Regional Guides

Most people know Mykonos as an overtouristed destination with fancy yachts, celebrities, and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning. However, Mykonos wasn’t always like this. Only about 5 decades ago, Mykonos was much like other Greek islands in the Cyclades, with their quiet fishing villages and slow pace of life. In the past, as was captured by photographers like Lizy Manola and Robert McCabe, who visited Mykonos before the tourism boom, Mykonos was a quiet place. It used to be made up of rural families who lived in so-called “little villages.” A family’s land was called a “little village” because each family’s field contained a grouping of small buildings. Each building had its own function and supported the others.

Samos is a one of a kind island in the Eastern Aegean. It is known for its lush greenery, quaint villages, and stunning beaches. Uniquely, Samos is very close to the Turkish coast, so there are daily ferries to Kusadasi in Turkey. Samos is also a great place to hop to the nearby islands of Ikaria and Fourni.

Elafonissos (sometimes spelled Elafonisos) is a tiny island in the southern Peloponnese that is not far from Monemvasia. It is known for its complete relaxation. The name means “island of the deer.” It has Carribean-like beaches with gold sand and clear waters. Simos and Lefki beach are well-known as the top beaches of the island. The evening time is a great time to head to town for a taverna dinner and a drink as you watch the sunset. The island should not be confused with Elafonisi, which is an even smaller island off the west coast of Crete.

The ferries of Greece are like a wonder of the world. During the summer, they connect dozens of Greek islands, bringing millions of travelers to their destination. The boats are well-maintained and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each island group has their own ferry companies, and some ferries also let you take your car.

Evia (Euboia) is Greece’s second-largest island after Crete. It is known for its beautiful beaches, varied geographical sights, remote churches mountains, and wine regions. Its capital city of Chalkida is known for its archaeological sites and uniquely has a tide that shifts every 6 hours. One popular day trip from Evia is Skyros island.

Have you heard of the island of Lipsi? It’s one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese, and it is known as one of the most sustainable Greek islands. In Lipsi, both the municipality and local residents have agreed to discourage the building of swimming pools in order to stop water waste.

The gem of Chrissi (Chrysi) island is off the south coast of Crete. It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 initiative. It is known for its natural beauty, white sand beaches, and turquoise water that is ideal for snorkeling and diving.