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Sail the Greek islands with Peter Maneas as he takes his superyacht to 227 of Greece's inhabited islands. My Greek Odyssey is a 13-part series where Peter explores their rich history, culture, cuisine, and people as well as their hidden secrets and surprises.
2020
In the first episode, Peter is arriving on the island of Kos. It’s the third largest island in the Dodecanese, and the second most populous. So apart from there being plenty of landmass to explore, there’s also loads of interesting people to chat to along the way. Peter will be covering every inch of the island, by foot, bike, boat and car, so it’s going to be a busy few days.
In this episode, Peter is making his way across to Nisyros. After spending the first few days of this trip to Greece exploring the busy hub of Kos, it was time to go somewhere a little more relaxed, which Nisyros sure is. Despite being known for it’s volcanic heart and quaint towns, it doesn’t have the infrastructure and resorts that draw in the masses. So that means things move just a touch slower.
In the last couple episodes we’ve been to Kos and Nysiros, and now Peter finds himself headed to the tiny island of Tilos. It’s one of those off the beaten path destinations, that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. From there, he’s making his way to the picture perfect island of Symi, which unlike Tilos, gets its fair share of holidaymakers. Both islands have their charms and unique stories, and we`ll do our best to bring them to life for you.
Join Peter as he continues his time on Symi. He’d already spent a couple of days here, but with so much to see and do, he decided to stay the week. Peter is also going to visit one of the smaller nearby islands, Alimia, abandoned for just on 50 years. This little gem has some great stories that have sat under the radar for way too long!
Episode five sees Peter making his way to Chalki. It’s another one of those beautiful islands that most folks have never heard of. It’s a place of contrasts. The seafront in the port area is alive with people and energy, but the interior of the island is a barren landscape with very few inhabitants. From Chalki we’re then heading to Karpathos, where Peter will be experiencing it’s unique culture, in more ways than one.
In this episode, Peter starts his time on Karpathos. He has never been to this huge island, so naturally, was keen to see as much as he could. This episode picks up where Peter left off, with a couple more days to explore the place, before heading south to another island he has never visited – Kasos. So prepare to see Peter a little more excited than normal!
In this episode we’ve arrived on the Island of the Knights, Rhodes. It’s one of the most well known destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a place that constantly amazes, with grand architecture, dramatic history and even more spectacular landscapes. Peter’s going to show you all the major sites, but also some of the unique experiences, that locals have kept to themselves.
In the final episode of the series, Peter is leaving the largest island in the group, Rhodes, and heading east to one of the smallest, Kastellorizo. It’s in the farthest corner of Greece, sitting just off the coast of Turkey. We’ll actually be popping across to the Turkish mainland while there, to show you a great little fishing town. We will also break up the long journey with a visit to the tiny island of Ro with a significant personal story of a lady - the “Lady of Ro” – that embodies a spirit of pride, determination and resistance with which many Greeks identify.
2019
The journey begins where most Greek odysseys begin, in the capital, Athens. One of the oldest cities in the world, it features some of the most recognizable ancient ruins such as the Parthenon and Roman Agora. Peter explores its hidden secrets and meets the people who make it so extraordinary. He also delves into the foundations of the Orthodox religion and the importance of Easter.
Leaving Athens, My Greek Odyssey journeys across the Aegean to the oldest theatre in the world, Epidaurus and the ancient ruins of Asklepion the birthplace of modern medicine on the island of Kos. Peter visits the tiny island of Moni, home to dear and hundreds of peacocks before heading off to Spetses to discover the island's maritime and nautical history.
On Spetses, My Greek Odyssey joins the festivities of the annual Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, established to honor the boat builders of the island and the seafarers who fought in the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Peter then cruises to Hydra where all the houses are 200 years old, as no new buildings are permitted by law, and the only means of transport are mules, horses, and water taxis.
In this episode, Peter continues exploring the island of Hydra and takes part in its biggest celebration, The Miaoulia Festival. This annual event illustrates the island's proud heritage which culminates in a dramatic re-enactment of the sinking of the Ottoman Empire flagship. He also visits the deserted island of Dokos to find the remains of a German plane that crashed during World War II.
My Greek Odyssey's journey through the Aegean continues, as Peter heads deep into the Argolic Gulf to the port of Nafplio on the Peloponnese. He then visits one of the oldest settlements on earth, Argos which has been inhabited for over 7000 years. His final stop is the medieval castle town of Monemvasia, founded around 550 AD.
In this episode, Peter explores Monemvasia's most important place of worship and one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece, Agia Sofia which is 1000 years old. His journey then continues to another tiny island that punches well above its weight, Elafonisos. At only 19 square kilometres in size, it's a hidden paradise with its emerald water and sand dunes.
Peter's journey takes him to the island of Kythira, his family home. In this episode, he digs deep into his heritage and discovers his roots go back to the 15th century. He also learns the simple and ancient process of harvesting salt by hand and visits a hillside cave that houses frescos painted during the 13th century and a stalactite which is four million years old.
Peter discovers more of his island's heritage and looks at the world's oldest astronomical computer which was discovered on the nearby island of Antikythira. Made from bronze some 2,200 years ago it's called "The grand grandfather of all technology today". Moving onto Zakynthos, Peter docks in the bay of Navagio and visits an olive farm to learn about oil production.
In this episode, Peter visits the Turtle Sanctuary at Kalamaki on the island of Zakynthos where their work is crucial to the survival and protection of the loggerhead turtle species. He also visits the Museum of Underwater Archaeology on the island of Pylos and dives in the Shipwreck of Columns. Then My Greek Odyssey heads for the island of Kefalonia, home to more than a million olive trees.
My Greek Odyssey explores the stunning geological phenomenon, Melissani Lake in Kefalonia. Peter meets a couple of locals who spend their days at sea, forging a living as fishermen, and he catches up with a friend and tries his hand at beekeeping. He also visits Kefalonia's famous winery that produces Robola white wine.
Peter travels to Ithaki to see the 3000 year remains of the palace, where according to Homer, Ulysses started and finished his Odyssey. He then indulges in a local seafood specialty - red mullet preserved in oil, vinegar, and herbs, and finally visits Lefkada and the village of Englouvis which produces the best lentils in the world.
Continuing on the island of Lefkada, Peter learns the secret to Vertzami, the local fruity wine which uses a grape introduced by the Venetians four centuries ago. He is humbled when he's granted permission to visit the beautifully preserved, private and historic island of Skorpios, once owned by Aristotle Onassis. From there he heads to Paxos and indulges in the local olive oil.
The last episode in the series sees Peter head to Paxoi and the largely abandoned, Antipaxoi. He then explores the very popular island of Corfu to learn the secrets to making local white cheeses and Corfiot smoked pork fillet (noumboulo fumicado), also called Corfiot prosciutto. His very last stop is the northernmost island in the Ionian Sea, the cosmopolitan Othonoi with a population of 90.
2020
First stop in series three is Astypalia, which is a couple of hours cruising to the west of Kos. It’s where the Cyclades meets the Dodecanese. It’s the western-most island of the group and is shaped like a butterfly, and beautiful like one too! From there we turn Mia Zoi to the north east and the tiny island of Pserimos, but before arriving I get to explore an operating fish farm.
In this episode, I’ve arrived on the island of Kalymnos. It’s one of the biggest islands in the Dodecanese, famed for its rock climbing. Now, I’m not exactly an extreme sports athlete, so yeah, I’ll show the adventurous side of this place, but I’ll also delve into the culture of it and the incredible story of the sponge divers that put Kalymnos on the map. When you learn about what they went through, you’ll think they’re more out there than the rock climbers!
Peter goes diving and hiking on the tiny island of Telendos. Later, he goes to Leros and explores its windmills, whitewashed houses and stunning port.
In this episode I’m headed for Lipsi, a peaceful little gem that’s well and truly off the mainstream tourist radar. Here I’ll be getting my hands dirty as I learn about the island’s unique history. I’ll be meeting some researchers protecting the marine environments, and headed to a farm that’s unlike any other I’ve come across. Plus I’ll be getting a taste of the local cuisine and showing you how to make one of my favourite dishes. But before getting to Lipsi, there’s a spectacular island group called Macronisia that I just have to show you. Wait ‘til you see the water!
This episode sees me on the island of Patmos, one of the most important locations in the Christian world. It’s a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people from across the planet. Beyond the religious importance, there’s fantastic beaches, amazing food and an atmosphere that draws you in. From there, I’m making a quick dash across to three barely inhabited islands to the east, hidden gems not often explored by tourists. No doubt you’ll be adding them to your wish list!
In episode six I’ve arrived in Fournoi, and I know what you’re thinking “Where in the Mediterranean is that!?” Well, it’s a gorgeous slice of Greece, hidden between Ikaria to the west and Samos on the northeast. My plan is to take in the sites, from the mountaintops to the seafloor. I’ll be showing you that this is one of those destinations, where if you want to get the most out of the place, you have to not only get your hands a little dirty, but be prepared to pop on a wetsuit and take the plunge!
In this episode I’m finishing my visit to Ikaria by spending time meeting some of the locals. I want to understand why they live longer here than elsewhere. Is it the food? The lifestyle? Genetics? I just have to find out! I’m also headed to some of the most popular sites on the island, doing a bit of cooking with Kyriako, and even trying my hand at surfing. But perhaps best of all, I’ll be catching up with a close friend who was born here.
In the final episode of the series we travel to a place that holds special memories for both Helen and I. It’s one of the first islands we visited together, when we were young and seeking adventure. The trip put our relationship to the test. I dragged her up mountains, we crawled through tunnels and lived like backpackers. But it was an incredible time and those memories have kept us coming back, again and again. The island I’m talking of, is Samos!
2019
The island of Thassos is the northernmost major island in Greece, with the mainland only about seven kilometers away. It's a mountainous landmass known for its natural marble, with the towering peak of Ipsario standing at its heart. It's not a highly developed tourist hub and its fertile interior and coastal areas away from the big towns are a perfect escape from the crowds.
This episode sees Peter finishing up his time on Thassos, before heading to the Holiest place in Greece, Mount Athos, where 20 monasteries sit on a 300 square kilometer peninsula. It's a location Peter has long wanted to visit, to see what all the mystery is about. His stay deeply moves him and changes him. From there, he makes his way to Samothrace or Samothraki as the Greeks call it.
This episode continues Peter's time in Samothrace. It's an island frequented by adventure and nature lovers. It's where they unearthed the famous winged goddess statue of Nike. It's known for its thermal springs, running waters and adventure sports, like mountaineering, hiking, diving, and canyoning. After finishing his time on Samothrace Peter heads to the much larger island of Limnos.
In this episode, Peter explores 7,000 years of Greek history, from one of the earliest settlements in Europe to a modern-day air force base. He learns about the local cuisine and the landscapes of Limnos that make it so special where crops like wheat, barley, and sesame are grown. He also visits the tiny, quiet island of Agios Efstratios - the only island in Greece without tourists.
Mia Zoi heads across to the island of Lesbos, just off the coast of Turkey, where there are obvious influences from its neighbor. Like any Greek island, it has a truly unique personality, which Peter discovers during his time there. Lesvos is the third biggest island in Greece, with a rich and varied landscape, extraordinary history and fascinating wildlife, above and below the water.
In this episode of My Greek Odyssey, Peter makes his way to the capital of Lesbos, Mitlini. It's quite the contrast to the rest of the island, rich in architecture, tourists and motorbikes. From there he heads south, where he briefly visits the remote fishing island of Psara, before making his way to Chios, the birthplace of Homer.
Peter's exploration continues as he goes both above and below water to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of Chios. Famous for its mastic production, there's also a lot more to the place, including a fabulous fireworks festival. Departing from the southern end of Chios Peter cruises north, arriving at Inousses, a tiny island that has been called the cradle of the Greek shipping fortunes.
Having traveled through the Northern Aegean, Peter heads into the second leg of the journey, to the Western Cyclades. It's a region of the Mediterranean that doesn't often have a light shined on it, which is all the more reason he was keen to check it out. The first port of call is Syros, home to old-world charm, amazing scenery and loukoumi, better known as Turkish Delight.
The island of Kythnos is only 100 kilometers from Athens, which makes it a popular destination for mainland Greeks. Go there in Summer and it's really busy, but late in the season, you'll discover a peaceful and ruggedly beautiful island, dotted with secluded beaches. It's the kind of place you go to relax, away from the crowds, where little has changed throughout the centuries.
In this episode, Peter journeys to Serifos and experiences everything this little island has to offer. It's a place where you can make your own adventure and enjoy a taste of Greek culture. Peter eats like a local, learns about the island's ancient past, and explores every inch of the place, from the hilltops and bays to the seafloor and even underground. Peter then heads to beautiful Sifnos.
In this episode, Peter explores the tiny island of Sifnos where he gets a cooking lesson from a master - the grandson of Greece's famous chef Nikolaos Tselementes, father of the traditional moussaka. He travels around the island and visits its churches, walking trails and ancient watchtowers. He also pops over to the island of Polyegos, home to a shepherd and his flock.
Peter finishes his time in the Western Cyclades by exploring the islands of Kimolos and Milos. Despite their close proximity to one another, they're in stark contrast. Kimolos is small, sparsely populated and relatively flat, while the much better-known Milos has a mountainous landscape and many tourists. Peter explores the appeal of each island.
2023
The journey starts on the busy and sprawling island of Naxos where Peter begins unravelling the complexity of this diverse and colourful destination. On face value, you might just see it as an island of beaches, tourists and bars. But once you peel back that initial aesthetic and start to dig a little deeper, you see a depth of life and history that inspires you to keep wanting to unearth more.
In episode two Peter is continuing his time on Naxos. It’s such a big island with so much to see and do, a single show just wasn’t enough. He will be trying some of the local produce, meeting an artisan that’s continuing the history of the island’s famed sculptors, and delving deeper into the ancient past, right back to the first inhabitants who were here tens of thousands of years ago.
In episode three Peter is exploring Donousa, an island that often gets forgotten thanks to most of the tourists flocking to its far more popular neighbours. Peter’s plan is to check out some of the sites of this little gem, before pointing Mia Zoi southwest and making his way across to Koufonisia, another of those diamonds in the rough that’s waiting to be unearthed by the tourist masses.
In the fourth instalment of the series we’re headed to Keros, and island that only archaeologists are normally allowed to visit. From there it’s off to Schinoussa, where amongst other things, Peter will be exploring the food culture that sets it apart from neighbouring islands. After that, Mia Zoi is headed a couple kilometers westward to the wild and remote Iraklia, which might be the largest of the lesser Cyclades, but is one of the least developed.
In episode five Peter continues his time on Iraklia, before upping anchor and heading across to the busy island of Paros. There he will be spending several days delving into what makes it one of the most popular islands in Greece, let alone the Cycladic. It might be best known for its scenery and white marble, but in reality, there’s a whole host of reasons that Paros is such an awesome destination.
This episode is about all things beautiful on Paros. The beaches, food, art and people. Peter is headed on a walk around the coast to see the stunning seaside, and then getting a cooking lesson from Kyriako, as he makes a favourite desert. Then we’re going inland to visit the quieter part of the island, as well as meeting a couple of artists who have made Paros their home. To finish things off, we make our way across to Antiparos.
We start this episode on Antiparos, the smaller, quieter neighbour of Paros. From there we head to the uninhabited neighbouring island of Despotiko to visit one of the most important ancient sanctuaries in the Cyclades. But most of this episode is dedicated to an island in the north, meeting the people and learning about what makes Mykonos arguably the most popular and well-known island in Greece.
In this episode we’re going to show you a side of Mykonos that most visitors never see. From the mines that brought the island so much wealth, to the hidden stories of local life that helps to retain the island’s culture. Peter is also headed to the ancient island of Delos, to walk amongst its spectacular ruins. Plus, Kyriako is cooking a sweet biscuit that takes Peter back to being in the kitchen with his mother.
This episode sees Peter heading to Andros, an island with beautiful neo-classic architecture and a long maritime history. There are fantastic hikes as well as hidden beaches, and best of all, it’s not busy with tourists. From Andros Peter heads south to the neighbouring island of Tinos, to start his exploration of this lesser-known destination.
Peter makes his way to Tinos, home to an important religious site, stunning beaches and famed dovecotes. Plus we'll meet a famous local who found a quiet corner of the island to make her home.
2022
Peter will be in the west of Crete as he discovers some of the most beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. But first, he’s visiting a city he’s been coming to for many years, Chania.
Peter heads into the mountains, getting an education on the geological history of Crete, as well as hiking through the massive Samaria Gorge. He also visits some spectacular nearby islands.
Peter explores the caves of Matala and some of Crete's seaside cliffs, searching for the bearded vulture; he bumps into a local shepherd and learns about life in the mountains.
In this episode Peter will be spending a couple days exploring Agios Nicholaos and the region around it. He’ll be meeting with famed author Victoria Hislop and visiting the island of Spinalonga, the place where her best-selling book ‘The Island’ is centred on. Peter is also going to get a first-hand education about Crete’s agricultural history, and of course, Kyriako will be sharing one of his favourite local recipes. And to top things off, Peter is headed to a Cretan barbecue.
Peter heads to Heraklion to explore the urban expanse and check out the major landmarks that every tourist should see. He also visits Knossos, an ancient palace.
In this episode Peter is exploring one of Crete’s prettiest cities, Rethymno. From its Venetian fortifications and mix of architecture, to the awesome food and countless artisans practicing their craft in the beautiful medieval town, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a favourite with tourists. This is an old-world city, full of fascinating stories and wonderful characters. These are Peter’s final days on Crete, which means there’s a lot to see and do before he’s back with the crew aboard Mia Zoi.
In this episode Peter is headed to what’s possibly the most well-known island in the Mediterranean, Santorini. It’s a destination that every visitor coming to Greece wants to see, and his plan is to show you not only the cliched side of the island, but also the stuff that a lot of people never explore.
Peter spends some time exploring Santorini and visits the island of Thirasia; Kyriako prepares a snack using eggplants.
Peter travels east to the island of Anafi, a far corner of Greece for those looking to escape the masses and interact with locals.
This episode of My Greek Odyssey will see Peter visiting three islands, each with their own unique stories. It all begins on Amorgos, a mountainous landmass that despite its pretty scenery, numerous beaches and quaint villages, is yet to have been overwhelmed by the forces of mass tourism. Of particular note is a spectacular monastery, unlike any other place of worship you’ll see. Peter will also be visiting the remote and sparsely inhabited islands of Levitha and Kinaros, where life is a complete contrast to that of the populous neighbouring landmasses.
This episode sees Peter returning to Amorgos, after spending a couple days exploring some of the nearby islands. He’s going to be visiting some of the best local eateries, spending plenty of time checking out the beaches, as well as digging a little deeper into the island’s history. Plus, Kyriako is going to reveal his famous paximadia recipe. From there, Peter is headed west to Ios, to begin telling the story of an island that’s known as a party place, but has so much more to it.
Last time Peter started exploring the island of Ios, and with so much to see and do, it’s only natural that he’s spending another few days here. This episode sees Peter going from the sea to the summit, as he visits ancient ruins from as far back as the bronze age, as well as visiting a traditional, family owned cheesery, that’s been in operation for several generations. From Ios, he’s then headed to Sikinos, an island that not many tourists know about, but once you see the place, you’ll be adding it to your list of must-see destinations.
In the final episode of the series, Peter will be finishing his time on Sikinos, an island few tourists have heard of. The last stop is a visit to one of the most remarkable monasteries in the Aegean, before upping anchor and heading west to Folegandros. It’s a bit like a smaller, quieter version of Santorini, with epic sunsets, beautiful architecture and more remote parts of the island that your average traveller never explores. We’ve saved some of the best bits of Greece for last, and can’t wait to show you!
2024
Peter is headed to the island of Evia for what’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, peeling back the fascinating layers and delve deep into what makes the place and its people tick.
Peter's journey continues exploring the massive island of Evia. Starting in Chalki, he'll be eating, drinking and hiking around the region to discover what this destination has to offer.
The final instalment covering Peter's time on Evia before upping anchor and cruising across to the much smaller island of Skiathos. There, Peter explores what was one of Greece's first postcard destinations, as well as eating like a local and making a few new friends.
This episode continues our exploration of one of Greece's more popular holiday destinations, Skiathos. Peter is meeting a local to learn about the early days of living on the island, before heading off to the hills and hiking through the lush interior. Then, he shows one of the most important sites in modern Greece and checks out some of the beautiful beaches.
We're taking you on a tour of Skopelos, giving you an insider's experience of the island. Of course, we'll be visiting the well-known landmarks, but also heading to some off the beaten path locations, known only to the locals. Peter is going to get physical, hiking, paddling and walking the countless stairs, as he unearths many of the highlights that make Skopelos such a special place.
This episode Peter is taking you to the island of Alonnisos. From the hilltop villages, to the depths of the ocean, we're giving you an inside look of a place that many tourists never think of visiting. Somehow, despite having incredible archaeological sites, natural wonders, and a culture with as much depth as the surrounding sea, this little gem remains off the beaten path.
Peter is exploring the island of Skyros and this episode is bookended with a couple of things that are both unique and also a bit dramatic. This is an exploration of everything from the weird to the wonderful and all the uniqueness in between. It's a special place, so good in fact, that Peter actually came back in spring for another visit, to experience a festival like no other.
Our journey through Skyros continues. It's an island that has escaped the tourist development that often spoils the authenticity of a destination. In place of beach bars and busy restaurants, you've got quiet coves and traditional tavernas, full of old-world charm. Peter is going to show you that sometimes, even he can slow down a little, which is exactly what you need to do to get the most out of your time on Skyros.
In this episode, Peter is visiting an island on the doorstep of Athens, Kea. It might be just a stone's throw from the city chaos, but as you'll see, it's an island brimming with natural beauty and a serenity you expect to find in places far from the mainland. In the days ahead we're going to be walking the streets and mountain trails, exploring everything this pretty little island has to offer.
Peter is continuing his exploration of Kea, by taking the plunge on a shipwreck. After that he'll be catching up with his friend and author, Victoria Hislop, to learn about the harrowing tale of life on Makronisos. From there, we're headed across the Saronic Gulf to the little island of Agistri.
We're leaving Agistri in our wake and visiting Poros. Here, we'll be learning about what made this such a prosperous little island, and why the lifestyle is so rewarding for those lucky enough to call it home. Peter will be in the kitchen with Kyriako cooking up a locally inspired dish, and also, visiting several sites that punctuate the timeline of the island's history.
Peter finishing his time on Poros, one of the last stepping stones he makes his way back to Athens. From there it's a short cruise north to Aegina, which will be our last stop on the Odyssey. It's only 27 kilometres from the capital and several times throughout history rivalled Athens in terms of wealth and power. This amongst other things, is what Peter will be exploring while there.
This episode brings to an end the My Greek Odyssey adventure. After ten years of work and play, we're finishing up our exploration of the islands in Aegina. It's a weekend location for plenty of Athenians, and a place that many international tourists don't realise is one of the most complete holiday destinations that Greece has to offer. So, it's a fitting finale to what's been a remarkable and lifechanging journey.
