SIFNOS
Sifnos is one of the lesser-known destinations in the Cyclades but it is certainly worthy of your attention, especially if you are a foodie. In fact, many of Greece’s notable chefs hail from the island, such as the late Nikolaos Tselementes who most probably created the moussaka and pastitsio we know and love today, by adding an inch of cream sauce and cheese to the original combination of ground meat and vegetables or pasta. Daily life is simple: wake to a glorious orange sunrise before making your way down to the sea for a swim off the rocks then feast on thimarisio, a fragrant lamb stew, before walking it off along some of the most heavenly trails in Greece. The buzzy town of Apollonia is fun for tasty mezze and, of course, ouzo, while the streets in beautiful Artemonas are lined with grand old villas, abundant gardens and pastry shops. Where to stay: Verina Astra (www.verinahotelsifnos.com).