Often during my year of travel I found it very difficult to leave one place in order to discover another. A common dilemma of the traveler. The appeal of the ‘paradise found’ was so strong, filling my senses so completely that I could barely say goodbye. Even knowing another unknown and uniquely beautiful place was waiting to be discovered.
This is exactly how I felt during our ‘island hopping’ in the Cyclades. Each place, one so different than the next, became home in a matter of days, and I could imagine no other place so magical and idyllic. Until the next island.
Our adventure began in Mykonos, the island of hedonistic revelry. Or so it felt. Beginning in the early evening and ending perhaps at sunrise, this stylish island came to life. An endless array of restaurants, fashionable boutiques, bars and discos of Little Venice lining the Mediterranean, not to mention the hidden champagne bars. Time seemed to hold no relevance. Even the shops stayed open early into the morning, should you desire a little pre-dawn shopping spree. We managed to avoid the crowds and cruise ship contingent only during early afternoons spent happily lost in the maze of cobbled streets, while the sun seekers lined the beaches aptly titled ‘Paradise’.
I’m not a big fan of the ‘beach turned dance party’ concept and prefer to listen to the calm of the sea. A quick hitchhike or scooter ride from the town’s center and we found just this. I am privileged to say that I have walked the sands of many gorgeous beaches in my life. Agios Sostis is one of them.
Equally exhausted from nights of carousing and days spent beneath the formidable sun, we set sail for The Big Blue, the tranquil island of Amorgos. Here we found a home in the little port town of Aegiali. Hidden from the world. Mykonos hours away but long forgotten.
In this far away land we were joined by my friend from NYC, photographer Konstantino Hatzisarros, a native of Greece and adopted resident of Amorgos. I can well understand why.
Amorgos holds many treasures, the most impressive being the iconic monastery Moni Hozoviotissis, set in a cliff high above the sea. Within these holy walls lies a miraculous icon said to be found in the waters below, guarded by the few hospitable monks still in residence.
At the heart of Amorgos lies the old capital Hora. This sophisticated village positioned 400m above sea level, boasting old windmills, trendy bars, and a view.
Driving the length of the island revealed it’s wildnerness. The shadows of surrounding islands in the distance. An old ship wreck to provoke the imagination….the natural beauty of Amorgos is unique. Perhaps it’s the light. Impossible to describe and difficult to capture.
After nearly one week of living in what I can accurately describe as an untamed paradise with just the right amount of class, it was time to say goodbye. One last sunset until Santorini….
Beautiful pictures. I went to Greece once, but never made it off the island of Corfu. Don’t ask. So Mykonos was a bit much to take? I can only imagine. At least you found refuge. Tangent: Funny, I checked out your bio. Believe it or not, I had a handbag company AND my day job was in marketing. Weird.
The next escape you need, fly to Greece! Mykonos is okay for a few days of hedonism, certain beaches alone are worth it. Each island is so unique and magical!
Would love to hear more about the handbag business…and your life in France.
These photos are amazing. I want to go right NOW.
And yet again, I want Kasia to plan another trip for me…:)
Okay, where shall we go? 😉 Always ready to plan!
Beautiful photos. The closest I have been to Greece is Cyprus….I know not quite the same except some of the food influences. My husband had been there many times prior to meeting me, but we have yet to go together, something we really want to do.
Andi, you and your husband MUST go on an island hopping adventure in the Cyclades. I have seen a lot in my days of traveling but Greece is unique. There is nothing quite like it.
Cyclades…..my favorite part of Greece!!!
And now, mine too!
Wow, what gorgeous photographs. Thanks so much for sharing them!
My pleasure. Happy to return and take more anytime…
Outstanding. Greece is on my list of countries to visit and your photos just drive home that urge!
Lindsey, Greece (particularly the islands of the Cyclades) is incredible. In case I have not expressed this enough yet 😉 You must go!
The pictures are amazing. Looking forward to hearing more about the trip. Beautifully written.
Thanks. Much more to tell you!
Wow, amazing photos! No wonder you fell in love….
Thank you! A unique love affair.
I love your photos! Thanks for sharing 🙂
heyy
i have a doubt. 😛
i’m a big fan of your blog but unfortunately i haven’t been able to follow it up that regularly.
🙁
you have a cupcake shop in paris? and it was your dream to design and make cupcakes?
and your husband is italian? and you have kids?
i know i sound pretty dumb but the pressure of studies doesn’t allow me to be a part of other people’s lives as much as i would want.. 😛
thank you 🙂