Milos, a picturesque island in Greece, is gaining popularity for its sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and tavernas. Known for the Venus de Milo statue, the island's volcanic origins create a colorful landscape. Travel + Leisure has recognized Milos as a top destination, with attractions like Kleftiko cliffs and Sarakiniko beach. Travelive's Mina Agnos recommends Milos for a laid-back vacation focused on culture and relaxation. The article suggests the best hotels, activities, shopping, and dining experiences, emphasizing the need for early hotel booking. It also provides travel tips for the best time to visit and how to get around the island.

Rizogalo, a Greek take on rice pudding, is a comfort food deeply rooted in Greek culture and history. Its simple preparation and sweet aroma evoke nostalgia among Greeks, including the author who recalls their grandmother's recipe. The dish's history dates back to ancient times, with references by Greek physician Galen and Byzantine scientist Symeon Seth. Initially reserved for medicinal purposes due to the high cost of rice, rizogalo became more accessible in the 18th century. Today, despite competition from Western desserts, rizogalo remains a sentimental favorite, available in various forms, including gluten-free and sugar-free versions. The article highlights several establishments in Athens, such as Varsos, Stani, Asimakopouli, Kostarelos, and Magginas Kalyviotiko, where rizogalo is cherished and served, reflecting its enduring presence in Greek culinary tradition.

Rizogalo, a Greek rice pudding, is a comfort food deeply rooted in Greek culture and history. Despite its simplicity, it holds sentimental value and has adapted over time, with variations including vegan milk or different types of rice. In Athens, establishments like Varsos, Stani, Asimakopouli, Kostarelos, and Magginas Kalyviotiko are renowned for their unique versions of rizogalo, which continue to be cherished by locals and visitors alike.

The best time to visit Greece depends on the activities tourists are interested in. For island-hopping, April to June and September to October are ideal due to sunny, warm weather and warm seas from June to mid-October. Sightseeing is best in April to May and September to November with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. To avoid crowds, October to May is recommended, with quieter beaches and towns. Athens is best visited in October to May to experience the city's vibrancy and authentic local life.

The Sea Cloud Spirit, a three-mast, square-rigged tall ship, is the only sail-powered cruise ship in the world that is hand-sailed, with the exception of electric-powered winches. Launched in 2021 and sailing the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean in summer 2024, the ship offers a unique experience with its open bridge policy, sea-facing rooms, and fine dining. The ship's small size allows for central docking in cities like Barcelona and Marseille. Sea Cloud Cruises, based in Hamburg, Germany, has a long history of boutique luxury sailing. The Sea Cloud Spirit offers a range of amenities, including a gym, spa, and library, and is available for private charter. While it welcomes children, it has an adults-only feel and lacks ADA-compliant rooms.

In Antigua, sailing is becoming a transformative experience for young women, teaching them valuable life skills and boosting their confidence. The article highlights the historical context of Antiguans' fear of the sea, linked to the transatlantic slave trade, and the current efforts to overcome this through swimming and sailing education. Tourism, especially yachting, is a significant contributor to the nation's GDP, and programs like Second Star Sailing's Women At the Helm are empowering local women to take on roles in the marine industry. Emily Gaillard, Ryanne Small, and Camberya Akaya Barkoye are featured as examples of young women who are breaking barriers and pursuing their passions in sailing, with aspirations ranging from competitive sailing to becoming yacht captains.

Greece, having made an economic comeback, offers a variety of destinations beyond the popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini. The Cyclades, Ionian Islands, Dodecanese, and Crete provide unique landscapes, historical sites, and luxury accommodations. New hotels and resorts, such as Amyth of Mykonos, Nobu Hotel Santorini, and Ikos Odisia, cater to diverse tastes, while sailing options like Lunous and ZenBoat offer alternative ways to explore. Athens extends beyond its ancient attractions, with neighborhoods like Petralona and the Athens Riviera offering cultural experiences and redevelopment projects. The culinary scene is vibrant, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Soil and Delta, and on the islands, chefs like Ettore Botrini and Dimitris Katrivesis are making their mark. For a different experience, a road trip to Messolongi reveals cultural and ecotourism opportunities.

Halkidiki, Greece, is a beloved holiday destination for Thessaloniki locals, featuring a trident-like peninsula with verdant coastline and turquoise seas. The region offers a range of accommodations, from the luxurious Avaton Luxury Villas Resort to the family-friendly Ekies All Senses Resort. Visitors can explore traditional villages, remarkable beaches, and historical sites such as Aristotle's birthplace. Local cuisine is highlighted at restaurants like Bubo, and unique products like early harvest olive oil and pine honey are recommended purchases. While Kallithea is advised to be avoided due to overdevelopment, experiencing Halkidiki by sea through yachting tours is highly recommended.

Greece's Golden Visa program, which grants a renewable five-year residence permit to non-EU nationals investing at least €250,000 in Greek property, has attracted significant interest from Chinese investors, with 5,770 securing residence visas since 2014. The program, overseen by Enterprise Greece, has brought over US$2.3 billion into the real estate market, aiding Greece's recovery from an economic crisis. Athens is a prime location due to its convenience, safety, climate, and cultural offerings, with property prices starting at US$290,000 for a flat. The program's success is attributed to the perceived economic upswing and Greece's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite the pandemic, investment interest remains strong, and the government has introduced measures to facilitate applications.

The author reminisces about reading Gerald Durrell's accounts of Corfu as a child and contrasts it with their own family holidays in Devon. Despite traveling to various exotic locations around the world, the author has never visited Corfu but now feels a renewed desire to do so. The article also includes a sidebar by Helen Iatrou with five recommendations for experiencing Corfu, including a sunset stroll in the old town, visiting Issos beach, dining at The White House, and hiring a motorboat to explore the coastline.

Rhodes, known for its sunny weather, offers a variety of attractions including historical sites like the Acropolis of Lindos and a lively medieval city. Visitors can hire a guide like Portokalenia Vratsali to explore the UNESCO-listed medieval town, hike to the Panagia Tsambika monastery for stunning views, and sample traditional Rhodian sweets at the Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative. Other activities include drinking from natural springs at Epta Piges, picnicking in the mountains near Profitis Ilias, exploring the Acropolis of Lindos, and watching sunsets at Monolithos Castle ruins.

The article explores Thessaloniki, a city in northern Greece known for its rich history and cultural diversity. It highlights the city's past, influenced by Romans, Ottomans, and various other groups that have left their mark on the city's architecture, monuments, and cuisine. Despite Greece's financial struggles, Thessaloniki is experiencing investment and redevelopment, making it a vibrant city with a large student population. The article provides recommendations for luxury and boutique hotels, such as The Met, The Excelsior, and Colors Hotel. It suggests exploring the city on foot, visiting historical sites like the White Tower and the Arch of Galerius, and enjoying the local food scene, with mentions of Full Tou Meze and Marea Sea Spirit. Shopping areas and local events are also covered, along with travel tips, such as avoiding car rentals due to traffic and the ongoing construction of the metro system. FlyDubai is mentioned as offering direct flights from Dubai to Thessaloniki.

The article serves as a travel guide to Athens, highlighting various attractions and experiences. It begins with Lake Vouliagmeni, known for its thermal springs, and moves on to Parnitha National Park, which is rich in biodiversity. The historic district of Plaka is mentioned for its neoclassical homes and Byzantine churches. For a day trip, the island of Hydra is recommended, famous for its artistic heritage and neoclassical architecture. Exarchia is noted for its vibrant art scene despite its reputation for unrest. The Parthenon is highlighted as Athens' most iconic site. The article also touches on Athens' lively nightlife, the local culture of taking things slow, and the neighborhood of Koukaki for a more authentic local experience. It concludes with a travel tip to hire an insider guide for a more in-depth exploration of the city.

The article describes Athens as a city that blends historical significance with contemporary culture, offering a small-town feel despite its population of 3.8 million. It advises on the best times to visit, highlighting the mild weather of autumn and winter as ideal for exploring the city's ancient sites and museums. The piece celebrates local festivals such as the Athens and Epidaurus Festival and music events like Release Athens and Rockwave, which feature international artists. It also touches on the evolving food scene, with a focus on souvlaki and the emergence of new restaurants by young chefs. The article suggests sustainable travel tips, noting Athens' walkability and efficient public transport. Finally, it recommends visiting Lycabettus Hill for panoramic views and mentions Greek creative studios' contribution to reimagined souvenirs.

Milos, Greece, offers a variety of unique accommodations and attractions, from the architecturally distinct Milos Cove Inception Resort to the family-friendly Terra Mare Suites and the romantic Volcano Luxury Suites Milos. Other notable places include Ventus di Milo, Milos PLV, and Villa Costa Mare, each praised for their design and amenities. The island also features the Milos Mining Museum, Kostantakis Winery, and various bars like Verina and Aragosta, providing a subdued nightlife compared to other Cycladic islands. For exploration, Salty Rides offers excursions, and the Miloterranean Geo Walk routes provide self-guided hiking opportunities. Aegean Airlines offers convenient travel to Milos, and visitors can rent vehicles from milosrent.gr.