Island Hopping in Greece: Your Full Guide

When in Athens...

Visit the Acropolis. Your trip is not complete without a visit to this historic landmark! The views are breathtaking, as it is sitting on the highest point atop a hill overlooking the city of Athens. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat. After you walk down, plan to spend a little time strolling through the charming neighborhood of Plaka. Have lunch at one of the many cafes and tavernas, and enjoy the boutiques, and shops with traditional Greek crafts.

Spend some time in Kolonaki

It is one of the oldest and most upscale neighborhoods in Athens. Wear good walking shoes because the streets are hilly and slippery! There are many boutiques with original Greek designers, gorgeous architecture to enjoy and plenty of wonderful restaurants and cafes. Stop in Melina-Fachidis for beautiful handmade Greek Jewlery, or visit the nearby original Ancient Greek Sandals store...a treat for your feet!

Next stop when island hopping in Greece: Santorini

Not only for the sunsets (but those are not to be missed!). My favorite way to spend a morning and really see the island and all of its beauty, is to hike from Fira to Oia. The approximately 10K hike is all on a paved pathed with breathtaking views of the caldera and Aegean Sea. I would suggest going in the morning to beat the heat and having a nice lunch at whichever town you end up in :) You will see all of the gorgeous whitewashed traditional Greek architecture and blue domes churches as you walk from town to town.

Wake up early in Santorini and walk through all the tiny streets in the caldera before anyone is awake. You can walk all the way down to the water where the fishing boats come in. It is quiet, peaceful, and just stunning.

Take a very short boat ride from Santorini to the tiny island of Thirasia, also known as "the wild island of Santorini". There you can rent e-bikes with a guide, or hike around this beautiful spot. The tours will include a fresh, local, delicious lunch. It is very quiet in comparison to Santorini, and might be a nice break from the crowds. The guides will include your water taxi from Santorini over to Thirasia island.

Next stop: Mykonos

Next step on your island-hopping-in-Greece adventure: Mykonos. This island has it all, from the night-life you read about to the incredible hotels and villas that are just far enough removed. Make sure to hire a RIB boat to take you to one of the nearby islands, a beach club, or an afternoon of swimming.

Explore the small white washed alleys of Mykonos town. There is plenty of shopping and many high end designers. Town is busy, so be prepared!

Best day ever excursion: Spend an afternoon on a traditional Caique boat

You will be transferred by a RIB boat (a super fast, very fun ride that is sure to be part of you best day) to the Caique boat waiting for you, docked near the shore. Once aboard you will be welcomed by the most friendly staff. Traditional Greek dishes, local wine and Ouzo and other refreshments are served on board. Spend the afternoon lounging on this gorgeous boat and swimming in the crystal clear surrounding waters.

Spend a day or many at some of the best beach clubs in the world

Many have a daytime party going with a DJ, and others more laid back and the party starts at night. The famed Scorpios or Nammos beach club are two of the best hot spots. Plan ahead and reserve your beds on the beach. Do not be late! They will not hold your reservation, and you will not want to miss it!

Take a day trip to Paros, or stay for a night or two.

The small town of Naousa, which is one of the most picturesque villages, is not to be missed when island hopping in Greece! You will find narrow streets, that are made up of small white houses, and the best shopping, many local Greek designers. In Naousa you are right near the harbor, which is full of fishing boats as well as yachts, and many cafe's and restaurants. Go to the square at night for a fun atmosphere and amazing food.

There are so many islands that make up Greece, and I have just touched on the surface of a few. Depending on the amount of time you have, there are endless ways to spend your time here. There is so much history, local farming and fishing, culture, nightlife, relaxation and peacefulness. This is a country that really has it all.

Athens

Dopios - Right in the center of Athens you will find a small local restaurant on a vibrant street corner. The food is fresh, delicious and made to share. Make sure to have the Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip) and the avocado Tzatziki...so good!

Dolli's Restaurant - Experience the beauty of Athens with lunch or dinner at the rooftop restaurant of the new Dolli hotel. The walls are glass so you can sit overlooking the Parthenon, and views of the charming neighborhood of Plaka. Chic dining and a fun atmosphere with fusion cuisine that is worth every bite.

Head to the Bar Behind the Bar, a speakeasy in downtown Athens for a unique experience and a craft cocktail...OR go to the Bar in Front of the Bar, a street side cocktail bar with only patio seating. Super fun, great place to mingle with locals and tourists. Both by the same hospitality group, 2 separate bars.

Santorini

Have lunch in Santorini at Sigalas winery, you will not be disappointed! The winery is charming, and the restaurant sits just out back looking over the vineyard. We enjoyed the food as much (maybe more) than the wine! They bake the bread each morning, just enough for the day, so make sure you go early enough to get some!

If you are able to stay at Adronis Arcadia, do not miss the breakfast! The restaurant overlooks the sea, and the granola cart that comes over (like you bread basket would) is just perfection!

For a truly romantic dinner, reserve a table outside at Canaves Epitome. Sit overlooking the infinity pools and directly to the Aegean sea. Everything is fresh and organic, thoughtfully prepared and is as pleasing to look at as it is to eat. If they have octopus on the menu, order it!

Fora laid back meal in Fira with the most amazing views go to Fanari. The atmosphere is casual, the food is fresh and simple, and the views can not be beat.

Mykonos

Have dinner at Budda Bar at the Santa Maria hotel. Right on the beach, great sushi and scene, dj and dancing.

For drinks and the best views try the 180 Sunset bar, casual atmosphere, super fun vibe and stunning.

Spend a quiet afternoon at the upscale, boutique hotel, Kelesma. You can rent a sun bed there with a reservation and have lunch a fabulous cocktail by the pool. Very chic, earthy, natural beauty.