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.