Want to Visit Southern Europe

Greece

Duration 14 days Cost ~EUR 3,000 for two Season May-June, September-October Currency EUR (Euro) USD 1 USD = 0.85 EUR Lang Greek

“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

— Henry Miller

The cradle of Western civilization with whitewashed villages, impossibly blue waters, and ancient ruins around every corner.

Why I Want to Visit

Ancient history, island hopping, and Mediterranean cuisine. Walk the Acropolis at dawn, sail between unique islands, and eat fresh seafood at seaside tavernas.

Planned Itinerary

Two weeks feels right to experience both the mainland and islands:

Athens (3 days) - The Acropolis and Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, Plaka neighborhood, and the National Archaeological Museum
Santorini (3 days) - Oia sunsets, volcanic beaches, wine tasting, and the hike from Fira to Oia
Naxos (2 days) - Less touristy island life, beautiful beaches, and the Portara temple gate
Crete (4 days) - The Palace of Knossos, Samaria Gorge hike, Chania’s Venetian harbor, and mountain villages
Meteora (2 days) - The breathtaking monasteries perched on towering rock pillars

What I’m Most Excited About

Sunset from Oia over the caldera
Hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete
Meteora’s monasteries on towering rock pillars
Fresh seafood at a quiet island taverna

Where to Eat

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (Athens) — Meze restaurant and deli celebrating Greek Asia Minor culinary traditions. ~EUR 18-30. 📍 Maps
Selene (Santorini) — Fine dining in Pyrgos reviving traditional Santorinian recipes. ~EUR 40-65. 📍 Maps
Ergon House (Thessaloniki) — Modern Greek food hall showcasing regional produce. ~EUR 15-25. 📍 Maps
Thanasis (Athens) — No-frills kebab house on Monastiraki Square, always busy. ~EUR 8-15. 📍 Maps
Ammoudi Fish Tavern (Santorini) — Waterfront taverna below Oia, 300 steps down from the village. ~EUR 25-40. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Herodion Hotel ★★★★ (Athens) — Refined hotel at the Acropolis foot with rooftop Parthenon views. ~EUR 130/night. Book
Aroma Suites ★★★★ (Santorini) — Cliff-carved cave suites in Fira with caldera views. ~EUR 160/night. Book
City Hotel Thessaloniki ★★★ (Thessaloniki) — Modern hotel near Aristotelous Square with solid value. ~EUR 70/night. Book
AthenStyle ★★ (Athens) — Social hostel in Monastiraki with rooftop Acropolis views. ~EUR 35/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Athens Acropolis & Parthenon Guided Tour — Skip-the-line access with expert archaeologist guide. 2h, ~EUR 35. Book
Santorini Sailing Cruise with Meals & Drinks — Catamaran cruise with hot springs. 5h, ~EUR 95. Book
Delphi Day Trip from Athens — Temple of Apollo, ancient theatre, and archaeological museum. 10h, ~EUR 65. Book
Athens Street Food & Market Walking Tour — Central Market tastings, hidden eateries, and traditional bakeries. 3.5h, ~EUR 45. Book
Meteora Monasteries Day Trip from Athens — Visit two or three rock-top monasteries on towering sandstone pillars. 13h, ~EUR 75. Book