| We've all come across the idyllic Greek image of | | | | Pireaus is very easy: simply hop on the metro |
| the sun-drenched, blue-domed chapel overlooking | | | | from the stop closest to you to the very last |
| an expansive Mediterranean ocean. Not only does | | | | stop. Don't bother with taxis, it's far to expensive |
| Greece show that face, it also exceeds | | | | and slow. |
| expectations on all fronts, whether scenery, food, | | | | Ferry schedules are highly variable, so it's |
| or culture. Overall, Greece is an amazing | | | | important to enquire in advance. You can |
| destination that is easy to travel in and has | | | | purchase tickets from agents all over the city, or |
| countless memorable sights. For an easy, safe, | | | | at the port itself, though in peak season, it is |
| and memorable vacation, Greece is hard to beat. | | | | possible for sailings to sell out. |
| So, where to go? On your first trip (believe me, | | | | Which islands to visit? All of them, but if you have |
| you'll want to go back), I suggest your itinerary | | | | to choose, go to the Cyclades, and in particular, |
| consist of a few days in Athens, and then the | | | | Mykonos and Santorini. |
| remainder of your time indulging in the Greek | | | | Mykonos is charming, exciting, beautiful. The ferry |
| Cyclades islands. Why, because this will give you a | | | | trip is approximately 5 hours from Pireaus. |
| nice variety in food, wine and perfect picture | | | | Mykonos features hotels of all quality levels, and a |
| opportunities. | | | | charming town centre (called Mykonos town). |
| Why Athens? | | | | Of all the Greek islands, Mykonos is by far the |
| Why not Athens? Athens is fascinating. On first | | | | most popular. And for good reason: in the peak |
| blush, Athens is hectic, a little dirty, a little | | | | season, Mykonos is active and friendly. There are |
| confusing. But it is also packed full of history. You | | | | endless daytime and nighttime activities that will |
| can't miss it - from almost anywhere you can | | | | keep almost anyone entertained, with amazing |
| look up at the Acropolis, or stumble across | | | | dining and beautiful beaches in abundance. |
| beautiful ruins scattered throughout the city. The | | | | Mykonos is small. As a result, it also is quite |
| city itself is an incredible museum of history, real, | | | | crowded and expensive when compared to other |
| live, in-your-face two-thousand-year-old history. | | | | destinations. It's not unusual to see Paradise Beach |
| Not only that, but a walking tour of Athens | | | | filled end-to-end with sun worshippers. |
| reveals architecture from every era, modern and | | | | And in spite of what you might have heard, |
| ancient, readily available. It's really quite beautiful, | | | | Mykonos is the perfect destination for almost |
| particularly given how pedestrian-friendly Athens is. | | | | anyone: couples, families and individuals seeking a |
| Some easy must-sees if you only have a few | | | | respite from the ordinary. |
| days in Athens? Well, first off, stay near | | | | As for accommodation, stay in Mykonos town. |
| Monastiraki square. It's easily accessible from the | | | | You'll want to be there to enjoy the nightlife, and |
| airport via Metro, and is walking distance to | | | | it's easy (and quick) to get there from the ferry |
| fantastic shopping, dining, and key tourist | | | | port. In fact, you shouldn't have a problem finding |
| attractions like the Acropolis, the National Gardens, | | | | the perfect get-away within a 5 minute walk of |
| and of course, the Monastiraki flea market. | | | | the ferry. |
| As for attractions, the Acropolis is simply | | | | Mykonos town is a pedestrian-only wonder, with |
| amazing, and is definitely not to be missed. | | | | white-washed walls and beautiful blue shutters |
| Accessing the Acropolis is relatively easy: simply | | | | over every window. You'll find it easy to discover |
| wander up by yourself. There are promenades | | | | wonderful meals within your first few steps, and |
| that lead up to the site, featuring charming cafes | | | | the shopping rivals that of Athens. |
| and restaurants. There is a fee to enter, but the | | | | As you've likely heard, Paradise Beach is a |
| view from the top is one you'll celebrate the rest | | | | must-see. It's not the largest beach on the island, |
| of your life, not to mention the remarkable | | | | but it is the most fun. With it's various |
| historical experience found at the Acropolis site. | | | | restaurants, bars, and back-packers, Paradise |
| Monastiraki square also features amazing | | | | Beach is the destination for fun in the sun and |
| restaurants, and anything-goes shopping, from | | | | after the sun sets. Transportation is easy, with |
| flea-market to high end. Again, an experience no | | | | buses and taxis readily available. Unfortunately, it's |
| to be missed. | | | | too far to walk conveniently from Mykonos town |
| Athens is also a dining wonderland. Recommended | | | | (unless you have a lot of time). |
| dining: don't go with a plan, just walk. Food, good | | | | From Mykonos, take another ferry to Santorini. |
| food, is everywhere. You'll find as you walk that | | | | Santorini |
| often restaurateurs will stand outside, trying to | | | | Santorini is simply spectacular, and is not to be |
| guide you into their restaurants; it really makes | | | | missed. |
| for a charming stroll. | | | | The ferry terminal is about 20 minutes by taxi |
| Onto the Islands | | | | from Thira, the main town on Santorini. Thira sits |
| There are lots of options when considering the | | | | on the edge of the "caldera", a volcanic crater in |
| Greek islands: different destinations, different | | | | the middle of the ocean. It's a view that is all at |
| ways of getting to and from. I suggest taking a | | | | once breathtaking and inspiring. Find any hotel |
| ferry, they are simply the best way to arrive at | | | | that's on the caldera, and you are guaranteed |
| and see the islands up close. | | | | more beautiful sunsets then you could ever |
| And a suggestion: some of the islands are FAR | | | | imagine. The shopping is varied, the coffee |
| away, as much as 11 hours away; a | | | | fantastic, and the sights unparalleled. |
| cost-effective and time saving idea is to book a | | | | Santorini offers an entertaining nightlife, first-rate |
| private cabin, and travel overnight. | | | | beaches, spectacular scenery and truly romantic |
| I suggest this for a couple of reasons: first, cabins | | | | sunsets, making it one of the world's top |
| are relatively inexpensive, and, if you go | | | | destinations. If you have a day, head to Oia |
| overnight, you won't be paying for the cost of a | | | | (E-ahh) to enjoy lunch and watch the sunset with |
| hotel room. Plus, you won't lose valuable time in | | | | an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean. |
| transit; instead, do it while you're sleeping. Finally, | | | | I'd also suggest renting a car for one or two |
| and perhaps not a consideration for everybody: | | | | days. It's not essential, but it does make it easier |
| smoking is permitted inside ferries in Greece, and | | | | to go the long distances between beach |
| it is very heavy. Coming from North America, I | | | | destinations. |
| found the shear volume of smoke entirely | | | | All in all, Greece is a true wonder. It has a distinct |
| surprising. A private cabin gets you away from | | | | and charming national character that is infused |
| that discomfort, plus you'll enjoy your own private | | | | with history and culture. You'll never forget your |
| bed. It's a win on all sides. | | | | first trip to Greece, and you'll never stop thinking |
| Getting from Athens to the ferry terminal at | | | | of your next trip there. |