Greece Travel Tips

I’ve had the luxury of traveling through Greece for a month and put together a few tips and possible itinerary ideas for the places I visited. This isn’t an exhaustive list and these are just things I found that worked for me. My number one tip is to visit in the shoulder season (May or September) to avoid the massive crowds! If you’re planning a trip to Greece, I hope you love it as much as I did!

ATHENS

• visit Ancient Agora, Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library which is right in Plaka
• Monastiraki Square and Flea Market (northern side of Acropolis)
• lunch at “A for Athens” w/ rooftop views of Acropolis and Monastiraki Sq
• spend the afternoon in Plaka

• Main streets are Kydathineon and AdrianouAnafiotika (older section)
• “Restaurant Staircase” on Mniskleous St
• Panagia Kapnikarea Church on Ermou St   (oldest church in Athens)
• Tower of the Winds
• Doorway of the Medrese (Madrasah Gate)
• Cathedral Church of Athens (visit on Sunday at 9:30am to see a service being conducted)

• Syntagma Square & Monument of Fallen Soldier at the Greek Parliament Building changing of the guard every hour & elaborate display on Sundays at  11am
• Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch

• Go to Acropolis for 8am through SE entrance
• exit thru main entrance & walk to Areopagus Hill for view of Acropolis
• walk downhill to Philopappos Park & Monument of Philopappos for view
• View of Acropolis go to Lycabetous Hill
• second view near the Pnyx & National Observatory of Athens
• lunch at Sin Athina w/ rooftop views
• Varvakeios Central Market (open 7-6pm everyday except Sunday)
• Psiri Quarter or Psyrri (eclectic neighbourhood. Go to Little Kook Magic Cafe)
• wine tasting at Cinque Wine & Deli Bar or dinner at Lithos Tavern

OTHER OPTIONS:

• Cine Paris has view of Acropolis (outdoor movie theatre)
• food tour in Athens w/ Athens Walks Tour (€60 & excellent!)
• Day trip to Delphi ($135)
• Athens Riviera (Coast of Apollo) to see Temple of Poseidon at Cape Soúnion Day trip ($90) or can use public transportation  (tram leaves from Syntagma Square)
• Monastery of Daphni (10km from Athens)
• Monastery of Kaisariani (8km from Athens)

ACROPOLIS INFO

• buy combo ticket online for 30 euros (ticket is good for 5 days for single visit to each site)
• enter Acropolis at SE corner located at the Acropolis ticket office on Thrasillou St
• go at 8am or 2 hours prior to closing (5:30-6:00pm)

Parthenon (go here first!! gets super busy)

Zeus Temple

Theatre of Dionysus

Erechtheion

Temple of Athena Nike

Herod Atticus Odeon

Monastery of Daphni

Propylaea

SUNSET VIEWS

• Sunset view of Acropolis from Athens Gate Hotel (reserve in advance & ask for Acropolis view table.  Go for drink as food is mediocre)

OR

• go to Acropolis for sunset at around 5-6pm (enter thru SE entrance)

OR

• go to Areopagus Hill or “Mars Hill” (large rock outcrop close to entrance of Acropolis.  Take stairs to the top for view

EATS

• Paradosiako Cafeneon (Evgenia) under Electra Palace Hotel
• Oionos Cafe for a drink in square Platia Filomenon Eterias
• Vyzantino for lunch at square on Kydatheneon beside a kiosk selling newspapers
• Smak
• Old Ithaki (good lunch spot next to Athens Cathedral)
• Bairaktaris (best gyros)

TIPS:

• Plaka Hotel was basic, but couldn’t beat the location.  Close to all the sites, decent buffet breakfast and good view of the Acropolis from their rooftop patio.  Some of the rooms have a view of the Acropolis.  I booked with Hotels.com and for a city hotel, the price was fair.  Whatever hotel you stay at, stay in Plaka as it’s close to everything 

• Visit the Acropolis first thing in the morning (8am) to avoid big crowds and go to the Parthenon first thing.  You may get to witness the changing of the flag at the top if you arrive right after it opens.  

• I found the best view, including sunset, of the Acropolis was Filopappou Hill beside the Doridis Observatorio.  You can see all the structures better than anywhere else

• Visit the Ancient Agora first thing in the morning (8am) to avoid the crowds and go straight to the Temple as it turns a beautiful orange when the sun hits it.  I wandered the site for an hour on my own and it was my favourite site.  Be sure to visit the little church as it has beautiful old mosaics inside.  If you head West from the church, you get a nice view of the Temple from the hilltop.

• I went to HoMed located at 18 Ermou St for my PCR Covid test.  They’re open everyday 0800-2200hrs everyday and if you go before noon during the week, you’ll receive your results through email the same day.  They also do Rapid Tests.  The cost was 60 euro for PCR and 20 euro for the Rapid Test.  

• There are strikes in Greece quite often, so I would book a transfer to/from the airport/ferry ahead of time.  I used Welcome Pickups and found they’re prices competitive with the local taxis.  They keep you updated as to when they’re arriving and my drivers were always on time and super friendly and helpful.

• I didn’t eat out a lot, as all my hotels had breakfast included, so I would make myself a little doggy bag of pastries and fruit to snack on during the day (I always carry a ziploc bag in my travel purse for just this purpose).  And for dinners, I would go to the grocery store and buy feta cheese, cucumber, tomato and rice cakes.  All the bakeries have fantastic spanakopita (spinach pies) and cheese pies which I ate daily.  I also always carry a “spork”!  I saved a lot of money by not eating out all the time.  It just depends what you want to spend your money on.  I did go for beverages at some of the small outdoor cafes in Plaka and the best gyro spots were Hoocut and Bairaktaris Taverna.  

METEORA – KALABAKA

I highly recommend taking the train to Kalabaka and staying a few days to explore the UNESCO site, Meteora.  The cliff top monasteries are stunning.

If you’re into photography and want to see the monasteries from a different view than everyone else, I would highly recommend booking a tour with Konstantina at Meteora Photo Tour.  I had a private tour for the day and we hiked through the area and she also gave me some helpful photography tips. 

There’s tours for sunset but you can do this on your own by renting an e-bike from Meteora e-Bike.   They set you up with a high powered e-bike guaranteed to make it up the big hills with minimal effort.  The bike has a pannier on the rear to hold your backpack and they also lend you a Fanny pack for your small articles.  You can also rent these for exploring the monasteries during the day as well.  They’re a great way to get around the area.  Sunset is best viewed at Meteora Sunset Deck (on Google Maps).  I followed the road past my hotel, Theatro Hotel Odysseon, towards the first smaller monastery St Nikolaos and then followed the road to the sunset area.  It’s easy to follow on either the map they provide or with Google Maps.  On my way back down after sunset, I had amazing views of St Nikalaos in the remaining light.  Highly recommend. 

My hotel, Theatro Hotel Odysseon, was basic with a decent breakfast included.  Quiet and clean and in a great location close to restaurants and markets as well as the start of the road to the monasteries.

MYKANOS

• Mykanos Town (Chora)
• Matogiania St most picturesque
• Boni Windmill atop hil
• Panagia Paraportiani Church (Church of Our Lady)
• Agios Nikolaos Church
• Visit Ano Mera Village (Monastery of Panagia Tourliani)
• Little Venice is picturesque fishing village and good spot for sunset from any of the cafes on the water
• Kato Mili Windmills next to Little Venice (view of Little Venice)
• Old Harbour around corner from Little Venice
• Armenistis Lighthouse

OTHER OPTIONS

• Day tour to Delos to see ruins (26Euro) www.getyourguide.com
• Kayak tour w/ Mykonos Kayak  www.mykonoskayak.com

BEACHES

• Kapari Beach (15 mins from Mykanos Town)
• Agios Sostis (secluded)
• Psarou Beach (trendy celebrity beach)
• AgiaAnna Beach, Elia Beach, Fokos Beach, Agrari Beach or Lia Beach

SUNSET

• Boni Windmill in Chora
• Little Venice & Kato Mili Windmills
• Armenistis Lighthouse

SUNRISE

• Agios Sostis beach and church

EATS

• Raya Restaurant
• Captain’s
• M-Eating
• Caesar’s

TIPS:

• I absolutely loved the hotel I stayed at, A Hotel Mykonos.  It was a 10 minute walk outside of Mykonos Town (Chora) but it was nice to outside of the hustle and bustle.  It had gorgeous grounds and pool area, the buffet breakfast was unbelievable and you ate poolside and all the rooms have separate entrances.  As well, if you’re leaving later in the day you can hang out at the pool and they have a shower with soap and towels where you can get cleaned up before leaving.

• sunrise at Agios Sostis was beautiful and it was deserted.  I walked from my hotel and came across a church with the sunrise in the background that blew my mind.  I didn’t end up walking the whole way as a elderly local picked me up on his scooter and dropped me off at the church.  I found the locals in Mykonos super friendly and this wasn’t the only time I was offered a ride

• early morning is the best time to explore Mykonos Town before the cruise ships disembark.  You can get photos without a pile of tourists in them. Be sure to go to Matogiania St first thing as the start of it from the harbour is very picturesque and everyone wants their photo taken

• Paraportiani Church and Boni’s Windmill is beautiful early morning 

• I had dinner at Caesar’s and it was really good.  The grilled calamari was delicious 

• the new port isn’t near Mykonos Town so be sure to arrange a ferry transfer with your hotel ahead of time.  My hotel provided the transfer for free 

SANTORINI

TWO DAY ITINERARY

• explora Oia
• Kamari or Perissa Beaches (black sand)
• Pyrgos (small fishing village with castle and viewpoints). Eat at Brusco.
• hike from Fira to Oia
• Ammoudi Bay and Agios Nikolaos Rock (280 steps next to Oia Castle to descend to bay. To get to Agios Nikolaos Rock head left down the path past the restaurants until you see it.  Great spot for diving & tanning)
• Red and White Beaches (road starts near Aeolos Tavern to Kambia Beach.  View from unmarked trail) Visit Red Beach at sunset when crowds have cleared out 
• Gaia Wines for tour.  Can pair w/ cheese and bread to eat on terrace
• Megalochori village has beautiful architecture
• Atlantis Books (quirky bookshop)

Hike from Thira to Oia (10km)

• public bus connects Fira and Oia.  Runs approx every 30-60mins.  Taxi approx 25 Euro
• before hike visit Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Cathedral, Basilica of St John the Baptist, alleys,views of caldera, white/blue houses) 
• starts at Atlantis Hotel.  Walk north towards Imerovigli and keep  water to my left.  There’s a few markers.
• Firostefani is next village but detour to Three Bells of Thira at Agios Theodoros
• Eat at Galini in Firostefani
• continue to Imerovigli and watch for Anastasi Church
• can have lunch at Avocado
• detour to Skaros Rock by watching for the trail forking near Agios Georgios Church (stay left).  On the backside of Skaros there’s a white church overlooking the water
• continue through Imerovigli and continue north (maze of paths)
• go past Avalon Resort not the trail and stay left at the fork just before Profitis Ilias Church
• walk downhill where you’ll be on the road briefly.  Trail continues again just past the cafe
• walk uphill on rocky dirt trail for a while
• start descent to Oia
• watch for Panagia Church
• continue along caldera into Oia where trail enters a parking lot before exiting onto a walking path which continues to Oia

OTHER OPTIONS

• rent ATV for approx 30-45 Euro/day

BEACHES

• Black sand beaches of Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios and Kamari
• Red Beach
• The White Beach
• Vlihada Beach

SUNSET VIEWS

• go to Oia Castle really early as it gets super crowded
• after getting a few photos, walk 10mins to a second viewpoint on the terrace next to Aspaki Exclusive Suite. Not as busy later as everyone stays at Oia Castle. 20-30 mins after sunset the buildings are lit and the sky holds it’s colour.  
• Ammoudi Taverna

EATS

• Oia Vineyart
• Pelekanos rooftop w/ view
• Karma
• Lolita’s for gelato
• Drink at Kapari Wine Bar w/ view
• Ammoudi Taverna (fresh seafood on the water)
• Sunsets Restaurant (reserve early for sunset view table)
• Pita Gyros 

TIPS:

• I would stay outside of Oia if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle or pick a hotel on the south side of the hill so you have sunset and sunrise views.  Fira and Imerovigli are nice and in the middle of the island.  I stayed at Laokasti Village was right in Oia.  It was nice to be so close to the heart of Oia for me to take photos at sunrise and sunset, which is why I chose to stay there.  It’s a basic hotel, but had a nice pool area and I had a small kitchenette in my room.  I’m not sure if it was due to Covid, but the breakfast needed to be pre-ordered and was very basic.  

• Sunset at Oia Castle is a complete gong show despite arriving an hour early so after the first night, I went to other spots to avoid the massive crowds.  I can’t even imagine what it would be like in the summer.  I went back to the castle for sunrise and it was just as beautiful and much, much quieter.

• A car isn’t a must as the bus runs quite frequently and your hotel should be able to print off a schedule for you.  It will be crowded though, so be prepared to stand.  There are little stops marked with a photo of a bus along the road in Oia or you can also catch it at the main bus station in Oia or Fira.  If you’re catching it at a roadside stop, hold out your hand a give a wave when you see the bus approaching or they won’t stop.  It’s a couple of euro to get around the island.  Lots of people rented cars but it’s very crowded and looked like a bit of a nightmare to drive and find parking.  Tourists also rent ATV’s.

• There’s few taxis on the island so if you don’t want to walk the very steep hill from the ferry, arrange a transfer through the hotel ahead of time.  It’s not cheap but worth it

• If you can get your ass our of bed, go for sunrise to see the three blue-domed churches on the South side as well as the windmill on the West side right in Oia (Google maps have both on their maps but you may need to wander some alleys to find the best spot)

• Hike up to the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin for sunrise and watch out for snakes!

• Definitely do the hike from Fira to Oia.  Take the bus from Oia to Fira and then hike the 10km back to Oia.  It winds its way along the coast and it’s beautiful (follow the detailed directions written above).  I saved the main waypoints in Google Maps and had no problem finding my way.  Basically if you keep the coast on your left, you’re going the right way.  I didn’t hike down to Skaros Rock and I wish I had as I had forgotten there was a church perched on the cliff. I started this hike at noon which was not the best idea as I was walking in the heat of the day so I would start as early as you can.  Be sure to wear proper footwear as you will be walking on uneven cobblestones, flagstones and dirt roads.  I brought a pair of hiking runners and used them almost everyday.

• the gelato at Lolita’s is yummy!

• If you want to explore the lesser visited South of the island, definitely book an electric mountain bike tour with Vasily at Santorini MTB Adventures.  It’s for all levels as long as you can ride a bike.  He provides hotel transfer and sets you up with a bike, helmet, water and you stop for food along the way. Vasily provides background on the little villages you visit (Emporio, Megalochori) and you have a chance to go on some backroads and away from the crowds.  The tour lasted about five hours and we ended the day with a swim in the sea back at his bike shop.  I booked the tour through Get Your Guide, which is an app that provides access to numerous tours throughout Greece and the rest of the world.  

MILOS

ITINERARY

• Mandrakia Village
• Adamas Village and Port
• Trypiti  (Windmills & village)
• Klima Village (fishing village with sunset views)
• Ancient Theatre of Milos (in Klima)
• Plaka Village incl hike to Kastro Castle
• Agia Paraskevi Church
• Visit Kimolos Island (daily ferries from Pollonia)
• Walk from Pollonia to Phylakopi, to Papafragas Cave, to Pachaina, to Mytakas, to Sarakiniko Beach (see tips below).  This is a very long walk and will take most of the day.  I walked on the road until Mytakas and then followed the trail along the coastline to reach Sarakiniko.  
• Hike from Trypiti, to Prophet Elias Holy Chapel, to Milos Catacombs, to Ancient Theatre of Milos and end in Klima village

BEACHES

• Sykia roofless cave (accessed by boat or hike)
• Papafragas Cave and Firiplaka Beach (two “fingers” of water that carved rock out from the ocean. Check both out)
• Kleftiko Bay, caves and beach (boat tour)
• Paleochori Beach (Food delivered to your lounge chair that was cooked on the hot sand!)
• Sarakiniko Beach (best at sunrise as few people, but water changes colour thruout day. Visit a few times)
• Firopotamos Beach (white-washed buildings, at tip of headland on the eastern entrance to the cove are some ruins)
• Tsigrado Beach (most secluded & accessible via two steep ladders)
• Plathiena Beach (best in Milos)
• Thiorichia Beach (remote beach next to sulphur mines)

OTHER OPTIONS:

• book swimming tour of north beaches for the day out of Pollonia

(www.greeka.com)

• book Kayaking Tour to Tsigrado and Gerakas Beach from Fyriplaka Beach ($89) with 

 Trip Advisor or www.getyourguide.com

• rent car or ATV to explore
• Book catamaran or sail boat to West Milos and Kleftiko Beach from Adamas ($132) with www.getyourguide.com 
• Boat trip to Poliegos on Perseas www.Andreas-rooms.gr/en/perseas.php Email to enquire:  post@andreas-rooms.gr or call +30 22870 41262
• Ferry to Sifnos for the day to see Chapel of Seven Martyrs and Castle of Sifnos

SUNSET VIEWS

• Klima Village
• Venetian Castle (panoramic view of island.  Arrive early to get a good spot. Sunrise is amazing too)
• Sarakiniko Beach
• Plaka Tryiti (overlooking harbour)

EATS

Gialos Restaurant in Pollonia (traditional Greek tavern on waterfront)

Armira Restaurant in Pollonia (seafood on the beach)

JordansMeating in Pollonia (best chicken souvlaki)

Cactus in Pollonia (cafe on water for snacks/drinks)

Armenaki in Pollonia (seafood)

Rifaki in Pollonia (seafood)

Akrotiri Seafood Obsession in Pollonia

Deck in Pollonia ( brunch, coffee)

Kivotos ton Gefseon in Pollonia (lunch & dessert)

Aktaion in Adamas (pizza/pasta)

Aragosta in Adamas (local Greek food w/ views of port)

Egoist in Adamas (cafe on water. open early to late)

Paradosiaka Edesmata in Adamas (pastry shop)

Milors Cafe in Adamas

O hamos (highly recommended by Fotis)

Utopia in Plaka (cafe on hilltop w/ view with yummy cocktails) *ask for Andreas

Avli-Milos in Plaka (authentic Greek food in heart of downtown)

Fatses in Plaka (best ambiance w/ live music for appy & drink)

Palaios Pastry in Plaka (dessert)

Medusa adjacent from Mandrakia Beach (fresh seafood)

TIPS:

• I would stay near the port or Plaka as Pollonia is very quiet, it’s far away from everything you want to see and there’s not much there.  That being said, it was lovely to stay at Anemoessa Studios which was right on the sea.  It’s basic, but clean accommodation for only 40 euros a night.  And the owner, Areta and her dad Jorges, are great people and super helpful.  It was very relaxing to eat my salad on my private deck every night watching the sunset.  I would ask for room 7 or 10 as they were on the upper floor and seemed to have the best views.  They provide utensils and plates, a small fridge and kettle with tea and coffee.  There were lots of places for rent along the waterfront varying in price.  

• there were lots of taxis at the port on my arrival so no need to book a transfer ahead of time and if you stay near the port, you can just walk

• If you’re into hanging out at the beach, Milos is for you.  Laid back island with lots of beautiful beaches.  I stayed 9 days and it was too long for me as I can’t sit around for that long but I really enjoyed my time there 

• You definitely need a car on Milos.  You will need an international driver’s licence.  I lucked out and they overlooked it, but better to have one in case they’re sticklers.  Lots of tourists rent ATV’s but I preferred a car as it was especially windy while I was there and it was nice to get a break from dirt being blown in my face!  The ATV’s are good if there’s a couple of you and you want to do some off-road exploring, especially the West part of the island where you can’t take a car.

• If it’s really windy and you want to hang out at the beach go to the South side of the island (Paleochori Beach and the Old Sulphur Mine)

• Definitely go to the Old Sulphur Mine!  So cool!  When driving there, you can take a car most of the way (drive really slow and you’ll be fine), but near the bottom where the road really narrows, you’ll come to an open pit.  Park there and walk down the rest of the way so you don’t have to worry about trying to fit two cars on the very narrow road

• The walk from Pollonia to Sarakiniko Beach is long and will take most of the day, but so worth it.  You see so much more than if you were going by car.  And you would miss out on the trail along the coast.  I walked on the road until Mytakas and then followed the trail along the coastline to reach Sarakiniko.  You can either call a cab to take you back to your hotel or walk

SIFNOS

I took a day trip to Sifnos which is a 40 minute ferry ride on a high speed ferry as I was getting bored on Milos after a week.  I took the 8am ferry as I wanted plenty of time to explore. 

I took a taxi from the port to Kastro.  It’s a small village built on top of a mountain and definitely visit Chapel of the Seven Martyrs while you’re there.  

I walked from Kastro to Apollonia on a trail the taxi driver told me about.  When leaving Kastro walk along the road past the windmills until you reach a hairpin corner with a business that repairs boats.  You’ll see flagstone stairs heading up the hill and a church at the top.  Follow the stairs until you reach the road again at another little church.  Just past the church on the right, you’ll see a dirt road and you follow that until you reach Apollonia.  

From Apollonia I walked along the road to the trail head to the Church of St Andrew.  You’ll see a sign on the right side of the road saying “Agios Andreas” beside flagstone stairs leading up the mountain.  At the top you get a beautiful view of Apollonia, the coast line and Kastros.  And the little church is gorgeous inside with murals.  From the church I followed the trail following the fenced off site of the ruins beside the church to a road and parking area.  Just down the road on the right side you’ll see a trailhead.  If you follow this trail it leads you into the mountains and some small churches.  It’s called Hiking Firogia on Google Maps and I highly recommend it.  It’s easy to follow as it’s marked with red and white stripes on rocks along the way.  And easy to follow on Google Maps.  The trails ends on the road where you walked past to get to the Church of St Andrew.

I took the bus from Apollonia to the port in Kamares and then walked 15 minutes along the water to the Church of St Catherine for sunset.  If the gate is closed, you can still enter.  Just make sure to latch it behind you.

The return ferry was supposed to leave at 7pm but due to high winds it was delayed two hours which was a bummer, but I’m so glad I visited Sifnos.   If I could do it over again, I would’ve spent four days in Milos and four days in Sifnos.  And I would’ve rented a car as there were other places I would’ve liked to have seen but just didn’t have the time without a vehicle.

SAILING TRIP w/ Intrepid Travel

Week long sailing trip through the Cyclades starting in Mykonos and ending in Santorini.  

I’ve used Intrepid Travel for years.  I like the small group, backpack style of travel and the freedom to go off on my own as well.  They handle all the logistics and leave you to enjoy the adventure.  They have different levels of travel from rugged to premium and no matter which one you choose, the places you stay are often quite unique.  And you also meet great people, some of which I’ve stayed in touch and traveled with again over the years.

I highly recommend this sailing trip as you have the opportunity to visit a few islands and you also have swim stops everyday in different locations including deserted beaches.  It’s all weather dependent so sometimes you don’t follow the exact itinerary.  

Be prepared for cramped quarters and sharing of berths.  I lucked out and had a room to myself with my own bathroom which was heaven. 

We all chipped in money at the beginning of the trip and bought groceries for breakfasts and lunches and then prepared our own meals and snacks.  Just depends on the group how much cooking you want to do.  We kept it very simple with muesli and yoghurt for breakfast and sandwiches and Greek salad for lunch.  We ate as a group every evening at restaurants that the skipper made reservations at.

Our skipper, Fotis, was very knowledgeable about the islands and encouraged us to assist him in sailing the boat.  

SYROS

• Miaouli Square
• Church of Agios Nikolaos 
• Go down the stairs to the water from Church of Agios Nikolaos for a nice view of the seaside of the town
• Church of the Resurrection of the Lord
• walk up the mountain following the white marble steps to Church of Agios Georgios and stop for a fresh lemonade at Maison de Mézé
• If you want to relax in the afternoon go to Ciel Beach Bar.  For 10 euro they give you a lounger and towel and you can order food and drinks.

NAXOS 

• Bay of Gaidharos
• Village of Hora (capital of Naxos) & old town area (Google maps doesn’t really work very well so be prepared to get lost and just wander)
• Follow path up to Venetian Kastro (monuments & churches in winding laneways)
• Old Roman Catholic Cathedral in the square 
• Temple of Apollo on the islet of Palatia just north of marina.  Go for sunset but it will be crazy busy.  If you go for sunrise there’s few people and the light is beautiful 

SMALL CYCLADES 

• Quaint fishing village,  Koufonisia
• walk along the coastline on a trail from Paralia Finika to the Eye of the Devil and Ksylomlatis Caves.  If the weather is calm you can swim in both.  Beautiful coastline dotted with caves and beaches
• Watch sunset from the bay looking across to Windmill Villa
• If you walk along the road past Windmill Villa you can access the rocky cliffs on the water.  I sat here for hours as it was protected from the wind and I had it to myself
• Beautiful sunrise at the harbour with all the little fishing boats

THIRASIA 

• Final night – small island 1/2 hour from Santorini
• Nothing really here but you get a beautiful sunrise before taking the ferry taxi to Ammoudi Bay on Santorini

FERRIES & TRAINS

TRAIN TIPS:

Stathmos Larissa – Central Train Station

Theodore Diligiannis Plateia Larisis, Athens 104 39

• I booked my train ticket ahead of time to Kalabaka through the TrainOSE site and it allowed me to pick the class of ticket and my seat.  I wouldn’t bother with a first class ticket as it’s not worth it.  

• the train seems to run on time as both of mine were prompt.  

• to find the carriage number, look for the handwritten sign on the car door

————————————————————————————

FERRY TIPS:

• the Superjet ferries are fast but you’re stuck inside the whole journey and can’t walk around.  They reek of diesel and they’re horrible if the weather isn’t great.  If you’re not in a hurry, take the Blue Star large ferries as they sail in pretty much any weather and you can sit outside and walk around.  Definitely take Blue Star ferry going to and from Athens as it’s preferable for a longer journey.  I used Superjet from Milos to Athens and although we left on time, it ended up arriving an hour late as they slowed their speed to save fuel, which is super annoying.  

• use FerryHopper to book your ferry ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting in summer.  You can check in online 48 hours ahead of time and get your seat allocated.  You also receive updates via text if you’re ferry will be late and you can see the position of your ferry through the FerryHopper app.  

• if you’re not booking your ticket ahead of time, check the weather, as this will dictate what ferry company you may want to use.  

• I had to fill out a form when going from Athens to Mykonos and Milos back to Athens with regards to Covid.  This may change in the future but be sure to check with the ferry company and print off the forms ahead of time.  I also had to show my vaccine card when boarding.

• Name of the ferry on your ticket may not match the name on the side of the ferry so be sure to confirm with attendant.

Good luck and if you have any questions please ask!