LONDON’S STYLE SET ON THEIR FAVOURITE GREEK HIDEAWAYS
Azure seas, terrific tavernas and total relaxation — London’s style set share their favourite Greek spots with Joanna Taylor
AFTER a long winter in lockdown, the prospect of swimming in crystal blue waters and eating feta under a parasol sounds downright heavenly. And while nothing is confirmed, if Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis gets his way, those with vaccination passports could be allowed to travel between the UK and Greece quarantine-free this summer. But with a whopping 227 inhabited Greek islands to choose from, it is hard to decide where to plot an escape. So, we’ve asked some of our favourite jet-setters to tell us about their most treasured Greek island memories and where they can’t wait to return.
Luke Edward Hall, artist and designer: Hydra
There are no cars in Hydra, only donkeys, and no ugly buildings. One of my favourite artists, John Craxton, spent time there. We take a boat from the harbour to the Four Seasons, which is
Greek chic: Greece may be open to those with vaccination passports this summer. Above and left, Henry Holland had a good time in Mykonos
the perfect beach restaurant. The food is wonderful; slabs of feta fried in honey and the best taramasalata I have ever had. I have many happy Hydra memories, sipping coffee in the port, going on lazy walks with tubs of almond ice cream and collecting sea urchin husks on the rocks. I don’t actually do very much on Hydra, and that’s why a stay there is always so brilliant, it’s a proper retreat.
Henry Holland, fashion designer: Mykonos
I had one of the best summers of my life on a friend’s buddymoon at Kiki’s bar and restaurant in Mykonos, dancing on tables and doing everything that’s been banned for the last 12 months. I’d love to go back. Bring on the hedonism and the halloumi! For a more relaxed stay, I recommend The Wild Hotel by Interni on the other side of the island, where you can watch the influencers “creating content” at the pool 18 hours a day. Gold! Drive to Fokos beach and eat fresh fish, but beware of genitals swinging in the wind as it’s a nudey beach.
Monica Vinader, jewellery designer: Andros
Andros is a magical place and my favourite spot in Greece. I’m planning on visiting a heavenly little place called Melisses, which means “Bees” in Greek, and is owned by a charming Italian
woman called Allegra Pomilio. Each room is its own beautiful private suite with a pool and a panoramic view that guarantees you a view of beautiful sunsets over the sea.
Lucy Williams, fashion influencer: Milos
Milos is the kind of place that makes you think maybe you really could write that novel or run away, live in a shack and make ceramics for the rest of your days. We stayed in a small, whitewashed hotel on the outskirts of the seaside village Pollonia and while the wind howled at night (yes, even in the summer) and the breakfasts were basic, the sunsets from the wooden deck were otherworldly. We loved our dinner of stuffed courgettes and shrimp saganaki under drying octopuses at Medusa restaurant in Mandrakia so much we went back twice. On the remote west coast we visited Taberna Ebourious, a tiny taverna perched on the water which serves simple plates of Greek salad and grilled fish, and Tirades beach, a swath of volcanic dark sand with water so clear I was convinced each dip was adding at least a year to my life.
Alice Temperley, fashion designer: Corfu
My absolute favourite place is the village of Nissaki in north-east Corfu, it’s a gem. Originally an islet, a jetty with tavernas now joins it to the mainland. I usually head to Galini Taverna for supper and travel a little further to Taverna Agni for drunken mussels. Greek islands have to be seen from the sea, the coastlines are spectacular, so the best thing to do is to take a boat and explore. Base camp is always Katavolos House. The views are spectacular up above the village, reached by a mountain road, it’s the peace and beauty of Corfu.
Alex Eagle, creative director: Patmos
Patmos has lovely white painted Greek architecture, winding cobbled streets and an amazing history. Everything revolves around the sea. There is an energy there that is compelling — you can relax and recharge but the island also gives you energy back. I stay with friends and it is always so social. It’s such a fun place to be young, kids of all ages are out and about. Lots of people
Island hopping: Luke Edward Hall, above, in Hydra, top left and right. Alice Temperley, inset left, and Lydia Forte. Below left, The Wild Hotel, and right, the Four Seasons who go to Patmos visit the island year after year.
Georgiana Huddart, Hunza G co-founder: Paxos
Nothing beats a week-long stay on Paxos with long days exploring the beaches and evenings spent at one of the tavernas. My favourite place to watch the sun go down is Bella Vista — a beach bar and restaurant overlooking Paralia Voutoumi beach in
Anti Paxos. Ben’s Bar in north-eastern Paxos is a family favourite, the perfect place for calamari and ouzo after a day on Lakkos or Orkos Beach. When we want to step it up a notch we always go back to the restaurant Averto and treat ourselves to a long, slow dinner. It’s the perfect place to switch off.
Milos is the kind of place that makes you think you could write that novel or run away and make ceramics
Lydia Forte, Rocco Forte hotelier: Antiparos
Though I’m Italian, I have been converted to Greek summers by my husband, whose family comes mainly from Xios, in the north-east of the Aegean. For me, Greece is particularly special because of the sheer number of islands: it’s still possible to find yourself in any number of bays swimming completely alone. We love lesser known, sleepy islands such as Astypalea with its hilltop fort or Kimolos which is tiny but worth a day trip. Antiparos has always been a favourite and has some lovely shops and great restaurants as well as a vibrant social life. One of the best walks I’ve ever done was on Kefalonia, hiking up from the truly charming town of Asos all the way up to the ruins of the Venetian castle there. For the best, long summer lunch, head to Nicholas on Skinoussa, order the lobster spaghetti, sea urchin and taramasalata, then order it all again.