I was privileged to be invited by my amazing travel partner – Eclectic Greece – to visit Greece and spend nine incredible days visiting Mykonos, Athens, Naxos and Santorini. I soaked up every second of the uniquely Greek culture while enjoying beautiful ocean views, exquisite dining and quite a bit of locally made wine. Greece is everything you would imagine – and more. Opa!
Athens
More than just being one of the most historically significant cities in the world, Athens offers something for everyone. The Acropolis stands as the city’s natural city center and the Parthenon is perched above, reminding everyone of Athens’ role in the development of Western civilization. The city is undergoing a bit of cultural rebirth, and The New Acropolis Museum, the Onassis Cultural Center and the New Benaki Museum are all relatively new to the scene. Athens’ restaurant scene has also evolved with a younger and more globally focused generation of chefs, making Athens a legit destination for foodies. Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene – posh clubs, exclusive bars, and the bouzoukiaa around Peiraios street and the bars in Fzi and Monastiraki.
ATW Suggests:
A half or full day tour of the major historical sites with a private guide is a must for first time visitors to Athens
Take a cooking class with one of Athens’ top chefs and learn the secrets of Greek cuisine all in view of the inspiring Parthenon
Experience the nightlife during a guided bar/nightlife tour
Take a food tour to experience the best of traditional Greek food
Where to Stay?
The Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace is a total game changer to the Athens hotel scene. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the Athens city center, the Four Seasons Astir Palace is a resort destination of its own. If you opt for this magnificent hotel, be sure to book a room with a view and add in at least one additional night to your stay in Athens. You will want at least one full day to stay on property, perhaps perched in one of their lovely cabanas or swimming off their beach.
If being smack in the middle of the city is more your speed, there is the Hotel Grand Bretagne, Hotel Electra Metropolis and King George. AWT can help you find the best fit for YOU.
Mykonos
Taking advantage of the direct flight from London, we started our trip in Mykonos. This island is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. Known as the Windy Island, Mykonos’ characteristic architecture, its beautiful beaches and its famous windmills have long attracted travelers seeking a quintessential Greek island experience.
It can’t go without mention that Mykonos is known for its nightlife. Just make sure you are up the next day in time to make it to the beach!
AWT Suggests:
Take a day trip guided tour of Delos
Charter a yacht for a day to explore the beautiful beaches
Spend some time strolling along Matogianna Street and indulging in some world class shopping
Eat dinner at Katrin’s – a traditional and hugely popular restaurant
Where to stay?
Bill and Coo Mykonos is a perfect spot to enjoy the Cycladic sun while enjoying spectacular view. And with its proximity to Mykonos town, you can easily pop over to enjoy some of Mykonos’ incredible restaurants and shops, have a cocktail while watching the sunset from Little Venice or experience some of Mykonos’ legendary nightlife. Of course, AWT can get you added perks like upgrades, daily breakfast (their breakfast is incredible – an event really) and $100 spa credit.
There is also Santa Marina, Mykonos Blu, Cava Tagoo, Mykonos Riviera, and Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort. AWT will help you find the best fit for YOU.
Santorini
Perhaps the most photographed island in Greece, Santorini is known for its absolutely breathtaking views. Everything on this unique island seems to be perched cliffside – including its boutique hotels and restaurants. While Mykonos is all about its beach clubs, Santorini is all about the views.
It is posed by many that Santorini is the inspiration for Homer’s lost civilization of Atlantis. While we have no way of knowing if this is, in fact true, one visit too Santorini will have you leaning solidly in the “yes” category.
AWT Suggests:
Charter a private catamaran for the day and make sure to stop at Armeni for lunch to enjoy whatever fresh catch the chef is serving that day!
Hike the caldera (with a guide or on your own). Make sure to bring plenty of water.
Find out the time for sunset, and grab a cocktail and a perch with views of the caldera. Then just sit back and watch as nature unfolds its beautiful show.
Visit one of the many wineries, and get a first-hand experience of how the volcanic soil produces some of the best wines in all of Greece.
Where to stay?
My home for our stay was Andronis Boutique Hotel, an authentically Santorini, luxury hotel with stone-lined accommodations, private plunge pools and excellent service. The larger, cave-like suites are very private and designed to capture the best sea views. Just magical!
Other fabulous hotels include: Canaves Oia Hotel, Canaves Oia Epitome, Andronis Concept (especially for the wellness minded travelers). AWT can help you pick the one for you!
Naxos
If you are looking for something a bit off the commonly beaten path, take a look at Naxos – the Cyclades’ largest island. Naxos has an arresting landscape of gorges, caves, basins and plateaus encircled by 91km of pristine coastline. The island boasts beautiful old churches and Venetian castles that co-exist in harmony with the traditional Cycladic cubic houses. And the Naxian beaches are some of the best in all of Greece.
AWT Suggests:
Make sure to visit some of the many little villages in Naxos. In particular, stop by Halki village, the old capitol of Naxos and be sure to visit the historic “Kitron” distillery for a nip of this traditional yellow liquor.
Indulge in the island’s local products. Make sure to pick up some locally pressed olive oil to bring home as a souvenir.
If off the beaten path is your preferred style, consider pairing Naxos with Paros.
Where to Stay?
The Naxian Collection Luxury Suites & Villas is a fabulous base in Naxos. Designed to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings, the resorts welcomes you with its soothing white and earth-tone colors. With a small lobby, community dining area and cozy bar/sitting area, this is a hotel where you will truly feel at home.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Greece? Reach out to AWT and we can help you create the perfect trip for you!