Athens and Island hopping in Greece

Why Here

August 2018 to celebrate a friend's friend's birthday

Getting there

ORD to ATH with a stopover in Copenhagen. Taxi for 2, about 30 minutes.

Money Exchange

Euros at the hotel in Athens

Visa

Not required for US citizens 

Member of EU and Schengen Area

Hotels

On our first day and night in Athens, we stayed at Grecotel Pallas Athena- an uber-chic modern hotel centrally located in the urban brush of the city during the day but heavily sketch surroundings at night. Our room was adorned with Japanese anime on the walls, and the lobby has modern art scattered throughout.

On our last day and night, we stayed at the Perianth Hotel- an industrial art deco design with amazing terrace views of the acropolis. In a very hip area, lined by pedestrian-only streets filled with restaurants and the likes. In contrast to the first hotel, we felt very safe walking around and exploring the area at night

What to do

Visit the Presidential palace to catch the popular changing of the guards, at the tomb of the unknown soldier. 

I only learned about this impressive performance on the same day. Similar to the more famous London version in its professionalism and execution but very different in costuming (think poofy ball on shoes). This occurs every day at 11am and is much more spectacular on Sundays supposedly. After this, we had lunch and explored the Monastiraki Market searching for cool cheap antiques. 

"Dinner in the Sky," which is a cool concept "restaurant" in a few select cities around the world. It is essentially a large platform that houses a mobile kitchen in the middle with a table with chairs encircling it. Your chair is more like a bucket seat in a formula 51 car to which you are buckled in tightly. After instructions and briefing, the entire platform is hoisted about 150 feet into the air, where you enjoy your food, drinks, chef, music, and the city for about 2 hours. I must say that going into it, I thought this would be an extraordinary excursion, and I was not disappointed. Even despite my fear of heights, I had an amazing time. Definitely book in advance and don't bring or wear anything that you wouldn't mind falling "off the table."

Through Viator, we got advanced tickets for a half day bus tour of Athens. This tour picked up from most major hotels, but not ours since the streets outside our hotel were pedestrian-only. 

We walked about 5-10 minutes to the nearest hotel and started our tour. The tour went around the city center for about an hour, pointing out major landmarks and sites. Then we ended at the Acropolis, where we spent the bulk of our time walking the grounds listening to our tour guide. Of course, most of the time was spent at the Parthenon. 

Even though the bus was air-conditioned, once we exited, we found that it was a scorching day, so hot that our tour guide almost passed out, so make sure you dress accordingly and stay hydrated if you go during the summer.

Mykonos

Getting there

Taxi to Piraeus, which is a large dock for boats and ferries. I recommend getting tickets in advance online so you can just pick them up at will call on arrival with ease. We took Seajets ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos, general seating; 2h40m. On arrival to Mykonos, several taxis are waiting to pick you up upon arrival. Taxi to our hotel, approximately 15 minutes.

Hotel

San Marco Hotel- located in a seemingly secluded area across from the sea, about 15 minutes from the city center. Pretty expansive grounds, so if you can't or prefer not to walk a long way, you should request a room closer to the main area. Great pool, perfect for cooling off or just people watching. 

What to do

Head to the city center and just explore the many winding streets. 

Use the windmills as a destination as this will give you ample time to explore the countless stores and Cycladic white-washed architecture along the way. Check out 'Little Venice' at night if you are looking for a club or lounge to hang out in. This area is extremely gay friendly. 

Santorini

Getting there

Ferry to City: Minoan Lines from Mykonos to Santorini. VIP table for 2 (about 55 euros more for the VIP area, which included a private level with cash bar); 2h40min. Taxi from the ferry to the hotel. Again, plenty of taxis are waiting to pick up. The ferries dock at the base of the caldera and to reach the main cities it requires a winding ride up the side of the cliff along narrow 2 lane roads, so if you are fearful of heights, you might want to close your eyes for this part of the journey which takes about 10 minutes. 

Hotel

Chic Hotel in Firostefani, which is on the caldera cliffside. This a tiny hotel, probably 8-10 rooms max. The rooms are like whitewashed caves with balconies or adjoining outdoor space. Mostly all with amazing views of the sea, New Volcano and Thirassia Island. 

There is a small shared pool for the hotel, and one presumably suite above our room had its own private pool, which would be ideal for those on a romantic vacation.

The hotel is about a 10-minute walk to Fira Square, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. 

What to Do

Kamari is a city on the southeast side of the island with beautiful black sand beaches. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, water sports (we went parasailing), or dining. You can also stay here if you prefer to have the beach as your home base, but personally, I preferred the liveliness of the caldera and the amazing views.

Santos Wines. There are a few options when it comes to wineries, but this is the largest and probably the one with the best views. Have lunch, dinner, or just a wine tasting and send a few bottles or cases back home on your way out.

Walk around the whitewashed streets of Fira