Since the Kardashians island hopped through Greece in April during their annual family holiday, they have made the Greek islands the hottest destination for this summer. It was in Santorini and Mykonos where pregnant Kim Kardashian enjoyed her last holiday before becoming a mother to baby North West and where she revealed her growing baby bump for the first time.
Most recently, Modern Family star Sofia Vergara was also pictured in the island of Mykonos, currently the most popular of the Greek islands. There she celebrated her Emmy nomination whilst enjoying the sunny beaches and the pristine deep blue Aegean Sea.With each of the Greek islands offering something different and unique, there's something to appeal to everyone, from those seeking secluded sandy shores and breathtaking sunsets to visitors searching for bustling night life and fine dining. HELLO! Online take a look at what two of the popular islands have to offer.
SANTORINI
The perfect location to start an island hopping jaunt, Santorini, also known as Thira, is considered the diamond of the Greek Islands. Its whitewashed buildings with blue doors and picturesque blue-domed churches are nestled atop steep volcanic cliffs that fall sharply to the azure waters.
On offer are some of the most stunning beaches, unique due to their special geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles lay the shores of Santorini and steep cliffs complete the ambience. The most famous is the Red beach, while particularly popular are Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos.
Santorini, currently considered the fourth best island in the world, also offers the most breathtaking sunset in the world from the beautiful little town of Oia and it is a paradise for shoppers, photographers, artists and hikers.
Where to stay
Megalochori is located just six kilometres from the centre and is the most traditional village on the island. In the centre of this hidden treasure is the Vedema Resort, where stars such as Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum and Lady Gaga have found tranquillity.
The Luxury Collection Resort is the perfect place to unwind. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, this 5-star hotel offers exceptional choices for stellar dinning, incredible views of nearby vineyards, a helicopter service and deluxe suites.
Where to eat
For something completely bespoke, the hotel reserves a very special spot for the Prive Dining restaurant, which only hosts two people at a time and is the perfect choice for marriage proposals and anniversaries. It offers modern Greek cuisine and a private waiter completes the dining experience.
The hotel has several restaurants to choose from, such as the Pergola, located by the hotel’s pool, which offers unique Greek cuisine. Inside the premises is the Vinsanto Restaurant and Lounge, offering creative Greek cuisine.
During the day tourists lose themselves in the small narrow streets of the town where jewellery, clothes and souvenir shops are open past midnight. The port is also crowded during most of the day, with the famous pelicans showing up at lunch time.
MYKONOS
Mykonos is the most popular Island in the Aegean Sea and best known for its stylish nightlife.
At night time, visitors head to popular party destinations, such as Paradise Beach, where the fun continues until the early hours. Don’t forget to visit the famous windmills located near the Little Venice, a neighborhood replete with elegant and gorgeous old houses that are situated precariously on the edge of the sea. Rumour has it that Madonna owns one, although it is not known which is hers.
The island also offers a variety of activities such as water-skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, horseback riding and parasailing. For the best water sports experience visit the Platis Gialos beach and head to the Platis Gialos Water Sport, located just in the middle of the beach. These activities will help top off an unforgettable and fun evening and it will all be captured on camera.
Where to stay
Jackie Onassis gave the Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel her seal of approval after visiting the island in the Sixties, and it became her favourite hotel in Mykonos. The Mykonos Theoxenia is a boutique hotel situated behind the famous windmills. It is the only hotel situated in the famous location and by the sea front and Little Venice.
The luxury hotel, was renovated a few years ago and its new decoration was inspired in the Sixties and is now attributed as "national preserved property" for its innovative style, architecture and the unique use of the local stone and craftsmanship while respecting the traditional Cycladic architecture. The hotel provides guests with every luxury and comfort they desire: elegant design, impressive fabrics, wooden floors, luxurious bathrooms with bathtub and/or shower with Jacuzzi, big balconies with a view, pergolas and so much more.
Where to eat
To accompany the delicious plates you can choose from their selected Italian wines and impressive mouth-watering cocktails. The restaurant is renowned for their attentive staff, with a Jude Law lookalike waiter a definite talking point.
There are incredible restaurants in the island and located in excellent locations. For traditional Greek cuisine head to Bakaló, located in the heart of the old Town of Mykonos.The restaurant is set in a traditional Mykonian house dating back to the 18th Century, complete with a courtyard garden, wishing well, archway and the famous white washed walls.Their menu is made up of dishes typically served in a Greek household, recipes that mothers keep secret from friends and relatives. The ingredients used are sourced from all over Greece. The dishes are carefully prepared and served in a stylish environment, with the finishing touch unrivaled hospitality and service.If you want a change from Greek food, head to Catari, located in the port.
Both business and economy classes complete with comfortable leather seats are available on their young fleet of Airbus aircraft. On board, enjoy their quality 'Greek Cuisine' complimentary catering and bar service..
They offer a blend of recipes, from a traditional Italian trattoria cooked in the most tasteful way and authentic Neapolitan pizzas served in the picturesque yard of an old Mykonian mansion. The menu is based predominantly on pizzas and pasta as well as a choice of tasty meat dishes and exciting starters.
How to get there
Aegean Airlines operate direct flights to Athens from London Heathrow, terminal one and Manchester.
The best way to travel between islands is by ferry. Danae.travel, one of Greece's leading online travel companies specialising in incoming tourism in Greece, helps thousands of travellers visiting Greece each year to easily plan and book their holidays. Danae provides online booking services for all ferry routes to the Greek islands, hotels, transfers and activities.