The Cyclades: Koufonisia, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos

From Patmos we left the Peloponnese Islands and entered the Cyclades. Our first stop was Koufonisia, a sleepy little island with an adorable, low key vibe. It was overcast and rainy so we explored on foot, peeking into shuttered windows and walking to picturesque windmills-turned-airbnbs. If you want to take long walks, catch the fish of the day, drink Ouzo with locals and call yourself a writer, I suggest Koufonisia.

From Koufonisia we headed north to Naxos, a much larger island and city. Unfortunately, due to an uncomfortable anchorage with a big swell, we took off early the next morning for the Goldilocks of islands: Paros.

Paros is just right, with a great waterfront promenade lined with beach cafes, quaint boutiques, and the best part: road legal 4-wheelers! Since we stayed a few nights, we rented them for a day and rumbled up to the hilltop town of Lefkas, with its Byzantine church and statues of Parian marble, the most pure kind. After a snack of thick coffee and flaky spanakopita, we rolled to Kolimbithres beach, known for it’s massive granite rocks and shallow clear water. It wasn’t deserted, as I always hope and they never are, but it was beautiful. If you want to have a destination wedding, go to Paros; only the dedicated will attend but they will wear linen and be rewarded with outstanding fresh seafood and cocktails on the sand.

Just when we think we must have died and gone to Greek (Orthodox) heaven, we cross the narrow channel to Antiparos, the subtly stylish little sister. Here the town is so small, chic and Greek it could represent in Epcot City. We shopped, swam and sipped the drinks we carried across the island to the famous sunset spot. Antiparos is where you go if you want to become a renowned but reclusive artist who swims for sea urchins when the moon is full.

Each island has an intrinsic quality that makes it unique but choosing a favorite is like choosing between an aperol spritz and a dirty martini. It all depends on how the stars align and who you want to be that day. Yia Mas!