A few years ago I took a trip to Greece with a group of girlfriends to celebrate two of my closest friends birthdays. While we were in Greece we explored Athens, home to the Acropolis, Santorini and Mykonos. Though each island was very different they all offered something unique for everyone. If you are headed to Greece these travel tips and recommendations will ensure you have a great time!
Since it is easiest to fly into to Athens and take a ferry to the other islands that is what we did. Athens was packed with tons of history for those adventure seekers looking to explore ancient archaeological sites. We stayed at the hip Electra Hotel which had an amazing view of the Acropolis from the pool. The Electra Hotel ranges from roughly $160-$500 per night depending on the seasoning type of suite you book. The location is central next to Syntagma Square. A 5 minute walk through charming Plaka takes you to the Acropolis and Ermou street-shopping areas.
The Acropolis is located on the Attica plateau of Greece and includes four hills:
- Likavitos Hill
- Hill of the Nymphs
- The Pynx Hill
- Philapappos Hill
Some of the other hotels I would recommend are:
If you are anything like me you want to explore the best restaurants in Athens, too! Here is a list of some of the ones we really enjoyed.
Restaurants:
Varoulko (high-end)
Orizontes (high-end)
Hytra (high end)
Kostas (budget)
Strofi (high-end)
Since we had limited time in Greece we explored Mykonos, where I did a little too much shopping and exploring the popular attractions like the The Windmills, Paraportiani Church, Paradise Beach (so much fun!), Ano Mera, Mykonos Folklore Museum and Aegean Maritime Museum. Every type of shopping can be found in Mykonos Town, near the whitewashed streets of the capital. The shops in Mykonos are open all day, from morning until late after midnight. You can all find several restaurants located in this area. Although shopping and lounging near the waterside is a favorite amongst locals and tourists, Mykonos is best known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Greek nightlife.
After a few nights of exploring we ventured to Santorini to slow down with Catamaran Sunset Boat tours which I HIGHLY recommend doing! Here is a list of my favorites. If you are not a boat person the hiking in Santorini is unbelievable and so picturesque. Nothing compares to it. I used the app All Trails to find a few hikes for my friends, but here are a few others you might enjoy:
1. Fira-Oia- Fira – Oia is a 6.5 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Thira, Santorini, Greece that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
2. Imerovigli-Oia- Imerovigli – Oia is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips.
3. Skaros Rock and Panagia Theorkepasti via Imerovigli Trail- Skaros Rock and Panagia Theoskepasti via Imerovigli Trail is a 0.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate.
4. Mouzakia- Mavro Vouno Hill- Oia- Mavro Vouno Hill – Oia is a 5.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ia, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels.
5. Fira-Imerovigli- Fira – Imerovigli is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Thira, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate.
6. Ancient Thera: Perissa to Kamari- Ancient Thera: Perissa to Kamari is a 6.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Emporio, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate
7. Kamari-Ancient Thera- Kamari – Ancient Thera is a 4.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Episkopi Gonias, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate.
8. Profits Illias to Perissa-Profitis Ilias to Perissa is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Pyrgos Kallistis, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult.
9. New Kameni Walk- Nea Kameni Walk is a 1.6 mile loop trail located near Nea Kameni, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels.
10. Karavolades Stairs: Santorini Port to Fira- Karavolades Stairs: Santorini Port to Fira is a 1.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Thira, Santorini, Greece that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate.
For more travel tips you can follow me on Instagram where I shared a very detailed list of all of the restaurants we dined at, churches we visited, hiking trails, boating tours, hotel and more. Let me know if the comments below if you found this article to be helpful and any places you recommend!
Awesome Lavi! What wonderful tips! Thank you for sharing. I will definitely be following your suggestions for our upcoming trip!