When Greece reopens, head for the islands

Stanley Moss is travel editor of Lucire.

The latest news from the Minister of Tourism in Athens hints that Greece will reopen its doors to international visitors as early as May 14. The season officially begins on the first of June. Hmmm, let’s see, the Venezia–Athina flight takes five hours, 38 minutes, and Mr Google says the airfare costs €65–€260, which sounds promising. Lucire is thinking of heading for the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Anybody else up for a little post-pandemic Hellenic junket?

Our first stop has got to be Kivotos Santorini, a really small luxury boutique hotel of only four suites and one villa, set on a high point above town. Santorini is famous for its wine, geology, volcano and scenery. The ultra-modern property overlooks the village, a perfect vantage point for a full buyout. The four suites are designed in such a way that they can be converted in into two- and three-bed villas, ideal for families or a discreet group of friends. If you can break away from your poolside recliner under the Ægean sun, Kivotos will customize a discovery experience which focuses on the gastronomy and wines of Santorini, mixing in history, landscape and culture. The hotel also offers packages which include wellness and mindfulness. Alternately, inquire about local voluntarism programmes.

Next, we’ll move on to Kivotos Mykonos, the sister hotel and the first luxury hotel on that island. It boasts 40 suites, and a wealth of choice in floor space and configurations, with spectacular sea views. Mykonos has a longer season than Santorini, and is known for a party atmosphere between June and September when it shows its cosmopolitan face. The weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The property will host retreats as well from the end of September onwards.

Best to visit these islands early or late in the season, before or after the hungry hordes return in droves. Still, the idea of the brilliant turquoise sea and a Greek isle after months of dark lockdown has got to be a perfect antidote to the isolation blues. •

Visit Kivotos Hotels here.

Above: Summery views of the Kivotos Mykonos.