Greece: Ancient Ruins, Sunset Views, and the Best Beaches Ever
Okay, let’s talk about Greece—where history, sunsets, and some seriously stunning beaches all collide into one unforgettable trip. From Athens’ ancient monuments to the dreamy sunsets in Santorini and the hidden gems of Naxos.
Athens (2 Days)
First stop: Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization and all things ancient. I’m not one for history or museum’s but it was cool to see in person. Beware of the crowds though and go early if you can!
Walking Tour of Athens: If you’re in Athens, you’re basically walking through a history book. We started at the Acropolis. From there, we marched over to the Temple of Zeus, saw the Parthenon and a ton of other things that I’m not gonna lie I don’t remember but it was cool to see.
Santorini (1 Week)
Next up, Santorini—the island everyone thinks of when they think of Greece.
The Best Airbnb Ever:First off, this was possibly one of the best Airbnbs I’ve ever stayed in. The hosts were amazing. They lived right next door, brought us breakfast when we arrived, and kept the homemade snacks and desserts coming every day. If you’re ever in Santorini, don’t miss out on staying in a place where the hosts treat you like family.
Fira to Oia Walk: So, there’s this iconic walk from Fira to Oia, it’s a pretty long walk but so worth it, the views were insane the whole way—think cliffs, blue water, and that typical Santorini white-and-blue vibe that’s just too good to be true. Make sure to pack your camera, or your phone, or both. You’ll be stopping every five minutes to take photos, at least our moms were.
Winery Night: Okay everyone says you have to do a winery in Santorini and for good reason. The island has loads of amazing wineries, and the wine (plus all the local cheese) was beyond tasty, make sure you book a night at one of the wineries.
Sunset Dinner in Oia: Speaking of sunsets, there’s no better way to enjoy them than with a dinner. There are tons of amazing restaurants that were gorgeous to watch the sunset at (Fanari was one of our favorites).
Shopping in Santorini: Okay, let’s talk about the shops. Santorini is a shopping lover’s dream. From little boutiques to jewelry stores there’s no shortage of shopping. It gets a bit touristy and crowded, but still worth it.
Crowds in Santorini: Alright, Santorini is crowded—it’s basically one giant tourist hotspot. While it’s totally worth visiting, if you’re looking for peace and quiet, maybe consider spending less time in the main touristy areas.
Naxos (5 Days)
Now, my favorite part of this trip: Naxos. If you love beautiful beaches and cute beach towns but want to skip the chaos of the more touristy spots, this island is your place.
Beaches, Beaches, and More Beaches: The beaches here are insane—clear water, soft sand (beaches on Santorini were more rocky), and plenty of room to relax without fighting for space. We spent most of our days lounging by the water, swimming in crystal-clear seas, and eating gelato.
Catamaran Day Trip in Naxos: This was easily my favorite day on the Greece trip. We got picked up on a Catamaran, there wasn’t too many other people so it wasn’t crowded at all and everyone was really nice. We went to the island of Paros, a clay beach were we put the clay all over our face, hair, and bodies. The clay here is supposed to be really good for your skin and hair and make your hair very soft. Then we went snorkeling this day we didn’t see much but still super fun to see the colorful reefs and coral! Then they made us a local greek dish for lunch served with fresh fruit, veggies, and some other local snacks which all was very good and made for a very successful day!
Halki Town: If you’re into shopping, head to Halki Town—it’s this adorable little spot with narrow streets and local shops that sell everything from handmade jewelry to olive oil. Every corner of this town feels like it’s out of a postcard.
More Relaxing: Naxos is the perfect contrast to the more tourist-heavy parts of Greece, and I highly recommend spending a few days here to recharge. The sunsets? Equally magical—just without the crowds of Santorini.
Greece was an absolute dream—each island felt like its own unique paradise. From Athens’ rich history to the sunset-filled days in Santorini and the tranquility of Naxos, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the culture, the people, and the stunning scenery.