The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos

Take a break from Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, and take in the must-see spots of Kea and Kythnos- two Cycladic islands that have long been favoured holiday escapes for Greek locals in-the-know.  

Stop 1: Kea

An hour’s ferry ride from Athens’ Lavrio port, Kea’s rugged, rocky terrain is in stark contrast to its sparkling blue Aegean waters. The most popular beaches on the island Koundouros and Koundouraki boast incredibly inviting pristine waters that will keep you going back in for more. The beaches of Spathi and Xyla subscribe to the saying that “nothing good ever comes easy”, and are well worth the 10-15 minutes of bumpy dirt track to get there. Most beaches on Kea offer sunbeds at around 20-25 € per set, but also have plenty of space for those with their own umbrellas.

Insights Greece - The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos
Stunning beaches in Kea
Insights Greece - The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos
Also known as Tzia, Kea is just an hour ferry ride from Athens 

The ancient archaeological site of Karthaia is located on the southeastern side of the island and can be accessed via a 45 min rocky walking path. The walk is rewarded by impressive ancient acropolis remains, perched rather majestically on the sea and makes for the perfect post-hike swim. Mythology says that the Lion of Kea (located near the town of Ioulida) was created by Zeus in response to the pleas of the island locals who were troubled by the muses. The lion’s impressively lifelike features make it worth visiting, particularly in the early evening when the summer sun is a little more forgiving. 

All this swimming and hiking will no doubt work up an appetite, and Filippas psistaria in Korrisia is known for the best grilled meat on the island (try their lamb paidakia). 9 Kores sits on the small beach of Vourkari and offers excellent fresh seafood (try their mussels steamed in wine). Steki tou Kalofagadon in Ioulida is your quintessential taverna with an excellent array of traditional cooked dishes like mince-stuffed zucchini topped with avgolemono sauce.

Insights Greece - The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos
Hamsa Beach Bar
Insights Greece - The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos
Kythnos at sunset 

Stop 2: Kythnos

After a blissful few days on Kea, jump on the one-hour ferry ride to nearby Kythnos. While you’ll probably never get to see all of Kythnos’ 99 beaches, Kolona beach is its crowning beauty and a hot favourite of the super yacht crowd (insider tip: due to its open landscape, Kolona is best visited on a low-wind day). After deciding which side of the sand bar you’ll rest on, take a dip in the crystal waters and then make your way up to the church for a birds-eye view of Kolona in all its glory. Nearby Apokrousi beach is another stunner, while the seaside town of Kanala is a sweet little spot for a quiet afternoon dip. Hamsa beach bar is located near the port and offers a relaxing all-day beach bar experience.

The small town of Dryopida and its characteristic sokakia are lined with tiny cafes and restaurants and make for a lovely morning stroll. While there, step into the folklore museum, which is a beautifully restored traditional home of Kythnos.

Chora is where the island gathers in the evening and has no shortage of food and drink options. To Steki tou Ntetzi will scratch your Greek taverna itch with excellent grilled meats (try their pork kontosouvli) while Margiora offers a modern take on Greek food (try the watermelon and beetroot salad) with an exciting cocktail list and range of Greek wines.

Celebrating Summer Solstice 2022

Today, June 21 marks the official start of summer and the longest day of the year in Greece, and all of the Northern Hemisphere; and with this comes plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and a romantic vibe!

The summer solstice, also called midsummer, has long been celebrated around the world in many different ways; from beach parties to large festive gatherings in town squares.

The importance of the summer solstice to the Greeks dates back thousands of years, to the creation of calendar systems, many of which were developed based on geographical region. It is said that the Athenian calendar spanned from summer solstice to summer solstice, and the Delphic calendar began around the first new moon after the solstice. 

In Ancient Greece, the summer solstice also marked the one-month countdown to the opening of the Olympic Games and it also fell around the time of Kronia, a festival celebrating Cronus, the god of agriculture.

In Athens today, June 21, 2022 sunrise takes place at 6 am while sunset will be at 8:50 pm- allowing locals and visitors to enjoy a long, leisurely day filled with plenty of sunshine.

Temperatures around Greece are also expected to rise over the next few days, and according to the National Meteorological Service, the highest temperatures are expected to reach 40C-41C.

On Wednesday, temperatures will reach 38C to 39C in mainland Greece and 35C in the islands from Wednesday to Friday.

Temperatures in Athens on Wednesday and Thursday will reach 38C-39C.

On Thursday, the highest temperatures expected to prevail in Greece are 40C-41C. 

There will be a drop in temperatures on Friday and Saturday, but a new rise is expected again on Sunday 26 June. 

Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

Seaside villages such as Fanari, in northern Greece are often overlooked by sun-seekers heading to the islands. Barring the classic blue domes of the Aegean and the Italian-influenced architecture of the Ionian islands, travelling to northern Greece is a whole different experience worth one’s time and urge to explore.

Once in Thrace, visitors will come upon rows of seaside hamlets and villages- think of whitewashed harbours, beach taverns and hilltop churches- ready to be ransacked by those who don’t like to leave any stone unturned.

A great example of this is the magnificent Fanari village in Rodopi. 

Fanari, with its postcard-like appearance, is located in the southwest of the prefecture of Rodopi, in the centre of Thrace. The settlement has no more than 700 permanent residents but as it is positioned between the big cities of Xanthi and Komotini, it has fast become a tourist attraction something which is not going to change anytime soon!

Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

TOP THINGS TO DO IN FANARI

1. Visit Lake Vistonida 

Adjacent to the village of Fanari is part of the famous Lake Vistonida, which circumscribes a unique ecosystem with several types of fish, mammals and birds. Driving through the highway from Komotini to Fanari, visitors can spot in Lake Vistonida a flamboyance of pink African flamingos and pelicans flying over from Lake Prespa, making Fanari the ideal destination for wild photography and bird watching, especially in late October when the flocks arrive.

2. Swim at one of Fanari’s beaches

Fanari is famous for its iconic blue flag beaches, a marker for environmental safety, and quality standards. Barakouda beach, the village’s main beach, is the place to go for a refreshing midday swim. Skala, the beach in front of the crowded promenade with the restaurants and cafés, is ideal for families and children playing whereas Ioulia beach, parallel to the main port of Fanari, is ideal for people with reduced mobility as a wheelchair ramp has recently been installed. In total, Fanari has five beaches and a coastline stretch that many Greek islands would be jealous of!

Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

3. Fresh seafood at the port

Fanari has a plentiful of seaside restaurants and traditional taverns to serve you the best of seafood and fish. Whether you choose to sit at one in front of the promenade of the old harbour is totally up to you but our personal favourite is the traditional tavern ‘To Limani‘ (which in Greek literally means ‘The Harbour’). From here you can watch the fishing trawlers coming and going and the cats fighting for the remains of the catch of the day!

4. Sunset spotting

Skala is the best place for sunset spotting in Fanari. The wide, uninterrupted opening to the sea coupled with the changing sky colours reflected on the sea, makes this perfect for a romantic afternoon by the sea.

Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

5. Coffee at the promenade

The best way to end your day in Fanari is to sit for a coffee at one of the promenade cafes. We recommend Daf Cafe for the sea views and Ioulia seaside café bar for the views of the port and the delicious beverages and cocktails. It also gets bonus points as it has access for people with mobility issues. 

Fanari is not the place of glitz and glamour that makes headlines but it is definitely a place that will offer you the most nonchalant time ever!

Need more information about Fanari village? Have a look at the official website offering information on hotels, restaurants and more.

Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi
Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

Images By Anastasia Fountouli ©

Temperatures Set to Rise Across Greece this Weekend 

Spring has sprung and the beautiful summer weather is on its way, with temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in some parts of Greece this weekend. 

For those currently travelling around the country and hoping to get a swim, the warmer weather is expected in the coming days with the temperature predicted to gradually exceed 30 degrees Celsius in some areas of the country on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The weather service of the National Observatory of Athens meteo.gr forecasts up to 28-29 degrees Celsius in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras and up to 31°-32° C in Larissa, central Greece. 

The temperature will rise slightly in the north and will range from 10 to 28 degrees, in the west from 11 to 26 to 27 degrees, in the eastern mainland from 12 to 28 degrees and on the Aegean islands from 14 to 25 degrees Celsius; Rethymno and Chania in Crete are also expected to have warmer days, reaching the mid-20’s over the next few days.

Travelling Through Greece Over Summer Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Greece has officially announced that travelling throughout the country from May 1st will be a whole lot easier, as Covid 19 vaccination or recovery certificates will no longer be required, and mask rules relaxed in time for the peak summer holiday season.

Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris on Wednesday outlined the roadmap from May 1 through to August 31, confirming that domestic Covid passports will be scrapped with the rule applying to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and to both indoor and outdoor areas, including museums, archaeological sites, restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and other venues. 

Plevris said that the requirement to show a Covid pass to enter bars, restaurants and other public venues would be withdrawn on May 1 and from June 1, mask rules will be relaxed in most venues, with a few exceptions – likely to include healthcare settings – this will be outlined in the coming days. 

He added that the removal of international entry requirements, where visitors must show proof of either vaccination (including a booster if their second dose was administered more than 270 days before), recent recovery from Covid, or a negative test to visit Greece – are also under consideration. 

For all the latest travel requirements to Greece head to travel.gov.gr

Aegean Welcomes Guests to New Business Lounge at Athens Airport

Greece’s leading airline carrier Aegean has welcomed its first guests to the brand-new Business Lounge, located at the extra Schengen area of Athens International Airport. 

The new 1250sqm lounge has been designed to enhance passengers’ travel experience with unique aesthetics, functionality, comfort, and hospitality through state-of-the-art technology and upgraded services. 

The modern space, which marks the airline’s fresh start to the 2022 tourist season, has been inspired by traditional Greek architecture and was designed by leading Greek architecture firm K-Studio. Featuring marble, terrazzo, glass and wood, it offers a contemporary and comfortable environment for guests to make the most of the new media lounge, social lounge, and quiet lounge; as well as the meeting rooms, two cafeterias and a restaurant alongside a wine bar. 

Insights Greece - Aegean Welcomes Guests to New Business Lounge at Athens Airport
Insights Greece - Aegean Welcomes Guests to New Business Lounge at Athens Airport
Insights Greece - Aegean Welcomes Guests to New Business Lounge at Athens Airport

“As the new Aegean Business Lounge is aiming to serve as a platform to promote Greekness, all warm and cold dishes as well as wines offered, come mainly from fine Greek producers,” announced Aegean. 

The new Business Lounge will be open to all Business Class and Miles+Bonus Gold passengers, as well as to members of the Star Alliance network, where they will have the opportunity to experience all of Aegean’s unique services.  

Images Courtesy of Aegean

Direct Flights Daily From New York to Athens Have Taken Off 

Just in time for peak season 2022, United Airlines has commenced its direct flights to and from New York and Athens daily. The non-stop flights will run from April 4 right through to October 30, with the airline also announcing it will start its seasonal direct flights from Washington D.C. to Athens on May 7. 

Flights depart Athens Airport daily at 12:15 pm, and arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport at 4:15 pm the same day. The return flight departs Newark daily at 5:15 pm, arriving in Athens at 10:10 am the following day. 

With the Washington route, flights will depart Athens daily at 11:50 am, arriving at Washington Dulles at 3:15 pm the same day. The return flight will depart Washington daily at 5:10 pm, arriving in Athens at 9:55 am the following day. 

Athens International Airport Communications & Marketing Director Ioanna Papadopoulou said that the United States market showed great resilience even during the pandemic period, and remains one of Athens Airport’s most popular and significant markets, thanks in great part to the large and active Greek-American community.

While United Airlines’ Director of Sales for the UK, Ireland, Israel & Off-line Sales Bob Schumacher expressed the company’s “enthusiasm of returning to Athens in 2022 with the restart of direct flights from Greece to the US.” The flights to the United States, he added, are supplemented with connections to over 95 destinations in the entire American continent. The daily to and from flights will be carried out by Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, said Schumacher. 

7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece

After two years of lockdown, Easter 2022 is the perfect occasion for reconnecting with Greece’s traditional spirit. Lamb on the spit, folk music, free-flowing wine and plenty of good “parea” and “kefi” should do the trick. Add to that a beautiful location with interesting Easter traditions and you have yourself a wonderful trip to look forward to!

Here we take a look at some of the best Easter holiday destinations around the country that you really shouldn’t miss!

Patmos

Greece’s holiest island, where St John the Evangelist wrote The Apocalypse, is especially ideal at Easter for fans of Greek Orthodoxy. In the picturesque Chora you can see the local re-enactments of the Last Supper and Washing of the Disciples’ Feet; during the liturgy, a priest from the monastery of St John the Theologian, who re-enacts the role of Jesus, disperses water droplets on the legs of two monks, representing Christ’s disciples, after which there is a procession through the town. On Easter Sunday on the Dodecanese Island, it’s well worth attending the atmospherically rich Second Resurrection church service, during which the gospel is read in seven languages. 

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Leonidio

Leonidio, a seaside town in the eastern Peloponnese, carries out the unusual tradition of releasing hundreds of balloons into the sky at midnight on Holy Saturday, as soon as the priest chants ‘Christ has risen’ (Christos Anesti). The tradition, which began in the late 19th century, is vibrant and colourful, offering a unique experience that even schoolchildren are involved in preparing from the start of the year. The town’s Epitaphios (the funeral bier of Christ, containing a large icon depicting the burial of Christ and heavily decorated with flowers) processions are also very scenic, as locals decorate streets with thousands of bitter oranges (between 2-3,000) that have been hollowed out and lit from the inside with candles. On Easter Sunday Leonidio holds the Feast of Love ceremony in its main square with Tsakonian dances and more balloons released into the sky.

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Monemvasia

Also in the Peloponnese is the magical seafront fortified town of Monemvasia, where on Good Friday the epitaphios procession passes through the medieval cobblestone roads past candle-lit chapels and houses, including the once governor’s mansion (during the Venetian era) Ardamis Guesthouse. Throughout the Easter period, in Monemvasia, you’ll hear the echoes of church liturgies echoing through the streets. On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the town carries out a tradition of re-enacting the burning of Judas, usually in a captivating ambience. 

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Image by Polina Paraskevopoulou
Rhodes

The island of the Knights has an Easter tradition that involves tree stumps being gathered and stacked into a huge pile of wood that is set alight on Holy Saturday, a few hours ahead of the Insurrection ceremony. Called ‘Kalafunos’, this ritual represents the burning of Judas.

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Kalamata

Not for the faint-hearted, Kalamata’s ‘Saitopolemos’, a ‘war’ of lit cardboard tubes filled with gunpowder- is famous Greece-wide for how loud it gets, how long it goes on, and how many people choose to participate despite annual accidents and even deaths. Thought to date back to the end of the Ottoman occupation and honouring Greeks who fought in the War of Independence, the event is certainly polemical. In Kalamata the burning of Judas tradition is actually a blowing up of Judas and takes place in the areas of Avramogiani and Rachi. 

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Corfu

Famous for their clay pot-breaking tradition, Corfu’s locals annually enjoy (often joined by Greek and foreign tourists) throwing their water-filled vessels, decorated with red ribbons, off balconies onto the street, where they smash into smithereens. The custom, thought to have begun during the Venetian occupation, is followed by a musical procession by the Ionian island’s brass bands, with a performance of a musical piece titled ‘Fear Not, Greeks’. 

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece
Hydra

One of the jewels of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra makes a great Easter getaway. The island enjoys a unique tradition of having the epitaph enter the sea on Good Friday in the fishing village of Kaminia, which is 10 minutes from the main port. This tradition is a way of blessing the waters and the seafarers. After the procession, people gather around to eat seafood in nearby tavernas and houses.

Insights Greece - 7 Top Easter Destinations in Greece

 

6 Idyllic Springtime Holiday Spots Around Greece

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Greece. Whether you are in a city, village, or island, spring makes its first appearance in March and reaches full bloom in April through to May. As hints of winter melt away, the colours of spring add to the beauty of Greece’s landscapes and these Greek destinations are just the perfect holiday spots to enjoy springtime in Greece. 

Samaria Gorge

Where: Crete, White Mountains National Park.

Why: Because it’s one of the longest and especially in spring, naturally beautiful gorges in the world & the longest in Europe. The 6-8 hour hike is not for everyone and requires some preparation but you’ll reap many rewards as you pass through lush landscapes. Also because it’s too cold in winter and too hot in summer, during spring, hiking along the gorge is easier.

Don’t Miss: Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as around 450 species are thought to inhabit the area.

Insights Greece - 6 Idyllic Springtime Holiday Spots Around Greece
Andros

Where: In the Cycladic Island group, 1-2 hours from Athens’ Rafina port.

Why: Because, unlike its neighbours, globally popular hiking destination Andros (named Ydroussa in antiquity because of how much water springs around the island) has lush nature that is especially glorious in spring.

Don’t Miss: The waterfalls of Pithara, the old stone bridges of Aladinou and Stichiomeni, Achla river and beach, the hike from Chora to Apoikia, from Arni to Vourkoti, the villages of Sineti and Aidonia.

Insights Greece - 6 Idyllic Springtime Holiday Spots Around Greece
Zagori

Where: Zagori is in the eastern and central area of the Pindus mountains of Epirus.

Why: Because the area, made up of 48 architecturally harmonious villages from the 1700s and fabulous natural landscapes like the Vikos Gorge, Europe’s deepest, is immersed in lush natural beauty.

Don’t Miss: Go rafting in Voidomatis river or horseback riding in Megalo Papingo village, dine on hand-picked mushrooms in Vitsa and meditate on old arched stone bridges above tranquil waters.

Insights Greece - 6 Idyllic Springtime Holiday Spots Around Greece
Image by @stef_greece
Tzoumerka

Where: In the mountainous region between Ioannina and Arta.

Why: To reawaken your winter-dulled senses with incredible mountain views, fresh air and lush greenery.

Don’t Miss: Connect with local culture in the 47 picturesque and vibrant Tzoumerkohoria (villages), cross the Arachthos gorge (there’s a bridge!) hike along the Syrrako – Kalarrytes river path and see the Anemontrypa Cave, walk the Kouiassa Pouliana path and visit the the National Park of Tzoumerka where brown bears, wild goats, otters and deer live.

Insights Greece - 6 Idyllic Springtime Holiday Spots Around Greece
Lake Kerkini 

Where: In Central Macedonia, Northern Greece.

Why: Because this man-made lake is home to over 300 bird species, numerous other animals including free-roaming water buffalo, and 1300 plant species.

Don’t Miss: Trying out scenic hiking, boat rides, horseback riding adventures.

Methana

Where: Eastward of Peloponnese and southwest of Piraeus.

Why: Because you might just see 120 types of orchids in this lush, volcanic seaside haven.

Don’t Miss: The hot springs in the southeast seacoast of the peninsula, the ruins of the Acropolis of ancient Methana which dates to the 4th C B.C. and Steno, where you’ll see ruins of ancient walls built by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War, and the pine-clad islet of Saint Theodoroi, which is connected to Methana town by a road. 

Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania

If you prefer staying in an intimate hotel rather than a large resort, Monastery Estate Retreat is the perfect place where you can experience rustic luxury, tranquility, and true Cretan hospitality in a converted 200- year- old family home surrounded by olive groves and the stunning mountainside. 

Located in the remote village of Moni, in Sougia Chania, the Monastery Estate Retreat is a small boutique hotel that’s ideal for those in search of an exclusive and authentic concept of hospitality that uniquely blends luxury, tradition, and modern living. 

Insights Greece - Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania
Insights Greece - Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania

The Monastery Retreat effortlessly blends into its natural environment, allowing guests to enjoy the simple beauty and beautiful nature that surrounds the property. 

Offering eleven minimalist rooms divided into four categories, each one offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lefka Ori Mountains and olive trees. The rooms exude a rustic-chic, minimalist design, featuring concrete, wood, metal, and contemporary furniture, soft touches, warm tones, and natural materials, that creates a perfect balance between comfort and style. Each room has a sunny terrace and a private swimming pool with built-in sun loungers and whirlpool baths. 

Insights Greece - Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania
Insights Greece - Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania
Insights Greece - Rustic Chic Mountainside Apartments in Chania

A delightful and traditional Cretan breakfast with fresh products is served on the ground floor room which opens onto an outdoor terrace, otherwise, you can enjoy the morning feast on your private balcony. Breakfast options include traditional Dakos rusks, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, delicious homemade jams and plenty of homemade bread and sweet local pastries.

If you are in need of some pampering, you can take advantage of the spa area with a sauna, hammam, and a range of relaxing massages. And if you are wondering what’s nearby- Sougia beach is only a 10-minute drive away from the hotel, and local shops and taverns are roughly 12 minutes away. 

The family-run hotel prides itself on its friendly staff who go out of their way to guide guests on what to see and do and are also able to book tours and other unique experiences on offer close by. 

A: Moni Village, Sougia, Chania, Crete 

Monastery Estate Retreat 

Discover our Complete Travel Guide to Chania here 

New World-Class Golf Courses Opening at Costa Navarino 

Costa Navarino, in the heart of Messinia, is ready to kick start the new 2022 season with two new signature golf courses- the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course- both set to open on February 20.

Offering panoramic views of the Bay of Navarino, the new Olympic Academy Golf Course has been designed by José Mariá Olazábal – boasting stunning sea, mountain, and river views as a backdrop to your tee shots.

Situated over 125 hectares overlooking the historical bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, the International Olympic Academy measures 6,366m in length. The 18 holes hills course, par 72 has been designed to challenge the best golfers in an enchanting environment with dramatic views and memorable sunsets.

Insights Greece - New World-Class Golf Courses Opening at Costa Navarino 
Insights Greece - New World-Class Golf Courses Opening at Costa Navarino 

The Hills Course is the second golf course at Navarino Hills and overlooks the rural landscape of Messinia, with rugged mountains and small villages. Measuring 6,280 yards, this 18-hole course par 72 completes the challenging experience designed to challenge the most experienced golfers in a different landscape setting.

They will be joining The Dunes and The Bay Course, which are 18-hole signature courses surrounded by Costa Navarino’s five-star hotels and resorts – making it a prime location for golf connoisseurs with four signature golf courses within a 13km radius. 

Costa Navarino is steadily raising its profile as a prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean by offering a world-class golf experience on the four signature golf courses in Greece. Each course bears the signature of a different world-renowned designer and offers a unique combination of challenges and rewards for golfers of all levels.

A series of international tournaments are hosted each year, including Messinia Pro-Am, Aegean Pro attracting professionals, amateurs, and golf lovers while also creating a vibrant intercultural golf hub. 

Costa Navarino Golf Resort

Image by Gerrit Kleinfeld  | Costa Navarino 

New Luxury Lifestyle Resort Opening in Santorini This April

Radisson Blu Zaffron is set to become Santorini’s first lifestyle destination resort – where authentic hospitality is elevated by opulent design, a beach area reserved only for guests, exclusive events, and unforgettable bespoke experiences.

Strategically located near Kamari Beach, the new 5-star resort (which had a soft launch in July 2021, and is officially opening its doors on April 18, 2022) features an exotic, boho-chic ambience with a quintessentially Cycladic architecture. Offering relaxed elegance in an all-suite environment- its unrivalled cuisine, discreetly luxurious accommodation and boutique experiences, allow guests to enjoy an intimate getaway in Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

Featuring 103-rooms, the resort brings a strong lifestyle element to the island via an eclectic mix of experiences, events, and international brand collaborations, as it marks the first luxury hospitality offering from Fais Group; an Athens-based distributor of a vast luxury, fashion and sports brand-portfolio – with world-renowned brands such as Tod’s, Hogan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Philipp Plein, Princess Yachts, KIKO Milano, Under Armour, Adidas, Puma, and Technogym (to name a few).  

Insights Greece - New Luxury Lifestyle Resort Opening in Santorini This April
Insights Greece - New Luxury Lifestyle Resort Opening in Santorini This April

Design & Character 

Responsible for Zaffron’s concept design and master plan are Greek-based architects Arc-Set, who wanted to respect the rugged landscape of the island, and at the same time create a relaxing and warm, softly textured haven.

The lobby’s elegant domes and arches, a gentle nod to Santorini’s prevalent architectural theme, are combined with natural materials such as wood and stone, providing an earthy ambience that makes guests feel instantly welcome. The use of domes is also apparent in the interior of the generously spaced 103 rooms, suites, and villas that range from a superior room with a king bed to the presidential suite with a private plunge pool.

Overseen by Designteam | Nikos Theodorakopoulos, the interiors boasts a serene and calming environment with the use of tactile materials, rich textures, and a neutral colour palette. Sustainable wood surfaces are complemented by linen and cotton fabrics, while the walls are adorned with black-and-white photography that captures Santorini’s breathtaking beauty.

Food & Drinks 

With two restaurants and a bar on site, Zaffron utilises gastronomy, international collaborations, and a smorgasbord of authentic experiences to deliver a one-of-a-kind core concept. The fine-dining eatery Zeffirino is set against the backdrop of Santorini’s spectacular views and offers guests an authentic, Italian experience with the use of local produce and much-loved recipes created by the family of Zeffirino Belloni. From homemade, fresh pasta to catch-of-the-day fish courses and the signature Pesto Genovese secret family recipe, Zeffirino’s menu is expertly complemented by a curated wine list that includes local and Italian labels.

For more laid-back moments, Trattoria Belloni offers a choice of classic Italian dishes and comfort food, while the Blu Pool Bar is the place for sushi and signature cocktails. Being a few steps away from the sea, Zaffron also features a beautiful beach setup, with sunset parties as part of its entertainment programme.

Insights Greece - New Luxury Lifestyle Resort Opening in Santorini This April
Insights Greece - New Luxury Lifestyle Resort Opening in Santorini This April

Bespoke Experiences 

International partnerships are at the heart of the resort, including a series of DJ events and creative dinner parties in collaboration with leading modelling agency Elite Model Management London. Art is also an important part of Zaffron, where a partnership with world-renowned agency Magnum Photos will include immersive workshops with their award-winning photographers for the hotel’s guests.

At the resort’s spacious spa, guests can benefit from wellness treatments that tap into the healing properties of Greek nature. The spa uses exclusively Korres skincare and beauty products made from natural ingredients inspired by homeopathic remedies and rooted in tradition.

The ultimate indulgence setup features a range of bespoke touches of comfort and practicality, from the moment guests are picked up by luxurious and environmentally friendly electric cars. The switch to pure escapism mode continues with island hopping in the Aegean through private yachts and tailor-made sailing trips into endless sunsets.

Radisson Blu Zaffron Santorini 

A: Apollonos & Makedonias Street, Kamari, Santorini