Travel Diaries

Greece is not really a short, easy on the wallet kinda destination, but there are definitely some tips that can help you make the most of your trip. From modes of transportation to food and everything in between, I have tried to cover the best ways to experience the two most popular cities of Greece.

Best ways to get around

1. Walking – this one is a no-brainer. It’s not just good for your wallet(and health), but it’s actually one of the best ways to experience a city. You really get to absorb your surroundings, as in not just see but hear, smell, and feel the vibe of the place. The sounds of the traffic, the pace at which people move, how people converse in a foreign language and how the local people interact with you, all help you form an impression of the city that would not have been possible inside of a tour bus. I think this is how some people say that a city feels like home even though they have never been there before. And all of this at no cost. All you need is a decent pair of trainers and you’re good to go.

2. Renting a car – this is my favourite option if you’re leaving the city behind you. Again, it will definitely be cheaper than a taxi, and you can easily find one right outside the airport. We had a car to ourselves for our stay in Santorini, and this helped us discover the island at our own pace and will. We had a local data plan to navigate, but honestly, the island is small with very few roads, so you are highly unlikely to get lost. If you are visiting during the peak season, though, try to live at the centre in Fira and avoid driving at all. The narrow roads get extremely congested and require some seriously pro driving skills to get around.

3. Cruise – cruising through the Greek Islands is another very popular option. We met a fellow tourist who was island hopping while on a cruise liner and seemed genuinely happy with this experience. Though I did not get to experience Greece like this, I did go on a catamaran in Santorini, which took a round of the island and the volcano and stopped in the middle of the sea so we could experience the famed sunset of Santorini. I do believe some exploration of the Aegean Sea is a really nice thing to add to your Greece trip. Either a cruise or a ferry to hop between islands or even a private yacht if you’re feeling like going big.

Best places to visit in Athens

1. Acropolis of Athens – the Acropolis is the historical gem of the city, and since it’s perched on top of hill(which is also what Acropolis literally means), you can see it from practically everywhere. Its consipcious position will make it quite hard for you to leave the city without visiting. Even if you are short on time while in Athens, do take out an hour to go visit this spectacular monument and the ruins around it. Also I am usually the last person to willingly enter a museum, but in this case you should visit the Acropolis museum (it’s right next to the Acropolis) before visiting the monument at the top so you can better appreciate the marvel in front of you. The sheer size and structure of the Parthenon and the view from the top are both worth the climb. If you visit after sunset, you can admire the Acropolis lit up in all its glory with the entire city at its feet. On the way down, you can also visit the Theatre of Dionysus. If you’re lucky to be visiting during the music festival, you can even catch a show at this ancient open-air amphitheatre.

2. Plaka – Again, I really believe the best way to discover a city is on foot. And I highly recommend trying this in Athens. Honestly, there are so many places to see, but depending on your time constraints and preference, you can decide on how to navigate the city. A couple of places I would highly suggest you try to discover are Syntagma Square, Plaka, and Ermu Street. Others on the list would be the historical neighbourhood of Anafiotika, the central flea market, and Monastiraki Square. Each of these places showcases a shade of the city, which, when all brought together, will help you paint a beautiful portrait of Athens. In many ways, these experiences are more tangible than the souvenirs you carry back from your vacation.

3. Temple of Poseidon – perched on the edge of a cliff in Cape Sounion, stand the ruins of a once magnificent temple built to appease the Olympian god of sea. Though this monument has a strong significance in history, there is plenty here for those who might not be looking for a historical vacation. For one, the drive to Cape Sounion is absolutely stunning with its long widing roads along the coastline. It is definitely a contrasting change to the bustling city of Athens, with vast sea dotted with upmteen beaches along the way. It is also worth taking a pit stop at the beach shacks along the way to enjoy some relaxing music and great food and drinks. You can also take a swim or just dip your feet in the water. It might not be comparable to the beaches on the islands, but these places have a completely different energy that excites and calms you at the same time. Though the drive is worthwhile, the climax of this trip is, of course, the temple itself. Honestly, the only sunset I was looking forward to in Greece was in Santorini, but the Temple of Poseidon turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The sight of the sun setting in the ocean against the backdrop majestic columns, right at the edge of a cliff, several meters above the sea, was nothing short of breathtaking. The monument actually even hosts a small cafe where you can enjoy a refreshment while u watch the sun dip into the horizon.

Best sights of Santorini

1. Caldera, Fira – a caldera is a large depression from a volcanic eruption. It is also the most popular word that comes up when you search for Santorini. Rightly so, because this tiny island is actually the only inhabited caldera in the world. The entire west side of the island is a bay facing an active volcano, and the most touristy towns in Santorini are all lined along this bay, with the town of Fira at the centre. Watching the sun set behind an active volcano islanf while enjoying delicious Greek food and wine should be numero uno on everyone’s list.

2. Amoudi Bay, Oia – another justifiably popular spot in Santorini – is the Amoudi Bay in Oia. Despite the beauty of this place, it’s better enjoyed from the land as getting down to the bay is difficult, and since all the beaches here are very rocky, it’s not a very enjoyable experience once you get down either. Because of the way this island has been formed, it’s quite different from the usual experience of islands, where you would have numerous beaches and enjoy a ton of water activities. Though these are available in Santorini, what makes it unique is not the beaches but rather its jagged rocky cliffs that edge on clear blue water, peppered with tiny blue-roofed white-walled huts. As you walk along the town, you are constantly looking over the edge down hundreds of feet at the Agean Sea. The beauty of Amoudi Bay is best enjoyed the same. It’s another amazing spot to enjoy a Santorini sunset, so reach here early and grab a seat.

3. Sunset at Oia – There are plenty of sunsets on this planet, so why is the sunset on Santorini so famous? You have to experience it to know. There is just no other way. Many people come to Oia to watch the sunset, but I could not recommend strongly enough the option of taking a sailing cruise and watching the sunset at sea.If you watch the sunset from the town of Oia, you are only witnessing half the beauty. The round orange ball descending into the ocean, with its orange hues dripping across the sky, feels like it could alone be spectacular climax to any day. But the picture-perfect town of Oia splashed in the shades of the setting sun is like a double high. Watching the setting sun and its reflection on the town is the kind of beauty no one can prepare you for. My only complaint is that Santorini most definitely spoiled every other sunset for me.

Best stuff to eat in Greece

1. Spinach pie – while everyone goes ga ga about souvlaki, for me, the pies were the real winners. We had pies with spinach, cheese, both spinach and cheese, and a ton of other stuff almost every day. These pies are so versatile that they work as a meal or a snack and for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But please don’t go looking for spinach pie on menus. It’s called sapanakopita in Greek and there is a version of this dish available in every cafe, restaurant or bakery there. Definitely try it out.

2. Wine – Greece is known for its local wines, and there are a ton of options to try our here. I am quite sure you will find one to suit your palette. If you get bored of wine, try the sangria. Probably one of the best I have tried, they serve the real thing here. No sprite or 7up to destroy the taste of the amazing red wine here. It’s made the traditional way and tastes absolutely amazing. The only real problem is that it’s hard to stop at one.

3. Orange cake – Portokalopita is the actual name of the dish. But I had to Google “greek orange cake” to remember that. It’s one of the more popularly found greek desserts and definitely my favourite. It is orange-y, zesty , sweet, and crumbly all at once. The perfect way to finish a meal. Fin.

Greece is well loved by travellers all over the world for a reason. It is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a lot of history, beaches, and an absolutely chill vacation. Here ancient relics that showcase the birth of civilization meet volcanoes cradled by the sea and sunsets that can put paintings to shame. I definitely regret not having stayed in this country for longer. Or maybe that can be my excuse to visit a second time…