Travel Guide Round Ups: Greece
(Mykonos, Santorini + Athens)
+ Amy’s Generic Dreams trip write up to help you plan your trip and what to do + see when you are there!
This includes all the airlines I flew, hotels I stayed at + things I did, recommend or NOT recommend.
When: We went early September (right after Labor Day) and crowds were diminished but not dead. In late September/October is when the season is pretty much over.
+ Ideal times to visit, for milder weather, prices + crowds: April-June and September-early October. High season = CROWDS and higher prices
Route:
Flew straight into Athens and got on a connecting flight to Mykonos → Ferry to Santorini → Flight back to Athens → Home
Airlines used: Air Canada & Brussels Air for international and Aegean Airlines for the domestic flights
Ferry company: Hellenic Seaways I recommend booking as soon as the websites allow
Hotels:
+Mykonos: Hotel Palladium
+Santorini: Homeric Poems
+ Athens: Athens New Hotel
Notable Restaurants:
+ Mykonos: Arte-Italiana
+ Santorini: Skaros Fish Restaurant
Sights/Things to do:
+ Mykonos:
• Beaches: Paradise Beach is a party beach with Cavo Paradiso dance club. A quieter beach is Platis Gialos but you may catch more celebrities here!
• Little Venice: a must do! Grab a restaurant here during the day for the picturesque views
• The windmills (Kato Myli): Great for picture taking and a quick sight
• Delos island: take a day trip to Delos island (catch one of the ferries by the new port)
+Santorini/Thira:
• Sailing in Santorini:
We went for the semi-private day cruise (instead of sunset) which was 135euros per person BUT we got a discount for 90euros per person for online bookings! This discounted rate included: Transfers from your hotel to the marina and back + snorkeling equipment as well as lunch.
// Lunch = unlimited soft beverages, water, wines from the local wineries, Greek barbeque with fresh meat and seafood, Greek salads, breads & dips.
• Cable car in Fira: the breathtaking cable-car ride down to the old port. The cable car soars off the edge of the volcano and floats down 300 metres, past extraordinary solidified lava flows and rock formations.
• Kamari: Black pebble beach
• Wineries: white wine is especially popular (a few are near Kamari beach)
+Athens
•The RUINS of course:
We used a private tour guide
// His name is Nick and his email: taxiservicenick AT gmail.com
•Tour Fees:
Acropolis (Parthenon)
12 Euro for Acropolis, Zeus Temple, Toman and Ancien Greek Agora
The Temple of Zeus
12 Euro ( $16.05 USD)
The First Modern Olympic Stadium
3 Euro ($4.01 USD)
The Change of the President’s Guards
Free
Roman and Ancient Greek Agora
12 Euro for Acropolis, Zeus Temple, Toman and Ancien Greek Agora
Plaka(the old town)
Free
Lycabetus Hill
Free (hill view)
New Akropolis museum
5 Euro ($6.69)
The National Archeological Museum
7 Euro ($9.36)
Money: I didn’t exchange any money before hand and opted to use the ATMs at the airport and in Mykonos. Alphabank didn’t charge me an ATM fee either! I prefer to use my credit card as much as possible (get one with 0% foreign transaction fees) since it is safer + used cash for small items, purchases when I bargained + tipping.
Safety:Greece is generally a safe destination for the typical traveler. Most people on these islands and around Athens are used to tourists (which is keeping their economy alive) but do be careful wandering around in Athens at night and stay in well-lit areas. As in ANY big city, watch your bags + valuables for pick pocketing.
Random Advice, Tips & Tricks:
+ When arriving for the ferry to another island, you will leave your baggage below deck with everybody else’s and then directed upstairs to your seat (bring a book or be prepared to sleep). There’s also picture taking opportunities out on the deck.
+ At most dining establishments and hotels – tipping is welcome and almost needed
+ Get to the beaches early to get your beach chairs or good luck later
+Delos Island: Wake up bright & early to catch the first or second ferry and take the first one back. Helpful to have a guide
+Sunscreen + bottled water is a must
+ It is strictly forbidden to take photos of military installations or other strategic locations so take caution of any signs that prohibit it
+Go watch the Changing of the Guard in Athens (worth a few good snapshots)
+Bring a light jacket or sweater for nights – especially in Mykonos.
Source by Amy Truong