At Brownell, we have long-standing relationships with some of the best destination management companies in the world. In Greece, our long-time partner is Eclectic Greece. I love working with them because they have deep intimate knowledge of every square inch of the country. They know the best tavernas, most knowledgeable guides, the out-of-the-way beaches and how best to navigate crowds in Athens. I thought it might be fun to share some favorites from the Eclectic Greece team.
Anna Polychronaki
Travel Designer
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
Any of our beautiful off the beaten path islands would be ideal for the summer or even fall months. For one week vacation or more I would recommend Crete for its rich history, culture and customs combined with its beautiful beaches and picturesque villages. For shorter stays I would suggest either Paros or Naxos for a more authentic island life.
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
I love taking long walks along the narrow stone streets of Plaka under the Acropolis with the beautifully renovated houses which preserve the traditional architecture. It’s like taking a walk through time, exploring and discovering both the past and the present at the same time.
photo credit: Tamara Budai
Anthi Papandreadi
Operations Manager
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
Well, I would like to do nonstop island hopping after quarantine! But if I had to choose only one island, this would definitely be Mykonos! After spending so much time at home, the vibrant feeling of the island and the gorgeous beaches will provide the perfect getaway for me. From the tour of Delos, which is really a must, to the Bohemian beach cooking activity, this island offers its visitors anything they might ask for; it is the ideal island for all agents. Right now I am picturing these amazing sunsets from Mykonos Chora, its crystal clear waters and I wish I could be there!
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
Right in the foothills of the Acropolis there is an area called Anafiotika. This is the most picturesque area of Athens, with narrow paved streets and white washed houses.
It is a tranquil oasis in the bustling heart of downtown Athens, where no cars are allowed.
The energy in the area is so strong with the Acropolis right above; taking a walk through the streets of Anafiotika will really blow your mind
Photo credit: Calin Stan
Eva Saringala
Sales Director
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
I would love to venture out again to the beautiful island of Ithaca. It is the second-smallest of the seven major main Ionian Islands, after Paxos, with a population of approximately 3000 residents. Worldwide famous as the homeland of Odysseus, Ithaca symbolizes the return to heaven, discovery and fulfillment.
You could combine Ithaca with a visit to the famous island of Cephalonia, located just 2km away. Ithaca is the ideal place for hiking as well as mountain biking in a scenery that glides from blue to green along the coast alongside the coast and through olive, pine, oak, arbutus and carob trees up on the hills. Scuba diving and sea kayaking are only some of the many activities offered in the variety of different beaches the island has to cover all tastes : from sand to pebbles, from rocky to green-clad backgrounds, from peaceful to busy ones.
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
I have always been fascinated by the heights and locations that offer bird’s eye views. 360 cocktail bar is one of my favorite spots in the traditional neighborhood of Monastiraki , just a few steps away from Plaka. It is one of the top open rooftop bars in Athens, with a spectacular view over the city of Athens as well as the sacred hill of the Acropolis. It is open during the day offering brunch/coffee options, until late at night with the best mixologists in Athens demonstrating their skills by using local ingredients to deliver unique flavor experiences . 360 is the perfect stop after a day exploring the history of Athens, to watch the buzz of the city centre from above and also the ideal end to a traveler’s day to admire the stunning night views of the city that never sleeps.
photo credit: Dan Wechter
Frantzeska Vitali
Travel Designer
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
All our islands are worth visiting and you can find a unique beauty in each one of them. If I were to choose the idea destination after quarantine ends, I would definitely go for Santorini. Why Santorini though? Well, Santorini is the perfect place for you to stay outside enjoying the sun and the wonderful views all day long. From early in the morning to late in the evening the unique scenery of caldera will enchant you as there is no chance of getting bored there. There are not only many archaeological sites to visit, but also plenty of local shops which offer a variety of traditional products and delicacies! Don’t forget all the wine tours and tastings you can experience while being there. The beauty of Santorini makes you want to visit it again and again!
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
An afternoon walk after a long day in Plaka area is all you need to get away from the hustle and bustle rhythms of the city and relax. Located in the shadow of Acropolis, Plaka gives you the sense that you are strolling around the narrow streets of a small Cyclades island or even of a village, while at the same time you are right in the heart of city centre. It’s one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Athens with traditional shops, cafes and restaurants . The smalls steps in Plaka are the ideal place for you to taste the traditional greek ''mezze'' and drink ouzo. As for movie lovers, make sure to visit Cine Paris, one of the oldest outdoor movie theaters in Greece. Actually, all movies are in English with greek subtitles. I ‘m in love with this neighborhood and I’m sure you will be too when you get there!
Photo credit: Anton Lammert
Maria Petsa
Operations Manager
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
That’s the most difficult question to ask… Since the question is really demanding, i cannot but mention two of my favourite destinations. Santorini has a unique beauty. Why? Well, the caldera views are breathtaking and especially during sunset you will fall in love with them. A sailing tour in the heavenly waters is absolutely necessary. But apart from the things that you may already know, we should by no means forget the picturesque and traditional villages that match perfectly with a wine tour and make an unforgetable day. In case you want to escape from the busy crowd, you can take a bike tour and go off the beaten track. Visit the villages, cycle around the beautiful vineyards, visit a private church built right onto the cliff side and of course end your experience with a sip of Assyrtiko wine. My second favorite spot in Greece is Naxos. Do you want to experience the authentic greek feeling? This is the ideal destination. Enjoy the view from the top of the main town which is called Kastro. Swim in the crystal clear waters. Explore the uniqueness of the traditional villages and taste the delicious food made of local ingredients. All these will definitely make you feel like a local.
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
Walking around the city, sometimes feels like we are exploring something new even for ourselves who are residents of Athens. What I enjoy the most is having a drink at Anafiotika. This area is located in one of the oldest parts of Athens and still nowadays offers visitors a true local atmosphere. Have a cocktail at Couleur Locale and enjoy the amazing Acropolis Views. Walk at the flea market and merge with the locals. Do not forget to taste Souvlaki, a Greek coffee, Koulouri Thessalonikis (traditional type of bread) and Mpougatsa (type of dessert). PS: do not forget to ask for a hotel with a gym.. you will need it LOL
photo credit: Roman Schmitz
Nota Damala
Marketing Manager
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
My ideal destination for family travel in Greece after the Quarantine would definitely be the island of Crete! With its natural beauty, its shallow sea and sandy coves, its culture and history, the island of Crete offers visitors numerous choices for unforgettable family holidays. Starting your trip from the Old city of Chania and ending up in Heraklion I would suggest experiencing the charm of the Cretan villages, hiking through the Samaria Gorge and a farm-to-table eating experience in Rethymno. To make your trip even more exceptional, you should visit an authentic shepherd’s house and learn the art of Cretan cheese-making, stop off at an eco-olive press and visit the palace of the Legendary King Minos, Knossos and the mythical Minotaur. To stimulate your kids’ imagination and help them visualize how the Palace of Knossos used to look like thousands of years ago, choose a tour that includes 3D virtual reality devices.
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
I really love to take long walks early on a Sunday morning around Acropolis and various surrounding areas taking different routes every time. There should never be a plan for this walk as the charm of this experience is to get lost in the city and discover at least one favorite spot by instinct! Latest favorite spot: the old fashioned café in the National Garden.
Photo credit: Henry Lim
Spyridoula Charatzi
Senior Travel Designer
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
Definitely the islands of Cyclades and especially our lovely off the beaten track islands such as Naxos or Folegandros will be first on the list! Despite the Coronavirus crisis, the islands' beauty is totally untouched!
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
What I really enjoy in Athens is walking around its neighbourhoods and in particular right under the Acropolis Hill which is the landmark of the glorious ancient times!
Lia Felouka
Travel Designer
Which destination in Greece would you suggest as ideal after quarantine?
Santorini (officially in Greek 'Thira') – When traveling is possible again, this island is the perfect place to unwind and have a dreamy vacation. In a stunning setting in the Aegean sea, this small volcanic island is by far one of the most beautiful, charming and fascinating islands in the world, famous for its history, sunsets, dramatic views, food, wine, beaches, and its amazing white villages clinging to the rim of the caldera. Full of incredible things to do, Santorini will definitely move you. You will create memorable experiences , with only some of them being watching the famous sunset in the village of Oia, hiking the path from Oia to Thira right on the cliff-top and walking along the sparkling, azure Aegean sea stretching for miles in front of your eyes, sailing in the caldera bay, visiting the archeological site of Akrotiri, visiting a winery and tasting the unique Santorinian wine assorted with local delicacies, discover the off the beaten path villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, visit Ammoudi bay; the little fishing village on the foothills below Oia, to name but a few. For ultimately fresh seafood lunch in one of the charming tavernas. In fact, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy if you are visiting with your friends, family or your significant other.
Tell us one thing you really love doing in Athens
Having grown up in Athens, within a 5 minutes' subway ride from the city center, I find the historical city center to be the best place to walk around when in need of that tremendous energy which comes from the Acropolis hill of Athens -the Sacred Rock, as we, Athenians, affectionately call it-. Athens is home to many spectacular gems, such as the Acropolis the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora in Plaka, everything within walking distance. However, there is another hidden little gem. Perched on the hill right above Plaka and under the shadow of the Acropolis, lies unnoticeable the little neighbourhood of Anafiotika. Built in the 19th century by workers from Anafi, it still conveys the feeling of the untouched island of Cyclades. Narrow streets, small whitewashed houses colorful flowers hanging from the balconies,peace and tranquility contrast the buzzling city that is at 2 min. distance. As many locals do, I usually enjoy strolling around the hidden streets of Anafiotika on a sunny Sunday morning, enjoying the neighbourhood energy to the fullest. An ideal way to recharge batteries for the week ahead is meeting some friends for brunch in one of the many great cafes around Plaka. After all, Sundays are for rituals not for new beginnings!