Greece | Athens, Paros & Santorini

Greece is filled with history, beauty, and… well, rocks. Lots of old rocks! From piles of ancient stones to spots where “something cool used to be” (but is no longer), exploring Athens is like stepping back in time. It can feel overwhelming unless you have a guide, or walking audio tour, to bring these ancient sites to life. Once you realize you’re walking the same streets as the Athenians did millennia ago, it becomes really fascinating.

Special Guests!

This adventure was even more special because we got to share it with some long time friends—Brian and Ashley! These LA based friends have been part of our lives for more than 15 years. Before we left Florida, Brian, Ashley and their two kids came to stay with us for Spring Break. We had a great time and while we were all together we decided a European Summer Vacation (without the kids this time!) was in order—Greece, here we come!

Brian, Ashley, Valerie and Jeremy at dinner in Santorini, Greece.

Our Athens Itinerary:

Day 1: Flew into Athens. Stayed in a great apartment in the city center. Would stay there again! It was modern, spacious, had an awesome patio, and in such a good location!
Day 2-3: Explored the Acropolis and the rest of the city on foot. We couldn’t get enough of the history, but don’t skip the rooftop bars. Amazing views!

The gang at said rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis. — The gang at one of said rooftop bars with a view of the Acropolis.

Athens Highlights:

Ancient Wonders & Rooftop Bars: When you visit, don’t miss the chance to stroll through the ancient ruins. We used Rick Steves free walking guide to really grasp the magic of these old stones. Athens may be a city of history, but it also knows how to relax. Rooftop bars are the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring, offering incredible views of the Acropolis and the city skyline.

As for the islands, they are everything you have heard and more. While you might find similar beauty with fewer tourists in places like Montenegro or Albania, visiting the Greek Isles at least once is worth the hype. The food is spectacular, the landscapes are stunning, and you get to meet lots of cute stray cats along the way.

Our Greek Isles Itinerary:

Day 4: Took the ferry from Athens to Paros. The ferry ride was smooth, and Paros was the perfect place to kick back for a couple of days.

Day 5-6: Relaxed on the pool deck of the villa we rented (don’t expect much from the beaches here—they are a bit underwhelming).

Day 7: Ferried to Santorini from Paros. We stayed in these unique Windmill Villas on the eastern side of the island—a perfect location, with everything just a short drive away.

Day 8-10: Wandered through Oia, Fira, and Thira. We also spent time at the wineries on Santorini, and enjoyed sunset dinner at To Psoraki.
Day 11: Flew out of Santorini to Istanbul.

Santorini Highlights:

Picture-Perfect Views & Quiet Escapes: The iconic cliffside towns of Oia (pronounced ee-yuh), Fira, and Thira are as beautiful as you’ve seen in the photos, with their white buildings and blue domes overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea. We suggest exploring in the late afternoon after the cruise ship crowds have thinned out. We stayed on the quieter east side of the island, which was still close to everything (wineries, restaurants, and stunning beaches) but far more peaceful.

Iconic Views From Santorini, Greece — Iconic Views of the town of Oia, Santorini, Greece

Amazing Food: One of the best meals we had was fresh fish at a place called To Psoraki perched on a cliff at sunset—paired with Santorini’s world-class wine. Speaking of which, Ftelos Brewery also deserves a shout-out for great beer and food.

The Sunsets: You’ve probably heard about Greece’s sunsets, but they truly live up to their reputation. Whether you’re on a beach or enjoying dinner by the sea, watching the sun melt into the horizon is a magical experience. One night, we were even treated to a beautiful moonrise too!

Things We Learned in Greece:

Language: Most people, especially those under 30, speak English so communication is easy. Still, a little effort goes a long way. They know that Greek is a tough language, so giving them a parakaló (please) and efcharistó (thank you) is always very appreciated.
Greek Wine: It’s not like anything we’ve had before, but in a good way! Greek wine was a fun learning curve for us. Trust the locals—they know their stuff! Whether in Athens or Santorini, we let the servers guide our wine choices, and they nailed it almost every time.
Paros: While we enjoyed our time in Paros, we feel like we could have ventured to a different island next time. That being said, the stop was relaxing, especially on the pool deck with a view.

Greece is a must-see destination. The islands are magical, the food is delicious, and every sunset feels like a masterpiece. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another round, Greece offers something new to discover. And, don’t forget about all the cute kitties you will see along the way.

This is one smart kitty! He found the poke restaurant to call "home".

Yamas! (Cheers!) to a wonderful time in the Greek Isles. It was our first time, but not our last.

Now… Where to Next?

Greece | Athens, Paros & Santorini

Turkey | Istanbul

Scotland & Ireland