Explore the World with The Mid-Lifers

After a wonderful week with our family, we joined our closest friends for a second week in Greece, this time in Porto Heli. We stayed in an immaculate villa that comfortably hosted all 11 of us. Porto Heli Villas has a selection of properties, and ours offered a full kitchen, five bedrooms—including one self-contained—plus a games area. Ocean views, a private pool, and a sunny terrace made it perfect for morning coffee or outdoor dining. It was exactly the kind of space that allowed two families to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

One of the highlights of our stay was having Chef Costa from Savor Experiences in Nafplion come to the villa to teach us how to prepare traditional Greek meals. The outdoor kitchen was ideal, and I still find myself recreating his recipes at home!

From our villa, we set out on a number of unforgettable day trips:

Touring Ancient Civilizations of the Peloponnesus
A short drive from Porto Heli brought us to Ancient Epidaurus, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. This sanctuary, devoted to Asclepius, the god of healing, attracted patients from far and wide seeking treatment. Next to the sanctuary, the famed Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus hosted religious ceremonies and performances for the gods. We even had the serendipitous fortune of walking into the stadium just as a choir was rehearsing—an utterly magical moment.  Head to our Instagram to hear their voices echo through this extraordinary setting — a moment we’ll never forget.

Our tour continued to Mycenae, the legendary citadel of King Agamemnon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its ancient walls, imagining the world of the Mycenaean civilization and the tragedies of Greek myth, was an extraordinary experience that brought history vividly to life.

Speedboats to Hydra and Spetses
We had never been on a RIB boat before and I was a bit nervous, but Blue Vibes Bespoke Charters quickly put us at ease. Drinks in hand, we hugged the Saronic Gulf coastline, stopping along the way to swim in the crystal-clear water. Our first stop was Hydra, a car-free island where donkeys and water taxis set the pace. Cobblestone streets wind past whitewashed houses, lively cafés, and boutique shops, while super yachts and sailboats glimmer in the harbor—a striking contrast and utterly charming.

Onward to Spetses, though we had elected to linger in Hydra, which meant we only had a brief stop on Spetses for lunch at a relaxed beachfront resort before heading back to the villa for a quiet evening meal together. Hydra’s beauty had completely captivated us, and we were more than happy to give Spetses a shorter visit.

Nafplio Walking Tour
Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is a city that effortlessly charms visitors. According to mythology, it was named after Nafplion, the son of Poseidon. While once overshadowed by Argos as its port, Nafplio’s charming streets, towering castle, and waterfront promenade make it unforgettable. A climb to the Acronafplia, the city’s acropolis, rewarded us with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding coastline—a perfect spot to pause and soak it all in.

Life in Porto Heli
Porto Heli itself is a quiet, affluent seaside town, with crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and a relaxed summer vibe. We quickly understood why it’s a favourite escape for Greeks, though we were saddened to see a sizable stray animal population—we were told that many pets are left behind when families return to their primary homes. Even so, the town’s small, welcoming feel, its beaches, and tavernas overlooking turquoise waters made up for it.

After six glorious nights of sun, sea, and celebration, it was time to say goodbye. Our family headed back to Athens to fly home, boarding a ferry booked through Ferry Hopper. A car from Welcome Pickups took us to the Comfort Stay Boutique Hotel near the airport. Finding the hotel was a challenge—GPS seemed to think it didn’t exist—but our persistent driver navigated perfectly and got us there safely. It was a fascinating boutique property that we would happily stay in again.

Greece had gifted us an incredible two-week adventure—family, friends, history, and islands. It left us with memories that we hold close, and a yearning to return.