Meaning “Good Day” or “Good” morning in Greek.

 

 

Good food is aplenty in Greece. From seafood, to feta and saganaki, and a number of delectable wines.

In the village of Fira in the island of Santorini, the hotel concierge sent me to Idol. A remarkable recommendation for local food with a view of the caldera.

 

In the village of Oia, Skala serves solid and delicious traditional Greek food. Add to that, is the amazing view.

Red Bicycle is located in a 19th century mansion on the cliff edge and also affords an excellent view. The food is modern and an inspiring twist to traditional Greek food. Equally worth a visit.

The hotel also sent me to Oia Vineyart, which not only offered various outstanding wines locally sourced from the 19 wineries in the island of Santorini, but some outstanding food. This is another highly recommended restaurant. Located within the same premises is an art gallery / shop.

 

 

 

In Athens, I was able to dine at the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Oikeio. Offering excellent home-style cooking in a casual bistro style environment.

Barbounaki is a fish taverna that offers various tasty seafood dishes. Service is friendly and efficient.

Stopping for coffee one morning, by chance I walked into Kostarelos. A Greek deli run for three generations, that started in fine cheesemaking.

 

 

My trip to Greece was bookended by stays in Athens. This provided for the opportunity to try out two boutique hotels – both of which are located in the desirable Kolonaki district.

 

The first boutique hotel I stayed at is the Periscope Hotel, a member of the Design Hotel group.

 

 

The second hotel is the Coco-Mat Athens Hotel. Coco-Mat is a famous bed and pillow manufacturer in Greece and it was interesting that they ventured into hotels. I must say that Coco-Mat Athens was a better proposition that Periscope Hotel. Although both have modern design, I find the aesthetics more comfortable and the furnishings of better quality at Coco-Mat. Needless to say, the bed and pillows were very comfortable.

 

 

 

In Santorini, I stayed at the Ikies Traditional Houses, which is located in the village of Oia. Probably the most picturesque village in the island, Ikies is located at the southern end of Oia, therefore providing more privacy as majority of the hordes of tourists tend to gravitate towards the main village area, where most of the stores and restaurants are located. It is also in the main area that many tourists come to Oia to catch the famous sunset. Ikies‘ location and outstanding service is remarkable.