Greece lightning! Exploring Rhodes, Mykonos and Athens
Brigit Grant has a few bright ideas for Hellenic holidays and a chag
Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor
Rhodes
Turning festivals into an opportunity to see the world has long been the agenda of Eddie’s Kosher Travel.
For 2020, it has chosen the five-star Elysium Resort & Spa in Rhodes. The island is a poignant place to celebrate Passover, as its Jewish population, together with that of neighbouring island Kos, was murdered during the Holocaust and there
is a memorial in the old town honouring the 1,604 victims.
There is also a beautiful synagogue that welcomes visitors, so a stay at the Elysium means you can visit.
The hotel is close to Kallithea Springs, and the 400-metre long Blue Flag-awarded beach on which it sits is one of the finest.
Go there with Kosher Travel and your family will get to enjoy the activities, relax by the large garden lagoon and feast (glatt kosher) on food prepared by the top chefs and pastry team.
Take advantage of the tours on offer as the island has spectacular scenery, which is the case wherever you go in Greece, but discovering unexplored spots about which you can boast to your friends is a glorious challenge.
Mykonos
Finding somewhere far from the madding crowd in Mykonos isn’t easy since north-west Jewish London arrived on the windmill scattered island, which was previously the sole playground of Europe’s gay cognoscenti. I went there in 1982, but the opening of the bohemian paradise Nomad is a reason to return.
Located just 200 meters from Kalo Livadi, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean Sea, Nomad has 13 suites with their own private courtyard, a colour scheme of whites, greys and beiges and organic bed linen.
Raw nature in blissful surroundings means full rest after a big night out in Mykonos town. This is chi chi bohemian at its best.
Athens
Going to the islands via Athens is an opportunity to stay at A77 Suites by Andronis, the alleged neighbourhood of the Gods.
A77 Suites is housed in a 19th century listed building, which is a gem of neoclassical architecture restored to its former glory. With views of the Acropolis and Athenian rooftops, the 12 suites are spread over four floors, and across five styles: The Petite, the Elegant, the Supreme, The Iconic and The Courtyard.
Before booking, remember that The Iconic has the outdoor terrace with a prime view of the Acropolis and a jacuzzi from which to do it.
The most exciting thing about A77 is the lobby, which showcases a handpicked collection of fashion by the likes of Missoni, Greek designer Sophi Deloudi and lesser-known upcoming labels.
The neighbourhood of the Gods, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world, so there are lots of architectural marvels beside artisan shops, small boutiques, traditional cafes and vibrant tavernas.
Best of all, this amazing property is walking distance from the Jewish Museum of Greece. In our desire to find the new, we tend to forget about the old, and Athens is a captivating mix of the ancient and the edgy. Spring is the ideal time to do the Jewish tour, visit Olympia and Delphi, and then hop on a boat to the islands.
If you want to build any of the islands into a Greek holiday or take advantage of a fabulous tour, www.sevtravel.com are the company to get you there. Call 020 368 64675 to plan.
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