The final days of August do not necessarily mean the end of getaways during a period when the sense of summer is still strong and the sea waters are slightly cooler for a relaxing, reinvigorating experience.
There is still time, in the early autumn period, to organise a short, nearby escape to a lovely Greek island, reached easily and quickly, without lessening the experience’s satisfaction factor. Such brief escapes remain filled with history, intense colours, superb architecture and culinary pleasure.
A short break this time of year is particularly gratifying for individuals who happened to take their summer holidays early in the summer. The Argo-Saronic and Cyclades islands, as well as the northern Sporades, are perfect destinations for a time when the summer is fading but appetites for island adventure remain strong.
Hydra
Approximately one-and-a-half hours away from Athens, Hydra, one of Greece’s most cosmopolitan islands, has remained a steady attraction for local and international travellers, including many celebrities, since the 1960s. Much time has elapsed since Hydra’s golden era, when high-profile figures such as Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy, Stavros Niarchos and Tina Livanou, as well as bohemian artists like Leonard Cohen, spent summers at small traditional houses on the island. Despite the passage of time, this small classy island in the middle of the Argo-Saronic Sea continues to charm with its finesse, architecture and serenity.
Hydra is easily reached from Athens’ Piraeus port, either by ferryboat or, for an even swifter boat trip taking no more than an hour, by high-speed flying dolphin. Travellers will have arrived in no time to wander about Hydra’s charming uphill alleys, offering terrific views of the sea, marvel at the superb houses with courtyards and exterior doors of many colours, and discover the old town. Its features include the Koimiseos Tis Theotokou church, the Lazaros Kountouriotis mansion, and the Ypapanti church. Also, do not skip seeing the Rafalia pharmacy, one of the oldest in Greece, as well as the Kiafa district, where time seems to have stood still. Music fans will surely feel moved outside the now-famous house of the late and great Canadian artist Leonard Cohen, bought by the singer-songwriter poet in October, 1960 for 1,500 dollars.
Lay out your beach towel at the rocks under the shade of the now-defunct Lagoudera, one of the most iconic nightclubs to have ever existed in Greece, and enjoy the sun and salt of the Argo-Saronic before heading off to one of the island’s little bars for a drink. The sense of summer does not fade in Hydra, including during the early days of September.
Spetses
Spetses, another Argo-Saronic island particularly admired by local and international travellers, is popular all year round. Easily reached, it is a favourite nearby island for Athenians. Spetses is busy from Easter all the way to autumn. International travellers like to combine the island with their visits to Athens, for relaxed swimming close to the city.
Legendary restaurants at the most privileged of locations, celebrity regulars, gorgeous architecture and idyllic alleys offering complete tranquility away from the traffic and noise of Athens make up a perfect setting for one final getaway before winter begins creeping in.
Start your look around from the neoclassical home of the island’s great benefactor Sotiris Anargyros and continue with a visit to the celebrated mansion of Bouboulina, Greek naval commander and heroine of the Greek War of Independence declared in 1821. The mansion, at Pefkakia square, has functioned as a museum for many years and is filled with significant personal heirlooms and documents from the Greek War of Independence period. The building housing the town hall is just as impressive, as is the imposing clock tower at Rologiou Square.
On autumn nights, when temperatures have fallen slightly and may require wearing a light jacket when out, it is ideal to stroll along the seaside road leading to one of the island’s most memorable points, the old harbour. Stylish shops with magnificent views, as well as impressive old houses that belonged to prominent seamen who lived on the island, are located close to the harbour area where small rocks protrude from the sea. Strolls towards the Agios Nikolaos monastery, reached via a narrow and picturesque alley, are also rewarding.
History enthusiasts will definitely find interest in an annual commemorative event staged every September 8 to mark the beginning of the Battle of Spetses, a six-day naval engagement that took place in September, 1822. The event’s date coincides with the Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady.
Tzia
Tzia, or Kea, an ultimate Cyclades islands experience featuring trademark small white houses and rugged landscape of pristine beauty, is not as far away from the city as one could presume. This superb island is no more than a one-hour boat trip away from the port of Lavrio, in the wider Athens area’s southeast. It starts getting busy from May and continues to attract many visitors up until the mid-autumn period as a result of its short distance from Athens.
Of all the Cyclades islands, Tzia is the closest to Athens. It is a favourite spot for relaxation. Tzia’s magical waters combine exquisitely with the island’s superb main town, stylish Ioulida. The main town, itself, is strong enough reason to visit the island. Situated 8 km from the port of Tzia, Ioulida looks more like a Greek mainland village than a main town of a Cyclades island. Small picturesque squares with a view, the neoclassical school building, the impressive town hall, as well as the island’s compact archeological museum all contribute to the historical magic of this special place, combining the aura of Greek islands with a classy atmosphere. Tzia has nothing to envy of the extremely popular Argo-Saronic islands.
If you have enough time, it is definitely worth visiting – besides the island’s many beautiful beaches – the ancient settlement of Karthaia, also Carthaea, reached only on foot or by boat. In addition, scuba divers will find plenty of interest in four World War II shipwrecks off the island.
Syros
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is also one of Greece’s most refined islands. Vaporia, the island’s high-class district of the 19th century, features sensational buildings that stand as examples of Syros’ architecture of the aristocracy. Visitors may stroll between impressive mansions. Agios Nikolaos church features a marvelous dome and church choir maintained since 1920. At capital Ermoupoli’s main square in front of the town hall, a building designed by esteemed architect Ernst Ziller draws the interest of visitors. The area hosts the Apollo theatre, renowned for its brilliant acoustics, as well as the legendary Pallas cinema. Truth be told, few Greek island destinations possess the history and heritage of Syros, justifying its title as Centre of the Cyclades.
Ermoupoli beach, next to the port, is one of the island’s busiest and most cosmopolitan points with countless cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The area is an attraction for visitors who enjoy their evening strolls here. The casino, housed at an early 19th century mansion, is just as popular.
At dusk, when countless lights are lit, the island resembles a miniature version of a stylish urban centre surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The literary weight of prominent Greek writer M. Karagatsis’ “The Great Chimera”, set at the island’s Ano Syrou hills, is part of the island’s cultural heritage. The wealth of ship owners who were active on the island remains visible and distinct. Given all this bounty, visitors don’t really need to go swimming here to establish that getaway feel, even though Syros does offer fine beaches, despite claims supporting the contrary. Definitely let yourself loose for Syros’ endless gastronomy.
Skopelos
Skopelos promises an utterly carefree, relaxed time for the end of summer. This almost old-fashioned island is very laid back. A vast, lush pine forest virtually reaching the warm, hospitable and crystal-clear waters adds to the serenity. Tourism industry development has been mild on this island of calm, traditional character, ideal for families as well as travellers seeking a few more moments of relaxation before autumn sets in.
Skopelos is Greece’s most lush island as over 67 percent of its land mass is covered by a pristine pine forest, spread as a beautiful contrast to the surrounding crystal-clear waters of the Sporades. It is definitely worth staying at the island’s Hora, the main town, listed as a “traditional settlement” since 1978, by presidential decree. It has superb architecture, old churches and winding, picturesque cobbled paths. If you love the sea, head to the island’s beautiful beaches, including Stafylos, Velanio, Panormos, Milia, Linarakia, Kastani and Hovolo. If you want to explore the island’s wild nature, take the trails at Delfi and Palouki, Skopelos’ two imposing mountains.
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