THE MEDITERRANEAN – A GUIDE TO GREECE’S ISLANDS

If you’ve been island hopping around Croatia and like a great book you have got to the end and you just can’t bear that it’s finished, don’t sink into depression just yet! I have another 6000 islands just begging to be explored. This time in Greece! So if you a crying out for more secret coves, ethereal caves, seaside cafes then start your adventure with these 6 islands, to see paradise on Earth (or at least my favourite top 6!)

“Papafragas”by Muchobra is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Let’s start with MY FAVOURITE ISLAND, the home of the Venus de Milo! When researching this island every time i found another location I was gasping in shock or jumping on my chair because of this island’s shocking beauty! Hopefully, you all know Milos at least for it’s Instagram darling Sarakniko Beach (the lunar-scape),  – photo below. I beg you please don’t limit yourself to this one beach, because I have 10 other just as gorgeous spots for you!  YES, I know I have listed another 7 beaches but each one is special (but if you have a time limit make sure you go to the ones with stars by their name first!)

1. Kleftiko Beach – A 50-minute hike to the beach (guided by painted rocks – be careful!), but as you get closer the views are outstanding! Get out that camera! At the beach, you will see the rock pillars rising out of the bay. You won’t be able to wait once you see the caves, one of which has a beach in the middle!
2. Paliochori Beach – A short bus ride from Adamas takes you to this volcanic rainbow beach where the waters and beach are heated by the volcanic springs beneath the sand, so wear shoes!! Also, come for the rainbow of colours in the cliffs and beach pebbles which look as though someone painted the beach!
3. Palorema Beach * – Down a dirt track from Zefyria you will find a beautiful little beach at the foot of the abandoned sulphur mines. This is a great photo opportunity and a chance to view Milos’s cultural heritage.
4. Tsigrado Beach * – A beach so beautiful it won’t feel real, especially as to get to it you must first climb through a steep canyon using a rope and then down a wooden ladder (Instagram!!!!!!)! If you are visiting in the summer try to arrive before the first bus at 11.30 am, you may just have it all to yourself! 
5. Firopotamos Beach –  This tiny natural harbour is lined with brightly painted boat garages built into the white rock, definitely worth a photo and a relaxing swim!
6. Papafragas Beach – This canyon-like sea cave hides a beach and natural pool which draws you out to the ocean through an arch at the end of the canyon. Swim the length of the short canyon and surrounding caves or watch from above to try and capture its beauty!
7. Kapros Beach – The sister beach of Papafragas is easily accessible via Pollonia road if you follow the confusing road signs. Here you will happen upon small fjords and 2 beach caves you can jump into.
8. Oneiro Cliffs – Easy to reach expansive coves, arches and natural pools hidden behind luminous white cliffs. Perfect for sailing or kayaking and anything else you can think of!
9. Sykia Cave * – This otherworldly cave isn’t actually a cave since the roof collapsed but this opened it up to the sky and now there is a beach in the middle of the cave, ahhhh! Amazing!
10. Klima* – Klima is like Firopotamos but exaggerated! The harbour looks like a children’s painting that used all of the pastels in the box they could! Ahhhh so many photo spots!!
11. Plaka Town – If you want the instagrammable whitewashed villages and blue doors that Mykonos is known for but don’t want the party-goers and can’t tear yourself away from Milos anyway, then just stay here! Plaka and many other little towns on the island have those streets of your dreams!

Milos is only just getting started in terms of tourism because of its mining history, so make sure you check this island out before it becomes crowded with tourists, which it definitely will!!

The home of Zeus is yet another island paradise of incredible beauty, or in two words… Balos Lagoon!

(Again if you are on a time budget make sure to visit the places with stars first!)

1. Balos Lagoon* – A great opportunity for snorkelling and underwater photography due to the mesmerisingly clear water. If you want a bit more space and to get away from the holidaying families go to the smaller of the two beaches on the other side of the lagoon, just as beautiful!
2. Seitan Limania Beach* – This is the twin of Papafragas Beach on Milos! Two slices of paradise and this one is only 40 minutes from Chania! The natural pool winds its way through the rock rising up on either side which creates dramatic shadows before the pool meets the sea and the water turns deep blue. You might be lucky enough to get here before the crowds but not necessarily before the goats! 
3. Preveli Beach* – No beach is the same and Prevail is no exception! This is where the Kourtaliotis River lined by palm trees meets the Lybian sea. Catch a ride to the sea on the reverend wave your troubles away as you pass under the palm trees and float out on to crystal waters! Just a 20-minute drive from Rethymnon.
4. Elafonissi Beach* – Also known as ‘The Pink Beach’ or Simos, this is the beach of your Caribbean dreams! Enjoy the pink sand between your toes as you gaze out on to that crystal clear lagoon lapping at your feet. With two beaches for the price of one, connected by a sparkling pink sandbar, there is always more room!
5. Domata Beach – If you like your beaches wild, volcanic and lined with black sand, this is the one for you! Though, be aware the beach is quite flat and very long so the view may be more interesting from up on the cliffs as a hike!
6. Calypso Plakias Beach – This is one you have to see from above to appreciate its full beauty and you will see why they call it pirate’s fjord when you get to the top! Of course also enjoy the beach and pool tucked behind the bay area cliffs from the ground via the Calypso Hotel, but don’t forget that view!
7. Mirambello Bay – Another one that is just as beautiful from above as from below! The rocky coves and bays of this beach make it a fun place to explore, whilst the cyprus trees offer plenty of shade.
8. Mamara Sea Caves* – Highly recommended by professional photographers as one of the most beautiful places in Crete, these colourful marble caves are a natural wonder! They can be found at the end of Aradena Gorge after an incredible hike, and after your swim, you can continue on to Loutro Town to have an evening drink on the promenade!

9. Samira Gorge – This impressive narrow gorge is open to the public between May and October to give the national park time to repair walkways after the winter rains. You will be grateful when you see the long drop beneath from above this narrow gorge and imagine a rock falling! Note that the entire length of the gorge will take between 5 – 7 hours, so come prepared! Parallel to this gorge runs Imbros Gorge, another natural gem! Imbros takes only 2 hours to hike, has more shade and interesting rock formations. Yeah, I might be a bit biased…

10. Kourtaliotiko Gorge* – Ok, this gorge might be even breathtaking, it has waterfalls, natural fountains, abandoned monasteries and it ends at one of the incredible beaches you just read about… Preveli! Start in 

Reythymnon to head ‘downhill’!

11. Sarakinas Canyon – This is a gorge for anyone who loves canyoning and cliff jumping! But beware this is not an easy hike, particularly because there seem to be no climbing aids or even signs! Don’t go alone!

12. Chania Town – Enjoy a walk along the old Venetian fortress if you still have any strength left if like me you have tried to do everything on this list! Here your only mission is to relax and enjoy the old town and harbour where Egyptian and Venetian cultures have influenced the buildings!

13. Metala Caves – Secluded fishing village turned hippie town in the 1960s. For a while, this was where Joni Mitchell called home, with a group of other hippies who had decided to live in the caves previously used as tombs.

14. Rethymnon Town – This city is an excellent base for your adventures around Crete including brilliant kayaking spots nearby, entrances to dramatic gorges and breathtaking beaches.  Visit the old town and Venetian fortress to get the feel of the city before walking down to the picturesque harbour and beaches, where you might just find turtles walking in the sand.

15. Loutro Town – Loutro in Greek means ‘bath’, of which there are many ancient ones in Loutro, which makes sense when you have been hiking the Samira Gorge for the last 5 hours to be greeted by Loutro at the end. Sheltered by a 600m high cliff and surrounded by azure waters which boats seem to float just above, you won’t want to leave! Believe me, when you see the little harbour you will run into the alluring waters and forget all about that hat or camera you lost back in the Gorge! 

Corfu may not be home to a god, but it is the home of the Durrels! (For those of you that have no idea who the Durrels are – first a book series and now a v. popular tv series about a chaotic family who moves to Greece in the 1940s to escape the boredom of England – true story).

1. Sidari Beach & Channel of Love* – The most famous beach on the island claims that all couples who swim there remain in love with one another forever, so be careful who you swim with! The channel is made of sandstone and easily eroded which allows for wave-like ripple effects to form the rocks into this beautiful shape. Easily reachable by car, between the towns of Sidari and Peroulades.
2. Porto Timoni Beach* – Don’t leave Corfu without going to this beach, or you will be kicking yourself until you do! This wild gem can be found at the end of a shepherd’s trail after a 30min walk down the hill. Timoni is intact two beaches divided by a luscious sand bar which connects the mainland to a tiny island outcrop. Once it comes in to sight you won’t be able to stop yourself from running down the hill! (It is a rocky beach so take beach shoes or hard feet!)
3. Rovinia Beach – One of the island’s best beaches and definitely one of the easiest to reach, park in the car park for €3 and walk for 10 minutes down to the beach. If you want to take some pictures from the cliff top (you really should!) take the left turn at the end of the trail and follow the little path up the cliff.
4. Paleokastritsa Beach* Just imagine the perfect little bay area nestled in-between two short cliffs covered in forest and wildflowers hiding a monastery. Colourful fishing boats rocking gently in the water, the greek sun heating the water around you. Welcome to Paleokastri!
5. Ákra Dratis Beach – A larger and more dramatic version of canal d’amore awaits just a 52-minute hike along the coast to Cape Dratis. Just follow the road out of Sidari town towards the Olive woodwork shop and just before the supermarket there should be a blue waymark number6. indicating a path through the fields along the cliffs. This is a beautiful walk through fields of butterflies dancing upon wildflowers before you come upon the dramatic white headland jutting out into the Ionian Sea. If you don’t want to do the same walk back there is usually a local boat service from the Cape back to Sidari.  
6. Halikounas Lagoon – A lagoon, a beach and the Ionian Sea. Three strips of Mediterranean colour competing for your gaze, possibly even flashes of pink from visiting flamingos. But tie your hair back to see it because this is a very exposed and windy beach which is why it is a paradise for windsurfing! 
7. Corfu Town* – There are lots of beautiful spots in Corfu Town, but here are a few of my favourites…Historical must-sees include The Old Fortress, The Castle of Angels, walk the Venetian City Walls for ‘that’ view of the city, St. Spyridon Church tower and just at the edge of town you can find a lengthy footbridge stretching across the bay just after Vlacherna Monastery. To quench your thirst head to one or both of these two bars: Piccolo Bar and Why Bar.  (*ALSO FOR DURRELS FANS*- Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa just outside of town is a great place to take some photographs along the  if like me you want to see the Durrels house, which is just two doors down (keep the sea on your left) from the resort. So pick a kayak from the resort (forget about the spa!) and mosey on around to see that romantic view of the Daffodil Sea Villa!)

“Thassos, Greece, 2014”by premus is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If I’m honest there is only one thing I want to see here… The Gola Pool! 

Personally, I would make a trip to this island just to see The Gola Pool, but for those of you crazy people who need more of a reason, how about… Scala Private Beach & Bar (for anyone who wants that perfect Instagram snap of a trendy white cushioned beach lounger with curtains wafting in the wind against an azure sea!)

I feel slightly guilty for not writing more things to do on this island, especially since when I was 16 and first heard of this island I wrote 2 pages about what I wanted to do there! But the best part of Santorini is just soaking in the beauty, which is why I have made this a short list.

1. Catch a sunset – The ‘official’ sunset spot is Oia castle, but personally, I don’t want to have people around me fighting to get a photo so I would suggest a terrace near to the blue domes, still very busy but less competition (and more beautiful haha!). Or relax and take a photo from a rooftop restaurant in-between olives! Make sure you stay where you are for the half-hour after sunset when the colours really set into the sky!
2. Hike between Towns of Oia and Fira – This hike takes 2 – 5 hours (10km) depending on your speed and how long you stop to admire the views, so for me and my camera probably more like 7 hours. This is one of the best things to do in Santorini as the trail goes along the edge of the Caldera and through the villages that cling to its cliffs! For a great view (and break!) take a small detour to Skaros Rock. This rock covered in wild daisies juts out from the edge of the caldera giving you a priceless 360 view of the Santorini Bay! Honestly, incredible!
3. Oia, Imerovigli and Fira Cave Hotels (if it’s in your budget!) – First off, book this 1 or 2 years in advance!! Break the bank hotels can be up to €2,700 a night!! Ouch! For me, that is half a year’s world travel gone!
4. Amoudi Bay – Only 300 steps! Walk down the staircase from Oia and go and explore the cliffs and go for a swim. Swim out to the big boulder in the bay where you can find another little staircase (promise this one is little) in the rock leading to a small chapel from which there is a perfect cliff jumping platform! There are tavernas in the harbour and even a great little ice cream shop called Step 75? (I can’t remember but I know its halfway!) If you can’t face walking back up there are donkey rides available, but please make sure the donkey is healthy and being treated with care!
5. The Red Beach – Red beach, blue sea and landslides. Local hotels are supposed to dissuade tourists from visiting the beach due to numerous landslides, but only you can decide if it’s worth it. I’m still not sure I find it impressive enough to visit, but I know many people do which is why I have listed it.
6. Volcano Tour – Whilst classed as ‘active’ this dormant volcano hasn’t erupted since 1950. So before it does erupt again, go for a tour of the submerged caldera. Tours generally include a visit to the volcanic hot springs and mud baths for a swim and a walk up to some of the continuously steaming craters (all for about €25)! 

“_MG_5905-Edit.jpg”by kosaphoto is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

This guide to Zakynthos is for those of you, who like me are here for an adventure or relaxing holiday rather than a spring break kinda vibe! Initially, I thought because of this I would have to steer clear of the entire island, but I was so wrong! Just like anywhere else, Zakynthos is a mixture. So for those of you who are photographers or want a low key beach holiday & unforgettable views this guide is for you!

1. Navagio Beach* – This is the beach that pops up online whenever you type beach and boat or even just beach, it’s that good! Only reachable by sea (seriously don’t even try to go on foot, you will die trying!) usually via tour boats, unless you are particularly lucky and have a friend with a yacht or a kayak! Keep in mind that tour boats give you 20-minute slots before they call you all back on board and the next boatload hiding around the edge of the bay streaks in! Come to the beach as early as you can because it will only look like the photos you see online for a few hours as soon as daylight creeps in! Same goes for the viewing platform on top of the cliff where after queuing you will have 15 seconds to take a photo before you incite a riot! Instead, walk along the cliff trail a little and you will be rewarded for your exploration with a far superior panorama that at the viewing platform! You can even find a safe perch to dangle your feet over the edge and get an incredible selfie haha! Not entirely sure but I think it is the path that leads up to Georgio Kremnon Monastery, which apparently has a great view as well! Please mind the cliff edge though!!!
2. Keri Caves – Just a few minutes kayak before the Turtle Island and also populated by starfish! Only accessible via the sea and some caves and arches on passable by swimming!
3. Marathonísi Turtle Island* –  This is a marine protection island so please be respectful of the sea-life, which includes starfish, endangered seals and turtles who use this as their breeding ground. There are two beach areas, one sandy and the other pebbly and reachable through a cave, but brilliant for snorkelling to see the starfish! Contact the Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society in advance if you would like to volunteer to protect the turtles! If you want to see more of the turtles and other protected sea life spend a day at Zakynthos’s Marine Park, which is full of beautiful natural habitats for the precious sea-life!
4. Porto Limonas – One of the wildest beaches on the island which is saying something in Zakynthos (it still has two pop-up tavernas)! Once you climb down the stone-carved steps from the carpark the cove upon up into a fjord-like sliver of paradise.
5. Porto Roxa* – Just 3km from Porto Limonas is Porto Roxa, an excellent cliff diving and Instagram spot! A secluded wild bay with a wonky fence leading to a makeshift diving board! Enjoy!
6. The Blue Caves – Beautiful blue reflections of the water dance on the walls of the caves, and subsequently one of the most highly advertised attractions on the island so get yourself out of bed earlier than early! If you want to go to the caves by swimming the best place to reach them is from a stone staircase leading down to the water from Potamitis Windmill (very pretty blue dome with cafe) near Skinari Lighthouse. Watch out for the boats though, especially the glass-bottomed one haha!
7. Keri Lighthouse* – Extra treat… taverna at the lighthouse has a cliff suspended viewing platform! Trust me you don’t want to miss this!!!! (You will need your own transport to get there)
8. Cameo Island* – Just down from the Marine Park is Port Sostis from where you can find the little wooden bridge stretching out to sea to meet tiny pine sheltered Cameo Island. There is a €5 entrance ticket but this seems massively underpriced considering the view you will get in return and the free drink at the bar!