Posted by Ileana von Hirsch: “Where?” ask my Greek friends when I say that I have just come back from a wonderful trip to Kilada. “Kilada,”I reply, “You know, that cute little provincial seaside town in the Argolis, on the east coast of the Peloponnese, famous for its small, succulent pink shrimps and … Read More
‘Sup man? Stand-up Paddle boarding or SUP, is cool, no, I mean really cool. It is minimum effort, maximum result, doesn’t pollute the seas, is quiet, environmentally friendly, tones the abs and calms the mind. The fact that it is also a term that really cool people use because they are too damn lazy … Read More
No more bleary dawn starts at Gatwick, thank you British Airways for giving us direct flights to this lovely Ionian island from Heathrow Terminal 5 at civilised times. Also great for those transiting to Zakinthos through London from outside the UK. For a magnificent family holiday villa on northern Zakinthos with ample room for 18 people, … Read More
A seven page spread in the Easyjet inflight magazine has a glorious article about Syros. We invited Lydia Bell as our guest and it was the start of a love affair for her. (Not literally as far as we know, though there are some very attractive and charming Syrianoi out there….) Wonderful pictures as well … Read More
To end the year on a light-hearted note, here is a list of things never to say to a Greek. 1. How are you? Sounds safe, no? But, a Greek, particularly if he is a she, will invite you home, tell you, in every last gory detail, plus the life story of their doctor, his … Read More
We didn’t feel we could compete with world events for your attention until now, but following some grumbles that we have not been keeping you updated, here is our news round-up to help you choose your perfect island in 2017 Man up and brave the water Greek airport traffic was at an all-time high this … Read More
So, feeling our age after a very busy summer, Five Star Greece asked a beautiful, young half-Brazilian half -Greek jewelry entrepreneur, who exhibits cool, funky jewelry on her website, www.varvaralondon.com to tell us where the party is at on Mykonos, and what to wear. She went with a bunch of equally beautiful friends and we are exhausted just … Read More
There is good food, there is bad food, and OK food. I can cook all three kinds, especially the last two. Then there is the food where you close your eyes and let something magic happen in the universe. I can’t do this at all, but chef Costas Bouyiouris can. I will just say … Read More
The Greek islands have drawn millions of travellers to their clear blue waters and stunning beaches, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Of course, all this attention is well deserved, especially if you’re after the postcard Greek island holiday, in which case, aim for the Cyclades – full speed ahead! But Greece is so much more … Read More
If you’ve been hearing “Yarrrr, matey” lately, it’s probably because September 19th was International Talk like a Pirate Day. TLAPD is a parodic holiday that started in Oregon, US as an inside joke between two friends in 1995, and has grown immensely in popularity in these past 20 years. If you think an entire day … Read More
SNAPSHOTS OF SERIFOS As a well brought-up Greek girl with a strict father of a certain generation, I was never allowed to go backpacking round the Greek islands with a boyfriend – we were expected to bring friends home, and not go “cavorting around like Scandinavian tourists,” (apologies to Scandinavian visitors, my father was of … Read More
The Pure Greek Pirate Experience
Hubris – Ancient Greek term for overbearing pride, usually just before a fall…
Spetses, Proust and almond cookies
Zdrastvuye Corfu!
Greek Easter week – reflections on an imperfect religious upbringing.
Villa or Hotel?
25th March – “Freedom or Death!”