The island of Lefkada is easily reachable from Preveza airport as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Lefkada means white in Greece and is known for its chalky cliffs, white pebble or sand beaches and milky blue waters.

On our trip to the island this summer we based ourselves in the Nidri area, known for its picturesque coves as well as numerous small islands dotting the sea around it. This is a sailor’s paradise and we couldn’t resist but book a boat for two days. You do not need a license for vessels of up to 30HP, the hire is affordable and the boat is easy to drive once you have been given the instructions. If booking a holiday through us, you can pre-book your boat hire though our trusted suppliers – this is particularly recommended in high season.

We spent two incredible days exploring wild beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters directly from the boat and sailing past privately own little islands. Scorpios in particular is quite famous around the world as it used to belong to Aristotle Onassis and this is the place where he married Jaqueline Kennedy. The island is now leased by a Russia heiress and is rumored to be turned into a luxury island resort in the coming years – the only of its kind in the Mediterranean.

One piece of advice - wear sunscreen! With a refreshing breeze and cooling sea splashing it feels deceptively comfortable making it easier to burn in the sun – we certainly paid the price!

After enjoying ourselves on Lefkada we made our way to the neighbouring island of Meganisi - so small, intimate, authentic and unspoilt. We had a car with us and crossed the sea on a local ferry operating between the two islands several times per day. The crossing is short and incredibly scenic, especially if you secure a seat on the top deck! We based ourselves in Vathy – a pretty sailing village with swanky yachts and sailing boats docked all around the marina!

The village is quiet during the day but comes alive in the evening when no less swanky people make their way to seaside tavernas to enjoy some fish and champagne! We contract some incredible villas in Meganisi – why not get in touch when thinking of your next summer holiday?

 We decided to finish our holiday off on the mainland, closer to the airport. Our hotel of choice was the newly opened and highly anticipated Marbella Elix – without a doubt the best hotel in the area and a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The hotel boasts a stylish contemporary design, comfortable rooms with large terraces and sea view as well as a stunning long beach. The hotel comes on Half Board or All-inclusive – I highly recommend going for All-inclusive as the resort is located in an unspoilt and undeveloped area so having AI will certainly make your life easier and the holiday more enjoyable.

This was a fantastic and luxurious ending to our trip and I can highly recommend the hotel – especially the room categories that enjoy their own pool!

Maryna travelled to Greece in July 2021, give her a call to discuss your holiday

Johny Chenn from Unsplash

Jeremy Stewardson from Unsplash

Sophie Dale from Unsplash

Nothing energises you quite as much as a break from it all, even if it is a short one. Lucky for me, I was able to have one last week. This time, I was given a fabulous opportunity to experience Halkidiki, one of Greece’s lesser known destinations. Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece best known for its three peninsulas and I was fortunate enough to see the two of them.

On first impressions, I realised during my road transfer to the hotel is how green everything was and how the air was thick with the smell of pine trees and blooming flowers. Greece is famous for its herbs; every time I go there, I bring back bags, full of mountain tea (also known as shepherds tea), dried camomile, linden blossoms and a very special fragrant variety of mint with tiny purple flowers. Old Greek women say that a cup of mountain tea a day keeps a doctor away!

On my first day in Halkidiki we were given a little tour of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. Big as it was, it took years to have the underground train system built. Thessaloniki had such a rich history that it had three cities layered on top of each other in the course of centuries. In situations like that drilling involves a certain amount of delays, caused by a fear of potentially destroying an important historical monument or object. Only an archaeological committee could give permission to carry on the works after having examined the site exhaustively.

There is nothing better than sitting in one of the numerous promenade tavernas with a cup of strong Greek coffee and looking at the mount Olympus with its white snow top. Aristotle Place is the centre of Thessaloniki, a location that is never dull or quiet even during the midday siesta. Aristotle is a special figure for this part of Greece as he was born in Stagira, a small town on the northern coast of country, which many Halkidiki travellers visit.

While in Halkidiki, taking a cruise to Mount Athos is strongly recommended. This World Heritage site is located on the third and farthest peninsula – a perfect, hard to reach place for hermits and devout Christians. Mount Athos has its own autonomy within Greece and is known under the official name of Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. It has its own flag and government - “Holy Community”, consisting of the representatives of the 20 Holy Monasteries. Until this day, women are prohibited from entering to make living in celibacy easier for those who have chosen to do so.

The lengthy boat trip is often split with a rest in Ouranoupoli, a traditional port town. There you can have a delicious and a very reasonably priced lunch in one of the many seaside tavernas. If you have a moment, do wonder off into the labyrinth of narrow characterful streets.

After a long and eventful day of sightseeing, coming back to Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel and Spa was a real bliss. This five star property has everything for a relaxing and comfortable holiday. Set on a private beach with crystal clear water, it is perfect for couples and families alike. The food deserves a separate chapter – very fresh, flavourful and authentically Greek.

If you are after a peaceful holiday, within easy access to civilisation, look no further than Halkidiki.

Maryna travelled to Halkidki and stayed at the Anthemus Sea Beach Resort.

If you would like to enquire about your next trip to Greece, drop us an email on info@travelmatters.co.uk