A Greek Summer: From the Ionian to the Aegean
This August, my family and I set off for a long-awaited trip through Greece, part vacation, part research, and entirely unforgettable. Over two weeks, we moved island to island, each stop offering its own pace, personality, and rhythm. Here’s what stood out, what surprised me, and what I’d go back for.
Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), Zakynthos
Zakynthos – Lesante Cape Resort & Villas
Our trip began on the island of Zakynthos at Lesante Cape, a property that feels like its own little village with warm, traditional Greek design. We stayed three nights, settling quickly into the relaxed rhythm of the Ionian. I stayed in a Signature Sea View Pool Suite which had a quiet sense of seclusion. The resort’s private beach is more so a set of two piers built straight out into the ocean, more of a hideaway than a scene, but we loved that it felt untouched and peaceful. It is accessible by a stretch of many stairs with sunbeds lining each pier. Dinner at Bostani Farm to Table was a highlight: simple, fresh, and local in a way that didn’t feel staged.
One of our days in Zakynthos, we chartered a private boat to explore the island’s coastline, stopping to swim in the Blue Caves, visit Shipwreck Beach, and float through stretches of clear, almost electric blue water. It was one of those days that really sets the tone for a trip. Zakynthos itself has a more rural feel than other islands; it’s the kind of place where you slow down without trying.
Athens Riviera – One&Only Aesthesis
Next, we flew to Athens and checked into the One&Only Aesthesis, an entirely different atmosphere. The property sits along the Athenian Riviera, about 30 minutes from the city center, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean landscaping. We stayed in a King Aesthesis Bungalow with a plunge pool, and I loved that the design leaned into natural textures rather than flashy finishes.
Most rooms don’t have ocean views, but honestly, I preferred the pine and garden views which is not what you might think. The Bungalows feel private, calming, and immersed in nature. The beach setup here is excellent, especially the private cabanas, which are worth booking for the day if you want space and attentive service. The water is shallow for what feels like forever, so we’d walk out with drinks in hand, still waist-deep after a hundred yards. Dinner at Sumosan brought a stylish change of pace and great sunset energy. The property overall feels like a polished city-meets-sea escape, a resort that works as well for a long weekend as it does as a transition between islands.
Mykonos – Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa
From Athens, we hopped over to Mykonos for four nights at Mykonos Riviera, a property right by the port that manages to balance energy and calm. We stayed in a three-bedroom villa with a private pool. It was spacious, contemporary, and ideal for families or small groups. The location of Mykonos Riviera turned out to be perfect; we loved watching the ferries and yachts come and go, giving the resort this sense of connection to the island’s pulse without being in the thick of town.
Dinner at Kapari Rooftop was one of the trip’s surprises - incredible food, beautifully presented, and their pull-apart house bread was unforgettable. Mykonos itself is always buzzing, but what I appreciated most this time was the contrast between our peaceful villa evenings and wandering through town later for cocktails and shopping.
Paros – Andronis Minois
To reach Paros, we left early in the morning by private sea transfer. Our small rib boat made the crossing from Mykonos in about 90 minutes. The sea was rougher than expected, and while I found it adventurous, my mom was less convinced we’d make it. (Surprise, we did.)
Andronis Minois is a boutique, design-forward hotel near Parikia Port, with a rocky coastal feel that’s different from the softer landscapes of Zakynthos or Mykonos. We stayed in a Terra Suite Sea View, which looked out over both the resort and the Aegean. The atmosphere here is intimate and relaxed, and it feels more grounded than polished, in a good way. One evening, we had dinner at Siparos, a popular seaside spot on the island that delivered great food and one of the best sunsets of the trip. Another night, we wandered through Naoussa which had narrow alleys, cobblestones, and boutiques that felt quintessentially Greek. Paros struck me as an island that’s coming into its own: chic yet still approachable, and easy to love.
Santorini – Canaves Epitome
Our final stop was Santorini, where we stayed at Canaves Epitome, just around the corner from Oia, on the sunset side of the island. Having been to Santorini before, it was my first time not staying along the caldera, and honestly, I did miss it a little, however Epitome brought its own value to the table. Epitome’s setting feels quieter and more open, and the hotel’s shuttle into Oia makes exploring simple.
We stayed in a Three Bedroom Pool Villa that instantly reminded me of an Aman in its aesthetic, clean lines, natural materials, and a sense of calm luxury. It was perfect for our family: separate bedrooms but shared living space where we’d gather by the pool each morning. Service here was seamless, and the restaurant, OMNIA, overlooking the resort pool, was excellent for breakfast and dinner alike. One afternoon, we visited Sunset Suites nearby and returned for our favorite cocktail, the King Julien. Santorini was the perfect ending to a long, sun-filled trip.
Final Thoughts
What stood out most about this trip wasn’t just the hotels, though they were all exceptional in their own ways, but how different each island felt. Zakynthos gave us a different experience than we had on past trips; Athens, design and polish; Mykonos, energy and rhythm; Paros, charm and calm; Santorini, timeless beauty. Together, they offered a full picture of Greece, one that felt varied, connected, and personal.
