Last week the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced he is looking beyond his country’s current COVID-19 lockdowns and ahead to summer… where he plans to welcome fully vaccinated tourists and other foreign visitors with coronavirus antibodies or negative test results May 14th and beyond. After 15 months of waiting, our dream of drinking an ouzo this summer while sailing the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea will now become a reality. We rounded up our favorite hotspots and hotels on this European playground for you below — xx Elisa
ATHENS RIVERIA
FOUR SEASONS ASTIR PLACE: a laid-back, seaside escape that feels world’s away from Athen’s bustling historical center which is only a half an hour drive. Since the early 60’s chic couples like Kennedy and Onassis flocked to the area for their beaches, seafront cafes and wineries.
ROOMS: 303 units comprised of rooms, suites, villas and bungalows. Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends.
GETTING HERE: 30 minutes by car from Athens International Airport.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May thru October.
MAPPS X FOUR SEASONS: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and food and beverage credits.
MAPPS TIP: While the resort and area boosts some fantastic eats, the gastronomy in Athens is not to be missed. Mapps favs include Vezene and Birdman.
MYKONOS
SANTA MARINA RESORT: a stunning, idyllic resort escape away from the daily grind one can anticipate on the glamorous party island of Mykonos. Their claim to fame is they are the only hotel on island with a private beach club.
ROOMS: 101 guest rooms and suites, along with 13 villas featuring two to seven bedrooms. Perfect for families or multi-generational groups.
GETTING HERE: 25 minute flight from Athens International Airport and only ten minutes by car to old town.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May thru September.
MAPPS X SANTA MARINA: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and food and beverage credits.
MAPPS TIP: We are huge fans of Mykonos’s beach club scene. Do not miss having a lively lunch at Scorpio and Nammos with a stop via boat to historic Delos.
PAROS
PARILIO: The first design hotel in Paros has arrived on an island known for it’s unspoiled natural beauty, white washed fishing villages, majestic mountains and swimming coves.
ROOMS: 33 Suites designed with elements of timeless Greek architecture coupled with an invitingly subdued color palette. Perfect for an adults only stay.
GETTING HERE: 40 minute flight from Athens International Airport.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May thru September.
MAPPS X PARILIO: Special nightly rates and complimentary daily breakfast.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss a hike through Paros Park, dinner at Open Garden, cocktails at Fotis or a wine tasting at Moraitis Winery.
PORTO HELI / PELOPONNESE RIVERIA
AMANZOE: The grand jewel of the Aman collection, the resort is built among hillside olive groves with views of the Aegean Sea.
ROOMS: 38 chic, modern private cottages inspired by ancient Greek pavilions. Perfect for couples or families.
GETTING HERE: A 2.5 hour drive from Athens International Airport or a scenic 25 minute helicopter ride where you land right on property.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May thru September.
MAPPS X AMAN: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss a day trip to the islands of Hydra and Spetses.
SANTORINI
CANAVES OIA: Owned and operated by the Chaidemenos family, the hotel, located on the caldera boosts epic views and executes high touch service.
ROOMS: 18 intimate rooms that are ideal for romantic couples and newlyweds.
GETTING HERE: A 25 minute flight from Athens International Airport.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May thru September.
MAPPS X CANAVES: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.
MAPPS TIP: Don’t miss a day trip on the hotel’s catamaran, the sunsets off the caldera or dinner and drinks in nearby Fira.