by Are you planning the trip of your dreams and searching for an unforgettable destination? Well, look no further than Greece!
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated by Greece and its marvelous mythology filled with heroes, gods, and demigods. I spent my childhood devouring all of the Percy Jackson books, which introduced me to the mythical world of this beautiful country.
Last summer, I finally had the chance to visit this Mediterranean paradise, where I met warm-hearted people who helped make my trip so memorable!
Here are the highlights!
Athens, a Legendary Historical City
A trip to Athens is like opening a storybook. From its ancient treasures to its lively streets, this legendary city offers a unique blend of past and present.
Our first destination was the Acropolis, an archaeological site perched on a hill in the center of Athens. In the scorching heat of the sun, my parents and I, each equipped with sunglasses, hats, and water bottles, hiked up a steep path to its summit. Despite the many steps, the hike was so worth it!
It feels surreal to stroll through these temples and imagine what they all looked like over 2,000 years ago! I was particularly impressed by the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. For those looking to snap some stunning pictures, the Acropolis also offers a perfect panoramic view of the city!
During your visit, don’t miss the Acropolis Museum! This museum will provide you with more information about the history of this archaeological site, and it’s also the perfect place to escape the heat. You’ll discover many original pieces from the Parthenon and other temples, and you can also catch one of the museum’s interesting guided tours. Our guide was truly passionate about Greek history and taught me, among other things, that the Parthenon was originally adorned with colors.
Pro tip: Allow at least 3 hours to visit the Acropolis and its museum. Make sure to wear good shoes because in some places, you’ll walk on slippery marble stones! I also suggest visiting the archaeological site early in the morning so as to avoid big crowds and the sweltering heat.
Santorini’s Natural Beauty
Santorini is an iconic Greek island renowned for its whitewashed houses, perched on top of a volcanic cliff that overlooks the Aegean Sea. With its quintessential blue domes and black sand beaches, nothing can compete with the charm of this Mamma Mia-esque destination!
Oia, a postcard village
Oia is a charming and welcoming village on the northwest coast of Santorini that overlooks the caldera of the island. Its unique windmills, blue-domed churches, and winding alleys are sure to transport you to an enchanting world!
I loved exploring Oia’s traditional village, where I discovered many artisanal shops. The shop owners were so friendly, and a sweet lady working in a jewelry store even helped me choose a beautiful Grecian blue necklace!
In addition to its lovely alleys, Oia is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets! I managed to capture this magical moment as the sun disappeared behind the horizon of the Aegean Sea and shades of orange and pink painted the sky. It was unforgettable!
The Armeni Restaurant
If you want to treat yourself to some delicious Greek cuisine, Armeni is the place to go!
What’s most surprising about this hidden gem? It’s only accessible by the sea! You get to enjoy a short boat ride as you cruise Santorini’s coast to get to the restaurant.
Once you arrive, you’ll get to choose from the best seafood Santorini has to offer, with your waiter presenting you with a selection of fresh fish. Our meal was absolutely delicious, and the staff were all so inviting!
Santorini’s Picturesque Beaches
There’s a lot to see on this island of about 75 km2! For those who want to enjoy the Aegean Sea’s turquoise waters, black sand beaches like Perissa, Kamari, and the Red Beach are truly worth the visit!
Fira, THE TREASURE OF THE CALDERA
A trip to Santorini is not complete without a visit to Fira, the capital of this beautiful island. Located on the west coast and perched on the caldera’s cliff, Fira embodies Santorini’s dreamy atmosphere.
I was mesmerized by its cobbled streets lined with blue doors and bougainvilleas, shops filled with artisanal souvenirs and was happily surprised by the little cats I met during my visit!
After exploring this idyllic town, I recommend dining at Kaliya, a restaurant that offers jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea. My personal favorite on their menu: the baklava, which was by far the best I’ve ever had!
Pro tip: Santorini is a large island so to truly discover all it has to offer, I suggest going on a guided minibus tour. Thanks to this tour, you’ll be able to explore many lesser-known parts of the island. I was very impressed by the Profitis Ilias Monastery, built at an altitude of 500 meters on the highest point of the island!
beautiful Corfu
Corfu is exactly what you imagine when you think of small Mediterranean villages: colorful streets, shops overflowing with precious keepsakes, idyllic beaches, and buildings brimming with history.
Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, has a fascinating past. From the Venetians to the British, many different civilizations have controlled this island and left their own marks. In fact, Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical architecture. For any British monarchy aficionados, know that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was born in the Mon Repos Palace in Corfu!
The Old Town
Corfu’s Old Town is the epitome of Mediterranean charm! You can spend hours exploring its countless paved streets, each more magical than the other. Old churches, little shops, gelato vendors; there’s something for everyone in the family!
I especially loved the Land of Corfu Natural Products store, where you can find an incredible array of sea sponges and shells. I found a beautiful heart-shaped seashell there!
The Old Town is also full of amazing restaurants. Enjoy a Greek salad (my favorite dish during my trip) on one of the area’s many terraces while observing the dynamic town around you. I recommend The Meat Corner cafe on the corner of Liston Promenade, a beautiful street that will remind you of the Champs Elysées!
The Old Fortress
For any history buffs, Corfu’s Old Fortress, whose construction began in the 6th century, is a must-see!
I climbed all the way to its top to have a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Ionian sea and the island. For those who love art, there are several art exhibitions on display in the buildings inside of the fortress. I also explored the Church of St. George, an impressive neoclassical-style building located in the fortress courtyard.
If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter some cats during your visit! I fell in love with two little cats that I would have loved to take home with me!
Corfu’s Sea Caves
Another way to discover Corfu is by sea! Head to Paleokastritsa Beach to rent a boat and explore the island’s beautiful coast!
Its sea caves, sculpted by the incessant waves of the Ionian Sea, are sure to leave you speechless! When venturing inside, you’ll discover their rocky walls, impressive Photo stalactites, and aquamarine water.
It’s an experience that absolutely amazed me, and you’ll even feel like you’re in a movie! With good reason, since scenes from the iconic James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” were filmed in Paleokastritsa in 1981.
I also had the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear water at Paleokastritsa, where I encountered several small fish and even orange-colored starfish!
Pro tip: I highly recommend booking a guide to explore Paleokastritsa’s caves. We were able to explore this magical corner of Corfu with an extraordinary guide/captain named Victor from the Odysseus Boats company.
His professional navigation allowed us to go deep into the impressive caves of the area and discover places we could never have reached without him. He even took us to a cave where we could see bats and hear their squeaks!
Every corner of Greece reveals an extraordinary new adventure, but the most noteworthy part of my trip was the people that I met. From the guides who shared their knowledge with us to the taxi drivers who showed us around their city, each person that crossed our path was incredibly kind. During our stay in Corfu, the welcoming staff of the Grecotel Corfu Imperial Hotel was also always ready to answer my questions.
I truly hope that you’ll get to discover this wonderful country.
Have fun!
