the insider's mediterranean: greece beyond santorini and mykonos
Welcome to the insider's mediterranean, a (new) mini-series where I share my favorite islands that deserve more love (but that I secretly hope stay under the radar just a little longer).
This series is for the seasoned traveler who’s "been there, done that," or anyone drawn to the classic Mediterranean summer without emptying their bank account or fighting through a sea of selfie sticks.
Look, Santorini, Mykonos and the Amalfi Coast are as stunning as the photos - but they're also a bit expensive (unless your idea of a reasonable hotel rate includes a comma, and if so, slide into my DMs because I want to plan your trip!!) and so packed with tourists you'll spend half your vacation photoshopping strangers out of your pics. Go if you must - you'll have a gorgeous time - but there's the WHOLE Mediterranean out there waiting for you!
I’m excited to share my handpicked recommendations and reveal where I’m sending my most discerning clients this summer (places you’ll definitely want to visit before everyone else catches on).
P.S. Book now for better choices, better rates, and way less stress. The only last-minute decision you should be making is whether to have a third Aperol Spritz while watching the sunset (spoiler: the answer is always yes).
I’m starting with Greece because it's full of options — which is amazing, but also a little overwhelming. Delightful torture, really.
Greece's six island groups are like siblings in one incredibly good-looking family (they’re all 10s) - each with their own personality but sharing that intoxicating blend of blue waters, whitewashed buildings, and fresh seafood tavernas.
Instead of joining the crowds in Mykonos, you could be exploring:
Milos offers lunar landscapes that make you wonder if you've accidentally stumbled onto another planet
Paros serving up nightlife as vibrant as Mykonos but without the eye-watering tab
Kefalonia: where you can swim in crystal-clear caves in the morning and sip local wine in charming villages by night
And sooooo much more (there are like 80 islands to choose from!).
Getting there is simple: fly into Athens (direct US flights exist, hallelujah), then grab a quick domestic flight or hop on a ferry. Island-hopping works best within island groups - the Cyclades are the easiest to navigate.
When Greeks take vacations, they head to islands like these—and that should tell you everything...
milos
The Cyclades, home to Mykonos and Santorini, are the darlings of the Mediterranean - iconic whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and bougainvillea cascades you've seen a million times.
The volcanic coastline will blow your mind while the locals actually still fish for a living (imagine!). Don't come for clubs - the nightlife's deliciously low-key, which means you'll actually remember your vacation instead of piecing it together from mysterious charges on your credit card.
Why Milos deserves your attention:
Volcanic landscapes that would make NASA jealous - steaming vents, hot springs, and terrain that looks straight out of a sci-fi film (without the CGI budget)
Sarakiniko Beach - a surreal blend of white lunar rocks and shimmering blue waters
Venus de Milo birthplace (she’s now in the Louvre), plus ancient Roman amphitheaters, early Christian catacombs
Klima's rainbow boathouses where fishermen serve what they caught hours ago
70+ beaches = always finding your own slice of paradise when the rest of Greece is shoulder-to-umbrella with sweaty tourists
Where to stay:
Domes White Coast Milos, an adults-only property with private pools and a cliffside location that maximizes those incredible sea views (wake up, open curtains, gasp, repeat)
White Pebble Suites, waterfront boutique hotel in Pollonia with ocean views from every room. Opened in 2021 by three Greek-Australian women (their attention to detail shows)
Trust me on this one:
Book a private boat tour. Not optional. It's the only way to access Milos' hidden caves and swimming spots you can't reach by land. Worth. Every. Euro. Your Instagram will thank you, but more importantly, your soul will too.
paros
I keep coming back to Paros for anyone wanting the "perfect" Greek island.
While Milos serves geological drama, Paros delivers that quintessential Greece fantasy. It's the island equivalent of that friend who effortlessly makes everyone feel comfortable - charming without showing off.
Paros is having its perfect moment - developed enough for comfort but not yet overrun like its flashier neighbors. Go now, while its charming villages remain untouched by luxury developers and waterfront tavernas still have a table waiting without a weeks-ahead reservation.
Why Paros deserves your attention:
The villages of Naoussa (coastal charm), Lefkes (peaceful hilltop escape) and Parikia (buzzing capital) reveal a different side of Greece
Golden Beach and Santa Maria's waters for perfect swims and elite windsurfing (or lounging while pretending you might try windsurfing tomorrow)
All the fun of Mykonos' party scene without emptying your wallet or dealing with the attitude
Lush interior—perfect for a feta-fueled hike
Where to stay:
Summer Senses, just minutes from the beach with rooms showcasing natural materials and minimalist design. The Aegean views from the infinity pool alone are worth booking for (and pretending you can afford to live like this all the time)
For something with more character, Mythic Paros perches on a hillside with individually designed rooms blending traditional and modern architecture
Trust me on this one:
Skip over to tiny Antiparos (just 10 minutes by ferry). For a splurge, book The Rooster, 16 private houses inspired by traditional farmers' cottages, with organic gardens and pristine beaches. Greece at its purest.
kefalonia
Kefalonia hides in plain sight as the Ionian's largest treasure—somehow still flying under the radar while offering some of Greece's most dramatic landscapes. The place combines everything worth traveling to Greece for: local tavernas, pristine beaches, and scenery that makes phone cameras seem inadequate.
Why Kefalonia deserves your attention:
Quiet, exclusive, untouched - while everyone's fighting for beach space on Greece's eastern islands, Kefalonia chills on the western coast
Melissani Cave lets you boat across an underground lake with an open ceiling that lights up its stunning blue water (need I say more... )
Myrtos Beach combines limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and white pebbles
Spot rare sea turtles, monk seals, and even wild horses in Mount Ainos National Park—the only one on a Greek island
Celestial and Eliamos
Where to stay:
Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, on the southern shores for anyone craving privacy - just 12 villas with salt-water pools, gardens, and olive grove views that'll make you consider "accidentally" missing your flight home
Celestial All Suites, nestled in the lush landscape of Mousata Village - a boutique hotel where you can surround yourself with natural beauty, take beach walks, read books, and actually return from vacation feeling refreshed instead of needing another vacation
Trust me on this one:
Wine tasting at Robola vineyards in the scenic Omala Valley. Your future self will thank you for the bottles you bring home.
Ever wondered if there's more to Greece than the Mykonos crowds you see online? There is. Picture yourself on quieter islands where your euros go further and beaches aren't a game of towel tetris.
I help travelers experience the Greece that locals cherish by
Finding the perfect luxury, boutique accommodations (the kind where staff remember your name and your coffee preference by day two)
Handling all island-hopping logistics (so you can sip ouzo instead of stressing over ferry schedules)
Connecting you with authentic experiences (think: learning family recipes in a local kitchen and wine tastings at family-owned vineyards)
Curious about which Greek island might be your perfect match? Drop me a note with when you're thinking of traveling - even if it's just a dream trip for now. I’d love to share a few of my favorite spots.
That’s all for now (might do a part 2!)
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going to milos and paros this summer!! any boat recommendations?
This is great! Was just researching some Greek islands, so this is fortuitous! Thanks for sharing!