Just Back From … the Cycladic Islands
WhirlAway’s Denise Booth shares three only-in-Greece experiences that left a lasting impression.
1. Cooking with a Local Family in Naxos
“This is the type of place where the son of the owner welcomes you with an aperitif and freshly made tzatziki and pita, then his father takes you to the farm to show you where all of the ingredients are sourced. Then his mother interrupts our tour, saying, ‘Stop talking, it's time to cook,’ and she takes you around back into her little kitchen. Long tables are set up for our cooking class. Her sister is helping her teach the class and her nephew is cleaning all the bowls and utensils. The cooking class wasn't just a hands-on experience—it was to see the way that the entire family works together. They can't wait to help you to not only taste, but experience what it's like to cook real Greek food. We made tzatziki, meatballs, zucchini balls, lamb shank with stuffed vegetables. Not to sound quaint, but you just felt good eating this food.”
2. A Meander Through Paros
“Paros is so picturesque, it’s one of the most Instagrammed locations in Greece. All the houses are required to be white by law, and they’re set against the colorful flowers and colorful boats—everything is so beautiful. It’s so spectacular for many reasons. Yes, the wine and the seafood, but even the shopping feels more special than in other port towns—these shops do not feel like souvenir shops. Another perfect way to spend the day there is on a sail to Antiparos. You can stop at the Blue Lagoons for swimming, have a late lunch, and just float in the water. And all of these boats have flotation devices not just for safety, but for relaxation.”
3. A Stay at Cape Sounio on the Athenian Riviera
“Usually you have to fly into Athens before you get to the islands, so most people think of Athens as your starting point. They stay there for a night, they see the Acropolis, and then they move on. But the Athenian Riviera is another really incredible opportunity just 45 minutes outside of Athens. I stayed there at the end of my trip rather than in Athens. The minute I arrived, my whole heart rate came down. The beaches are amazing, the wine is amazing, the spa and treatment rooms are amazing, even the breakfast is amazing. It’s a great destination for wellness—Gwyneth Paltrow recently stayed there too!”
