Located in the center of the Cyclades Islands, the island of Paros is an ideal vacation escape  known for fantastic beaches, iconic Cycladic-style villages, and Parian marble. Get to know the island by hiking the Byzantine Path, which was once a lifeline for the Lefkes, back when pirate raids were rampant. Parian marble streets connected Lefkes to other villages and ports so citizens could easily flee upon attack. The best preserved of those old streets is the Byzantine Path, which connects Lefkes to Prodromos. It winds through olive tree groves, wild flowers, and provides panoramic views of the island’s small mountains and the Aegean Sea.

With a reputation as one of Christianity’s most ancient pilgrimage sites, Patmos is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse. This is where Roman Emperor Domitian exiled St. John. Here he heard the voice of God through three slits, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, in the Holy Cave, which dictated the Book of Revelation to him. Hike up to the Holy Grotto (about halfway to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian) to view the mosaic of St. John marking the cave, as well as the three fissures.

Crete’s unique climate breeds a multitude of plants, fruits, exotic flowers, and greenery. At the foot of the White Mountains lies the Botanic Park and Garden of Crete. Born from the ashes of devastating fires of 2003, the park is home to more than 150 species of fruit, tropical trees, herbs, vibrant flowers, and vineyards. It’s an ideal day trip for an escape from the city’s noise and beaches.