Kalesma, Mykonos 

Founder of Kalesma in Mykonos, Aby Saltiel, reveals why Mykonos has something for everyone, including what local Greek food to try, where to party on a Saturday night and a foodie location only the locals know about! 

@kalesma.mykonos 

What does Mykonos mean to you and what do you love about it? 

My family have had a summer house on Mykonos for 25 years so it is a very special island to me and my family. 

It boasts some of the most incredible beaches with something for every traveller: to see and be seen, [visit] Nammos; to be totally alone, [visit] Kapari, Tigani, Fokos; for families, [visit] Ornos beach just a three minute drive from Kalesma;  

for water sports [visit] Platys Gialos, Kalafatis. 

Where is your very favourite spot on the Greek islands and why? 

There are so many islands so it is very difficult to say and each has different vibes – I love the Cycladic islands of course. Mykonos is on top because it provides visitors with so many choices and has the best beaches, best restaurants and best entertainment. Paros is a great island too. Then I like Los and Koufonisia is the Greeks in island, small but with the Mykonos vibes of the 70s. Other nice special islands not in Cycladic are Patmos and Simi.  

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Mykonos, you need to… 

See the sunset in our hotel facing Delis Island; there is incredible energy. I love Scorpios on Saturdays – the Greek DJ and live music is amazing, and so is the sunset. 

What should visitors make sure to eat and drink while they are travelling around the Greek islands? 

Greek delicacies eggplant salad, fava, grilled fish and local delicacies that are regional, as well as great fresh vegetables. 

Where should you go to shop while you’re there? 

Unfortunately, nothing stands out unless it's jewellery and Minas is my favourite. Here in Mykonos, we have almost all the big brands. 

Something that only the locals know about Mykonos is… 

Locals love to go eat on the square in Ano Mera. There are great small restaurants, old style with my favourite being TSAF; all fish – amazing! 

 Hotel Aristide, Syros 

@aristidesyros 

Recognized by Small Luxury Hotels, eco-boutique Hotel Aristide in Syros boasts all the charm with its retro-glam design and décor that could be straight out of a James Bond movie. Regularly noted as one of the best hotels in Grece, Hotel Aristide’s co-founder Oana, lets us in on her best-kept travel secrets from Greece.