CHRISSIE ARGYROS | LEFKADA (VIA MELBOURNE).
SPOTLIGHT ON LEFKADA | CHRISSIE ARGYROS.
Name: Chrissie Argyros
Age: 33
Star Sign: Capricorn
Hometown: Melbourne
Where do you live now? Richmond, Melbourne.
Describe yourself in 3 words or less: Patient, restless, thinker.
How much time do you spend in Lefkada? Annual pilgrimage for about 7 days, but I always need 10.
And what is your connection with the island? My father, Efstathios, Stathi or ‘ Steve’ as known to Australians was born and bred from one of the farming villages.
What makes Lefkada so special? Forget the Cyclades, Leffy has natural beauty on another level! Off the beaten track breathtaking views, crystal clear water, lush green mountains, pine trees, road side honey vendors, traditional villages, glorious bays and dramatic cliff tops that make the beaches from Agio fill to Egremni blow your mind!! By far the best beaches in the world, you feel like you've submerged in sheer ocean 50 metres from the shore.
Oh and if you like windsurfing or kite surfing it has one of the best bays in europe, ‘ Eric the wind’ blows a gail around 3pm everyday in Vassiliki, Ponti beach!
We only have a few days here - what places must we visit/see? Give me 3 days and prepare to be adventurous…
Day 1: The west coast is off the charts, Porto Katsiki for the obligatory photo opp ( do this in morning to escape the crowds) and then set yourself up at Egremni for a lunch to 6pm session then head off to the mountain village of exanthia and taverna Rachi for sundowners, a feast and a view you’ll never forget. Hot tip, make sure you arrive by 7:30pm to put your name down with Agatha and secure a table ready for the 9pm sunset.
Day 2: Walk through the Italianesque town of Agios Nikitas and take the 10 mins hike to Milos beach ( if you feel adventurous) or the boat, a sundowner at local Kopla bar at Kathisma beach for some solid greek electronica and finish up for dinner at Thymari, situated in a quaint courtyard down an alley way in Lefkada town and stroll the bustling capital.
Day 3: Head down south, walk through the harbour town of Vassiliki, take a 5 mins boat ride from Vassiliki to the wonderful Agio fili cove for a day of swimming and lilo action. Upon your return grab a gyros from Yianni’s Grill in vassiliki square for a late arvo snack and stroll up to my all time fave cocktail bar haven 155 for a few mojitos. Eat like greek at 10pm and make your way to Syvota for a late seafood dinner at Stravros' and end the night on a high at Tricolour cocktail bar and a potential story swap with other travellers, especailly those that have docked there for the night.
Other notable mentions: Sundowners in NV in Nikiana and No Menu in Nydri. Nydri itself is a tourist trap that should be avoided but this eclectic taverna is way too good to miss. Tell Isabella the owner if you want meat, fish or vegetables and she’ll surprise you with a smorgasboard that will send you into a food coma.
How should we get around? Vespa, if you feel comfortable on the roads or Jeep ‘ sans roof of course ’.
Your favorite beach? Egremni, the 300 steps, the never ending coastline and beach shack with palm frongs and deep house, make it - MY HAPPY PLACE!
Favorite place for dinner? Rachi in Exanthia for its jaw dropping sunset rooftop views, where the horizon never ends!
Best gyros on the island? You can’t go past Yianni’s Grill House in Vassiliki in the main square. Hot tip, Tzatziki with mustard in your gyros. Make sure you also say hi to Theodore who rocks one of the greatest mullets of all time (think Kenny G).
Favorite place for cocktails? 155 in Vassilki, Christou and Spiro have been in the biz for years at some of the best winter drinking establishments in Athens. Try the Caipirinha, you only need one!
Best place to watch the sun go down? Rachi, Exanthia.
Favorite Greek phrase? Yamas used as ‘ Cheers’. It’s an abbreviation for 'stin ygia mas' meaning 'to our good health’.
Who is inspiring you right now? My friends who’ve start ups, taken a risk and all do extremely well!
Who is on your stereo? Cyril Hahn, RUFUS, Tove Styrke.
Words you live by... Don’t sweat the small stuff.
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