Want to Visit Southern Europe

Greece

Duration 14 days 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

Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.

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.

Draft 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

Food spots on my radar

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

Hotels I’ve shortlisted

Herodion Hotel ★★★★ (Athens) — Refined hotel at the Acropolis foot with rooftop Parthenon views. View →
Aroma Suites ★★★★ (Santorini) — Cliff-carved cave suites in Fira with caldera views. View →
City Hotel Thessaloniki ★★★ (Thessaloniki) — Modern hotel near Aristotelous Square with solid value. View →
AthenStyle ★★ (Athens) — Social hostel in Monastiraki with rooftop Acropolis views. View →

Experiences I’m considering

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