Northwood Around The World: Greece

In "Northwood Around the World", we showcase some of the captivating destinations visited by Northwood team members.

Featured Traveler: Adam Bradshaw

Location: The Greek Islands

Located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula, Greece, a nation of thousands of islands, is known as the cradle of Western civilization. In addition to being a prime destination for those interested in learning about ancient history and culture, Greece is also a paradise for those looking for pristine beaches surrounded by rugged landscapes, mind-blowing culinary experiences, and adventurous activities to satisfy the thrill-seeker in all of us. I decided to spend the majority of my time island-hopping through the Cyclades region, and I’m delighted to share some of the highlights of what I consider the best trip I’ve ever taken.

Highlights and Recommendations:

• Naxos: The largest of the Cycladic islands and only a 45-minute flight from Athens, Naxos was the perfect place to start the trip. Escape the bustling city center of Chora and spend a peaceful morning exploring the quiet mountain village of Filoti. Grab a Freddo Espresso and a Bougatsa (traditional Greek pastry) at Platanos Cafe and sit in the courtyard with the locals as the town slowly wakes up. Spend an afternoon relaxing at Agios Prokopios, a 1 KM-length stretch of golden sand offering a gateway to the warm, crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
• Paros: I opted to stay in the port city of Parikia but would recommend spending some time in the more lively town of Naoussa, a buzzing labyrinth of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars on the north side of the island. For adventure-seekers, a sailing tour is an absolute must. I would suggest the full-day option, with a traditional Greek lunch on the boat, and stops at the nearby islands of Antiparos and Despotiko for swimming, snorkelling and cliff-jumping.
• Santorini: I will admit that I was skeptical about including this island on my itinerary given what I had heard about the overtourism problem here. However, I learned first-hand why Santorini is one of the most popular islands on the planet. The 1,000-foot cliffs (upon which the villages are built) offer breathtaking and panoramic views of the Caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Before you leave this romantic utopia, it’s worth it to visit the black sand beach at Perissa and dine at Pelekanos, one of the highest-situated restaurants in Oia, with amazing Mediterranean cuisine and a Caldera view. I would recommend making an evening reservation to ensure you can enjoy one of Santorini’s world-famous sunsets while experiencing the life-changing Pesto Seafood Tagliatelle!
• Milos: Saving the best for last, Milos was undoubtedly my favourite Greek island. Rent a car or ATV and spend a day beach-hopping from the moon-like landscape of Sarakiniko Beach to the more secluded Tsigrado Beach, where you have to scale a ladder down a narrow passageway between the rocks to access this hidden gem. Take a sailing tour and snorkel through the sea caves at Kleftiko and dive into the bluest waters you’ve ever seen at Poliegos. It’s also worth visiting the charming fishing village of Mandrakia and having a bite to eat at the nearby Medusa, with a seaside location and great food.
• Visiting the Greek Islands is a remarkably special experience for travelers with a multitude of interests. The spectacular beaches, immaculate sunsets and mouth-watering Mediterranean food are complemented by seemingly endless opportunities for water adventures and learning about the country’s rich history and culture. I will not forget the genuine kindness and hospitality of the Greek people and cannot recommend visiting highly enough.

Join us next quarter as we journey to another destination with another member of the Northwood team. Until then, keep your wanderlust alive and let's explore the world together!

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