmer places and offer you lessons.
From charming traditional villages to relaxing by the sea, to more adventurous sports, I think you’ll agree that Karpathos has it all. I hope you’ll consider visiting this beautiful Greek island.
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Tips for where to go when visiting Karpathos island in GreeceBeautiful Karpathos, Greece
The Greek island of Skopelos in the Sporadic chain of islands is famous for the filming of the first “Mamma Mia!” film.
Skopelos, Greece: “Mamma Mia!” facts
Skopelos is less touristy than its neighbouring Skiathos, therefore quieter although it’s become busier in the years since “Mamma Mia!” – but not spoilt.
The shooting took place in August and September 2007 and lasted seven days – but the preparations for it lasted for more than 3 months) .
Filming also took place for 3 days at the neighbouring island of Skiathos with a total cast and crew of about 210 people. Skopelos hosted the majority of Greek filming.
Before my travel blogging days, I was fortunate enough to spend 8 days on the “Mamma Mia” island of Skopelos in September 2009, a perfect time of the year to go: the heat of the summer had burnt off leaving the sea beautifully warm and inviting – not to mention it being even quieter time due to most UK kids having returned to school.
How to travel to the “Mamma Mia” island of Skopelos
It’s possible to fly to Skiathos from various UK and European gateways and then take a ferry. A lot of charter flights go in the summer, as you can well imagine.
As I was already in Athens (due to start a job teaching later that same month), I arranged to travel by bus to the port of Agios Konstantinos then ferry across.
See my Insider Tips for taking Ferries in Greece for more information about the ports in Greece and what to expect when on a Greek ferry.
Searching online, I secured a lovely place to stay just outside the main town for €45 a night.
In total the journey from Athens to Skopelos takes about 5 and a half hours by bus to the port and then ferry ride. Incidentally, the ferry then continues on to the beautiful island of Alonissos.
Dimitris – the owner of the hotel – was there to meet me from the ferry and because he ‘knew’ someone – had arranged car hire for 15 Euros a day for me. I love the way it works in Greece.
Mamma Mia Island – Skopelos Greece
Mamma Mia on Skopelos island, Greece
I spent my days wandering in the pine clad groves, sitting drinking coffee, swimming and, of course, locating some of the spots “Mamma Mia” was filmed.
Most of the filming was undertaken at Kastani beach in the South West of the island – as well as some shots on the mainland/Pelion region of Greece.
The scene where there’s the beach bar and Tanya (Christine Baranski) and chorus sing, the bar and jetty were built especially for the production and removed after filming.
The church of the wedding is real – Agios Ioannis – but not in use now and therefore used as a film location.
Skopelos – The Greek Island of Mamma Mia Fame – the wedding scene church
Have you been to Skopelos? Or have you been to a film location? What did you think: did it meet your expectations after seeing the film? Share in the comments.
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Skopelos – Discover the Greek Island of Mamma Mia Fame
Zakynthos is a popular holiday island located in the Ionian sea / chain of islands on north west coast of Greece. You can take a direct flight to Zakynthos from many European airports, or if you’re in Athens, it’s possible to take a bus to the port of Kilini and travel to Zakynthos by ferry. Come and read about one of the better Zakynthos accommodation and where to stay.
There’s much to see and do on Zakynthos including:
Being a popular island, both with luxury and boutique clients and especially a package holiday destination, one place I particularly enjoyed staying in is the Windmill Bay Aparthotelin Argassi- part of the Windmill Hotels Zante that also offers accommodation down the road at Windmill Studios.
The Best Place to Stay in Argassi Zakynthos Greece
Note: I was a guest of Windmill Bay Aparthotel. All opinions and views are my own
Argassi beach is a very touristy destination, only 5km from the capital, Zakynthos Town and offers 1km of golden sand, water sports and the usual bars and tavernas that you’d expect to find from a package holiday destination.
Zakynthos accommodation – Windmill Bay ApartHotel in Argassi
I was lucky to base myself here for a short time. The Windmill Bay Aparthotel rooms are all actually 42 studio apartments sleeping between 2 -5 people with large bedroom, kitchen and dining area (equipped with hob to make light snacks, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, sandwich maker and cupboards to store everything) plus separate living area – and all have balconies with views to the pool and sea as Windmill Bay ApartHotel is right by the sea – great accommodation for couples and especially families.
My video gives you a much better perspective of the accommodation and how large it really is. As I was on my own, I felt like I should leave bits of clothing in each room to make the most of it!
Windmill Bay Aparthotel is one of the best hotels in Argassi to base yourself if you’re looking for a beach holiday of pure relaxation, in a home away from home environment.
Zakynthos accommodation – Booking Windmill Bay in Argassi
A lot of the UK (and Scandinavian) package holiday firms have Windmill Bay on their books such as TUI, Jet 2 and Apollo – basically the firms that have direct flights to Zakynthos. You can also book through Expedia and Booking.com, but you may get a better deal if you choose to book yourself directly with the hotel. For example, regular deals come up such as 15% off in low season (May and October).
It’s not a place that is open throughout the year and tends to open whenever Greek Easter starts (Greek Easter is rarely the same time as UK Easter, so double check dates) and is almost always closed by November.
Anadalis Restaurant
For me, one of the highlights of my short stay was a meal at Anadalis Restaurant. Opened in 2015, it’s attached to Windmill Bay and offers fine Mediterranean dining with a ‘twist’ where one can sit outside by the sea with gorgeous views across to Zakynthos Town. Definitely a place for meat lovers, take a look at their menu. Reservations are highly recommended as it’s not a place just for hotel guests.
Anadalis Restaurant – Windmill Bay Aparthotel – Zakynthos, Greece
All in all, as a best hotel in Argassi, Zakynthos – the Windmill Bay Aparthotel is a good choice for a week’s vacation if you want to relax and unwind with plenty of space and good value for money.
