Greece: Where Mythology Meets Mediterranean Magic

Greece offers an intoxicating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and a lifestyle built around simple pleasures—fresh food, warm hospitality, and the belief that life should be enjoyed slowly.

Understanding Greek Island Groups

Greece has approximately 6,000 islands (227 inhabited), organized into distinct groups:

Cyclades

The classic Greek islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos. Expect white-washed villages, blue domes, strong winds (meltemi), and excellent ferry connections.

Dodecanese

Eastern islands near Turkey: Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Symi. More Italian and Ottoman influence, longer history of tourism in Rhodes.

Ionian Islands

Western Greece: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos. Greener landscapes, Venetian architecture, calmer seas.

Saronic Islands

Near Athens: Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, Poros. Perfect for short trips, no cars on Hydra.

Sporades

Northeastern Aegean: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos. Pine forests meeting turquoise waters, Mamma Mia filming locations.

Crete

Greece's largest island deserves its own category—diverse enough for a dedicated two-week trip.

Best Time to Visit

• May-June: Perfect weather, wildflowers, before peak crowds
• September-October: Warm seas, harvest season, fewer tourists, lower prices
• July-August: Peak season, crowded and expensive, but maximum atmosphere
• April & November: Shoulder season gambling—could be glorious or rainy

Athens: More Than a Layover

Essential Sites

• Acropolis: Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds
• Acropolis Museum: Allow 2-3 hours for this world-class collection
• Ancient Agora: The civic heart of classical Athens
• National Archaeological Museum: One of the world's great antiquities collections

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

• Plaka: Touristy but charming, pedestrian streets below the Acropolis
• Anafiotika: Hidden village-like quarter with Cycladic-style houses
• Monastiraki: Flea market, street food, vibrant atmosphere
• Koukaki: Local feel, excellent restaurants, hip coffee shops
• Exarchia: Alternative culture, street art, edgy nightlife

Day Trips from Athens

• Delphi: Ancient oracle, dramatic mountain setting (2.5 hours)
• Cape Sounion: Temple of Poseidon at sunset (1 hour)
• Nafplio: Romantic Venetian town, first capital of modern Greece (2 hours)
• Hydra: Car-free island accessible by ferry (2 hours)

Santorini: Beyond the Instagram Shots

The Reality Check

Santorini is undeniably beautiful but also extremely crowded and expensive in peak season. If you go:

Maximizing the Experience

• Stay in Oia or Fira for iconic views, or Imerovigli for a quieter alternative
• Visit the caldera-view restaurants for sunset drinks, but eat dinner elsewhere (better value)
• Explore the less-visited villages: Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio
• Take a boat to the volcanic islands and hot springs
• Rent a car to discover black sand beaches and local wineries

Wine Tasting

Santorini's volcanic soil produces distinctive wines, especially Assyrtiko. Visits to Santo Wines, Venetsanos, and Sigalas offer tastings with caldera views.

Beyond Santorini: Other Cycladic Islands

Paros

More authentic than Mykonos, excellent windsurfing, charming villages (Naoussa, Lefkes), good ferry hub.

Naxos

The largest Cycladic island with the best beaches, mountain villages, ancient sites, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Milos

Volcanic landscapes, 70+ beaches (including the famous Sarakiniko moonscape), less developed than Santorini.

Folegandros

Dramatic cliffs, car-free Chora, romantic and remote feel.

Sifnos

Known for pottery and cuisine, excellent hiking trails, sophisticated but unpretentious.

Crete: A Country Within a Country

Highlights by Region

Western Crete (Chania)

• Chania's Venetian harbor and old town
• Balos and Elafonisi beaches (arrive early)
• Samaria Gorge (Europe's longest gorge hike)
• Apokoronas villages for authentic mountain life

Central Crete (Heraklion)

• Knossos Palace (Minoan civilization)
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Wine country around Archanes
• Lesser-visited Minoan sites: Phaistos, Gortyna

Eastern Crete (Lasithi)

• Spinalonga Island (former leper colony, excellent museum)
• Elounda area for luxury resorts
• Vai Palm Beach (Europe's largest natural palm forest)
• Sitia's relaxed atmosphere

Cretan Cuisine

Greek food peaks in Crete. Don't miss:

• Dakos (Cretan bruschetta with tomatoes and mizithra cheese)
• Kalitsounia (sweet or savory cheese pastries)
• Fresh-caught fish at seaside tavernas
• Raki (the local spirit, often complimentary after meals)

Island Hopping Logistics

Ferry Booking

• Ferryhopper and DirectFerries for online booking
• Book 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season
• High-speed ferries cost more but save significant time
• Blue Star Ferries and Seajets are reliable operators

Sample Island-Hopping Routes

Classic Cyclades (7-10 days)

Athens → Mykonos (2-3 nights) → Paros (2-3 nights) → Santorini (3 nights) → Athens (fly)

Alternative Cyclades (7-10 days)

Athens → Naxos (3 nights) → Milos (3 nights) → Folegandros (2 nights) → Santorini → Athens (fly)

Crete + Santorini (10-14 days)

Athens → Chania (3-4 nights) → Rethymno (2 nights) → Heraklion (2 nights) → Santorini (3 nights) → Athens (fly)

Greek Food Culture

Dining Timeline

Greeks eat late—lunch at 2-3 PM, dinner at 9-10 PM. Restaurants open early for tourists but fill with locals later.

What to Order

• Mezedes: Small plates to share—the Greek way to eat
• Horiatiki: Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta
• Grilled octopus: Often served with wine vinegar
• Moussaka: Eggplant and meat casserole with béchamel
• Fresh fish: Priced by the kilo, choose at the display
• Baklava: Layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey syrup

Taverna Etiquette

• Bread arrives automatically (small charge)
• Water is often tap (free) unless you request bottled
• Sharing is expected and encouraged
• Tipping: Round up or 5-10% for good service

Accommodation Tips

Types

• Boutique cave hotels: Santorini's specialty, carved into volcanic rock
• Family-run pensions: Budget-friendly, often include breakfast
• Villas: Best for groups, many with private pools
• Agritourism: Farm stays on Crete and larger islands

Booking Strategy

• Reserve 3-6 months ahead for peak season (especially Santorini)
• Shoulder seasons offer significant savings
• Many properties only show availability on their own websites, not booking platforms

Money-Saving Tips

• Ferry slow boats cost significantly less than high-speed
• Eat at tavernas away from main tourist streets
• Visit bakeries (fourno) for cheap, delicious breakfast
• Supermarket beach supplies vs. beach bar prices
• Many archaeological sites offer free admission on certain days

Final Thoughts

Greece invites you to slow down. The concept of "siga, siga" (slowly, slowly) isn't just a phrase—it's a lifestyle. Leave room in your itinerary for long lunches that stretch into sunset drinks, unexpected conversations with locals, and the simple pleasure of swimming in water so clear you can count the pebbles beneath you.

Ready to plan your Greek odyssey? Our Greece specialists can design an island-hopping itinerary that balances iconic moments with authentic discoveries.