FACTS
- The official language is Greek, and the currency is Euro.
- Depending on the definition, Greece has between 1,200 and 6,000 islands, 227 of which are inhabited.
- The country consists of nine geographic regions. We visited Athens in Attica region and Mykonos and Thera in the Aegean Islands region.
- Best time to visit Greece is from April to October. July and August are peak season and the prices tend to be higher. Keep in mind, some places do shut down outside of the peak season so plan in advance.
- Cool fact… I guess... There are cats everywhere.
Note: I did not include the first and last day in this itinerary because those were travel days. We flew to and from Athens. I used Google Flights to monitor flights and then went directly to the airlines websites to book them.
ATHENS
- Day 1
Where to stay
We strategically stayed in Ermou street where we had a stunning view of the Acropolis from our window. This location is also walking distance to all the main attractions of Athens. We used Airbnb app to book our apartment. We paid $65 per night, not bad, right?
Transportation
Local taxis use Uber app, but we mostly did everything walking. Our apartment host booked our taxi from and to the airport for 30 euros each way. This is because the center of the city is almost 1 hour away from the airport. There are also motorcycles and scooters everywhere.
What to do
We visited the following attractions in order they appear:
- The Acropolis: Ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city. The entrance is 20 euros for adults, 10 euros for youth (16-25 years) and seniors (65+). There is a combined ticket you can buy, valid for five days from the day of purchase. The combined ticket allows you to visit all the ticketed archaeological sites in central Athens and it costs 30 euros.
- Parthenon: Main structure on the Acropolis
- Herodes Theatre: Amphitheatre on the slopes of Acropolis
- Theather of Dionysos: Amphitheatre on the slopes of Acropolis
- Plaka: Old town in cobbled streets, shops, cafes and classic structures
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Remains of the largest temple on Greece
- Hadrian's Arch: Triumphal arch
- Monument of the Unknown Soldier: unique change of guard and uniform happens every hour
- Monastiraki: walked through the market, stores, restaurants at the foot of the Acropolis
Where to eat
- iFeel Brunch Restaurant: breakfast for 2 people for 22 euros.
- Kayak Icecream: Oreo cone on our way to Plaka. We paid 3 euros.
- Goody's Burger House: cheap lunch across the street from the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. We paid 14 euros for 2 meals.
- City of Zen: Sunset, amazing views and drinks from the rooftop. We paid 32 euros for 1 cocktail, 1 pizza, and 2 beers.
- Savva: we tried the Saganaki which is a fried feta cheese, Gyro with potatoes and a pork steak with potatoes. Total was 30 euros.
MYKONOS "The Island of the Winds"
- The island has an area of 85.5 sq km (33 sq mi) and has approx. 10,000 inhabitants.
- The island is known for its nightlife.
- ATV, Polaris, Scooter or motorcycle is a MUST.
- It is known as the island of wind because every summer the low barometric pressure from the Balkans clashes with the higher, hot blasts from Africa. In this way the Meltemi is formed, fluctuating in force, gaining strength during the day and calming down at night.
- There is a chapel in every corner. There are approx. 700 churches/chapels on the island. Historically, churches and small chapels were built around the island facing the sea to aid in the safe voyage and return of sailors. Some were also built to place the bones of dead family members in a shrine.
- There are many cows, goats, donkeys, and sheep.
- It’s very dry, rocky and mountainous; not a lot of flora and fauna.
- The best beaches are in the south of the island; less windy too.
- EVERY structure is painted white and sometimes the floor too. Therefore, you will see locals cleaning and sweeping the floor all the time.
- Don't expect warm waters at the beaches. Prepare yourself to freeze; yes, even in summer. You might disagree, but it's probably because you haven't been to the Caribbean.
- Day 2
How to get there
We flew from Athens International Airport to Mykonos. Originally, we were going to take a ferry but comparing prices and timing, it was more convenient to fly. Flights were 30 euros and took 50 minutes while ferry was 60 euros and would take 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
We stayed in an aparthotel located in Agia Anna Paraga beach. The apartments are owned by a local family and the rooms are cleaned every morning. The family is very friendly and made us feel like home. We paid $228 for 2 nights booked through Airbnb app.
Transportation
Our host picked us up at the airport and drove us to the aparthotel for 20 euros. We asked him for a recommendation to rent an ATV and he contacted a friend which owns Volta Moto rental. He came to our place and took us to his office where we rented an ATV 450cc for 90 euros for 2 days. That is the best thing you can do to enjoy the island to the fullest.
What to do
- Paradise beach: one of the most popular party beaches in the Aegean Sea.
- Super Paradise beach: covered in sunbeds and umbrellas and somewhat party atmosphere.
- Agrari beach: far and hidden beach with nice crystal-clear water.
- Get lost in the downtown: take pictures, look around at the hundreds of stores and restaurants and find your way out.
- Mykonos Windmills: iconic feature across Little Venice.
- Little Venice: romantic place in Mykonos town with houses situated on the edge of the sea and restaurants where you can go to enjoy the sunset.
Where to eat
- Platis Bakery: we tried a ham and cheese pie called Zambonotiropita which is made of puff paste instead of yeast.
- Nice and Easy: we used reviews and location to decide on going to this place. I must say, the waiter was very nice to us and recommended a Greek dish called Moussaka. This dish is like lasagna but replacing the pasta for eggplant. I must say, I thought I didn't like eggplant until I tried this dish. It was delicious. We also had a spinach eggroll as appetizer, and we were served Greek yogurt with fruits and honey on the house. Total was 56 euros.
- Day 3
What to do
- Panagia Tourliani Monastery- impressive architecture and small museum. Open to the public for 1-euro donation.
- Agia Anna Beach: relaxing beach because is less crowded.
- Ftelia beach: located in the north making it perfect for the winds the surfers need.
- Plati Gialos beach: walking distance from our aparthotel, this was the beach we chose to swim. Great for water sports, crystal waters and views.
Where to eat
- Agia Anna: This is the little café served by our hosts. We had an omelette and Frappe which is an iced coffee. Total was 30 euros.
- Matsouka Bakery: we tried the traditional Greek cupcake which is a custard filled with honey and cinnamon cake.
- We had 2 gyros and 2 drinks for 10 euros near Negrita Bar.
- Negrita bar: We visited this place to see the sunset and because it is in Little Venice. Waves were hitting right next to our table.
- Tropicana Beach bar: located in Paradise Beach, making it a wild party scene and popular destination.
- Day 4 morning
Where to eat
- Yummy Mykonos: We had an omelet, a crepe with Nutella and fruits and homemade orange juice. Total was 35 dollars.
What to do
We drove around areas we didn't explore the previous days, returned the ATV and the owner took us to the aparthotel. Our host drove us to the ferry port for 30 euros.
Note: If you want to save some money in food and drinks, stop by a supermarket and grab everything you need. Some of the supermarkets in the island are: Flora Supermarket, SPAR and Bazaar.
THIRA (SANTORINI)
FACTS
- Santorini is a circular archipelago which includes the inhabited islands of Thera/Thira and Therasia, as well as the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana.
- The total land area is 90.623 sq km (34.990 sq mi) and has approx. 15,500 inhabitants.
- The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history which left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of meters deep.
- Again, ATV, Polaris, Scooter or motorcycle is a MUST.
- I must say, I saw lots of buildings painted color peach, beige, light blue, yellow, etc.
- It is famous for dramatic views, stunning sunsets from Oia town, the town of Thira and its very own active volcano.
- Santorini is very high above the sea and mostly everything on the island is at the top of the mountain. That's one of the reasons for the spectacular views.
- Day 4 afternoon
How to get there
Our ferry arrived at the port an hour later than expected. We booked our one-way trip with Seajets and it cost 65 euros per person and the trip took approx. 5 hours. It stopped a couple times along the way in different islands. We ate some pastries and sandwiches and had some drinks in the ferry for 17 euros.
Where to stay
We wanted to stay in the north of the island, Oia town, which is the most beautiful location but also the most expensive part of the island. If you are on a tighter budget, stay in Thera (center) or Akrotiri (south). We booked our cave house through Airbnb app and they are called Vinsanto Studio with Caldera view – Oia Spirit. In Google Maps it appears as Oia Spirit Boutique Residences. Total was $530 for 2 nights. Totally worth it.
Transportation
Our host booked our taxi from the port to the cave house for 40 euros. We rented an ATV for the next two days through Super Moto rental. It was 35 euros per day, but we added an insurance for 10 euros per day. Total was 90 euros.
What to do
We enjoyed the evening in the private pool, taking pictures of the spectacular view from our cave house. Then, we walked down to the Byzantine Castle Ruins to see the sunset.
Where to eat
- Thalami Restaurant: Steak sandwich and steak with potatoes. We also tried Santorini’s local beers Yellow Donkey and Lazy ass. Total was 50 euros.
- Solo
Gelato: frozen yogurt and gelato cup. Total was 8 euros.
- Day 5
What to do
- Perissa Beach: beautiful black sand and various beach facilities.
- Red Beach: It is enclosed by steep red hills. This beach is unsafe due to landslides but even the warning signs doesn't stop people to visit this stunning view beach.
- Akrotiri Lighthouse: located in the south of the island, the views are amazing!
- Catamaran tour: we booked this tour through getyourguide website/app and the company was Sunset Oia. It was 100 euros per person for 6 hours. It included a Greek dinner (Greek salad, pork or chicken, shrimps, potato salad, etc), unlimited drinks and alcohol, 3 stops (hot springs, red beach, white beach) and 1st class view of the stunning sunset. This was definitely one of my favorite experiences in Santorini.
Where to eat
We had breakfast at the cave house because our host provided bread, ham, cheese, juice, water, bananas and pies.
- The Family pizza restaurant: located in the center of the Thera town, we visited this place by recommendation because there's a travel blogger/travel agency owner (@diaryoftrips) from Puerto Rico that left our flag in this restaurant when he visited Santorini. We had pizza and ice-cream. Total was 16 euros.
- Patisserie Medevio- We tried two desserts; one was similar to what we know as Hershey Pie and the other was a citric mousse cheesecake. Total was approx. 5 euros.
- Day 6
What to do
- Walk through the town and enjoy the views.
- Fish Spa Santorini: 10 euros for 20 minutes of fish pedicure. Never thought I was going to try this. It tickles and feels like bubbles.
- Moni Profiti Ilia: located on top of the highest mountain of the island providing fantastic views in all directions.
- Perivolos Beach: black sand beach with many restaurants around.
Where to eat
- Taqueria Los Tres Amigos: 24 euros for 3 tacos, 1 burrito, 1 nachos, 2 drinks and some Spanish music.
- Jojo Summer Beach Bar: it had a pool in the facilities, they have many beds across the street in the sand and they charge for the ones close to the water. The rest have a minimum of 40 euros amount of consumption. We had a burger and a carbonara pasta, 2 mojitos, a piña colada and a water for 60 euros.
My last advice is to travel light. I managed to travel with a backpack with stuff for 8 days and I can tell you is the best thing that you can do when doing island hopping and going to places where you have to walk a lot and up and down many stairs.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and can’t wait to visit Greece in the future! If you have any questions or want more information, don’t hesitate to contact me.
