3 places locals love to vacation in Greece

For visitors, Greece delivers on all fronts.

You could linger on blindingly beautiful islands that seem straight out of a postcard, explore a rich tapestry of ancient sites woven into every landscape and dine on Greek cuisine that is revered the world over. There are countless things to do and places to visit, but sometimes you just want to step away from the obvious and get a glimpse of local life.

From the sun-kissed, whitewashed beaches of southern Crete to the laid-back atmosphere of the west Cyclades, three local travel writers share where they like to go on vacation in Greece.

1. Serifos

Based in Athens since 1996, Helen Iatrou prefers to island-hop by sailboat.

Why Serifos?

When summer arrives, my thoughts turn to that remote Dodecanese islet I haven’t visited or to my Northeastern Aegean ancestral home. But one island I can’t resist is Serifos, in the west Cyclades. It’s just a 2-hour fast ferry ride from Piraeus. And although villas have been sprouting across its forbidding, caramel-colored hillsides in recent years, Serifos still feels a world away from its neighbors Mykonos and Santorini.

Must-do activity

What I love most about this unperturbed isle is its 70-plus beaches, where the high summer meltemi (a dry northerly wind) tempers the heat. With nary a sun lounger for rent in sight, I opt for the shade of a nap-friendly tamarisk tree. The deep waters of pebbled Ganema and wild Karavi beaches invigorate me to the core, while the secluded cove of Psili Ammos tempts with golden sands, aquamarine seas and the fish taverna Manolis.

Where to stay

I usually stay in the port town of Livadi at a family-owned boutique hotel like Nōstos or Chill & Co.

Where to eat

Restaurants and cafes are close by, as is the atmospheric, whitewashed hilltop capital Hora, a 12-minute drive (or 50-minute hike) away. Traditional kafenion (coffeehouse) Stou Stratou serves viscous Greek coffee, while Seriani recreates classic dishes like pastitsio (layers of buttery macaroni and seasoned ground lamb).

2. Rethymno’s southern coast, Crete

Vangelis Koronakis is a guidebook writer who can’t resist a Cretan escape.

Why Rethymno?

I’m lucky enough to have Cretan roots, so I have spent most summers of my life in wonderful Crete. The island’s southern shores, particularly in the region of Rethymno, bathed by the crystalline Libyan Sea, are relatively untouched by mass tourism (unlike the ultratouristy northern coast).

Must-do activity

The region boasts more than 15 top-class beaches, stretching from Frangokastello in the west to Agia Galini in the east. Preveli, aka Palm Beach, is one of the most photographed in the country and probably the busiest – but the rest range from quiet to outright deserted, even during the August high season. Small and secluded Amoudi and massive and wild Triopetra (avoid it when windy) are my favorites. A visit to the historic Moni Preveli is a spiritual experience I highly recommend.

Where to stay

My favorite place to dine is Merastri, a family taverna in the village of Sellia that offers superb local fare with a stunning view of Plakias Bay from its veranda. A rental car is necessary to discover all the region’s beauty. An innovative and affordable choice as a base is Spili; this pretty mountainside small town, known for its freshwater lion fountains, is strategically located and offers access to most points of interest within 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Koufonisia

Alexis Averbuck is a writer and painter who lives on the Greek island of Hydra.

Why Koufonisia?

I love sailing the Cyclades on open-top ferries, where you can lounge on the deck taking in the view, breathing the fresh sea air. From the vantage of the ferry deck when I last cruised into Koufonisia, the clear, clear water with barely a hint of aquamarine made it appear as if the fishing caiques were floating in the air over the white sand. The vibe in Koufonisia is casual, with relaxed people in sarongs strolling back from the beach or donning summer-light linen to chat over early evening drinks.

Must-do activity

Wander the main village, a warren of tiny streets lined with boutiques, small hotels, and inviting restaurants and bars. You can also walk the entire island on rugged trails along the jagged coast with that brilliant crystalline water splashing into rock-formed natural pools, filling deserted coves and lapping onto alabaster beaches. So close to the large Cycladic islands like Naxos and Paros, Koufonisia and the other islands that constitute the Small Cyclades seem to gloriously drop off the edge of the world.

Where to stay

If you're able to splash out, stay at Aeris Suites, overlooking the deep scoop of Pori Bay, then head into town to dine on fresh-caught seafood at Capetan Nikolas while the sun sets behind the cliff-top windmill across the harbor.