GREECE 2026 : MILOS

Wednesday 26 to Thursday 27 August

A final morning on our balcony, brunch at Lila's and another ferry, this time to Milos.

We stayed at Studis Betty in a cute apartment with a sunset view.

 Right in the centre of quaint Plaka.

Sitting having a drink at a bar that seemed only to be called "Cocktails to Go" I felt like we'd landed in an alternative and decidedly weird TikTok/Insta universe.

Influencers have apparently caused this frenzied flock of cocktail dress and flip flop clad devotees to rush around all the picture perfect spots of Milos taking selfies. You need the "cocktail to go" for your sunset photoshoot apparently; eventhough it's in a disposable plastic cup.

Not to say I don't take pics of my drinks in the setting sun. 

We had a delicious dinner at Archontoula.

Followed by pisco sours and live music at Kri Kri Bar.

We did a day trip to Klima known for it's colourful fisherman's houses.

Every town has it's church.

We had a long lunch at Astakas.

We spent the evening relaxing on our deck.

  With take-out available right next door.

Island hopping every few days is fun... you don't try and get the whole island "done". I'd like to return to Milos and spend a little more time here.

GREECE 2026 : SANTORINI

Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August

We were up early and at the ferry by 7am for an 8.00am departure.

The sea was calm and the 1.5hr ride was a breeze.

We stayed in Fira at the lovely Amphitheatre Cave Houses.

Wonderful views of the bay and the caldera from a huge patio.

Cool interiors as the room is carved into the hillside like a cave. The furnishings are a bit dated but we loved the place.

It's a bit of a hike up lots of flights of stairs when you go out but downhill to get home. 

It's really hot in the narrow streets of town during the day. Ice cream needed. How about Santorini lava and coconut? 

We did a great wine tasting at Kipos Wine Restaurant and cellar. A nice garden setting which is unusual for Santorini and cool wine caves below.

We tasted a great variety of wines. 

Santorini grown wines are generally expensive due to the harsh climate leading to low grape yields. Expect to pay 50+ euro for a bottle of Asyrtiko ( white ) and a lot more for the Nykteri (the barrel aged version) from the winery. I discovered Santo winery does an Assyrtiko bubbly. It's lovely and rather rare and more expensive than champagne.

For dinner we ate at Nikolas' Tavern, a place we have fond memories of from our last visit here in 2011. 

On Tuesday morning it was such a pleasure to sit on our balcony with coffee for a few hours until the sun gobbled up all the shade. Every day there are 1 or 2 cruise ships in the bay. 

We went to quiet and less touristy town of Megalochori.

We had lunch at the famous Family Bakery.

We tasted a few wines at Galavas Winery.

Home for sunset drinks on our balcony.

And take-aways from neighbouring Ari's.

Don't let rumors that Santorini is too busy put you off. Enjoy your own balcony and view.

Leave Fira during the day and explore quieter places or activities.

And by late afternoon all the day trippers from the cruise ships are gone!