Greece has everything….great food, the sea, historic architecture, the Greek Islands, epic views…..There are so many great places to go & see! Here’s what I recommend!
Let’s start in Athens
Most people fly into Athens to start their journey & even though we flew to the islands the next day I do suggest spending time in Athens. We spent 2 days….1 day at the beginning and 1 day at the end of our trip. I suggest at least 2 days…although you could easily spend 3 or more in this vibrant culture with thousands of years of history! The people are also wonderful & friendly!
- The Acropolis--most striking & complete Greek monumental complex. It sits on top of a hill & is considered a landmark for Athens. You can see for miles on top of this hill!
- Anafiotika–this is a hidden gem and thus a MUST SEE!! I met the nicest greek man who told me about this small neighborhood on the hill of the Acropolis….it is nothing short of ADORABLE…& you get to see where the Greeks live & there were no tourists. If anything I felt like I may have been intruding…it was one of my favorite experiences! There are no cars…the roads are narrow, winding and enchanting.
- Rooftop Bar–A for Athens https://aforathens.com/ AMAZING views of the historic city…you can see the all of Athens, The Acropolis & they have tasty cocktails! We were jetlagged but this kept us awake to the Wonders around us!
The Islands: On to Mykonos
We had a flight the next morning to Mykonos which is a short, less than 1 hour flight OR you can ride the ferry but it takes much longer. We were excited to get to the Island Life!
- Explore Little Venice–called “Little Venice” b/c the Italians from Venice stopped here for supply replenishment eventually giving it a venetian feel. It was beautiful and quaint. I LOVED exploring this little town….we saw so many special things on the way including the pink pelican below who lives at one of beachfront bars.
Oh! Santorini….It’s a Can’t Miss!
We took the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini which was 2 hours & 15 minutes and was a lovely ride…w/ comfortable seats, snacks to purchase, etc. I enjoyed this trip and we were glad we got out on the water…you get to see a lot of Greek Islands as you cruise along. We even played a game guessing which island was which. Did you know that estimates say there are 1200 to 6000 Greek islands??!!
- Fira to Oia Walk–you have to do this. It is the most beautiful scenic walk along the sea with lots of places to stop on the way….restaurants, bars, shopping galore…this walk has it all…not to mention the gorgeous views of the sea! It is hilly so be prepared….you will see donkeys, fresh yucca and breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Franco’s Cafe https://www.facebook.com/p/FRANCOS-CAFE-BAR-PYRGOS- SANTORINI-GREECE-100063935920182/ I can’t say enough about this place…it is SPECIAL!! Getting there was special and then being there…words can not say…SO, it sits in the Pyrgos Village which is a special place in itself! Just GO!!! We were there for sunset and I can’t recommend enough! It sits up on a hill and just getting there was awesome not to mention once we got there…the views are amazing, don’t worry there are so many views along the way you will not be disappointed! I recommend parking in the village & then walking up. In fact I don’t even think you can drive up there. The atmosphere, food & drink are indescribable. Just GO!
- Oia for Sunset–there is nothing like it! We ate at Roka https://www.roka.gr/ not for the views but for the tasty mezes…fried eggplant w/ tomato, apple & feta pie, fried cheese, fava puree (all island favorites). BUT, gather around the sea for the sunset…it is MAGICAL! There were flocks of people but it was worth it & everyone was happy & in awe….At one point weaving through the crowds, I was tapped on the shoulder & told “kindness is the most important thing”. Not to remind me but to point out that I was doing the right thing…enjoying the beauty and not becoming pushy to get to that perfect sunset spot. It felt kismet, that he could read my mind & that we are all one…another one of those indescribable moments. The world is a beautiful place…don’t ruin b/c you have somewhere else to be…BE PRESENT & ENJOY.
Through Thessaloniki to Meteora
We flew from the islands to Thessaloniki & then rented a car to drive to Meteora to see the majestic monasteries in the sky! This might have been my favorite part of the trip b/c, yes, it is off the beaten path…But, that’s what makes it so special. You have to work to get there but SO….worth it! On the way we stopped at Mt Olympus for a hike to break up the trip.
- Meteora–meaning “suspended in the air”…..and the monks decided to build monasteries on top!! OMG what do I even say?? Upon driving up to Meteora, I felt like I was arriving into an alternate universe….it was twilight and we saw huge rock formations rising out of the ground almost like those crystals we all grew as kids…I was in AWE! We stayed at Meteora Heaven and Earth https://meteoraheavenandearth.gr/ These suites are all unique giving you that boutique hotel feel. It was perfect. The next day we set out to visit the monasteries. Make sure you watch the sunset! Visit as many monasteries as you can.
Thru Delphi, Back to Athens & Home
- Delphi–we visited the UNESCO world site of Delphi as a stop halfway on our trip back to Athens. This was a great stopping point on the drive back to Athens for our flight out. The Oracle of Delphi is here….it is said that the Oracle pointed people to “know thyself”…to consider what expectations and abilities they had to influence the events of the future. Makes you think, huh? I always try (Yoda says…”there is no Try, there is only Do”) to NOT have too many expectations. On any trips there are always obstacles (such is life) so go w/ the flow and enjoy!
What are your favorite spots in Greece??? What tips do you have for me??
I want to go back!! I need suggestions PLEASE but honestly I could go to all the places I went on this trip & would not be disappointed. For more like this please subscribe below. We are a traveling family who like to experience the world in all it’s Glory! I call it “Life’s Apothecary”….the medicine of life….
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