REDISCOVER LUXURY IN GREECE’S SOUTH AEGEAN
When Jackie Kennedy stepped off a speedboat onto a dock in Mykonos in 1961, where mascot Petros the pelican swiftly stole her heart, she not only sparked a new trend in headscarves but also shined a spotlight on a low-key island that lacked the fancy hotels and exclusive beach bars that it now boasts. Today, the South Aegean region, comprising the Cyclades and Dodecanese, has emerged as a global hotspot for luxury travel — whether it’s staying at a five-star resort, a family-run boutique hotel, or island-hopping by yacht.
The Standard Bearers
When it comes to the Greek islands and the concept of a luxury vacation, two names immediately spring to mind: Mykonos and Santorini. From high-end hotels, private villas, and charter yachts to fine dining, stylish boutiques, and bespoke experiences, these Cycladic sisters know how to deliver, even for the most discerning guests.
With its whitewashed houses, dramatic caldera cliffs, and navy-blue seas, Santorini has long attracted travelers from around the world. Mykonos, renowned for its iconic windmills, glamorous beach bars, and buzzing nightlife, also draws a well-heeled crowd. Both islands offer a wide array of elegant accommodations, inventive restaurants, and one-of-a-kind experiences. One moment you could be enjoying a private wine tasting at a family-owned estate or savoring a lavish meal prepared by a chef in the privacy of your villa, and the next, embarking on a sunset catamaran cruise.
Cruise lines, hotels, local guides, and event planners have taken notice of these trending islands and are bringing even more plushly appointed ships, accommodations, and activities to each. Santorini and Mykonos have certainly elevated the bar for high-end travel experiences, not only within Greece but throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. However, while the two South Aegean superstars represent the gold standard of luxury travel, they are certainly not alone in their opulent offerings.
Sumptuous Stays
For travelers with a taste for high-end accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive activities, the islands of Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini offer an impressive catalog of each. In fact, Rhodes, a longstanding member of Greece’s big three island destinations along with Mykonos and Santorini, that first came to prominence as a travel destination in the 1920s, bears today an impressive catalogue of premium accommodations, including five-star resorts and sumptuous villas. The movie industry played a definitive role in Rhodes’ tourism development, with Hollywood blockbusters like The Guns of Navarone filmed there. Anthony Quinn, Aristotle Onassis, and Winston Churchill spent time on the island, attracting other jetsetters in their wake. Elsewhere in the Dodecanese, Kos — renowned as the birthplace of Hippocrates — has long been a popular beach destination among holidaymakers. Today, visitors can choose from a wide assortment of five-star seafront hotels, including adults-only and all-inclusive family-friendly options.
A Culinary Revolution
For decades, the South Aegean has been renowned for its welcoming fish tavernas by the sea and casual mezedopolia (taverns) in the mountains. Culinary travelers can choose from a wide variety of dining options. On Rhodes, for example, five-star hotels have paved the way in redefining Greek cuisine. In recent years, several resorts have launched restaurants helmed by talented chefs who focus on sourcing the majority of ingredients locally. On the same island, you can still find comforting tavernas that serve traditional local dishes.
While both Rhodes and Kos have been producing wine for thousands of years, only recently have they truly upped their oenology game. New generations of vintners are cultivating both Greek and international grape varietals, either taking over the family estate or breaking ground on a brand new one, while they have elevated the bar for experiencing vineyard visits.
Homegrown Design
If luxury has always been associated with distinguishing yourself from the pack, then the Greeks have always excelled at doing just that. Today, young creatives are making waves globally with their innovative designs in nearly everything.
From one-of-a-kind handbags woven on traditional looms in a mountain village to bespoke jewelry worthy of a place in a museum, what sets these artisans and their work apart is a dedication to high-quality craftsmanship.
Purchasing sustainable, locally handcrafted items is a wonderful way to support small businesses within their island communities while preserving Greek traditions. By doing so, visitors also help sustain the livelihoods of local creators, especially younger generations who wish to remain on their ancestral land. Best of all, you’ll take home an unforgettable memory that you won’t find anywhere else on earth.
A History Of Hospitality
While some might point to Kennedy’s legendary arrival in Mykonos as a defining moment in the evolution of the South Aegean travel industry, the region has a long history of welcoming guests.
Known as philoxenia, or “friend to a stranger,” it’s a tradition Greeks take great pride in. Whether staying at a five-star hotel or trekking with an expert guide, the host’s mission is always the same: to provide a memorable experience that endures long after the vacation ends.
