The Art of Island-Hopping in Style: Tania Fricke-Lichauco’s Grecian Vacation
Interior designer and tastemaker Tania Fricke-Lichauco shares her gorgeous journey to Greece with her family
The sun-drenched landscapes of Greece are the stuff of legends, with whitewashed houses tumbling down cliff sides and endless blue horizons stretching across the Aegean. But for lifestyle consultant and visual designer Tania Fricke-Lichauco, Greece is more than just a postcard-perfect destination. It’s an experience—a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and, of course, impeccable style.
Tania, a former model who transitioned into the world of interior design, is no stranger to jet-setting. Having spent years curating chic living spaces, her eye for aesthetics extends naturally into her travels. Greece, with its iconic blue-and-white palette, felt like a seamless extension of her personal brand. "I was born loving the ocean," she says. "Growing up, weekends at the beach were always part of family time, so I try to prioritize destinations with islands or incorporate a water element into any of our family vacations."
For Tania, travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about immersing herself in the local culture, savoring every bite, and creating lasting memories with her family. In Greece, this philosophy translated into a carefully curated itinerary that balanced moments of relaxation with days of adventure with her kids Katya and Renzo.
"We island-hopped to the different islands where food and culture varied from place to place," she recalls. "Every day brought something new—whether it was discovering hidden coves, indulging in fresh seafood overlooking the Caldera, or dancing the night away under the stars in Mykonos."
Greece Through Tania’s Lens
When asked what makes Greece so special, Tania’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Pack your bags, get on a plane, and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime,” she urges. “Expect the unexpected and be fascinated with the rich history, the gorgeous islands, and the incredible food.”
The heart of any destination, she believes, lies in its people and their way of life. That’s why her travel mantra always includes three must-dos: eat where the locals eat, visit museums and historical sites, and relax by the beach. In Athens, she found herself spellbound by the grandeur of the Parthenon, but it was the unexpected pockets of culture—artisan markets, impromptu seaside feasts, and even a Peggy Gou concert in the city—that truly made the trip unforgettable.
Of course, style is never far from Tania’s mind, even when exploring ancient ruins or sipping ouzo by the sea. Her Greece OOTDs were a lesson in effortless elegance. "I wore a lot of blue and white flowy linen and cotton clothing, knitted items in cream macrame, and large pieces of handmade jewelry," she says. Her look was completed with handwoven hats and sunglasses that matched each outfit—a nod to the classic Grecian aesthetic, but with her signature flair.
Savoring Greece—One Bite at a Time
For Tania, no trip is complete without diving deep into the local food scene. In Greece, every meal was an event—whether it was a tasting menu in Athens, fresh seafood in Santorini, or a laid-back meal at Nammos by the Marina in Mykonos. “We’re avid foodies, so I made sure we tried everything—no stone left unturned,” she laughs. From grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil to juicy steaks paired with chilled bubbly, every dish was a celebration of Greek culinary traditions.
Shopping in Greece was another highlight for Tania and her kids, who took delight in exploring tiny artisan stores. "We found beautiful linen beachwear, handmade jewelry, and leather goods that are so uniquely Greek," she shares. “The best souvenirs are always those that remind you of the destination’s soul—and Greece’s soul is in its craftsmanship.”
A Timeless Destination
Greece’s allure lies not just in its stunning vistas but in the way it bridges the ancient with the contemporary. "Traveling to Greece taught me that ancient history and culture have truly shaped the world," Tania reflects. It’s a destination where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every sunset feels like a scene from mythology.
For those still hesitant about leaving the comfort of their hometown, Tania has one piece of advice: "Don’t overthink it—just go. Traveling is about living your dream and finding beauty in the unexpected. Greece will give you all of that, and then some."
With her signature blend of adventure, style, and heart, Tania Fricke-Lichauco’s Grecian journey was one for the books—a dream vacation that was as much about connecting with her family as it was about discovering a land steeped in history and wonder. As she sums it up perfectly, "In Greece, every moment felt like a scene from a beautiful movie—one that I’ll replay in my mind for years to come."