Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens, Greece
An all-time bucket list destination with fresh Mediterranean food, volcanoes, the bluest water you’ve ever seen, and white buildings sitting upon the edges of cliffs. Greece, you are unlike anywhere in the world.
I recently went on a 9 day (2 days of travel) mother-daughter trip to Greece with my mom and sister. I surprised my mom who has wanted to travel to Greece for as long as I can remember.
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We started the trip off by flying into Athens and then immediately flying to Mykonos.
Mykonos is definitely more of a party island and ended up being the most expensive. Our hotel, The George Hotel was in a perfect part of Mykonos, close to beaches, Scorpios (popular bar for people in mid 20s-30s), and an easy 10 min ATV drive to Mykonos Town. We stayed in Mykonos for a day and a half, but we would have liked to stay for 2.5 – 3 more days.
Recommendations:
- Scorpios- fun bar scene overlooking the water with a great sunset view
- Niko’s Tavern on the beach for dinner- we ate a Greek salad, gyros, fish, drank wine, and watched our first Greek sunset.
- Paraga Beach or Paradise Beach
- Anios Mediterranean Restaurant- within walking distance from our hotel, and the food was fantastic.
- Rent ATVs for 24 hours (make sure your gas tank is full before you leave!!!)
- Mykonos Town – we explored every photo worthy alleyway. Truly just how you would picture Greece- white-washed buildings, cobblestone walkways, and occasional pops of florals.
- Great restaurants, the famous windmills, Little Venice, and touristy shops.
- Go in the morning, so that you can walk freely without the mobs of cruise ship crowds.
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From Mykonos we took a ferry boat (Hellenic Seaways) to Santorini.
I actually had a lot of trouble researching things to do in Santorini on the internet and I think it is because it is more of a relaxing and excursion destination vs. Mykonos (busy party island).
Our hotel Iliovasilema Suites was PERFECT. Located in the village of Imerovigli, which is the highest point on Santorini Island. Imerovigli turned out to be the best location to get the most out of our stay. We could walk to the town of Fira and Oia (although Oia was a 2 hour trek that we did not ever take :).
We had breakfast accompanied with the sunrise every morning and a breathtaking view of the sunset every night. Oia is known as the go- to spot for sunsets, but the best sunsets we saw during our trip was right from our room!
Recommendations:
- Walk to Fira – cobblestone paths and stairs, so wear shoes
- Stop at Volkan Brewery on the way (or way back- or both)- craft beer from Santorini.. I loved the Volkan White
- Fira has everything you would want- shopping, restaurants, bars, views
- Porto Carra- little restaurant located in Fira overlooking the water, great juices, falafel, and hummus
- Book a trip with Caldera Yatching Company– definitely a highlight of our trip and the best way to see all of Santorini
- Stopped a Red Beach, White Beach, Black Beach, Volcano Hot Springs, had lunch, and ended up at Oia where we explored, saw the sunset, and then they picked us up to take us back to the hotel.
- Make a Reservation for dinner in Imerovigli- there are several good restaurants you really can’t go wrong, but you need to make a reservation!
- Morning run along the hiking path »» Oia (You may just have some pups follow you home)
Next time I plan to..
- Hike Skaros Rock – was located right in front of our hotel
- Scuba Dive with Aegean Dive Shop- I was told there are a lot of caves and ships to see
Imerovigli & Fira
Caldera Yatching Excursion
Oia
Imerovigli at night
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We flew from Santorini to Athens in the morning and spent the rest of the day exploring the city. I think there is a Hop on Hop off bus you can do that may be an easier way to get around instead of walking everywhere. A lot of the ruins and historic sites are spread out around the city.
We stayed at the Hilton and used the underground subway to get to the Acropolis. You can purchase a ticket at the Acropolis for €30 and use it to get into most other historic sites. However, once you leave the site you cannot go back in.
We had dinner at the rooftop restaurant in our hotel – expensive, but great views. In my opinion I think 1-2 days is enough in Athens.
♥ & xx
