For Part Two of our Greek Summer series, we hand things over to IN+SIGHTS GREECE Editor Christina Loridas, whose summer took her from Athens to Kalymnos and, on a whim, to Kythnos.

There were sunsets over Kantouni Beach, late-night family gatherings, long swims, natural wines in Athens and a last-minute ferry ride that became one of her most memorable trips of the summer. But more than the places themselves, Christina’s summer was shaped by the people she spent it with, those she met along the way and the spontaneous moments that came from leaving just enough room for plans to change.

Here, she shares the tastes, sounds, scents and experiences that defined her Greek summer 2026, along with the moments that stayed with her long after she returned home.

The place you loved most?

Kanounti beach, Kalymnos, at sunset. People play raketes on the beach, and there’s a small cocktail bar at the Kantouni Beach Hotel, with a perfect view of the sun slowly melting into the horizon. 

Favourite bar or drink?

Orange wine from Kapani Market, a restaurant and natural wine bar in Athens. The staff was great and so knowledgeable, and a dish as simple as an artichoke salad with shaved parmesan left such an impression. Their wine comes from small, organic producers and the freshness of the produce makes each dish stand out. 

The best view of the summer?

Kalymnos by night from our bnb balcony. The whole island sparkled, with distant chatter, and the smell of trees and the earth in synchronicity around you. I felt swallowed by the beauty of the stars and the sky. 

What did your summer days mostly look like?

Family gatherings at a 3am,  table scattered with Mythos and Fanta, and sweating through my dress in 100+ weather dancing to Nistiotika. Fage yogurt from Sklavenitis eaten on-the-go before a second breakfast at Yiayia’s house. Ripe figs from the woman at the coffee shop across the street, that I forgot in the backseat of the rental car. 

Best swim?

Vlychadia, Kalymnos. The water is calm and it’s easy to wade in and sink deep into the sea. 

Best dinner?

A family-run taverna on Kythnos, with the best lavraki I’ve had in my life. 

A scent that instantly takes you back to your Greek summer 26?

The smell of my Korres sunscreen, mixed with salt. My hair was somehow salty and matted even on the days I took a dip and didn’t dunk under. The smell of the azure sea on my skin reminds me of what it feels like to be human, after a winter spent indoors. 

The sound that reminds you most of summer in Greece?

Mopeds and tzitzikia, always. 

The most memorable person you met along the way?

The owner of a taverna on Kythnos. He was so deeply kind that I was humbled to speak with him, and felt almost unworthy. He explained to me that he didn’t want to speak about his restaurant, and doesn’t want the island to be discovered. He told me how shy and introverted he is, about the stonemakers of the island, and how this is their legacy. He invited me for Easter on the island along with his wife and son. Hospitality and kindness still exist in the world. 

Your favourite spontaneous moment?

Deciding to visit Kythnos the morning of, quickly Google-searching for the perfect house to sink deep into creativity and solace. I called the owner and booked a one-night stay which only happened due to a cancellation, and hopped on an afternoon ferry. The wild beauty of Kythnos and its people will stay in my heart.

The moment that felt most like a Greek summer?

Standing on the car deck of the ferry waiting to get off, with a squashed spanakopita in my bag and watching the crowds of people try to get their suitcases from the giant heap. 

One thing you would skip next time?

Going to Kythnos for only a night! I had no idea the island was so big, and showed up with only a shoulder bag and some saved places I wanted to visit. Kythnos needs days and days. 

The best travel decision you made this summer?

Extending my ticket an extra week to see loved ones and work on creative projects. 

Your best insider tip from this summer?

September is the best month of the season. It’s still busy but quiets down, and the magic of the summer still remains. 

The song that became the soundtrack to your summer?

Na Soun Thalassa, by Ghost Sounds.

Describe your Greek summer in three words.

Creative, nostalgic, fulfilling.

A golden rule for a Greek summer

Don’t have too many plans– just enough things booked to make plans around. Sit and enjoy the silence, the air, the sun, and the slowness of life. Enjoy the people you love, those you meet, and the moments as they are, right now. Take a midday nap, even if you never nap again during the rest of the year. Simply be. 

And this is only a glimpse of Christina’s travels. Over the coming months, she’ll be sharing more from the places she visited this summer, with a closer look at the destinations, experiences and discoveries that made each one memorable. Stay tuned.

All images by Christina Loridas ©