Here are just a few brief descriptions, summarising my thoughts on those islands I have visited, for those of you who are still thinking about visiting the Greek islands. I hope my comments will help you to decide which island is for you!
Crete click here for a Google map showing the island of Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has everything. Whether you want to wake up in the morning to the sound of goat bells and majestic mountain views or you are looking for a place close to the most cosmopolitan of nightlife, somewhere like Aghios Nikolaos, you will be spoilt for choice in Crete. The coast on the eastern side of the island tends to be rockier than the west where there are some stunning sandy beaches.
More on Crete ... click here for properties to rent on Crete
Ergospacio Restaurant - Elounda
The first state-of-the-art carob processing plant in Crete, unique in it's kind, the Haroupoergospasio, opened and remained in operation for twenty years.
The imposing stone building cost 95.000 Drachmas, a huge sum at the time.
It operated between August and March and featured 20-hp Diesel engines (the carob breaker is still there), employing 10 workers and having a capacity of 8-9 tons of carob processing per 8 hours. In the following years the space of the plant was used to install honing machinery and to store salt from the salt marshes, two more typical products of Elounda.
70 years later, in the same space, sitting against the background of the calm waters of the bay and enjoying an amazing view of Spinalonga Ergospacio has been converted into a one-of-a-kind live music restaurant that offers its customers treats from across Greece, unique quality delicacies, fresh fish, seafood as well as fine wines from Central Greece, Crete, Macedonia, Peloponnese, Epirus, Thrace, Santorini andLemnos.
Here are a couple of reviews from Ergospacio customers:
"I have been going to Crete for many years and I have to say that Ergospasio is by far the best restaurant I have been to in those many years.
Not only is the service warm, friendly and above all efficient, the food is extraordinary and cooked to the highest standard.
And it gets better, the old building has been beautifully restored, keeping with the traditional but with a good balance of new as well. However, it may be hard to fully appreciate the decor as the view over Elounda bay is absolutly breathtaking.
Overall, Ergospasio is a delight to visit and I will be going there for years to come. I would definitely recommend it to anyone."
"I was fortunate enough to be celebrating my birthday whilst on holiday with my wife in Elounda. Doubly fortunate because I had asked fellow hotel guests if they knew of a good restaurant, other than the normal "run of the mill" where we could celebrate the event. This was how we ended up at "Ergospasio" where we experienced the true meaning of Greek hospitality and enjoyed a meal of such quality that we returned the following evening and the evening after that and so on until the end of our holiday.
We got to know Kostas and Dimitris, the co-owners of "Ergospasio" and were treated royally by them and the other members of staff.
They explained to us that the restaurant was originally the old carob-breaking factory and it has been superbly converted, refurbished and decorated to a very high standard by them. It is ideally situated with stunning views across the bay from their terrace and balcony. I have to say that, especially in the evening, I have never dined in a more beautiful, romantic setting.
Their menu is comprehensive and unusual compared with other restaurants and tavernas in the village and features dishes from different areas of Greece. Sad to say we didn't have time to try them all but we intend to return next year and sample a few more !"
Rhodes click here for a Google map of the island of Rhodes
If you like a Scandinavian influence, Rhodes might be for you. The old town is a magical mix of cobbled streets, leather and fur shops and the village of Lindos is a typical, although somewhat large, Greek village these days offering youngsters everything they could wish for when it comes to nightlife.
More on Rhodes ...
Corfu click here for a Google map of the island of Corfu
Corfu belongs to the
Ionian group of islands and in my opinion not as commecialised as some would have us believe.
If you avoid the very busy resorts Corfu still has a lot to offer and is a good jumping off point for Italy.
This is also a great island for sailing.
click here for property to rent on Corfu
Kos
Kos is a quieter island although still retains it's own airport and, in my opinion, not as picturesque as some others, although it is fun to travel through Kos town by train!
Kalymnos
From Kos you can take a boat to Kalymnos which has a stunning little harbour.
Leros
For many years my favourite island. Sadly known for it's psychiatric hospital but a quiet haven with the most beautiful swimming I think have ever known. Only accessible by boat.
Santorini
The volcanic island, not famous for it's sandy beaches
but for it's whitewashed houses perched high up on the cliff. If you take a cruise from Crete to Thira (the capital) the approach at sunset is out of this world.
click here for property to rent on Santorini
Mykonos
Also included in the cruise from Crete, Mykonos was for a long time known as the gay island but more recently as one of the more cosmopolitan holiday destinations.
Lefkas
Also part of the
Ionian, Lefkas has a well-equipped marina from where we have sailed many times. If you are interested in a sailing holiday please contact me for more information as the Ionian is a sailor's paradise, protected from the strong summer winds by the islands which lie below Corfu. I will do what I can to answer your questions.
Ithaka
This is the island where Odysseus returned to his homeland, and what a place to call home - the most beautiful paradise where abundant pine forests meet the deep blue Ionian sea. There is no airport on Ithaka but it is just a hop skip and a jump from the island famed for 'Captain Korelli's Mandolin' Kefalonia.
Please get in touch with me for more details.
