Cupped into a bay on Samos’ northeastern coast, Livadaki Beach combines a tucked-away location with plenty of amenities, making it perfect for escaping the main resort beaches without cutting yourself off from the world. Hit a sun lounger on the sands, bathe in the shallows, and enjoy the fun vibe and food at the popular beach bar.
An intimate winery on the Santorini beachfront, Gaia Wines majors on the island’s signature assyrtiko white grape. One of Santorini’s most innovative winemakers, founder Yiannis Paraskevopoulos produces aged vinegars, vinsanto, and elegant white wines, while techniques include wild fermentation, clay aging, and undersea maturation.
Set slightly back from the Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion, a cluster of high vaulted tunnels is all that remains of the city’s Venetian Shipyards. Four old tunnels rest side by side towards the south of the harbor; one newer tunnel remains to the east. Their impressive scale shows how big the Venetian ships of yore were.
If it’s sun and sand you seek, there are few better places on Andros than Achla Beach. This arc of fine-pebble sand on the island’s east coast is framed by hills that buffer the wind and deter many land-based travelers. While it’s definitely secluded, the beach doesn’t quite get the summertime solitude it deserves, with many travelers now visiting by boat from Chora.
Ask anyone for their favorite beach in Andros, and Zorkos Beach often tops the list. This beautiful bay has it all: clean water, a seemingly endless stretch of fine sand, nearby tavernas, and it pulls off the rare feat of being reasonably accessible yet somehow off-the-grid. Caves, rocks, and sweeping sea views all add to its appeal.
Also known as Vathis Valos, Agios Georgios Beach is a sheltered crescent of coarse golden sand, which typically has sunbeds and parasols for hire come summer. Located on the southwest side of Antiparos, it boasts great views of the island of Despotiko across the water, and its sanctuary of Apollo archaeological site.
Set on the far southern coastline of the Peloponnese, Mavrovouni Beach offers a wide stretch of sand that extends for more than 3 miles (6 kilometers)—long enough that it never seems crowded, even in the busy summer months. Rent an umbrella and beach chair to bask in the sun, frolic in the transparent water, or try your hand at windsurfing or other water sports.
Blessed with an ideal climate for grape growing and renowned as one of the most important Greek wine growing regions, the island of Rhodes has nurtured a tradition of wine production since the seventh century BC. The cultivation of Malvasian grapes really put the island on the map, fast becoming one of the principal Mediterranean wines.
Ithomi is best known for the magnificent ruins of Ancient Messene (sometimes called Ancient Messini) set at the foot of Mount Ithome. While it’s as striking as other Greek archaeological sites, Messene sees fewer tourists. Visitors can marvel at the marketplace (agora), stadium, and monumental gate, and visit the small museum.
