Greek Islands

Surrounded by the big blue Greek islands have the reputation of combining many captivating emotions. This is the reason being so famous for their beauty, calmness and friendliness for the visitor. Greek Islands are a nice and honest representation of what Greece truly is, although the last couple of years this field is dominated by rather negative publicity. In the islands the people live in way different every day rhythms rather than the city centers. Being quiet is mainly the idea and no one is really in a hurry for anything.

The last years there has been a big progress towards the friendly environment for a visitor to arrive, the locations and available places to visit have been upgraded to the highest standards. Although someone could argue this was something that could diversify the originality of these places, still the Greek Islands have kept their original mentality and tradition.

Famous for their beaches you could find from rocky and wild locations to huge sandy gold beaches to visit. If someone wants privacy there are some private beaches which actually this would mean a hotel beach. When a beach is described as “private”, it means that the property has direct access to the beach, that access by road is difficult, and that few people go there. Some areas of a beach are in practice private because the house has been allowed to adapt/furnish it, so people to tend to stay away, but this is not a legal requirement.
Access to any beach by boat is a universal right, so beachfront + August + privacy are not a realistic combination!
Houses on beaches are divine in calm, hot weather, but in windy weather, be prepared for spray and dust! Beachfront houses tend to be simpler in style and furnishings more casual, partly because the lifestyle is barefoot and wet-bikinis, and people don’t want to worry about sandy feet or salt water on the deckchair mattresses.

Visiting the Islands off season

Advantages: The quality of life improves – Food is better, people have more time for you, beaches are quiet if not deserted, islands revert to being real places rather than tourist resorts, even Mykonos. Nights are cooler, this is the best time for walking, exploring, visiting archaeological sites and churches.
Disdvantages: Bars and tavernas may be shut, After early September, weather is no longer high summer – be prepared for some rain/wind/cloud, if only for a few days, but the sea is warmer and clean, the sun is milder, the evenings are longer and there is a very mellow quality to life. In spring, weather is not yet proper summer – you could get 80 degrees and sun, you could get a cold, windy spell – 60-70 degrees. The sea is colder, the days are long and the sun is extremely strong though the cooler air temperature will fool you – factor 30 sun cream!

Visiting well known places

Advantages: Easy access via airports and good, fast hydrofoils, boats and ferries. Better infrastructure such as broadband lines, easier to source things like gluten-free/lactose-free groceries, more sophisticated dining, shopping, organised beaches and plenty of water-sports. There is more to keep youngsters and party-goers happy. See and be seen, Mykonos and Santorini are hip! The beaten track is usually beaten for a good reason – pretty villages, great accommodation, good services and wonderful beaches.
Disadvantages: In high summer, expect crowds in the villages, crowded beaches, bus traffic, hassle, noise and expensive prices! Flights, ferries, car rentals, taxis, restaurant tables and beach umbrellas all need to be reserved well ahead.

Visiting not so common places

Advantages: Less people, unspoilt landscape, uncrowded beaches, traditional values and village life. Get away from it all and slow down. True hospitality offered by locals, another world from the one you probably come from. Can be totally idyllic.
Disadvantages: Infrastructure such as telephone lines and power can be a bit dodgy, especially in or after storms! Broadband and mobile reception can be spotty. Telephone lines going over the hills tend to get nibbled by goats…. Rustic life can also mean cocks crowing, dogs barking, and, sadly, inadequate litter control. These islands are generally harder to get to. No Nobu’s or fusion cooking, (or should this be under advantages?) Houses tend to be less luxurious as equipping and furnishing houses on these islands is complicated, so owners try to keep it simpler.