As co-owner of the iconic Island Club & Restaurant and Athens' storied Athénée, Chrysanthos Panas has spent decades defining the art of Greek hospitality. His passion extends well beyond the table, shaped by a lifelong appreciation for contemporary art, architecture, and the islands themselves. Here, he shares the places that continue to inspire him—from quietly beautiful beaches and remarkable museums to timeless hotels and unforgettable meals.
One of my favorite museums is: the Goulandris Foundation in Andros. It hosts outstanding contemporary art exhibitions and works closely with the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens.
When I want a dose of culture in Naxos: I visit the Archaeological Museum that is full of Cycladic treasures or some of the medieval towers. Those are really interesting not only for the architecture, but also for the exhibitions of contemporary art that they often host. A good example is Bazaios Tower.
My favorite place to shop for unique finds is: Himaira in Syros. While wandering through the narrow streets of the island’s beautiful Chora, surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings, I discovered this inspiring shop. It offers sculptures, handcrafted objects, antiques, and creations by contemporary artists from all over Greece.
One of my favorite beaches is: Agios Sostis in Mykonos. Although Mykonos is overdeveloped and sometimes overcrowded, it still has the best beaches in the world. I especially value those that are totally natural and not organized with umbrellas and sun-beds.
Describe Patmos in three words: Serenity, Spirituality, Elegance. Patmos is the island where the Apocalypse was written by Saint John, so it carries a sacred energy. It is also a very well preserved island with beautiful architecture and an elegant atmosphere.
My favorite hotel in Antiparos is: The Rooster. I really admire my friend Athanasia Komninos, who conceived and realised this unique project that literally put Antiparos on the map.
One of my favorite restaurants in Spetses is: Orloff. I love Spetses in general and Orloff keeps the simplicity, but also the nobility that are characteristics of this island. It’s also located close to the old port that I love.
If you’re visiting Hydra for the first time, be sure to stop by: Slaughterhouse of DESTE Foundation for a unique exhibition all the time. Dakis Joannou, an art tycoon who I really admire, has created very important art events for many years that made Hydra an important art destination worldwide.
My first memory of Milos is: the turquoise waters of Saracinico. I visited Milos with a private boat, and I fell in love with the island and its mesmerising energy. I visit it almost every summer.
The one place I think every visitor to the Greek Islands should see is: Santorini. It’s a real monument of nature. The small white houses are built on the volcanic rock cliff in a unique way.
The meal I will always make time for in Crete is: grilled fresh fish with vegetables and eggplant pie, the local specialty at Taverna Kaliotzina in Koutsouras, a small village close to Ierapetra. Save room for the famous homemade orange pie served with ice cream for dessert.
I feel at home in the Greek Islands when: I charter the Arktos wooden sailing boat and go island hopping with my friends. Arktos is a traditional Greek-built wooden sailing boat that offers a sense of freedom and comfort.