Greece is a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, your journey will likely begin in Athens, the capital city. From there, you can explore some of the country’s most famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
Arriving in Athens: The Heart of Ancient Greece
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, dating back to around 3,400 years ago. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and my Yia yia (Grandmother in Greek). For me, visiting this city is like visiting a world that is part of me that I never knew. As soon as you arrive in Athens, you’ll be surrounded by ancient landmarks and modern culture.
What to Do in Athens
- The Acropolis: This ancient citadel is home to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. It’s a must-see.
- The Acropolis Museum: Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this museum displays artifacts from the ancient site.
- Plaka: Wander through this charming neighborhood filled with narrow streets, cafes, and shops selling local goods.
- Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard: Visit the Greek Parliament building and watch the ceremonial changing of the guard.
- National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses one of the world’s best collections of ancient Greek artifacts.
A Little History of Athens
Athens was the center of Greek civilization in the 5th century BC. It was home to famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The city is known for its influence on Western culture, particularly in politics, art, and science.
Greek Food: A Culinary Journey
Here are some dishes you must try while in Athens:
- Souvlaki: Grilled meat on a skewer, often served with pita bread and vegetables.
- Gyros: Similar to souvlaki but the meat is usually cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
- Moussaka: A baked casserole made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
- Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil.
- Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, honey, and nuts.
- Spanakopita: spinach pie, a flackey savory pastry of spinach, feta, and egg in filo dough. Alternatively, Tiropita, without the spinach, is my favorite!
Getting Around Athens
Athens has a reliable public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, and the metro. The Athens Metro is efficient and easy to use, connecting key areas like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the airport. Taxis are also widely available but can be expensive, especially during rush hour.
Best Time to Visit Athens
The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July and August) is hot and crowded, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C).
Santorini: The Island of Blue Domes
Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous islands. Known for its dramatic views, whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets, it’s a favorite for couples and photographers.
How to Get to Santorini
From Athens, you can get to Santorini by ferry or plane. The ferry ride takes about 5 to 8 hours, while flights are just about 45 minutes.
History of Santorini
Santorini was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago, which created the island’s unique caldera. This eruption also caused the collapse of the Minoan civilization, making the island an important archaeological site.
Why are the buildings White?
The tradition of painting buildings white in Santorini and Mykonos also has roots in public health concerns. In the early 20th century, there were frequent outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera in the Greek islands. The use of lime wash (a white, calcium-based solution) became a popular method to help combat these health issues.
Lime has natural antibacterial properties and was effective at preventing the spread of diseases. It was also inexpensive and widely available, making it an ideal choice for the island’s residents. The reflective white color helped keep homes cooler during the hot summer months, but the added benefit of preventing the spread of germs and bacteria made it a practical, health-conscious decision. Over time, the whitewashed buildings became a symbol of the region’s charm and identity, and the practice continues to this day.
What to Do in Santorini
- Oia Village: Famous for its sunset views, narrow streets, and whitewashed houses with blue domes.
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of an ancient Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption.
- Red Beach: Relax on this striking beach with red volcanic sand.
- Wine Tasting: Santorini is known for its Assyrtiko wine. Take a wine tour to taste local varieties.
Why Santorini is Famous
Santorini is known for its unique landscape, dramatic sunsets, and stunning views. It’s one of the most photographed islands in the world.
Although it is touristy, I would absolutely return to Santorini, Greece. We found the island peaceful, beautiful and a great place for couples.
Mykonos: The Island of Nightlife
Mykonos is another popular island in Greece, especially known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts.
How to Get to Mykonos
Like Santorini, Mykonos is easily accessible from Athens by ferry or plane. The ferry ride is about 4-5 hours, while flights take just under 45 minutes.
History of Mykonos
Mykonos has a long history, with evidence of ancient settlements. The island is also known for its role in Greek mythology, as it is believed to be the site of the battle between Hercules and the giants.
What to Do in Mykonos
- Mykonos Town: Explore the narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and shops selling local products.
- Delos Island: Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Delos, an important archaeological site and ancient religious center.
- Beaches: Enjoy the lively beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise, or visit the quieter Psarou Beach.
- Nightlife: Mykonos is famous for its beach clubs and bars, attracting partygoers from around the world.
Why Mykonos is Famous
Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches. It’s a hotspot for celebrities and travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and partying.
Honestly, I don’t feel the need to return here. It was very expensive and not really our scene. However we stayed at the Palladium Boutique Hotel there and it was one of the most beautiful hotels we have ever stayed in. We went at the end of the season so it was cheaper but they still treated us like royalty.
The Cyclades vs. The Ionian Islands: What the Difference
Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, but only about 227 are inhabited. These islands are divided into different groups, with the Cyclades and Ionian Islands being two of the most well-known.
- Cyclades Islands: The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, famous for their whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. The islands are typically located southeast of mainland Greece.
- Ionian Islands: The Ionian Islands are located to the west of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. These islands, including Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia, are known for their lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and more Italian-influenced architecture.
Tipping in Greece
Tipping in Greece is generally not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. Here’s a general guide:
- Restaurants: In casual restaurants or tavernas, rounding up the bill is common. In more formal dining establishments, a tip of around 5-10% of the bill is appreciated.
- Cafes and Bars: It’s common to leave small change when paying for coffee or drinks. For example, leaving €1-2 is a nice gesture.
- Taxis: It’s customary to round up the fare or add about 5-10%. For example, if the fare is €8, you might give €9 or €10.
- Hotel Staff: It’s polite to tip hotel porters about €1-2 per bag, and housekeeping staff can be tipped €1-2 per day.
- Tour Guides: If you take a guided tour, tipping around €5-10 per person is standard, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Conclusion
Greece offers a perfect mix of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, soaking in the sunsets of Santorini, or enjoying the nightlife of Mykonos, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit during the spring or fall for the best weather, and make sure to try the delicious local food. With so many islands to explore, each with its own unique charm, Greece is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
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