Greece
Greetings!
Athens and Santorini don't really qualify as off the beaten path in Greece, but the Peloponnese peninsula does as it isn't typically on the usual Greece itinerary. I recently returned from visiting all three of these locations and am excited to tell you about them!
First stop was the Peloponnese peninsula. Located at the foot of Mount Taygetus and surrounded by a private forest is Euphoria Retreat in the town of Mystras. This is off the beaten path in the very best way! A driver from the hotel met us at the Athens airport and drove us the 2.5 hours to the sleepy town of Mystras.
A boutique hotel combined with a holistic spa that completely rewrites the wellness experience. Taking inspiration from Greek and Chinese healing philosophies, there is something for everyone. Morning hikes, the sphere pool, yoga, nutrition consultation, beautiful surroundings and delicious food. Staying at Euphoria Retreat was an incredible restorative escape.
Another stop on my trip to Greece was the island of Santorini. The blue domes of Fira and Oia are stunning but the hordes of people snaking along the narrow passageways can ruin the experience...and the view. We tried to watch the sunset but even in late October there were so many people lined up that most of what you saw was someone's back.
I stayed at a gorgeous resort, Nous Santorini in the village of Mesaria, less than 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the town of Fira. Many of the hotels in Santorini are on a cliff facing the sea and the sunset. When I realized that Nous Santorini did not have that view, I worried that no one would want to stay there. I couldn't have been more wrong! The resort is spacious and quiet, with a stunning 50m pool, incredible spa and delicious food & beverage options.
It was easy to get to Oia for the sunset and then escape back to the resort.
The trip began and ended in Athens. I was with a small group of travel advisors and we had a private food tour on our first day and a tour of the Acropolis on our last day. I thoroughly enjoy a guided tour to get oriented to a new city and point out things that I would never notice or know about.
I haven't even mentioned the food, or wine. I had plenty of both and thoroughly enjoyed everything! With a combination of fresh ingredients and olive oil...it's hard to go wrong.
Is Greece on your list? Contact me to talk about it!
Something to keep in mind...
If you are planning to travel to Europe in 2024, here are two major events you should be aware of and plan your travel accordingly.
The Summer Olympics are being held in Paris from July 26th to Aug 11th. That means higher prices, more people and limited availability for hotels.
Taylor Swift is touring all over Europe next summer. From Paris to Lisbon, Edinburgh to Vienna...if she has a show in the city you are visiting, most hotels are already sold out. Here's a link to her concert dates.
