Athens

Our first stop in Greece was its capital, Athens. This city is dominated by archaeological remains from the 5th century BC. I loved walking around, stumbling upon ruins, and imagining what these structures looked like so many years ago. If you want to explore them, there’s a €30 ticket that grants access to all the most visited ruins in Athens.

In Athens, I tried my first Gyros, a pita bread wrap filled with chicken, vegetables, and fries served in a cone. Everyone tries it when visiting Greece, and I highly recommend it—it was delicious and costs about €5.

The streets are amazing, with endless movement and souvenir shops at every turn. At night, the cafés and restaurants come alive, offering a vibrant nightlife that’s truly enjoyable.

I felt a little sad about spending so little time in Athens because it’s such a fascinating city, but I was excited to head to the islands.

‍

Mykonos

Mykonos is Greece’s most famous and expensive island. Our trip from Athens took three hours on a luxury Sea Jets ferry, equipped with three bars offering salads, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. We bought the most affordable ticket for around €100, but it was still very comfortable.

Upon leaving the ferry, you’ll see drivers from various hotels waiting for their guests. I stayed at the island’s most famous hotel, Cavo Tagoo Mykonos, which offers direct views of the Aegean Sea and is renowned for its private pool rooms. On my first night, I stayed in one of the most sought-after rooms, featuring a cave with a pool. If you want to book this room, plan at least a season in advance. Over the following days, we switched rooms to experience different accommodations.

On the first evening, Chris surprised me with a special hotel dinner called the “Chef Experience”—over 10 delicious courses, costing about €200 per person. The hotel breakfast was also incredible, featuring a wide array of desserts, breads, yogurt, nuts, and more, along with a menu offering dishes like eggs Benedict and omelets prepared fresh.

Mykonos Town

The next day, before heading to the next island, we explored Mykonos Town. The hotel provides free shuttle vans for guests. The town is filled with jewelry stores, souvenir shops, luxury boutiques, and international brands.

We visited the iconic Mykonos windmills, which are a symbol of the island, along with the famous pelican mascot. Legend says spotting it brings good luck, though we didn’t see it this time (morning visits are recommended).

If you plan to stay out late, keep in mind that shops close around 9 PM, while cafés, ice cream parlors, and restaurants stay open past 11 PM—some even operate 24/7. To fully enjoy the island, I recommend staying 3–4 days, with at least two days dedicated to exploring.

‍

‍

Crete

Next, we headed to Crete, another Greek island. We took the Sea Jets ferry again, which is pricey but comfortable. This trip was longer, taking nearly five hours. If you’re looking for cheaper tickets, I recommend booking through G and G Travel Solutions, the travel agency I use.

We stayed in the capital, Heraklion, which I found charming despite locals suggesting other parts of Crete might be more interesting. The town’s cafés and restaurants open early and close late, creating a lively vibe. There are also plenty of shops for clothing, jewelry, and more.

‍

Knossos

Knossos was Crete’s most important city during the Minoan civilization, and I’d been eager to visit it since arriving in Greece. We traveled there by bus for just €2.

At Knossos, we toured the Palace of Knossos, home to Europe’s oldest civilization. Discovered in 1900, the palace is said to house the labyrinth of the mythical Minotaur.

Tickets cost €15 and are sold at timed intervals. Guided tours are also available, lasting 2–4 hours depending on how detailed you want to be.

The site is controversial because the archaeologist who discovered it reconstructed many parts with concrete. Some artifacts have also been painted as replicas of what they imagined they once looked like. While this can feel disappointing, I believe the archaeologist’s work has given us a glimpse into the Minoan world that we wouldn’t otherwise have. Walking where people did in 2000 BC is awe-inspiring.

‍

Santorini

Finally, it was time to visit Santorini, a dream destination in Greece. We traveled by ferry from Crete for about €100, with the journey lasting two hours.

We rented a car for €200 for three days, which was one of our best decisions. It allowed us to quickly reach our Airbnb in Karterados (€70 per night) and explore the island at our own pace. The rental agency also provided free taxi services for luggage and transfers to the airport when we left.

In Fira, a town in Santorini, I learned about the island’s fame for donkeys. They’re featured on magnets, mugs, and even in real life. You can spot them in Fira, climbing and descending the stairs.

We also visited Oia, the most famous town in Santorini, known for its whitewashed houses and stunning views. The town is adorned with cacti, flowers, and succulents.

On our second day, we visited Red Beach, a unique spot with red sand and crystal-clear waters. Seeing this landscape moved me to tears—it’s breathtaking, even if photos can’t fully capture its beauty. We also went to Perissa Beach, where we enjoyed a Greek dinner with a fire show at Dodo’s restaurant. Afterward, we smashed plates in the street and danced on them, capping off an unforgettable night.

‍

Remember, you can follow more of my travels and adventures on my travel YouTube channel, beauty channel, and Instagram account.