Maybe it’s just something that I latch onto when I hear it in passing or I hyper focus on anything related to my country of origin – but it seems that so many people I know dream of visiting Greece. Having visited Greece more times than I can honestly remember (to visit family mostly) I’ve decided to mention a few fun things to do when visiting Greece, where to eat, what to eat, and what islands I think are worth your time and money.
Athens
Where to stay:
Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel: This was by far probably my favorite hotel we stayed at on our two week Europe trip. The staff was so helpful, the rooms were clean, everything was accessible within walking distance, and the view we enjoyed while having our (included) breakfast made it so special.
Melia Athens Hotel: We visited Greece in the summer so it was insanely hot. A pool is definitely a plus – so although I try to recommend spending much time in Omonoia when I visit Athens this hotel that offered a pool was located there SO we weighed our options and went with it. We just made sure we were back at the hotel before it was dark. I’m not sure if it is still this way but in years past certain areas of Greece are a bit rough at night. Omonoia being one of them – so if you do choose to explore just keep your wits about you.
Holiday Day inn Athens Attica: If you have a late flight or very early like we did – I recommend this hotel! Close to the airport and very clean. I was pleasantly surprised.
*OR – whenever I visit Athens I usually stay in Corinth or Vrachati (This being because its where my family lives) Its a super chill atmosphere great beaches, if you’re looking to relax more and just visit Athens for a day to see the sites I recommend staying here and taking the train in for a day.
Transportation: So, I can’t remember if Greece doesn’t have Uber or if I just avoid using it for the high cost, but either way I don’t recommend it. You can get to the city center from the airport by bus, inexpensive but lengthy. To get around i recommend train or taxi. Taxi drivers may try to rip you off though just a heads up and the train can be a bit dicey. So choose the lesser evil in your own eyes.
What to do/see:
Zeus temple
Acropolis museum : A great spot to breakaway from a hot day and explore the culture and history
Glyfada beach: A nice beach near Athens – I didn’t know I could find one that wasn’t overrun with tourists!
Acropolis/Parthenon: Because I assume this is your main reason for visiting Athens, if I’m wrong please let me know
Ancient Agora
Stadium
Prison of Socrates
Filopappou Hill : Great for the sunset!
Plaka
Mount Lycabettus
Roman Forum
Where to eat/drink:
Fast Eats:
Kostas or Street Souvlaki: These are two great options for a quick gyros or souvlaki located in the center of Athens near the Acropolis museum.
Volvi Souvlaki: I can’t say I recommend the location but the food was good so… shrug; definitely a takeaway place
Dine In:
Manh Manh: This was an incredible and beautiful restaurant, the food was so delicious and was like a five star meal for an affordable price, I can’t recommend it enough. We had saganaki and a greek salad, a few apps and some lamb.
O Thanasseus: This place was also very delicious I would recommend it after a few drinks it would really hit the spot.
I feel Brunch: It took quite a bit of time to get our food here because it was really busy but the food was good!
The Traditional: Another place great for lunch or dinner, we ordered so much food and once again it was quite affordable.
Loukamades: A tasty spot for dessert or a mid-afternoon pick me up snack
DRINKS!
Clumsies: HIGHLY recommend for a drink! Wow the cocktails were sooo good. I wish I could go back!
Baba au Rum
The Speakeasy Athens
MS Rooftop Garden: Go for a coffee or cocktail with a view!
Santorini
Things to Do:
Kamari Beach – a black sand beach, I recommend bringing swimming shoes to all beaches in Greece. Alot of them are rock beaches and I have sensitive feet.
Oia – Beautiful views and sunsets
Thera
Red Beach
Ride a Donkey – Yes, I’ve done it in the past- do I agree with it? No. I just find it cruel especially because tourists just seem to be getting bigger and its more strenuous on the poor things. They do have a cable car you can use to get down (I’m not sure about up) but I recommend using that. Go see the donkeys, maybe give the poor things some water – but don’t ride them.
Just walk around! – Personally I find Santorini beautiful and relaxing, if you want to go clubbing or partying, lay on the beach and relax – it’s all doable. The white houses are so pretty, I just liked walking around and site-seeing.
What to Eat:
Aktaion Restaurant: Delicious, traditional Greek food.
Why Not! Souvlaki : This is a on-the-go place, I had a gyros that was soooo good.
Galini : Probably our favorite spot we ate at in Santorini, highly recommend.
Mykonos
Things to do:
Visit the windmills
Beach clubs
Myokonos Brewing Company
Sooooo many gorgeous beaches! – so when I have visited Mykonos I found some of the most crystal clear water I have ever seen. If you’re just looking to spend a vacation on the beach, this is your spot.
Little Venice
Where to Eat:
Thea: located right on the beach with a great view and tasty food!
Nice n Easy: Great food and the most insane view imaginable, go!!!
Rizes
Sakis Grill House
Kostantis
Other spots in Greece you could visit:
Paros – I haven’t visited here in years but I remember it being cool
Aegana – If youre only in Athens for a short period of time, this island is the closest by ferry
Corinth
Corfu
Crete
*** There are a bunch more, these are just islands I have visited plus one I want to
****** Greeks run on Greek time, basically everything in Greece does, so be flexible with your time. Your bus will show up late, the train may never come, restaurants and shops may say they’re open but not be. Just something to keep in mind.
Runaway Blond 