A Perfect Guide to Greece’s Must-See Destinations

Imagine a place where history, culture, and stunning coastlines meet—welcome to Greece. With 6,000 islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is more than just a beautiful place to visit —it’s a sensory experience. The iconic architecture, whitewashed buildings, and deep blue waters create a breathtaking scene, and no wonder it’s a top tourist destination. It was on my bucket list for years, so Greece became the perfect choice for our next travel adventure. To fully immerse ourselves, we meticulously planned a three-stop itinerary that included Athens, Santorini, and Crete.

Unveiling Ancient Marvels: Exploring Athens, Greece (First Stop)

Our first stop: Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens is best known for its rich history stretching back to the 5th century BC. This vibrant city is an open-air museum where iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as testaments to a deep past. Walk through the Temple of Olympian Zeus and marvel at the architectural beauty of the Panathenaic Stadium, which once hosted the ancient Olympic Games. As a central transportation hub, Athens is the ideal gateway to the Greek islands, with most international flights arriving at Athens International Airport. To immerse yourself in the city’s magic, consider dedicating a few days to exploring before venturing on your island-hopping adventure.

Lodging with Breathtaking Views: The Royal Olympic Hotel

For our stay, we opted for the Royal Olympic Hotel, a 5-star haven ideally located in the heart of Athens. This prime location is right across from the Temple of Zeus, while iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill, and the Panathenaic Stadium are all within a ten-minute stroll. However, the true crown jewel of the Royal Olympic might be its breathtaking rooftop restaurant. Here, panoramic views showcase the entire city, offering a truly unforgettable backdrop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Insider Tip: Snag a dinner reservation around sunset for a romantic experience. The city lights up as the sun dips down, making the view from the rooftop even more incredible. Trust me, it’s magical!

Conquering the Acropolis: A Must-See Historical Gem

Our adventure began with the crown jewel of the city, the Acropolis. A must-see, and conveniently, reaching it from the Royal Olympic Hotel was a quick ten-minute walk. The pedestrian streets leading up to the Acropolis are lined with charming cafes, tempting gelato shops, and inviting restaurants.

Foodie tip: savor some authentic Greek cuisine – trust me, it’s incredible! Maybe try a classic Greek salad – the aroma alone is mouthwatering!

Reaching the Acropolis itself is straightforward. Two car-free routes are available: Apostolou Pavlou Street in Thission and Dionissiou Areopagitou Street in Makrianni. From either path, a short uphill climb leads you to the entrance. Once inside the Acropolis, prepare to be amazed by the abundance of ancient ruins waiting to be explored.

The Parthenon: Witnessing a Legacy in Stone

Crowning the Acropolis, the Parthenon is undoubtedly the most iconic structure in Athens. This stunning marble temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, stands at the highest point of the Acropolis. While the exterior is breathtaking, the most important feature of the Parthenon was once a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena Parthenos. Although the statue was lost in the 5th century CE, its legacy lives on. Today, you can find replicas of the statue in museums around the world.

Travel Tips:

• Plan for Exploration: Dedicate at least 4-5 hours to visit the Acropolis, including the Parthenon.

• Footwear Matters: The Acropolis is large, and you will walk a lot; therefore, comfortable shoes are essential. Keep in mind that the marble surface can be slippery.

• Hydration & Snacks: You can pack water, but food inside the Acropolis is prohibited. This is to protect the historical area from litter. My recommendation is to eat before or after your visit.

Hidden Gems: Exploring Athens Beyond the Acropolis

While the Acropolis is the star attraction, Athens has plenty of historical gems to explore. Here are some must-sees:

• Temple of Olympian Zeus: Imagine a massive temple dedicated to Zeus, king of the Greek gods. That’s the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with towering columns hinting at ancient Athens’ glory.

• Panathenaic Stadium: Calling all history buffs! This stadium, built entirely of marble, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and is still used for events and concerts today.

• Monument of Philopappos: This isn’t just any monument – it’s an ancient mausoleum perched on a hilltop offering breathtaking city views.

• Athens War Museum: Dive into Greece’s fascinating military past with exhibits showcasing weapons, uniforms, and even aircraft.

Santorini Bliss: Unveiling a Volcanic Paradise (Second Stop)

Santorini, our second stop, is a photographer’s dream and a social media darling for a reason. This island has a beautiful volcanic landscape and views that take your breath away.

Our Santorini adventure began in Fira, the island’s vibrant capital. Fira itself is breathtaking, with its whitewashed houses cascading down the cliffside, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea below. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer beauty of Santorini and capture countless Instagram-worthy moments!

Luxurious Comfort Meets Caldera Views: The Daedalus Hotel (Santorini)

For our four-day Santorini stay, we opted for the Daedalus Hotel. Its perfect location placed us within walking distance of charming shops, restaurants, and, of course, the caldera views that Santorini is famous for.

To fully explore the island, we rented a car, a decision that proved invaluable. Santorini is a relatively small island, with a driving time of around 40 minutes from one end to the other. However, the scenic coastal routes are breathtaking, especially from Fira to Oia.

Pro tip: take this drive at sunset, park along the cliff facing the Aegean, and witness the romantic views of the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Santorini Adventures: Beaches, Charm, and Donkey Encounters

Santorini’s volcanic landscape offers a unique backdrop for exploration. Here are some highlights from our stay:

• Red Beach: A must-see for photographers, Red Beach boasts dramatic red volcanic cliffs contrasting with the black sand. Exercise caution when exploring, as there are warnings about potential landslides and rockfalls. We hiked the area for stunning views, snapped photos, and enjoyed a delicious lunch nearby.

• Agios Georgios Beach: Also known as Black Beach, it features deep, dark volcanic sand (flip flops are recommended as it gets hot!). Lined with umbrellas, bars, and restaurants, it’s a haven for relaxation and sunbathing. Water sports rentals like paddleboards and banana boats are available for the adventurous.

• Oia: A charming town known for its picturesque streets, traditional taverns, and unique shops, Oia offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Fira. We arrived after sunset and witnessed a delightful scene – donkeys walking down the alleyways, a quintessential Greek island experience! After exploring, we drove back to Fira along the scenic route (worth the trip in itself!). The next day, we departed Santorini via a fast ferry for Crete, one of Greece’s largest islands.

Cretan Sanctuary: Unveiling Paradise at Porto Elounda, Crete (Third Stop)

Crete served as the backdrop for the relaxing finale of our trip. Wanting to unwind after our Santorini adventures, we chose the luxurious Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort for our stay. Nestled in the town of Elounda, this 5-star haven boasts a fascinating claim to fame – it’s even hosted the Greek Prime Minister!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our breathtaking beachfront room, complete with a complimentary welcome dinner – a pleasant surprise after a long travel day. We spent most of our days at the resort’s pristine private beach, and in the evenings, we explored local activities and opportunities to capture stunning photos for my blog.

While Porto Elounda offered a peaceful sanctuary, we discovered a preference for slightly livelier settings. Limited time prevented us from venturing further into Crete, but we hope to return! Next time, exploring the famous pink beach, a 4-hour drive from Elounda, is high on the agenda!

Crete Exploration Tip: Due to its size comparable to New Jersey, strategic planning is key when exploring Crete. If extensive exploration is your goal, consider a central location. This will allow you to maximize your Cretan adventure!

Best Time to Travel to Greece

The best time to visit Greece depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season:

• Spring (April-May): This is a shoulder season in Greece, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid the heat and crowds of summer. However, some things, like shops and restaurants, may not be open yet.

• Summer (June-August): The peak season in Greece, with hot weather and large crowds. Prices will be at their highest during this time. However, everything will be open and plenty of events and festivals will happen.

• Autumn (September-October): Another shoulder season in Greece, with warm weather and fewer crowds. It’s a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the outdoors without the heat of summer. However, some things, like shops and restaurants, may start to close down for the season.

• Winter (November-March): This is the low season in Greece, with cool weather and the fewest crowds. Prices will be at their lowest during this time. However, many things, like shops and restaurants, will be closed.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Best weather: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October)

• Fewest crowds: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October)

• Most affordable prices: Winter (November-March)

• Nightlife and activities: Summer (June-August)

No matter when you decide to visit Greece, you’re sure to have a great time. The country is home to beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, delicious food, and friendly people. We are so happy we were able to check it off our bucket list!

Disclaimer: This post is meant to inspire your travels and provide ideas for your next adventure. Please remember to do your own research on locations, hotels, and safety before planning your trip. It’s important to gather up-to-date information and make decisions based on your personal needs and preferences. Safe travels!

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