Chances are when you think of Greece that your mind will quickly go to its islands. So plentiful and beautiful they are! It's an idyllic destination that offers something for everyone. Escape from the city on your getaway to paradise in the Greek Isles and see firsthand the incredibly colorful bougainvillea trees draping the whitewashed structures and feel the allure of the sparkling blue-green waters. Bubbly Tourist understands the pull. There's something very romantic about chilling on an island with cocktail in hand and with so much history about you.
Bubbly Tourist has been to a few of the Greek Isles over time and we've hardly scratched the surface. Our purpose here, as always, is to help guide you towards those destinations with something meaningful or important to offer. Please read along as we take a closer look at a couple of the Islands of Greece.
Unforgettable Greek Getaways: Escape to Paradise in the Greek Isles Index:
Mykonos
Mykonos is about sandy beaches and spirited partying. It also attracts cruise ships and therefore has the infrastructure to support not only the day tourists that descend onto this beautiful island but the night crowd as well. Since it is one of the more popular islands, the city has many tourists and can feel crowded while walking through town both day and night. Regardless, it has the narrow winding stone paths winding their way around whitewashed buildings with beautiful bougainvillea trees that decorate the town with vibrant color. Embrace the fact that getting lost in Mykonos Town (called Chora by the locals) is very easy to do and recognize that it is part of the fun and charm and history of this town, as it was intentionally designed in a maze-like fashion to confuse invading pirates back in the day.
Bubbly Tip: This isn't Athens where tap water and ice is generally safe. Drink bottled water, avoid ice and use bottled water while brushing your teeth. Drink the water or ice and you definitely run the risk of getting travel tummy. Don't make the same mistake as Bubbly Tourist by having a cool drink with ice and suffer for days.
Things to do on Mykonos
The Windmills of Mykonos
The Windmills of Chora and Ano Mera were a great boon to the people of those areas and were primarily used for grinding agricultural products meant to be transported to places outside Mykonos. Although no longer operational, they continue to be a symbol of Mykonos' past. It should be noted that the Windmills are a short walk from the harbor so that anyone can visit them. The best time to get there is in the morning when it looks pristine without the crowds and you can get some good photos.
Party like a Rock Star
Mykonos is popularly known for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music. Massive dance clubs attract world-renowned DJs and typically stay open well past dawn. If this is your vibe, then you have come to the right island.
Enjoy in the seafood of the Aegean Sea
When in Greece, right? With its pristine coastline and abundant marine life, Mykonos is a haven for seafood enthusiasts seeking the freshest catch of the day... Seafood so fresh you gotta take advantage of it! Bubbly Tourist absolutely loved our seafood paired perfectly with some Greek wine at the Karavaki restaurant within the Vencia Boutique Hotel.
Bubbly Tip: Tipping is at your discretion. In Europe, tips are more modest than in the United States because servers are paid a living wage. Tips are considered a small bonus to reward great service or to round the bill to a convenient number.
Take a Break from the Heat and the Crowds
The summer heat is quite oppressive and can be quite dangerous without hydrating. You're on an island, so you might as well get out of the heat and cool down in the water or with a cold beverage. Mykonos island has 23 beautiful beaches accessible by car, some of which are known worldwide for their golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Most beaches are on the south side of the island, crowded in high season like those of Paradise, Super Paradise, Platis Gialos, Psarou and Ornos.
If you're not inclined to the head to the beach, but need a break from the sun, or if you prefer to see a outdoor movie rather than hit the party scene, we have an hidden gem recommendation for you: Cine Manto Mykonos. This outdoor cinema, tucked in between buildings in Mykonos Town, has an adjacent outdoor patio that is a true oasis from tourists and the heat. With plenty of tables setup under mature trees with plenty of shade, this was just what the doctor ordered for a cool refreshment! Just remember our tip above about not drinking the local water or ice.
Go Shopping
There are scores of shops on Mykonos selling cute dresses, shirts and various apparel. Right along the harbor in the Old Port you will find plenty of shops. Venture further into Mykonos Town and you'll find nicer shops and even luxury brands. It's hard to believe that Louis Vuitton would have a store front here, but they do. And while you wait for your spouse inside Louis Vuitton, see the Three (historic) Wells right in the center of Mykonos Town that were built in 1722 to provide water to the town.
In Search of Bubbly in Mykanos
In an ongoing segment by Bubbly Tourist, we always search for a location - if not the best location - to have some champagne wherever we go.
To find the best Champagne, look no further than Queen of Mykonos. It has an extensive champagne selection and cocktails to boot. It's located in the heart of Mykonos Town and offers a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy some bubbly!
Corfu
The island of Corfu in the Adriatic Sea is connected to the history of Greece from the beginning of Greek mythology. Its Greek name 'Kerkyra" is related to Poseidon, God of the sea. There are two of its many island castles that enclose the capital which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded this way. Therefore the Greeks have named it a Castle City (Kastropolis). Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Bubbly Tourist was blown away at the majestic beauty of its blue-green waters.
The Old Town of Corfu
The Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. Having grown within fortifications where every foot of ground was precious, the Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets paved with cobblestones. Charming yet bustling with locals, its fun to walk through the streets and get lost exploring.
The Esplanade of Corfu (the Spianada)
You'll pass through the Esplanade of Corfu, also known as the Spianada, on the way to the Old Fortress. The Spianada is the largest square in Greece and is divided into two sections: the Upper Square (Pano Plateia) and the Lower Square (Kato Plateia). The Upper Square includes architectural gems like the Maitland Monument, the Venetian fountain, the Music Pavilion or "Palko" and the monument commemorating the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece. The Lower Square is dominated by the cricket pitch. In the summer be sure to take in the beautiful Blue Jacaranda trees with their stunning blue-purplish blooms. The adjacent pedestrian street of Liston used to be accessible only to aristocrats and nobles whose names were part of a list (hence the name). Nowadays, Liston houses several cafeterias and restaurants. During festivals, you'll also be entertained by processions with philharmonic bands that parade down it.
The Old Fortress of Corfu
Built in the early 15th century, the Old Fortress has a sea channel moat connecting the Gulf of Kerkyra to the North with the Bay of Garitsa to the South, converting the citadel into an artificial island. The fort successfully survived all three major Ottoman sieges: the great siege of 1537, the siege of 1571 and the second great siege of Corfu in 1716. Climb through the fortress to the upper ramparts where the views over Corfu are spectacular.
The Bay of Garitsa
The Bay of Garitsa is suitable for walks and bicycle, and there are many options when it comes to coffee places, restaurants and traditional tavernas. Take in the tranquil blue-green waters and the huge yachts as you stroll along the esplanade.
The New Fortress of Corfu
In the aftermath of the first great Ottoman siege of Corfu in 1537, the Venetians developed plans to expand the fortifications of the city. Subsequently, the Venetians proceeded to build the New Fortress with walls and fortifications to strengthen the defense of the wider town lying outside the walls of the old citadel. It's open every day except Tuesdays, from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. The entrance to the New Fortress is located at the upper end of picturesque Solomou street. It's free entry.
Saint Spyridon Church
The Church of Saint Spyridon is a Greek Orthodox church built in the 1580s. It is a single-nave basilica and its bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands. It is also the most famous church in Corfu. Inside the church there is a crypt to the right of the iconostasis where the remains of Saint Spyridon are kept in a double sarcophagus.
Take a Break on Corfu
Faliraki Beach, also known as Aleksos Beach, is a popular place to hang out at any time because of its urban location and stunning views of the Old Fortress and Vido Island. There is also a platform that is perfect for sunbathing or for dipping into the water. Here you can also find the Church of Saint Nicholas of the Baths. There are several restaurants nearby so order the amazingly refreshing Greek Spritz (Gin, Masticha, Lemon Tonic) to go with your fresh seafood. Located below the Municipal Art Gallery of Corfu, you can reach it from the corner of Kapodistriou and Arseniou street via a short, but steep road down through the Gate of Saint Nicholas to a lower paved seafront area.
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!