Greece and Italy Vacations

Sailing through the Cyclades gives you access to parts of Greece that are difficult to reach any other way. Set out from Mykonos or Paros and you can drop anchor in smaller islands like Koufonisia or Antiparos, where beaches are quieter and the water is exceptionally clear. Stop for lunch in a seaside taverna (on Schinoussa, for example) where menus are short and based on what’s been caught or grown locally. Distances are manageable, making it easy to combine several islands over a few days without rushing.

Ready to trade typical sandy shores for something a little more otherworldly? Head to Paros and discover the sculpted wonders of Kolymbithres Beach. Here, millennia of wind and sea have carved pale granite into smooth, moon-like rock formations that cradle crystal-clear, shallow pools. It’s the perfect spot to spend your afternoon hopping between these natural sun-loungers, diving into the calm, aquamarine water to cool off under the Mediterranean sun.

History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens’ most impressive sites. The Acropolis sits at the center of Athens’ historical landscape, with the Parthenon dating back to the 5th century BC. It’s worth pairing your visit with the nearby Acropolis Museum, which houses original sculptures and gives useful context before heading up the hill. From the top, you’ll have clear views across the city, including landmarks like Lycabettus Hill and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Santorini is home to perhaps the most famous sunsets in the Aegean. You’ll find the very best views in Oia and Fira, where terraced rooftops and hidden balconies offer front-row seats to a nightly spectacle. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the sky ignites in layers of tangerine, blush pink, and molten gold, painting the whitewashed villages in unforgettable light.