First swim of the summer and it always starts in this beautiful spot! A fun little weekend escape for moms and kids! The best way to kick off summer once school’s out.
It has become a tradition that we all look forward to starting right after Christmas break! The kids talk about it for months and when the time finally comes, they count down the minutes until we drive through that beautiful coastal village with its picturesque beach!
It all started with a conversation. One of my closest friends had spent the weekend there with her family and was raving about how peaceful it was and how much her son loved it! The waters in this place are shallow for quite a few meters before getting deep…perfect for small kiddos!
At the time, I was overwhelmed—juggling so much. Georgio was about four years old, we had just started speech therapy and OT and I constantly felt stressed and exhausted. When my friend describe this little place, it sounded like the most idyllic spot to unwind. That’s where it all began.
It’s been almost a decade now and this little getaway has given us so much.
It’s become a place where we disconnect from the noise, from the things that don’t matter and tune in to all the beauty life offers—nature, calmness, laughter, connection. Bonds between moms, between kids. Freindships deepen. Sweet, simple memories we’ll always hold close in our hearts.
Our Beachside Rhythm
We rent these really cute rooms just by the sea with the most perfect and calming morning view! We usually stay at Alkyones Seaside Studio Apartments.
Mornings start slowly. We all gather on the patio tables under the grape vines for breakfast before the first swim of the day. Once the kids finish eating, they’re off to the beach—literally steps away from our rooms, which makes it so easy.
Most of our day is spent by the sea. Moms packed small lunches, sunscreen gets passed around and the kids are straight into the water! Then, freddo espressos for the moms, of course! Now, let me tell you about the freddo espresso—it’s espresso shaken with ice and poured over more ice. Sounds basic, but trust me, it’s the ultimate summer coffee! If you’re someone who likes milk in their coffee—freddo cappuccino is for you!
By lunch time, we round up the kids and walk over to Asopitan, a great spot right on the beach. We leave our towels and beach bags in place and head straight there.
Some of our favourites on the menu? Greek pizza, chicken schnitzel, penne polo, Caesar salad…plus waffles, ice cream and even cocktails! The food is always fresh, the vibe is relaxed and the staff always lovely.
After lunch, we usually head right back to the beach and stay there until the evening. The kids somehow still have endless energy, even after hours in the sun!
Slow Evenings, Lasting Joy
In the evenings, we return to our rooms to freshen up and relax for a bit. Depending on how everyone’s feeling, we sometimes take the kids into the nearby village—a tiny, charming place with small tavernas and a few shops.
One of their favourite things? Heading to the little port with fishing lines in hand, attempting to fish. It’s hilarious every time. I genuinely don’t know where they find the energy but we go along with it. At this point, it’s their little adventure and the moms are just happy to follow their lead.
Other nights, we simply stay on the patio outside our rooms. The kids play board games, watch a movie in one of our rooms or just sit around chatting and laughing. I love evenings like these!
This year, I came a little more prepared. I packed my wine glasses and surprised the girls with cocktails—Limoncello Spritz! Another friend brought supplies for a barbecue. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to unwind!
What fills my heart the most is seeing the kids’ faces light up each time we return here. There are truly no words for the joy this place brings. And the truth—it’s not just the place. It’s the people. The friendships. The memories we’ve made together and stay with us.
I really hope we keep this tradition going, even as our kids grow up. Who know…maybe one day it’ll turn into a moms-only retreat!
Here’s to holding on tightly to the simple things…and to the hope that we keep showing up for each other, no matter how life shifts and changes.