Athens -> Mykonos -> Milos -> Santorini
I took this trip with my parents from Boston, MA. We flew through Amsterdam to Athens for 3 nights, flew from Athens to Mykonos for 3 nights, ferried to Milos & Santorini for 3 nights each, then flew back to Boston through Paris. While Greece was one of the most beautiful places I've ever explored, there were a lot of surprises. I don't just want to paint the picture that Greece is the most luxurious and perfect trip for anyone who can travel there. Considering we almost traveled with my Grandmother who isn't the most agile anymore, I believe these warnings are important to note when choosing Greece as a travel destination! To really see Greece you need to be able to walk! Walk a lot and on very tricky grounds. Uneven cobblestone, slippery steep marble, lots and lots of steps. There are no routes for wheelchairs or strollers and to see historical sites like the Acropolis you will have to hike. Cars only get you so far, most destinations require the rest of the route by foot. However, being in a car isn't any more comfortable. The roads barely fit one car but are two ways. At one point our driver said, "we're going to die" as we waited for 5 minutes for him and the passing car to find a way to squeeze by each other. Bordered by either cliff or stone wall, we had a couple accidents and a lot of very stressful situations. It was suggested we rent ATVs or a car to get around the island but I do not recommend trying to drive yourselves in this country. If you do however plan to rent ATVs, you will need to order in advance as there weren't any available when we tried to make arrangements. Boat tours were our favorite way to see the islands and we aren't even boat people! I highly recommend booking a boat, private or not, for each of your stops. The destinations we visited from the sea were the highlights of our trip. Athens, as well as the islands we visited, were swarming with tourists. While our trip was supposed to be before the high season, rescheduled trips due to COVID definitely made for a busier June. Mykonos and Santorini were overwhelming to explore due to crowds. They also aren't known for their beaches. Milos however has over 70 beaches and throughout the island was much quieter and more relaxing. I highly recommend breaking up the high energy islands with Milos, my favorite stop of all. Other notable mentions: -Cats everywhere -Bring bug spray!! Lots of mosquitos and giant bees! -Bread at dinner is a basket of cold sourdough. Don't expect a nice tray of pita and dips at each meal like we thought. The food is simple and repetitive. Mediterranean food is our favorite but food wasn't a highlight of traveling Greece. -You can't flush toilet paper so instead there is a little trash can next to every toilet to dispose. When my friend asked if I suggest Greece for her honeymoon I made sure to point out this detail as it might not be the most romantic. -GREEK IS HARD!! We learned a short list of words to communicate during our stay but Greek is complicated to learn, to read, to spell and to catch on to in only two weeks. It is not like Spanish speaking countries where you can adapt fairly quickly and maintain basic communication. These are the words we learned and used while we were there. Efcharistó - Thank You Kaliméra - Good Morning Kalispéra - Good Evening Yassas - Hello/Goodbye Yamas- Cheers! With all this said, Greece is absolutely stunning and one of a kind. Everyone was incredibly kind to us and the service was outstanding. There are no homeless people, not even classes. The scenery was spectacular but even better were our tours from the sea. I definitely recommend visiting these places in Greece but bring good walking shoes and prepare for these surprises! ATHENSHotel: Grande BretagneWalking around Athens city was incredible. Each alley lined with endless shops and restaurants. Street performers and happy faces from square to square. Neighborhoods to explore include Plaka, Acropolis, Syntagma, Pagrati and Monastiraki. *Beware if you head to the meat market, what you will find inside can be traumatic! Ella was our first and best meal of the entire trip! A must stop in Athens. *I wish we had more time to spend at Lake Vouliagmeni, an absolutely stunning warm water lagoon next to the shore.
We did have time to stop at this hidden cove off the highway around the corner to dip our toes into the Sea!
We stopped in Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon and have some lunch.  Temple of Poseidon - Cape Sounion Acropolis of AthensMYKONOSHotel: Katikies MykonosFirst stop in Mykonos was 180° Sunset Bar where we got drinks in the non-reservation area which was PERFECT! We then walked down a steep but beautiful alley road from the bar to Mykonos Town, also known as Chora. Visited the picturesque Church of Panagia Paraportiani. Had a fantastic dinner at Nice n Easy in Little Venice (Coastal neighborhood of Chora) for sunset. The next morning I walked down and explored the two beaches by our hotel, Agios Ioannis and Kapari Beach.
We had a tour with a small family run cheese farm, Mykonos Farmers, set up for the early afternoon.
Then we stopped at Armenistis Lighthouse to explore the views.
Next we checked out a few beaches: Paralia Panormos, Agios Sostis, and Kalo Livadi.
At Kalo Livadi, next to Lohan Beach Club was a fabulous beach restaurant, Solymar, where we had lunch. Our driver surprised us with one of his favorite views on the island overlooking Super Paradise Beach from Atlantis Beach Residence. Back to Super Paradise Beach for dinner and a drag show at Jackie O's! Day 3 was our boat day but unfortunately the winds prevented us from exploring Tragonisi Caverns. We were able to anchor near Elias Beach and swim to the beautiful shore there instead! Unforgettable dinner back in town at Kastro's, home of the Instagram famous hidden alley.
MILOSToo many people visit the Cyclades Islands of Mykonos and Santorini without stopping in Milos. MILOS IS A MUST! Known for it's many beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes, Milos hit the spot for all my Greek cravings. Hotel: White Coast Pool SuitesAs soon as we settled into our rooms we took the beach trail down from the hotel to take in some sights. Exhausted from our ferry ride, we decided to stay in for dinner the first night which ended up being the best decision. Bianco Restaurant at our hotel was some of the most delicious food we had the whole trip! DAY 2, 1st stop: Papafranga 2nd stop: Apollonia 3rd stop: Sarakiniko 4th stop: Fyropotamas 5th stop: Mandrakia At Mandrakia we enjoyed lunch at Medusa. 6th stop: Plaka Honorable mention: Utopia Cafe FOR THE VIEWS! 
Walked down to dinner in Trypiti at OKTO. DAY 3: Boat Day! Stops included Kleftiko, Sikia Cave & Kalogries. Klima for dinner! Astakas Cafe Restaurant SANTORINIHotel: Andronis Boutique |
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Lindsay Greenberg, providing perspective on how to live a magical life.
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