So as I mentioned in my last mini-post, I was luck enough to visit the Greek Cyclades, Athens and then Istanbul for my honeymoon!

I loved all of them. For different reasons. Universally however the people and the history are the draw.

Here are a few pictures and some recommendations if you happen to fin yourself that way in the near future!

First stop Santorini in the Greek Cyclades! Known mainly for it’s amazing sunsets. I stayed in Oia, the north-western tip of this Volcanic Island.

Try to do a boat trip out to the volcano, swim and / or cliff jump at Armeni and obviously take in the sunsets at Oia – drink in hand!

For a quick bite to eat check out Pitogyros (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Traditional-Grill-House-pitogyros/308065952693772) – meat and bread! I also really liked Floga (http://www.floga-oia.com/) for breakfast and coffee with a great view of the dormant volcano. And I did venture out of Oia to Imerovigli and had a great feed at Avocado (http://www.avocadosantorini.gr/) with great service.

Always time for a bit of yoga… crow pose.

Armeni port in Oia. Brace yourselves for the the 275 steps back up on the donkey trail!

My little mate the Praying mantis. Same spot, two nights running.

Obligatory sunset!

Ios! Known as the party Island but there is more to this rock that that! YA few Islands south of Santorini, you can get the ferry very easily (takes about 40 minutes). Lovely people, picturesque village and beautiful beaches. Rent a jeep and go and explore the mountains and hidden coves! Religious? Ios has 365 churches – one for every day of the year!

For eating and drinking I love the Octopus Tree (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Octopus-Tree-Ios-Greece/130766903680203) down at the port for traditional food and to mingle with the locals. The other must is Katogi (https://www.facebook.com/katogios). Cool little hipster place with great food!

Old Roman Amphitheatre!

Windmills and handstands.

After the sunset in Ios.

Still in the Cyclades – Milos. Two hours by ferry from Ios. This place feels like a traditional Greek Island. Less touristy. More spread out and again fantastic countryside, history and beaches. We rented another little jeep and explored the whole Island over three days! Visit the catacombs, hike around the the ruins of the villages (Greek and Roman) and then it is all about the beaches! Sarakiniko is pretty cool – moonscape type rocks and swimming holes! Kleftiko has the awesome oddly shaped rocks. Give the mining museum a miss…

Where to eat! Spoilt for choice here really. Check out O Hamos (http://www.ohamos-milos.gr/). Lovely food, very traditional and massive portions. At this point I had figured out that a starter and two mains max between two is more than enough. Eyes beat belly usually though don’t they! Gialos (http://www.gialos-pollonia.gr/) was good. Simple, clean food down by the port in Pollonia. The owner told us he is looking to open up in London soon too! Watch the sunset at the Utopia cafe in the capital of Plaka (https://el-gr.facebook.com/pages/Utopia-CafeMilos/225644387455126). Perfect.

An old cave network at Sarakiniko beach. Creepy.

Beach cat – there are cats everywhere in the cyclades! This one seemed to be living at Sarakiniko beach and was grateful for some water!

Another sunset…

Obligatory CrossFit movement with stunning background. Pistol squat… couldn’t resist.

I think that’s enough for now! I’ll post some bits about Athens and Istanbul next…

Back in clinic this week and we have a ultrasound clinic this Friday at Market Sports in Shoreditch so get in touch if you have any niggles you want looking at!

Emerson