Greece – My experience 

 

As the saying goes, time stops around the corner in Greece. It seems to have preserved its ageless elegance since the glorious days of Greek mythologies. Henry Miller said, “It takes a lifetime for someone to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” 

 

For me, Greece is one of the best places I have ever visited!

 

The question that’s most frequently raised is how to travel between the Greek islands. Here are a few travel tips to help you out. In case you’re wondering about international flights, there’s a provision for that. International flights take you to some of the main Greek islands. 

 

From there, you can opt for local flights to fly to most of the other islands from the mainland. Some noteworthy airlines include Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.

 

The obvious next question that arises is, if not flights, what are the other travel options? Well, this is what you have on the plate. You can either hire a private yacht or a tour boat or otherwise take the ferries. you can also use a helicopter to travel between the islands. As it happens to be, the ferries are a more economically viable option than inter-island flights. You can hire a car and take as much luggage as you want while you travel via the ferry. 

 

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, you can have a taste of a premium cruise on a hired yacht. Go from one island to another with a touch of the exclusive. If you want to try out the luxury of a cruise without spending an overt amount of money, you can talk with the tour companies. The travel offers are usually something to the effect of island hopping or day tours. 

 

Athens

The attractions offered by Athens are several. The city’s a gold mine of history. You’ll be awestruck by the ancient structures, breathtaking museums, and astounding Byzantine churches. Tourists don’t usually frequent Athens during spring or winter, but the place is a little overwhelmed with tourists during summer. Let us now dive into some of the major sights in Athens. 

 

We must begin with The Acropolis cradling the enchanting Parthenon temple perched on top of a steep rock. While at The Acropolis, look out for the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, the Erechtheion, and the Porch of Caryatids. Your next stop has to be the Acropolis Museum. 

 

Don’t forget to check out the National Archaeology Museum, Greece’s largest archaeological museum. They have carefully prepared their collections from their well-curated findings such as the Prehistoric Collection, the Vase, Decorative Objects Collection, etc. 

 

Experience Greece at its finest in the Pláka and the Anafiotika Neighborhoods. If you want to see history mingled with aesthetics, this is just the place for you. Peaceful and pretty, the bougainvillaea adorned quaint pastel-painted houses, restaurants and shops will keep you hooked. You can’t afford to miss out on the Roman Agora and the Library of Hadrian when in this area. 

 

The Ancient Agora or the ruin of the marketplace will take you down the pages of history. The primary attractions here are the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. You must also take a tour of the Museum of Cycladic Art. 

 

Keep some time for a stop at the largest temple in ancient Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You’ll also find the Roman baths here. After having stopped for this, your next must-see is the Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium. 

 

You also cannot afford to miss out on the Byzantine Museum in all its glory. You’ll be awestruck by more than 25,000 artefacts on display from the Byzantine period. The charm of the Byzantine churches, as well as the early Christian basilicas, will sweep you off your feet. 

 

Next up is the Monastiraki & the Flea Market. A shopper’s paradise, these streets are packed with shops selling everything from jewellery to trinkets to other curios. This place also has a large number of restaurants. In addition to this, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church. 

 

The Tomb of Unknown Soldiers is a monument constructed for honouring the anonymous soldiers who gave up their lives for the country. Every day at 11 am, the Changing of the Guards is observed here, which is also a tourist attraction. 

 

Some of the other places you can visit are the Church of the Holy Apostles and the National Gardens and the Zappeion. If you want to experience nightlife in Athens, head straight to the Mnisikleous Street Stairs. Several restaurants are spread all over these stairs. If you’re simply looking to chill someplace, this is your calling. 

 

Here are a few tips about traditional Greek foods you must try in Athens: 

• Tzatziki from O Thanasis or Strofi 
• Souvlaki or Kalamaki from Kalamakia O Elvis or Kostas 
• Gyro from All That Jatz or Gyros Pou Gyrevis
• Dolmathakia from Ydria
• Spanakopita from Ariston Bakery

 

To end with the words of Shelley, “…And like the sunrise from the sea, Athens arose!” The beauty of Athens is quite unparalleled.

 

Mykonos

Mykonos takes pride in being one of the most gorgeous islands in Greece. You’re going to be amazed by the breathtaking beaches, the dazzling blue waters, and the perfection of the architecture. It is often called the “gem of the Aegean Sea,” and there’s no exaggeration there. 

 

If you’re looking to bask in the natural beauty of Mykonos, Little Venice Mykonos will tug at your heartstrings. The glorious architecture will make you want to spend hours in its artistic cafes and restaurants offering exotic views of Alexandra Beach. 

 

You can then visit the Kato Mill or the “lower windmills” in the town named Chora. If you want to see how technology used to get amalgamated with nature, don’t forget to stop by. Brace yourself for the ethereal charms offered by the Island of Delos. Coming straight from the Greek legends, this is thought to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. 

 

For a day at the beach, you can head to Platys Gialos Beach. It is a family-friendly beach lined with great Greek and Italian restaurants. You can later treat your taste buds to the delectable cuisines from these restaurants. 

 

If you want to see the architecture of Mykonos at its best, you need to stop by Panagia Paraportiani. The architecture is almost one of a kind and has an added advantage of a breathtaking view. Apart from this, you must also visit the monastery at Ano Mera. 

 

In case you’re craving more time at the beach, keep some time in hand for the enchanting beauty of Elia Beach as well as Paradise Beach. Here’s something a little unconventional you can try at Mykonos. You can visit the Rarity Gallery. If you appreciate art, you need to check out the contemporary art available at the Rarity Gallery, which is acknowledged worldwide. 

 

If you’re looking to shop, Matoyianni Street awaits you. The picturesque street will amaze you beyond limits with the added pleasure of shopping. You will be spoilt for choice with a variety of accessories, jewellery, handmade sandals, and so much more. 

Here’s a tip about the must-try traditional foods in Mykonos: 

• Kopanisti
• Ksinotiri
• Louza
• Amygdalota
• Soumada
• Mostra
• Kalathaki 
• Melopita 

Santorini

It seems like nature blessed Santorini generously with its astounding views. Paired with the impeccable grace of the whitewashed cubic houses, curving lanes, and the blue domes of the churches, Santorini is perfect. You should start your travel by visiting Firá, the capital of Santorini. You can enjoy the scenic beauties of the place thoroughly here. 

 

Want to bask in the sheer beauty of the world-acclaimed sunsets of Santorini? Oia is waiting to give it all to you. It is quite photogenic, and the chic boutique hotels only enhance the charm of the place. 

 

Going back in history, you can’t miss out on the Caldera. Born out of a volcanic explosion 3600 years ago, it is now a sea-cradling volcanic crater. You might enjoy a bath in the hot springs in this area. 

 

Akrotiri, a primordial Minoan settlement, had been buried because of the same volcanic explosion that formed the Caldera. The Akrotíri Archaeological Site is a very well preserved site where you can check out the artefacts. However, it doesn’t end there. 

 

Your mind will be blown by the beauty of the Red Beach. The famous Red Beach flows just under the awe-inspiring beauty of the gorgeous Red Cliff Wall. Having stopped here, you need to check out the Ancient Thira. You’ll be swayed by the historical and regal ruins of the Hellenistic temples and even the foundational remains of the Roman and early Byzantine empires. 

 

If you like visiting museums, you will love to travel to Firá to see the Archaeological Museum. They have carefully curated artefacts from Roman, Byzantine, Hellenistic, and Dorian periods. It doesn’t end here because you have next, the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. It hosts one of the major tourist attractions, the Blue Monkeys Wall Fresco. 

 

Have a day of just casual strolling and relaxation at Pyrgos, the former capital of Santorini. The Cycladic cottages and medieval hilltop castle will amuse you. Presently, it’s home to several elegant restaurants and boutique hotels. Last but definitely not least, enjoy a day of solitude in the calm of Profitis Ilias Monastery, the highest point of Santorini. You can get the best views of the island and the sea from here.  

Here are a few tips about the traditional cuisines you need to try at Santorini: 

• Fava me Koukia
• Saganaki
• Tomato Gefthedes
• Roasted Greek lamb
• Keftes/Kofta
• Moussaka – My favourite one
• Spanakopita 

So, pack your bags and get set for a marvellous vacation in Greece! 

I will definitely come back to visit more places next time.