GREECE 2026 : CRETE : THE VILLA IN KISSIMOS

Saturday 15 to Friday 21 August

We spent a week with Greg and Sarah in Crete. Sarah booked the most amazing beachside villa in Kissimos; one of the Youphoria Villas. We flew to Chania from Athens and they flew in from London and we met up at the airport. If you want to relax in perfect luxury a few metres from the sea; this is the spot. Even in August, this part of Greece is not very busy. Perfect weather. Dips in the sea or the pool. Sleeping in. Good coffee. Good food. Great local wine. Lazy afternoons. Great music. Netflix binges. Life doesn't get better than this.

GREECE 2026 : SAILING ODDESSY PART 4 : METHANIA AND ATHENS.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 August

The infamous Meltemi winds threatened and our skippers decided to change plans and sail to Methania. On Thursday we left Spetses at 7am to sail in 50+ km/h winds. Neil and I just stayed in bed below deck and the rocking motion induced sleep instead of sickness. Every so often something in the galley would slide or crash, eventhough we'd tried to secure everything- and one of the window hatches broke causing wet bedding in one of the cabins. 

Methania is quiet and not touristy at all. We enjoyed hanging with the locals and ate a late lunch with a view. 

On Friday the ocean was much calmer for our sail back to Athens. We moored in a bay for a few hours for swimming and brunch before heading back to port.

One last night at the Amarilia Hotel for a final dinner and farewell. Thank you Tony and Antoinette for including us on this wonderful oddessy.

GREECE 2026 : SAILING ODDESSY : PART 3 : SPETES

Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 August

Spetses is busy and lively; much more of a party than Hydra.

We need to use the tenderboats to get ashore. When our skippers are suddenly - and often - missing Uber Ryan and the other younger and fitter in our group have to row us to shore. This also involves lifting and passing overhead dozens of mooring ropes as we go.

If you don't feel like the walk to new town in the heat, your option is a ride on a horsedrawn carriage. Once we are in town, best we stay in town!

GREECE 2026 : SAILING ODDESSY PART 2 : HYDRA

Sunday and Monday August 2026

Sunday.The yachts set sail at 4.30am while we were still fast asleep in our cabin, arriving a few hours later in Hydra to claim a good docking berth.

Hydra is a well-healed Greek island with lots of shopping and dining options right in the old town and port.

There are no cars on the island so you'll need to walk or catch a water taxi to the beach. There are still a few donkeys to carry your suitcases up to your hotel though.

Neil and I are happy to while away our time on the boat.

Or in a local street cafe; watching the passing show. Adonis is 'our' cafe opposite the water taxis and frequented by the boat drivers in between services. There are lots of day- trippers on ferries from Athens so we are very happy people-watchers. 

Monday. We walk to nearby Kodylenias with Tony and Antoinette for lunch.

Sunset drinks followed by an awesome group dinner at Omilos.

Food and views. This is Greece 2026!