Your Next Girls Trip Destination: Greek Islands

Spend an afternoon and evening in Mykonos Town (Chora): Mykonos Town, known as Chora by locals is the iconic location for getting lost between connected little white buildings (and blue shutters of varying hues). It's well worth it to spend at least an afternoon and evening here. In the afternoon you can stop at the numerous shops, visit the famous windmills and take some pictures near the little Agios Haralampos church. In the evening you can relax with some Greek wines at local restaurants and some of the best Greek cuisine! Don't forget to eat dolmades, tzatziki, hummus and pita. I promise- these will be your favorite staples while you're visiting the Greek islands.

Spend a day at the beach: You can find beaches all over the Greek islands. One of our favorites was Ornos on Mykonos island. It's worth it -- in my opinion -- to pay for a beach bed for the afternoon. In Ornos, you can choose from a variety of beach "clubs". Between moments of sunbathing and swimming in the Aegean Sea you can order a cocktail and or snacks.

Do a full-day olive-oil training and hike on Paros Island: One of our favorite days on Paros island was a near-full-day experience with a local hiking a few miles on an ancient Byzantine pathway, while learning about the olive trees, how olive oil is made and finishing at a small town at a local restaurant where we had a late lunch tasting olive oils and eating a traditional meal. It was the PERFECT day! If you're interested, reach out to me for details and to book this for you!

Visit Lefkes on Paros Island: While you're on Paros Island, you have to spend an afternoon or morning at Lefkes town. Lefkes is located in the center of the island at a high elevation. It's the oldest town on the island, the first capital of Paros! You can visit the local coffee shops, wonder around and learn from locals that live here. Lekfes was purposefully built in the middle of the island as a way to protect it's people from invaders.

Spend a day on Antiparos: Many people go here for the Antiparos caves. Because Antiparos is only a few kilometers (and miles) from Paros, it make a great day trip. You could even rent a car or scooter to travel around the island, lay on some more rural beaches, and explore the caves if you're interested!

Wine tasting: You may not always think of Greece when you think of wine, but Greece has some of the longest history of winemaking. Take the opportunity to do a winery tour and/or wine tasting at any of the Greek islands. If you're like us, you might want to consider doing one on each island. You will probably learn (and taste) something different at each one!

Do a cooking class at any of the islands: You can do this anywhere on the Greek islands, but a cooking class is a must at some point on your trip! It's a great way to learn about the local cuisine and meet new people.

Spend an afternoon at Naousa, Paros: Naousa is one of two main towns on Paros island. It's a little boat town where you can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars peppered along the bay with small, traditional fishing boats. It's fun to people watch and watch sailboats and fishing boats return to land after an early morning out at sea.

Stay at least one night in or near Oia, Santorini: Oia is probably the most iconic location on the Greek islands. Oia is a town on Santorini Island known because it sits up at the top of the island overlooking the caldera. The town is made up of many buildings with blue domes. Let's face it- it's where everyone goes for their Instagram pictures. Although it can be super touristy, it is a great destination to add to your trip for at least one night. And even better if you can go in the shoulder-season to mitigate the number of tourists.

Hike to the Delion Sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis on Paros Island: This is an ancient archeological site on Paros Island. The fun thing is that it's out of the main path of tourists. You can ask your hotel or locals the best way to get there- which will be hiking. The fun thing is that you might be the only ones there! Once to the top, you will get a 360 view of the island, will feel the winds, and will be in awe thinking about the people that walked here thousands of years before you!

Aperanto Galazio Cuisine Bar (Ornos, Mykonos): This restaurant sits right on the water front in Ornos. Ornos has a more calm, relaxing feel than the business of Mykonos Town. If you're looking for a quieter experience right near the waves crashing on the sand, Aperanto Galazio offers delicious food and at a fairly reasonable price.

Mykonos Essence Soul Bar Restaurant (Ornos, Mykonos): This restaurant is attached to the Mykonos Essence Hotel (which I also recommend). It's up the hill from Ornos town, is quiet, offers an amazing view of the bay, AND has some delicious food. This was one of our favorite meals while in Greece. AND if you stay at the hotel for the night, it's perfect to make dinner reservations the night you fly in. You'll be exhausted, but rest-assured you'll have good food waiting for you after your long journey.

Kadena Restaurant (Mykonos, Mykonos): Kadena came highly recommended to us. It has a contemporary, beach feel right along the waterfront in Mykonos town. It's a great place to grab lunch or dinner while you put many steps in exploring Chora.

Kavos Taverna (Mykonos, Mykonos): Kavos is a few steps away from the bustle of Mykonos town. You might not get a table any closer to the water than at Kavos. Kavos is a great lunch spot or a place to relax for a few moments with a wine before moving in to your next adventure of the day. If you go, you HAVE to order their dolmades. We came back over and over for dolmades, hummus, pita, and rose. What's not to love!

Ragoussis Bakery (Naousa, Paros): Ragoussis is a bakery in Naousa that you must try. As soon as you walk in the aroma of fresh baked bread, pastries and sweets will hit you hard! It was a great place to start your day in Naousa with a coffee and baklava. You will find a large assortment to choose from.

Moraitis Winery (Naousa, Paros): Moraitis winery offers winery tours, walk-in tastings, or a combination of the two. If you go, it is worth it to do the tour and the five-wine tasting. The tour is extremely informational. You learn a lot and meet others along the way. If you choose the five-wine option, you also get a cheese accompanied with each wine, and it allows you to linger and savor even longer.

Little Green Rocket (Parikia, Paros): 4.7 stars- one of the highest ranked restaurants on the island! I recommend making reservations in advance.