Spetses is among The Guardian’s top 23 travel picks for 2023.

“It’s easy to see why there’s a buzz about Spetses,” the UK newspaper says, noting that in the last two years, the small Saronic island has been the location for two major Hollywood productions: “The Lost Daughter,” starring Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, and Netflix’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” featuring Daniel Craig, famous for his 15-year stint as James Bond, 007.

The article also references the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which is featured in the opening scene of the trailer for “Glass Onion.” Overlooking the waterfront, the luxury 5-star hotel, which first opened in 1914, oozes style and sophistication. It’s easy to see why it became such a popular haunt for Athenian high society and European aristocracy throughout the 20th century. 

Famous for its old-fashioned charm, neo-classical architecture and horse-drawn buggies (private vehicles are prohibited within town limits), Spetses is anticipating even more visitors in 2023, according to the article. “We’re all feeling blessed to live here,” says Yannis Manitaras, aged 74, who was born and bred on the island.

And despite its burgeoning popularity as a holiday destination, the article notes there are still relatively affordable places to stay, including several cheap B&Bs.

Another Netflix release, filmed on the Ionian island of Paxos, is also piquing interest among would-be holiday makers this year. The hit television series “Maestro,” the first Greek production to be aired on the steaming service, showcases the island’s stunning scenery and bucolic coastal villages. The ideal destination for quiet family vacations, Paxos can be reached by ferry from the mainland port of Igoumentisa or via neighboring Corfu.

Here is The Guardian’s full list of travel ideas for 2023:

1. Fuseta, Portugal
2. Liguria, Italy
3. Kranj, Slovenia
4. Culture of northern England – museums and galleries from Liverpool to Northumberland
5. Spetses, Greece
6. The lakes around Imotsky, Croatia
7. Margate, England
8. Ridgeway Trail, England
9. Ancient Civilizations, Turkey – various locations in the southeast
10. Donatello’s artistic works in Tuscany, Italy
11. Foodie fun in Hauts-de-France
12. Affric Highlands, Scotland
13. Copenhagen, Denmark
14. Leipzig, Germany
15. Malaga, Spain
16. Canfranc, Spain
17. Rugby World Cup, France
18. Cycling route from Stranraer to Eyemouth, Scotland
19. Austrian Alps
20. Swimming in the coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
21. Versailles, France
22. Appia Odos, Italy
23. Skye, Scotland

With information in Greek from kathimerini.gr.