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GREECE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS Nederlands English

Google Chrome thinks enlarging my pictures, some links and sometimes scrolling through the pages is a popup. If you want to navigate my website than please allow "popups".

Milos Fyropotamos Beach View from the taverna on Apandima Beach in the west of Antiparos Tsamadou beach, Samos Antiparos sea caves, Antiparos zee-grotten
Fira in Santorini Mystegna Lesbos Samos landscape, Pirgos flowers Oia in Santorini

Hans Huisman My name is Hans Huisman, I live in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and I am the super-fan of Greece its islands. I've been visiting the Greek islands for a long period and in they year 2000 I started a small website that just kept growing and growing. I go to Greece two or three times a year, usually in May, September and October. Over the years I've seen seen over forty islands and some of them I have visited more than once, sometimes up to ten times or more. I have visited the Cyclades, the Sporades, Corfu, the islands in the Northern Aegean, Rhodes and the biggest and the most beautiful of them all (for me so far): Crete. On this island I drove around for over a year to visit all kinds of places and I am working on buying a house there. Every time the plane lands in Heraklion or Chania it feels like coming home. I prefer the south of the island where it is more quiet and I usually stay in places like Lagada (next to Makrigialos), Tsoutsouros or Tris Eklissies, where there are wonderful quiet, sandy beaches. The small settlement of Lagada is my happy place. The plan is to retire early and spend a lot more time there.

I try to make original texts and I make my own pictures to make the website personal and different from all the other websites about the Greek islands that are sometimes written by people that have never or hardly ever been there. I review the hotels, villas and apartments that I have visited and give my opinion of beaches and restaurants that I have visited. If it is good I will tell you this and if it is bad I will also tell you that. It is not possible for anybody to pay me to put an advertisement on my website.

If you navigate the islands on the left you will notice that some islands contain much more information than others. These islands that have more info and pictures are mostly my favourite islands that I visit whenever I have the opportunity (Crete, Iraklia, Skyros, Alonissos, Mykonos, Samos, Patmos, Santorini, Milos, Thirassia, Paros, Antiparos). The website is regularly updated with new pages and new pictures, so check it from time to time. This is how it goes when you are a super-fan of the Greek islands.

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During my visits to Greece I have met many special people, made some good friends and I have seen beautiful beaches, special villages and nice hotels. You can read about that on this website. Who knows you can do something with my tips. I usually look for peace and quiet, so if you like that as well than maybe you can pick up some ideas. There is also a lot of information on naturist beaches and naturism on my website because I prefer this over the "ordinary" beaches with parasols and beach beds, where it tends to be more busy.

Hans Huisman & Truus de Graan Marianne Holleman I want to thank all the people that have contributed to my website with their tips, stories and pictures. Without people like Rita Woldringh, Truus de Graan, Carla de Goede, Marianne Holleman, Marjan Beintema and a couple of other people / correspondents that made contributions to this website it would be much less interesting. If you like my website than tell a friend about my website.

Frankie Miles and Molly the Dog I also want to thank all my friends in Greece, like Lilian from Mike's Place in Antiparos, Arianne Geervliet from Ariana's Place in Crete, Anna from Ikia Studios in Paros, Anastasia and Mrs Soultana in Milos, Vivi from Kiklos Car Rental in Samos and many, many more. A very special thanks goes to the fabulous Frankie Miles in Almyrida on Crete, who has inspired us with her books about the island and who has always made sure our stay in Crete was unforgettable. Frankie is one of the sweetest people that I know. Besides writing wonderful books Frankie runs the travel agency Villas Crete Holidays that rents out a vast number of beautiful villas and some select beach front apartments. Frankie has set us up for many years and you can see quite a few of her villas on my pages of Crete.

Truus Hagman I dedicate this website to my mother Truus Hagman, who died on February 24th 2013 after a long battle with cancer. She was also a big fan of Greece and my first trips to Rhodes and Crete were with her. She always supported me with everything I undertook and never judged me. All she ever wanted was my happiness. Thanks mum for all those times you comforted me and thanks for all the times you made me laugh. Thanks for your time, your wisdom and your patience. Thanks for your unconditional love and for being proud of me all your life. You are an example of what a parent should be like. I turned out so well thanks to you. I will miss you so much, but you will always be here in my heart, not only as my mother but also as the best friend I ever had.

Fourni beach Fourni town Fourni, Kampi Beach Corfu, Kassiopi
Corfu Town, Kerkyra A donkey near a windmill on Tinos Nopigia, Crete. Emporio in Santorini
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I have created a special page where you can find some answers to frequently asked questions. Please read them first and if you still have questions feel free to send me an e-mail. For questions about the ferries please check the internet...I don't know all the schedules, if it is possible and at what time and how much it costs :/, sorry... If you cannot find your connection from island A to island B than just assume there is none at the time that you want to and make another plan. If you want to go island hopping than stick to one island group. Going from Samos to Paros to Skiathos is not a good plan. If you want to visit the small islands and go hopping than take your time: seeing 4 islands in 1 week is also not a good plan. Take at least 2 days for each island, or better 3 and for the larger Greek islands take a minimum of a week. If you go to for instance Crete than a year is not enough to see it all.

If you want you can send me an e-mail if you have questions. Have fun on this website planning your holiday, looking for a hotel or the best naturist beaches, and have even more fun in Greece and on the Greek islands!

Leros Samos, Ormos Kini Beach, Syros Patmos
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Kreta Balos Beach, Crete, Kreta Gramvousa A look at Paros from Agios Prokopios on Naxos.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE LUXURY HOTELS, APARTMENS AND VILLAS

Below are some of my favorite luxury accommodations on the Greek islands. Most of them are private villas / holiday homes, sometimes with pool, sometimes with the beach close by. You might think it is expensive, but if you go with a number of people (for example with a number of friends or if you have children, with the whole family) than sometimes it can be cheaper than reserving in a good hotel, but the difference is that you have the whole place to yourself.

The peace and quiet, the luxury, and the fact that you have everything you need in your own villa make it even better. There are no other people around you and if there is a pool you have it all to yourself. Often there is a dishwasher, a washing machine and a complete kitchen. There have been places where I simply did not want to leave anymore, and where I only wanted to read a book, swim a bit and stare at the sea or the landscape. The back of the car is loaded at the supermarket and I sometimes even cook my own meals at "home", simply because I don't want to leave.

For us a reason to spoil and treat ourselves from time to time. The experience is really great! It doesn't even have to be expensive. The beautiful Villa Sophia for instance (sleeps 6, private pool, not overlooked, beautiful sea view) has very cheap prices and is just wonderful!!! Below is a list of fantastic accommodations on the beautiful island of Crete and other islands.

Villa Giorgos Gavolochori on Crete Villa Nina, Kera beach on Crete Villa Maria on Crete
Villa Giorgos - Apokoronas, Crete
Villa in the middle of a pine tree forest
Villa Nina - Apokoronas, Crete
Overlooking Kera beach, private pool
Villa Maria - Apokoronas, Crete
Private pool. Love it, one of my favorites

MORE LUXURY APARTMENTS, HOTELS, VILLAS AND HOLIDAY HOUSES

Villa Athina in Kokkino Chorio, Crete Villa Athina is situated on a hilltop in Kokkino Chorio, a village just east of the city of Chania, in the area called the Apokoronas. In October 2012 we were one of the first visitors in this new house which is built in traditional style, with stone and round arches between the rooms and the terraces. The villa has a private pool and is set in a very private location (not overlooked). The view from the grounds of the villa and the various verandas is phenomenal. You look out over the sea, three peninsulas (Apokoronas, Akrotiri and Rodopos) and three islands, including Souda Island with its fortress and the island of Karga, that lies in front of the village of Almyrida. There are views over the bay of Souda,the naval base, the fort Izzedine and you see the cruise boats and ferries sailing in on their way to the harbour of Souda. On the west side you look out over the village of Kokkino Chorio with its church and behind it you can see the White Mountains. More information and pictures you can find on this page.

Villa Pronolithos, Gavalochori, Crete This beautiful large stone villa with private pool Villa Prinolithos is located on a hill just above the village of Gavalochori, in a region called the Apokoronas. It is about half an hour to forty five minutes away from the city of Chania and the trip from the airport is approximately one hour. The villa has three bedrooms and a separate studio that can accommodate four people. The maximum number of people that can stay in the villa is ten. We visited the Villa Prinolithos in September 2012. The name of the house comes from a tree, the Prinos, which surround the villa. Probably these trees are also used in the construction of the villa, because the ceilings are made with tree trunks. Prinolithos villa is in a very quiet and very private position, so ideal for those who seek tranquillity and and want the possibility to to sunbathe and swim without swimwear.

For more luxury apartments, studios, hotels and villas click here.

MY FAVORITE QUIET HOLIDAY HOMES, HOTELS, APARTMENS, STUDIOS AND VILLAS

Almost always I search the peace and quiet and I prefer staying in a place with a nice view. Below are a number of such accommodations: nice studios, apartments and hotels in a small and quiet village or sometimes completely separate from everything. A nice beach in the area is a plus. No busy roads with cars, no crowded discos in the area and only the silence. At these places you can relax and avoid mass tourism. Nice restaurants are in the vicinity, but if you want to go out all night and visit lots of bars and discos these are not your places.

Nefeli Hotel Skyros Gennadi Aegean Horizon Villas - Rhodos, Rhodes Maistrali Rooms on Iraklia
Nefeli Hotel - Skyros island
On the beautiful and quiet island of Skyros
Gennadi Aegean Horizon Villas - Rhodes
Attractive villas close to a wonderful beach
Maistrali Rooms - Iraklia
Beautiful views and close to the beach

- The island of Skyros is one of the nicest islands I have visited in the course of time. Nefeli Hotel is located in the capital and has a swimming pool. A delicious breakfast is served. In the village itself you will find nice tavernas, bars, shops, churches, museums and there is a fortress and a monastery.
- The Gennadi Aegean Horizon Villas are located in the village of Gennadi, about an hour's drive from the capital of Rhodes, in the southeast of the island. After having been on holiday on Rhodes three times, I think this is perhaps the nicest village on the island. There are some restaurants and a supermarket. Gennadi is away from the hustle and bustle and there are no large hotels. What you can rent is mostly villas and houses. Below the village is one of the best and quietest beaches on the island, where you can eat at a few good fish tavernas.
- Maistrali Rooms can be found on Iraklia, one of my favorite islands. Everything here is small-scale and the people are very nice, highly recommended.

LOW BUDGET APARTMENTS, STUDIOS AND HOTELS

Below are some low budget accommodations on the various islands: nice places and expensive. Some accommodations are really value for money and some are also very beautiful, like the stylish Ikia Studios with large and beautiful studios and apartments near the sea in the village of Aliki on the island of Paros: one of my favorites. They are in short, nice places for people that don't want to pay much money but still want a nice place to spend their holidays.

Ikia Studios and apartments Paros Villa Bayview 1 Crete South Sea Touched Home, Tris Ekklisies, Crete
Ikia Studios - Paros
Comfortable studios and apartments on Paros
Villa Bayview 1 - Apokoronas, Crete
Affordable prices, private pool and nice views
South Sea Touched Home - Tris Ekklisies, Crete
near the beach in the quiet south of Crete

- Ikia Studios is located in Aliki, which I think is one of the nicest villages of the island of Paros, a short distance from the beach and tavernas. Owner Anna is very nice.
- Villa Bayview 1 is located in Kokkino Chorio in the Apokoronas area. It is an affordable two-bedroom villa with a private pool and it looks out over the sea.
- South Sea Touched Home can be found in one of my favorite destinations on the island of Crete: the quiet Tris Ekklisies with its four beautiful beaches. The hospitality here is unparalleled. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. You can try but it is often fully booked long in advance.

VILLAS, APARTMENTS, STUDIOS AND HOTELS WITH A BEAUTIFUL VIEW

Below are some accommodations with a wonderful view of the landscape and the sea. There are plenty more hotels with beautiful views but these are a few of my favorites.

Villa Azure crete Skiathos Gea Villas Apollon Studios Tsoutsouros
Villa Azure - Crete, Apokoronas
Luxury and amazing views & large private pool
Skiathos Gea Villas - Skiathos Island
Peace and quiet, private pool & amazing views
Apollon Studios - Tsoutsouros South Crete
My favourite destination, right on the beach

- Villa Azure is situated in Kera (on the edge of the village of Almyrida) in the area of Apokoronas. It is a very luxureous villa with room for 10 people. It has a very large pool and offers a lot of privacy.
- Skiathos Gea Villas on the island of Skaithos has small private pools and magnificent views.
- The Apollon Studios are situated in one of my favorite villages in the south of Crete. The studios are spacious and clean and directly on the beach.

My personal top 5 favorite islands

1 - Crete: the largest and most versatile of all the Greek islands. On Crete you will find beautiful beaches, many antiquities and excavations, beautiful Byzantine churches with frescoes, museums and a very beautiful landscape. The island is so big that you will not get bored easily.
2 - Iraklia: small but nice, that's how I would describe this island. The island lends itself for walks and there are a few small beaches, but what makes this island so attractive are mainly the atmosphere and the nicest islanders I have encountered.
3 - Naxos: this largest island of the Cyclades has beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque and cozy villages, antiquities, castles from the Venetian and Byzantine times and the landscape is very beautiful. If you drive around you will also find quiet places here, which cannot be said of all Cycladic islands.
4 - Milos: this island has the most beautiful sandy beaches of all islands and you can also find peace here. The landscape is incomparable, and the sea in some places is a beautiful azure blue. A boat trip around the island is a must and a visit to the neighboring uninhabited island of Polyaigosis is unforgettable.
5 - Alonissos en Skyros. Alonissos has nice bays with a beautiful azure blue sea, it is still fairly quiet and unspoiled and it is a good island for making walks. Skyros is the most authentic island that has not really been discovered yet. The population is very friendly and you can bump into a deserted beach.
- Other honorable mentions of islands we visited and really liked are the small islands of Donoussa and Schinoussa (small Cyclades), Thirassia (next to Santorini), Anafi (below Santorini), Samos and Fourni.

My "happy place" - The Lagada resort in the south of Crete
Lagada resort, Lagada beach, Kreta, Crete Lagada resort, Lagada beach, Kreta, Crete Lagada resort, Lagada beach, Kreta, Crete Lagada resort, Lagada beach, Kreta, Crete

The Lagada Resort is situated on the edge of Makrigialos / Analipsi if you take the exit Kalo Nero from Analipsi. Lagada (sometimes called Lagkada) is a quiet area with many small and often deserted beaches. The complex enjoys a quiet location about 800 meters from the edge of Analipsi and in front of it lies a large and quiet sandy beach: one of or favourites. You can reach the beach on foot in about 5 to 10 minutes depending on what path you take. This is my "happy place" each morning when after I wake up early I go to the beach when it is still totally deserted and I sit down on my rock to stare at the waves. The last part of the beach (about a hundred meters long) on the west side is especially nudist friendly. The east side is qualitatively a bit better (sandy and easier to go into and out of the sea).

- Go to the page of Lagada in the south of Crete.

My "happy place" - The Apollon Hotel in Tsoutsouros in the south of Crete
Apollon Hotel, Tsoutsouros, Kreta, Crete Apollon Hotel, Tsoutsouros, Kreta, Crete Apollon Hotel, Tsoutsouros, Kreta, Crete

Tsoutsouros is located in the south of the island of Crete, about an hour and a half drive from the capital Heraklion. The village has beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of choice of tavernas and a few small mini markets. Here we actually make a stop once or twice a year and stay there for a while. It is relatively quiet and only in the weekends when the Greeks themselves are free it can get a little busier. The Greeks themselves know that this is a wonderful place. We always stay with the friendly family in the Apollon hotel, which has affordable and spacious studios. It is also one of the few accommodations that has (free) beach beds in front of the door. If you cross the (very quiet) road you are on the beach. Here we always relax. Downstairs in the restaurant you can eat at good prices and the food is very tasty.

- Go to the page of Tsoutsouros in the south of Crete.

Mijn "happy place" - The village of Tris Ekklisies in the south of Crete
Tris Ekklisies, Kreta, Crete Tris Ekklisies, Kreta, Crete Tris Ekklisies, Kreta, Crete Tris Ekklisies, Kreta, Crete

With four beautiful (and quiet) sandy beaches, on which of three you can optionally swim without swimwear, a few tavernas and a mini market (not open all season), this is a village for people who want to relax. Of course there are also "Tris Ekklisies" or three Byzantine churches. The coziness can be found during lunchtime or in the evening in the tavernas and the silence can be found on the beaches. This is a village that is regularly on the route when we go on holiday. There are no large hotels. What you will find there are houses and rooms that are offered for rent by the population themselves.

- Go to the page of Tris Ekklisies in the south of Crete.

© Hans Huisman, www.angelfire.com/super2/greece 2000 - 2021

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