Alright, alright.

I’ve got something fun for you guys today.

The very first installment of something I’ve been so excited to announce: Simply Real Health Travel Guides!

Combining the best of all things in a healthy life:

Food. Travel. Wine. Best cocktails. Restaurants. Ambiance. Sunsets. Healthy spots. Hipster Coffee Bars. Cute Shopping. Fun Workouts. GF Treats (GFT’s).

And  the best areas of these fun cities to see, do and stay.

Also, did I say ambiance? Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m an ambiance freak.

I’ll make Kyle circle the block a few times, just to find the perfect spot- relaxing and gorgeous, easy on the eyes, but never too fancy or fussy.

It has to make me feel something. You know, with a few good options on the menu for this gluten-free lady.

So many of you have asked for recommendations, and to be honest, I always feel a little hesitant to share my favorite spots when I travel, only because I think half of the fun is finding and discovering little places on your own, and the delightful little satisfaction that it brings.

Ok, fine. A high that it brings.

But, I also realize that that may be the way I like to travel. And that other people love doing the research beforehand, and like having a good starting point.

So, today, let’s start BIG, with our amazing little honeymoon trip to a few of the Greek Islands!

The entire time, we kept looking at each other and asking, “when can we come back?”. Enough said.

ISLAND: Paros

TOWN: Parikia

favorite picks:

Arodo: by far, this spot was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. The travedl A tiny, undiscovered beach club with the most AMAZING house rose (by the carafe, and yes get a whole one (for 2 peeps) at lunch, with the whole grilled fish. Just do it).  The food was incredible and perfectly simple, but the view  was even better. Best yet? It was not at all expensive or pretentious, and you can grab 2 sunbeds to relax right after.

Ephessus: a laid back family owned little taverna right on the water. Like literally, you could dip your feet in the sand if you wanted to in between courses, or sit in the olive trees while you sip your $4 house wine. Live music (traditional greek, of course) on Sundays. Great traditional Greek food, gone coastal (think grilled sardines, greek salad, grape leaves, etc).

Beno: A little hidden rooftop cocktail bar on the main strip in town. Great cocktails and perfect sunset views. Go all the way up to the top, with the open rooftop and it’s own bartender.

Apollon: a old school classic. This place has been written up like crazy. It’s in the middle of town, in a walled in garden. The food is pretty good, but the full experience is the best. Think The Godfather, greek style. Accents, traditional dishes, and a tableside 45 minute chat with the owner about life in Athens, family, and food.

Rodi: The best cappucino freddo (iced cappucino). Which I didn’t even know was a thing: foam AND iced coffee? Done. Plus, a great breezy seaside cafe spot to sit and sip it with.

Other notes: rent a 4 wheel scooted to get around the island- it’s wasy cheaper and more fun than a car, and makes the entire experience. The town of Naousa (15 mins away) was adorable, and I wish we had another night in Paros to hang out there for a sunset cocktail and dinner.

ISLAND: Crete

TOWN: Chania

favorite picks:

Brewhouse: a fun, poppin’ speakeasy and one of the few cocktail bars, perfect for sunset on the Marina. The best Negroni of the trip, for sure.

Boheme: The perfect bohemian little coffee spot in Chania, and the only place with an extensive tea list too. The menu looked great too for lunch and dinner.

Elofonissi Beach (day trip): The famous pink sand beach. I normally hate touristy things, but loved this place. It was too beautiful with pale teal shallow water that extended as far as your eye could see. Worth the few hour windy drive it takes to get here.

Lunch at the Panorama Restaurant was simple, but cool and refreshingly perfect after the beach.

Pallis: A supes trendy little spot for sunset drinks and an app, right on the harbor. Get there at least 30 mins before the sun goes down, it gets packed because it has the perfect view.

Stavros Beach: Think 1950’s beach vibe. We loved lunch at the nearby Almiriki. Greek salads, whole grilled fish and roasted vegetables, to be exact.

Salis: Walk a bit further away from the main harbor, and you’ll find this new kid on the block, Californian- inspired spot. It had with an extensive menu, and wines other than just Greek ones, if you’re craving it. The food and service was amazing as well.

ISLAND: Crete

TOWN: Rethynmo

favorite picks:

This place was so cute, and worth staying a night or even two. Think Chania, but on a much smaller (and therefore less touristy scale). Perfect for dinners, walking around town, and close to some fun beaches too, like the Baja Beach Club.

We adored our bed and breakfast, Casa Vitae, sunset drinks and snacks and/or coffee at Home Seaside Cafe and dinner at Alana. 

Kissamos town was also the cutest for lunch or dinner.

ISLAND: Santorini

TOWN: Fira, Imerogivli & Oia

favorite picks:

Fira (the town): a touristy little spot, with shops and restaurants. It gets so busy during the day, so we loved staying a little bit outside of town, near Imerovigli. But, this was a fun, happening little place to walk to at night for dinner.

Solo Gelato: Near the main strip in Fira. Oh my god, so good. All natural, dye-free, homemade gelato with such unique flavors. Get the chocolate sorbet at the very least.

Oia (the town): Known for it’s world renound sunsets and Instagram friendly backdrop, I loved this charming little spot even more so during the day.

At night it gets a little crazy during sunset hour (think like cattle herds of people) and there are lots of great spots on the island you can see the sunset just as well.

It’s known for being expensive, but we actually had better luck here on good, casual taverna restaurants than Fira.

Domaine Siglas: a really fun stop- a full winery near Oia. Come for lunch and a tasting, they have some of the best food! Two people could easily share their full tasting…

Melatini: A fun, casual rooftop taverna in Oia – perfect to watch the sunset or have a late dinner (as the greeks always do). 

And then, off to Rome we go.

You guessed it. Travel guide, Roma style, coming soon…