Vacations in the island of Skiathos – Sporades

Wonderful Skiathos

Sκiathos island! The most famous one in the cluster of Sporades. It is called “the island of Papadiamantis” as a tribute to the famous Greek writer who was born and lived his life on the island of Skiathos. You can even find his house remaining as it was back then in the city center. Nevertheless, the magic of Skiathos is far exceeding his historical figure. Perfect blue waters, astonishing beaches, parties, sunsets, and all kinds of experiences are waiting.

First encounters

While in the main part of the island, you can find the old Venetian fortress that nowadays hosts the Nautical Museum. Besides, you can easily visit the medieval monasteries of Skiathos for a strong experience.

But I shall remind you now that you are on an island. Therefore, instead of just visiting the mainland is wiser to discover it all around.

Just hop off to the truly magical experience that Skiathos has to offer!

Although being on an island for vacations is great, it is different from the city and you can’t just visit every corner of it. Especially if you are a beginner at island hopping. But, my friend, you have nothing to worry about as we are here to help you achieve exactly that.

Proper exploration in Skiathos

Firstly, being there, it means that you can discover lots of beaches and every part of the island. Secondly, with hopwave, you can even explore other beautiful islands around and amazing remote beaches. All in less than a day!

Some of the most famous ones are Koukounaries and Lalaria. Koukounaries is a part of the island that took its name from pine trees existing all over the area. The majestic beach you will find there is called Xrisi Ammos (Golden beach) because the sand is truly glowing like gold. Being there, dare to test yourself a little bit more by trying some water sports, extreme and not only.

On the other hand, Lalaria beach is the other way around. You can reach it, by small boats existing in the old port of the island. Lalaria beach has not consisted of sand but from rocks and pebbles. The main rock has a path that looks like an arch, reminding you of a fairytale. Adding the clear blue waters, the scenery becomes fully romantic and of course…Instagram friendly!

Other beaches you shall see

Vasilias (king), which is a Blue Flag awarded sandy beach, easily accessible by urban buses. Moreover, Achladies that is very near to the mainland of the island, perfect for water sports fans and a windsurfing experience. Kolios, for all those who like fancy and chilling island experiences.

You gotta catch them all!

So my friend, are you still waiting? Hop off to the most unique experience of your vacations and explore the magic of Greece!

The Art of Enjoying a Sunset in The Greek Islands

A Sunset for Kings & Queens

One of the most famous events in the Cyclades are the breathtaking sunsets. All of them are majestic in their own way. A perfect sunset can transform a normal evening to a unique summer experience. But, which sunset is the best one for you?

A family of 220 islands at the center of the Aegean sea is waiting and therefore, you can choose between more than 220 unique sunsets to live your own myth. Sometimes they can be overcrowded, other times not. It is possible to spend your night with a drink at a bar or just with a friend on a bench. As always, you are responsible for your experience. Take a look at our favorite ones!

Santorini, The famous Sunset

Believe me, watching the spectacular view of caldera all day long is not enough. The palette of colors that you can ob at the cliffs is like a natural miracle. The perfect spot is Oia but you have to be prepared before it gets overcrowded. That’s why visiting off-season is a wise choice. Oia’s sunset is the event of the island. You should come early to secure a spot in the street or on a wall. People go to great lengths to capture the moment, they are clapping when the sun is disappearing and you will see them holding a bottle of wine to celebrate it.

Sunset tip: If you would prefer a spot that is less crowded, there is a hill outside Oia, located off a dirt road north of the little town. This hill is your best chance to enjoy the show without the crowd.

Naxos, The Sunset & the Monument

The best place to watch the sunset at the island of Naxos is definitively the Great Door, “Portara”. It lies close to the port, on the islet of Palatia which date back in the ancient times, a strip of land connected the north side of Naxos port to the islet. “Portara”, it is the remnant from the ancient temple of the Greek God of music and poetry, Apollo. It is not easy to imagine a more poetic moment than the one that the sky will be orange and the emblematic form of the gate will be standing over there since 500 B.C.

There is silence. You can feel both the present and the past at the same time.

Sunset tip: The majority of the visitors are leaving the islet right after the sunset but that’s not the case with you. Stay there and enjoy the scenery less crowded and more colorful. Interesting arrangements of blue and grey are going to appear before the total black of the night and the final combination will seduce you.

Mykonos, The almost Italian sunset

Mykonos is all about the party and the fun. Nevertheless, a break is always welcome. The village of Mykonos is beyond incredible and picturesque for the human eye. The neighborhood of “Little Venice” is replete with elegant and gorgeous old houses, balancing precariously on the edge of the sea.

These houses are 18th-century fishing houses with balconies where you can enjoy the view of the sea. Originally, they used to belong to shipping merchants that gave them direct access to the sea. These old fishing houses have long gone and now these buildings have been transformed to cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The sky offers some brilliant colors of different versions of orange and pink. Hold no doubts, your mind will be mesmerized from the colorful reflections on the water.

Sunset tip: If you want to watch the sunset from the “Little Venice” balconies, you should arrive earlier because it can be really busy in the evenings. If you plan on having dinner at one of the restaurants, you should phone ahead to reserve a table.

Milos, The Romantic sunset

On a hill of 220m above sea level, Plaka was originally built for the protection against pirates and it is known as the best and most popular place in the island to watch the sunset. As a result, it is always full of people by the end of the day. You can go to “Panagia Korfiatissa” church that is the cathedral on the highest point of the island and enjoy a dreamy sunset right from its marble yard. Whether you are a couple or just you and your romantic soul, we definitely recommend it to go there.

Sunset tip: If you prefer waiting for the sunset with a beer or a glass of wine, you can visit the cafeteria with its amazing views on the western side of Plaka. Just return back there on time and finish your drink later.

Sunset or sundown is the daily disappearance of the Sun below the horizon due to Earth’s rotation. Boring? Maybe.
Obviously, there are plenty of sunsets that you are ignoring during your daily routine. But, when you are traveling through the Greek islands, you should really take your time and enjoy a sunset. You will notice that sunsets are not boring at all.

You can take photos or just stay calm, breath and think. You can wonder how many colors is possible to exist at the same moment in the sky. You could also dream with your eyes open.

You are watching something that is ending but still, you know something new is about to begin. Like everything in life.

Off-Season Traveling: Advantages & Recommendations

Off-season traveling-Greek Islands

Late September is a reality and another summer is reaching its end. Can I still travel to the Greek Islands?

— Absolutely!

Okay, we all know that these places during summer time are glorious. But, don’t you find it strange that nobody ever talks about the rest of the year? It is a great misconception that Greece is exclusively a summer destination. The country provides a serious and diverse amount of beauty despite the season but the summer is absorbing the fame.

A quite different story

Instead of parties, high temperatures and long days to the beach, visualize yourself exploring graphic villages and fascinating towns, hiking the mountains and meeting delightful local spirits. Just follow the trails and prepare yourself. Wonderful surprises are on your way! Off-season vacations in the Greek islands is a tranquil experience, but there can always be a lot of adventure if you want it so.

Off-season traveling Advantages

So, why to travel off-season? First of all, The tourism industry is closed and this is a gift. You have no other option but being in touch with the true culture of the island, meeting the locals and eating in the same restaurants. Consequently, the food will be sublime. In terms of demand, there is no comparison between the summer season with the rest of the year. The prices are great.

You are receiving high value wandering around breathtaking scenery at affordable costs.

In addition, you have the privilege to avoid overcrowded streets enjoying every view without the need to rush at any point. Don’t worry. There will be enough time to experiment with your camera or imagination.

More good news? The climate is truly gentle compared to other destinations. If you are used to cold and heavy winters with below zero temperatures, Greece will be easy like a Sunday morning.

Recommendations

In the meantime, it is time to make decisions. Which island suits you better?

Maybe Naxos?

Numerous picturesque mountainous villages are waiting to be explored there. The scenery is qualified enough to make you feel like the leading actor in a slow atmospheric movie. Nature is astonishing, the local food is heaven and it’s almost obligatory to taste the wine. Don’t forget to visit “Portara”, a gate of an ancient Greek temple for Apollo, and “Kastro”, a castle from the medieval times. Certainly, wandering around villages in Naxos is something that you will remember for many years.

Or Crete?

The biggest island in Greece! You need a car for proper exploration and definitely a week. In the big cities ( Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno) there are universities, so expect students and an active nightlife. Mountains, villages, tradition, and every part of your imagination can be satisfied on this island. Crete is a dreamy destination and a unique experience for every kind of traveler.

Santorini?

I am sure that even once in your life you have heard someone talking about this glorious island. It is one of the most famous Greek destinations and among the most praised islands of the world. When you are traveling off-season, you have the priceless opportunity to enjoy this piece of art without dealing with tourists that can ruin part of the experience. A blissful walk from Fira to Oia is highly recommended. When you arrive at “red beach”, you might feel like exploring Mars or a parallel universe. It’s up to you! Plus, the prices are amazing for Santorini!

What about Milos?

Unique rocky coastlines and landscapes will surely transform your senses in a strange but wonderful world. Everything is a result of the volcanic activity in ancient times. Drink Greek tsikoudia to warm the day up, and be ready for spectacular views, restaurants and naturally friendly people. Off-season traveling in Milos is a “one of a kind” experience.

And, what about Corfu?

Οdysseus’s final stop before reaching Ithaca, well known for its cosmopolitan character and style. Corfu’s old town is a masterpiece. Follow the pathways and explore different cultures by visiting museums and temples. Finally, relax with the charming environment at the Korission lake. You might find your Ithaca there!

Every island accessible by ferry or airplane will have life and visitors.

Rhodes,
Evia,
Mykonos
Kea
Lesvos
Paros

All great choices, just to name a few. Moreover, you are always getting something special in spite of your choice.

A useful tip

Before booking tickets and hotels for different islands, make sure that there is a boat between them on this specific day. Nobody likes unpleasant surprises.

Break the illusion

Off-season traveling in Greece is seriously underrated and the world should know about it. For artistic souls, writers, couples, or those who love meditating in the silence of nature, Greek islands will feel like a paradise on earth. One of our first aims at hopwave is to create travelers, not common tourists!

Integrity in our vacations is priceless cause everyone is dreaming a different version of a paradise. Be brave! Dare to follow your path. You will never regret it.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

Naxos Tips: How to reach an obscure peaceful beach

Naxos Tips

Naxos is the largest island in the Cycladic region, it can offer you various kinds of activities, famous for sandy beaches and picturesque villages. But, what about these travelers that are looking for serenity and tranquility?

If you want to find the place where time can stop, you have to wait…From Chora of Naxos, there is a bus heading towards the northern part of the island only on Mondays and Fridays. You could also rent a car. But why don’t you wait?

You usually have to wait for that which is worth waiting for.

-Craig Bruce

Imagine this. It is Friday (or Monday) and you are waiting for the bus. It is noon and you are watching the port, ancient artifacts and the people that are walking under the hot sun. When the bus for “Apollonas” is here, you will notice that is full of local people. You have a huge backpack with you. They will be probably holding a shopping bag.

Naxos Tips: Where to stop?

You will need to ask the bus driver to stop at “Abram”. The beach of Abram is your destination and definitely not a popular one.

The journey itself is majestic as you will travel a scenic route which stretches along the top of steep cliffs which are punctuated with small coves and attractive beaches. After 20km into the journey, the bus will stop in the middle of the main road and all you have to do is to walk to the beach. During your bus trip, you may wonder if it was the right decision to visit this place. The next bus will arrive in 4 days. But anyway, these days it seems like you are constantly waiting for something.

In a world that we are always in hurry, you can once allow the time just to pass.

At the end of the path, you will discover a secluded and remote cove and its exceptional natural beauty as the blue of the sea mixes with the green of the trees in a wonderful combination of colors. It is sandy with small pebbles and calm waters at its northernmost end near the rocks. The landscape is majestic and wild. Search for a small tree that will offer you shade.

Naxos Tips: Taste the food!

The food tastes like your mother made it. Take a look around and you will notice the vineyards, olive trees, and fig trees. You can grab to taste some grapes. Its fertile soil has enabled Abram to be self-sufficient in terms of agricultural products.

From the tavern which is right on the beach, you will taste food which is produced in Abram and recipes who belong to the grandmother of the owner. This hospitable family is running the tavern and after a while, you will feel part of this family too. I can recollect with clarity a memory at this terrasse on the Aegean where the visitors were drinking homemade wine and tsikoudia. They laugh, they socialize, and they celebrate together their birthday’s and life in its entirety. It is hard to imagine a better place on earth to meet people and watch the sunset together.

Naxos Tips: Be ready for surprises

In the end, I am sure that you will not want to leave a place that feels like family in such a short time. You will not want to miss the smiley people and the stunning sunset. Be aware that there is a great chance you will want to stay longer than you expected.

The greek Sculptor Rokos have illustrated his summers in Abram. It is about the person, the nudity, nature, the sun and the sea. It is about the small church on the east side of the beach. It is about how a place can be transformed into an entirely unique experience.

Naxos tips — Art dedicated to this place

But finally, you will leave. You will grab your backpack that now is heavier, full of new friends and unforgettable experiences and you will walk to the main road. You will feel calm, sad and happy. You will wait again. But this time not for the bus. You will just wait for the next time you will see “Abram” again.

“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life”

– Oscar Wilde

Paros Greece: A quick overview

Do you want to taste the experience of a Greek island? Tricky question. We all do!

Located In the heart of the Cycladic region, the island of Paros has been inhabited at least since 3200 BC. Today, it is still standing proud for its history and beauty attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Paros Greece: What to expect there?

Your arrival at this wonderful island it is a reason to celebrate your life. The graphical port with the serene scenery will take your mind away in a more peaceful and beautiful world. Astonishing beaches and villages, crystal-clear waters, gorgeous nature, delicious Greek food, and friendly local souls are waiting for your journey. Of course, the bright sun will gently enlight the graphic scenery.

In Paros, you will meet the Cycladic architecture, picturesque ancient windmills, ruins of Venetian castles and an ethereal atmosphere capable to transcend your senses. Ask the locals for more. They will respond!

Your experience can be peaceful, adventurous, or both, heavily dependent upon your ambitions. The island is perfect for activities like windsurfing and it is always a good idea to go with the wind. Meanwhile, we suggest a life that bears a resemblance to the vacations of Kings & Queens. What else to do on an island? Explore it on a boat. The easiest way to do that is, as you can guess, with a day-cruise.

A journey qualified to immerse you in a world that competes for the most vivid dreams is perfectly possible.

In less than a day, you will get to discover picturesque remote beaches, waterfront vintage taverns and other amazing islands close to Paros. The best photo on your Instagram profile will come as a direct consequence. Don’t hold back!

Be free to feel like a pirate searching for gold at the “Pirate’s cave” and wait for your arrival at “Koufonisia”, a hidden paradise that more and more tourists are discovering every year. Everything is within walking distance and it will be an unforgettable ride.

Paros Greece: Great villages

It is a good idea to dedicate at least one day exploring the villages. You will be exposed to the real culture of the island and it is always a unique experience. Remember these names and never forget to ask the locals. They know better!

Naoussa
Parikia
Piso Livadi
Lefkes
Aliki

Paros Greece: Best beaches

There is a variety of wonderful beaches and they are equally as good as these ones in Santorini that you visualize in your dreams.

Santa Maria
Golden beach (perfect for windsurfing and similar activities)
New Golden beach (big, organized coast)
Molos
Kolymbithres beach (relaxing, sandy)
Punda beach (party beach)

And, what about the night?

Without a doubt, after your tranquil experience during the day, expect an active nightlife around the island. The night bars will be full of life and I bet that you have heard stories about the greek parties. More good news? Contrasting the neighboring Mykonos, this island is affordable for all kinds of budgets. No matter if you are a parent or a student, Paros will surely satisfy your expectations in terms of money, beauty and style.

Make your life easier! With Hopwave you have one more loyal friend during your Greek holidays. And, it is the only place where you can easily book a small day-cruise around Paros from home. Join us!

Visit Akrotiri, An Archeological Treasure in Santorini

Archeological treasure

“I do love these ancient ruins. We never tread upon them but we set our foot upon some reverend history”

John Webster

Traveling can be a lot more than we think. Walking through the same streets that the habitants of Santorini on 1.500 BC were walking, is definitely charming and invaluable. But, what makes it a once-in-a-lifetime-experience is the fact the 3.500 years old town of Santorini remains uninfluenced by time.

On 1967, the excavation of Akrotiri, known as the “Pompeii of Santorini”, brought to light a perfectly preserved city which was at the zenith of its power and its wealth when it was destroyed in the mid-second millennium BC. The settlement that its name means promontory, is located at the southwestern part of the island and it is a real promontory.

Pre-historic timeline

First signs of habitation in Akrotiri date back to the Late Neolithic Period. By the Early Bronze Age, there was a settlement in Akrotiri that was expanded in the Middle and Late Bronze Age, becoming one of the main urban centers of the Aegean. But, nature had other plans. The growth in the town ended at the end of the 17th century BC, when its inhabitants left due to powerful seismic foreshocks. Then, the volcano erupted. Volcanic material covered the town and the rest of the island, preserving the buildings and their contents. The volcanic lava is the element that both destroyed and protected it for so long.

What happened to the people of Santorini is a mystery, because no skeletons were found. The “previous” island of Santorini was destroyed or submerged. Your visit is an archeological treasure hunt.

From afar, all you can see is the familiar dry landscape of Santorini and a stoned path. Some trees will offer you their relieving shade. You cannot notice ruins. Just a kind of a roof structure. This roof is the shelter of your “treasure”.

Why are people still going there?

The archeological site is only a small part of the town of Akrotiri but is more than enough for the visitor to feel its majestic energy. The houses are large, multi-storeyed, with a big staircase that leads you to the terrasse. The houses of Akrotiri speak of an affluent society and a cultivated standard of living. This is confirmed not only by the wonderful frescoes that adorn at least one room of each house but also by the latrine facilities in some houses! There are squares and system of streets at the same level as the ancient town. You can almost hear the locals of 1.500 BC talking and organizing their everyday life.

There is an opinion from some historians that this place was the inspiration behind Plato’s story of Atlantis.

{It is about a fictional island that at the end is falling out of favor with the deities, submerging into the Atlantic Ocean.}

Veritably, you are not going to solve the mystery of Lost Atlantis by visiting Akrotiri. Maybe you will love a little more the lost cities and their stories.

In the end, mysterious stories are made for permitting the imagination to finish the unwritten parts.

So, do your job, imagine and create your own unique story of Akrotiri.

The colorful beaches of Santorini

A story for Santorini

Beyond the classic Greek blue and white, Santorini is an island of orange and red, purple and yellow, green and pink.

The little buildings of the settlements are painted with pastel colors. The cliffs made up of layers of volcanic rock and soil, are banded with bright hues. The color palette of Santorini is extraordinary and majestic.

when history is connected with volcanoes…

In the beginning, about two million years ago, Santorini used to be a small non-volcanic island. Scientists are expressing the opinion that about two million years ago, volcanoes located underneath the Aegean Sea to the west of Santorini began generating volcanic emissions.

Prior to 1620 BC, the island of Santorini was built up by layers of lava created by overlapping shield volcanoes. Furthermore, it had experienced three significant eruptions that formed overlapping calderas.

Around 1620 BC, the fourth and latest major eruption created the present-day islands and caldera bay of Santorini Volcano.

Volcano as a gift

The volcano is not only responsible for disasters and catastrophe but also for the special volcanic soil. Nature offered to Santorini the most impressive natural color mixing and texture combination. In the foreground, the caldera cliffs show some of the extraordinary colors of the volcanic rocks and the flora that thrive in the mineral-rich soil.

A beach for every color

The volcanic origin of Santorini is also obvious at the beaches, which come in a variety of hues. A glance at a map looks like a passage from a modern painting Russian avant-garde: Red Beach, White Beach, Black Beach. The pebbles and sand come from hardened lava, and the colors vary depending on which geological layer has been exposed.

Red beach _ In The Shadow of The Rocks

The hue of the massive rocks at Red Beach comes from iron deposits. The landscape is full of scale and color contrasts. The view of the huge, almost vertical, volcanic rocks and the small, reddish pebbles will take your breath away. The combination of the red rocks, the turquoise water and the black sand of the shore give the impression of outlandishness.

White beach _ Swimming In a Lunar Landscape

A small beach carved into the side of the mountain with white cliffs as background. The rock formations are gorgeous and the white against the deep blue sea is stunning. In the water, there are plenty of various sized rocks. You can swim beside them or even climb on them if you want to discover a kind of your “personal” moon.

Black Beach _ Lying on The Lava

Due to the former intense activity of the volcano, you can find plenty of beaches with either dark black sand or black pebbles. The black beaches were formed because when lava contacts water, it cools rapidly and shatters into sand that consists of tiny fragments of basalt. So, by visiting them you can easily enjoy lying on lava and swim in warm waters because lava acts as a heat absorber.

Travelling is about all kinds of pleasure. I think that the most powerful one is the “pleasure of the unconventional”. To see, to feel, to experience, to live something that is not expected to.

So, if the “pleasure of the unconventional” is when you live what is not expected to, then the unexpected is definitively the wild and unique beauty of a beach on Santorini.

Alonissos – The Hiking Experience

A traveler’s hiking experience

Alonnisos is the perfect destination for hiking either you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. It is the island of majestic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes. The hiking experience is undoubtedly the most charming way to discover the wholeness of nature in Alonnisos.

You can find more than 15 stone-paved hiking paths in the island. It is the network of old transport routes from the era where mules and donkeys were the only means of transport. They can lead you to beaches, villages or even to the top of a mountain. It seems like the perfect hiking adventure, doesn’t it?

Prepare yourself!

Check the hiking paths of the island. You can search online, buy the guide-book that a Danish woman and her Greek husband wrote, or just follow some of the organized tours. Duration varies from 20 minutes to 7.5 hours.

Choose the route that suits you better considering your physical condition and the time. Don’t forget that the whole idea of a hiking experience is to arrive at your destination no matter how slow or fast you walk. So, take your time and enjoy it.

Buy a bottle of water and some snacks.
Use a solar cream
Put on your hat.
Grab a book
Grab your camera

The hiking experience is a reconnection with nature and yourself.

While you are walking, you will notice the transition from the built environment to pure nature. The colors are changing. You can hear the song of the birds and the concert of the cicadas. You can smell herbs, saffron crocus, wild chamomile, and mint.

Discovering this botanical paradise creates the desire to activate all your senses. The hiking experience elevates them. You are becoming more aware of your surroundings.

It is a pertinent reminder of how beautiful the world is.

In the southern part of the island, you will find pine forests and olive groves. Throughout them, there is a wide variety of bushes and shrubs. On the other hand in the northern part, there are mostly holm oaks, kermes oaks, maple trees and arbutuses. Last but not least, in the middle part of Alonnisos, there is a beautiful cedar forest.

In Alonissos, nature will provide you with everything with you need to be happy. Alonissos can keep your mind and soul present.

According to the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, to be happy is to enjoy the present moment. Right now it is just you and the world. You are just walking. One foot in front of the other. Breathe in, breathe out.

You can just be.

Finally, you can enjoy the stunning view from the top of Kalovoulos Mountain. You can swim at the quiet beach of Micros Mourtias. You can visit old restored windmill in the beach Yalia or eat fresh fish at the village of Stevi Vala. Truth is, that probably you could achieve that with a rented car or by paying a taxi.

But none of them it would be the same. Hiking nourishes the mind, the body and the soul in ways that are impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Hiking is real and poetic. Just like Alonnisos.

Discover Milos – Unique beauty and amazing beaches

Why Milos?

The island of Milos, located north of Crete in the Aegean sea, is one of the major islands of the Cycladic complex. It became very famous due to the statue “Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo)” and its stunning beauty. The origin of its name is a story that will take you back to the 8th century BC and the epic ancient Greek story of “Odyssey”, one of the oldest works of western literature in existence. You can research and find more by yourself.

Today, I will tell you why you need to travel to this wonderful place at least once in your life. Moreover, you will discover the best beaches and how to book a day-cruise with hopwave. Let’s go there!

Milos Unique Beauty

Due to volcanic activity in ancient times, Milos now has impressive and unique rocky coastlines. Beaches and landscapes are truly special, making it a desirable destination for tourists around the world.

Besides the landscapes, Milos can gracefully thank volcanoes for its mineral-rich rocks and subsoil, making mining a major industry. The island is home to picturesque fishing villages with the well-known “syrmata” or boat-garages that are built into the volcanic rock. You will find them in the traditional fishing village “Klima”.

These lovely settlements are truly a sight to see.

Interesting Fact – “Venus de Milo”

The statue “Aphrodite of Milos, (Venus de Milo)” was found on the island in 1820. Believed to have been created between 100-130 BC, it was first discovered by a poor farmer who didn’t understand the significance of the marble sculpture and kept it on his farm. Eventually, a French naval officer recognized its historical importance and arranged its purchase by the French government. It is now located at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The museum has given a replica to Milos as a gift. But, no need for worries.

Aphrodite is not just a beautiful statue. We are talking about the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure! She is still on the island preserving the beautiful scenery and the feeling of love in the atmosphere.

Milos Best Beaches

Believe me, you will be captivated by the beauty that is waiting to be explored there. Remember these names!

Sarakiniko
Kleftiko
Firiplaka
Gerontas
Paleochori
Tsigrado

Day-Cruises around Milos

A day-cruise on a boat is one of the experiences that you should seriously take into consideration while on an island. The privilege to peacefully enjoy every treasure around by going with the wind is priceless. Allow the captain to offer you Greek Tsikoudia and you will get to discover majestic small beaches and islands dressed in a beauty that far exceeds your imagination. If you want to learn more about the available boat-cruises click here.

Time to feel sincerely free!

Don’t hold back! Walk between the whitewashed houses through the narrow streets of Plaka to enjoy the capital of Milos. When you are reaching the top of the hill, take a breath and witness the magical sunset from the panoramic view that “Castro” offers. Beautiful colors will be on your sight. It is a moment to feel thankful for being alive.

Something to remember

There is a rumor that when couples visit Milos they break up.

Why?

Because they fall in love with the island itself.

You still don’t believe me? See for yourself!

Naxos island : Find Love & Happiness

Naxos island: A quick overview

In the heart of the Aegean sea, there lies a place where Zeus, the father of the of the 12 ancient Greek gods was raised, and Dionysus, the god of merriment was born. I am obviously talking about the island of Naxos.

But, apart from the mythology and its glorious past, Naxos can deliver an enormous amount of goods today, even for the most demanding travelers.

Naxos island – Tremendous beauty

To begin with, visualize long sandy beaches and spectacular paths among mountainous villages. Nature is flourishing! In addition, ancient artifacts and the Cycladic scenery full of white houses are making the view even better. It would be a huge mistake to forget your camera in this place.

It seems like there are secret paths everywhere. These graphical villages are incredible, surrounded by tall mountains and valleys full of green.

Wait for the crystal-clear waters and the feeling of wonder when you are one with them.

A day in the life

The island can be self-sustainable, producing a vast amount of local goods every day. Fresh-baked bread can wake you up in the morning and a romance between you and the Greek food is guaranteed during the day. Always, the easiest and greatest way to discover the most alluring attractions is to talk with a local, and they will surprise you with their help. Therefore, you have to make decisions.

Windsurfing or hiking?
A peaceful walk around the villages?
What about a day-cruise around the island?

A day-cruise offers great advantages if you don’t have enough days to properly explore the island. You can swim to the greatest beaches, enjoy the best views, and easily attain a good perspective of the beauty. Moreover, you can discover hidden treasures close to Naxos like Koufonisia. You will see people in ecstatic wonder in this dreamy destination. Tranquillity, peacefulness, relaxation, beauty, all great words to imagine this place.

Great beaches and villages

Beaches: Agia Anna, Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios, Mikri Vigla, Alyko, Kastraki
Villages: Halki, Apiranthos, Filoti, Potamia

Naxos island: Is it future or is it past?

Have you ever heard that the past is storytelling the present?

In the island where the mythical wedding of Dionusos with princess Ariadne took place, music, dance, and love for life will always be present in the daily life.

And, what about today?

Most probably the sun is shining brightly in Naxos and a boat-cruise there can offer pure bliss. Life is too short to deny it!

Discover more about the Greek islands and allow your friends in hopwave to help you book a day-cruise around Naxos.