Destinations / Athens • Greece • Milos • Mykonos • Santorini

Snapshots of Greece: What To Expect and Get Excited For


August 29, 2018

Guys, it’s finally happening. It’s t-minus two weeks until I’m escaping reality and hopping on a nonstop flight to Greece. Ever since I fell in love with travelling, Greece has been at the top of my list with it’s white-domed churches, fresh seafood feasts, and idyllic afternoons spent sailing across clear, turquoise waters (hopefully captained by a man of muscular Greek God-like stature).

It was a gruelling and painful process, but I finally managed to narrow down my Greek island sampler to a mere three islands – Milos, Santorini, and Mykonos – prefacing it with two nights in Athens. That seemingly impossible decision was followed by the excitement of all the thrilling experiences to be had at each destination.

Here is a quick snapshot of what I’m most excited about for at each spot during my upcoming trip to Greece:

ATHENS

I’ve heard that Athens is very underrated and has a lot going on for it – historical sites, bustling nightlife, archaeological wonders, etc…

I’m staying in the middle of all the action in a spacious AirBnB loft in the Monastriaki neighbourhood, not too far from the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The first thing I’m going to do is drop by Stavros Melissinos “The Poet Sandal-Maker” shop to grab a pair (or 3) of custom-made, Greek leather sandals.

I plan on eating lukumades which are honey-drenched Greek donuts!

I can’t leave without enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop of A is for Athens bar for a glorious view of the Acropolis.

I know it’s weird but I’m planning on fitting in a visit to the hammam for a indulgent spa day. I’ve become obsessed with bathhouses since Morocco.

MILOS

I’ve heard that Milos is very laid back and is the ancient site where the infamous Aphrodite of Milos – better known as the Venus de Milo – was found.

I’m staying in the central part of Adamas/Adamantas by a killer bakery, not too far from the ocean.

The first thing I’m going to do is head to Sarakiniko beach to marvel at the moon-like volcanic rock formations that is supposedly otherworldly.

I plan on eating grilled octopus seaside at Medusa, surrounded by volcano “mountains” in a small fisherman’s village.

I can’t leave without sailing around the azure waters of Polyegos to take in the red and yellow landscapes of the Sulphur Mines and exploring the Kleftiko caves.

I know it’s weird but even though Santorini and Mykonos are more well-known, I feel like I will get a more authentically “Greek” experience on Milos.

SANTORINI

I’ve heard that Santorini is as gorgeous as all the photos, ideal for couples and honeymooners, but pretty quiet at night. It’s also rumoured to be the lost city of Atlantis.

I’m staying in a villa with a private pool in the middle of Fira to be close to the bustling nightlife and conveniently near the port.

The first thing I’m going to do is take the cable car down to the port, hopping on a sailboat and swim in the hot springs, surrounded by views of the caldera.

I plan on eating Greek yogurt for every breakfast (when in Rome…) and classic horiatiki salad with flavourful tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, topped with huge chunks of fetas.

I can’t leave without jumping off of the Amoudi Cliffs at sunset then taking a donkey ride back up to Oia. I’ve been watching too much Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.

I know it’s weird but I haven’t found ONE restaurant that I’m super excited to eat at in Santorini yet! Unheard of for me. Recos please!

MYKONOS

I’ve heard that Mykonos is a party island but is still awesome if you’re more of a homebody PLUS it has some of the most gorgeous beaches.

I’m staying in Mykonos Town (also known as Chora) not too far from the Old Port and Little Venice at a gorgeous town house suite.

The first thing I’m going to do is admire the iconic view of The Windmills (Kato Milli) before an early dinner at the famous alleyway restaurant, Kastro’s.

I plan on eating fresh seafood at Kiki’s Tavern, an open-air restaurant right by Panormos Beach that everyone raves about.

I can’t leave without spending an entire day working on my tan and sipping a café frappé Greek at one of the glam beach clubs like Alemagou or Scorpios.

I know it’s weird but just based on what I’ve researched, I feel like I’m going to love Mykonos the most.