Kat Beyond Borders

Embark on a 10-day journey through Greece, where ancient history meets stunning landscapes and modern culture. From the iconic ruins in Athens to the sun-kissed islands of Santorini and Mykonos, our ultimate itinerary ensures you experience the best of Greece’s rich heritage, delectable food, and breathtaking views

Transportation in Greece

1. Air Travel:

• Major Airports: Athens International Airport is the primary gateway, with direct flights to many international destinations. Other significant airports include Thessaloniki, Heraklion on Crete, and Rhodes.
• Domestic Flights: For longer distances or to reach islands quickly, domestic flights are convenient, with carriers like Aegean Airlines offering extensive routes.

2. Ferries:

• Island Hopping: Ferries are a lifeline to the many Greek islands. Major ports like Piraeus in Athens, and others in Patras and Thessaloniki, serve numerous islands. Booking tickets in advance during peak season is definitely recommended. Please note – ferries are notoriously late and chaotic, oftentimes being cancelled entirely.

3. Trains and Buses:

• Trains: OSE (Hellenic Railways Organization) operates train services that connect major cities on the mainland. The network isn’t as extensive as in other European countries but is effective for routes like Athens to Thessaloniki.
• Buses: KTEL buses are the main mode of road transport, connecting cities and towns across the mainland and also providing transport on islands. They are reliable and affordable.

4. Cars and Motorbikes:

• Rentals: Renting a car or motorbike can be very practical, especially on islands or rural areas where public transport is less frequent. Remember, driving in Greece can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and winding roads.

Greek Cuisine

1. Eating Out:

• Local Dishes: Be sure to try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and fresh seafood. Greek cuisine uses a lot of olive oil, herbs, and fresh vegetables.
• Tavernas and Restaurants: Meals in Greece are typically leisurely, and dinner times are later than in many countries, often starting after 8 PM.

2. Street Food and Markets:

• Casual Eats: Gyros and spanakopita are popular street foods that are delicious and affordable. Visiting local markets can also provide a taste of Greek culinary delights.

What to Expect

1. Seasonal Variations:

• Tourist Seasons: Greece is very crowded during the summer months, especially on popular islands. Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) for a more relaxed experience. Honestly – I would never visit in August ever again.

2. Language:

• Communication: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but less so in rural places. Learning a few basic Greek phrases can be helpful and appreciated.

3. Currency:

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but carrying some cash is advisable, especially on smaller islands or remote areas.

4. Connectivity:

• Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Consider getting a local SIM card if you need consistent connectivity.

The following is the perfect itinerary to show you a bit of everything Greece has to offer:

Athens

Days 1-2

Athens Backpackers Hostel
Anchor your adventure in Athens by staying at the Athens Backpackers Hostel. Its prime location offers easy access to major sights and a rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis, perfect for socializing and enjoying the night. Although it is hard to find in the tiny streets of Athens, this hostel is clean and has a great rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis where you can meet some of the coolest fellow travelers. This hostel boasts two locations close to each other and their own sports bar for after hours drinking.

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Explore the majestic Acropolis, a symbol of classical spirit and civilization. Visit the Acropolis Museum, free with a student visa, to see artifacts and learn about the history of this ancient site. Take the Afternoon ancient ruins tour – this tour was absolutely fantastic, the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and the time of day was perfect to beat the heat and the crowds.

Ancient Agora and Surrounding Historical Sites
Tour the Ancient Agora to see the Temple of Hephaestus and the remnants of the ancient marketplace. Enjoy a guided tour to gain insights into Athens’ rich history, ideally in the afternoon to avoid the heat.

Monastiraki and Syntagma Square
Stroll through Monastiraki and its vibrant flea market, then head to Syntagma Square, Athens’ grand central square and shopping hub. Cap the evening with drinks at “A for Athens” rooftop for the best views of the city.

Mykonos

Days 3-5

Paraga Beach Hostel
In Mykonos, stay at Paraga Beach Hostel, a lively spot perfect for party lovers and beachgoers. It’s close to major clubs and beaches, offering direct access to the vibrant local scene. Please note – this hostel is not for the faint of heart, it is by definition a party hostel. It is directly on a beach with a beach bar and infiniti pool with its own bar and restaurant. The conditions are basically glorified camping depending on what type of room you choose, but it is fun none the less. Paraga beach is a prime location and within walking distance to other famous beaches and clubs.

Beaches and Nightlife
Spend your days at famous beaches like Paradise Beach, known for its party atmosphere and celebrity DJ events. The most famous beach party scene on Mykonos island is at beach clubs such as Tropicana and Cavo Paradiso (Steve Aoki, Alesso, and Afrojack all performed there while I was there). Paraga Beach is another great option with the famous beach club Scorpio’s that I could not get in to.

Mykonos Town Exploration
Explore the charming streets of Chora (Mykonos Town), take photos at the iconic windmills (take a picture in front of the famous windmills and see Little Venice from a great vantage point). , and dine at Sea Satin Market beneath them for fresh seafood. Visit Little Venice for picturesque views and to explore the narrow and bright picturesque streets and bars with fantastic views of the water. The Old Town has great dining options like Katerina’s Bar and Restaurant – which I’m obviously partial to this bar because of the name, but it truly has the best view of the windmills of any bar in the area. Head over to Alefkandra square, an opening into the narrow and maze like streets of Mykonos town that ends up by the water in the harbor. Close by you’ll find Eva’s Garden Restaurant, the cutest hidden restaurant with a Secret Garden feel.

Paros

Days 6-7

Paros Backpackers
Relax in Paros at the family-run Paros Backpackers, conveniently located near the beach and local amenities in Parikia. One of the few hostels in Paros, this family run joint is quaint, helpful, and perfectly located by the waterfront. It is a short walk from the port or to the bus station and is surrounded by cafes and shops.

Local Sights and Culinary Experiences
Visit the quaint Old Town and port of Naoussa. Take the local bus from Parikia to Naoussa to visit the little fishing island for the perfect day getaway. Enjoy a wine tasting at Moraitis Winery, a short uphill climb from the waterfront, this winery gives you a 12 wine tasting by the classiest and most attentive sommeliers I have ever encountered. If you want to continue a low key day, catch a movie at CINÉ ENASTRON, an outdoor cinema at Paros Park.

Dining and Nightlife
Dine at Barbarossa for stunning sunset views and authentic Greek cuisine. Enjoy a night out at Itria Bar for creative cocktails (the Russian Mule is a must here!), then savor traditional dishes at Yemeni Tavern.

Santorini

Days 8-10

Take the K-Tel Public Bus to scoot around the island. The most expensive leg at most will set you back 2 euros, so make sure you keep those 2 euro coins around! Additionally, the bus runs every half hour and runs to all the major stops: Oia, Fira, Kamari, and even the airport!

Caveland Hostel
In Santorini, stay at Caveland Hostel in Karterados, offering a unique experience with cave rooms and friendly vibes, a short walk from Fira. This hostel is a little isolated for solo female travelers but it is extremely relaxing and boasts its own pool and puppies that hang around the complex. Upgrade for a single cave room for the best sleep of your trip. The staff is extremely helpful and it is about a 15 minute walk to the main road and the bus stop, with plenty of cafes and bakeries on the way. 

Santorini Highlights
Visit Oia for its famous sunset views, explore the Byzantine Castle Ruins, and enjoy a drink at Hope’s Place for a less crowded experience. The Byzantine fort is the number one spot to watch the sunset, but you better get here early for a good seat on the wall. My suggestion: bring a snack and a bottle of wine and watch the people pour in and the sun go down.

Beaches and Adventures
Relax at Red Beach or take a boat to the more secluded White Beach. Join a sunset cruise from Thira’s old port, including a visit to the volcanic islands and a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea. 

Embark on a Sunset Cruise
The sunset cruise was one of the best things I did in Santorini. The meeting point is at the old port of Thira, and the tour starts at 3:30pm and lasts until after sunset. It includes an excursion to the volcano island, Thirasia, and a free glass of wine while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Visit a Local Winery
The best two options I found are below:

• SantoWines – this winery has wine tasting and aperitif options, but honestly just buying multiple glasses of wine is cheaper, plus your wine won’t get hot (the bring out all the wines at once for the tasting). You still need to make a reservation in the high season even if only to have a glass of wine.
• Venetsanos Winery