Greece
A Guide to Athens, Crete, and Santorini
Greece is a destination that has long been on our bucket list, and we recently had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful country. Our journey took us through Athens, Crete, and Santorini, and we were blown away by the stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Here's a comprehensive guide to our trip, including the best places to eat, stay, and things to do in each location.
ATHENS
We started our Greek adventure in Athens, the capital city and the birthplace of democracy. The city is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern life, and there's plenty to explore. The most iconic attraction in Athens is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking views of the city. We highly recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum as well, which houses artifacts from the Acropolis and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
DIPORTO
A cozy and historic taverna in Athens that serves up delicious and authentic Greek cuisine. Their classic dishes and warm atmosphere make it a must-visit for any foodie exploring the city.
As for accommodations, we stayed at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a luxurious 5-star hotel with a rooftop restaurant that offers a stunning view of the Acropolis. The hotel was originally built in 1842 as a private mansion for a wealthy Greek family, and has since been transformed into one of the most iconic and prestigious hotels in Athens.
CRETE
Our next stop was Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. Crete is known for its rugged mountains, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. We highly recommend visiting the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island, where you can discover the ruins of the Minoan civilization.
For food, Crete is a gastronomic paradise, and we had some of the best meals of our trip here. We highly recommend Ta Chalkina, a hidden gem in Chania with exceptional seafood dishes. For dessert, don't miss out on trying the traditional Cretan sweet pastry called kalitsounia. As for lodging, we stayed at Domes Zeen Chania, a chic resort with stunning sea views and a private beach.
SANTORINI
Last but not least, Santorini is a must-visit destination with its iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches. We suggest visiting Oia, a picturesque village that offers stunning sunset views. For an immersive experience, take a sailing tour around the island, where you can swim in hot springs and explore hidden beaches.
BLUE DOMES
The iconic blue roofs of Santorini are a stunning and recognizable feature of the island's traditional architecture.
For dining, Santorini offers some of the best food in Greece. We recommend Selene, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Greek cuisine. For drinks, head to Franco's Bar in Fira, where you can enjoy a cocktail with a view of the caldera. As for lodging, we stayed at Canaves Oia, a luxurious hotel with a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.
In conclusion, Greece is a destination that's worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. From the rich history and culture to the delicious cuisine and breathtaking scenery, we couldn't get enough of this beautiful country. We hope our guide to Athens, Crete, and Santorini helps inspire your own Greek adventure.
