Summer in Greece

If you haven’t been, it is worth it to spend a night or two in the capital city where so much history originated. You will likely arrive to Athens mid-morning. After checking in, I would suggest an afternoon exploring the city to get your bearings or an afternoon at the Acropolis Museum, home of many artifacts, including a block of the frieze of the Temple of Athena Nike dating back to before 400 B.C.

From my own personal experience, I cannot speak more highly of the Hotel Grande Bretagne in the heart of the city. While the food is delicious, the hospitality is excellent, the rooms are beautifully furnished, and the location is unmatched, a major highlight of this hotel is the spectacular view of the Acropolis as your backdrop. Another bonus touch is the complimentary butler service for all suites who will cater to any requests or needs.

Wake-up and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the rooftop restaurant before a day of touring and enjoying summer in Greece.

Some popular must-see attractions include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Temples of Poseidon and Olympian Zeus. In the summertime, I recommend getting to these spots early in the morning to beat the larger crowds and the Athens heat. Private or small group walking tours are the way to go in order to get an experience curated towards your interests. A good guide will not only make the tour logistics seamless, but they should be an expert in knowing tourist traffic patterns, a shady spot to rest, and where to buy souvenirs versus places to avoid.

Return to the hotel to check-out and head to the airport. A short 40-minute flight from Athens, Paros is an excellent next stop on your summer in Greece adventure. A bit more of a hidden gem than some of the greater known islands, this is where you will get to relax and enjoy some downtime after the first few days of travel and touring.

The first full day on a beautiful island like Paros should be spent by the pool or beach. Your accommodations are always important to make your trip as comfortable and memorable as possible, but this is especially the case when the goal is to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Paros has some excellent hotels with offerings to fit your needs.

Choose a Paros Hotel:

Cosme: A new resort and beach club that opened in June 2022, this oceanfront property gets an A+ for location. It is in close proximity to the harbor town of Naoussa while still feeling removed from the hustle and bustle. Some offerings include a private beach club, infinity pool, and stargazing platform.

Summer Senses Luxury Retreat: This resort focuses on incorporating the five senses into your stay to make you feel at home and at ease with the elements of the island. With 5-star accommodations, two pools, and a spa, you will leave here feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Wake up and walk into a nearby harbor or town to do some shopping, eating, and exploring. If you haven't already, today is the day to get a gyro for lunch. You can't go wrong with where to go because the ingredients in Greece are usually fresh and more delicious than anything you will have in the states. It doesn't hurt to ask the hotel front desk or concierge for recommendations before you head into down, of course.

Return to the hotel for an afternoon pool/beachside or book a spa appointment and enjoy the amenities.

A trip to Greece would not be complete without a stop in picturesque Santorini. This is a very popular destination, and especially in Summer in Greece. So, be prepared for more crowds, longer wait times at restaurants, and book any activities you would like to do well in advance. A fun way to travel from Paros to Santorini is by Ferry. These typically have multiple departures each day, and the journey is typically 1.5 hours to 3 hours and 45 minutes long.

Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and take in the views. Many hotels in town are situated on the Caldera side, which is what you typically see photographed on the cliffs. If you prefer to be on a beach, make sure to express this to your advisor. There are plenty of accommodation options that are situated farther from Oia or Fira as well, which tend to be quieter than the high tourist traffic of the summer months. In this case, you may want a rental car to drive into these hotspots for the day and then escape back to your island oasis after.

After settling in, have a wine tasting scheduled for the afternoon. Santorini and other islands in Greece have a unique way of growing wine in the volcanic soil and high temperatures. They are known for Assyrtiko, a white wine grape. But of course, the wine experts can educate you more on how it grows, and I will not spoil the surprise.

My personal favorite way to spend a day of vacation is by boat. You can cover a lot of ground (or water) on a half-day or full-day catamaran excursion while also soaking up the sun. Whether chartering a private boat with a captain who knows the area well or joining a group trip, I find this type of adventure is always worth it! If the itinerary includes time to explore a harbor or area, I always recommend asking the captain or crew for their favorite lunch spots, places to shop, or sites to see to discover what is popular with the locals and past travelers.

If you are seeking some adventure on your last day of enjoying summer in Greece, an e-bike tour is the way to go. Tours can be set up throughout the island with different offerings to cater to your group. The guide will take you through town, countryside, wineries, or along the cliffs (safely) to see some of the best views you would not see in other modes of transport. The duration ranges from about 3 hours to a full-day 8-hour tour.

As your trip comes to an end, take in your last Santorini sunset and enjoy your last night of summer in Greece. As I always tell myself at the end of an unforgettable vacation: I will be back, and it's not goodbye but only for now.