Kiki GOES TO GREECE
Yamas! Friends in Kefi, this week you will be energized in the mind, the body and the soul when you journey with Kiki to the land of golden sun, olive oil, philoxenia and so much more. This week it’s a recap of some of the most remarkable relics, most delicious food and a generous heaping of philoxenia.
But first if you are inspired uplifted and moved to live the best life which you deserve, follow me on Instagram, tik tok and linked in…and of course shop extra virgin olive oil at kefi life.com.
Wolfgang Goethe wrote “Among all people, the Greeks have dreamt life’s dream most beautifully….”
This summer my dream came true when my husband, two of four my children and I traveled to Greece.
I’ve been numerous times in the past, but this year felt different – more meaningful and supremely authentic. We visited family, reunited with distant relatives, attended a fairytale wedding and discovered the antiquity of one of Greece’s most beloved islands…RHODES.
Let’s start at the beginning with our first stop over in Loutraki. Why Loutraki…chiefly because my sisters and brother-in law have summer homes there and it is the place we frequently meet to reconnect and celebrate family time.
LOUTRAKI
Loutraki is a seaside resort on the Gulf of Corinth. Centrally located in the Peloponnesse.
It’s about 50 miles or about an hour 15 from Athens and a perfect middle ground home base for easy access to many places in the region.
FUN FACT: Loutraki is An hour away from the most fabulous wineries in Nemea, Corinth. My mother is from Nemea.
ANOTHER FUN FACT: it is here that the pan-hellenic athletic games were held every two years from 573 BCE until 271 BCE
I feel like the most mesmerizing sunset is in Loutraki.
When in Loutraki you must take a night swim as it is an escape to reset your KEFI.
HEALTH FACT: There are healing natural springs and therapeutic spas which offer relief with joint pain arthritis. I believe so much in the power of water and the springs to bring you back to life…
Locals and myself love Taverna Filippas ask for Debbie she’s a hoot. Food is home cooked and traditional. Great after day at beach.
Favorite restaurants include MANNA new and a full meat house
Best Spanikopita/Spinach pie -pastas meaning desserts– Delice
Best coffee Coffee Box & Cup n Cino
Most delicious Loukoumades/Greek donut balls or LOUKOUS as sister Stacie and I call it…ARMELLE
Music La Playa for live music DJ music at Moments
Need a respite from the world and all the chatter?
You must visit SAINT PATAPIOS monastery located at an altitude of 700 meters. There are five monasteries in the surrounding area with miracle working holy relics. The views are breathtaking, and the churches are ancient.
The most special beach of Corinthia is of this Lake Vouliagmeni or Blue Lake -a bay off Agena.
Hydration is a must while traveling Greece. So close to Africa and the equator, the sun feels 10x stronger than other places. It’s an honor to tell you that most significant bottled water in all of Greece comes from the mineral water springs of Loutraki..you can drink from faucet or sink.
Many say it’s the most romantic town in Greece.
There are four UNESCO world heritage sites here.
Mykines- being one of them is where my husband’s cousins took us to experience ancient Greece. Mykines is mind blowing. One of the oldest civilizations MYCENAEN lasted from about 1600 to 1100 BC. I am still thinking about LION GATE dating to the Bronze age.
In Nafplio head to AMMOS beach for a beautiful swim.
Thank you to Tasso and Tasia for the most beautiful, genuine hospitality while in Nafplio. My husband’s family could not have been more generous and loving to us after not seeing us for at least 7 years. They are the pan ultimate example of philoxenia.
When in Greece, make time for an island. There are 6 main groups, and each has its own character, food type, culture and beauty. This year Brian and I dedicated the most time in one spot, to the island of Rhodes in Dodecanese (12) islands. Up to this point I had been to Ikaria & Patmos in the Dodecanese. Now it was time to visit the ninth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and it is the historical capitol of this grouping - Rhodes.
RHODES
While in Rhodes don’t miss:
Grand Master and the Street of Knights *
Rhodes Old Town*
The Acropolis of Lindos *
The Valley of Butterflies.
ANTHONY QUINN bay - the reason I am Kefi!
An expression of love of nature, great food, sea life, mountain backdrop and the shooting location for the movie The Guns of Navarone. It was during this filming that actor Anthony Quinn, who also starred in Zorba the Greek, fell in love with the location and now people all over the world visit.
When visiting make sure to eat at KOUNNA
Some of the most fabulous people are on the island of Rhodes. Kisses out to Natasa, Michelle, Petro, Eva, all the girls at the Spa at MITSIS ALIA, Yianni and Dimitri. Such warmth and love to us the strangers who became friends.
I highly recommend a ferry to Symi island…
SYMI
On the quaint and tiny island of SYMI we ate the most delicious meal of the Greece trip at a place called Taverna Meraklis. I have never tasted such delicious dolmathes or stuffed grape leaves.
Final stop a major monument of the Golden age of Athens: Cape Sounion.
Also referred to the place where History meets the Agean Sea. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio is part of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE located on the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula.
When in Athens make time for this expedition back in time 5th century BC. You will not regret it.
The only regrets we have in life are those things which we must do and experience but fail to do due to the notion that we will one day. Friends that one day is now. “If it’s a good idea, do it today.” Make a bucket list and start checking off the boxes…Decide where your heart wants to take you and ignite your soul, nourish your mind and feed your body to the senses of another land and another time.
Until next time, I’m wishing a life of bliss, one that is void of doubt and full of health and kefi!
Ola kala.
Kisses-filakia
Kiki