What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words, Greek Islands?
Is it the infinity of blue, from the water to the sky to the serenely painted chapels, perched on high above rocky bays?
Is it a wizened fisherman, mending his nets beside brightly coloured boats in the harbour in timeless fashion, while the buzz of the new world hurries, unnoticed, around him?
A fig tree, dripping with plump deliciousness, draped across a taverna table laid with Greek salad, dolmades, giant white beans and the catch of the day? Perhaps a glass of retsina, ouzo or raki on the side?
Towering cliffs above the clearest water, goats among the olive trees, whitewashed villages clinging to the hillsides, the smell of wild oregano as you stroll the sandy paths?
You will find all these things in the Greek Islands. Yet, with up to six thousand islands and islets, and over two hundred which are inhabited, it’s surprising to learn that each one has a character all its own. The main chains – the Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, North Aegean, Saronic and Dodecanese – are very different from each other, as are the islands within each individual group. Although all, along with the Greek mainland, enjoy that unique Greek flavour and atmosphere that aficionados can’t get enough of.
One could spend a lifetime discovering every island, and I sincerely wish I had the time! On just a short holiday it must be nearly impossible to choose a group – or, indeed, a single island – on which to spend it. Thankfully, with the new, soon-to-be-written, Greek Island-Hopping sketchbook journey, I’ve done the hard work for you.
The Dodecanese islands are the ones closest to the Turkish border and include the well-known tourist meccas of Kos and Rhodes along with some lesser known but stunningly iconic places such as Symi, and quieter, peaceful havens which have so far avoided the ravages of mass tourism. In some cases, these islands have been ‘saved’ by infrequent ferry schedules, so I am taking this into consideration with the planning; please bear with me while I work it all out. I’ve already identified the best places to stay and the most inspiring subject matter, and returned from my recent visit (a long overdue return) fired up to bring it all to you.
The beauty of the Dodecanese, in particular, is the weather, which stays warm into late September and October, long after schools have returned and the crowds have dissipated. This is when we will travel, with the aim of sitting outside to paint in comfortable, not stiflingly hot, sunshine and swimming in a wonderfully warmed-up sea.
This will be an adventurous, energetic trip involving lots of boats of all sizes and walking up and down a considerable number of picturesque stone steps. It will be a strictly hand luggage-only trip. The freedom you will feel from this is immense, I assure you!
Any comments and preferences during the planning stage will be welcomed and taken on board, as will any registration of interest. Over to you!
