So here we decided to take one step ahead in life by getting hitched and deciding for some lone time to explore ourselves as well as a new place. After many options that we shortlisted, Greece excited us more.
Greece has two parts – One is all about the ancient mythologies and the other one is to dive into the beauty of crystal blue water, beaches, and islands of Greece. We decided to explore both sides, not boring ourselves too much in mythologies.
We researched many other islands apart from Santorini – Mykonos, Crete, Naxos, Paros, and Rhodes.
Mykonos is known for its nightlife. If you are a party person you should go for it.
After research, we finally decided to go first to Athens then Rhodes, and then Santorini.
The day came when we were supposed to fly from Mumbai to Athens.
Day 1:
We arrived in Athens at 2 pm and then checked into the Delphi Art Hotel in Omonia Circle which is surrounded by the market area, cafes, and restaurants. Since only half of the day was in our hands we decided to explore the local market. Also since it was Labour Day, the public transportation and markets were closed for the day except restaurants. So we had to take a brisk walk to nearby areas and hog Greek food.
We went to a hotel called “A Little Taste of Home” where you get amazing Caesar salad and Pasta.
Greece is all about food, love, beauty, and mythology and we decided to indulge in every bit of it.
Some of the known Greek food-feta cheese, olives, coffee, pasta, and yogurt and we wanted to try all these local cuisines. Vegetarians will not find much difficulty here unlike other countries. If you think of having good food in Greece you will spend a maximum of 20 Euros.
What not to miss in food in a 10 day trip? (Everything Veg)
- Greek yogurt.
- Greek Salad
- Greek coffee.
- Caesar salad.
- Pasta
- Pasta Salad
- Tzatziki dip (made of yogurt which is normally accompanied by garlic bread)
We headed to Piraeus which is the main port in Greece. If you are travelling to other islands via waterways this is where you will have to take your ride from …
Walking the streets of Athens, we found many people begging in their suits, Ugly streets, and vehicles. All of these made us remember the economic turmoil a few years back.
Few tips:
- The country asks for more cash and not cards.
- Also it is a little risky to walk in the streets of Greece carrying too much cash. So try to make maximum use of a Travel card wherever it is possible. Lastly, when no option is available you can make use of cash.
Day 2:
The next day we took a tour to Delphi. It’s always better to do homework before you go to any place. We did little research on Greek mythological characters but we still weren’t aware of it completely. Delphi is regarded as sacred in Greek mythology. There is a small hike that takes you to Apollo’s temple. Also, there is an Amphitheater for 5000 people. (You can only see the seating area) and much higher there is a stadium which was used for the athletic games of Delphi. You will also be able to see the temple of Athena which is close by.
Ruins of the Apollos Temple.
Amphitheater
Temple of Athena in Delphi.
Day 3:
We went for a Hop on Hop off tour in Athens which started from Syntagma Square Terminal. The City Tour covered below points:
- Greek Parliament.
- Melina Merkouri / Plaka
- New Acropolis Museum- Must Visit. It tells you in detail about the structures of the ruins. Also some of the Greek characters .
- The Acropolis and Parthenon
- Temple of Zeus
- National Gardens
- Benaki Museum
- Panathenaic Stadium ( Also known as Ancient Olympic Stadium)
- National Library
- National Archaeological Museum
- Omonia Square
- Karaiskaki Square
- Thession Station/ Kotzia Square.
- What not to miss on the City Tour?
Syntagma Square Terminal– The best place to start exploring Athens is by walking. There are many points near this terminal. This is said to be the business district of Athens.
The Hellenic Parliament ( Greek Parliament ) – Where you can see the change of the guards wearing traditional attire should not be missed. You can see the change of Guards every hour.
Change of Guards
Melina Merkouri / Plaka
- Plaka near Syntagma Square seemed to be a very lively place. The street is full of classic cafes and restaurants. You will find many options for desserts and food over here. I loved the ambiance.
New Acropolis Museum– Very interesting Museum. As you walk inside don’t forget to look down to see the amazing archaeological site. The museum is of 3 levels and they have explained in detail about the structures, characters, acropolis, and stories related to it. There is also a small auditorium at the 3rd level where they show a short film about Greek mythology and the structures connected to it.
The Parthenon
This is the centerpiece of the slopes of the Acropolis which is dedicated to Goddess Athena.
Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus is dedicated to Zeus God (the God of thunder and Lightning). We were disappointed when we went inside as there was no guide or any information written about the monument. So we would suggest not wasting money on it. Instead, you can just click pictures from outside the gate.
Panathenaic Stadium-
One of the best places in the Hop on Hop off tour. This is one of the ancient stadiums. They give you an audio tape with 10 channels where you can hear the history of the stadium chronologically.
Day 4:
We had to travel to Rhodes today in the afternoon. Since we had time in hand we thought of exploring the New Olympic Stadium. We decided to go by Metro as it was close to our hotel, which was like a 7-minute walk. Always try to book your hotel near the Metro station. This will help a lot in saving money over taxis.
We grabbed a metro map and took the green line i.e. (Piraeus Line) towards the direction of Kifissia. Got down at Eirini station which is close to the new Olympic stadium. We were not allowed to get inside the stadium. So we just wandered the outside area of the stadium. Very Huge Stadium but not maintained properly.
Athens Metro
Rhodes – one of the less popular islands which is close to Turkey.
The moment your Aircraft lands over Rhodes you just can’t take your eyes off the beach…So Crystal Clear beaches – wow you will just fall in love with it. Best relaxation mode that a person seeks I would say.
Rhodes.
Day 5:
Rhodes has beautiful villages. We went for a small one-day Symi tour. Symi is known for its beautiful neoclassical colorful houses facing the sea with only 3000 residents over there and for Original sponges .
The brown sponges are the original ones whereas the golden is treated with chemicals. So if you are thinking of buying sponges go for the brown ones.
Original Sponge shop at Symi
Simply Symi
Blocking Evil Forces (That’s what people hang outside their door to block all the evil forces)
We also visited a small village named Panormitis. It is famous for its Monastery which is located at the seafront. It’s a typical orthodox monastery with beautiful interiors.
Panormitis Monastery
Day 6:
After the Symi tour, the next day we planned to go to Anthony Quinn Bay. Beautiful Place and I heard that the underwater is even more beautiful but unfortunately, as the weather was bad and also due to the short period in hand we couldn’t go snorkeling.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Lunch by the bay …
Day 7, 8:
Santorini is beautiful but I loved Rhodes. We had taken Cruise from Rhodes to Santorini which was an ultimate experience.
I would suggest you stay near Fira or Oia so everything is close by. Our. accommodation was at the Adamastos Hotel which was far away from the main city.
What you should not miss in Santorini?
- The enchanting tour of volcanic islands through the traditional boats.
- Sunset from Oia.
- Don’t forget to click beautiful pictures of the famous blue domes.
- Lunch @ Thira.
- Walk through the streets of Fira.
- Three bells of Fira.
The traditional boat tour which I was talking about takes you to the active volcano where you can see the lava vapors coming out. Just keep in mind to wear good shoes and avoid slippers or flip-flops as you will have to climb the mountain. After that they take you to hot springs which are in the sea; they just park the boat in the middle of the sea from where you can dive.
Traditional boats that take you to volcanic tour.
So when you get at the top, the guide will give you a chance to feel how hot the ground is …( as shown below)
You will also enjoy the scenic view from Thira where you can have lunch and then they take you to Oia from where you can see the beautiful sunset .
Pasta Salad @ Thira
From here the pictures will talk More…
Three bells of Fira
Famous blue domes
That known Famous Photo-stop in Oia
And Ofcourse the Mose Beautiful Sunset @ Oia
Well, this may sound a little ridiculous but there is a donkey ride from Oia port to the main city which is considered as lucky by the Greek people.
Transportation:
Greece has a lot of internal travel so if you get a chance to hire a moped then go for it. You just need to apply for an international driving license. In a few places, they do ask to share a cab. You can go for it as it’s completely safe plus cost-saving.
Also do note if you are planning a Greece Trip, April to June is the best time to visit this place.
Neha Manavi 
Yooo…🤟
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