{"id":347455,"date":"2026-07-16T11:25:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T15:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=347455"},"modified":"2026-07-16T11:25:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T15:25:24","slug":"spotlight-on-the-greek-islands-a-summer-odyssey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/spotlight-on-the-greek-islands-a-summer-odyssey\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight on the Greek Islands: A Summer \u2018Odyssey\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From Homer to Hollywood, Greece\u2019s luxury credentials are set to soar as Christopher Nolan\u2019s epic hits the screen, writes Katie Silcox<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"aerial<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lefkada, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An ancient Greek epic has inspired Hollywood\u2019s latest blockbuster. Homer\u2019s enduring mythological tale of \u201cThe Odyssey\u201d follows its hero as he makes his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Now, Christopher Nolan\u2019s star-studded movie adaptation, featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong\u2019o, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, is set to give Greece an equally high billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the screen, ancient traditions live on across this Mediterranean country and its 200 or so inhabited islands, several of which lay claim to being locations in Homer\u2019s original story. Clustered in a few distinct groups, these islands contain multitudes, from the lush greenery of the Ionian islands off the west mainland coast to the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades in the central Aegean; the historical Dodecanese towards Turkey; the quieter islands of the north Aegean; and the Saronic islands nearest Athens. Then there are Greece\u2019s two biggest isles, Crete and Evia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"window<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mykonos, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLandscape is often one of the first things buyers fall in love with,\u201d says Despina Laou, head of private office at Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty, which lists high-end homes across the Greek mainland and islands. Every homeowner will be drawn to something different: one person\u2019s Crete or Kos is another\u2019s Corfu or Kefalonia. And Greece\u2019s charm extends beyond summer, through its varied seasons and culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrated Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou agrees with Laou. In Greece, landscape \u201cnaturally shapes the way people build, create and live,\u201d says the Athens native, who lives and works in London but returns regularly to her homeland. Katrantzou held her own wedding and son\u2019s christening on the Saronic island of Spetses\u2014in the same cathedral where her parents married and she was baptized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Katrantzou, Greece\u2019s islands represent \u201ca sense of freedom, beauty and belonging.\u201d From a design perspective, too, they have a look that\u2019s distinct from the mainland. \u201cThe Greek islands often favor a more restrained aesthetic, defined by natural materials, light and an openness to the surrounding environment,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"terracotta<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Corfu, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linamia<\/a> on Corfu\u2019s fashionable northeast coast is an \u201cexceptional example of how the landscape becomes a home\u2019s defining feature,\u201d says Laou. Surrounded by cypress trees, traditional design typifies this villa: blue-shuttered windows on warm terracotta walls open to an infinity pool with extended views of the sparkling Ionian sea\u2014where Odysseus is believed to have been shipwrecked.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe sea is deeply woven into our history, culture and daily life,\u201d says Laou of its central place in Greek identity. At Villa Gabbiano<\/a>, a stylish contemporary home on Lefkada\u2014the Ionian island often said to be the home of Odysseus\u2014outdoor terraces track the shoreline and floor-to-ceiling glass doors prioritize ocean panoramas. It\u2019s all complemented by organic design: natural stone, terracotta tiling and timber frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sitting<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lefkada, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The villa faces Kefalonia, the Greek island with some of the strongest ties to Homer\u2019s epic. Here, another villa, Aurelis<\/a>, offers a cool respite from the Grecian sun. While modern in design\u2014with sleek lines, polished surfaces and statement lighting\u2014there are nods to traditional Greek architecture, too: shaded pergolas, tiled roofs and a cubist style more commonly found in the Cyclades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTraditional Greek architecture continues to influence contemporary design,\u201d says Laou. \u201cThis balance is one of the strengths of Greek architecture.\u201d The country\u2019s history touches \u201cevery creative discipline,\u201d agrees Katrantzou, whose couture collections have often explored a dialogue between the ancient and contemporary. \u201cStorytelling has always been central to Greek design and mythology is one of its richest sources.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"terracotta<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crete, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Aerope<\/a>, a restored townhouse in Crete\u2014the island Odysseus claimed as his homeland while trying to conceal his identity\u2014tradition takes center stage. Overlooking the old town of the picturesque coastal city of Rethymno, the home showcases authentic Cretan design with stone archways, inner courtyards and a tapered fireplace, while maintaining a sense of quiet luxury through contemporary finishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLuxury in Greece is rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and a connection to place,\u201d Katrantzou explains. \u201cEven on the islands most accustomed to excess, traditions hold strong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"stone<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mykonos, Greece<\/a> | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also rings true at Villa Filia<\/a> on the Cycladic island of Mykonos. More widely known for its party scene, the island is quieter on the east coast. Here, bougainvillea trails the stone walls that blend seamlessly into the cliffside. Sage-green shuttered windows overlook terraces with views across pool and sea. This is a home that stays true to the local vernacular, offering a deeper sense of place beyond the island\u2019s beach clubs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Greek islands offer far more than sun and sea,\u201d Katrantzou concludes. \u201cTheir history, mythology and living traditions create a unique richness, where every landscape carries a story. It\u2019s this depth and authenticity that gives each island its own character and makes Greece such an enduring destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From one European idyll to another: explore Tuscany, Italy\u2019s historic heartland<\/a><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Footer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From Homer to Hollywood, Greece\u2019s luxury credentials are set to soar as Christopher Nolan\u2019s epic hits the screen, writes Katie Silcox Lefkada, Greece | Greece Sotheby\u2019s International Realty An ancient Greek epic has inspired Hollywood\u2019s latest blockbuster. Homer\u2019s enduring mythological tale of \u201cThe Odyssey\u201d follows its hero as he makes his 10-year journey home after […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770377,"featured_media":347474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1399,1403,1398],"tags":[1445],"class_list":["post-347455","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","category-market-insights","category-featured","tag-greece"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Greece_Mykonos1.jpeg","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1so7","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":345853,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/color-chart-the-joys-of-a-bright-white-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":0},"title":"Color Chart: The Joys of a Bright White Home","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"January 12, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Our monthly series asks: How do you use color in luxury design? White can be surprisingly warm and multi-toned, writes Jill Krasny Hollywood Hills, California | Sotheby\u2019s International Realty - Beverly Hills Brokerage Ever notice how some homes catch your eye while others fail to make an impression? The colors\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Estate in Hollywood ills, California","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Color-Chart-White_CaliforniaA2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":346752,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/color-chart-the-joys-of-lilac-in-the-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":1},"title":"Color Chart: The Joys of Lilac in the Home\u00a0","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"May 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? The purple-lilac spectrum is having a moment, writes Jill Krasny Charlottesville, Virginia | Frank Hardy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Some homes make a lasting impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"lilac accented bedroom in Greece with brass standing light fixture","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lilac_Greece2.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":344286,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/where-the-worlds-wealthiest-are-holidaying-in-summer-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":2},"title":"Where The World\u2019s Wealthiest Are Holidaying In Summer 2025","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"July 17, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From Martha\u2019s Vineyard to Mykonos, the finest luxury summer rentals feel like a home-away-from-home, writes Lauren Beale Corsica, France | Corsica Sotheby\u2019s International Realty From sea-view villas to finely appointed mansions, luxury summer rentals are meeting a growing demand from affluent travelers for high-end, personalized accommodation. The U.S. short-term vacation\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/header.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345123,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/color-chart-the-joys-of-an-orange-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":3},"title":"Color Chart: The Joys Of An Orange Home","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"October 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into a luxury home? Zingy orange is a palette cleanser\u2014and works well with a dash of greenery, writes Jill Krasny Tahiti, French Polynesia | French Polynesia Sotheby's International Realty Ever notice how some homes put you at ease while others seem\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Header-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":346306,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/making-an-entrance-hallways-fit-for-an-oscar-winner\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":4},"title":"Making an Entrance: Hallways Fit for an Oscar Winner","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"March 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Architectural flourishes and statement design ensure a sense of occasion every time you arrive home, writes Nancy Groves Sarasota, Florida | Premier Sotheby\u2019s International Realty As the glitter settles for another year on the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, it seems fitting to take a tour of some truly\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"spiral staircase with ornate floor","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Oscar-Entrances_Belgravia.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345718,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-design-trends-to-look-forward-to-in-2026\/","url_meta":{"origin":347455,"position":5},"title":"The Design Trends to Look Forward to in 2026","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"December 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From natural materials to climate-resilient architecture, the design trends shaping 2026 reflect a shift towards sensitive, responsive living, writes Mandi Keighran Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Looking back, 2025 will likely be remembered as a year of unease and acceleration. 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