For Part Three of How We Spent Our Greek Summer series, IN+SIGHTS GREECE Culture Editor Marina Tsekoura, takes us from the wild landscapes and incredible food of Crete to an unexpected escape to Lesvos, before wrapping up summer in Mykonos.

What began with a wedding in western Crete turned into a journey across the island, shaped largely by local recommendations, spontaneous discoveries and plenty of good food along the way. From the turquoise waters of Balos and quiet days in Palaiochora to traditional Cretan feasts and dancing under the August full moon, Crete quickly became one of Marina’s standout destinations of the summer.

Then came Lesvos- an unplanned invitation that led to secluded beaches and sunset drinks in Molyvos- followed by a final few days in Mykonos, where elegant sunset cocktails, late nights in Chora and the island’s unmistakable energy provided the perfect end to summer 2026.

Here, Marina shares the places, flavours and experiences she loved most, along with a few discoveries she’ll be returning for.

Where did you travel in Greece this summer?

Almost all around Crete, plus a few days in Lesvos and Mykonos.

Who did you travel with?

Friends who live all around Europe, for the wedding of our mutual friends. It was a wonderful opportunity for a reunion. The invitation to Crete also gave us the perfect excuse to spend time together, travel around and discover places in southern Crete.

For Lesvos and Mykonos, I visited friends who live and work there.

How did you pick which places to visit?

My itinerary in Crete was shaped by recommendations from local friends and their favourite places. The wedding I was invited to was in Kissamos, Chania, so I was based for four days in the western part of the region, enjoying days at nearby famous beaches such as Balos and Falasarna.

After that, I saw it as a great opportunity to strategically plan the rest of my holiday and move towards southern Chania. I stayed in Palaiochora and Sfakia, with the idea of making the most of that part of the island. For the last three days, I moved on to the larger cities of Rethymno and Heraklion, spending my days trying local dishes, strolling around and enjoying the urban centres too.

Lesvos came out of nowhere, as a local friend invited me there, and it turned out to be a truly beautiful island full of nature.

Mykonos was my last stop. There’s no need to say it’s one of the most popular islands in the Mediterranean, famous for its vibrant nightlife and elegant bars and restaurants. For me, it was exactly what I needed as a summer ’26 wrap-up.

The place you loved most?

I fell in love with the whole of Crete. The hospitality, natural landscape, beaches and local dishes make this place so unique, special, true, authentic and eternally mesmerising.

Best swim?

Balos and Falasarna are amazing beaches with crystal-clear waters. Balos is part of a protected Natura area; you pay a small fee before entering to help preserve the natural landscape, then park your car and hike for around 20 minutes, admiring the breathtaking views of Gramvousa and the turquoise waters from above.

Loutro Beach, near Sfakia, had the cleanest waters and the serenity we all seek during summer.

Krifti Beach in Lesvos is a secret gem- a picturesque, cliff-lined beach with sapphire waters. It’s accessed by boat, and we chose a Krifti boat trip to get there.

Best brunch?

Theorist in Rethymno- a laid-back brunch spot and book café with tasty brunch dishes, freshly baked croissants, great coffee and the perfect atmosphere for a slow summer morning in Crete.

Soulmates in Mykonos- a tiny hidden gem tucked away in the winding streets of Chora, serving delicious sandwiches and fresh pies that make for the perfect easy daytime bite.

Best dinner?

Gramvousa in Kalyviani, Kissamos, near Chania, was by far my standout dinner of the summer. Set among the Cretan landscape, the restaurant grows and produces many of its own ingredients, bringing them straight from the land to the table. Combined with traditional Cretan recipes and a beautiful setting, it feels like much more than dinner, it’s a truly special Cretan experience.

The dish you couldn’t get enough of?

Impossible to choose just one, but antikristo and Sfakian pie were on repeat- two simple, authentic Cretan flavours I could happily try again and again.

Favourite bar or drink?

Zuma Mykonos for something more elegant and serene- sophisticated sunset drinks, beautiful views and a quieter atmosphere.

Scorpios for the complete opposite: more of a party mood, incredible energy and music, all set against one of the most beautiful landscapes in Mykonos. Both offer high-quality cocktails and drinks, along with sets from some of the most famous DJs from around the globe.

Your favourite sunset?

Molyvos, Lesvos- watching the sun slowly disappear into the Aegean, with the castle above and the village’s stone houses glowing in the last light.

The best view of the summer?

Gramvousa, Crete- looking down at the bay from above was easily one of my favourite views of the summer. The turquoise water, little boats scattered across the bay and the wild Cretan landscape around it made the whole scene feel almost unreal.

Molyvos deserves a mention too- sitting at one of the bars with a drink and looking across at the dramatic rock topped by the castle is a view I could never get tired of.

Crete is Greece’s largest island, what was it like travelling across so much of it?

It made me realise that Crete isn’t an island you can experience from just one place. Travelling from western Chania down to the south coast and then on to Rethymno and Heraklion felt like several trips in one. The landscapes, beaches, towns and even the pace of life changed as we moved around. I loved having the freedom to get in the car, follow recommendations from locals and discover somewhere completely different along the way. It’s definitely the kind of island that rewards exploring.

Your best unexpected discovery?

Fara Beach Ba- a beautiful little boho beach bar run by two brothers, hidden on an otherwise untouched beach with crystal-clear water and tiny pebbles. With its relaxed vibe, sunflowers and not much around except sea and nature, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay long after sunset and watch the stars. A lot of people also choose the area for camping.

Somewhere or something that completely lived up to the hype?

Mykonos itself. It may be one of Greece’s most talked-about islands, but the energy really is something else- beautiful beaches by day, sunset drinks, Chora buzzing at night and that effortless feeling that anything can happen. For me, it lived up to the hype.

A place you think deserves more attention?

The quieter side of Mykonos. Stay somewhere like Ano Mera and you’ll experience a completely different rhythm, far from the crowds and nightlife.

A scent you wish you could bottle up and take home?

The smell of the sea while travelling by ferry through the Aegean- salty air, summer breeze and that unmistakable feeling that another island is waiting for you.

The moment that felt most like a Greek summer?

The days I spent in Palaiochora, Chania- a small, peaceful seaside town where everything feels close and easy. I practically lived in my swimsuit and flip-flops from morning until night, going from swims to food and drinks without ever really thinking about the time. That sense of simplicity, comfort and complete freedom is Greek summer to me.

Another moment was dancing to traditional Cretan music at a local glendi- surrounded by people and live music under the August full moon.

One experience you would happily do all over again?

Bar-hopping in Mykonos, starting Friday evening with a relaxed drink at Zuma, then heading into Chora and letting the night unfold from one bar to the next until the early hours. No real plan, just following the energy of the island.

The best travel decision you made this summer?

Combining destinations instead of heading back to Athens in between. I flew straight from Heraklion to Mytilene- just an hour in the air, no unnecessary travel, and I gained an extra full day of summer.

Your best insider tip from this summer?

Travel light, you really don’t need as much as you think. Pack the essentials and always have a small backpack for long days out.

And if you’re combining destinations, check direct connections before going back through Athens- they can save you hours and give you more time to actually enjoy your summer.

Renting a car is essential for bigger islands like Lesvos and Crete, but there’s no need to drive when staying in Chora on the Cycladic islands.

One thing you always packed in your beach bag?

My NUXE Golden Sun Oil SPF50- sun protection, a golden glow and that unmistakable summer scent all in one.

Describe your Greek summer in three words.

Discover. Taste. Wander.

A golden rule for a Greek summer?

Don’t plan everything. Go with the flow, always ask the locals and trust their recommendations- they usually lead you to the most unexpected places and memorable experiences.

And there’s plenty more to come from Marina’s Greek summer. Over the coming months, she’ll be sharing more from her travels through Crete, Lesvos and Mykonos, taking a closer look at the places, food and experiences that stood out along the way. Stay tuned.

All images by Marina Tsekoura ©