Hi! Welcome to my mini travel blog. This is my first time writing about a trip. My husband, Eddie, and I went to Greece for the first time in June 2024, and I was thrown off by how hot it was. Some tourist sites were closed because of the extreme heat. But besides the heat, we had a great time exploring, trying new foods, and drinking wine. We only stayed 1 night in Santorini and 2 separate nights in Athens. The rest of our vacation was spent on Virgin Voyages. You can read about that part here. Here’s some tips and tricks we learned on our trip. Please remember, everything is from our point of view and our opinions. Not everyone will have the same thoughts and experiences from us.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! I only recommend products and services I personally use. Santorini, Greece
Where to Stay in Santorini
Suites of the Gods (Presidential Suite with a Private Pool)
2 Nights
Address: Caldera, Megalochori 847 00, Greece
The scenery was amazing. You can see the stunning caldera. It was a beautiful sight during sunrise and sunset. Breakfast was included so that is a plus for me when booking a hotel. Very private location. If you stay in Oia or Fira, the buildings are so close and condensed together that you can see other people in their hotel rooms.
What to Do in Santorini
We only had 1 full day to explore the island. Sightseeing in Oia and Fira.
Gavalas Winery
Address: Megalochori 847 00, Greece
We booked online in advance for Wine tasting at Gavalas Winery. Family run and very friendly staff. You could feel the history as we took a small tour of the building. We opted for the tasting of 6 different wines. 2 were premium wines that were made in small batches off 200 .The tasting felt personal and I didn’t feel rushed. They do offer shipping to the U.S., but only to certain states. Our overall favorite was the Vinsanto, which was very different from the rest. We wanted to have this shipped home, but unfortunately, they could not ship to California. Fun bonus, we were surprised by a small litter of kittens during our tasting.
Where to Eat in Santorini:
Svoronos Bakery
Address: Greece, 25is Martiou, Thira 847 00, Greece
Breakfast: Pastries, desserts, coffee, and more. We ended up getting a spanakopita aka spinach pie, a pastry wrapped sausage and some iced coffee to keep us going. Both pastries were pretty tasty and flaky, and the ice coffee was decent enough to give us a little caffeine and relief from the heat.
The Family Bakery
Address: Επαρχ. Οδ. Φηρων - Ορμου Περισσης, Μεγαλοχωρι, Σαντορινη 847 00, Greece
We went to The Family Bakery for a quick snack break. The seats were filled and there was a line to order, which to us, was a good sign. There was a side for their Gelato, a section for a variety of Baklava and other snacks and souvenirs. We ordered a few different flavors of baklavas and ice cream and it did not disappoint.
Geromanolis
Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, Megalochori 847 00, Greece
We had Geromanolis for dinner. There were no tourists there, just locals. Traditional food and it looked like a family run business. The staff was friendly and the food was amazing. We ordered sausage, stuffed squid, grilled swordfish, and a rice dish that I could not remember the name of. The Stuffed squid and grilled swordfish were my favorites. Perfectly cooked and tender. Complimented by their side salad of cucumbers and tomatoes. As a complimentary dessert, they gave us greek yogurt with honey and some fruit. The yogurt tasted way better there and was a refreshing way to end the meal.
Transportation Tips:
How to get around in Santorini
Taxis are expensive to take around the island. Buses are more affordable but are confusing to navigate. Check the time tables the day of and be mindful of each bus sign. Buses can change their destinations throughout the day, so be sure to ask before getting on. They normally have the sign of their end destination, which tells you which route they are taking. There are some express routes though tat do skip stops. You can pay in cash during the ride to one of the attendants, or you can pay as you hop off. When you are on your bus, you will tell them where you want to stop. As they travel the route, they will yell out the next stop, so be ready to get off. You can also pull the string for the next stop if you know where you are going.
Worldchampion Jet Seajets. We booked with Ferry Hopper 2 months in advance for our ferry to Piraeus (Athens). It is a good website to buy tickets, gives great pricing and is easy to navigate.We booked ours with The Worldchampion Jet Seajets. We arrived early to the Athinios ferry port in Santorini to get our bearings and enjoy a decent breakfast. It was a pretty big crowd to get into the ferry. Cars were also driving on after pedestrians had boarded. It seemed like a struggle for those with rolling luggages because of the grated ramp onto the ferry. Luckily, we had decided to pack light and backpack it for this trip.The seating is assigned, which makes things a lot easier. A little more spacier than an airline seat.The ride was smooth and I couldn’t tell we were moving fast. They sold snacks and drinks inside the ferry. The restrooms were pretty clean.
If you have a cruise or a ferry, make sure you have enough time to get to the right port, especially in Piraeus. The ferry port and cruise port are on different sides. For us, we wanted at least 1 night before and after the cruise.
Flights: Booked through Delta Airlines.
LAX to Athens: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: We sat near the restrooms and the seats went reclined pretty far back. They gave out a lot of snacks which I can’t say no to.
Athens to Santorini: Sky Express. Flight was delayed by 2 hours. Flying wasn’t the smoothest and not the comfiest seats but it was okay for a 1 hour ride. The tickets were cheap so I can't really complain.
Athens to LAX: Air France: Smooth and good leg room.
Athens, Greece
Where to Stay in Athens
Ciel Living Athens
Address: ΜΝΗΣΙΚΛΕΟΥΣ, Mitropoleos 2, Athina 105 56, Greece.
1 Night - Classic room
We booked the classic room and surprisingly had a view of the Metropolitan Church. The room was clean and very spacious for two people. I was surprised by the bathroom that had no shower door. I thought it was only our hotel in Santorini, but it was in Athens too. Is that how hotels do it in Greece? Other than that, there were really no complaints for just being there for one night. The rooftop restaurant had a pretty good view of the city and the Acropolis in the distance. Perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast, or to enjoy as a lounge bar in the evening.
Neo Luxury Suite
Address: 9 Απόλλωνος 3rd Floor, Athens, 10557, Greece
1 Night - Deluxe Apartment
Deluxe apartment located in central Athens, perfect location for tourist spots and restaurants. It was comfortable and clean, equipped with modern amenities like a refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and stove. The bathroom was spacious. Neighborhood felt safe, the only downside was the noise when trucks were using their loudspeakers. The elevator in the building was fun using, felt a little scared at first but worked perfectly.
Where to Eat in Athens
Anglais Athens
Address: Kirikeioi 6, Athina 105 55, Greece.
The vibes were chill and the drinks were strong and flavorful. We ordered a margherita pizza and a greek salad that were both delicious. Who knew Greek salads really came with a big chunk of Feta cheese on top? We sat, chatted, drank and dined until the sun had set over the perfect view of the city and Acropolis. Small tea lights lit up at each table as the sun slowly had set. The string lights kicked on and the Acropolis had lit up, giving a whole new view to enjoy.
Lukumades
Address: Eolou 21, & Aghias Irinis Str, Athina 105 51, Greece.
A long line stretched all the way from inside to the street corner. Only a few seats lined the interior wall. We got lucky and found a table that was just leaving. I just wanted the A/C inside. It was too hot for 9 pm. The donuts were freshly fried donut balls with a sweet glaze. The outside was crunchy, yet collapsed to an airy inside. It was so delicious. Eddie ordered a tsikoudia, a really strong alcoholic drink that we were not expecting. Supposedly went great with the donuts, but felt like pure jet fuel. Chase that with a Lukumades and we were golden.
Taverna Saita
Address: Kidathineon 21, Athina 105 58, Greece.
Searched this restaurant on google and it had good reviews. When we arrived, it was already packed. The waiters noticed we went there earlier, so they were kind enough to let us have the first opening table available. We waited for 15 mins. The food was amazing. We ordered octopus, grilled squid, beef souvlaki, and chicken souvlaki. The grilled squid and octopus were tender and not overcooked or rubbery. The beef and chicken souvlaki had so much flavor. I can see why locals come here.
Victory
Address: Filellinon 22, Athina 105 57, Greece
This was close to our airbnb and we noticed the seats were filled. The reviews were pretty high on google. We ordered the hummus with pita, pork souvlaki, pita, tzatziki,and moussaka. All very delicious. I had to order the orange fanta because it tastes so different compared to the US, not as sweet. The staff was very friendly. They were kind enough to give us free water and candy before we left.
Old Ithaki
Address: Agias Filotheis 2, Athina 105 56, Greece
Our last night in Athens, and I was craving risotto really bad. I can’t stop ordering it. The reviews were pretty high and we passed by it before and it was crowded. It barely opened and we were the 2nd group of people there. The food was fantastic. Fried calamari, fried mushrooms, seafood risotto, and seafood pasta. I was on a seafood binge. There was live music playing traditional Greek music.
Transportation Tips in Athens
How we got around.
From the ferry port, we walked to the train station using google maps. It works perfectly there. The station, at that time, wasn’t crowded. It took us a while to read the train station signs, but we eventually got it. Just like any train ticket, there was a single ride, day pass, or multiple day passes. We used cash to pay. Once we got onto the train, it was easy to navigate.
We didn’t want to explore too much. We noticed how walkable it was from Monastiraki Square to Plaka. There were tons of taxis everywhere but we didn’t want to pay for it. Plus it’s best to walk around to take in the scenery from the different districts. Just stay alert with pickpocketing since we saw videos on how common it is in busy areas.
We used Uber/Uber Taxi to get to the Cruise Port and Airport. The prices were not as bad as we thought.
Athens & Santorini Travel Trips for First Time Visitors
Airalo - Easy to use eSIM
International eSIM - I’ve used Airalo in Greece, Croatia, Amsterdam, and Japan. Easy and fast setup. No surprise roaming fees. You can reload data anytime too. You can also check on the app how much data you have left. No need to carry around those physical bulky wifi boxes or insert a new sim card.
Ready for a stress-free connectivity? Get Airalo eSIM here!
Pack Light with a Carry-On Backpack
For this trip, we decided to pack light. For me, I hate carrying too much stuff. If you are like us and have watched/read other Greece Travel Tips and Trick videos/blogs, you’ll see how hard it is to use rolling luggages around the streets of Athens and Santorini. If you can, using a carry-on backpack, it is so much easier to travel with. The streets in Athens and Santorini are bumpy, uneven, and some made with cobblestones. Having only a carry-on backpack made it easier for us to move around especially on ferries, trains, and crowded areas.
Store Your Luggage with Bounce for Convenience
Need a safe and convenient place to store your luggage? Whether you’re too early for check-in, have time to explore after check-out, or a long wait before your flight, BOUNCE LUGGAGE STORAGE has you covered! With secure locations across the country - including lockers and dedicated storage rooms - you can drop off your bags with a peach of mind.
Pro Tip: Check reviews to find the best spots and times, lock your bags, and use an Airtag for extra security!
Click here to find the perfect storage location and book now! Bounce Luggage Storage
Google Maps Works Great
Google Maps works great in Athens and Santorini. It helps with walking directions, public transportation, and restaurant recommendations. If you are using the bus and metro systems, GM can help with navigation. Make sure to download offline maps in case of weak Wi-Fi if you are going to less touristy areas.
English is Okay
Most Greeks know how to speak English especially in the touristy areas. If having a hard time communicating, use google translate. It’s very helpful.
Greek Manners are Different
Social customs are different from the U.S vs Greece. Don’t take it personally. People won’t always say “excuse me” or “sorry”, it’s normal. Greeks are friendly but too excessive in politeness in casual situations. Restaurant servicers don’t rush you and won’t check in on you all the time. They’re not being rude and ignoring your table. Just wave them down and they will come to you.
Greece Packing List
Santorini & Athens Must Haves for Summer Trip
Travel Essentials
Passport & Digital Backup - I always take a picture of my passport and save it digitally somewhere I can access the photo incase I lose it.
Flight, Train, & Hotel Confirmations - I always have physical copies on me incase I don’t have access to wifi.
Credit/Debit Cards & Cash: Call your bank if you need to tell them about you traveling. You don’t want your cards to be frozen during a trip. Also call your bank to check if they can exchange currencies. We used Chase to exchange cash in advance and it took a week.
Travel Insurance - Medical Emergencies
European Plug Adapter: Must need if you are from America. The Vintar European Travel Plug worked perfectly for us. Plus it has additional usb plugs. It’s a great budget find.
Vintar European Travel Plug Link Here
Phone Charger: One thing about me is that I am constantly taking photos and videos on vacation. I always keep my portable phone charger, Anker GaNPrime Power Bank, on me. One other great thing about the Anker is the ability to charge itself and my phone at the same time when plugged into an electrical outlet. 2 in 1!
Money Belt - Hide your passport and extra cash under your clothing especially if you are going to high theft areas. I loved the Daitet Money Belt. It was so comfortable I sometimes forgot I was wearing it. Slim and discreet, it fits easily under my clothing without being bulky. If you are wearing super tight clothing, it might not work but at least you know you have it on you. A must have for a worry free travel!
Portable Compact Luggage Scale: 1 thing I don’t want to do is end up opening up my luggage at the airport just because it’s over weight. Before I head to the airport I always use the Etekcity Luggage Scale to check my luggage weight. It’s super light and compact, I can even put it in my carry on bag. Digital scale is easy to read and uses kg and lbs. I never pay extra for bags.
Luggage & Organization
Carry-On Bag: Everyone needs a spacious but compact enough for a carry-on bag. I love the Witzman Canvas Backpack. It has so many pockets that I am able to organize my clothes, documents, liquids, and my electrical devices without having to scramble looking through everything.
Witzman Canvas Backpack Link Here
Packing Cubes: I was able to organize my clothes with packing cubes. I can easily find what’s what without having to take everything out of my luggage.
TSA Approved Toiletry Bag: If you are going through the airport first and don’t want to deal with the TSA about your liquids. With a Tocelffe Clear Toiletry Bag I was able to get through TSA easily. I get way too anxious at the airport to get stopped. It has individual containers for different liquids and sizes.
Clothing & Footwear
Comfortable Shoes: This really does make or break my trip. I get grumpy and mean when my feet start to hurt. I used Kizik Shoes for this trip and it was so comfy for me. The great thing for me is I didn’t need to tie my shoes over and over again. I was able to slip my feet in and out so easily after a long day.
Stylish Sandals
Light Breathable Clothing - If you are going during the summer, it’s a must. The summer heat and humidity is no joke in Athens.
Swimwear - If you are going to the beaches or just swimming in the hotel pools.
Sun Hat & Sunglasses - Protect your skin and eyes.
Toiletries & Skincare
Sunscreen/Sunblock: Protect yourself. Trust me, you don’t want to get sunburned during your vacation. Also, make sure you know the difference between sunblock vs sunscreen. I personally didn’t know the difference until someone told me to google it.
Face Wash & Moisturizer
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, & Floss
Deodorant - No need to explain.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Motion sickness medications / patch: I get sea sick but Dramamine motion sickness helped me during the flights and ferry.. For an extra measure, I put on Motion Sickness Patches.
Tech & Accessories
International eSIM - I used Airalo. Easy and fast setup. No surprise roaming fees. You can set up a phone number for the country you are visiting. We got one so we could call our hotels and restaurants to confirm our reservations. You can reload anytime too. No need to carry around those physical wifi boxes.
Action Cameras: Insta360 GO3s and Insta360 X3. Go3s is a perfect vlogging camera and POV shots. I do get shy with vlogging sometimes so I use the GO3s if I want to be discreet about filming. The Insta360 X3 is perfect for those fun angles shooting.
Headphones - Sometimes I use this when I want to tune everyone out and just relax on the flight and ferry.
E-Reader or Books: I just want to listen and look out at the ocean during sea days, I listen to my Audible. But sometimes I do keep like to read with my Kindle Unlimited Membership. I download audio books / book just before I get on the ship just incase the wifi isn’t strong enough on board.
Complimentary Audible Membership 30 Day Trial Link Here
Waterproof Phone Case: If you know you are doing water activities during your vacation, the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch works great with water. Protip, before using any waterproof pouch, put a paper towel inside first to see if there is a hole inside the pouch.
Tripod - I get shy asking people to take my photos and so I just bring my EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod everytime I go on a trip. It’s very compact and light. Great thing is it can be used as a selfie stick too. 2 in 1!