GREECE

Sitting in front of the Parthenon

There are no words to describe the magnificence of this beautiful European country.  Since it is made up of a ton of islands, every city or town is by the beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean sea. It's described as the most important country to Western civilization and that's true. Greece holds all the history and architecture to prove it. This is another culture chaser's haven: full of history, architecture, amazing food and sites. I spent an entire week traveling around Greece and visited four cities: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos. I wish I had more time to visit more places because every single stop on the Greek tour held something different and amazing. I can only imagine what the other cities are like but that just means I have to make another trip out there very soon. Enjoy some pictures and memories from my trip.

First stop, ATHENS

A trip to Greece starts with a stop in the capital city, Athens. This metropolis is home to the ancient sculptures and buildings and of course, the Acropolis city. Central to the Acropolis is the Parthenon. Though there is massive refurbishing happening, it is still easy to grasp the majesty of this ancient city with its gleaming marble structures. The Parthenon is a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. 

There is nothing like ancient architecture to tell of human ingenuity. Many of the buildings at the Acropolis of Athens were constructed in the fifth century BC. It was really moving to visit this ancient city and well worth the 20 euro entrance fee.

Athens has that mixture of ancient and modern similar to Rome. I loved that from a high point in the city, you can look around and see incredible ancient buildings mixed in with modern office and apartment buildings.

The temple of Olympian Zeus is a great example of an ancient building (sixth century BC) mixed in with other buildings in the city.

Athens is very lively and there is this wonderful eucalyptus aroma that fills the air from the multiple trees that adorn the city. I loved hearing the musicians that are in different parts of the city. Music is such a universal language and even though I don't know any Greek, you can hear the longing and affection in the music. 

Greek pride is really strong and evident all over the city. I like that locals show their pride all over the city.

The city center is Monastiraki and it's the hub for restaurants, local hangouts and the best souvlaki and gyro sandwiches you will ever find. I loved spending time in the middle of the crowds, checking out souvenirs, trying out greek snacks and desserts.

Greece has the best dried fruit and nuts.

This gentleman was selling all kinds of fresh coconut snacks and coconut water. So refreshing!

Next Stop Santorini!

It was wonderful arriving in Santorini early in the morning. The flight arrived at 7 am so just as the sun was coming up. Although the ride from the airport to the bed and breakfast was a bit cloudy, it was so worth it by the time we arrived in Oia. It was great to be there before the tourists got up and crowded the streets and I immediately fell in love with this beautiful village.

Oia sunrise.

The famous blue domed churches in Oia. The best time to take in Santorini is early in the morning before the crowds arrive and your competing for views with everyone else.

If you think Santorini is beautiful at sunrise then just wait till high noon when the sun is out and all the pristine white buildings are lit up and reflecting on the Aegean sea. It's a scene out of a fairy tale!

Beautiful Oia (pronounced eee-aah)

This is the view from my room. So much love for Santorini, I wish I could stay here every year. I will definitely go back soon.

I can't say there's much to do in Santorini by way of outdoor activities other than lying on the beach and soaking in the sun and beautiful buildings but I like that there's great public transportation. Opt for the local bus that runs across Santorini with stops at a central bus depot where you can hop on to other stops. The bus rides cost 1.20 euros.

Don't be fooled though, for all the charm and romance that Santorini offers, it can be quite treacherous to navigate the narrow steps built into the cliffs. Oh, my poor feet! Plus, during the day when the village is teeming with tourists, expect it to be crowded down those narrow steps and definitely wear covered shoes especially if you love your big toe. Welp!

Not all the steps are this well paved and just imagine taking hundreds of these to go up and down Santorini. Yeah, it can be tiresome and not for the faint of heart.

Although it was super tempting to sit outside and bask in the sun and that view, I had to make good use of the time in Santorini. What's a better use of one's time on vacation than a winery tour? Nothing, hee hee. 

View from the upstairs balcony at the winery.

Santos winery is a beautiful winery in Imerovigli, a border village to Oia. Santos winery produce white, red an sparkling wine. They also make a port, VinoSanto that's super sweet and about 11% alcohol so sip with caution!

October was the end of harvest season but there were a few grapes ripening on the vine at the winery.

A tour comes with a wine tasting - dry whites to a more full bodied red and the sweet port.

The VinoSanto is delicious and packs a punch.

Visited the Red Beach. It's this small sliver of beach mostly accessible by boat and a short swim to the beach shore. The sand on the beach is red formed from volcanic matter from the surrounding red mountains. It's really beautiful. I didn't get to swim so I can't say if the water was cold or warm but it was nice to see it from this hilltop.

Santorini is just beautiful and romantic everywhere you turn. As it is sweet and bright during the day, it's broody at night but no less charming.  The blue hues from the swimming pools add such romance to the darkness that is Santorini at night. Everything is so beautiful about Santorini, have I said that enough?

As a general rule, I don't like to repeat countries or cities on my travels but I think I will definitely have to go back to Santorini and find my spot on that balcony again someday soon :)

Next stop, party town Mykonos!

While Santorini gave me all the romantic vibes my heart could hold with the beautiful sunrises, sunsets and candlelit restaurants, I loved Mykonos even more! Something about that town just gives you "come play" vibes. I took a flight from Athens to Santorini but opted to go to Mykonos by ferry. I'm glad I got to travel by sea because you get to see all those little islands along the way and beautiful ocean. Soon as I arrived in Mykonos, I knew I was going to love it. 

The trip by speed  boat took 3 hours but the views of Mykonos from the port make it worth it. 

Ah, Mykonos.

I love that most of Mykonos is by the sea. Most of the shops and restaurants are by the water and it's just a magical experience. People say Santorini is where you take your wife and Mykonos where you take your mistress. Maybe because it's a party town with bars and club music thumping out of the windows or maybe it's because of the expensive designer shops that line the main town. Either way, it's a fun, beautiful place to be.

Myknonos has cobblestone streets too but a lot less steep and treacherous than Santorini.

Among the designer shops, you can find lots of locals selling their wares. 

There's something so fresh about all the white and blue buildings. It really gives you Euro vacation and y'all know I had to match, right?

You know I had to find a spot that matched with my outfit for a pic ;)

Mykonos has some of the most beautiful beaches and with the yachts parked seaside, you can tell it's the playboy's destination. Rumor on the island that time was that the U.S. Men's Basketball team had just visited to celebrate their gold medal. Nice!

Mykonos beach life, so sweet.

I love windmills.

Next stop, Naxos.

Naxos was just an hour away from Mykonos and a bit more quaint and quiet than Santorini and Mykonos. Still, it holds its own style and charm. 

Panoramic view of Naxos

Of course I found a building to match with my outfit :)

Naxos is beautiful at night too and it seems that's when all the locals come out to have a lively conversation under the many olive and almond trees. 

Then, there was the Octopus hanging on sticks and for sale. 

Dinner anyone?

Greece was everything I wanted it to be. I'm so glad I got to visit and cross off one top 3 destinations on my travel list. I will forever remember this trip and a wonderful experience. 

Final view from overnight hotel in Athens before catching long flight back home.

Until the next adventure,

XOXO

Moni