Happily leaving a cold, grey and wet London for sunnier climes, I flew with Aegean Airlines – one of the few airlines that still give you a proper meal on a short haul flight! Just over three hours and we touched down in Athens to take our connecting flight to Mykonos – all very easy and well sign-posted. Just 30 minutes in the air and we had landed in Mykonos, far more civilised than the four hour ferry journey alternative.

Mykonos Blu

Mykonos Blu

Mykonos Blu

A 15 minute transfer and we arrived at Mykonos Blu, what an incredible hotel! With stunning views across the Aegean Sea and the classic white-wash and blue theme of the island, I was in paradise. I was lucky enough to stay in a Cobalt Blu Villa, a duplex villa with its own private pool and large terrace looking out to sea. However all of the rooms at Mykonos Blu are a generous size, each with a sea-view balcony. The amazing bathroom products are all handmade on Grecotel’s own farm the ‘Agreco Farm’ in Crete, so they are made from all natural ingredients and smell great too.

The beach is set just a little way down some steps from the main pool and has extremely comfortable sun loungers and with the hotel being located in a cove, you are protected from the winds of Mykonos. There is a full service on the beach from the lunch menu, so you don’t even have to leave your sun lounger for a bite to eat or a morning coffee.

The food at both the poolside lunch-time Brasserie L’Archipel and evening restaurant, Asian Blu, is delicious with some exciting dishes and amazing presentation from the head chef. For instance, a smoking dish of vegetables served with sea bass filleted before you – a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. The incredible olive oil which is served with the home-baked bread is also made on Grecotel’s own Agreco Farm.

The next day we headed into Mykonos town. It is charming with lots of beautiful little alley ways and plenty of shops to explore, as well as restaurants and bars to stop for a refreshing drink. The iconic windmills are also a must see – a truly breath-taking sight in the sunset.

Mykonos town

Mykonos town

Mykonos windmills at sunset

Mykonos town

It was then back to Athens and off to Cape Sounio on mainland Greece, just a 45 minute drive from Athens airport. Cape Sounio is a resort hotel set on a hillside overlooking the impressive Temple of Poseidon. All of the bungalows are spread out so you get a real feeling of privacy. The large swimming pool is located in the centre of the resort and the beach is just a short walk from the pool; both are perfect for relaxing. We had a scrumptious meal at the buffet restaurant, where there were so many different options varying from traditional Greek gyros and spanakopita to Italian risotto and fresh prawns.

Cape Sounio

Cape Sounio

The Temple of Poseidon is well worth a visit at only €5 a ticket and a 10 minute drive from the hotel. We strolled to the top and wondered at the ruins as well as the views down towards Cape Sounio and the sea. Being just a 45 minute drive from Athens, a day trip is so easy, otherwise you can visit the city on your way back to the airport as we did. A visit to the Acropolis is essential! We walked up with our excellent guide, Fay, who explained all of the history to us, while keeping it light and fun. The sheer size of these temples is impressive to say the least, not to mention the panoramic views across Athens itself.

View of Temple of Poseidon from Cape Sounio

Temple of Posiedon

View from Temple of Poseidon

The Acropolis