Paradise… Just another word for vacation.

The weather is cool (as in great, not cold) right now. It looks like it’s going to rain. Or not. Here, on the beach. Because it’s September and I’m a pleasure delayer. Not on purpose. I wanted turquoise waters and boat rides, he wanted a nice hotel. This is how we ended up in Skiathos and the timing couldn’t be any better. I’m in for the hot days on beautiful beaches and for the thrill of watching (and being under) the most beautiful thunderstorms. As we speak, actually. It’s raining, after all. I wish there could be a way to attach the fresh air to this. You can close your eyes, though, inhale and imagine. The beach, the sea, the sand, the sunbeds, the relaxed people, the sound of the waves and… the rain! Just when your skin starts to burn… Ta-daa!

The sun is back. Yet again. I don’t know if it’s always like this or just now, in September. We’ve been here for almost a week and every day is a surprise. You don’t know what to expect. But that’s the fun part. As it is in life. You might want to be open for the surprises and enjoy the ride. It’s all we have. And the view, after all, is just… Magic.

Greece has a lot of islands, with estimates ranging from somewhere around 1200 to almost 6000 (inhabited between 166 and 227). Skiathos is a small island (12km long, 6km wide) in the North West Aegean Sea and West to the island of Skopelos – where Mamma Mia was shot, remember those beaches, that’s what I wanted. Amongst the European destinations, Greece seems to be the perfect one for untouched-by-human beaches, that’s what I always want. And turquoise waters. And boat rentals with no skippers. It’s just you, the sea and the sun. It’s paradise, told ya.

Forget about the clothes, the heals, the hair and make-up, the internet, the worries! It’s just you, the bathing suit, a good book, your favourite tunes and your dreams.

And the good food. The day, beautifully, starts with breakfast at the hotel. I love it and I know I always say this. I can’t help it. This is how much I love it. The view is there for you every morning and so is the staff of the hotel. Smiling. You’re smiling, too…

At night, it’s all about the tavernas and the rides to them. It’s the time to get a glimpse of Skiathos town and its surroundings. The place we visited, twice already, is Marmita (our favourite so far). Ranked the 3rd in Skiathos town, it has a beautiful vibe, fun owners and good sea food tagliatelle. The 1st ranked in Skiathos town is Kookonaris and its view over the port, at night, is marvelous. And so is the desert. In my Greek experience so far, the host is a big part of a taverna. The owner of the 1st ranked in Skiathos island restaurant, Anastasia’s, is as delightful as the food. And the wine. Retsina is the traditional Greek wine.

The rain stopped. Off to my sunbed. And dreams.

PS: my dream is to have a house on the beach… With flowing, off-white, silk curtains. And love.