Published 24th Aug. 2026
Written by Emily Rister
Reading time
On a recent research trip to Greece, our Europe specialist, Emily, spent three days exploring the Athenian Riviera, Porto Heli and the island of Spetses. From sunrise yoga overlooking the Aegean Sea and cruisin’ around on a yacht to evenings spent stargazing beneath sparkling constellations, it was certainly an adventure to remember. She returned home sun-kissed and eager to share notes from her travel journal, teeming with tips, tricks and plenty of inspiration for your next Greek getaway...
I spent a few days hopping between mainland Greece and then to one of the Saronic Islands. It was such a dream. After touching down in Athens, I explored the glamorous Athenian Riviera before heading south to the chic seaside town of Porto Heli and finishing the trip on the charming Spetses – because every Greece itinerary deserves at least one island thrown into the mix.
I managed to pack quite a lot into just a few days. Mornings began with yoga overlooking the Aegean Sea before I swapped the yoga mat for a padel racket – a sport that’s absolutely everywhere in Greece right now. I even tried a cryosauna experience, stepping into a super cold chamber designed to help with relaxation and muscle recovery – a very refreshing respite from the balmy temperatures outside!
In the evenings, I made time to slow down and enjoy some stargazing, which was a lovely way to switch off after adventure-filled days. One of the biggest highlights, though, was cruising over to the island of Spetses on a private yacht. Safe to say I felt very glamorous for the afternoon.
The real standout for me was the astronomy and stargazing experience in Porto Heli. It was led by Dr Emmanuel Apostolakis, an astronomy expert with more than 15 years of experience and former Head of Greece’s largest educational observatory, so I knew I was in good hands from the start. He brought along the Hyperion Telescope, the only privately owned telescope of its kind in the country and the views through it were incredible.
The skies were unbelievably clear, and through the telescope I spotted Jupiter, Venus and a close-up of the Moon. Sitting beneath a blanket of stars, with barely any light pollution around made the whole experience feel very special. It was a proper bucket-list moment.
Absolutely! Spetses Island was one of my favourite discoveries from the trip. It’s easy to reach from the mainland, but it feels much more under-the-radar compared to some of the better-known Greek islands. There are no cars, so everyone travels by horse-drawn carriage, bike or on foot, which gives the island such a relaxed vibe. I loved wandering along the harbour, swimming in tucked-away coves and stopping for long dinners by the water.
Strapatsada on repeat. I ordered it pretty much every morning for breakfast and was never bored. It’s a traditional Greek dish made with scrambled eggs, fresh tomato, feta and herbs, and when you’re eating it in the sunshine with a sea view, it’s hard to beat. My stomach’s rumbling just thinking about it!
I also had so much delicious seafood, from charred octopus to fresh seabass and prawns straight off the grill. Add a glass of chilled white wine, plus the warm hospitality everywhere I went, and I was very happy indeed.
Sunrise yoga overlooking the sea from my private villa in Porto Heli was a first for me – and a pretty incredible way to start the day. It was the perfect chance to stretch out tired muscles after long days of exploring, slow down for an hour and attempt to find my inner zen, all before breakfast.
The Amanzoe Hotel in Porto Heli was honestly an experience in its own right. Everything was immaculate, from the grounds and the beautiful private pavilions to the food and the views stretching out across the coastline. It all looked like it belonged on a film set, quite literally, given that Knives Out 2: The Glass Onion was filmed here.
I think what surprised me the most was just how beautiful the coastline is and how close it is to Athens. Within a 30-minute drive of leaving the city centre, I was at the Athenian Riviera, surrounded by sparkling waters and stylish beach clubs. I thought Athens was all history and ancient landmarks, so discovering this gem was such a nice surprise.
Don’t overlook early May for mainland Greece. I think a lot of people automatically assume you need to visit in the height of summer, but honestly, the timing felt spot on. The weather was glorious – warm, sunny and perfect for days of exploring without feeling uncomfortably hot. Best of all, everywhere felt much quieter, so I could enjoy each place without the peak-season crowds.
All blog images by Emily Rister
Header image by Mehmet Talha / Unsplash
We have travelled all over mainland Greece and its island-studded ocean to seek out the best spots, allowing us to plan truly bespoke trips. Whether touring the Acropolis with an art historian or meeting seasoned ceramicists at a local workshop, we work with the best local guides to help you get under the skin of Greece. We know how to avoid the crowds and the heat (like only booking Olympia tickets after 4pm), while our clued-up Concierges are our eyes and ears on the ground, offering insider tips on the hottest tickets and newest openings. This means we can recommend hidden island hideaways before the masses find out about them...
Enquire nowPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to romance, Greece’s islands set the bar high. From Paros’ sun-kissed beaches and Folegandros’ blush-pink blooms to Sifnos’ culinary delights and Hydra’s slow-paced streets, each island radiates beauty. Whether you fall in love with the sunset in Santorini or the atmosphere in Apollonia, the perfect spot awaits. Read on to discover the most romantic islands in Greece... Paros Folegandros Sifnos Hydra Santorini Paros Best for:
27th October 2025 - Greece Travel Inspiration
On a recent research trip to the Peloponnese in Greece, our Europe specialist, Emily, self-drove around the region’s most photo-worthy spots. When she wasn’t basking in the sun on Elafonisos’s beaches or devouring Greek dishes at local tavernas, she was putting on her history hat and exploring the ancient archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. From Arcadia’s muscular mountains to the velvety sands of the Mani Peninsula, it was an adventure to remember.
17th June 2025 - Greece Travel Tips
Often overlooked by holidaymakers seeking an authentic Greek experience, the Saronic Islands deserve their moment in the spotlight. Boasting the quintessential Greek combination of dazzling blue sea, skies and vivid green pine tree-covered hillsides, Spetses is one of the best-kept Saronic secrets (until now). Wealthy Greeks have been frequenting their villas on the idyllic isle for years, parking their superyachts offshore for the season; come September, the millionaires have left, and the island reverts to its charming normality.
8th June 2025 - Greece Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
