If you are reading this and you are trying to make up your mind, DO IT. Stay at Maria’s place at Manganari beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the clearest water, some of the best possible hospitality, and the dreamiest place you could ever imagine.
My friend and I had a stressful situation coming in from Santorini and were not able to rent a car, but Maria took care of us. We were “stranded” on the other side of the island once she dropped us off, first taking us to buy groceries, and it was one of the best things that has ever happened to us. Every day we went to the beach, and swam, and explored the amazing cliffs and rocks to the right and left, finding secret beaches that just got prettier and prettier. We became quick locals at the restaurant Venus, and they often gave us free drinks and snacks and traditional desserts after every meal. Maria’s mom lived next door and we often saw her— a couple of times she let us try a bit of her traditional cooking or kissed our cheeks so lovingly! If ever we had a question, our new friends at the restaurant (or Maria via texting) were so quick to answer us and provide our every need, including a ride back to Chora before our ferry on the last day so that we didn’t have to book an expensive taxi.
And if it tells you anything about the landscape, we spoke with a couple who had traveled to 24 Greek islands in their 50 years of marriage, but Manganari is the beach they keep coming back to after all this time. I think someday I will say the same. I can’t help but come back someday!