Greek Islands

daios cove crete
GREECE, Greece Lodging, Greek Islands, Lodging

Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas

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As guests of Manolis we were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at the recently opened Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas – then part of the Gran Melía chain. The staff was helpful and very friendly, escorting us in from the parking lot, and appearing to recognize us throughout our stay. We found the service to be great, and grounds were spotless. Our room was clean and comfortable, secure and quiet. Daios Cove is well outside of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, past the popular coastal town of Agios Nikolaos.  Assuming Agios Nikolaos is on the itinerary (it should be), Daios Cove is a nearby escape for more quiet seclusion. There was not much to do in Daios Cove itself, however it was a good central location for daily excursions. The area is quiet – not much around, and although it has the appearance and feeling of an Arizona desert like setting, the water in the sea is colder than one might expect from its Caribbean like multi-shades of blue. The all you can eat breakfast buffet is a winner – unless you are counting calories. If this is the case . . . better just turn away without ever setting eyes on it.  We had dinner outside one evening at the more formal and smaller restaurant on the ground level. No complaints – the food, atmosphere and company were fantastic. Crete is too large to visit in a day or two from any one location. Daios Cove is a great place to position for driving around and visiting the smaller towns and villages of this region of Crete, starting from and returning to a relaxed, luxury setting. If you want to get out of the car and off the road and just chill out and relax for a day and/or night, Daios Cove serves the purpose well. Our room had a private patio pool, which looks luxurious and is nice, however the water is cold, so unless planning to use the little pool on the room patio, one could skip it for a room less expensive. It would appear the view would be great from any room. Images from Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas:

Mykonos Windmills
GREECE, Greek Islands, ISLANDS

Mykonos

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Mykonos was our last overnight stop along our island hopping escapade, which began two weeks earlier on the large island of Crete. Sad, because there are so many beautiful and interesting islands to see. Two weeks through the Greek Islands simply just does not cover it. However, two weeks is enough to get a taste and have a wonderful experience, so much better than one week or not at all. So we will just have to refer to it as “this trip” indicating it goes on the future journey list for a round two someday. Probably more accurate than “hopping” would be “floating” through the Greek Islands. While there are flights available, they pretty much all take you back through Athens, so it is generally quicker and cheaper to take the ferry between islands. We arrived at the port of Mykonos by ferry, mid-morning, just a short couple hour ride from the island of Paros (another good one). Our host from Hotel Jason picked us up and brought us to the hotel to get checked in, kindly showing us some sites and making recommendations. (The people that run Hotel Jason are great. Click the link to read our review and see photos). After dropping off our bags in the room and getting some directions we headed for the downtown area. Mykonos, very popular with tourists for several aspects, is a little more expensive than some of the other islands. We were told Mykonos has an active nightlife scene, therefore in conjunction with its beautiful, historic and picturesque setting, is alluring to multiple age groups. The name alone has a ring to it that beckons to be put on the must see list. In true Greek Island travel-magazine-photo style, Mykonos displays the clean white architecture with contrasting colors, separated by walkways with outlined stone to accentuate the look. Colorful, healthy bougainvillea grow large out of decorative pots and up over restaurant patios like many of the islands. One of Mykonos’ most quintessential landmarks, a row of 16th-20th century windmills look out over its coastline. Who could visit the Greek Islands without seeing these? In the evening, Mykonos was alive and vibrant with interesting shops full of spectacular art, jewelry, clothing, and outdoor cafés. Speaking of picturesque, we walked along the coastal cafés at the end of the day looking for our spot to watch the sunset. We came upon a couple very formally dressed and affectionate, with a professional photographer taking what must have been wedding or honeymoon photos. Our namesake Miha, being the natural born fun loving and adventurous comedian she is, decided it would be funny and add to their memories if she snuck around behind the wall they were posing in front of, and popped into their picture with a comical gesture. We were having a good laugh just at the notion of it, but how were they going to feel about it? They might not immediately appreciate it, imposing on their romantic moment, while paying a professional for photos. But let’s face it . . . wouldn’t it make for more interesting discussion, more memorable moments and photos to look back on in the future? Wouldn’t they recall their shock and laugh for years to come when they look at that photo? We felt it was a justifiable favor. However in the end she did not, and we created more of our own laughs around the topic discussing how she did not but we could say she did, and continued to embellish the story between us. The would-be fictitious story we never told. Would that couple have kept the photo and laughed about it in the years following? We think so. We are. Ahhh, it is the things in life you don’t do that you live to regret. On to Athens. Photos from Mykonos Island:

greek islands
EUROPE, GREECE, Greek Islands, ISLANDS

Greek Islands

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Which islands to choose? There are so many. We made a valiant effort over two weeks to see as many as we could, however without sacrificing the enjoyment of spending the time to see what each one had to offer. Each island was unique, with a history and archeological finds and micro-cultures to call it’s own, while still intertwined with the overall history and legends that make Greece special. Crete is a large island with numerous archeological sites to visit, beautiful beaches (the water is colder than you expect), olive farms, and picturesque towns. Santorini is home to the iconic blue domed roof white buildings. Mykonos draws a younger, more active crowd than some and it is a charming island. Also home to the centuries old windmills. Paros was a recommended stop along the way. Conveniently located in a ferry ride between Santorini and Mykonos, caught us by surprise with its charming post card corridors and a pastry shop no one could have the will to pass by without stepping in. A short boat ride around the corner takes you to Anti-Paros, a quiet charming little island also known for being location to a home of actors Tom and Rita. A short ride from Athens on the “bullet boat” is the worthwhile ride to the unspoiled, quiet and beautiful island of Hydra.  With an impressive mix of architecture from ancient to modern, and the absence of cars, this is a special island, with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere . Two weeks was not enough. Yet, with all there is to see between the numerous islands plus the Greek mainland itself, I wonder if two years would be enough . . .  

EUROPE, GREECE, Greek Islands, ISLANDS

Santorini

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For the obvious, picturesque iconic bright white with blue domed roofs image that dote the cover and ads of travel magazines – and location of the famous movie Summer Lovers that implanted the image for certain generations, it is Santorini. Located along what remains of the top of a volcanic rim jutting out of the Agean sea you will find what you are looking for here. Blue water, blue sky, beautiful sunsets and numerous photo opportunities. A fairly small island, it is easy, inexpensive, and quick to get around on by bus. Note that there is more to see on this island than just Oia and the main town, with a diverse range of beach colors and scenery. Arrivals by boat and tours require a steep hike from the water to the top of the rim and it s not for the feint of heart. However in some locations if you do not wish to carry luggage up 480 steps (requiring a few steps in between) there are donkeys or a fernicular available. We arrived by ferry with a reservation to stay at Villa Manos, who provide transportation to and from the port. The friendly couple that operate this hostel / hotel do a wonderful job with recommendations, atmosphere and accomodations. While not in a white, domed roof location, a view of the sea is present, balconies and tables, large pool, only a few minutes you can count on one hand to the main tourist areas, and 1/10 to 1/20 the price. Be sure to take the full day 3-island Santorini tour they recommend.

Daios cove crete greece
EUROPE, GREECE, Greek Islands, ISLANDS

Crete

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Meeting up with Miha in Athens after finishing her assignment in Cyprus, we flew together to Crete, where a car had been arranged through Manolis, Director of Sales at the new Gran Meliá Resort & Luxury Villas Daios Cove, just a little down the road from Agios Nikolaos, and brother of my co-worker in Florida.  Arriving at the Gran Meliá, we were treated like royalty from beginning to end. The resort is located in a quiet, picturesque secluded cove. Manolis and staff were spectacular, with no detail missed. Crete is a fairly large island, with ruins, historical sites, and places to visit scattered throughout. We stayed in Crete for 3-4 days, drove much of it, and did not even begin to see all of the locations, such as Zeus’s cave. From the main city of Heraklion, it is only a short 20-30 minute bus ride from the town circle to the ruins of Knossos, and well worth the trip. Tours are available, however a bus ride and personally paid entrance will get you there and back for much less than half the price. Downtown Heraklion boasts plenty of outdoor cafés in the town center, or you can dine along the water with a view of the old fortress and carouse the cobblestone streets. Travel stores are numerous and you can book your ferry to the next island from most of them. Almost all flights return first to Athens, and then depart for one of the islands. The ferrys are less expensive, and considering a would be lay over in Athens with the flights, no time is lost.   Images from Crete:

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