- This is a very long post. We tried our best to shorten it, but this is what we came up with finally. Those who are allergic to long reviews are advised to go to Yelp or Tripadvisor.
- All the photographs were taken by us and copyrighted. Reproduction in any media is prohibited without permission.
We recently went on an epic Greek vacation with family and friends. We couldn't wait to share all the thrilling experiences and unforgettable memories we made during our stay in this beautiful Mediterranean country with rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. From exploring ancient ruins to splashing in the turquoise waters, Greece truly stole our hearts.
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
As soon as we landed in Athens, we felt an exciting mix of enjoyment and curiosity. Our adventure had officially begun.
Like other European metro cities, Athens has a good public transport system. From the airport, we took the metro to Omonoia Square, where our hotel was located. This is one of the three important squares in Athens, the other two being Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square.
After a brief rest, we had walked down to Monastiraki Square via Athinas Street. This vibrant square is a melting pot of history, culture, and contemporary life. The narrow alleys of the flea market are lined with shops and stalls selling everything from vintage treasures to handmade crafts. The neighbouring streets host a cluster of taverns and bistros offering tourists with a traditional culinary experience.
A short walk from Monastiraki Square led us to the fascinating Hadrian's Library. This ancient Roman library, built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE, was a storehouse of valuable rolls of papyrus and other artwork. Later, three Byzantine churches were built within its ruins in the 5th, 7th, and 12th century CE. All these churches and the outer wall of the library with Corinthian columns form part of the ruins.
The next stop was the Ancient Agora, a bustling marketplace in ancient times sitting below the sacred hill of the Acropolis. Around 2nd century CE, the Agora was the heart of community life in Athens. Several administrative buildings, temples, altars, stoas, and fountain houses were built around the open square over many centuries. Walking among the well-preserved ruins in this massive site, we imagined the debates of philosophers, the vibrant trade, and the socio-cultural gatherings that once took place around here.
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| Ancient Agora near Monastiraki Square |
On the northwest side of the Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is one the best preserved ancient Greek temples. Construction being started in 449 BCE; it was transformed into a Greek Orthodox Church gradually from 7th century CE onwards.
The Roman Agora, which is a stone’s throw away, later became the city’s administrative and commercial centre during Julius Caesar’s time. During the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the area was covered with houses, workshops, and churches along with a mosque. The most important monuments of this site are Gate of Athena Archegetis, East Propylon, Fethiye Djami (Turkish Mosque), Agoranomion, to name a few.
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| Roman Agora near Monastiraki Square |
As evening set in, we explored the backside of Acropolis Hill and reached the nearby Syntagma Square through pedestrian street Ermou. After enjoying traditional Greek delicacies in a local tavern, we returned to our hotel via Panepistimiou Street.
Day 2: Corinth
Next day, from Athens Central Station, we boarded an early morning regional train to Corinth, which is famous for its namesake canal. The train ride to Corinth took around an hour, and the scenic route showcased the natural beauty of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. The Corinth Canal is an artificial canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. It is 6.4 km in length and only 24.6 m wide at sea level, making it inaccessible for bigger ships.
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| Corinth Canal |
After arriving in the city of Corinth, we were greeted by the towering sight of the Acrocorinth, an ancient fortress situated on the top of a steep monolithic rock. Reaching the castle required some intense hiking on steep and slippery rocks. However, it was worth the time because the panoramic view of the Peloponnese Peninsula from the top was breath-taking. The castle is a classic example of fortification architecture, displaying construction details and decorative elements from all periods of its history. The walls are built along three defensive lines and are reinforced by towers, bastions and battlements filled with cannon openings.
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| Acrocorinth |
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| Peloponnese Peninsula view from Acrocorinth |
After a traditional Greek lunch in a local tavern, we fast paced through the Ancient Corinth Archaeological Site, where quite a few historical wonders awaited us. Walking amidst the ruins of Temple of Apollo, Roman Forum, Bema of Saint Paul and so many public buildings, we could feel the echoes of the Corinthian past resonating through time.
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| Temple of Apollo at Ancient Corinth |
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| Corinth Archaeological Site |
After a brief stride into the Corinth’s modern shopping district, we bid farewell to the historical city and went onboard a return train to Athens. From Athens Central Station, Syntagma Square is about 2 km far. Though we were little exhausted by the daylong trip, we chose to visit this vibrant place what is otherwise known as heart of Athens. The walk through Panepistimiou Street was nothing short of Amazing. The historical buildings of the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library, the Numismatic Museum, the Catholic Cathedral of Athens are all along this street (“Panepistimiou” means “University” in Greek).
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| National and Kapodistrian University of Athens |
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| National Library of Athens |
At Syntagma Square, the first thing that attracted our attention was the iconic Old Royal Palace, which now houses the Greek Parliament. The first glimpse of the Parliament Building, with its Evzones Guards and changing of the guard ceremony, left us awestruck. We learnt about the historical and cultural significance of this ritual, which has been preserved for centuries. We spent a significant amount of time by exploring the pedestrian shopping district of Ermou Street. From high-end boutiques to local shops, we found everything from fashionable clothing to traditional souvenirs. We took breaks at quaint cafes, savouring Greek delicacies and folk music.
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| Changing of Guard ceremony at Royal Palace (now Greek Parliament), Syntagma Square |
Day 3: Delphi
Delphi, an ancient marvel located just a few hours’ drive from Athens, is a must-visit destination for both nature lovers and history aficionados. We set out on an early morning ride to Delphi by a minivan. The final stretch of the road winds through a breath-taking scenery of Mount Parnassus. After the scenic drive, we finally arrived in the mystical marvel of Delphi, settled on the slopes of Parnassos National Park.
The gigantic archaeological site of Delphi includes two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena, and other buildings, mostly intended for sporting and cultural activities. We wandered through the Sacred Way, marvelled at the Polygonal Wall, the Athenian Treasury, and the Siphnian Treasury. This incredible Polygonal Wall supports the platform on which the Temple of Apollo stands. The Temple of Apollo is the most important monument in the sanctuary, which dominates the landscape with its iconic columns. This is where the offerings to the god were kept, and where the religious rituals took place.
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| Polygonal Wall at Delphi |
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| Temple of Apollo at Delphi |
The Ancient Amphitheatre and the Ancient Stadium are two of the best-preserved monuments in Greece. They are living testaments to the musical contests, religious festivals, and the well-known Pythian Games held in ancient times. The Stadium is situated in the northwest side of the Theatre and is the highest point of this ancient city. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts excavated from the site.
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| Amphitheatre of Delphi |
The Tholos of Athena Pronaia, the symbol of Delphi today, is situated half a kilometre away from the main archaeological site. The Tholos, a masterpiece of classical architecture, is the most important monument of this small sanctuary. The adjoining Ancient Gymnasium along with the Castalian Fountain completes the captivating day trip to this pilgrimage of gods and legends.
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| Tholos of Athena Pronaia at Delphi |
During the return to Athens, we stopped over at the vibrant hill station of Arachova, which is a famous ski town during winter months, but not so crowded during summer. This quaint little town with uphill small houses and cobbled streets is a treat for the eyes. At a local tavern in the town centre, we feasted on authentic Greek cuisine before we started our return journey to Athens.
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| The picturesque town of Arachova |
Day 4: Santorini – Kamari, Fira and Oia
From Athens, we took a domestic flight to the enchanting island of Santorini. Famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and blue-domed churches against the backdrop of deep blue sea, Santorini has been a dream destination for travellers.
We decided to stay in the beach village of Kamari, which is known for its captivating sunrise and black sand beach. We spent a lot of time on the black sand beach, in front of our beachfront hotel.
The only public transport in the island is bus, with Fira being the central location. That means from different corners of the island, one must come to Fira by a bus, then board another bus to go to another location.
Located on a 400 m altitude on the western edge of the crescent-shaped Caldera, Fira is perched above a cliffside, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. Thousands of visitors arrive every year to spend a holiday in this colourful village and admire the views, turning Santorini into one of Greece's most photographed locations.
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| View of Fira from the Caldera Trail |
The houses of Fira are typically Cycladic and cubic-shaped, with low ceilings, whitewashed walls, and blue-painted details. For history enthusiasts, there are several medieval churches worth visiting, e.g., the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, the Dominican Convent, the Agios Stylianos Catholic church with the uniquely painted walls, the Agios Minas church that overlooks the sea, the Agios Ioannis Theologos church that has an unusual style of architecture, and the Three Bells Church with its remarkable bell tower and massive blue dome.
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| Three Bells Church at Fira |
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| Blue Staircase at Fira |
Firostefani is a neighbouring settlement towards the northern side of the island. After strolling through the crescent-shaped Caldera trail, we made a stop at a cliffside tavern at Firostefani to have a traditional Greek lunch and to simultaneously enjoy the spectacular views.
A northbound 12 km bus journey took us to Oia, the most visited village in Santorini and the second largest after Fira. This village is situated above an imposing cliff, overlooking the caldera and the whole island of Santorini. Straight out of a postcard, Oia is certainly the most picturesque village in Santorini, offering Cycladic beauty, whitewashed houses, sun-kissed terraces, blue-domed churches, and most importantly, the magical sunset.
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| View of Oia from the Caldera Trail |
We wandered through the labyrinth-like alleys, discovering the iconic blue-domed churches one after another, namely Anastasi Church, Agios Spyridon Church, Three Dome Church, Church of Agios Nikolaos, and many more. The blue-domed churches are easy to spot, and they add an extra charm to the picture postcard landscape. They have traditional Cycladic architecture and are amongst of the most charming landmarks in the whole of Greece.
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| Blue Dome Church at Oia |
Along with the churches, we got to see some of the best panoramic vistas to the blue sea and volcanic islands. We rounded off the sightseeing by visiting the famous Windmill and the 15th century CE Venetian Castle. At the end of the day, we found the best spot on the cliff to experience the beautiful fairy tale-like sunset; to be stunned at the colour palette formed in the sky.
The return from Oia to Kamari was another one-hour affair and achieved by boarding two connecting buses (via Fira central bus station).
Day 5: Santorini – Volcanic Islands
Day 5: Santorini – Volcanic Islands
Kamari village being on the eastern coast of Santorini Island, it is famous for sunrise over the black sand beach. We spent the entire morning shooting different positions of the sun in the horizon and upwards.
Next, we travelled to the Old Port of Fira, where we made reservations for a boating excursion to the nearby volcanic islands located in the Aegean Sea. The downward stride from central Fira to Old Port was through 600 steps of a steep staircase. The entire steps were filled with moving donkeys and their droppings, making it difficult for us to walk smoothly. Because of that filth, it is very common to slip on the stairs and sprain an ankle.
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| Old Port, Fira |
At the Old Port, the wooden sailboat Santa Irini was straight out of Greek Mythology. It stands out amongst the modern cruise liners and yachts. The boat first anchored very close to Palea Kameni Island, which houses hot volcanic springs inside the sea. We were allowed to swim to the hot springs, which was about 50 m from the boat, and return within a fixed time. However, the first part of the swim was chilling, and we jumped out of the water immediately since the water temperature was 18 °C. Not giving up, we tried again after a little bit of acclimatization and succeeded this time. Closer to the springs, the water gradually warms up to 25 °C. A small church named after Agios Taxiarchis is located next to the springs, a bit usual place in our opinion.
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| Palea Kameni Island |
The return swim to the boat was again a challenge considering the gradual decrease in sea water temperature. After drying ourselves inside the boat, it started sailing again and took us to the nearby Nea Kameni Island – a small uninhabited island of volcanic origin. We hiked about 1.5 km through a steep, gravel path amidst a breathtaking arid landscape to reach the top of the 150 m high volcanic crater to experience the remnants of a live volcano. Memories of Yellowstone National Park were refreshed after seeing the smoke and small eruptions of the active sulfur vents.
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| Nea Kameni Island |
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| Active sulfur vents at Nea Kameni Island |
After returning to the Old Port, we had climbed the same 600 steps and encountered the same donkeys to reach the main market of Fira. A soul-satisfying shopping and dining experience later, we made a short trip to the Red Beach at Akrotiri, which stands out with its unique red-hued cliffs and volcanic sands. It's a beautiful spot for relaxation and photography.
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| Red Beach |
We also had plans to visit the Minoan Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, but it was closed by the time we had arrived there. The return from Akrotiri to Kamari was again by two buses via Fira central bus station.
Day 6: Athens Riviera and Syntagma Square
An early morning flight brought us back to Athens, and we checked into the same hotel at Omonoia Square. An RT-PCR test was required for the return travel to India. While walking towards the clinic, we unexpectedly discovered the National Archaeological Museum en route.
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| National Archaeological Museum of Athens |
In the afternoon, we went on to explore the Athens Riviera, a stunning coastal stretch that combines the ancient charm of Athens with the tranquil atmosphere of a beach retreat. From Omonoia, we took the metro to Syntagma, and from there we took the Riviera Tram to Asklipio Voulas, which is the last stop on the tramline and next to the Voula Beach.
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| Athens Riviera |
Situated less than an hour away from the centre of Athens, Voula Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Riviera. As it was a bright sunny day, we could clearly see the neighbouring islands, ships, ferries, and fishing boats from the beach. There are multiple facilities in the beach including tennis court, volleyball court, water slides, children's play area, snack bar, ample sunbeds, sun umbrellas, sun loungers, shower stalls and changing rooms. The crystal-clear blue water, lush green trees and soft golden sand made it a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.
After spending half a day at Athens Riviera, we returned via tram to the hep and happening Syntagma Square. The rest of the evening was spent by shopping and dining in the lively pedestrian street Ermou.
Day 7: Athens – Wonders of Acropolis
Day 7: Athens – Wonders of Acropolis
The last day at Athens was dedicated to marvel in the ancient wonders of Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel stood proudly above a rocky hill in the centre of the city. The tour starts right from Acropolis metro station. After entering through the south slope of the Acropolis Hill, we could feel the history and mythology seeping through the stones.
The first point of attraction is the Theatre of Dionysus, which is one of the earliest surviving theatres of classical Greece and is known as the birthplace of European theatre. Around 500 BCE, the semicircular theatre was set up near the temple of Dionysus and provided seating for about 25000 spectators.
As we climbed up, the monumental gateway named Propylaea welcomed us to the hilltop containing the major monuments of Acropolis. The small Temple of Athena Nike sits atop the rock wall just to the right of the Propylaea Gate.
After entering through the gateway, we were fascinated by the majestic structure of Parthenon. This architectural wonder was built around 440 BCE in gratitude to goddess Athena. The building is one of the best examples of Doric architecture. It remains one of the most important surviving architectural monuments of Greece and, over the years, has served an inspiration for many public buildings worldwide: parliaments, universities, museums, libraries, to name a few.
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| Parthenon at Acropolis Hill |
Adjacent to Parthenon, the Erechtheion forms part of the Acropolis and is one of the finest examples of Ionic architecture. The temple, constructed around 400 BCE, was dedicated to three Gods, Athena (Goddess of wisdom), Poseidon (God of sea) and the snake-bodied hero Erechtonius.
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| Erechtheion at Acropolis Hill |
After soaking in the 360° panoramic views of the city from the top of the hill, we started our descent towards Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Erected around 160 CE, this stone amphitheatre is one of the largest surviving classical Greek theatres in Athens. From ancient times to the present days, it has been the venue of musical and theatre performances of well-known Greek and international performers. In recent times, acclaimed artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Sting and Yanni have given memorable performances at this venue.
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| Odeon of Herodes Atticus |
Down the south-eastern slope of the hill, the Acropolis Museum houses all artifacts found in and around the Acropolis since 2009. The exhibits are displayed on the first three levels and the fourth level houses the museum giftshop. The outside entryway and walkways are mostly glass floors, showcasing the dug-out remains of a civilization beneath us.
Further down the road, the enormous structure of Temple of Olympian Zeus stands tall inside an empty field. Construction began in 6th century BCE and finished about 600 years later during Emperor Hadrian’s time.
We continued our walk towards Panathenaic Stadium, which is the world's oldest major stadium and was built entirely of white marble. In the 4th century BCE, the stadium hosted the ancient Olympic Games every four years in honour of the Goddess Athena. It had a seating capacity of 50000 then. In late 19th century CE, the remnants of the ancient structure were excavated and renovated for the revival of the modern Olympic Games. The first international Olympic Games was inaugurated and held in this stadium in 1896 CE.
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| Panathenaic Stadium |
After daylong walking around the ancient, medieval, and modern historical wonders, we were overwhelmed to say the least. We boarded the Riviera bound tram to spend some relaxation time on the beaches. We preferred the Faliro Beach, which is considered the gateway to the Riviera and just next to the tram stop Edem. The beach as well as the whole waterfront promenade are a quick escape from urban life, albeit being very close to the city centre.
After boarding the return tram from Edem, we rounded off the day with further visits to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square, which came alive in the evening with street performers, musicians, and artists, especially in front of the Church of the Presentation of Virgin Mary. We revisited the Ancient Agora and Roman Agora (from outside the boundary walls), completed the mandatory shopping with souvenirs, clothes, spices, and desserts, and started walking towards the hotel via pedestrian street Aiolou.
About midway, we stumbled upon the ruins of Acharnian Road and Tombs at the Kotzia Square. This excavation of 4th century BCE ruins was not in our list and provided the obligatory “icing on the cake” (of our entire trip).
Saying Goodbye
Our time in Greece has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the historic wonders to the picturesque islands, this vibrant country has captivated our heart. We had grown so attached to amalgamation of history, culture, and contemporary life, that when we boarded the plane back home, we felt grateful for the memories we had created together.
Saying Goodbye
Our time in Greece has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the historic wonders to the picturesque islands, this vibrant country has captivated our heart. We had grown so attached to amalgamation of history, culture, and contemporary life, that when we boarded the plane back home, we felt grateful for the memories we had created together.
