First-Time Greece Getaway: Santorini & Mykonos Summer Highlights
On his debut trip to Greece, venture capitalist Mo Koyfman and his fiancee covered the basics: Santorini and Mykonos, gorgeous beaches and fresh seafood.
Where'd you go? Greece. It was my first time.
Why did you go? Summer vacation.
Who were you with? My fiancee, Hilary Rosenman, the shoe designer behind Madison Harding.
What was the best tip you got before you left? Three friends told me to stay at Santorini, so I knew it had to be good.
Photos courtesy of Katikies Hotel
What's the #1 tip you'd give a friend who was going? To stay at the Katikies and to eat at the local tavernas, not the fancy restaurants.
How long were you there? Ten days.
What was your itinerary? We started with one night in Athens at the Electra Palace. We were upgraded to the Presidential Suite with a 600 square-foot balcony, a private pool, and a view of the Acropolis. It was insane.
From there, we flew to Santorini and spent three days at the Katikies in Oia. It was magical.
Then we took a boat to Mykonos and stayed at the Mykonos Blu on the beach. Next time, I'd rather to stay closer to town so we don't have to drive at night. There are so many nice beaches to go to during the day that we never just stayed at the hotel anyway.
One thing you didn't get to visit, but wanted to: The wineries in Santorini.
Were you there for the right amount of time? You can never get enough of a great thing, but ten days is perfect.
The epic lobster paste. Photo courtesy of Sunset Taverna.
This was especially great: Sunset Taverna for sunset in Santorini. Have lobster pasta. They put ouzo in it, a classic Greek recipe. Amazing.
But this wasn't: Driving back to the hotel at 4 a.m. after a night out in Mykonos.
Speed round of favorites.
Meal: Sunset Taverna.
Neighborhood to explore: Oia.
Thing you did: Boat ride in Santorini.
Casual hangout: Any local taverna where the natives eat. The Greek salads and simple grilled fish and meats are just divine. Perhaps my favorite food in the world.
What did you bring back? A tan, jewelry, and a sick panama hat.
Most memorable scene: Sunset in Oia.
Would you go back? Yes.
What would you do differently? Very little. Other than staying in town in Mykonos, I'd spend more time on a boat traveling the other islands.
FIND IT
Electra Palace
18-20, N. Nikodimou Str.
10557 Athens, Greece
+30-210-3370000
epconcierge@electrahotels.gr
Katikies Hotel
Oia (Ia), Santorini 84702
Cyclades Islands, Greece
+30 22860 71401
info@katikies.com
Mykonos Blu
Psarou, GR-84600
Mykonos, Greece
+30-22890-27900
sales_mb@grecotel.gr
READ MORE ON FATHOM
Greek Islands 101
My Summer in Mykonos
First Impressions: Lesbos
Around the Aeolian Islands
Formentera, the Better Ibiza
