×Greece Travel Secrets
Santorini, Naxos & Athens
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsSantorini, Naxos & Athens
Many people have realised that there is more to Greece than just Santorini and Mykonos. Naxos has become a perennial favourite with its excellent beaches, charming mountain villages, and thriving agricultural scene, and is a great combination with Santorini, with easy connections.
Santorini
Days 1–3 of 9 · 3 nightsSantorini is a bucket-list destination for most people, and for good reason. Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds them. The views truly are the stuff of legends, and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners. It can get a bit crazy when the cruise ships come in each day, so a room with a pool and terrace makes for a great escape for an afternoon siesta and sundowners. When you re-emerge for dinner, most of the tourists will have floated away! There are a surprising number of things to do on Santorini with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping, and some of the world's most iconic and photographed sunsets. There are even a lot of great things for kids, too!
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Oia & the sunset
Oia
World’s most iconic sunset on this cliffside village of astounding beauty. Narrow alleys wind their way through whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea, while the island’s caldera and the azure sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see, offer a dramatic backdrop to the scene. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with boutiques and cafes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Oia was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly hewn within the rock. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors, making for an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they've left this magical place.
Imerovigli
Highest village on caldera rim, 'Balcony to the Aegean.' 300 meters elevation; Skaros Rock volcanic promontory with castle ruins; Theoskepasti Church hiking destination. Skaros Rock hike 45 minutes round-trip from Agios Georgios chapel; proper shoes required; sunset quiet space.
Ammoudi Bay
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. It is a beautiful, tiny cove with crystalline waters and fishing boats lying in the sea. Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters.
Sunset
Under the red cliffs of Oia, in an idyllic cove that seems forgotten in time, Sunset tavern by Paraskevas serves some of the most tantalizing traditional dishes of Santorini. Right at the edge of Oia's old port, where the fishermen's caiques arrive early every morning with the day's catch is where you will indulge in the most famous lobster spaghetti (top secret recipe) of the Cyclades while gazing at the ever-reaching sea and the breath-taking sunset.Scrumptious appetizers, dishes that embody the true spirit of Santorini made with ingredients from its auspicious land and a wine list that features the finest local labels create a memorable gastronmic experience.
Lauda
Santorinian tradition meets international culinary trends in this award-winning restaurant in a spectacular setting atop the caldera. Cuisine with finesse, precision and impeccable technique. Very good service, impressive wine list. Among its best dishes, the Greek Gamberoni shrimp marinated in soy and cactus, the Scorpion Fish, scorpion biscuit, stonefish foam, and the Iberian pork with dauphinoise potatoes.
SantoriniDay 2
Akrotiri, Red Beach & the vineyards
Ancient Akrotiri
Close by picturesque village Akrotiri, you can visit one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, a Prehistoric settlement that was discovered buried under the ashes of the volcano. It was first inhabited in the Late Neolithic Period and prospered during the Bronze Age. Its architecture shares many common elements with that of the Minoan cities. Observe the multi-storeyed houses, stone-paved streets and squares, the sewerage network and murals.
Red Beach
A huge attraction of the island and arguably the most famous beach lies on the southernmost part of Santorini. It is located in Akrotiri village, 12 kilometers south west of Fira. Red Beach is without a doubt worth a visit considering that it is a rare sight, probably unique in the whole world, where red is the dominant color. It is enclosed by steep red hills that create a captivating, wild scenery. If you stand on the top you will set eyes on enormous volcanic rocks situated in the sea, small pebbles and sand of various colors, mainly red, all along the beach and appealing dark blue waters. To reach the beach you have to walk a couple of minutes on a downhill path or you can access it by boat from Akrotiri port, Kamari or Perissa. The beach is semi-organized with white sunbeds and umbrellas. There are no facilities (make sure you provide yourself with the necessary supplies from the two canteens you can find right before the beginning of the path) or water sports on this small beach but you can take pleasure in snorkeling as there are interesting rock formations and rich marine life.
Wine Tasting Tour
Volcanic soil, sea spray, and 3,500 years of winemaking – Santorini's vineyards produce whites unlike anywhere else. A half-day tour visits two or three estates, sampling Assyrtiko (crisp, mineral, electric), Nykteri (barrel-aged and honeyed), and Vinsanto (sun-dried grapes turned liquid amber). The vines grow pruned into low baskets – kouloura – to shield grapes from the Aegean wind. Santo Wines and Venetsanos have caldera-view terraces; Domaine Sigalas is the serious oenophile's pick. Most tours include local cheese and olive pairings. Book a sunset session if available – the caldera turns gold through a wine glass.
Domaine Sigalas
Named world's top 100 wineries three times since 1994.
Selene
A reference point for Santorini, iconic Selene has contributed significantly to the gastronomic upgrade of the island. In the center of the old town of Fira, in the narrow stone alleys, the old Catholic monastery that still operates today with twelve Catholic nuns, was renovated with respect and impeccable aesthetics, to host the historic restaurant of Santorini "Selini". Its exquisite courtyard with arched arches, pond and palm trees, exceptional art de la table and low lighting, subject the visitor to an exotic allure full of mystery. In this exceptional space with a special atmosphere, Michelin-starred Botrini creates an impressive modern Greek cuisine, with dishes that are original, harmonious, refined, different, with cutting-edge techniques. The very capable chef Vassilis Roussos perfectly executes the conception of Hector Botrini, with lightness and elegance. Among his best dishes, the marinated skaros with fig, strawberry and fennel, the ode to the Santorini tomato meatball, the bonito with tarama herring and katsouni, and the pitsouni with pumpkin and cherry. His vegetarian dishes are also very good. Excellent service, very good wine list.
SantoriniDay 3
Caldera cruise & Pyrgos
Santorini Caldera Cruise
A classic – Red Beach, White Beach, Hot Springs in Palia Kameni, Nea Kameni, swimming, snorkeling, volcanic bath (optional) and a greek meal with beer and wine included on this cruise on a modern catamaran yacht. Capture stunning panoramas of picturesque Santorini and its volcanic lagoon. Transfer from and to your hotel / vacation rental, as well as snorkeling equipment, also included. We will provide full details, and proceed to reservations if you wish, following your booking.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a big village, with many mediaeval houses and noteworthy churches offering an excellent view of the island
Kamari beach
Kamari Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beach resorts in Santorini. It is located in the seaside village of Kamari. The beach is composed of black volcanic sand and is 5 kilometers long, among the 3 longest beaches in Santorini, with deep crystalline waters and a series of trees. It is fully organized with hundreds of sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard on duty and numerous facilities.
Argo
Greek taverna elevated to art form, now in village with pool and cooking classes. Constantine chef blends traditional Greek and Mediterranean; Shrimp Saganaki, Santorini Fava with grilled octopus. New Kontochori location (5 min from capital); open 12 PM-11:45 PM; reserve for dinner; 50-70 euros per person.
Naxos
Days 4–6 of 9 · 3 nightsNaxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades group. It is known for its excellent beaches, charming mountain villages and thriving agricultural industry which makes it a very different island to Santorini. Being so big and with so much to do we recommend trying to stay on Naxos for as long as possible. A week is not unheard of and many people stay for months at a time.
La Grande Vue Suites Naxos
Cave villas with private pools and a long view over the Naxian coast.
9.9 Alternative places to stay
NaxosDay 1
The Portara & Naxos Town
Naxos Town (Hora)
A vibrant waterfront hub where serpentine alleys hide bakeries, boutiques, and tavernas serving the island's famous produce.
Bourgos & The Old Market
The Greek quarter below the castle walls – historical churches, artisan shops, and courtyards that invite you to linger.
Castle of Naxos
The only Venetian castle in Greece continuously inhabited since 1207 – eight centuries of life behind fortress walls.
Portara (Temple of Apollo)
A marble gateway to myth stands alone against the Aegean sky – the last fragment of a temple never finished. The Portara is the monumental entrance to an unfinished Temple of Apollo, initiated between 530-524 BC by Lygdamis, the tyrant of Naxos. Standing six metres tall on the Palatia islet at the harbour entrance, this marble doorframe is the island's most iconic silhouette.
Avaton 1739
A beautifully restored Venetian-era townhouse in the heart of Chora, now a split-personality spot for the best hours of the day: golden-hour drinks on the upper terrace with the bougainvillea and the sea below, then down to the inner courtyard for a candlelit dinner. The wine list leans Cycladic, and the kitchen is refined without being fussy.
NaxosDay 2
Halki, Filoti & Apeiranthos
Filoti
The largest of Naxos's mountain villages, terraced on the slopes of Mt. Zas. A pause here is an institution: a coffee at Platano on the square, under the shady plane trees, while the village goes about its day. From Filoti you can set off up the mountain to the Cave of Zeus, or simply wander the stepped lanes and the big neoclassical Panagia Filotitissa church.
Apeiranthos
The 'Marble Village' where cobblestone streets, four museums, and centuries-old weaving traditions feel untouched by time.
Halki & Vallindra Distillery
An elegant village in the fertile Tragea plain, where neoclassical houses frame a legendary citron distillery.
Rotonda
High in the hills just before Apeiranthos, Rotonda is a large restaurant and bar with sweeping views over the valley and out to sea – the kind of view that stops conversation when you walk in. Come for a long lunch after the mountain villages, or for a late dinner that turns slowly into drinks as the lights of the island come on below.
Flamingo Bar
For some great live music, plate smashing and dancing, Flamingo is the place to be. A late-night Chora institution that runs on house band energy, bouzouki and pitchers of house wine. Not a cocktail-and-cool-crowd bar – a plates-on-the-floor, everyone-on-their-feet kind of night. Come after dinner and let it build.
NaxosDay 3
Agios Prokopios & Agia Anna
Agios Georgios Beach
Chora's own beach – a shallow sandy crescent curving south from the old town, water so calm it feels like a lagoon. You can walk to it from the port in ten minutes, drop your bag at a beach bar, and be swimming before lunch. Families love the gentle shelf; the south end is where the windsurfers go out. The rocky islet with the whitewashed church is the photo.
Agios Prokopios Beach
Often voted Naxos's most beautiful beach – a long golden sweep sheltered from the north winds, six km from town.
Agia Anna Beach
A seamless continuation of golden coastline – tavernas lining the shore, gentle waves, and a village that lives for summer.
Temple of Demeter
A 6th-century-BC Ionic temple set in the green inland plain near Sangri, dedicated to Demeter and goddess of the grain. Partially reconstructed from its original Naxian marble, it sits alone on a low rise with wheat fields all around – a quieter, more atmospheric version of the ancient sites you queue for elsewhere. The on-site museum rounds out the visit.
To Elliniko
Worth queuing for a table. A lively Greek taverna near St. George beach whose garden terrace fills up the moment dinner service opens – the grill runs non-stop and the portions are generous in that old-school Naxian way. Souvlaki, slow-cooked lamb, fresh salads, simple Naxos-produce plates done well and priced fairly. Come early or book ahead in July–August.
Athens
Days 7–9 of 9 · 3 nightsAthens of course is the Capital of Greece and is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been occupied for around 5000 years. Apart from the many things you can do in Athens including great shopping, incredible food, and all the ancient sites, there is also great nightlife with a plethora of bars, tavernas, and clubs to choose from. The ancient centre is easy to get around and very walkable. There are a lot of new hotels and restaurants, many with incredible rooftop views, especially of the Acropolis. It's surprisingly affordable compared to most European capitals and returns tremendous value for your dollar.
Noble Suites
A 1901 neoclassical house under the Acropolis – four suites of marble and old wood.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
AthensDay 1
The Acropolis & Plaka
The Ultimate Food Tour
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, linking the fabulous ancient civilisation with the modern city. The monuments on the Sacred Rock date back to the prehistoric era and antiquity. The grandeur and beauty of the Sacred Rock attract Greek and foreign visitors. A visit to the Acropolis is a unique experience.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. Its construction, designed by architects B. Tschumi and Mih. Fotiadis was completed in 2007. Standing only 300m away from the Acropolis, its total area covers 21,000 sq.m, while it offers a display area of 14,000 sq.m. It is made of steel, glass and concrete; it uses natural light efficiently so that its 4,000 exhibits would show off. The last level (The Parthenon room) has the dimensions and the direction of the Parthenon and it has been rotated by 23 degrees in relation to the rest of the building so that the visitor would have an immediate view of the monument. The surrounding area, visible from the glass floor of the ground level, functions as an openair museum-excavation. The main entrance is on Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street. In addition, the imposing Weiller building stands in the vicinity. Having been built by German architect W. Von Weiller, it combines Byzantine style masonry and neoclassical decorative patterns. Initially it was used as a military hospital and later as police unit headquarters, whereas since 1987 it houses the Acropolis Research Centre
Plaka
Plaka, also known as the "neighbourhood of the gods," is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighbourhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theatre of Dionysos. The beautiful neoclassical style colour of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighbourhood are enchanting. In Plaka the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. In Adrianou Street, the central street of the neighbourhood, as in other streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, Greek folk art and handicrafts, etc.
Anafiotika
On the foothills of the Acropolis, has the charm of a beautiful island village. It was built in the mid 19th century by the renowned builders of the Aegean island of Anafi, who were invited to construct the palace of the first king of the Hellenes, Otto. Feeling nostalgic for their birthplace in their long stay in Athens they recreated it in the upper area of Plaka. They built small, whitewashed houses, reproducing the architectural style of their village. We recommend that you visit Anafiotika, the neighbourhood of the Anafiotes
Lithos Taverna
Tucked into a Psirri side street, Lithos does my favourite Moussaka in Athens – layered the way your grandmother would approve, sitting in front of you within minutes of ordering. The room is stone-walled and unfussy, the wine comes in carafes, and the kitchen turns out the Greek classics with just enough finesse to make the regulars regulars.
AthensDay 2
Syntagma & the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is Athens' central square. The name of the square is derived from an uprising on 3 September 1843, of the people and the guard of Athens before the then Royal Palace building, (what is now the Parliament), demanding that King Otto grant a Constitution (Syntagma means Constitution). Syntagma Square and Omonia Square are the two central locations of the city. You should not be surprised when you ask directions if people refer to Syntagma square. Plaka, Acropolis, the Cathedral, the National Garden, Ermou Str, and Kolonaki, are located in the vicinity of Syntagma Square. You will find fashionable cafes and small restaurants located here. The square is busy around the clock. At the kiosks you will find miscellaneous items, ranging from aspirin to souvenirs, newspapers and foreign magazines.
Greek Parliament
Dominating Syntagma Square, the building was the residence of the first king of Greece Otto. The building was constructed from 1836 to 1842. George A', who succeeded Otto on the throne, also resided in the palace. During his reign, two successive fires destroyed the building, making it unsuitable for use as a royal residence. In 1924 the government decided to situate Parliament in the building. Reconstruction work was completed in 1934. The interior was redesigned by architect A. Kriezis. In Parliament you will find national treasures, such as the first Greek Constitution, a collection of valuable paintings and a large library.
National Garden
The National Garden, open from dawn to sunset, is an oasis in the centre of the city. It has a total area of 160,000 m2. Some five hundred different kinds of plants, bushes and trees from various locations around the world are grown here (in total, it has 7,000 trees and 40,000 bushes). At the same time, it comprises an important natural life reserve in Athens as many different species of birds, hedgehogs, turtles, ducks and even bats are gathered here. The National Garden – which was formerly the palace garden - was laid out from 1838-1860. There are six entrances: at Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Irodou Attikou Str, Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, and two entrances connecting the National Garden to the Zappeion. You will also find here a small pond, a small zoo, the Botanical Museum, a traditional café, a children's library, a playground, various monuments of antiquity, and the busts of important personalities of modern Greece (among others, politicians and authors).
Temple of Olympian Zeus
According to the geographer Pausanias, the temple of Olympian Zeus was founded by Deukalionas, a mythical ancestor of the Greeks. In the age of tyranny, circa 515 BC, Peisistratos the younger grandson of the tyrant Peisistratos, attempted to replace the old temple with a new, more impressive temple. The tyranny, however, was abolished and construction work was terminated. The construction of the new temple was later assigned to the Roman architect Decimus Cossutius by the king of Syria Antiochus IV, Epiphanes. Antiochus died in 163 BC and the construction of the temple was once again abandoned. The structure did not have a roof and pediment. The construction of the temple, which ranks among the biggest in antiquity, was completed in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is of Corinthian order (110m in length and approximately 44m in width), three rows of eight columns at the narrow sides and two rows of twenty columns at its long sides. Inside the temple there was a gold and ivory statue of Zeus which does not exist today.
Taverna Ermou
A modern Greek taverna by Ergon House on the Ermou pedestrian street – the lively spine running between Syntagma and Monastiraki. Updated takes on the classics, an excellent Greek wine list, and a buzzy interior in the heart of the city. A reliable lunch or early dinner stop in the heart of Athens.
AthensDay 3
Psirri & the Central Market
Central Municipal Athens Market
Varvakeios Municipal (Central) Market is a rectangular building (1886) with a large covered court. There are a total of 73 food stalls (meat market, fish market, vegetable market and groceries) in the interior and exterior sections. The market is covered with a glass and metal roof and has symmetrical windows. You will find here small restaurants (eating-houses) with fresh food, attracting Athenians especially after midnight. There is a small grove on the square (Varvakeios Square) across the street.
Psirri
A colourful neoclassical Athens neighbourhood, encompassed by Athinas Str, Ermou Str, and Evripidou Str. It is a busy neighbourhood, especially in the night. You will find on its narrow alleys a multitude of cafes, small bars, clubs, restaurants, ouzorestaurants, and taverns with live Greek music, theatres, galleries, art galleries, and antique shops. Following the liberation of Greece (1833), veteran freedom fighters and immigrants from the provinces settled in the neighbourhood. They opened cottage industries and workshops, which have given the neighbourhood a distinctive character. In the early 1990s, following a series of construction works, the neighbourhood became a popular nightlife and residential area. The churches in the area are also quite interesting, such as Ayioi Anargyroi, Ayios Demetrios, Ayios Gregorios (Armenian), et al. Iroon square, the central square, is a good place for you to start your walk.
Monastiraki
A distinctive old Athens area, with narrow, irregularly criss-crossing streets, and small buildings, characteristic of Ottoman and to some extent Byzantine urban planning. On the outdoor stands of street sellers, or the small shops on the central roads you can find anything, such as shoes, clothes, old and new furniture, old books and magazines, souvenirs, jewellery, hats, bronze objects, new and used records and CDs and traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki, touberleki). Shopping or walking in Monastiraki is an unforgettable experience. You will be stunned by the variety and quality of things you can buy in the market
Hoocut
This is not the typical souvlaki; Hoocut prepares and serves the quintessential greek street food, the souvlaki, but in a lustrous make up and in an aesthetically appealing space. Hoocut features a Bakery, Butchery, Grocery and Special meat cutting techniques inviting the visitor to live the experience of the cooking process.
Couleur Locale
Hidden in the back streets not far from Monastiraki Square, you will find what is a very discreet entrance via a small arcade of antiques and bric-a brac shops. Using the elevator towards the 3rd floor, a large magical rooftop terrace appears, illuminated in blue and packed with a fashionable crowd, gathered over small candlelit tables. Couleur Locale's renowned cocktails together with the imposing hill of the Acropolis justify why this place is so popular among locals.