One of the things we love about our business is sourcing inspiration from around the world.
The adventure of travel, meeting people, stepping outside our comfort zone, exposing ourselves to different cultures and enjoying the sights and tastes of foreign lands.
As soon as Australia declared our international border were opening our flights were booked. And, as custom designed furniture by our factories can be found in over 80 resorts in the Greek Islands alone, a 2 week ferry hopping trip through the lesser known Greek Cycladic Islands was locked in.
First stop was Mykonos were we experienced first hand this party island, it's well known beaches and beach clubs, stunning whitewashed towns, and off course great shopping and delicous tavernas.
Platis Gialos
But the highlight was an evening at Scorpius Beach Club. Scorpius sparked a unique interior look in 2015 - organic with a dash of ethnic styling - that can now been seen in beach bars and homes from Canggu to Tulum.
The largest Cycladic Island, Naxos features a mountaineous interior complete of hilltop historic villages and Greek ruins, long stretches of Sandy Beaches and a medieval harbourside Hora. We loved the Hora with a web of steep cobbled alleys filled with delicious tavernas and a shops. Catch the sunset at Zeus Portal then wander back for dinner at O Apostilis .
Naxos Marina and Plaka
On the west coast Tortuga Bar and Beach Club is a bohemian inspired setting designed for those who enjoy life and live it to the fullest, we loved the natural aesthetic of this bar
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Tortuga Bar
Without an airport, Sifnos is a little more difficult to get to, but so worth the effort. The Island features a mountainous interior topped with 3 beautiful whitewashed villages. The coast is fringed with crystal clear bays and sandy beaches. Whilst the unusually fertile soils bless the terraced landscape with olives, figs, almonds, and aromatic herbs. Kilometres of centuries old stone paths criss cross the island and were once the highways linking farmers, donkeys and their produce to village markets. Now these paths are revered by walking enthusiasts who come from all over the world to enjoy.
Walking to Kastro
Highlights : Appollonia the jewel of the hill top towns, the islands capital and hosts the best bars, tavernas and shopping. The best time to visit is around sunset, dress up and strut along the Stena with wealthy Athenians and French, salute the sunset and then grab a Greek bite to eat.
Appollonia
Traditional Sifnos cuisine includes an abundance of locally grown chickpeas
Kastro : The Ancient capital is enclosed by medieval fortressed wall. Centuries old homes use the fortified walls as part of their structure and cling to it for safety. Features incredible views to the ocean and the Church of the 7 Martyrs.
STAY
Verina Astra had been listed by Conde Naste Traveller and Lonely Planet, and we can confirm the exquisite location and classic greek views are sensational. The Chic rooms and common areas deserve all the accolades.
Resort pool and rooms in the foreground of Verina Astra
Volcanic Milos, like Santorini, arches around an ancient caldera. The dramatic coastline reflects extreme volcanic activity and the resultant caves, moonscapes, beaches and surreal rock formations attract tourists from far and wide. In addition, Milos harbours gorgeous and centuries old coastal and hilltop villages many of which are home to tavernas that have been run by generations of the same families.
Volcanic Beach scape at Milos, complete with thermally heated springs and sulphurous cliffs
For the best sunset views at the famous Capital Plaka, arrive early for converted spot at The Utopia Bar or Mosaic Roof top bar. Alternatively follow the evening procession to the Venetian Castle of Milos, these panoramic sunset views are worth chasing. Archondoula, a family run taverna, has been pumping out classic Greek dishes for generations and from experience its popularity is justifiably growing.
A seafood feast at Archondoula
The quiet port town of Pollonia is a picutresque fishing village on the North East tip of Milos and is an equisite location to watch the sunset and enjoy traditonal greek dinners by the sea. It is also has a small ferry providing trips to from Kimolos
Tavernas at the waters edge at Pollonia
Klima
Below the cliff village of Trypti, is the traditional coastal fishing village Klima. Fisherman would use the bottom of these brightly coloured syrmata to harbour their fishing boat in inclement weather and use the upstairs area was for family life. Most are still in use some still by fisherman some are accommodation and others are shops.
Klima with it's cluster of tradtional Syrma'a - fishermans boat houses
Accessed only be sea, Kleftiko’s surreal cave formations once harboured pirates and their booty. Now days the worlds wealthy pull up in their helicopter laden super yachts and cruise around on their jet skiis. The rest of us arrive on local tour boats. Some jump from white cliffs and others swim through the clearest blue and buoyant Aegean seas. The cave formations unlike anything in the world. Make sure you bring at least goggles to make the most of it.
Accommodation
Terra Mare Suites is one of the more comfortable Syrmata in the island. The designer décor, unique location and hosts attention to every detail. warrants it’s listing on Conde Naste Traveller.
Our 2 story Syrma right on the waters edge with Kimolos in the far background
Exceptional Kimolos is perched off the tip of Milos. Only a dribble of tourists venture to Kimilos, consequently it’s like stepping back in time. As soon as you spy the tiny harbour with only a few taverna’s, shops and accommodation possibilities and the Hora looming high above crowned by its 16th century 'Kastro' , you realise you are in for rare treat.
Sunset is the best time to explore the Hora, but spend the days exploring the sparkling bays and beaches. Our favourites were cliff rimmed Rema and Karras Beaches, though locals insisted we visit Paralia Prassa.
Accommodation
Aria Hotels rent out a variety of villas, rooms and even windmills across the island. We chose Bonsata Beach Houses which was right on the beach and a handy drive from one of the best sunset spots at Paralia Mavrospilia