Glorious Greek Isles
Escape to the Aegean Sea to soak up the sun and sea with breathtaking blue and white views
Each of the islands scattered across the Aegean Sea possess distinctly different personalities ranging from the beach party vibe on Mykonos to the classic serenity of Santorini. If you can’t decide between high energy and restful calm, then enjoy both by hopping between two of the most beautiful Greek Cyclades islands. Known for cliffside views, light sandy beaches, deep blue waters and traditional whitewashed buildings, Mykonos and Santorini beckon visitors to discover the wonders of ancient Greece while relaxing in luxury accommodations.
And to help you experience all that both islands have to offer, the Katikies Resorts & Club, who have more than 30 years of delighting guests under their belt, operates eight idyllic retreats with a dedication to chef-driven restaurants celebrating the cuisine of modern Greece.
Spirited Mykonos
With its iconic windmills dotting the hills above Mykonos Town, this island is known for its beach party atmosphere day and night with popular dance clubs that rock well past dawn.
Adding to the chic seaside scene, the recently opened Katikies Mykonos hotel with sweeping panoramic vistas is nestled high on a hillside overlooking the Aegean and sunny beaches below. This five-star boutique hotel is the first to offer 24-hour concierge service from anywhere on the island through hotel-provided mobile phones. Just give them a call if you need a ride after a day at the beach or late-night dancing in Mykonos Town.
And if you need time to recuperate, there are private plunge pools on the verandas of the 35 rooms and suites, a holistic wellness spa and state-of-the-art gym. Three alfresco dining rooms, including the acclaimed Mikrasia restaurant, feature contemporary Greek cuisine created by chefs who’ve trained in some of the world’s finest kitchens.
Want to settle in for a longer stay on Mykonos? Also new to the island, the secluded Villa Katikies with kitchens and private pools is the perfect perch for families and small groups.
Serene Santorini
Depending on the season, you can travel to Santorini (officially known as Thira) from neighboring islands by ferry or via plane from Athens and other major airports. The geography of this crescent-shaped island is ruled by an underwater caldera, the crater of a volcano, which still warms part of the Aegean waters where swimmers go by boat to bathe in the natural hot springs.
Whitewashed villages punctuated by cobalt blue roofs and bright pink flowers are the island’s most beautifully iconic sights. Buildings cling to cliffs with a myriad of steps and winding paths leading between them and down to the caldera below.
Wine lovers can plan a visit to discover Santorini’s windswept volcanic soil vineyards, particularly known for producing the crisp white wines from the Assyrtiko grape. When you’re ready to relax, the Katikies Resorts & Club operates six luxury hotels on Santorini including the Katikies Santorini, Chromata, and Kirini as well as the Relais & Châteaux-managed Sun Rocks perched on the very edge of the steep caldera.
Katikies Garden is the newest to the group. Located in charming Fira, the hotel is built within what was a historic monastery. Guests can experience a garden-to-table dinner with expert wine pairings at De Paul restaurant in the hotel’s elegant open-air courtyard. A tour of the kitchen reveals the chef’s passion for grilling and smoking meats with one of Atlanta’s own Big Green Egg ceramic cookers.
Not to be missed are Santorini’s spectacular sunsets. The light dancing off the water and bouncing across the hills fills the sky with the most glorious colors. Yet another reason to toast with one of the island’s lively Assyrtiko wines.