A Journey Beginning at Numo Hotels & Resorts
For many travellers, Mykonos and Crete are associated with a familiar set of images. Beyond what has become established in the collective imagination, however, both destinations reveal a quieter, more layered identity, shaped by their landscapes, gastronomy, local culture and the rhythm of everyday life. Numo Mykonos and Numo Ierapetra offer the starting point for a different encounter with Mykonos and the lesser-known south of Crete, bringing travellers closer to the distinct character of each place.
In Kalafatis, on the eastern side of Mykonos, Numo Mykonos presents a side of the island far removed from the vibrant pace of Chora. Here, the Cycladic landscape remains open and unassuming, defined by dry-stone walls, whitewashed forms, low vegetation and the deep blue of the Aegean.
The day might begin with a swim at Kalafatis or nearby Lia, followed by a drive to Ano Mera and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. For a deeper introduction to the island’s traditional character, Rizes Farm is well worth a visit. Guests can take part in an interactive cooking workshop and learn more about the customs and way of life of the Mykonian countryside. Just outside Ano Mera, at Mykonos Vioma, the experience continues among the historic monastic vineyards of Maou, with a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting accompanied by local products.
Another dimension of Mykonos emerges through the work of Mykonian artist Irini Syrianou, who has devoted her career to the art of mosaic. During the hands-on workshops she organises, participants are introduced to the technique, experiment with different materials, colours and compositions, and create a mosaic of their own.
Small coves, walking trails and traditional festivals complete this journey through a Mykonos closely connected to its community and natural surroundings. Food is also an essential part of understanding the island. A meal at a local taverna, featuring kopanisti cheese, louza (cured pork sausage) and freshly caught seafood, offers an insight into the flavours and everyday habits of its residents, without unnecessary formality.
For a more contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, with carefully chosen Italian influences, the journey returns to Numo Mykonos and Anemoessa. At the hotel’s all-day restaurant, the menu centres on simple, contemporary dishes and snacks, with fresh local ingredients taking the lead.
Further south, Numo Ierapetra opens the way to a lesser-known side of Crete. The landscape shifts between the Libyan Sea, mountain villages, pine forests and gorges, while the hotel’s beachfront setting makes it an ideal base from which to explore the south of the island.
From here, travellers can head to Sarakina Gorge and the Milonas Waterfall, wander through the seaside village of Myrtos, or explore the hinterland and villages such as Anatoli and Males. The flavours and aromas of the region are an integral part of the route. In Ierapetra, a stop at Kougioumoutzakis Bakery, which has been operating since 1916, is recommended for its traditional hand-kneaded bread. For a meal rooted in the local culinary tradition, the Traditional Kafenio in Koutsounari serves home-cooked dishes, grilled specialities and Cretan meze, accompanied by wine or raki.
Back at Numo Ierapetra, the day can end with an experience closely associated with the Greek summer. At the heart of the resort, the open-air cinema screens classic and contemporary films in a relaxed outdoor setting, framed by the sea and the mountains of southern Crete.
This summer, the hotels of Numo Hotels & Resorts provide an ideal starting point for travellers wishing to experience each destination in their own way. Their locations offer easy access to lesser-known routes, regional flavours and experiences that reveal a more genuine side of each island, beyond the familiar.
