Summering in Greece — an endlessly mythologized experience, marked by fantasies of refracting blue waters, seaside tavernas, and whitewashed walls. But between the dizzying number of Greek islands, often bamboozling network of boat transfers, and overtourism flooding so many businesses, authentically realizingly this fantasy becomes less than straightforward. So we turned to four local tastemakers for their tips. Here are the ultimate Greek islands and how to navigate them according to chef and cookbook author Mina Stone, artist Philippos Theodorides, gallery director Nadia Gerazouni, and photographer and Kennedy Magazine founder Christos Kontos.
Mina Stone’s pick: Aegina
With a family home in Piraeus, chef and cookbook author Mina Stone’s cooking is inspired by her Greek heritage, a calling interwoven with the art world (the longtime studio chef for artist Urs Fischer, she then became known for her gallery dinners, followed by her opening of Mina’s — her former restaurant in Long Island City’s MoMA PS1). You’ll probably recognize the joyful blue and white cover of her cult cookbook full of Greek recipes, Cooking For Artists. Here’s what she had to say about her favorite Greek island…
What makes Aegina so special?
Aegina is the closest island to the mainland, to Athen’s Piraeus Port [where everyone gets their boats to go to the islands]. It’s an island you either fall in love with completely or it’s not your thing. It’s incredibly convenient being so close to Athens, so it’s not as picturesque as the other islands that are farther away. You find some graffiti in Aegina, but also a beautiful pine forest, the Temple of Afaia, and old men in coffee shops sitting and talking. It is an island famous for its pistachios, and you can see the groves when you drive around.
What are your spots on Aegina?
My favorite hotel is an artist's home turned hotel, Nikolau Residence. Visiting in the spring was one of the most magical experiences I've had. The birds are chirping, the lemon trees are full of fruit, and you can take a chilly dip in the sea. It is great to walk down the main strip and go shopping. It’s a must to buy pistachios — my favorite place is the family-owned Mourtzis Pistachio Shop. Also, there's a big fish market and right behind it you can sit and eat at the market’s Fish Tavern Agora.
How do you get there? Any important logistical information to know?
Ferries and speed boats leave every hour from gate 8 at Piraeus Port. Couldn't be easier, and you barely need reservations!
