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Athens & The Greek Islands – Greece

“To travel is to live.”
– Hans Christian Anderson

Parthenon, Athens, Greece
The Parthenon, Athens, Greece

Athens is Europe’s oldest capital. This popular Greek city is filled with ancient art, culture and history. If you have time during your trip to Greece, plan on spending a few days on one of the picturesque Greek Islands. Our favorites are Santorini and Mykonos.

Fun Athens Attractions

Explore the Acropolis and world-famous Parthenon temple (pictured above). Visit Athens Acropolis Museum, Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Constitution Square. See Panathenaic Stadium, the world’s only stadium constructed entirely from white marble. Tour the Plaka’s picturesque streets and historic landmarks. Visit the ancient sites of Olympia and Delphi.

Book Athens Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do

Book a Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Athens. Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with free WiFi to see the city’s top attractions, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Constitution Square and Panathenaic Stadium. Visit the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus. Explore the Acropolis and the world-famous Parthenon Temple. Book Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum.  Take a fun Guided Day Trip to the archeological site of Delphi. 

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Greek Islands – Fun Santorini and Mykonos Attractions

Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most popular Greek islands, each with its unique charm and appeal. They offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, ancient ruins, or vibrant nightlife, these two destinations have something for everyone.

Here are the highlights of Santorini and Mykonos.

Santorini Greek Islands
Santorini, Greek Islands
Santorini, Greek Islands
Santorini, Greek Islands

Santorini

Santorini is the southernmost island in the Cyclades, located approximately halfway between Athens and Crete. The volcanic island is one of the most beautiful and romantic of the Greek Islands (and our personal favorite). Santorini is renowned for its towering landscape of white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, nestled into the cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean.

Visit Santorini’s volcanic red and black sand beaches, offering stunning contrasts to the deep blue ocean. Ride a donkey from the old port up to Fira (or take the cable car for a faster route). The fun donkey ride was one of the highlights during our visit. Tour the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, an ancient city that dates back to the 9th century BC. It’s located on top of a mountain, between the two famous beaches of Persia and Kamari, and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding area. The site is well-preserved and includes ancient ruins, temples, churches, baths, and theaters. Feeling adventurous? Go scuba-diving over volcanic rock formations or enjoy kayaking out past the historic Akrotiri lighthouse. 

Stroll along the island’s narrow village cobblestone streets and admire breathtaking views. Head over to Oia, one of the most picturesque villages on the island, for fun shopping and to see Santorini’s spectacular sunset. It’s the most popular place on the island to watch the sun go down.

Mykonos

Mykonos is known for its fun party atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. The island is filled with beach bars, stunning oceanfront restaurants and hot nightclubs. It’s also home to fabulous beaches, trendy shopping and fun water sports. One of the highlights of Mykonos are their iconic windmills which were built in the 16th century. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction and offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area.

Be sure to visit Little Venice, a picturesque neighborhood located in the heart of Mykonos. It’s a popular spot for waterfront dining and watching the sunset. We enjoyed an amazing meal at a restaurant nestled right at the water’s edge. Truly an unforgettable dining experience!

If you have time, take a ferry or a guided boat tour to Delos Island, located just off the coast of Mykonos. It’s considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The island is home to ancient ruins, temples, and theaters.

Classic Greek Cuisine

During our honeymoon, we were addicted to the islands’ traditional Greek Salads. Today, it’s still one of our all-time favorites. Other popular must-try Greek foods include moussaka, spanakopita, fresh fish and calamari, olives, feta cheese, hummus, tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic), taramasalata (fish roe dip), eggplant dip, stuffed grape leaves, and melt-in-your-mouth baklava (honey, flaky filo pastry and ground nuts). Take a fun Cooking Class and whip up a delicious local recipe using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Mykonos, Greek Islands
Mykonos, Greek Islands

Book Santorini and Mykonos Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips

Santorini Tours

Book a Santorini Full-Day Sightseeing Tour. Explore the villages, visit the Red Beach and enjoy swimming at the black sand Perissa Beach. See panoramic views and take pics from the island’s highest point at Prophet Elias Monastery. Tour ends with a spectacular sunset at Oia, Santorini’s most popular place to watch the sun go down. Take a fun daytime or sunset Santorini Catamaran Cruise. Enjoy snorkeling along the way. Tour includes a delicious Greek buffet and drinks. Book an adventurous Volcano & Hot Springs Tour. Visit two uninhabited isles, accessible only by boat. 

Santorini Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do

Mykonos Tours

Book a Cooking Class or Wine-Tasting Tour in Mykonos. Take a 2 1/2 hour ferry ride from Santorini and explore Mykonos for the day. Cruise to the uninhabited islands of Rhenia and Delos and enjoy snorkeling and swimming on secluded pristine beaches.

Mykonos Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do

Book Your Athens or Greek Islands Vacation

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The Best Time To Visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece is during the Spring and early Summer (mid-April to mid-June) or Fall (September to mid-October) when temperatures are mild. Summers (peak tourist season) are very hot and crowded.