Imagine golden sunsets over Milos Bay, whitewashed buildings set against a backdrop of rocky cliffs, sipping ouzo on a charming patio overlooking the water, waking up to crashing waves, and taking a dip in crystal clear waters. That’s what you can expect when visiting Klima! It’s oh so romantic! And the colorful boathouses (syrmata) – a true photographer’s paradise!

If you have a few days to explore the island, definitely add Klima to your list of things to do in Milos. It was one of our favorite spots on our Greek Island hopping itinerary, along with Sarakiniko and Kleftiko (two other main highlights on any trip to Milos).

This traditional fishing village on the island of Milos is known for its iconic pop-of-color houses – called syrmata – that line the hillside. It’s a popular spot for tourists (though luckily not so popular that your personal space is invaded!) and it’s easy to see why. Klima is the perfect place to explore and soak up the infamous Greek atmosphere.

Important Info For Your Trip to Klima, Milos

Where is Klima, Milos?

Klima is a lucky find on the northern coast of Milos, in the Cyclade group of islands in Greece, right in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It’s conveniently located on the inside of the horseshoe-shaped Milos Bay (which means calmer water and great swimming!), not far from Plaka, the main village of Milos.

It’s also close to some of the best beaches in Milos, like Sarakiniko, Papikinou, and Mytakas, and within easy reach of explorer’s paradise Papafragas Cave and the Catacombs of Milos. 

How to Get to Klima

First things first, you gotta get yourself over to Milos. Thankfully, this isn’t terribly difficult if you’re already in Greece! From Athens, you can reach Milos by plane in a little over an hour, or 2-3 hours via high speed ferry. You can also take a ferry from other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini or Mykonos, which is what we did!

Car/ATV/Scooter Rental: Thankfully, Klima isn’t too far from where most people stay on the island. It’s on the northern part of the island, only about 15 minutes from Adamas (the port town where we stayed!), 20 minutes from Pollonia (a cute seaside town), and 10 minutes from Plaka (the island’s capital city).

Renting a car, ATV, or scooter will be by far the easiest way to get to Klima. It’s definitely the way to go for convenience. Do note that the road to Klima is kinda narrow and steep, with its fair share of blind spots. Once you’ve turned off the main road from Trypiti, make sure you’re extra, extra careful. The road gets pretty windy!

We booked a car rental in advance, and I recommend doing so as well to ensure you’ve got what you want/need. Psst — there’s not many automatic cars on Milos, so if you can’t drive a manual transmission/stick, book ASAP. You may need to show your International Drivers License when picking up the car, so get that in advance back at home at AAA for $20.

Parking at Klima: There is a large, complimentary lot above the tiny fishing village, which is where we parked. It’s then about a 10-15 minutes walk down to Klima itself. You can also park on the side of the road down the hill but it seems kinda tight… not something we were completely comfortable with.

Do note there’s a free parking lot down at the shore right near Astakas, the popular restaurant in Klima. The parking is technically for customers only (with signs saying so), so…. buy a drink if you don’t wanna walk down!

Public Transport: Taking the bus will only get you part way to Klima, as the bus stops in Trypiti above the fishing village. Prepare to walk about a mile or so from Trypiti down to the Klima waterfront. And yup, this just means you’ll need to walk back up – not recommended in the scorching hot sun of summer! If you’re interested, find the bus schedule here.

Sailing Tour: Wanna see the colors of Klima from the water? Book a boat trip to Klima and beyond! Boats are a common way to see multiple spots on the coast of the island. Do note most boats simply just pass by Klima and don’t actually stop on shore, meaning you can’t get off the boat and explore all the colorful syrmata (traditional boathouses).

Taxi: You can easily find a taxi in Adamas (they typically hang out over there by the ferry port), but getting one back will be much trickier. There’s only 15 taxis in all of Milos, so good luck finding one at Klima!

You’ll most likely need to call for one (with your own cell, granted you have service), and it’ll definitely cost you a pretty penny and probably a long wait, especially in the summer months. Find more information about Milos Taxis here. Not an option I’d recommend unless you’re really, really desperate.

When to Visit Klima 

• June through September: These months are the crowd favorite when it comes to visiting Klima (I say ‘crowd’ because it tends to get bumper to bumper with tourists!). If you can’t bear the heat (or a lot of people), you’ll want to avoid July and August. For reference, we visited in mid-July, and yes it was hot hot hot, but Klima wasn’t terribly crowded. I think it’s because everyone was getting ready for dinner at the seaside restaurant, and already explored!

• May and October: These are considered ‘shoulder’ months in Klima, Milos. You’ll find thinner crowds, everything remains open, and the weather cools down to a wonderfully comfortable temperature. I definitely wanna re-visit Klima (and Milos in general) in either May or October – you really get the best of both worlds (great weather with minimal crowds)! 

• November through April: Yes, you can technically visit Klima year-round. But do note that many businesses (restaurants, car rentals, etc) close down during the chilly-ish winter months. And of course, the weather isn’t as nice.

• Time of day: If you only have a few hours to visit Klima (hey, I get it – you gotta save time for the best beaches in MIlos), I recommend making your way there in the late afternoon. This way, you can explore the village during daylight hours and then stay for the sunset. Psst –  the lighting is absolutely incredible for photos during golden hour! Don’t forget your camera!

Brief History of Klima

Klima’s got some history going on, and it’s super fascinating.

Because of its sheltered position, and the fact that it was pretty much hidden from the routes of pesky pirates, this endearing village has been a popular home for locals  since around 7000 BC. Damn, that’s a long time ago!

Fast forward a few centuries →  it became pretty obvious that this was one of the best spots on Milos (can you blame them?). Naturally more and more people decided to call Klima home.

Fishing has always been an important industry here, with the villagers spending their days out on the water, and their evenings mending nets and chatting in the syrmata (traditional boathouses). The village was also a huge player in the export of volcanic glass, with the obsidian found on the island being used to make everything from knives to jewelry!

The port reached the height of its power and influence in the 18th century, when it was a thriving hub for trade and commerce.

These days, Klima is a lot more relaxed, and is better known as a place to come and appreciate the simple things in life; stunning sunsets, fresh seafood, and of course those unforgettable colorful syrmata. 

They’re no longer in use as actual boat houses by the way, but instead act as charming souvenir shops or tourist accommodations  Imagine waking up to the sea literally at your doorstep! 

How Long to Spend in Klima 

Klima is by no means large – in fact it’s pretty small (which only adds to its charm in my opinion). You could easily explore the entire village in an hour or less. If you wanna have dinner here (with Astakas being one of the most popular restaurants on the entire island), allot at least 2-3 hours (to explore and indulge in a leisurely meal).

If you’re looking to explore more of Milos (which you obviously are – you came all this way!, you could even consider using Klima as your base. It’s perfectly located for day trips around the island, and there are plenty of adorable accommodation options available (yes, I mean those old boathouses!).

Where to Stay in Klima

If you truly wanna experience something different, book a few nights in a traditional fishing village here in Klima! Known as “sirmatas”, they were traditionally used for fishermen to store their boats in the winter. But lucky for us, some have been renovated and are rented out for tourists to stay!

You’ll primarily find these here in Klima! Here’s a few to choose from which look absolutely wild and fun and truly authentic! Just imagine waking up in a traditional fisherman’s house! One of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

1. Fisherman House: Omg this place is the absolute cutest — the authentic decor and the sunset patio views, swoon! I 100% wanna stay here next time we visit Milos. It got only “exceptional” reviews, so book sooner than later! I’m sure it gets scooped up super fast in the prime summer months!

2. Nostromo House: Another traditional home that got only 5* exceptional reviews. Take a look at the photos — the little patio set up overlooking the sea looks like a dream come true.

3. On The Waves of Klima: This traditional apartment in Klima looks oh so cute — there’s a bedroom, a kitchen with dining area, a bathroom, and an outdoor terrace (overlooking the sea). And yes, it’s even air-conditioned!

Find more places to stay in Klima here!

Things to do in Klima

Klima is not a bustling town by any means, and apart from enjoying a meal or drink while watching the sunset, there’s not a lot of action to be had. But that’s precisely why I love it so much – it’s the perfect spot to slow down for a while.

These were some of our favorite things to do during our time in Klima, Milos:

Take lots of photos

Seriously, this place is ridiculously photogenic. Every corner you turn, there’s another postcard-worthy scene. The Cycladic style buildings are painted in a myriad of bright, bold colors, the harbor is full of traditional fishing boats, the water sparkles in the sunlight, and there’s even a church perched atop a hill. How could you not want to snap away? Klima is a photographer’s dream! 

And while it’s certainly fun to snap photos of the village’s picture-perfect scenery, you’re gonna want to capture the everyday moments here too, like the locals going about their day to day business. And don’t forget to catch a few candid moments of your own – Klima is a place that’s meant to be savored slowly!

Watch the sunset

This is pretty much a given when visiting any Greek island, but the sunsets in Klima, Milos are next level. There’s something magical about watching the sun set over the sea. The colors are always changing, shifting from deep oranges and reds to lighter pinks and purples. 

And in Klima, you can watch the sunset from one of the best vantage points on the island. Just head down to the waterfront with a blanket and and find a place to sit back and enjoy the show as the sun dips below the horizon! If you happen to be on that sail boat I mentioned earlier, passing by Klima during sunset, even better! Nothing beats being on the water to watch the sun go down.

Just remember – if you stay after sunset, you’ll need to drive back up the windy road in the dark. Keep that in mind and be extra, extra careful (and be mindful of oncoming traffic – plenty of people head down for dinner here). We chose to skip sunset here and explored a bit beforehand because of this.

Wander around and explore the boathouses (syrmata)

As I mentioned before, Klima was once a thriving fishing village, and the town’s two-story boathouses (or syrmata) were used to store their boats away from any harsh elements. Since all the whitewashed houses looked the same from the outside, each family painted their doors and windows a different color so they could easily identify their own home from the water (handy after being out for a few drinks at night too, haha!). 

These colorful syrmata have become one of the most iconic symbols of Klima, and I just loved them!! They’re crazy picturesque, and easily one of the most instagrammable spots on Milos. There’s two sides to the shoreline, with the syrmata on the right hand side (facing the water) the most popular. We checked out both sides!

Today, the lower levels of the boathouses have been transformed into cute little souvenir shops and guest accommodations. Be sure to wander around and take a peek inside as many as you can – but remember people are using them as holiday rentals, so be respectful!

As you wander around, be extra careful – the waves crash along the shoreline, and there’s sometimes some slimy green moss that builds up on the walkway.

Browse the few shops

There aren’t many, but the handful of shops in Klima are definitely worth popping into! Beautiful scarfs, handmade jewelry, and colorful pottery are just some of the Greek crafts you’ll find. 

I definitely recommend picking up a few souvenirs to take home with you! And even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a whole lot of fun to window-shop and chat with the friendly shopkeepers. Check out Pliatsiko, it’s full of treasures.

Enjoy a seaside meal at Astakas

This place isn’t just the best seafood restaurant in Klima, it’s one of the best on the whole island! There’s a reason it’s got over 1,000 positive reviews on Google. The catch-of-the-day is always fresh, and they have a delicious grilled octopus with fava that makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Mmm… polvo (Portuguese for octopus). Oh and it’s also one of the best spots in Klima to watch the sun setting into the sea. Super romantic!

Oh, and when in Greece… you’ve got to try their Greek salad! The freshest tomato, cucumber, and feta you can imagine! But really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass (or two!) of local wine too. Cheers! And try the lemonade sorbet afterwards – so refreshing!

Ok, yes, it may be a little pricey for your average restaurant, but nothing about this place is average. I mean, you literally eat right on the shoreline! You will definitely need to make a reservation in advance, especially if you wanna eat here at sunset (which you do, trust me) during the high season of June through September. 

Explore Agios Dimitrios Church

Klima only has one church, but it’s the cutest church I’ve come across! The small church of Agios Dimitrios is right in the center of the village and is exactly what you’d expect of Cycladic architecture. 

If you have even just a couple of minutes to pop inside, do it! It’s worth checking out, even if you’re not the religious kind. The exterior is all white with a bright blue door and window frame, and inside there’s a beautiful tiled floor, gold altar décor, and intricate wall paintings.

Other Things to Do Near Klima 

• Ancient Theatre of Milos: Just a 10 minute drive (or a 30 minute walk) away is an ancient theatre, built into the hillside dating back to the 3rd century BC. All that’s left today are the ruins of the seating area, but it’s still definitely worth a trip for the views (or to sing a song or two – the acoustics are amazing!).

• Explore Plaka Town: Perched on top of a hill, Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque town on the island of Milos, with its whitewashed buildings with blue-painted windows. Tons of bougainvillea, too! This is the place to go for traditional Greek cuisine, stunning panoramic views, and awe-inspiring architecture. It kinda reminded me of Mykonos Town, but without all the hordes of people and crazy nightlife.

• Relax at Sarakiniko Beach: A short drive away from Klima is one of Milos’ most unique beaches – Sarakiniko Beach. The lunar-like landscape was created by years of volcanic activity, and the result is an otherworldly beach with stark white cliffs and crystal clear waters. It’s one of my favorite beaches on Milos – for relaxing and the Insta-worthy photos of course!

• Papafragas Cave: Imagine a huge natural swimming pool and a tiny beach hiding between towering cliff walls. That’s Papafragas Cave, and it’s absolutely wild. It’s actually an enormous sea cave, and is visually stunning and super unique! Can you believe it was used in the past as a pirate base?! Whoa! You’ll need to walk down a few sketchy steps to reach the water, so do so at your own risk (although plenty of people do!).

Other Fishing Villages in Milos 

Because Greece is such a haven for fishing villages, I couldn’t let you go without mentioning a few others worth a visit  in Milos!

Mandrakia: This is one of the most picturesque little fishing villages on the island. Hidden away in a small bay, with waves crashing against your feet, it’s just perfect for a peaceful stroll around. Bring your swim gear as you’re near some of the best beaches in Milos! Come hungry, because Medusa is one of the best restaurants on the island (and very much worth the wait).

Pssst! If beaches are your thing, you should definitely check out Kleftiko Beach too.

Firopotamos: Get your camera ready as you enter this dreamy fishing village. With its adorable houses, blue waters, thatched umbrellas, and lush trees (yes there’s greenery here!), Firopotamos is great for lounging around, swimming, and exploring. I couldn’t wait to jump in the water — look how incredibly turquoise it is! Stunning and oh so clear!

There’s also Areti, Fourkovouni, and Agios Konstantinos (all fishing villages in Milos), but they’re not as widely visited. All super scenic though!

Hope this helps you plan out your trip to Klima, Milos! Colorful boat houses and spectacular sunsets await! Enjoy (…Milos is now one of my favorite spots on Earth!).

The post Klima, Milos: The Most Colorful Fishing Village in Milos (Greece) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Ohhhh, Oia. There’s a reason it’s the most photographed village on the island of Santorini. Everyone’s obsessed with it! And I can easily see why.

Close your eyes and picture Greece. It’s most likely Oia you’re thinking of!

Caldera views with sapphire Aegean water. Gleaming white buildings dripping with fuscia bougainvillea. Fresh seafood and flaky spanakopita. Luxurious cave suites with private plunge pools. And of course those iconic blue domes dotting the town.

The entire village is absolutely beautiful, and I’d go back every year if I could!

We first visited Oia (and Santorini in general) on our Greek island honeymoon 10 years ago, and have luckily since been back numerous times! It’s a place I dreamed about visiting for oh so long, and now it’s one of my favorite spots in the entire world. 

Yes, it’s definitely gotten way more touristy as the years go on, but I can’t stay away! With all the whitewashed homes and dramatic caldera cliffs, can you blame me?! It’s such a picturesque little village, world-renowned for its magical sunset!

In this massive guide to Oia (for real though – get a pen and paper, it’s over 8,000 words long!), I’m sharing everything you need to know to visit this breathtaking little town. Whatever you do, don’t miss a famous Oia sunset – easily one of my favorite things to do in Oia every time!

Planning a Trip to Oia Logistics

Where is Oia and How to Get There 

Oia is in Greece, my friends! The island of Santorini in particular. The town is located on the northwestern edge of Santorini in the Cyclades Islands group (where you’ll find other popular islands like Mykonos, Milos, and Naxos) in the Mediterranean. 

All just little blips on the map in the Aegean Sea! Meaning, no, you can’t drive there from Athens! Santorini is an island about 4 hours south (via fast ferry).

How to Get To Santorini 

In order to experience all the fun things to do in Oia, you’ll need to get yourself over to Santorini first of course! This little island is about 120 miles southeast from mainland Greece, so no, you can’t just swim on over, haha. Thankfully there’s a few easy options, no matter if you’re coming from Athens on mainland Greece or a nearby island in the chain.

Flying: In order to reach Santorini (and therefore Oia), you can take a short flight from Athens to Thira International Airport (the airport on Santorini). The flight is roughly 40 minutes long, and you can typically find cheap(ish) flights if you book far enough in advance.

If you’re already in western Europe, there’s a bunch of cities that fly directly to Santorini. How amazing would it be to live in Europe and quickly hop on a direct flight to dreamy Santorini whenever you damn well please?! My absolute dream!

Direct flights to Santorini depart from a whole myriad of cities, including London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Venice, and Naples (plus plenty more).

Via Ferry: Santorini is well connected to other islands in the Cyclades chain, as well as Athens on the mainland. Some of the most popular ferry connections to Santorini are between Mykonos, Ios, Paros, and Pirarius (Athens). 

If you’re planning on taking the ferry (which we typically do whenever we’re island hopping in Greece), just know it’s organized chaos at best! Stay alert and keep track of the boat – no one will be coming to find you! 

There are plenty of ferry companies, each with their own schedule, pricing, and other options, but Blue Star and SeaJets are known to be the most popular. That’s typically what we take, and we always opt for a high-speed ferry vs. a slower one, as this saves tons of time and faster boats are known to rock back and forth way less. Always opt for a direct ferry if at all possible (like I said, the ferries are super chaotic – a connection is the last thing you want).

→ We like to use Ferryhopper.com to search and book our ferry tickets in Greece. The site shows all the schedules (direct and those with connections), prices, timing, and more. Those Greek ferry websites can be so confusing and clunky (especially if you don’t know Greek)! Thankfully, Ferry Hopper makes it super easy; it’s what we use each and every time and we’ve never had an issue.

Depending on where you’re coming from, the ferry may make other stops before arriving in Santorini – don’t get off too soon! You’ll need to then wait for the next ferry, which could take some time!

Also, seasickness and nausea happens to the best of us, especially if the waters are rocky. Don’t plan on eating on the ferry or right beforehand – you won’t be happy! But if nausea does kick in, just know you’re definitely not the only one experiencing this.

Psst – Many of the ports are not named what you’d initially think. For example, the port in Athens is not just named “Athens”, but Piraeus, and the Santorini port is Thira. Keep this in mind when booking your ferry tickets – it can get confusing! Ferry Hopper makes this easy.

Cruise: Visiting Santorni on a cruise?! Definitely choose your must-do things to do in Oia beforehand! I highly recommend visiting Oia, as it’s only eight miles from the port and it’s iconic Santorini. How can you visit the island without seeing the beautiful blue domes?! That’d be such a shame!

Cruising the Greek islands is a great way to see a whole bunch of islands, but just remember your time will be limited since you typically only get one day to explore each. You’ll wanna decide in advance which things to do in Oia are absolute musts, and which ones you don’t mind skipping if you run outta time.

Guided Day Trip: Visiting another island and wanna squeeze in a day trip to Santorini and Oia? Depending on which island you’re on, it may be possible! While I 1000% recommend spending way more than a day in Santorini, if that’s all you have time for, go for it! 

On this day trip from Crete to Santorini, you’ll travel on a high speed catamaran boat directly to Santorini. Once you get there, there’s a guided bus tour of the island, free time in both Oia and Fira, swimming at a black sand beach in Perissa, and even going on an optional boat ride to the volcanic caldera. Read reviews and book your transfer to Santorini here!

How to Get to Oia 

Once you get to Santorni (!!!), you’ll then need to make your way over to Oia. Thankfully, the island is pretty small so getting to Oia is pretty straightforward. Whether you’re basing yourself in Oia or just planning to visit during your 3 days in Santorini or so, check out these options below:

Public Bus from Fira: KTEL buses go to Oia multiple times a day from Fira (where the main bus station is), and the ride couldn’t be easier (or cheaper)! You’ll probably need to wait in line, so I recommend attempting to take the first available bus from Fira to Oia (plus, you wanna beat all the crazy crowds anyways by heading to Oia first thing in the morning).

Plan for the entire journey to take about 45 minutes to an hour, between waiting in line and the bus ride itself.

ATV: We love renting ATVs in Santorini, and have used them on 2 of our 3 trips to get to Oia. That other time we stayed in Oia itself so we just woke up and we were there! Just remember – the sun is strong here and ATVs provide no relief from the sun. So either slather on that sunscreen like no tomorrow (sunburns are never sexy), or just take the air-conditioned bus instead.

If you’re staying on a separate part of the island (say, like Perissa Beach to the south), I recommend renting an ATV one day so you can explore Oia and other areas to the north.

Private transport: If you’re staying in one of the fancy hotels on the caldera in Oia, ask if they have guided transportation services.

When we stayed at Charisma Suites on our last trip (OMG, it was absolute heaven and well worth all our money), a private driver picked us up from the port and drove us directly to our hotel in Oia. That air conditioned Mercedes and bottled ice water was perfect after the long ferry journey.

Car: Since parking can be difficult, I don’t recommend driving a car to Oia. But if for some reason you do decide to go that route, just know you’ll need to park on the outskirts of town and walk in.

Plan to park directly across from the Agios Georgios church, or down near the Post Office. Both are not far from the center. Yes, it’ll be busy, but be patient and you’ll eventually find a spot.

Other important FAQs about Oia

• How to Pronounce Oia: EE-uhh (stress on the first syllable). “Oi” in Greek is pronounced “ee”. Don’t be that silly tourist who totally butchers the name! 

• Oia vs Fira: In my opinion, Oia is much more upscale and beautiful than nearby Fira. Fira is the island’s capital with lots of restaurants and shops, but it feels even more touristy than Oia if that’s at all possible, haha. Oia is way more peaceful in the morning, but gets ridiculously crowded at night because everyone wants to see that famous Santorini sunset from Oia Castle!

• Can you drink the water in Oia? Yes… but it might not be the best idea. It’s not to say that the water on the islands will 100% make you sick, but if you have a weaker stomach, bottled water is recommended. Feel free to ask locals for their advice, but I’d rather drink bottled and not ruin my trip over a few dollars. Most upscale hotels provide you water free of charge (although always ask beforehand as some serve crazy fancy bottles that are like 7 euro each…).

• Safety in Oia: Generally, Santorini is a very safe island. But, as always, it’s best to keep your things in sight – use normal precautions to keep yourself and your family/friends safe. Always keep your valuables at your side, don’t leave cameras, phones, or other expensive gear visible, and don’t leave any precious belongings unattended at the beach.

• Don’t flush toilet paper: The sewage system in Oia is very narrow in diameter, and the pipes tend to get clogged quite easily. So where should you dispose of your toilet paper? The garbage bin located next to the toilet! I know it’s hard to remember and you might forget, but try your best! You don’t wanna mess up any of the pipes!

• Are there beaches in Oia? Not really… but there is Ammoudi Bay and Armeni Bay, both which are swimmable. Neither have a sandy area per say, so plan on jumping into the water or hanging on the rocks. You don’t visit Oia for the beaches, but thankfully, there’s other beaches in Santorini if you wanna lay out and relax. Don’t miss Red Beach, the black sands of Perissa/Perivolos and Kamari Beach, and of course White Beach (accessible only by boat).

Psst — if you’re looking for an island known for it’s spectacular beaches, check out my guide to Milos! There’s tons of gorgeous beaches over there (including one that looks like the moon!).

How to get around Oia 

• Walk: The main village of Oia is small enough to walk around! It’s super easy to walk from one side of town to the other. While you’re planning all your things to do in Oia, just remember – the town is built along the rugged caldera, meaning there’s tons of stairs! We definitely got an amazing leg workout every single day which I hated at the moment but my body definitely appreciated later.

• ATV/Car: I honestly don’t recommend an ATV or car to get around Oia. Most spots are pedestrian-only anyways (the tiny alleyways definitely cannot accommodate anything larger than a person), and parking on the outskirts is typically pretty difficult. Once you make it to Oia, there’s really no reason for your own set of wheels.

DO NOT RIDE THE DONKEYS. I repeat, do not ride the donkeys. You’ll see them on your hike down/up from Ammoudi Bay, and constantly get asked if you want a ride. With all the steep steps, you’ll be tempted. Unfortunately, the donkeys are not well cared for and endure horrific abuse. Makes me so, so sad.

If you cannot walk the steps back up from Ammoudi, there’s other ways to get back up. Whatever you do, DO NOT RIDE THE DONKEYS. I cannot stress this enough. You can, however, take pictures (they are pretty cute)!

To bypass the stairs in Ammoudi Bay, you can hire a taxi from the port (if there’s none available, have a restaurant call one for you) to get back up. Expect to pay a pretty penny, like 10euro for a 5 minute ride. Regardless, either walk up the stairs or take a taxi – NEVER a donkey (no matter how much money you’ll potentially save). 

Where to Stay in Oia 

CAVE SUITES AND INFINITY POOLS AND PRIVATE PLUNGE POOLS OVERLOOKING THE CALDERA. Enough said.

Accommodation in Oia is some of the most unique and luxurious you’ll find. Choosing a hotel whenever we visit Santorini is so, so tough – there’s SO many amazing options. And I wanna stay everywhere!!!

A few things to keep in mind:

• There are no big chain hotels on the island, and that includes Oia. The best spots are small, privately owned boutique hotels. Some only have a handful of rooms! Book early!

• If you’re visiting other places on your Greek honeymoon or throughout Europe, Santorini is the place to splurge on accommodation. Once you see the views, you’ll quickly understand why.

• Note that prices range significantly between hotel accommodations depending on the season. A luxury hotel can cost upwards of $800+ a night during high season (June to August), while the same room may cost a few hundred less during low/off season. Just something to keep in mind while planning out all the things to do in Oia as far as costs are concerned.

• If you’re planning on visiting Santorini during the high season, it’s best to book your accommodation at least 6-10 months in advance. No, I’m not kidding. Hotels book up super fast in this area of the world. SO – if you’re visiting during June, July, August, or September, get on it, fast.

• Don’t underestimate the power of a pool. Visiting from May to September? Get a hotel with a pool— you won’t regret it. You’ll wanna head back for a quick dip once the midday heat sets in and you’re exhausted from all the fun things to do in Oia and beyond. Oh, and splurge on that private pool if you’re on your honeymoon (you deserve it).

• Oia is typically the most expensive place to stay on the island. But that means you’ll be right in town and can escape the crowds by exploring in the early morning, then cooling off in the pool or visiting another village later on. 

• There are A LOT of steps in Oia, including most of the hotels along the caldera. Keep this in mind when booking your stay, as you’ll need to walk up and down each time you head back! Our hotel pool was down about 150 steps – while going down was a piece of cake… we had to eventually come back up! Definitely great for the glutes!

Luxury ($500+): Nothing will beat the feeling of sipping some bubbly in a private plunge pool and staring out into the deep blues of the caldera. But of course that luxury comes at a hefty price. It’s not uncommon to see prices of over $1,000/night. Wild!!!

However, if you’re looking for one spot in Greece to totally splurge on, Oia is well worth that splurge and then some! Save on your accommodation in Athens, Mykonos, Milos, and everywhere else you visit. 

My recommendations for chic luxury stays in Oia:

• Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel: The cliffside boutique hotel of your dreams. This hotel is absolutely magnificent – I’ve always wanted to stay here but it’s always been out of my budget; maybe one day! Mystique has more privacy than most nearby hotels in Oia, with 3 on-site restaurants, and 41 suites and villas built right on Oia’s cliffside with unobstructed sea views. A true romantic retreat!

• Charisma Suites: We stayed at Charisma Suites on our last visit, and I swear, I never wanted to leave. Our days were spent soaking up the Santorini sun and then cooling off in the insane infinity pool overlooking the caldera. Then a nightly champagne sunset party with delicious apps afterwards! The fact that we stayed right next to one of the famous Oia windmills was super cool, and it was only a 5 minute walk to the famous Oia castle. Breakfast was great, too! But that infinity pool – ahh, what dreams are made of (seriously, check it out).

• Katikies Santorini: Stay in a traditional Santorini cave suite here at Katikies! All suites have amazing caldera views and their own private plunge pools – talk about luxury! Plus, if that’s not enough, there’s not one, not two, but THREE stunning infinity pools overlooking the caldera. The architecture is surreal – it’s easily one of the best hotels on the entire island. Pure heaven.

Mid-Range/Budget: Unfortunately, if you’ve got your heart set on staying within Oia itself, you’ll have a hard time finding true budget accommodations. You can find some deals if you visit in the shoulder and off-seasons, but no steals like you would in Athens and on less-popular islands.

• Rimida Villas
• Fileria Suites
• Aethrio Sunset Village – Oia

When to Visit Oia 

Santorini is absolutely spectacular, so you can understand why it’s ridiculously popular. Unfortunately this charming island isn’t a secret (AT ALL!), so your Santorini experience will vary greatly depending on when you visit. A few things to keep in mind:

Seasons: 

The weather in Oia doesn’t vary terribly depending on the time of year (this is the Mediterranean afterall!), but there are definitely pros and cons to each season: 

BEST TIME TO VISIT – Shoulder Seasons (April-May and September-October): The best times to visit Oia are during the shoulder seasons – April-early June and mid-September-October.

During these months, the weather will be a bit milder (not as scorching hot during the day), and thankfully less crowded than the popular summer months (mid-June to early-September). You’ll be able to fit in all the best things to do in Oia and beyond without crazy crowds but still have decent weather.

Summer (June to August): If you don’t have tons of flexibility and summer’s the only time you can fit a visit to Santorini into your schedule, don’t fret.

All three times I visited Oia, I visited in the summer months (twice in June and once in July). Yes, it was scorching hot, and yes it was ridiculously crowded, but we still had the best time ever. Just make sure to wake up early and explore Oia before the masses head on over. Especially easy if you’re staying in Oia itself!

Winter (November to March): In my opinion, the weather in the winter months is far from ideal (definitely can’t go in for a quick Mediterranean beach dip) and many businesses (tour operators, restaurants, and even some hotels/accommodations) will be closed for the season.

With that being said, this is beginning to change as more tourists are visiting during these months. The plus side? You may find plenty of peaceful days in Oia as it’s way less crowded, plus score some major deals on luxury accommodation.

Time of Day

If you’re visiting Santorini anytime from April to October, you’ll wanna explore Oia in the early morning. Aim to get to town by the latest 9am (8am is even better), and you’ll find a peaceful paradise. This way, you beat the crazy crowds, and escape the mid-afternoon scorching sun. 

Visiting June to August? This is a time when I definitely recommend staying in Oia as you can literally wake up and get out before most people’s alarm clocks even go off. I liked to go for an early-morning stroll, watch the sunrise from Oia castle and take my pics at the iconic blue domes, and then come back and have breakfast on our balcony overlooking the caldera. 

Other things to keep in mind when deciding when to visit Oia:

Pay attention to the cruise ship schedule: Guys, this is SO important. I cannot stress this enough. Cruises can literally bring in thousands of extra visitors per day, and guess what – EVERYONE has the iconic blue domes of Oia on their Greece bucket list. Meaning, you can bet almost everyone from the cruise will be in Oia. Considering how small the town actually is, this can make for an especially unpleasant experience. 

So, check the cruise ship schedule to see how many cruises (and passengers) will be in port that day. If you see a cruise ship will be in town, either aim to explore super, super early before the cruise arrives, or explore other villages and areas that day.

Save Oia for a day when there’ll be no cruises (or the least number). I really wish travel to Santorini via cruise ship was regulated, but that time has not come yet, so… gotta do the best you can to stay away from the crowds!

Oia is the most popular spot on Santorini: If you’re looking for a more peaceful holiday, reconsider visiting Oia in the summer months. Or just come super early (around sunrise), explore for a few hours, and get outta there! Don’t even think about coming back for sunset unless you’re staying in Oia and have a private terrace to watch from.

So, let’s get to it – the most incredible things to do in Oia, Santorini coming right up!

Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini

Watch a famous Santorini sunset

Okay, out of all the things to do in Oia, watching the sunset sure is the most popular. Why?! Sunsets in Santorini are absolutely legendary – there’s a reason why watching the sun go down is one of the best things to do in Oia!

The sky turns all different shades of pinks and oranges and yellows, and as the sun dips below the horizon, the crowds literally cheer and clap (kinda like they did in San Pancho, Mexico – what a trip). 

It’s an absolutely breathtaking experience that you just need to see for yourself at least once in your life! Yes, you’ll be sharing the sunset magic with thousands of other people, but it’s always such a fun time. Where to watch the sunset in Oia? Here’s my recommendations:

From Oia Castle: Out of all the places to watch the sunset in Oia, this will be the most crowded option. And when I mean crowded, I mean, shoulder to shoulder. The main draw of the castle? The postcard-perfect view of the whitewashed buildings in Oia Town and the windmills at sunset. 

Since our hotel was literally a 3 minute walk to the castle, I relaxed with my husband on our private balcony until I saw the castle start to fill up with people. I made a beeline to the front of the crowd and claimed my spot. 1 ½ hours before sunset! While it was exceptionally, ridiculously busy, it was such a fun vibe with everyone having a good time and chatting. Bring some snacks, a few beers, and plan to hang a while! 

Along the caldera walls: The walls along the caldera will be swarming with people, as everyone fights to claim a spot to get the best views. Like Oia Castle, aim to arrive pretty early.

From your private balcony: If you can’t fathom watching the sunset with thousands of your closest friends at the castle or along the caldera walls, opt for your private balcony! This is another reason I recommend booking a hotel with views of the caldera.

On one of our visits we opened a bottle of champagne and stared out into the blue Aegean waters – such a perfect night and oh so romantic! And it was just us two!

Wander the colorful streets 

One of my favorite things to do in Oia was to simply wander around the photogenic streets! I swear, every single street is just gorgeous. There’s the blue domed churches amongst the stunning whitewashed houses, tons of pink bougainvillea, and lots of local crafts and pottery to peruse. I could’ve easily filled up an entire memory card!

A few of my favorite spots in town:

• Blue Domed Churches: Admire the blue domes against the striking whitewashed buildings – this is what Oia is known for afterall! There’s plenty of photo spots, but you’ll wanna get there bright and early for not only the best lighting, but to beat the crowds as well. I headed over there around 7am and still had to wait 20 minutes or so to take a photo!

• Kastro House: This place has blown up on Instagram over the past few years, so you’ll most definitely recognize it! And get this — it’s actually a vacation rental so you can stay there yourself! Cave suites with spacious terraces and private hot tubs, anyone?!

• Anything with bougainvillea: The town is basically dripping with bougainvillea, and I was all for it! My biggest dream is to own a house with at least some fuscia bougainvillea, and I’m gonna make that happen! Just watch me! 

• Painted doors: Oia is full of ornate doors, and I loved taking photos of them! While you won’t find a rainbow of colors here like the doors of Palm Springs, the doors stick with the color palette of blue and white (which is just so Santorini).

Remember – visit as early as you can for a much more peaceful experience. The narrow streets are typically pretty empty in the early morning. Mid-afternoon to sunset the town gets exceptionally crowded, so it’ll be much more difficult to wander without constantly bumping into someone. Plus, you’ll wanna beat that scorching hot mid-day sun!

Have a romantic meal at Ammoudi Bay

Imagine an idyllic cove with turquoise water, amazing views, and scrumptious seafood restaurants. That’s Ammoudi Bay for you!

BUT, it’s no easy feat to get there. In order to access Ammoudi Bay, you’ll need to hike down a steep hill (in the name of about 250 steps). While going down isn’t too terrible, it’s the going back up part that’s absolutely killer (you can thankfully hire a taxi back up).

Once you’re down – you’re in luck! You’ll find a few restaurants right along the waterfront, all with great reputations serving some of the best seafood in all of Santorini. Yes, they’re all understandably expensive, so just be prepared for this. We opted for a big lunch instead of dinner since lunch menus are typically less expensive (wink wink). 

The famed lobster linguini is a huge hit here, but it’s crazily over-priced at 100+ euros, so we unfortunately opted to skip it. Check out Ammoudi Fish Tavern (try their famous sun dried octopus dish) and Sunset Ammoudi (mussels and a greek salad are perfect over here).

Don’t leave without taking a photo of the octopus hanging by the sea – they’re all freshly caught and are actually sunburning in the hot Santorini sun on purpose. To eat later on!

Cliff Jumping at Ammoudi Bay

WAIT! Before you head back up all those steps, check out the cliff divers! And if you’re up for some swimming yourself, there’s a small path around the cliff to a small swimming spot. While there’s no sandy beach here, it’s a great place to cool off in the hot sun.

The area’s pretty rocky, so make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes, ESPECIALLY if you’re planning to cliff dive. And please, make sure you digest your food first! That wouldn’t be fun…

REMEMBER – opt to either hike back up or take a taxi. Never ride a donkey, no matter what you do.

Visit Atlantis Books

Wandering around the main marble street of Oia you’ll undoubtedly come across Atlantis Books, the only independent bookstore in Santorini. Book lover? Be sure to head on in for tons of literary magic. 

There’s literature in tons of languages (English, French, Italian, etc), and of course Greek. The shop focuses on new and used books of modern classic fiction and non-fiction, and has recently begun selling rare antiquarian books and collectors’ first editions. Look all around – there’s poetry written on the walls and even the ceiling! A true work of art!

Check out the stunning terrace in the back, which you can access if the shop is open. This is probably the most beautiful bookstore you’ll ever go to, overlooking the Santorini caldera and bright blue waters!

It seems as if the owners decide when the bookshop is open, as we attempted to go numerous times and it was always closed! Maybe we just got unlucky! 

Photograph the Iconic Blue Domes 

You can’t come to Santorini and not see and photograph the iconic blue domes – it’s by far one of the most popular things to do in Oia! 

But I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Everyone kinda expects to see these famous blue domes everywhere in town, on every street corner and at every hotel. But that’s not the case at all. In reality, there’s only a handful in Oia, despite what all the postcards tell you (they’re all showcasing the famous view). 

And the ones that are there are actually fairly hidden, off the main cobblestoned pedestrian path. Meaning, YOU NEED TO FIND THEM! Yes,you’ll need to know how to find them if you don’t accidentally run into them, which many people don’t.

From the main street of Oia, find a small alleyway (probably between some stores and/or restaurants) and walk towards the sea. You’ll reach a smaller street – walk on that, keep going, and you’ll find all the epic Oia blue domed churches.

If you can’t find it, keep wandering. It’s not hard to find if you’re walking along the caldera. If all else fails, you can always put “3 Domes” into Google Maps, but even those directions are kinda tricky.

There’s quite a few popular photo spots in Oia, and you may encounter a line. I get it – everyone loves the blue domes and wants their own photos with it. It’s iconic Santorini after all! As always, enjoy taking your photos, but be mindful of others who are waiting – you definitely did not “find” this perfect photo spot yourself. Just look on IG… Don’t be a photo hog – let others take their photos as well. 

This was something that irritated me SO much on our last visit. Some people would shoot in the same spot for over 10 minutes, while there was a long line. If you think that’ll be you, visit in shoulder season or let others take their photos first. Or shoot for a few minutes and then get back on line… sorry, not sorry. Someone had to say it…

Photoshoots with a Professional Photographer

Flying Dress Photoshoot

While researching things to do in Oia, you probably came across women in colorful, glamorous dresses. Yes, that’s something YOU can do as well (and no, you don’t need to pack one of these extravagant dresses in your suitcase)!

Plenty of companies now offer “flying dress photoshoots”, meaning you can rent one of their gowns (in your choice of style and color), and a photographer and their assistant will create these stunning images for you! 

Not sure what I’m talking about?! It’s wild… be sure to check out the link below. Make your fairytale come true on Santorini and leave the island with stunning photos! Read reviews and book your flying dress photoshoot here!

Couples Photoshoot

If you’d rather skip the crazy gown and wear your own clothes, consider hiring a local photographer and taking photos with your significant other. They know all the best spots and angles as they’re here everyday! Plus, it’s sometimes really windy so tripods don’t always work the best here. 

I really wish my husband and I hired a photographer as of course we didn’t have as many cute photos together as I hoped we would from our trip! Next time for us for sure! Read reviews and book a local photographer here.

Explore the Crumbling Oia Castle at Sunrise

Everyone comes to Oia to watch the sunset, but I promise, the sunrise in Oia is also magical (if not more – there’s hardly any crowds)! And the best place to do so?! Oia Castle!!!

My jet lag was so bad during our entire trip, meaning I woke up at 4am almost every morning. Instead of tossing and turning, I used this to my advantage and walked over to the Oia Castle to watch the sunrise one morning. And OMG – watching the dark skies turn all shades of pastel pinks and purples was the best way to wake up. 

The castle, built by Venetians back in the 15th century, served as an observation point to fight off the pirates (so many pirate raids here, just like in nearby Milos!). Unfortunately there was a super destructive earthquake in 1956, and only part of Oia Castle remains (most of it collapsed right into the Aegean Sea). It’s now one of the most popular things to do in Oia, especially at sunset!

Expect impressive views of the breathtaking caldera, the vast (and very blue) Aegean Sea, and even nearby volcanic islands (Thirasia and Nea Kameni) on a clear day.

You can of course explore the crumbling Oia Castle anytime of day (or at sunset), but I much prefer sunrise as it’s way quieter and such a peaceful way to start the day. Plus, if you visit during a time when it’s crowded (ahem, at sunset!), you won’t really get to explore at all – it’ll be far too crowded for that!

Cruise along the Caldera 

One of the best ways to see Santorini? By cruising along the caldera on a catamaran at sea You’ll get to see the dramatic coastline, as well as all the little towns from afar (plus typically the Red Beach and black sanded beaches).

We love getting out on the water, so we always aim to spend at least one of our days in Greece doing just that! And of course we always have the best time! There’s tons and tons of choices (it’s not only one of the best things to do in Oia but in all of Santorini); here’s a few recommended options:

• Pirate Ship Cruise: This option really has it all. You’ll peer into the crater of an active volcano (I couldn’t believe just how hot it really was!), swim in volcanic hot springs, explore Fira, and even admire the sunset in Oia…. and it’s less than $30! On a boat that feels just like a pirate ship. Can’t go wrong with that! Read reviews and book your spot on the pirate ship here. We did this our first trip to Santorini and it was so much fun!

• Catamaran Cruise with Lunch/Dinner: Rather spend the day on a catamaran? This tour is for you – you’ll stop at Red Beach, swim at Mesa Pigadia beach, see the Akrotiri Lighthouse and the striking white limestone cliffs of White Beach, swim in volcanic hot springs, and even enjoy an authentic Greek lunch or dinner (depending on what time you choose). Read reviews and book your catamaran cruise here!

Sunset Sail 

Like the idea of a boat tour but don’t wanna get wet? Opt for a sunset sail instead! Some tours are private, some serve a delicious Greek dinner, and others serve some bubbly (how romantic). Here’s a few recommended options:

1. Santorini Sunset Cruise: Okay, so this one also includes some swimming (and snorkeling), but if you’re looking to stay dry, simply admire the scenery instead (that’s what we did on our last sunset sail in Santorini). The cruise also visits the unique black, white, and red sand beaches from afar. 

Feast on traditional Greek meze and barbeque, then sip local wines and of course have some dessert! And once the day is done, you’ll witness that legendary Santorini sunset from the water. Read reviews and book your Santorini sunset cruise here!

2. Small-Group Romantic Cruise: Drink from the open bar (try some ouzo!), feast on traditional Greek dishes, and experience the marvelous caldera of Santorini. OH, and of course admire the spectacular colors of the world-famous Santorini sunset. You can also dip into the hot springs by Nea Kameni volcano if you wish! 

This cruise is more relaxing than the others, so if you need a day to sit back and relax, this might be the best option for you. There’s a reason it’s got almost 300 5-star reviews. Book your romantic dinner sunset cruise here! 

Psst – if that one’s sold out, this one comes with raving reviews as well! And the cheese platter looks divine!

Find the Oia Windmills 

There are actually about 70 windmills in Santorini, but only a handful in the tiny village of Oia. They’re a prominent landmark in the Oia landscape. Like the windmills in Mykonos, they just add to the charm of the already super picturesque area!

And get this – you can even stay in one of these ultra luxurious windmill villas! Yup, a few windmills have been converted to chic hotel rooms, most notably at Charisma Suites (where we stayed in Oia and quite possibly my favorite hotel in all of Santorini).

While we didn’t get to stay in the windmill, our room was located directly next door, so we had fantastic views of it.

PLEASE, if you are not staying here, do not attempt to trespass. While most people were respectful, there were a handful of people who we saw climbing over fences, opening up private doors, and more. Don’t be one of them! 

Instead view them from afar; you’ll see them right from Oia Castle and they are just as gorgeous!

The Church of Panagia Platsani

As you’re wandering around the marble walkway of Oia, you’ll undoubtedly come across the Church of Panagia Platsani in the main square! It’s easily the most famous and impressive church in Oia! Like other buildings in Santorini, it boasts the traditional colors of Cycladic architecture – blue and white! 

This Greek orthodox church has spotless white walls, a blue dome, and the beautiful bell tower with six bells – such an iconic image of Santorini, and one of the best things to do in Oia!

If you wanna take pics, come early as it gets exceptionally crowded over here! And that harsh sun makes for some nasty shadows! We had a hard time taking photos despite it being only 10am – the sun was already so high in the sky.

Shop for Local Crafts

Expect to find tons of painted artwork (all more beautiful than the last), hand-painted wooden doors, painted wine barrel pieces, hand painted bowls, colorful plates and platters, small sculptures and ceramics, handblown glassware, prints, and postcards.

Besides the local crafts, you’ll also find plenty of casual linen shirts, colorful shawls (perfect to have on hand when it’s windy on the Greek islands), colorful sundresses and sarongs, bathing suits, table cloths, and evil eye jewelry (my favorite!).

And of course there’s the typical souvenirs in Oia as well – magnets with views of the blue domed churches, blue and white patterned towels, sea-inspired ceramic magnets, olive oil and capers, lots of little trinkets, and oh so much more. I recommend stopping by the shops once the sun sets and the air cools off – it’ll be a much more pleasant experience! 

I don’t have names of any shops, but stroll around on the pedestrian pathway and you’ll find tons. We kinda just popped in and out of whatever looked interesting to us!

Sip some Santorini wines on a Wine Tour 

If you love a good grape, you need to try some Santorini wine. Not everyone knows this, but there are plenty of wineries and even actual vineyards right here in Santorini (although not as extensive as the vineyards I have back home in Napa Valley).

Most of the vineyards are located in the middle of the island, and if you wanna visit a few (remember, don’t drink and ATV), book yourself on a tour! Most tours visit 3 different wineries, and you’ll get to taste 10-12 different wines, plus check out some smaller villages you may have missed!

Here’s a great half-day tour of 3 wineries (with tastings of course), and a guided wine tasting tour with views of the caldera. Really can’t go wrong with either!

Okay, so these tours aren’t necessarily things to do in Oia itself. BUT you can get picked up from your hotel in Oia, and missing out on these special Santorini wines would be absolutely horrible, so we’re including it on this list of things to do in Oia. 

If you don’t wanna sign up for a wine tour or have less time, the closest winery to the village of Oia is called Domaine Sigalas, 10 minutes north of Oia. This Greek vineyard specializes in a particular type of grape (Assyrtiko), and the vines are centuries old! Go for the wine and food pairing – you won’t be disappointed. The wines are so good they’re actually exported world wide!

Relax at your hotel

Sure, you may have come to Oia to see the sites, but nothing is better than spending a bit of time relaxing at your hotel, especially if you’re on your honeymoon. And if you opt for a cave suite and/or a room with a private plunge pool, you’ll wanna take full advantage. I mean, you probably paid a pretty penny for it!

Lay out, sunbathe, relax, sip some bubbly. You’re on vacation. Sip your morning latte frio overlooking the caldera, and soak up the views from breakfast.

Swim in an infinity pool overlooking the caldera

In order to fully maximize this experience, I highly advise you to choose accommodation on the caldera with an infinity pool overlooking the scenic Mediterranean Sea. There really isn’t anything like it in the world, and I practically beg all my friends who visit Santorini to opt for a hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the caldera. 

This is always a non-negotiable when we visit (even if we have to cut corners for a bit beforehand because yes, these hotels are typically pretty pricey). After exploring all morning, there’s nothing better than a mid-afternoon swim. Easily one of the best things to do in Oia if you’re visiting in the hot summer months.

If you’re unfortunately not staying at a hotel with a pool, don’t fret! There’s one public pool in Santorini and it’s actually in Oia! It’s called the Lioyerma Pool Bar, and it’s FREE (with minimum purchase of food and drink… yup, they always get you somehow). It’s actually a great spot to watch the sunset, as it’s west facing!

Rent an ATV and explore the island

Yes, I know this is a post about all the amazing things to do in Oia, but… don’t miss out on other spots in Santorini! Oia is wonderful and all (did you see all my pictures?!), but I highly recommend renting an ATV and exploring at your own pace!

Here’s a few spots you’ll wanna check out:

Red Beach: With its red volcanic rocks, red pebbles, and rust-colored sand, it’s an easy guess as to why the beach is simply named “Red Beach”! We typically just look at the panoramic view from above, as the sand isn’t very smooth and there’s too many rocks for an enjoyable swim. 

If you do wanna reach the beach down below, you’ll need to take a short 15-minute “hike”. On our first trip to Santorini we opted to walk down to the beach, laid on the rocky (and therefore uncomfortable) sand for about 20 minutes than called it a day – there’s much better beaches to relax on.

Perissa Beach: This is one of Santorini’s black sand beaches, and a good place to pop down for a bit and savor the Greek sun. The black volcanic sand is extremely hot hot hot, so take your sandals with you if you go into the water (or run back miserably like I did…). This stretch of sand is lined with restaurants and bars, and be sure to grab a gyro and a cocktail here!

Small Towns: Santorini’s got plenty of smaller towns, and you’d be silly to miss out on them! Plus, if you’re tired of battling the crowds in Oia, it’s time to leave for a bit. A few smaller villages to check out include Imerovigli, Pyrgos, Firostefani, and Megalochori (which is starting to become insta-famous).

Fira (Thera): Can’t visit Santorini and not visit the capital of the island! You can even see views of Nea Kameni, an active volcanic island to the west. Fira is by far the most touristy place in all of Santorini, so I recommend heading there for an hour or two at most. 

Along with all the white washed buildings and dramatic cliff side views, you’ll find eye-catching art galleries, tons of souvenir shops, and plenty and plenty of (overpriced) restaurants.

Profitis Ilias Mountain Peak: Welcome to the highest spot on the island! And Profitis Ilias, translated to Prophet Elijah, is the name of the Monastery on its peak as well (yes, it’s confusing). But once you reach the vantage point, you’ll have a striking viewpoint of the entire island.

If navigating the island via ATV scares your socks off, consider joining a fully guided bus tour to all the hot spots in Santorini. Not only will you visit Santorini’s most popular sites and learn about its history, but you’ll also visit traditional villages, volcanic beaches and witness one of those spectacular Oia sunsets everyone raves about!

If you want to guarantee you see the island and have enough time for the beach (on another day), I highly recommend joining this tour in order to get it all in. Read reviews and book your guided bus tour here!

Nightlife in Oia 

While everyone comes to Oia to watch the sunset, once the sun goes down, there’s not really much nightlife in Oia afterwards. Sure, you can browse the shops, but Oia is far from the buzzy nightlife hotspot that other spots are, like the nearby islands of Mykonos and Ios. 

There’s a few bars in the village, but honestly, not many. Interested in dancing until the wee hours of the night and don’t wanna leave Oia? Check out MaryKay’s Bar (Hassapiko) – the only true cocktail bar in the entire village. There’s sometimes even DJ’s here (a super rare occurrence in Oia).

If you’re looking for a true nightlife experience, head on over to Fira or Perissa (there’s considerably more bars over there). Makes sense, as most people in Oia aren’t looking to party – but rather experience the romantic appeal of Oia (oo la la) and all its beauty.

Best restaurants in Oia 

I was surprised just how good the food was in Oia – being super touristy I kinda expected the food to just be blah. I’ve heard some people complain about the uninventive and bland food, but you just gotta know where to look and what to try. 

Greeks love their seafood (especially grilled octopus), so I highly recommend ordering as much as you can while in Santorini. You’ll also wanna try saganaki (fried cheese), ntomatokeftedes (cherry tomato and feta fritters), fava, grilled white eggplant, gyros, and of course, honey baklava.

Psst: In general, the restaurants with the best food don’t have a caldera view. You kinda either get one or the other – amazing food or amazing views, but hardly ever both.

Some restaurants you’ll wanna make a reservation for a day or two in advance. Ask your hotel for help and they can call the restaurants for you (since you probably won’t have international calling on your cell).

• $ Karma: Easily has some of the best dishes in all of Oia. Think fried feta with sesame seeds and honey, marinated pear and walnut salad, minced beef and spiced apple pies, and of course, excellent baklava. You’ll wanna make a reservation here.

• $ PitaGyros Traditional Grill House: Super casual and super cheap (with most gyros only 4 euro). Some of the best gyros you’ll find on the island. What makes gyros so special in Greece? The huge portion of fries on top!

• $ Lolita’s Gelato: Right near the Oia bus stop, so treat yourself before/after heading elsewhere. The spot is super cute and I couldn’t get enough of the branding.

• $ Passaggio: The best coffee in Oia, hands down.

• $$ Ammoudi Fish Tavern: The best spot in Ammoudi Bay, with excellent sea views and even better seafood. You don’t need a reservation for lunch, but consider making one for dinner. There’s fried anchovies and zucchini, seafood risotto, grilled octopus and sea bass, and of course lobster and jumbo prawns.

• $$ Sunset Ammoudi Taverna: Another great option in Ammoudi Bay. Try the lobster pasta and/or sun dried octopus!

• $$ Armeni Restaurant: Choose your fish from the catch of the day! All the seafood dishes are super fresh. You do need to take a boat ride here, which makes it more of an activity than just a meal. We were SO close to coming here but decided to lay by the pool for a few extra hours instead, whoops! Next time!

• $$ Roka: Such a charming location, away from the masses so it stays relatively quiet. Try the lobster spaghetti with truffle foam, cauliflower soup, fried talagani cheese, and coffee crème brulee.

• $$ Fino Cocktail Bar and Restaurant: We loved this cozy spot so much that we came twice during our few days in Santorini! They’re famous for their gnocchi and their extensive cocktail list. You’ll wanna make a reservation in advance.

• $$$ Elinikon Oia Restaurant: If you’re looking for one of the most romantic things to do in Oia, book a table at Elinikon for sunset! You’ll 100% wanna make a reservation here. They serve meze, which are small dishes perfect for sharing with your significant other.

• $$$ Ambrosia: Make reservations far, far in advance. Expect a candlelit meal on white linen tablecloths on a terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. Try the grilled steak with truffle, pesto baby squid, and duck in wine sauce. And definitely save room for the Greek Kataifi for dessert!

Which of these fun things to do in Oia are you most excited about?! Hope this helps you plan your trip to Santorini! It’s gonna be absolutely epic!

The post 17+ Incredible Things to do in Oia, Santorini: Iconic Blue Domes and Lots More! appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

It was a weird year with so much fluctuation. Yes, COVID dominated all our lives (still very much so), but the world slightly got more and more back to normal as the year went on. Although now in December I feel like we’re kinda backtracking a bit…. ack! 2021 was kinda like a mind game — one month we were making so much progress and well, the next? Not so much.

I’ve been writing these yearly posts for almost a decade, and they’re honestly some of my favorite posts to write. Probably because I’m a sucker for memories and just love reliving the best moments. 

Care to low-key stalk me? See what I got up to in years past (damn, I’ve been writing these year-in-review posts for almost 10 years). 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020

I’m including highlights of HOME each month because I really tried to take advantage of the beautiful Bay since international travel was difficult to say the least. The ups and downs of Covid really got me (again) this year, with so much frustration of those refusing to get the vaccine and wear the damn mask. But I digress… 

Thankfully 2021 brought a lot of goodness, too! Derek Chauvin was found guilty for the murder of George Floyd (how was that even a question?), Mr. Joe Biden got elected into office, Europe opened its doors to Americans by summer (we took full advantage and went to Greece!), and Canada followed shortly after in August. 

In terms of vaccines, everyone was eligible for Covid vaccines in the states by mid April, the Pfizer vaccine got FDA approval in late August, and booster shots were available in October! All things considered, it was a great year in science and politics.

January 

Loss

The first few days of the New Year were as normal as they could be (considering the current state of the world), but my world came crashing down soon thereafter. 

My sweet grandma was not doing well and declining rapidly. What a way to start the year, right?

I wrestled with my feelings of not being able to say a proper goodbye to her due to COVID restrictions in New York for those coming from California (a forced quarantine upon arrival). We had a beautiful zoom shiva for her, where we all showed pictures/videos, reveled in happy memories, and just celebrated her long life. I’ll always admire her no-bullshit attitude towards life, and the fact that she really did put family first no matter what. Love you always, Toots!

HOME + Exploring the Bay/MLK Weekend 

With the Bay Area still under lockdown, we spent most of the month exploring close to home. I feel so grateful to live in California where it literally feels like summer in the dead of winter some days (77 and sunny in mid-January?! Yes please!). 

A few highlights I don’t wanna forget:

• Took Kona on a hike in the Oakland redwoods; he hiked over 4 miles up and down and LOVED every second of it 
• Re-explored the Marin headlands with some hiking, a breakfast sandwich picnic overlooking the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge, and an amazing sunset from Battery Spencer — a perfect day despite the horrific holiday traffic
• Such a fun over-the-top lakeside picnic with some friends 
• Tried out (and bought) a peloton! I guess I should start using it… haha
• Made Mexican street tacos complete with homemade tortillas, homemade salsa, and bacon-flavored steak with a chef in Mexico City on AirBnB experiences! Such a fun Paloma-filled rainy-day date night 

Inauguration 

I don’t typically include any politics over here on my travel blog, but this year’s inauguration (and the weeks leading up to it) were absolute bonkers. 

Definitely one of the most devastating and disgusting days in US history when the government was counting the votes – protesters were literally STORMING the capital. Um, what?! 

But when we welcomed Joe into office, it was such a breath of fresh air and a HUGE weight lifted off everyone’s shoulders. Definitely gives us hope for the next few years. And I just have to add — those Bernie Sanders memes were out of control in the best way possible.

OAHU

The stay-at-home order finally got lifted towards the end of January — just in time for us to go to Hawaii for my birthday! 

We were actually supposed to head back to Mexico instead (this time to sunny Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta), but once new restrictions were put into place (requiring a negative COVID test before boarding a plane back to the US), we were sad for all of 5 minutes then quickly changed our plans. 

Tickets were booked in a matter of an hour, we made appointments to get COVID tested for Hawaii, and I smiled knowing we’d be back to one of our favorite places in the world way sooner than expected — Oahu!

I’m not really sure why we stressed so much about the COVID requirements for Hawaii — we got our negative results back within 12 hours and the whole process at the airport was super simple. I honestly wouldn’t mind if they kept this procedure for a while. 

From the airport to Leonard’s it was (for some fresh lilikoi malasadas), then it was off to the North Shore!

North Shore 

We’ve taken a day trip to the North Shore of Oahu on trips past, but never actually spent ample time here! Staying on the North Shore was SUCH a good decision – we saw green Hawaiian sea turtles on Laniakea Beach, indulged in overflowing açaí bowls from The Sunrise Shack, watched surfers attempt the INSANE swells at Banzai Pipeline, and took so many walks on the beach.

On my actual birthday we went cage diving with 12 feet Galapagos Sharks – to say that was a wild experience is an understatement. While we’ve been snorkeling with black-tip reef sharks in Bora Bora (no cage), this seemed way scarier for some reason. Although the go-pro footage is some of the worst we’ve ever taken and we have little to no photos of the morning, what an experience it was!

We ended our time on the North Shore with some shave ice from Matsumotos, searching for tiny fish at Sharks Cove (my favorite!), and finally watching the most beautiful beach sunset with a picnic complete with Ted’s famous chocolate haupia pie, the freshest poke from Foodlands, and POG-flavored Maui’s hard seltzer.

February 

OAHU – Waikiki

My birthday trips usually spill over into February, and we spent the last few days in and around Waikiki, marveling in the sunshine and turquoise waters. We indulged in lots of Mai tais and pineapple vodkas on the beach, went back to all our favorite spots and loved some new ones (like Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens for my birthday dinner and Hawaiian Crown for fresh pineapple juice), and stayed at The Laylow, a super cute boutique I’ve been eyeing ever since they opened!

One of my favorite memories?! Seeing Hawaiian monk seals on the eastern coast of Oahu! Including one of the only 5 pups born last year! Super special to see – promise me if you ever go to Hawaii you’ll do your absolute best to protect all its species and the land!

Because of the pandemic, the main streets of Waikiki and Waikiki Beach were relatively empty! I was the only one walking along Waikiki Beach at sunrise one morning, and it was absolutely wild being in one of the most popular spots in Hawaii with practically no one there. Honestly, it was really nice, haha, although it felt kinda surreal (like all of 2020 did, haha).

Overall, a very successful pandemic trip to Hawaii, and I’m glad we got to experience the warmth of the island without all the usual crowds.

HOME

Back at home, we filled our weekends with lots of outdoor time since spring came early in the Bay (high 70s in February!). The cherry blossoms in our neighborhood bloomed, I went on lots of flower photo walks, and literally ran through the wild mustard fields (and checked out a new-to-me beach) in Half Moon Bay. I also crossed off a few things on my SF bucket list: magnolias in the SF Botanical Garden, hiked the Batteries to Bluffs trail, and ate cupcakes from Noe Valley Bakery! 

Plus something we’ve never done before – we bought live lobsters, steamed them, and made lobster rolls (and then lobster tacos with some leftover meat for dinner the next day!) Absolutely delicious.

I also went hiking in Castle Rock State Park with some friends- so fun climbing on the rocks and singing Spice Girls in the caves! Get you some friends who aren’t ashamed to sing 90s music in public, haha.

YOSEMITE 

We spent Valentine’s Day weekend in the park (after somehow snagging a last minute reservation despite them all being taken in 2 minutes!!!). We went to all the usual Yosemite winter spots: Tunnel View, Lower Falls, Yosemite Chapel, Mirror Lake, Valley View, etc. Nothing will beat our first Yosemite winter visit, but we still had fun in the snow!

It was the ultimate winter wonderland, despite Kona being so cold in his little sweater and jacket. Made my heart so happy when Noah continuously picked him up and carried him when he was shivering. He LOVED the snow though!

The days were spent in the snowy park and we had cozy nights in bed with Netflix and take-out. The best, right? And on our way home, we stopped in Hilmar for some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches we’ve ever had!

COVID VACCINE DOSE 1

It was my turn to get the first dose of the vaccine, being an educator and all! And boy did it feel weird (in the best way possible). We went to a huge convention center near us, and had to wait in line with hundreds of other cars to get the vaccine. Such a surreal experience. Totally felt like I was in a movie – kinda like Contagion or some other pandemic movie. Definitely didn’t think this was something we’d all experience in our life time.

To be honest, getting the vaccine was a bit more anti-climactic than I thought, but we’re doing things! Go science! I was seriously lucky and only had a sore arm for a few days.

NEVADA CITY 

Off we were again, this time to Nevada City to celebrate my sister-in-law turning 40 (!!!) and my cute nephew’s 8th birthday. It was a super low-key weekend with lots of relaxing, bomb pastrami sandwiches, bear watching right outside their house (we saw THREE bears!), sparkly nail painting, cake and balloons, and a champagne/apple cider toast.

We decided to make a quick pit stop on the way home in Sacramento for a yummy lunch at Hook and Ladder, a walk around the capitol building, and to see a gorgeous mural I’d been wanting to photograph for a while! 

March

March marked a full year of working from home and when the crazy virus started exploding all over the news and stomping on our world as we knew it. It’s also when restrictions started being lifted, and I finally began seeing the light at the end of the (never-ending) tunnel.

We relaxed a lot this month, and it honestly felt so good to slow down (after having an exceptionally busy February somehow).

HOME

At home in the Bay we spent lots of time relaxing and binging Breaking Bad, I had my first $500+ Mediavine day due to a post going crazy viral and super high RPMs (!!!), and I spoke at the #influencer conference about all things Mediavine and SEO. It was super nerve wracking and I totally needed my husband and friends to encourage me to go for it, but I got through it (with only a few minor hiccups).

I also made it my mission to visit the city a bit to help ramp up my SF content, including playing tourist for a day at Fisherman’s Wharf, checking out the new Umbrella Alley and murals, walking around Ghirardelli Square, and watching the sea lions bark at Pier 39. It’s definitely not one of my favorite neighborhoods in SF, but it’s fun every once in a while. AND I finalllllly indulged in a chocolate croissant from Le Marais and I’M IN LOVE.

Another day was spent  wandering around Golden Gate Park, finally seeing the tulips in FULL bloom at The Dutch Windmill and going back to the Conservatory of Flowers (and of course wrote a whole blog post about all my favorite things to do in Golden Gate Park).

Outdoor and even indoor dining opened at reduced capacity, and I went out with friends for the first time in over a year and celebrated a friend’s birthday at our favorite steak restaurant! So fun! Forgot how much we love these nights out! Makes me appreciate all the little things in life we typically take for granted.

Also, the peloton arrived earlier than we thought (!!!) and we started riding almost every day!

COVID VACCINE #2

Time for my second dose! Thankfully the line wasn’t as long today and we drove right up! Still felt pretty apocalyptic though. What weird times!

Luckily I had no major symptoms/side effects, only a tiny bit of muscle pain in my shoulder near the injection site. AND I was in a bit of a fatigued fog for a morning but that was it! There’s a sliiiiiight possibility I had Covid back in February 2020 when I didn’t feel well at the airport coming back from Todos Santos, but the symptoms were different and went away in less than a day. So probably not? Definitely not complaining though!

My parents got their first dose in NY, which made me especially happy!

DAY TRIP TO TREASURE ISLAND 

We FINALLY headed over to Treasure Island and spent an afternoon hanging out with friends. I can’t believe we had never been before – it’s so close to us! We lucked out with a beautiful sunny day, with picture perfect views of the SF skyline on our walk (with tons of sailboats out) and snacked on some delicious fish and chips in the sunshine. 

It’s days like this that make me remember why we live in the Bay. Definitely one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco, that’s for sure!

PALM SPRINGS

When we realized international travel was still pretty much outta the picture, I figured why not head south for Spring Break and explore a few parts of CA we’d still never been to! 

But first stop — Roscoes for some fried chicken and waffles! On our way to Palm Springs, we stopped in Cabazon for chocolate date shakes and of course to see the infamous giant dinosaurs.

We fell in love with Palm Springs almost the moment we arrived. Our few days were filled with boozy brunches at some of the chicest hotels in the city, pool time at the Ace Hotel with some mango margaritas, finding a whole bunch of Desert X art pieces, gawking at the crazy windmill farms, and strolling around the Moorten cactus garden. 

We also wandered around the Indian Canyon neighborhood taking lots of photos (I just loved those mid-century modern homes and colorful doors) and hiked along the lush oasis of Andres Canyon Trail in Palm Canyon.

If you find yourself in Palm Springs, you NEED to try the yummiest potato pizza, Nonna’s meatballs, and pane bread from Birba. The best.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Next up – a day trip to Joshua Tree! We stopped at all the typical spots, like the Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and the Arch Trail. The number of Joshua Trees we saw were absolutely unreal, I had too much fun climbing on the massive rocks at Jumbo Rocks, and we watched the most beautiful sunset from Keys View (the highest place in the park) with some fried chicken sandwiches (yes, we left the park and made a mad dash for some food). 

And luckily, made it back to Palm Springs juuuuust in time for some over-the-top milkshakes from Great Shakes. Another must on any Palm Springs weekend getaway! 

April 

DESERT ODDITIES + BORREGO SPRINGS

The next part of our little SoCal desert road trip – Borrego Springs! But before heading there, we took a little road trip to some of the wackiest spots in CA! We found a HUGE palm tree farm, walked out to the smelly Salton Sea, took so many pictures of the Bombay Beach ruins and town (that drive-in movie theatre was so cool!), marveled at the colorful Salvation Mountain, saw a whole bunch of wacky art in East Jesus, and walked on some impressive sand dunes.

And then we got to Borrego Springs. We stayed at the cutest desert oasis getaway, spending our mornings out in the desert, exploring the metal sculptures at Galleta Meadows and squeezing through The Slot Trail. The desert was in full bloom and it was just oh so pretty!

We relaxed by the pool every afternoon once it got way too hot to do anything else, and hung in the hot tub under the stars at night. So, so peaceful and hardly anyone was at our resort (hello pandemic times!). One night we learned all about the night sky and even saw different galaxies with our own eyes (!!!) through a telescope (Borrego Springs is an International Dark Sky hotspot afterall!). 

Before heading home, we stopped in Julian for some famous apple pie and fulfilled my dream of prancing around the stunning blooms at the Carlsbad Flower Fields (finally crossed that off my CA bucket list).

HOME

Noah got the vaccine in mid-April, and we were both overjoyed! He felt like absolute shit the next day, but so worth it. Of course we celebrated with some free Krispy Cream donuts that weekend! 

And my parents got their second dose as well! Finally seeing the shiny bright light at the end of the COVID tunnel! 

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK

I put my National Parks Pass to good use and headed down to Pinnacles one weekend with some friends! We literally scaled the side of the mountain – the trail was so narrow at times; it honestly kinda felt like we were on a different planet! So wild! All in all, we hiked around 12 miles or so, and it felt so good to be outside with friends for the day! 

I definitely wanna go back to explore the caves and see the reservoir one day! Another great day trip from SF for sure. 

SAN DIEGO

After spending a day in San Diego last summer, I headed back down with some friends for a long weekend getaway! We ate tacos until we were officially taco-ed out (including one only 8 miles from the Mexican border!), hung at Hotel Del for some sunset cocktails, and walked around the waterfront and explored Old Town.

One of my favorite afternoons? Walking around the hip neighborhoods of North Park and South Park, of course stopping at all the beautiful plant shops and colorful murals. We also explored Balboa Park, including the super colorful Spanish Village Art Center, cacti garden, and botanical building.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without some trendy boozy brunches x2 (complete with maple bacon donuts and soufflé pancakes), admiring the paragliders at Torrey Pines, swinging on hidden swings, and watching the sea lions at La Jolla Cove for over an hour and a half! Such a fun girls trip!

May

HOME

In May, we celebrated a 99th birthday over Zoom (Mary!), a derby party complete with chocolate pie and mint juleps, and I surprised my mom for Mother’s Day in New York (more on that later). But at home we helped two of our good friends get engaged (we were part of the scavenger hunt), I hiked Mission Peak with friends (over 9 miles and up 149 flights — Phew!), and started going out to bars/breweries with friends/coworkers — definitely felt a bit strange but oh so welcomed! 

We also explored the city a bit, scoring free tickets to the SF MOMA (I’ve been wanting to go for so long!), riding the ferris wheel in Golden Gate Park, and checking out the immersive Van Gough exhibit. We finally re-visited the Rose Garden in San Jose, stopping for yummy drinks at San Pedro marketplace afterwards.

NEW YORK

Ohhhh – I pulled off surprising my mom in NY for Mother’s Day so good! I randomly found a $130 ROUNDTRIP nonstop flight from SFO to JFK a few months back, so I couldn’t not go! Cheapest I’ve ever seen! 

It was a super low-key weekend, but I got to spend some quality time with my immediate family and sweet (almost) 97 year old grandma (and of course consume some bagels and pizza)! I also saw some family who I haven’t seen since before Covid – including my older cousin (who’s more like a sister) who I missed SOOOO much. 

I even teared up on the plane coming home — didn’t realize how much I missed my family

PASO ROBLES

Memorial day in Paso! We met up with some friends for a weekend of wine tasting! It was super hot and sticky (that’s Paso in the summer for ya), but we cooled off with some chilled whites and yummy rose, and FINALLY got to check out the Sensario light installation which was more spectacular than I ever imagined (even Noah loved it)!

We also checked off a few wineries I’d been wanting to see — with Niner being our favorite, and ended the weekend at an olive farm going olive oil tasting! That ice cream drizzled with EVOO at the end was oh so refreshing and perfect!

June

HOME

In June, we celebrated our NINE year anniversary over brunch at Son & Garden, a hip spot I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. I also spent some time in Berkeley with friends (eating all the things) and then smelling all the lavender at Araceli Farms, another local spot I’ve been wanting to see!

And get this – California officially opened back up in mid-June! San Francisco was the first major city in the US to put a mandatory shelter in place last year, and I’m so proud and grateful of how far we’ve come. We were also the first major city in the states to have herd immunity (80% vaccine rate), which just makes me love my city even more. <3 Hot girl vax summer, here we go!

In terms of business, it was my highest month EVER on Mediavine (read my love letter to the company here!). This little blog of mine is finally reaching pre-Covid levels of income again (after what was a rough 15 months or so), and it gives me hope for the blog’s future. 

WASHINGTON 

As soon as school was out for the summer, I snuck off on a week-long trip to Washington State, and what a fun girls trip it was. The primary reason for our trip (besides eating all the things in Seattle…) – to celebrate Caroline’s birthday!

Seattle

In Seattle, we spent a whole afternoon eating everything at the market (think mac n cheese from Beechers, lemon greek yogurt, mini donuts, and more), admiring all the peonies, sipping on espresso martini flights at Starbucks, feasting on happy hour pastas, hanging at a swanky rooftop bar overlooking the waterfront, grabbing donuts from General Porpoise, and checking out the REI flagship store! Makes me miss this city in more ways than one, considering it was my first EVER solo trip way back when.

Seattle Day Trips

Once our bellies were full, we unexpectedly took the ferry and explored Whidbey island, full of cute little seaside towns and a clam chowder and fish n chips lunch. We also got gorgeous views over Deception Pass bridge and watched an epic sunset at the beach.

Next was a full day on the San Juan islands (we took the ferry again!) in hopes to see orca whales! No luck (womp, womp), but we did see some porpoises, local sheep, and bald eagles while cruising the straight. We also circumnavigated the island and checked out a sculpture garden, an alpaca farm, and a lookout point… but still, no whales. But it’s always a good time with these girls – full of dance parties on the ferry and lots of sing-a-longs. 

Olympic National Park

We said goodbye to the San Juans and off to Olympic National Park it was, where we spent two full days adventuring in the wildly unpredictable weather. We admired lush rainforests (and walked through the iconic Hall of Mosses), hung out on scenic beaches — Ruby Beach was our favorite, with tons of haystacks jutting out of the water, and drove up 5k feet on Hurricane Ridge Road for a scenic lookout of the mountains (despite feeling the chill through our bones).

The trip was also full of hiking to gushing waterfalls (including one very muddy walk in the rain), a scenic bridge which we swore looked like a cenote in Mexico, and a lavender farm where we indulged in both lavender lemon ice cream AND white chocolate lavender ice cream.

LAVENDER FARM

Back home I finally made it to Aracelli Farms, a lavender farm near Dixon I’ve been wanting to check out since the minute I first heard about it. Despite literally dripping our entire visit (it was scorching hot to say the least), I loved frolicking in the fields and living out all my lavender fantasies.

We sipped on lavender lemonade and lavender sangria, took way too many photos, and hung out in the barn/shade as much as we could. Let’s just say my husband was a trooper…

MAUI 

Hawaii round two, anyone?! This time to Maui! Since we had to cancel Noah’s birthday trip to Hawaii last year, when we scored a cheap ticket to Maui, we booked that baby right up! We always love our trips to Maui, but this one was definitely our best trip yet (despite being oh so crowded).

We watched the sunset from the beach almost every night, saw sea turtles almost every day, and rented a fun tangerine colored Jeep! The lushness of Iao Valley was incredible (there were so many monsteras!) and an insane amount of green mountainous peaks. We drove the Road to Hana again, and while it wasn’t as impressive as the first time around, we loved the black sand beach and the cute beach town of Paia.

Also – we finally crossed Kapalua Bay Beach, dinner at Merrimans, and a round at the Bay Course off our Hawaii bucket lists!

I somehow scored us a ticket to watch the sunrise at Haleakala, and we lucked out with the most perfect conditions! Yes, chilly as always, but zero wind, which made it that much more enjoyable. The first bit of light after driving up the mountain is so magical! Those colors! We also walked the Sliding Sands trail a bit and checked out what I swore looked exactly like Mars after marveling in the sunrise. 

But the most magical part of the trip?! Cruising alongside a whole pod of dolphins on the way to Lanai. I swear, I watched them for what felt like hours! I totally teared up – it was so, so special. Hawaii always continues to surprise us in the best ways possible.

July 

HOME 

Whoops – I cancelled our 4th of July plans up in Sonoma (I was too lazy to plan) and hung around SF instead. So I did some fun city things instead (because nope, I can’t sit still!).

I crossed off a bunch of photo spots for my epic photo spots in San Francisco post with a friend, had fun at nightlife at the CalAcademy (which I hadn’t done in YEARS), and finally had fancy afternoon tea at The Rotunda! We also took Kona to Fort Point and let him run around off leash, and he did SO well! 

But the indoor mask mandate began again in LA county (proving that CA isn’t doing so well pandemic-wise), and we had major threats of dry lightning. Global warming I tell ya! 

NEW YORK

Back to New York it was, this time for my grandma’s unveiling — meaning I got to spend lots of quality time with family. Always a wonderful time laughing with my people, exactly how grandma would have wanted it. <3 I even had lobster rolls overlooking the water and then unexpectedly took a ride on the police boat with my soon-to-be brother-in-law!

I spent a few days re-exploring NYC, a place I didn’t realize how much I missed until I was there walking the streets with friends and family. Loved all the details at the new Friends Experience, stuffed ourselves silly on a DIY dessert tour, had dinner at a completely pink Italian restaurant, sipped drinks on rooftop bars, walked around the new Little Island and Hudson Yards, and hung out at Central Park with popsicles.

But before leaving, I said my last goodbyes to my childhood home (before my parents’ big move to North Carolina), which was much more emotional than I thought it’d be. So many great memories in that house, and it feels so weird to know I’ll never run around in the backyard or have sleepovers with my sister in my childhood bedroom.

GREECE!!!!

Greece is one of our all-time favorites (it was our honeymoon destination after all!), so as soon as the country opened up to vaccinated Americans, we booked our flights! It was our first major international trip since Covid, and it felt so good to get back out there (although I kinda forgot how far away we are from Europe now that we live on the West Coast). 

I left Noah in charge of booking our flights, so of course we ended up with lay flat seats on the way to Athens (via Istanbul), and I slept like a baby for over 8 hours (not complaining).

Santorini

Our 3 days in Santorini were a dream come true – and it was just as gorgeous as I remember it being on our honeymoon. Although a tad bit more crowded…

We stayed in Oia at the most beautiful hotel (a major splurge) and loved every second of it (besides the hundreds of steps and humidity!). We definitely took max advantage of the infinity pool, just relaxing and soaking in all the views of the caldera (I mean, just look at it — how could we not?!) 

Our days were spent eating spinach pie and gyros, exploring the picturesque town of Oia (and all it’s blue domes), exploring bustling Fira, sailing the seas of Santorini and swimming in the water, and of course watching gorgeous sunsets out on the water.

A promise I made to myself – to never miss a Santorini sunset! And I even braved the crowds at the Oia Castle one night; those views, swoon! Worth it? Times a million.

But UGH – the jet lag was so real! I was up at 3:30am almost every morning — which was perfect for watching the sunrise and taking early morning photos at the blue domes. So I guess it wasn’t so horrible, haha. There’s worse places to have jet lag for sure.

Milos 

This was our first time on Milos, and we loved every second of it. The island felt way more authentic and natural than the other Greek islands we’ve been to, and I’m so glad we chose it as our 3rd island on our Greek island hopping adventure! If you go, make sure you indulge in some honey puffs (delicious is an understatement).

Our days were spent exploring the island, stopping at fishing villages, the most gorgeous beaches (including the moonlike lunar landscape of Sarakiniko — what attracted me to Milos in the first place, and Firiplaka — our newest obsession in Greece), and other viewpoints. We spent another full day beach hopping via catamaran (including the mysterious pirate lair of Kleftiko Bay), and OMG pictures hardly do these spots justice. Absolutely breathtaking and the water felt SO GOOD on the hot summer afternoon.

I’m reallllly glad we got to Milos when we did; I fully expect this tiny island to become exceptionally popular in the next few years (hopefully it doesn’t turn into the next Santorini…).

Mykonos 

We spent the last few days of our trip taking it easy in Mykonos – nearly 3 days were spent wandering through town (and taking thousands of photos), hanging at the pool, and eating our way through Mykonos. Live music was banned because of Covid, but we still enjoyed drinks at sunset overlooking the windmills (despite all the wind!). 

A great way to end a mildly hectic trip. Greece – we’ll be back! Just maybe in shoulder season, wink wink.

August 

HOME

Covid took a turn for the worst with the Delta variant running rampant, causing indoor mask mandates to be put back into effect (completely ruining hot vax summer!). 

But we kept our heads up high and went on with real life, spending an afternoon at the Yankee game which was so fun after not going to a sporting event in forever! And we even made it on the Jumbotron for a split second!

I also finally made it to Yoga at the Grace Cathedral with a friend (something that’s been on my SF bucket list for years)!

I started in-person work again, and boy was that weird for a few weeks. All the kids seemed exceptionally happy to be back, and spirits were high despite needing to wear masks the entire day and sanitizing like crazy. So wild.

VEGAS

Las Vegas was a quick 72 hours full of crazy milkshakes, drool-worthy NY-style pizza, Nutella brioches, an insane afternoon of all things crazy at Meow Wolf, and some much-needed pool time under the Eiffel Tower.

But the main reason for our quick trip?! URSHER, baby!! And what a show he put on — still as sexy as ever! The concert was the first big-scale event we’ve been to since Covid (and it was even indoors). 

We loved the show so much we refreshed our browsers for hours to score tickets to Lovers and Friends Fest for this coming May! Can’t wait!

SURPRISE GLAMPING TRIP

Glamping was part of our 6 month challenge (read about that on my 101 in 1001 goals post), and the husband did so well! We spent the night in a decked out “luxury” African safari tent, which was thrilling even if we were only two hours north of home in Santa Rosa (Sonoma). 

I was honestly shocked how much I loved the whole experience; those baby giraffes were the cutest little things! We saw some of the typical animals you’d see on safari, like zebras, warthogs, hyenas, buffalo, cheetahs, etc, but also some much more unique species, like the Trumpeter hornbill, caracal, lemur, and vulturine guineafowl. Gave me all the Lion King vibes for sure!

Read my full review of Safari West here!

The safari in Sonoma totally reinspired my desire to go on safari — a REAL safari in Africa (like we were supposed to do in Tanzania before the pandemic canceled all our plans). Gotta go research and plan!

September 

HOME

In September, I did a fun 8 mile hike above the clouds at Mt Tam with friends, met a friend’s new baby, spent a morning pumpkin picking in Half Moon Bay, and saw the new acrobatic show Dear San Francisco!

SAN LUIS OBISPO

We were supposed to spend Labor Day weekend in the Eastern Sierras/Yosemite, but decided to cancel after fires were storming through the national forests. So, off to the coast it was (being a much safer option and all). 

Our weekend was spent with friends for a pizza picnic overlooking the estuary— we hadn’t seen them since February 2020 — right before Covid, hiking up to the architectural graveyard at Poly Canyon, and finally checking out Pismo Beach! 

You betcha I got my hands on one of those famous cinnamon rolls (yum), and then promptly walked it off at the Dinosaur Caves Park. Can’t believe we haven’t properly explored this area before – we’ll gotta go back!

LOS CABOS

Remember when Noah and I escaped to Cabo during the pandemic in December 2020? Well I found myself back there less than a year later!

We were supposed to head to Nashville for a long weekend together, but decided to cancel our trip because the city was spiking like crazy with Covid cases.

So instead, I hopped on a friend trip to Cabo to celebrate Mel turning 40, and OMG it was so fun. 

We spent a ridiculous amount of time relaxing in the resort pool (sipping on pina coladas at the swim up bar of course), eating chilaquiles for breakfast every AM, indulging in a delicious farm-to-table lunch at Flora Farms (complete with farm tour), and wandering around Centro San Jose del Cabo, indulging in tacos, margs, and paletas, and of course doing some shopping!

But the highlight of our trip? Spending a morning on our own private clear boat to El Arco! We loved watching the tropical fish swim right under our boat — it was insane how many there were! Such a fun girls trip, complete with dance parties on the boat shuttle en route to Playa Amour.

Despite sweating like crazy and feeling run down on our first day, the birthday trip was a wild success! And we were all negativo!

October 

HOME

We started off the month with two back to back concerts: Andrew McMahon and Maroon 5, spontaneously ordering (and eating…) $50 worth of Seattle’s Piroshky Piroshky from a pop up, and celebrating Kona turning two! Of course we forced him to wear a little party hat to take photos in, haha.

SAN DIEGO

Fall travel continued with a long weekend in San Diego, which I was so excited to return to after visiting (and falling in love with) this past April! We thankfully managed to escape the bomb cyclone in the Bay Area (the legit scientific name for the storm!) – what great timing it was!

While we stuffed our faces with tacos and gallivanted around the city, the main reason for our trip? For Noah to run the SD ½ marathon, his first race since 2019 (because of you know what), and he freaking PRed! All 13.1 miles done in 1 hour, 53 minutes. So proud of him! Of course there was Crack Shack and an ice cream flight at Hammonds afterwards. 

After the race, we saw some friends for a celebratory steak dinner on the water (Island Prime is a must on any San Diego itinerary you guys!), and it was just perfect! 

We watched the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, indulged in homemade tortillas in Old Town, gorged on cheese wheel pasta, sipped on lots of craft cocktails (we loved Raised By Wolves the most!), chilled in the sun at La Jolla, strolled around Balboa Park, pretended we were staying at Hotel Del, and of course I made it to quite a few San Diego photo spots.

San Diego, I love you the most and already can’t wait to come back. I do have lots more to check off my San Diego bucket list afterall!

AUSTIN

And just a few days later, I flew out to Austin for a long weekend for another girls trip! We had found suuuuper cheap nonstop flights back in June (practically unheard of) so we booked those babies right up!

We went mural chasing on South Congress, spent a lazy morning at the pool, ate all the brisket and sides at a few popular BBQ spots (gimme all that banana pudding), drank cocktails at a secret speakeasy, watched the bats at sunset, hiked up Mount Bonnel, indulged in massive donuts at Gordoughs, saw the capital building, and went to Barton Springs and food truck parks. 

Despite it being Halloween weekend, we managed to escape the Halloween madness on 6th street, although it was fun to see all the costumes (humans and dogs alike)! Overall, a chill weekend doing what we love best – taking tons of photos and indulging in so much good food!

November 

November happened in all of 5 minutes; I can’t believe how fast it went! One minute it was Halloween and then the next we were having Thanksgiving dinner! Wild how time seems to just fly by the older I get, yet go so slow all at once.

ORANGE COUNTY

And then just 2 days later (after my Austin trip) we drove down to OC for Noah to run yet another ½ marathon! Where he PRed again at 1:52! So impressed with his dedication! No photos of his actual race because I stayed in bed with the pup haha.

It was a super (super) quick weekend of seeing friends and running around, but always worth it to head to SoCal. We spent a day in Laguna Beach – having oysters overlooking the Pacific, watching Kona play in the sand, checking out some colorful photo spots, hiking to The Top of the World, and trying out a new ice cream and plenty of coffee spots!

THANKSGIVING IN NEVADA CITY

We spent a few days with family relaxing in Nevada City. It was really low-key but of course filled with lots of yummy food, quality time with my niece and nephew (<3)  and all the holiday coffees from Dutch brothers. We finally checked out Empire Mine State Park, and went on a short hike with Kona to the lake to get our steps in!

But before heading to Nevada City to celebrate with the whole fam, we took my FIL to Alcatraz (on a perfect November day) and celebrated my MIL’s early birthday with a yummy steak meal!

After a crazy busy few months, it was nice to slow down and actually have a few weekends relaxing at home/with family.

December 

HOME

After tons of family time for Thanksgiving, one of our friends came to visit us in SF for a quick weekend! We saw a comedy show, grabbed holiday drinks in a bar decked out for Christmas, and spent an afternoon/night admiring the tree and all the lights in the city, plus cheesecake overlooking the ice rink .

Another highlight – Noah running his first full marathon in over 2 years – this time CIM in Sacramento. He beat his full PR by 29 minutes and finished in 4 hours, 9 minutes. Wild! I had big plans of getting a lot of content but it was chillier than expected so we kinda just watched Christmas movies in bed all day instead haha. 

And then I got a cold and convinced myself it was Covid so naturally, took 3 tests — thankfully they all came back negative but OMG was that scary.

But our December days were honestly filled with so much confliction over if our trip to Switzerland would happen (it didn’t). The new omicron variant officially started spreading in the US – when will this virus ever end?! I’m officially over it all.

101 in 1001 Goals

My 101 in 1001 goal list ended in mid-December, and surprise, surprise — definitely didn’t complete my entire list! The fact that I survived (and even semi-thrived) during a global pandemic is good enough for me. I definitely didn’t visit 8 new countries (heck, we hardly traveled internationally these past 2 years), run 3 miles (although it would’ve been the perfect time to train), or visit Disneyland. 

I did somehow manage to see numerous concerts and broadway shows, check off a bunch of things on my San Francisco bucket list, read over 25 books (super easy in quarantine times), took a whole week off social media, surprise my family in NY, as well as discover plenty of new-to-me spots in California (hello Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, San Diego, and San Clemente).

MEXICO — PUERTO VALLARTA AND SAYULITA

This totally should be a section on snowy Switzerland (and the insane igloo we booked for a night). But once the virus started spreading like crazy over there and they enforced quarantines, we quickly changed our plans to go to Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita instead!

I’d been wanting to go for a while now (see January’s cancelled birthday plans, haha), so figured now was the time! Mexico’s always an easy trip, and since we’ve done Los Cabos a few times, figured we should change it up!

And plus, after a few days of cold and rain in San Francisco, I was ready for some sun.

Puerto Vallarta

First up – Puerto Vallarta! We split our time between a bougie hotel a bit south and the city itself. 

And that bougie hotel was the best idea yet. After so much stress (and sadness) of canceling our Switzerland trip, we needed a few days of pure relaxation to jump start our time in Mexico. We didn’t leave the hotel at all, except for venturing down to the beach for a bit and eating the most delicious meal at Le Kliff (a must!).

In the city, we walked along the malecon, gorged on street food (all the esquina y tacos por favor), hiked up to a viewpoint, and checked out the artisan market on Isla Cuale. We also took a day trip to the Marietas Islands and swam to the hidden beach which was gorgeous! Oh and saw an insane amount of humpback whales — I was in awe the entire time!

To be honest, Vallarta wasn’t our absolute favorite (it was wayyyy too busy for our liking), but I’m still glad we got to experience it. Although we could have stayed in the infinity pool overlooking the water and jungle for days (that’s definitely where we’ll be basing ourselves next time).

San Pancho

The biggest unexpected (but very pleasant) surprise was the tiny town of San Pancho, where (some) people walk around barefoot, dogs are literally everywhere, and there’s a chill sunset party every night.

San Pancho is such a chill and laid back surf town, full of expats, locals, and tourists, and kinda reminds us of Gili Air off the coast of Bali which we loved a few summers ago. We wandered around the colorful town, ate at the best local spots (including tons of fresh tortillas from the tortilla lady), got massages, hung at the beach, watched the famous San Pancho sunsets, and hung at our hotel! Didn’t hurt that it was so chic and designed so stylishly; we loved it!

We also got invited to the first ever Sope Festival by the owner, and it was more like a 6-course gourmet meal! Absolutely delicious! Something we’ll never forget for sure.

We already can’t wait to go back and we just got home a few days ago!  

Sayulita

From the minute I saw photos of Sayulita a few years back, I just knew I’d love this little area (and I was right). We strolled around the colorful streets, indulged in all the street food sweets (churros, crepes, y smashed plantains), drank lots of agua de cacao (my new favorite), watched all the surfers, and ate at all the best spots (omg the mole at Mary’s and pizza at La Rustica, drool). 

We were in Sayulita for Christmas Eve, and omg there was so much festive fun in the square that night. Mexicans really know how to enjoy themselves!

Just like in PV, we also booked a hotel with a rooftop pool and spent tons of time relaxing up there when we weren’t at the beach.

The end of our trip was a bit stressful after hearing of SO many getting Covid (since we’d need negative tests to return back to the US). BUT we tested NEGATIVO, so celebrated with some of the best beachside lobsters, blue shrimp, and walks on the softest sand in Punta Mita!

RECAP

While the year was slightly dominated by Covid yet again (plenty of cancelled trips and tons of stress), we definitely made the most of it! Lots of trips in the US (Hawaii, San Diego multiple times, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, Austin, SLO, Vegas, Washington, etc), and even a few out of the country (México twice – San Jose del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta/Sayulita/San Pancho, and the Greek Islands of Santorini, Milos, and Mykonos). 

I got to see my family a few times in New York, took plenty of trips with friends, watched Noah run a few marathons, and everyone I love got the vaccine (plus booster). The school year started in-person again, we finally got a new president, and I definitely explored more of San Francisco yet again.

We’ll see what next year brings, but I have a slight suspicion it’ll be similar to 2021 – cases are expected to peak in January/February… Happy New Year, friends! Thanks for reading! Your support means everything to me!

The post 2021 Year in Review: Life, Travel, Blogging, and Everything in Between appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Ohhhh, Kleftiko. If you’ve been researching Milos at all, I can almost guarantee you’ve seen photos of these magical caves and bright underwater world — it’s one of the most popular spots in all of Milos afterall! And for good reason!

There’s sea caves and rock formations to explore, clear, turquoise-tinted waters, and volcanic landscapes to admire.  The crystal blue waters are absolutely irresistible — I couldn’t wait to jump on in.

And apparently pirates used to hide out in the caves over here. Our captain even turned on music from Pirates of the Caribbean as we made our way into Kleftiko Beach. Definitely set the scene, that’s for sure! Kinda like how our pilot played Jurassic Park on our helicopter ride in Hawaii — so fun!

For reals though — this is the place to be on Milos Island. Everybody goes there! It’s easily one of the best hidden gems of the Cyclades; aka you NEED to get here before it becomes way over-popular and super crowded. Don’t have time to read the rest of the article? Just book this full-day cruise (you will NOT regret it; take my word for it — it’s the same exact one we booked).

What’s so special about it anyways? The impressive white volcanic rocks in all shapes and sizes, the elaborate sea caves, and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Everything feels dreamy, slow, and calm over here; a true Grecian paradise. It’s certainly one of the most unique places on the planet (well, besides Sarakiniko Beach of course — also in Milos)!

I’m sharing all my tips for visiting Kleftiko Beach in Milos, so keep on reading! But if you wanna learn more about Milos Island (where you’ll find Kleftiko Beach), make sure you read this — I wrote a massive guide to everything we did on the island.

And if you’re a sucker for stunning beaches like I am, here’s my super comprehensive guide to the best beaches and swimming spots on Milos (you’re welcome!).  

Kleftiko Beach Information

Wait — Beach or Bay?

Kleftiko isn’t actually a beach at all — although almost everyone calls it Kleftiko Beach! It’s not a beach in the classic sense with sand or pebbles, but more a calm bay for swimming (with hardly any waves). Instead, it’s the unique coastal views with massive volcanic rocks that makes the area so dramatic and note-worthy! 

So don’t expect to lay out and sunbathe on the sand; you won’t find any of that here. There are some flat rocks you can get comfy on, but I’d much prefer to be cooling off in the turquoise waters instead.

How Kleftiko Bay Was Formed and A Little Bit of History

Can you believe the power of the sea and wild wind storms created this rare geological phenomena? I mean, the caves and volcanic arches obviously weren’t created overnight, but over centuries and centuries. Such a sight to see. I’m always amazed at what Mother Nature can do. 

But even more impressively, pirates used to hang out here!

Yes, real-life pirates used to hide out here at Kleftiko Beach! The pirates used to rest here and organize their attacks on whatever ships appeared in sight (I mean, just look at those caves — they’re the perfect hiding place). Makes sense, as the word Kleftiko comes from the ancient Greek word “Kleftis”, which actually means thief/robber! In literal translation though, Kleftiko means stolen meat, haha.

But don’t worry — you won’t find any pirates here today. Only visiting catamarans with snorkelers and swimmers! Thankfully they stopped attacking boats in the early 1820’s after Admiral Kanaris protected the Aegean Islands from all the nasty pirates! And thank goodness he did!

Planning a Trip to Kleftiko Beach in Milos

Where is Kleftiko Beach

You’ll find Kleftiko Bay in Milos, Greece, an island in the Cyclades (which is actually the same group of islands as the super-popular Santorini and Mykonos). More specifically, it’s located along the southwestern coast of Milos, far away from the amenities and towns on the eastern half of the island.

Be careful when searching Google Maps though — there’s apparently a whole bunch of spots in Greece called Kleftiko. You’re looking for the rugged and remote Kleftiko Bay in southwest Milos. You’ll know when you find it on the map, I promise.

When to Go

Like other Greek Islands, Milos (including Kleftiko Bay) is best explored from May through September, coinciding with the busy tourist season. But in my opinion, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, as it’s not as hot and sticky and less crowded. It’s never a horrible time to visit though: the island is blessed with a Mediterranean climate — meaning mild temps, warm water, and relatively calm seas year round. 

Do know that Milos (like other Greek islands) experiences strong winds (called Meltemi) from June through August. Because of this, it’s possible boat tours to Kleftiko can get cancelled for safety reasons. I recommend booking your boat tour as early in your trip as possible JUST IN CASE it needs to be rebooked to the next day.

For reference, we visited Milos and Kleftiko Beach in mid-July, and had beautiful weather. Yes, it was pretty hot and sticky, but we were at the beach most of the time, so we just cooled off in the water! Plus, the summer winds actually helped cool down the air so we never felt absolutely gross.

What to do at Kleftiko Bay, Milos

I’m sure you get it by now — swim, snorkel, take in the scenery, soak up the sun! I loved jumping in the crystal clear water, putting on a snorkel mask, and exploring beneath the surface. It’s remarkably clear, and you can see all the way to the bottom, despite it being pretty freakin’ deep! There’s some small fish to see, but definitely not the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, so don’t expect tons of tropical fish or anything. Still fun to see them swimming around though!

My favorite part of the afternoon?! Swimming in the caves where the pirates used to hang out! Kinda freaky when you think about it but don’t miss that! And of course make sure to take all the photos you want — the rock formations are just oh so cool! 

Facilities at Kleftiko and What to Bring

Since Kleftiko is super off-the-beaten-path when it comes to beaches and swimming spots in Milos, you won’t find any facilities over here. Meaning no lounge chairs, no beach bar, no toilets, etc. And I honestly don’t even know where they’d be, haha. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s no real sandy beach over here; Kleftiko is solely a swimming spot.

If you’re coming to Kleftiko by boat (which most people do), your tour will most likely supply you with what you absolutely need → a bathroom, snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear! You’ll wanna bring along a towel, a dry bag to keep your belongings nice and dry, some SPF (I always pack SPF lip balm, too), a sunhat, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure. You don’t wanna bring much (wear a bathing suit of course), but enough to keep yourself comfortable in the water and on the boat. 

How Long to Stay

If you really wanna explore all there is at Kleftiko, you’ll need at least an hour and a half to 2 full hours over here. I could have spent a whole day swimming in the crystal clear waters and through the wild caves!

Our boat trip ventured over to Kleftiko Bay after making stops at Poliegos Island (swoon), Gerakas Beach (double swoon), and a few other beaches along the way. Because of this, we only had an hour or so to swim around, but didn’t mind since we had already made plenty of other swimming spots. 

How to Get to Kleftiko, Milos

Getting to Kleftiko Beach is no easy feat. You can’t just drive up to the beach and go for a quick swim like you can in Sarakiniko or Fyriplaka.

You’ll of course first need to get yourself over to Milos, which isn’t terribly hard if you’re already in Greece. From Athens, you can reach Milos by plane in a little over an hour, or in 2-3 hours via high speed ferry. You can also take a ferry from other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini or Mykonos, which is what we did!

→ Read this for much more detailed info on how to get to Milos (and other practicalities and things to know!).

And once you do get yourself over to Milos Island, it does take some planning to get to Kleftiko. It’s on the south coast of the rugged and remote western side of the island afterall, the complete opposite where most people spend the night. But I promise it’s worth the small hassle… if you can really call a luxurious boat ride a hassle, haha.

By Boat (Catamaran Cruise or Luxury Yacht)

The only way to reach Kleftiko is by boat! Meaning you’ll need to book yourself on a guided boat tour around Milos if you wanna explore this old Pirate den! Here’s the exact catamaran cruise we took — spoiler alert, it’s gonna be one of your favorite days in Greece, I can tell you that.

There’s tons of boat companies which stop at Kleftiko Beach in Milos, so finding a tour shouldn’t be hard — as long as you book in advance! Kleftiko is the most visited attraction of all of Milos (well, a close second to Sarakiniko), so definitely don’t wait too long to book. 

I know someone who unfortunately missed out on the Kleftiko caves since all the boats were completely sold out when she and her husband visited! Whoops — don’t be that person! Guarantee your spot and book way in advance. If you already have your ferry ticket to Milos, just book this cruise right now and thank me later. Trust me, you don’t wanna miss out.

Different tour itinerary options:

Since everyone wants to swim at Kleftiko Bay (I mean, just look at it!), there’s thankfully a whole bunch of boat options on the island! Most boats provide their guests with snorkels and fins free of charge (you’ll definitely want these), as well as meals. The catamaran cruise we chose (highly recommended) gave us plenty of fresh fruit and snacks, a whole spread of Greek specialities for lunch, and lots of yummy drinks! We definitely never went hungry!

And besides the actual company of the boat, you can choose to do a full-day, half-day, or mini cruise to Kleftiko Beach. We chose the longest one and had no regrets! Here’s your itinerary options:

• Circumnavigate the entire island of Milos: Want a full day out on the water exploring the best that Milos has to offer? You need to book this full-day catamaran tour! Not only does the tour visit Kleftiko Bay, but it makes stops at Gerakas Beach and Poliegos, a neighboring island. Of course it’s a bit pricier than the others, but well worth the extra expense in our eyes. I’ll never get over those turquoise waters.

• Visit Kleftiko and other stops on the southern coast: You’ll find many boat tours skipping Poliegos and heading straight to the ruggest southwestern coast for lots of time at Kleftiko! On this half-day cruise, Kleftiko will be the main attraction but you’ll also get to see some other stunning spots!

• Head straight to Kleftiko: After doing some research, I learned you can take a boat from Agia Kyriaki beach for about 30 euro per person for about FOUR hours here! What a dream! If you’re pressed for time or need to stick to a strict budget, this may work in your favor. Although I’m so glad we made the other stops on our full-day catamaran tour (look here for some photos — absolutely remarkable)!

Our catamaran cruise around Milos was easily one of our favorite days on our Greece itinerary. I’m honestly still raving about it to anyone and everyone who’ll listen (sorry not sorry)!

Psst — most boat tours to Kleftiko leave from Adamas Port (where we stayed), but it’s always wise to check!

Recommended Boat Tours to Kleftiko (and Beyond)

• Full-Day Tour of Milos and Poliegos Islands: If you’re keen on seeing as much as possible of the coast of Milos, you NEED to book this tour. It’s the EXACT one we booked, and I can honestly say I’d choose this catamaran cruise again in a heartbeat. We had ample time at Kleftiko, but also got to visit the blue waters of Poliegos Island, Gerakas Beach, and some other inaccessible spots for swimming/beach time. And ohhh — that Greek salad sando was the perfect snack after a quick dip. Read reviews and book catamaran cruise here!

• Safari Rib Tour to Kleftiko and Beyond: Would rather spend the day on a luxurious yacht? This tour is for you. Not only does it visit some fishing villages and other beaches, but you get to take a small rib boat (way smaller than the yacht) to cruise in between the actual caves of Kleftiko! And plus, the crew takes bangin’ underwater photos of you! Read reviews and book safari rib cruise here. 

• Half-Day Morning Cruise to Kleftiko and Gerakas: If you don’t wanna be out on the water the entire day (I hear you, that’s a long time on a boat), there’s plenty of half day cruises you can book! This 5-hour catamaran cruise is offered by the same company we took, so I can definitely vouch for the crew and food! They obviously don’t make as many stops, but the half day tours are great for a quick sampling of the island. Read reviews and book your half-day cruise here!

By Foot: Hiking to Kleftiko Bay

Okay, so you can actually hike to Kleftiko Bay. It’s not advertised on many Kleftiko Beach blogs. BUT it’s a long 45 minute walk (after an hour’s drive from Adamas on unpaved roads), and in that hot summer heat, honestly, no thank you! If you really wanna hike to Kleftiko, do it first thing in the morning to avoid the midday sun (and bring lots and lots of water). 

I’ve heard the hike is of varying degrees of difficulty from different people — some say it’s pretty easy while others deem it as quite treacherous! Maybe there’s multiple ways to hike there?! The trailhead is located about a km past the Monastery of St. John Siderianos. Regardless, just remember you’ll need to hike back up after your time at the beach — sooooo… yea. Expect to be dripping with sweat afterwards.

A positive to hiking? You will be greeted with gorgeous bird eye views from above if you hike to Kleftiko, which you obviously won’t get from a boat! Unless you have a drone of course!

Have I convinced you to add a catamaran cruise to Kleftiko to your time in Milos? I can’t wait to jump into that turquoise-tinted water again — hopefully sooner than later!

The post Everything You Need to Know about Kleftiko Bay: The Hidden Pirate Den of Milos appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Before we really get into it, it’s true — Milos is an absolute dream. Picturesque whitewashed towns. Lunar-like moonscape beaches. Traditional fishing villages like Klima. Mesmerizing blue waters. Catamaran trips around the island. And it actually still feels (kinda) authentic! Keep reading for all our favorite things to do in Milos.

Get to this secret sun-baked Greek island before it gets super popular! I swear it’s got the best beaches in the Aegean (easily way better than other islands in the Cyclades), and there’s so much fresh fish (way cheaper than Santorini!).

We’d been to Santorini and Mykonos almost 10 years ago (on our honeymoon!), but wanted to mix it up a bit this trip to Greece! And after seeing one photo of the lunar moonscapes of Sarakiniko, I was absolutely hooked on adding the stunning Greek island of Milos to our trip!

The verdict? My new favorite place in Europe. After spending just 3 days on the island, I can understand why it’s been claimed as the most stunning Cyclade Island in the chain. It’s now one of my favorite places in Greece, and I have a slight feeling we’ll be back sooner than later before it gets wildly popular of course (fingers crossed). 

It’s definitely up-and-coming and increasingly becoming more and more popular each and every summer — go NOW before everyone finds out about it! I swear, after we visited I don’t understand why it’s so overlooked — everyone goes to Santorini (especially the blue domes of Oia!) and Mykonos instead. But it won’t be underrated for long!

So if you’re thinking of going — GO NOW! We loved it! Here’s everything we learned after visiting, and all our favorite things to do in Milos! Promise you’ll have a few honey puffs for me!

Milos Logistics

Weather and When to Visit Milos

Like other Greek Islands, Milos is best explored from May through September, coinciding with tourist season. The island is blessed with a Mediterranean climate — meaning mild temps, warm water, and relatively calm seas year round.

But in my opinion, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, as it’s not as hot and sticky and less crowded. I’ll give you a little run down of the seasons in Milos and you can decide for yourself the best time for you!

Spring (mid-March to May): April and May are a gorgeous time to visit Milos, as the winter rains turn everything green and the wildflowers are in full bloom! It’s also not as exceptionally hot as in summer, so you won’t feel like you’re melting every day. But because of this, the water hasn’t had much chance to warm up yet, so it might still feel kinda chilly.

Summer (June – early September): Welcome to prime tourist season! June, July, and August easily have the hottest days, so if you’re looking for heat, there’s your answer! The air is warm and sunny, and there’s hardly any rain. 

But the months of July and August are definitely the most popular, so you’ll wanna make sure you book your flights, hotels, ferries, and activities way in advance. Things do get booked up, even on Greek island time! 

Summer also sees the strong northerly winds, usually blowing in July and August. These are called “meltemi” and have been known to spoil a beach day or two (they cause rough waves and there’s usually sand blowing everywhere). But thankfully the southern beaches aren’t very affected by this, so you can always change your plans and head on down to Fyriplaka and/or Tsigrado (two of the best beaches in Milos).

For reference, we visited Milos in mid-July, and had beautiful weather. Yes, it was pretty hot and sticky, but we were at the beach most of the time, so we just cooled off in the water! Plus, the winds actually helped cool down the air so we never felt absolutely gross.

Fall (late-September to November): Ohhh, early fall is such a great time to visit. The island starts to cool off and it’s not as crowded, meaning cheaper flights and accommodations. If we had ultimate flexibility, I would have visited Milos in late September.

Winter (December to mid-March): While winter is overall pretty mild, there are still some rainy and cool days. And you don’t want your few days in Milos to potentially be rained out! What a big bummer that’d be! In my opinion, it’d be too chilly to really enjoy the beaches as well, as the average high in winter is roughly 60°F (14°F) or so (although the sea is usually warmer than the air, but still…)

How Crowded is Milos?

Milos is by far way less crowded than other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini and Mykonos, but it’s definitely already been discovered. And the fact that some super-popular instagrammers have gone and spilled the beans on this spot recently just means it’s bound to see many more visitors in coming years than in the past. 

Let’s just say — if you’re researching things to do in Milos now, come as soon as possible! Before it becomes another Hawaii or Bali!

Where is Milos?

Milos is a small island found in the Aegean sea off the coast of the mainland of Greece (where you’ll find Athens, Delphi, Meteora, etc). It’s part of a group of islands called the Cyclades (the same chain where you’ll find popular Santorini and Mykonos), and between the other tiny islands of Folegandros and Sifnos (other Greek islands I’m dying to get to).

And being just north of the Sea of Crete means you should absolutely add Crete onto your Greek island hopping itinerary as well!

How to Get to Milos

There’s basically two ways to get to Milos — either by ferry or a short flight from Athens! Your pick, but in my opinion, it really depends on where you’re coming from! If your first island on your Greek island hopping itinerary is Milos, fly! If you’re heading to Milos from another island in the Cyclades, definitely take a ferry!

By Ferry

If you’re doing some Greek island hopping, you’ll wanna book yourself a few ferry tickets to get around. And that includes a ticket to the port of Adamas in Milos!

Note that there are different types of ferries within the Greek Islands, some being “high speed ferries” which obviously get you to your destination quicker (in just 2 ½ hours) than the “slow ferries” (3-5 hours).

Some of the more popular ferry companies include SeaJets (which we took between Santorini, Milos, and Mykonos), Golden Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Fast Ferries. The quicker ferries are the most expensive, but they get you to the pristine beaches of Milos faster, sooo….. Worth it in my book!

• From Athens (note the port is called Piraeus): 2 ½ hours via high-speed ferry
• From Santorini (note the port is called Thira): 2 hours via high-speed ferry
• From Mykonos: 3 hours via high-speed ferry

A few ferry tips:

• Heading to another island afterwards? Don’t forget to only book a one way ferry to Milos!

• When you’re booking your ferry tickets, note the travel time. You don’t wanna be sitting on a ferry for 5 or 6 hours, especially if the seas are rocky! Always opt for a direct ferry if at all possible (like I said, the ferries are super chaotic – a connection is the last thing you want).

• Make sure to pay close attention while you’re waiting for a ferry — they don’t wait for anyone (nor really check you in)! Be prepared with your ferry ticket and other documents you may need. It’s kinda hectic so expect some madness. Organized chaos at its best — those ferry staff know what they’re doing.

• In our experience, ferries are usually either slightly delayed and/or take longer than advertised to get to your destination. Why? The weather and seas. Don’t make any specific plans right after you’re due to arrive.

• My #1 ferry tip right here → DO NOT EAT RIGHT BEFORE OR ON A GREEK FERRY. I repeat, don’t eat anything AT ALL if you have a weak stomach or are prone to seasickness, and definitely pop a dramamine beforehand. We unfortunately saw way too many people use the paper bags provided… did not look fun at all. Just do yourself a favor and eat after you get off.

→ We like to use Ferryhopper.com to search and book our ferry tickets in Greece. The site shows all the schedules (direct and those with connections), prices, timing, and more. Those Greek ferry websites can be so confusing and clunky (especially if you don’t know Greek)! Thankfully, Ferry Hopper makes it super easy; it’s what we use each and every time and we’ve never had an issue.

By Plane

If you’re going straight to Milos from Athens (bypassing the other islands or heading to other islands afterwards), there’s direct flights for you to book! Aegean, Sky Express, and Olympic fly to Milos in just around 45 minutes. Sure, it’s way quicker than taking a ferry (even a high-speed one), but they’re typically much more expensive (at around $100 one way). 

If you can’t fathom sitting on a rocky ferry for hours and know for sure you’ll get seasick, I’d just suck it up and pay the price for a flight. You’ll be much more comfortable, although do know the plane will likely be pretty tiny.

How to Get Around

Renting a Car/ATV/Scooter

In order to easily get to all the beaches on Milos and the other areas around the island, it’s best to rent your own set of wheels. More specifically, a car, ATV, or scooter!

Do note that driving can be pretty difficult (something we didn’t read about in advance on other Milos guides), as some of the roads are super narrow and are only wide enough for one car (meaning you’ll undoubtedly need to back up to let others pass).

Let’s just say good thing my husband drove, although I was even stressed at points on the ride (particularly around parking). Was the driving worth it? Ask my husband, haha. Those with ATV’s didn’t seem to have much trouble, so we’ll probably rent one of those bad boys next time.

But of course there’s pros and cons to both renting a car vs. an ATV/scooter. Some things to keep in mind when deciding which to rent:

• You’ve got air conditioning in a car, which is NEEDED on a hot, sticky day (although the wind in your hair will feel amazing on an ATV)
• An ATV is smaller and therefore easier to navigate on the narrow roads, as well as fit into tighter parking spaces
• An ATV can drive off the road and ultimately get you a bit closer to your destination (just be extra careful — some of the roads are literally on a cliff with a steep drop)
• You may be more comfortable driving a car rather than an ATV/scooter if you don’t have much experience with them

We rented a car in advance, but from the looks of it, there were plenty of cars and ATVs ready for hire the day of. But we always like to be prepared, and wanted the car available first thing in the morning, so opted to rent ahead of time.

If I remember correctly, our car rental cost roughly 70euros for the day for a standard sedan with manual transmission. If you need an automatic, expect to pay a higher price and 100% reserve in advance. There’s significantly less automatic cars on the island — I’m so thankful my husband has driven stick in Europe quite a bit!

We were a bit worried as we heard (after we boarded our flight of course) that an International Driver’s License was required in order to drive a car and scooter/ATV in Milos. Thankfully, we were given the car and only had to pay an additional fee of 10euros (per day) — phew!

This worked out totally fine for us as we were only renting the car for one day (to drive around the island), but if you’re renting for a longer period of time, definitely get your International Driver’s License back home in advance. It only costs $20 and you can go to any AAA location. You will be required to show your home states driver’s license, so make sure to have that handy along with your passport.

Note that gas is ridiculously expensive on Milos, and it cost us about 35euros to fill up HALF A TANK of gas. That’s way more than back home in San Francisco, where we have some of the highest gas prices in the states (at almost $5/gallon), and even higher than Hawaii (where we always assume the gas will cost us tons). 

One last thing I want to point out in regards to car rentals: We booked ahead of time with a common car rental chain in Europe (Europcar), but I’m pretty sure they send their bookings to a local company on the island (Matha Rent I think).

So don’t be alarmed if this happens to you — my guess is that the island is too small to have their own separate franchise/spot of the bigger chains.

Public Transportation

Really don’t wanna worry about renting a car? There’s a main public bus in Milos, but the schedule isn’t terribly frequent and I can’t find an actual schedule that doesn’t say it changes without notice.

Do know that there are bus stops at major tourist attractions/beaches, including Triovasalos, Plaka, Trypiti, Pollonia, Paliochori, Achivadolimni, Sarakiniko, and Provatas, with stops on the way to these destinations. You could figure out how to get to all the things to do in Milos via public transit, but it might literally take all day.

I honestly wouldn’t advise relying on the public bus unless you’ve got loads of time and have nowhere to be. In addition, the bus doesn’t run too much in the winter, and really only runs from May to late September (for high tourist season).

Not renting a car? You’re stuck to the bus schedules and this leaves you no room for flexibility, especially if you’ve got lots you want to see! Find out more about the buses here, but note there’s honestly not much info given!

Where to Stay in Milos

There’s a few different options to choose from when deciding where to base yourself in Milos. 

For starters, there’s three main villages — Adamas (the main port area and where we stayed), Pollonia (a cute little seaside village), and Plaka (the capital of the island). And then there’s plenty of little fisherman villages dotting the coastline (like Klima, Mandrakia, etc). If you’re looking for facilities and lively restaurants, I’d choose one of the larger villages.

To be honest, we didn’t put tons of thought into our accommodation in Milos; we knew we’d be out and about every single day and wouldn’t be spending much time at our hotel. Typically, when we have a super packed itinerary, we pick something kinda basic, yet clean and in a convenient location. And that’s exactly what we did in Milos. Although next time I wanna go a bit bougie and stay either here or here.

Adamas (short for Adamantas)

This is the main port area where the ferry will drop you off! It’s a bustling port lined with boutiques and plenty of open-air cafes, and you can easily rent a car or ATV right here. It makes for a great base in Milos, but make sure you venture out past the town!

We loved the fact that it was within walking distance to tons of restaurants (including the ever-so-popular authentic O! Hamas!), was super convenient to the ferry, and had the best gelato spot on the island (pretty important if you ask me…). If you wanna be near all the things to do in Milos, Adamas is your spot.

After splurging big-time in Santorini (check out that hotel — there’s not one but TWO infinity pools overlooking the caldera), we wanted to find something cozy yet affordable in Adamas. And our stay at Aeolis Hotel was just that — it honestly felt more like a guesthouse than a standard hotel.

Granted it was far from chic and there were no seaside views, it was super convenient to just about everything and the owner was super friendly, giving us tons of ideas of things to do. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something simple and homey.

Recommended hotel options in Adamas:

1. Aeolis Hotel (where we stayed — cute and simple)
2. Alexandros Village
3. Orama Milos

Find more accommodation options in Adamas here!

Pollonia

Ohhh, Pollonia is so cute! It’s a seaside village at the northeastern tip of the island; a much more mellow alternative to Adamas. There’s a few luxury boutique hotels over here, and had we not dropped all our cash on that (gorgeous) infinity pool overlooking the caldera in Santorini, I definitely would have stayed here. 

We did eat lunch here one day overlooking the sparkling Pollonia Beach, so at least we got to experience the town a bit! 

Recommended hotel options in Pollonia:

1. Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel (I’m dying to stay here next time!)
2. Perla Rooms
3. White Pebble Suites (great for a honeymoon, sleek and brand new, $$$)

Find your favorite spot in Pollonia here!

Plaka

Plaka is the capital of Milos, and it honestly reminded me of Mykonos Town quite a bit! Expect a quaint village with narrow white alleyways, cobblestone streets, and beautiful Cycladic houses with colorful doors. While we stayed in Adamas, I kinda wish we stayed in Plaka — next time!

There’s tons of chic seafood restaurants here too which are just perfect for date night!

Do note the town is located up a whole bunch of steps on the top of hill (it’s not too difficult to get to but definitely leave those heels at home!), but this just means great views! Oh — and you can’t bring a car or ATV up here; there’s a huge lot at the bottom of the hill (where we parked for sunset at the Plaka Castle and dinner in town one night). 

Recommended hotel options in Plaka:

• Palaios Rooms
• Piazza Castello
• Sunset Nest
• Halara Studios

Find more places to stay in Plaka here!

Fishing Villages

If you truly wanna experience something different, book a few nights in a traditional fishing village! Known as “sirmatas”, they were traditionally used for fishermen to store their boats in the winter. But lucky for us, some have been renovated and are rented out for tourists to stay!

You’ll primarily find these in Klima (one of my favorite areas to check out on the island, although a little further away from the other things to do in Milos).

Here’s a few to choose from which look absolutely wild!

1. Fisherman House: Omg this place is the absolute cutest — the authentic decor and the sunset patio views, swoon! I 100% wanna stay here next time we visit Milos. It got only “exceptional” reviews, so book sooner than later! I’m sure it gets scooped up super fast in the prime summer months!

1. Nostromo House: Another traditional home that got only 5* exceptional reviews. Take a look at the photos — the little patio set up overlooking the sea looks like a dream come true.

1. On the Waves of Klima: This traditional apartment in Klima looks oh so cute — there’s a bedroom, a kitchen with dining area, a bathroom, and an outdoor terrace (overlooking the sea). And yes, it’s even air-conditioned!

Find more places to stay in Klima here!

How Long to Stay

I could spend a lifetime on Milos and it still wouldn’t be enough. And no, I’m not exaggerating — this tiny island really stole our hearts! 

We spent just 2 ½ days on Milos and could have easily spent another day or two lounging on the beaches — yes, they were that spectacular! And if time weren’t an issue at all, I think we would have been fine with about 5 days!

While we did get to see an awful lot of the island in such a short time frame, we were seriously go-go-go during our 2 full days in Milos. If you want a more relaxed pace (or want to feel the true Greek spirit), I’d definitely opt for 3-4 full days. I so wish we had more time, but wanted to re-visit Santorini (I’m forever in love with the tiny village of Oia) and Mykonos as well (and had to get home to the pup!).

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots on Milos

While the island isn’t huge, there’s still plenty of things to do in Milos. And the beaches are always a good idea.

When I say Milos has the best beaches in Greece, I truly mean it. Out of all the Greek Islands we’ve been to (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Hydra, etc), the beaches in Milos are really the most spectacular. Deep blue Aegean water. Pristine sandy beaches. Chalky, moonlike landscapes. Turquoise-tinted sea caves. The list goes on and on and on. And luckily, there’s over 75 beaches to pick from, although you obviously won’t visit them all!

If you’re renting a car and/or taking a boat trip around the island, you’ll be able to see oh so many beaches! Just remember to slather on that SPF and wear a hat, as the sun is strong over here. And whatever you do, don’t miss Sarakiniko Beach and Fyriplaka — our two favorites!

→ read next: The Best Beaches in Milos (plus some stunning swimming spots)

Fyriplaka: This was by far our favorite beach in all of Milos, and we easily could have spent all day here! The water is super calm and shallow, the beach is easily accessible, and there’s enough space for everyone. Plus, those colorful cliffs in the distance sure are something else! If you’re only gonna add one beach to your Milos itinerary, make it this one — wading in the waters is one of the most relaxing things to do in Milos!

Gerakas Beach: Absolutely breathtaking. Absolutely unspoiled. Absolutely perfect. The minute our boat anchored off the coast of Gerakas, I knew we were in for a real treat. I mean, just look at that water! The brightest shade of turquoise I’ve ever seen. And it literally sparkled. Psst — Gerakas is only accessible via boat, so you’ll wanna book yourself on a catamaran sailing tour!

Kleftiko: There’s sea caves and rock formations to explore, clear, turquoise-tinted waters, and volcanic landscapes to admire. Apparently pirates used to hide out in the coves over here. No wonder it’s one of the most popular spots in all of Milos!

Again, you’ll need to plan in advance to get to Kleftiko — but it’s a common stop on full day boat tours around Milos (and even half-day tours!), so as long as you book something early on in your planning, you’re golden!

Sarakiniko: One look at Sarakiniko Beach and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to the moon. Just imagine white, chalky volcanic cliffs as far as the eye can see — the landscape here is absolutely wild. Sarakiniko is one of the most popular places to visit in Milos, so be sure to come early and of course take lots and lots of photos!

Cliff jumping is super popular here, and although I wasn’t brave enough, it was super fun to watch others jump! I wrote a full guide to Sarakiniko to ensure you know everything you need to know!

Papafragas Cave: Imagine a huge natural swimming pool and a tiny beach hiding between towering cliff walls. That’s Papafragas Cave, and it’s absolutely wild. It’s actually an enormous sea cave, and is visually stunning and super unique! Can you believe it was used in the past as a pirate base?! Whoa!

You’ll need to venture down a tiny, steep path in order to get into the water (although we just admired from above since we had lots we wanted to see/do that day!).

Galazira Zera (Poliegos Island): Wanna swim in the bluest waters you’ve literally ever seen. Head on over to Poliegos Island. Large white cliffs, sparkling waters, and pristine sandy beach. There’s no question why it’s simply known as “Blue Bay”.

Such an idyllic landscape — I had never seen waters that bright blue before (well, besides maybe in Bora Bora). Emerald, sapphire, and turquoise swirls; I could go on and on! Swimming here was easily one of our favorite things to do in Milos.

Psst: You’ll need to take a boat tour around Milos and Poliegos Island to visit these blue waters, like we did! Here’s the EXACT full-day catamaran cruise we took, and it was such a blast (probably one of our favorite days in Greece)! All the spots were to die for!

Tsigrado Beach: It’s kinda hard to get to (you gotta climb down some ropes and ladders) and the beach isn’t really all that large, but I mean, c’mon, just look at it!  A secluded, picturesque beach tucked away amid high cliffs, rocky passages, and secret caverns? Yes please! It’s a great option on a windy day, especially if the winds make it difficult to visit beaches on the northern side of the island like Sarakiniko.

Firopotamas: Another semi-difficult-to-reach beach in Milos, but hey, it’s another stunner. Firopotamos is the perfect combination of clear, blue Aegean water, traditional fishermen boat houses (called “sirmata”), and the beautiful little Church of Saint Nicholas. It’s tranquil and family friendly, with a little beach bar sometimes open (don’t quote me on that — seems like it depends on the year). 

If you want LOADS more info on the beaches above (or just wanna see more pretty pictures ), make sure to check out my post on the best beaches in Milos! It’s filled with all the information you’ll need for a few days in the sun! 

Other Fun Things to Do in Milos

Of course you could spend all your time in Milos at the beach (and be perfectly satisfied), but there’s a few other things to do in Milos that we just loved! Although to be very honest we did spend most of our time at the beach — they were just too perfect not to enjoy them as much as humanly possible! But alas — here’s our other favorites!

Klima

You can’t visit Milos and not check out Klima — it’s known to be the most colorful fishing village in all of Greece! What makes Klima super photogenic is it’s traditional (and colorful!) fishermen boat houses with apartments above (known as syrmatas) dotting the shoreline.

I loved taking photos here — photographing Klima was one of my favorite things to do in Milos, alongside Sarakiniko and the other Milos beaches of course. We were supposed to see Klima from the sea as well on our catamaran tour, but the seas were rough (it was windy that day) so the boat had to go a different route — a pretty common occurrence.

The syrmatas were once used by fishermen as a place to store their boats and live, but are mostly abandoned now, with just a few residents living there full-time. Some can even be rented out now (check out these syrmatas for rent here), and others have been turned into souvenir-type shops. 

Read Next — Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Klima, Milos!

There’s only one restaurant in Klima and it’s pretty popular (Astakas Cafe) — definitely make reservations if you plan on coming for sunset. We unfortunately didn’t know about this spot in advance, or else we probably definitely would have made a reservation for a sunset meal! 

We came in late afternoon, and would have stayed until sunset if I wasn’t set on the idea of watching from Plaka Castle (which was STUNNING— don’t miss it).

Psst: Klima is located at the bottom of a winding road (starting from the village of Trypiti), so be extra careful on your drive down! It’s only about a 15 minute drive from Adamas, but it seemed to take us way longer because of the one-way traffic jams!

If you’re having dinner at the restaurant you can park right by the village, but if not, there’s a large parking area up top with a short walk down (what we did).

Mandrakia

Okay, yes, Mandrakia is another fishing village (and it’s typically overlooked by Klima), but I swear it’s got a whole different vibe to it! It’s super cute and tiny and colorful and ohhhh the clear water. It doesn’t take very long to check out the view here, so I say, go to both! Mandrakia is honestly so super quaint with the colorful doors and traditional boats. 

It’s only a few minutes away from Sarakiniko, so make a short pit stop! And make sure to have a meal at Medusa, the restaurant in Mandrakia overlooking the sea (it got rave reviews).

Sunset at Plaka Castle

Plaka Castle is probably the #1 spot to watch the sunset in Milos — and get this, it’s hardly crowded (a complete opposite from sunset at Oia Castle in Santorini). You’ll need to walk up a whole bunch of steps (we were dripping with sweat by the time we walked up — no exaggeration or joke), but I promise it’s worth it. 

There’s a 360° view of Milos, and the sunset from up here took my breath away (cliche but true)! 

Psst: Plaka Castle is not really a castle — it’s a church at the top of the hill (and will probably be locked when you visit). But the views — swooooon.

Wander Plaka

Plaka is the capital of Milos, and it’s far from what you’d expect! It’s a charming and well-preserved village with cobblestone streets, right on the highest hill on the island. Walk around and admire the charming buildings, have a few cocktails, visit the castle, and eat at Archontoula — that’s how you know you’re doing Plaka right. 

Although we walked through Plaka before heading to sunset at the castle, and then had some dinner in town afterwards, I really wish we had more time here! It honestly kinda reminded me of a mini-Mykonos town! So, so, so cute! Little kitties everywhere and those colorful doors against the whitewashed buildings!

Like Plaka Castle, you’ll have to walk up to Plaka since cars aren’t allowed to enter the village (the streets just aren’t wide enough). I do think you’re allowed to get dropped off by taxi though. 

Take a Boat Tour!

One of the best ways to really see Milos?! By exploring it’s rugged coastline! Taking a catamaran cruise around the island of Milos was one of our favorite days in Greece, so definitely add this to your Greek island hopping itinerary. 

There are two main boat routes to choose from: 

1. ½ day tour: typically sails to Kleftiko and the southern side of the island
2. Full day tour: circumnavigates the entire island of Milos and makes a stop at Poliegos Island (honestly, one of the best stops), too!

We chose the second option, and boy was it a long (and tiring!) day out on the water! Obviously the full day tours are more expensive than the shorter, half-day ones, but we just couldn’t get enough — jumping in the turquoise-tinted waters and swimming through the caves. Pure heaven! I swear — the water sparkled like I’ve never seen it before!

But don’t wait too long to book it — boat tours are one of the most popular things to do in Milos, so they get filled up fast. 

With that being said, don’t expect to find an empty boat heading out that morning! We had a family come into the office while we were waiting for other members of our tour to arrive inquiring about a boat, and the company told them they were sold out for weeks! WEEKS! 

My recommendation? Sign up for a catamaran cruise right after you book your ferry (or plane) tickets to Milos. That way you know for sure you’ll get to see Kleftiko and all the other amazing spots along the coastline.

Where (and what!) to Eat in Milos:

Greeks eat dinner late, and by late, I mean super late! We joined in during our time in Greece, and didn’t eat dinner until 9 or 9:30 some nights — including all our nights in Milos! With that being said, restaurants do fill up, so if there’s a particular spot you have in mind for dinner, be sure to either make a reservation or come a bit earlier than the masses (I’ll say anytime before 7pm is early).

Before we get into the restaurants, here’s a few foods you shouldn’t miss out on while in Milos: 

• Honey Puffs: ohhhh these were our favorite finds on Milos! They’re a traditional Greek honey cookie covered in sesame seeds, and we just couldn’t get enough! Kinda dense, kinda chewy, but 100% delicious. Find these at the bakery right at the port in Adamas!

• Watermelon Pie: Urm, what? When I first saw these for sale, I wasn’t really sure what to think. But they’re actually a sweet summer specialty of Milos made of watermelon flesh, sugar, thyme honey, flour, cinnamon, and olive oil. Yum! You can find these at basically any bakery on the island during the summer months.

• Octopus at Medusa: Enough said. It’s pure heaven.

• All the other Greek staples: Gyro (it’s hella cheap here!), spinach pie, Greek salad, and fresh seafood (extravagantly displayed on ice although pretty pricey for dinner)

Restaurants in Milos:

O! Hamos! Tavern: Traditional home-cooked meals with an occasional twist in a charming family-owned restaurant. That’s O! Hamos! in a nutshell. It’s easily one of the most popular restaurants in all of Milos, and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t share a meal here (although we were so close!). I’ll explain…

We arrived around 7:30pm and were told there was a 90 minute wait or so. You can’t make a reservation so definitely come on the earlier side — a bit later people were getting turned away due to a much longer wait time (the restaurant closes at 10pm so they don’t keep adding names to the list if the wait time will end up being too close to closing). We hung out on a lounge chair on the beach and watched the sunset, and then took a peek at the (handwritten — yes, handwritten!) menu (I swear it’s more like a book). 

While there were lots of choices, the menu consisted of a lot of goat and lamb — two meats I’m not particularly fond of. We decided to head elsewhere, but I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t have gone hungry had we stayed. I kinda wish we just got a few appetizers; the Grandmother’s Cheese Pies and fried menorah (goats milk cheese) sounded especially delicious.

Seaside at Adamas: We ate in Adamas one night, and there was plenty to pick from right by the water! Most of the menus are pretty similar, but there’s enough variety so you don’t get bored. I had a delicious serving of pastitsio (kinda like a Greek lasagna) one night, my husband had some seafood, and of course we shared a huge Greek salad. 

You’ll find all the restaurants along the water on the way to O! Hamas!. If you want something super simple and super cheap (literally only a few euro), grab a gyro near the port. Both Gyros of Milos and YANKOS are absolutely delicious!

Medusa: Doesn’t a long, leisurely lunch in Mandrakia with views of brightly colored fishermen’s homes and the Aegean Sea sound absolutely amazing? Sure does! Food is served in a laid-back open-air taverna, and there’s usually freshly caught octopus hanging out to dry. Try some salt water eel drizzled with olive oil and capers, fried zucchini balls, and some vinegar reduced octopus. It all sounds just heavenly. Not having a meal here is one of my biggest regrets on our trip to Milos! Next time! 

Aggeliki Ice Cream: Located right in the port of Adamas, you can’t miss this little spot when you get off the ferry. And staying right in Adamas itself, you bet we had some ice cream from Aggeliki each and every night. I mean, why not? It’s easily the best ice cream on the entire island! There’s a huge menu, with sweets like ice cream waffles and even avocado toast or brioche with prosciutto and poached eggs for breakfast.

Seaside in Pollonia: There’s a whole strip of seaside restaurants right along the beach in Pollonia — and some of them are super chic! We had a delicious lunch at Enolian, complete with huge Greek salads, tomato fritters, and baked eggplant.

Plaka: There’s so many great restaurants in Plaka, including Avli-Milos, Mavros Xoiros, and Archontoula. And don’t miss a drink at Utopia Cafe in Plaka for sunset!

Recommended 3-Day Milos Itinerary

If you’ve got 3 nights and just 2 full days like we did, here’s how I’d spend my time! It’s exactly what we did and we honestly saw oh so much! We were pretty go-go-go, so if you wanna see it all and then some at a more relaxed pace (checking off all the things to do in Milos), I highly recommend a third full day!

Day 1: Arrive in Milos via ferry/flight, wander around the port town of Adamas, pick up your rental car/ATV, check into your accommodation, then end the day with a sea-side dinner in Adamas or Pollonia! Get to bed early because tomorrow’s a super super busy day!

Day 2: Today’s a hectic day, so feel free to skip a few things if you want a more relaxed morning/afternoon. I’ve starred the spots I feel are absolute musts! If you didn’t rent a car when you arrived (like us, since we stayed in Adamas), rent a car or ATV early this morning and set off to explore the island! Here’s how we spent the day: 

• Quick breakfast of spinach pies from a nearby bakery
• Sarakiniko Beach*
• Papafragas Cave*
• Lunch at Enolian in Pollonia
• Tsigrado Beach
• Fyriplaka Beach*
• Mandrakia
• Firopotamas
• Klima Village*
• Plaka Castle for sunset*
• Dinner in Plaka

Day 3: If today’s your last full day in Milos, make sure it’s a good one! Book a boat trip to Kleftiko!!! We had such a fun day sailing around Milos and Poliegos (an island right off the coast of Milos), swimming in the bluest waters I’ve ever seen, jumping off the boat, and eating delicious Greek specialties.

Here’s the exact full-day catamaran cruise we took around Milos — it was one of our favorite days on our entire Greece itinerary!

Have I convinced you to visit this underrated gem yet!? Which things to do in Milos are you most excited about? You can say the beach!

The post The Complete Guide to Milos, Greece: The Most Stunning Greek Island in the Cyclades appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

On our first few trips to Greece, we mainly stuck to the super-popular spots (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, etc). But when I was planning our Greece itinerary for this year, I knew I had to include an island a bit less traveled. Enter, Milos! And what a gem it was!

If you’re researching things to do in Milos, you’ve surely heard about instagrammable Sarakiniko (and well, if you haven’t, make sure to check out my guide to everything you need to know about this lunar landscape). But there’s so much more to Milos beaches than that!

There’s stunning rock formations, dazzling crystal clear blue waters, golden sands, and sunbed and parasol rentals. And even a beach set against a traditional fishing village and another once frequented by pirates (yes, real-life pirates back in the day!). 

It’s safe to say the beaches in Milos surely don’t disappoint. We never wanted to leave! And they’re actually way more picturesque and chill than the beaches in both Santorini and Mykonos, which really surprises everyone! If you’re looking for a few days relaxing on the beach, Milos is your answer!

There’s really no better Greek Island for a few days in the sun; just be sure to slather on that SPF — the sun is no joke over here!

With over 75 beaches in Milos, you obviously won’t have time to visit them all. Pick and choose from my favorites below! We spent only 2.5 days in Milos, and were able to get to quite a few.

A Quick Note About Winds:

Milos experiences high winds in the late summer months, usually July and August. Winds are common all over the Cyclade Islands, frequently known as Meltemi winds. We thankfully didn’t get much wind in Milos, but experienced tons in Mykonos a few days later! You just never know how it’s gonna be!

You can use WindFinder and/or Windy to help predict which days will be the windiest (numbers in green are pretty windy!). However, it’s best to figure out where on the island the winds are coming from — our lovely hotel receptionist told us each morning how the winds were looking for the day.

This will help determine which beaches in Milos you go to on a certain day. I mean, not only is it dangerous to swim in high waves, but no one likes sand blowing in their mouth and hair! 

Booking a Milos Boat Tour

Some of these beaches in Milos are only accessible by boat, meaning you can’t just drive up to them! Of course I’ll mention which ones below. You’ll need to book yourself on a guided boat cruise to see them. 

There’s loads of boat tours to choose from, but do yourself a favor and book ASAP, because they do get sold out, and fast! Don’t expect to be able to book once you get to Milos, because there’s a good chance you won’t be able to go.

The morning of our boat trip a family came into the company office and they were told the boat cruises were sold out for weeks — to say they were gutted is an understatement! Just book in advance and you’ll be golden.

Here’s the EXACT full-day catamaran cruise we took, and we had such a fun day. The boat made plenty of swimming spots (my favorites being Poliegos Island, Gerakas, and Kleftiko), and I still cannot believe the colors of the water! They provided us with delicious food (ohhh I’m still dreaming about that Greek salad sando), snorkel gear, drinks, and such a good time. We met some awesome people, too!

If you don’t wanna be out on the water the entire day (I hear you, that’s a long time on a boat), there’s plenty of half day cruises you can book! This 5-hour catamaran cruise is offered by the same company we took, so I can definitely vouch for the crew and food! They obviously don’t make as many stops, but the half day tours are great for a quick sampling of the island.

Paralia What?

When you’re looking for the beaches on Google Maps, you may find that they’re called Paralia. You’re in the right spot! Paralia is a Greek term simply meaning “beach” or “coastline”!

What to Bring to the Beaches in Milos

• Quick Dry Towel: for both laying out (especially on the white rock at Sarakiniko Beach) and drying off after a swim!
• Waterproof camera: the beaches in Milos are some of the most stunning I’ve seen — you’ll definitely wanna capture the beauty on camera! An action camera like a GoPro (with underwater housing of course) is perfect for exploring the sea caves and clear water! New iPhones are waterproof as well, although I much prefer to keep them safe in a sealable waterproof pouch.
• Reusable water bottle: most beaches don’t have any facilities at all — you’ll wanna carry your own water (gotta stay hydrated in the hot sun)
• Non-perishable snacks: some of the beaches are quite remote, so it’s best to bring at least a little bit of nourishment so you don’t get hangry!
• Sunscreen: and lots of it! Slather on that SPF — the sun is strong here at the beaches in Milos! Most beaches don’t provide much shade, so you definitely wanna come prepared to protect your skin!
• Beach hat: you’ll love the bit of shade a hat provides, I promise
• Water shoes: some of the beaches are kinda rocky and uncomfortable, so it may be nice to have water shoes! My husband wore his waterproof Tevas and definitely didn’t regret it.
• Mask and Snorkel (optional): the water in Milos is some of the clearest we’ve EVER seen, so you won’t be disappointed with a snorkel! While there’s not a ton of sea life below the surface (there’s still some!), the rocks and colorful water make for an impressive site!
• Backpack/beach bag: gotta carry all your belongings somehow! If you’re planning to head to Tsigrado Beach, you’ll want a backpack to keep your hands free for climbing down to the beach! Thank me later, haha.

Best Beaches in Milos

So, let’s get to it! Here’s all the beaches in Milos we visited on our trip!

Sarakiniko

Out of all the beaches in Milos, you NEED to visit Sarakiniko at least once during your stay. It’s by far the most talked about beach on all of the island, and quite possibly the most unique in all of the Cyclades! What’s so special about it anyways? You’ll feel like you landed on the MOON! 

Sarakiniko is the ultimate lunar landscape and by far one of the most unique beaches in Milos. The chalky white, moon-like surface was built by white volcanic cliffs, and it’s absolutely remarkable. 

Definitely bring your camera here — Sarakiniko is easily the most photographed spot on Milos Island. With that being said, if you hope to get some epic shots sans people, come early, like really early. I’ve heard sunrise is pretty epic.

Note that the beach is hella small, so you’ll see everyone laying out on the white rocks near the water. Definitely bring a towel to lay on — the rock isn’t always the most comfortable after a long period of time. But don’t sit around for too long — there’s cliff jumping and exploring to do!

We didn’t jump into the water, but it was super fun watching others. If you still wanna cool off but don’t wanna cliff jump, you can easily access the water from the small beach area.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Greece

How to Get There: Thankfully, Sarakiniko isn’t too far from where most people stay. It’s on the northern stretch of coastline on Milos, only about 10 minutes from Adamas (the port town where we stayed!), 15 minutes from Pollonia (a cute seaside town), and 10 minutes from Plaka (the island’s capital city). 

You’ll need to rent a car, ATV, or scooter for the day to get there. Parking is free, although if you get there past 9:30am or so you’ll probably miss out on a spot in the actual lot and have to walk a bit.

Or, you can even walk the 45 minutes from Adamas if you want some early morning exercise (although I wouldn’t recommend it in the intense summer heat). 

You CAN take the public bus, although you’ll be limited to the bus schedule which I don’t recommend either. Renting your own wheels is definitely the way to go.

Facilities: Minimal; there was a small truck selling drinks and snacks near the parking lot. Besides that, nothing that we noticed.

Tsigrado Beach

Imagine a secluded, picturesque beach tucked away amid high cliffs, rocky passages, and secret caverns. That’s Tsigrado Beach for you, but it’s kinda a pain to get to. It’s remote and difficult to reach, with two sets of ladders and even a rope to climb down (yup!). But this just means it’ll be more pristine and less crowded! 

If climbing down isn’t your idea of fun on your Greek holiday, just look from above — that’s what we did and it’s absolutely gorgeous! We took one look at it and declared ourselves too clumsy to go down. I’ve heard from others it’s not so bad, but some say it’s pretty difficult and even kinda dangerous. You do you and decide for yourself. I’d definitely opt for a backpack (instead of a typical beach bag) to keep your hands free to help with the climb down.

And don’t feel bad if all you do is look from the top — there’s other just as beautiful beaches in Milos that are much easier to access. 

It is however a great option on windy days, especially if the winds make it difficult to visit beaches on the northern side of the island like Sarakiniko.

How to Get There: Again, you’ll best reach Tsigrado Beach via car or ATV (about 25 minutes from Adamas or Pollonia), or you can take the public bus. The beach is on the southern side of the island, which is off-the-beaten-path and farther from the other attractions we wanted to visit.

Parking is in a small lot above the beach, and then you’ll need to make your way down on uneven ground and slanted narrow passageways. Since there are ladders and a rope section, it’s essentially one way, meaning you’ll need to wait for others to come up before you go down.

Facilities: None

Firiplaka

If heading down to Tsigrado Beach isn’t your jam, take a quick look from above, then head on over to nearby Firiplaka (also commonly spelled with a y — Fyriplaka). This was BY FAR our favorite of all the beaches in Milos, and we honestly could have spent all day wading in the crystal clear milky-blue waters and people watching on the glistening white sand.

The water was like a dream on a hot day. Pure paradise. I mean, it is the second most popular beach in Milos afterall, after Sarakiniko of course. 

The water is a shimmering shade of green-blue (and very clean!), there’s huge colored rocks along the coastline, and the views are just magnificent! Since the water was so shallow, we were able to venture pretty far from the coastline — and it only reached our waists. Definitely a good beach for the whole family, kids included.

We were worried it’d be exceptionally crowded (after one look at parking), but since Fyriplaka is quite long, we were able to find a spot pretty easily. If you need some shade, get there early to rent one of the straw umbrellas or better yet, bring your own beach umbrella so you don’t need to fight the crowds. We had no shade so spent most of our time in the water.

Note: We had read online that Fyriplaka (and other Milos beaches) are nude beaches — and…. I don’t think that source was correct. So I’m here to tell you to disregard that (if you do happen to come across it while researching beaches in Milos), and keep your bathing suit on. There were tons of kids and families here, so probably not the most appropriate to be walking around naked in your birthday suit.

How to Get There: Fyriplaka is right next to Tsigrado Beach, on the southern coast of Milos. But to be completely honest, parking is kinda a nightmare. We visited after Sarakiniko and lunch in Pollonia (so not first thing in the morning), and parking was stressful to say the least.

Why? Because all the parking is on the side of a tight road leading down to the beach (which is semi-steep), and there’s no proper lot. We had to literally squeeze our car into a spot — and we were even lucky that we found one! Thank goodness my husband was driving; I 100% would not have been able to park.

My recommendation? Either come first thing in the morning or much later in the day, and not around 2pm or so when we arrived. Or park at nearby Tsigrado and walk all the way down — just remember you’ll need to walk back up in the sweltering heat once you’re done at Fyriplaka.

Facilities: Plenty! Beach bars, umbrellas and chaise lounges for rent, bathrooms

Firopotamos

Another semi-difficult-to-reach beach in Milos, but hey, it’s another stunner. Firopotamos is the perfect combination of clear, blue Aegean water, traditional fisherman boat houses (called “sirmata”), and the beautiful little Church of Saint Nicholas. It’s tranquil and family friendly, with a little beach bar sometimes open (don’t quote me — seems like it depends on the year). 

The stones in the water are huge — you’ll definitely want some water shoes here! Plus, the sand is a combination of sand and pebbles, so protect your feet!

And once you’re done at the beach, definitely drive up the cliff to see the village and beach from above — it’s absolutely breathtaking, vibrant cliffs and all!

Psst: Want to spend a night or two in a traditional Greek fishing village? While the boathouses have traditionally been used by fishermen to store their boats (hey, that’s the main point of them!), some of them have been renovated for tourists! Meaning you can rent one out. Waking up to the crystal clear waters does sound like all kinds of amazing. 

Note: We had a particularly hard time actually figuring out how to get to the beach — we put in Firopotamos Beach, but it didn’t lead us to the beach at all. Instead, we ended up down by the church. 

With confused looks on our faces, a kind man told us we had to drive back up and then proceed driving down to the beach. But he noted it’s kinda sketchy. We could have tested our luck, but we were already pretty tired so decided against it. I did jump in the water near the small fisherman houses and church, and OMG it felt soooo good to cool off for a bit.

How to Get There: Firopotamos is definitely a little tricky to reach, as noted above. Accessibility with a car is a little dicey, but manageable. I read online afterwards that the road to the beach can be somewhat daunting (it’s pretty steep), so I’m glad we stayed put where we did. And plus, it seems like parking can be especially difficult when it gets busy later in the day (when we arrived). 

But if you do manage to make it there, please let me know if it was worth it — the photos from the actual beach look mesmerizing! It might be better coming by ATV or bike, but that steep road would definitely scare me!

Facilities: seems like it highly depends on the year

Papafragas Cave

Imagine a huge natural swimming pool and a tiny beach hiding between towering cliff walls. That’s Papafragas Cave, and it’s absolutely wild. It’s actually an enormous sea cave, and is visually stunning and super unique! Can you believe it was used in the past as a pirate base?! Whoa!

The actual sandy beach is quite tiny, only large enough to accommodate about a dozen or so people. But there’s lots of room in the crystal-clear waters for everyone! And let’s talk about the water — it seems to change depending on the temperature and the sunlight. It was a deep turquoise blue when we visited!

Only venture down the tiny path into the water if the north winds aren’t strong that day!

How to Get There: Papafragas is pretty close to Sarakiniko, so we made a beeline there right after exploring Sarakiniko’s moonscape. Again, it’s only about a 15 minute drive from Adamas, so not too far! We were able to park on the side of the road no problem, and then walk a few minutes to see the cave. If you do wanna cool off in the water, you’ll need to bypass a “No Trespassing” sign warning visitors of the dangerous descent. 

We chose to look from above since we didn’t have much time at Papafragas, although I’ve heard from others it’s a very easy climb down — next time for us!

Facilities: None

Gerakas Beach

Absolutely breathtaking. Absolutely unspoiled. Absolutely perfect. The minute our boat anchored off the coast of Gerakas, I knew we were in for a real treat. It’s easy to see why Gerekas was one of my favorite beaches in Milos. I mean, just look at that water! The brightest shade of turquoise I’ve ever seen. And it literally sparkled. Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe it.

This secluded spot surrounded by white cliffs is pure wild beauty. It’s known for its distinctive rocky geological formations and slopes of white sand. And I just couldn’t wait to jump into that water! Can you blame me?!

How to Get There: Gerakas Beach is truly only accessible via boat, as there is zero way to get there by car. It’s on the southern coast of the island, between the beaches of Tsigrado and Agia Kyriaki. We were lucky and stopped at Gerakas when there were hardly any other boats around, so we basically had our own private beach to swim around in!

This is the exact catamaran trip we took around Milos, and it was such a perfect day out on the water! The tour also made a few other stops, including a stunning swimming stop at Poliegos Island (see more below) and of course the caves of Kleftiko (a must on Milos). This fresh fruit was so perfect after some swimming at Gerakas!

Psst: if you don’t feel like taking a boat tour around Milos (although you absolutely should — it’s amazing!), you can actually kayak to Gerakas Beach! This kayak tour stops at both Tsigrado and Gerakas, and they even give you a GoPro to use, plus local snacks.

Facilities: None

Firlingos

Ohhh… this was an absolute dream. I know I keep saying the beaches in Milos are some of the best I’ve EVER seen — but this spot quickly rose to #1 the literal second I saw the glistening water.

Honestly, I’m not 100% sure what this beach is called, but our catamaran company listed this spot as Firlingos (I think…), so we’re going with that. Although I had a hard time finding info about “Firlingos” online after the fact.

The water was sparkling, the beach was full of these gorgeous white and pinkish semi-precious stones, and we were the only ones there for the bulk of the time. So… whatever it’s called, you need to go, haha.

Lots of photos because the beach was just too pretty. I had to swim to shore with my phone held high above my head for a bit, but well worth it!

So if you wanna go, definitely book the same full-day Milos boat tour I did! Sorry I don’t have more info for ya!

How to Get There: By boat! Here’s the exact catamaran cruise we took to get here!

Facilities: None, besides whatever your boats got!

Papikinou Beach (near Adamas)

We actually went to Papikinou Beach by pure accident — we were walking along the coastline and there it was! It’s honestly not really one of the best beaches in Milos, but it’s a nice spot to watch the sunset if you’re waiting for a table at O! Hamas!. Also, it’s super convenient if you don’t have a car for a day and just wanna relax, as it’s only a 15 minute walk or so from Adamas Port.

There’s beach lounges and umbrellas for rent, although we were able to sit for free waiting for O! Hamas! one night! The water is very calm and shallow, making it a great place for families with young kids. And there’s hardly any waves (even on windy days!) since it’s sheltered. 

While it’s nothing special by Greece standards, it’s super easy to get to and perfect for a lazy day at the beach. Make sure to take note of all the restaurants along the way to the beach to pick one out for later!

How to Get There: Coming from Adamas, you can make the short walk! It’s only about 15 minutes from the heart of the port town. Simply plug it into your GPS and go!

Facilities: Umbrellas and chaise lounges, restaurants nearby

Pollonia Beach 

Pollonia is a lovely little seaside village with Pollonia Beach running right along it! It’s perfect for a super windy day when other beaches aren’t accessible — it’s protected by the island right across from it. 

Like Papikinou in Adamas, it honestly doesn’t even half compare to the other amazing beaches in Milos. However, if you’re staying in Pollonia, you’ll be super close! We had a delicious seafood lunch at Enalion overlooking Pollonia Beach, and the view surely didn’t disappoint! Definitely be sure to check out the old fishing boats — I loved how cute and colorful they were!

How to Get There: Once you get to Pollonia Town, you really can’t miss it! We were able to find parking pretty easily in the large lot right near the beach.

Facilities: loads of restaurants/bars/cafes lining the beach, beach chairs and umbrellas

Swimming Spots in Milos

There’s two spots I just couldn’t leave off this list, even if they’re not proper beaches in Milos. You’ll 100% need to take a boat to both of these, and I promise you they are 1000% worth it! 

Kleftiko

Ohhhh, Kleftiko. If you’ve been researching Milos at all, I can almost guarantee you’ve seen photos of Kleftiko — it’s one of the most popular spots in all of Milos! And for good reason! There’s sea caves and rock formations to explore, clear, turquoise-tinted waters, and volcanic landscapes to admire.

Apparently pirates used to hide out in the coves over here — our captain even turned on music from Pirates of the Caribbean as we made our way into Kleftiko Bay. Definitely set the scene, that’s for sure!

While this isn’t a beach at all, it’s more technically a remote wild bay for swimming. And a swimming spot I can promise you’ll never forget! The crystal blue waters are absolutely irresistible — I couldn’t wait to jump on in! And the best part — there’s sea caves to swim through! The water was so crystal clear I asked for a mask so I could see all the colorful rocks beneath the surface, and even some cute little fish.

Read Next: Everything you need to know about Kleftiko Bay in Milos!

How to Get There: It does take some planning to get to Kleftiko, since it’s on the south coast of the rugged and remote western side of the island of Milos. The only way to reach Kleftiko is by boat! Meaning you’ll need to book yourself on a guided boat tour around Milos if you wanna explore this old Pirate den!

Here’s the exact catamaran cruise we took — spoiler alert, it’s gonna be one of your favorite days in Greece, easily.

There’s tons of boat companies which stop at Kleftiko, so finding a tour shouldn’t be hard — as long as you book in advance! Kleftiko is the most visited attraction of Milos (well, a close second to Sarakiniko), so definitely don’t wait too long to book. I have a friend who unfortunately missed out on the Kleftiko caves since all the boats were completely sold out when they visited! Guarantee your spot and book way in advance!

Psst — you can actually hike to Kleftiko, but it’s a long 45 minute walk (after an hour drive from Adamas). And in that hot summer heat, honestly, no thank you! If you really wanna hike to Kleftiko, do it first thing in the morning to avoid the midday sun (and bring lots and lots of water).

Facilities: None, besides what your tour boat provides

Galazira Zera (Poliegos Island)

Wait, another island? Yes, and I promise it’s well-worth your time! Poliegos is right next to Milos (only a few km away), and I guarantee it’ll be one of the most beautiful destinations you’ll ever visit.  Large white cliffs, sparkling waters, and pristine sandy beach. There’s no question why it’s simply known as “Blue Bay”.

Poliegos is actually one of the largest uninhabited islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It means “many goats”, and not surprisingly, these are also the only inhabitants of the island! 

Such an idyllic landscape — I had never seen waters that bright blue before (well, besides maybe in Bora Bora, Croatia, and Bacalar). Emerald, sapphire, and turquoise swirls; I could go on and on! The colors of the water were absolutely mind blowing. Of course I couldn’t stop taking photos!

Some people on our boat swam to the beach, but we just wanted to stay in the water.

How to Get There: Again, the only way to get here is by boat tour! Our full-day catamaran cruise around Milos stopped at Galazira Zera on Poliegos Island, and it’s honestly one of the reasons I chose that exact tour.

Not all boat trips stop here (most stick to spots around Milos itself), but once I saw a photo and knew we’d be oh so close, I made sure to book this tour ASAP to ensure we’d swim in those waters ourselves. Besides one other boat, we had this entire bay all to ourselves — it was absolutely marvelous.

Facilities: None, besides what your tour boat provides

So there ya have it — all my favorite beaches in Milos! Hope this helps you pick and choose a few! Which ones can’t you wait to visit?!

The post The Best Beaches in Milos, Greece (Plus Some Stunning Swimming Spots) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Diving off the white volcanic cliffs. Sunbathing on the dramatic desert landscape and the sun-drenched shores. Swimming in the emerald-colored Aegean sea. That’s what a morning at Sarakiniko Beach is all about! And it was easily one of our favorites on our trip to Milos.

It’s by far the most talked about beach on all of the island (all my favorite beaches in Milos here!), and quite possibly the most unique in all of the Cyclades! What’s so special about it anyways? You’ll feel like you landed right on the MOON! Kinda like the surface of the moon meets a tropical paradise all in one.

So in other words, you NEED to visit Sarakiniko at least once during your stay in Milos. 

Sarakiniko is the ultimate lunar landscape and by far one of the most unique beaches in Milos. The chalky white, moon-like surface was built by white volcanic cliffs, and it’s absolutely remarkable. The topography is incredible — I swear it doesn’t look real!

Read Next — The Most Stunning Beaches in Beaches You NEED To Visit

Definitely bring your camera here — Sarakiniko is easily the most photographed spot on Milos Island. With that being said, if you hope to get some epic shots sans people, come early, like really early. It is one of the most popular destinations on Milos after all. I’ve heard sunrise is pretty epic. 

Before visiting the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko, be sure to familiarize yourself with the beach and all my info below. I’m sharing everything you need to know — from how to get there and where to park, what to bring, how to spend your time, etc.

How Sarakiniko Beach Was Formed

The wild landscape of Sarakiniko was formed by lava being poured and then frozen after a volcanic eruption. This volcanic white rock was then carved and eroded into strange, curved shapes by the wind and waves. 

And since there’s hardly any vegetation, it gives the illusion of a moonscape! Mother Nature, you sure are amazing!

Where is Sarakiniko

Sarakiniko Beach is located in Milos, Greece, an island in the Greek Cyclade archipelago in the Aegean Sea not far from Sifnos and Folegandros (two other islands I’m itching to get to).

The beach is on the north shore of the island, pretty close to both Adamas and Plaka. It’s between the traditional fishing village of Mandrakia and the Papafragas Caves, and not far from Klima either, so I’d definitely recommend hitting up all these spots after you’re done at Sarakiniko!

How to Get to Sarakiniko Beach

Unlike other beaches in Milos (I’m looking at you Tsigrado, Kleftiko, and Gerakas), Sarakiniko is super easy to access! And there’s quite a few ways to get there! 

You’ll of course first need to get yourself over to Milos, which isn’t terribly hard if you’re already in Greece. From Athens, you can reach Milos by plane in a little over an hour, or 2-3 hours via high speed ferry. You can also take a ferry from other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini or Mykonos, which is what we did!

Car/ATV/Scooter Rental: Thankfully, Sarakiniko isn’t too far from where most people stay on the island. It’s on the northern stretch of coastline on Milos, only about 10 minutes from Adamas (the port town where we stayed!), 15 minutes from Pollonia (a cute seaside town), and 10 minutes from Plaka (the island’s capital city).

Renting a car, ATV, or scooter will be by far the easiest way to get to Sarakiniko. Renting your own wheels is definitely the way to go for convenience.

We booked a car rental in advance, and I recommend doing so as well to ensure you’ve got what you want/need. Psst — there’s not many automatic cars on Milos, so if you can’t drive a manual transmission/stick, book ASAP. You may need to show your International Drivers License when picking up the car, so get that in advance back at home at AAA for $20.

• Parking at Sarakiniko: Parking is free, although if you get there past 9:30am or so you’ll probably miss out on a spot in the actual lot and have to walk a bit. There were plenty of cars parked on the shoulder when we left Sarakiniko, so don’t fret if you don’t get a spot in the small lot. Once you park, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the beach! Scooters and ATVs will have an easier time parking since they’re smaller. 

Walking: If you’re up for an early morning workout and wanna see some of the island by foot, you can even walk the 45 minutes from Adamas (approximately 3.5km). While it sounds like an adventure, I wouldn’t recommend it in the intense heat of the summer (June-August). The walk is about an hour from Plaka, so doable as well when it’s not terribly hot. 

But definitely don’t attempt this from Pollonia — the walk is far too long at 9km and almost 2 hours. 

Just FYI — I haven’t walked to Sarakiniko Beach from any of these spots, so I’m not entirely sure what the terrain is like and if it’s flat or not. Go with caution, and I’d definitely ask your hotel their thoughts before heading out. But whatever you do, take way more water than you think you’ll need!

Public Transportation: Don’t wanna rent a car and/or worry about parking? Milos has a public bus system, and conveniently, there’s a bus station just 100 meters from the ferry terminal in Adamas. If I was traveling solo, this is what I probably would have done since most cars on the island are manual transmission and ya girl cannot drive stick. 

You can really only take the public bus in the summer months (from May to September), although you’ll be limited to the bus schedule which I don’t recommend either. Find the schedule here, but do note I read that times change without notice so you may be waiting a bit longer than expected. 

Taxi: You can easily find a taxi in Adamas (they typically hang out over there by the ferry port), but getting one back will be much trickier. There’s only 15 taxis in all of Milos, so good luck finding one at Sarakiniko!

You’ll most likely need to call for one (with your own cell, granted you have service), and it’ll definitely cost you a pretty penny and probably a long wait, especially in the summer months. Find more information about Milos Taxis here.

Boat: Wanna see Sarakiniko’s lunar landscape from the water? Book a boat trip to Sarakiniko! Boats are a common way to see multiple spots on the coast of the island — and we saw quite a few drop anchor here at Sarakiniko. But they typically don’t stay long enough for you to actually walk on the white rock or do any exploring.

The people we saw were simply swimming in the water nearby. If you wanna spend ample time at Sarakiniko really exploring all its nooks and crannies, I’d opt out of arriving via boat (or just go yourself another time).

Facilities at Sarakiniko 

There’s honestly not much there. The facilities are minimal at best; Sarakiniko is not an organized beach like some other beaches in Milos (like say, Fyriplaka). We saw a small truck selling cold drinks and snacks near the parking lot, but that was it. 

You’ll need to bring whatever you need with you, hence the next section on this guide to Sarakiniko!

What to Bring to Sarakiniko

Since there’s not really much at Sarakiniko (well, besides the stunning landscape and milky-blue waters of course), you gotta come prepared. We try to pack light and avoid bringing unnecessary things to the beach. Thankfully, we had our car so we were able to keep all our stuff in there when we didn’t need it at other stops.

• Quick Dry Towel: For both laying out (especially on the white rock here at Sarakiniko) and drying off after a swim! A thin sheet won’t really cut it here, since the rock is hard and not the comfiest after a little while.
• Waterproof camera: the beaches in Milos are some of the most stunning I’ve seen — you’ll definitely wanna capture the beauty on camera! An action camera like a GoPro (with underwater housing of course) is perfect for exploring the sea caves and clear water at Sarakiniko! New iPhones are waterproof as well, although I much prefer to keep them safe in a sealable waterproof pouch.
• Reusable water bottle: There’s no drinking water at Sarakiniko — you’ll wanna carry your own water (gotta stay hydrated in the hot sun)
• Non-perishable snacks: besides a small spot with cold drinks and some snacks, there’s nothing within walking distance. Bring at least a little bit of nourishment so you don’t get hangry if you’re visiting before breakfast or within a few hours of mealtime!
• Sunscreen: and lots of it! Slather on that SPF — the sun is strong here at the beaches in Milos! There’s not much shade at Sarakiniko, besides what the cliffs provide, and that’s not a lot.
• Beach hat: you’ll love the bit of shade a hat provides, I promise.
• Water shoes: The white rock is more difficult to walk on than it looks, and I kinda wished I had some cute water shoes. My husband wore his waterproof Tevas and definitely didn’t regret it.
• Mask and Snorkel (optional): the water in Milos is some of the clearest we’ve EVER seen, so you won’t be disappointed with a snorkel! While there’s not a ton of sea life below the surface (there’s still some!), the rocks and colorful water make for an impressive site!
• Backpack/beach bag: gotta carry all your belongings somehow! 

What to do at Sarakiniko Beach

Cliff jump, relax, explore the chalky white rocks, sunbathe! Really though, be as active or sedentary as you want; it’s your vacation!

When you walk over from the parking lot, you’ll see you can kinda go two different ways:

Right Side of Parking Lot: white rocky landscape

Take a look at all the jagged white rocks — it’s an absolutely wild landscape! No wonder it feels like you transported straight to the moon!  We took a few photos here and moved on to the beach and water. It’s cool but all kinda looks the same after a bit.

Left Side of Parking Lot: water, cliff jumping, swimming, beach

Now this is where all the action takes place! Note that the beach is hella small, so you’ll see everyone laying out on the white rocks near the water. Definitely bring a towel to lay on — the rock isn’t always the most comfortable after a long period of time. 

But don’t sit around for too long — there’s cliff jumping and exploring to do! We didn’t jump into the water, but it was super fun watching others. If you still wanna cool off but don’t wanna cliff jump, you can easily access the water from the small beach area.

The cliffs gradually slope, meaning you can first jump from lower spots before building up the courage to jump from the top!

How Long to Stay

You could honestly stay all day, jumping into the cool waters and exploring the white, rocky surfaces. But you probably won’t want to — there’s little to no shade here at Sarakiniko, and zero facilities. If you don’t bring your own food, you’ll need to leave to get some lunch eventually!

We visited in the morning and stayed for about 2 hours or so, and felt that was enough time for a leisurely wander, some cliff-jump watching, wading in the water, and laying out for some sun.

When to Go

Season: High season in Milos is July and August, so I’d opt to visit in the shoulder season if at all possible (May – June or September – October). Besides less people, hotels will be a bit cheaper and you won’t have to wait as long at popular restaurants! I’d avoid visiting in other months as temps may be too chilly to enjoy the water. And plus, it rains a few times a month in the winter, so if this is a bucket-list trip, you don’t wanna get rained out!

Time of Day: Definitely hit up Sarakiniko ASAP, like right after breakfast. As the day progresses it gets busier and busier, although the sun heats up fast.  If you’re looking for less crowds, 100% visit before 9AM. We arrived around 9:45 or so and there were already loads of people; although when we left around 11:30 it was absolutely packed!

Weather at Sarakiniko and Milos in General

Two words — (extremely) hot and sunny! It was a sizzling 90°F or so when we visited in mid-July, and the sun was constantly shining. No really though, there’s little to no shade over here at Sarakiniko (tons of wide open spaces). If you really need some shade like us, you’ll find some along the canyon walls depending on the time of day of course.

On Milos, like other islands in the Cyclades, there’s a Meditteranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers. Temps are comfortable year round, although the humidity picks up in the summer.

If you can’t stand intense heat, I’d avoid July and August, as they’re the hottest months in Milos. Although that high heat just makes the water feel absolutely perfect — cool but not chilly. So super refreshing!

Make sure to read the bit below about the northern Meltemi winds as they can ruin any beach day!

Northernly Winds

Like other Greek Islands, Milos experiences high winds most commonly in July and August, although they can occur in June or September too (albeit less frequently).

These are the Meltemi winds — strong, dry, seasonal winds that appear all over the Aegean. Unfortunately, these high winds can completely spoil your beach day at Sarakiniko, so it’s important to plan ahead in order to know when to go vs. choose another beach.

You can use WindFinder and/or Windy to help predict which days will be the windiest (numbers in green are pretty windy!). However, it’s best to figure out where on the island the winds are coming from — our lovely hotel receptionist told us each morning how the winds were looking for the day.

This will help determine which beaches in Milos you go to on a certain day. I mean, not only is it dangerous to swim in high waves, but no one likes sand blowing in their mouth and hair! 

The wind will likely be coming from the north, so you’ll wanna avoid the beaches facing north — exactly where Sarakiniko is! Sorry! Use this day to visit the beaches in the south, like Tsigrado and/or Fyriplaka (our favorite), and visit Sarakiniko another day. 

Sunrise and Sunset at Sarakiniko Beach

I’ve heard that sunrise is absolutely breathtaking at Sarakiniko Beach — I can’t even imagine watching the skies turn all shades of pastel against the chalky white rocks as the sun comes up. If you’re visiting Milos as one of the first stops on your Greece itinerary, use your jet lag to your advantage and make the short drive over. And even better — there’ll probably be no one else there!

Sunset is another great time to visit Sarakiniko Beach — the white cliffs essentially turn orange and there’s little to no people. I think I wanna do this next time we’re in Milos (hopefully sooner than later).

So there ya have it — everything you need to know about Sarakiniko Beach in Milos! Have you heard of this spectacular lunar landscape before?!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Sarakiniko Beach: The Stunning Lunar Landscape of Milos appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Crete is a fantastic island in the south of the Mediterranean, with spectacular natural landscapes ranging from pink sand beaches (yup!) and deep gorges, to beautiful plateaus and valleys.

We visited the island for a full week on our Greek island honeymoon (along with Santorini and Mykonos) a few years back, and are itching to get back to the islands ever since (I mean, not much is better than time in the Greek islands).  And OH, I’ll never forget Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Balos Bay. Take me back tomorrow, pretty please!

→ Read Next: 10 Days in Greece (The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide)

Although we spent some time on the island, it was quite a few years ago and I honestly forgot about all the best things to do in Crete (cue the sad face – a good reason for me to go back pronto!).

Thankfully, I’ve enlisted Gabi from The Tiny Book (who actually lives in Crete full-time! #jealous) to share this complete Crete travel guide with us all! Expect lots of local tips, her favorite places to eat, and the most stunning beaches. Yes, please!

Despite being Greece’s largest and most populous island, visitors typically stick to the Cyclades (a group of islands including the ever-so-popular Santorini and Mykonos) when visiting.

However, Crete has SO much to offer, including ancient settlements and cities, local cultural traits (including their own poetry and music), some of the healthiest and most delicious cuisine you could ever imagine, and stunning landscapes (hello mountains, gorges, bays, and lakes). Crete is a land of history and traditions that will definitely grab your attention from the get go.  

So, let’s not wait one more minute → get ready to plan your first visit to the fantastic Greek island of Crete with Gabi’s tips below.

But before we get into all the things to do in Crete, let’s dive into other important details, such as how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around the island.

HOW TO GET TO CRETE:

Thankfully, getting to the island is fairly simple. If you’re coming from somewhere other than Europe, you’ll first need to get yourself to Athens (which is a very well-connected airport, so couldn’t be easier). From there, you’ll be able to catch a domestic flight to either the capital of Crete, Heraklion (HER), or to the second most important city, Chania (CHQ).

You also have the option of taking an overnight ferry from the port of Piraeus, which will get you to either the port of Heraklion or to the port of Chania in Crete.

WHERE TO STAY IN CRETE:

The most important thing to know is that Crete is divided into 4 main regions, and all of them have their own main town facing the north coast.

Most people traveling to the island for a short period stay either in the capital of Crete (Heraklion), or in the western city of Chania.

And where you decide to stay will ultimately depend on where you wanna spend the majority of your time and what you wanna do on your trip. 

Chania: If you’re more of the beach type and beach days are your style, and want to explore the best beaches on the island, book accommodation in the regional unit of Chania. In Chania, the old town is well connected with the rest of Crete and you can easily visit more remote areas with organized tours or planning your own day trips and renting a car (the smartest way to see Crete!)

Recommended hotel in Chania – Casa Delfino: This is my favorite boutique hotel in Chania… and in all of Crete! Casa Delfino’s located in the heart of the old town and has been part of the same family for more than a hundred years. There’s a great spa and one of the best roof-top terraces in town, complete with mesmerizing views of the old port.

Heraklion: Any history buffs over here?! You’re in luck – Crete has suuuuch a magnificent history and story to tell. Stay in Heraklion, since the most important archaeological sites and settlements are in this region. 

Recommended hotel in Heraklion- Galaxy Hotel Iraklio: Not many hotels in the capital of Crete have a swimming pool (and a fantastic one at that). However, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio does (yasssss)! The hotel offers certified allergy-free facilities in their rooms as well. There’s a spa, a gym, and they serve one of the best breakfasts in town. The hotel is quite close to the city center too.

Rethymnon: Staying in the smaller town of Rethymnon, located between the regions of Chania and Heraklion, can be a great compromise to be halfway between both regions. Besides, Rethymnon is a fantastic city too, so you won’t be really missing anything. Since Rethymnon is about an hour away both from Heraklion and Chania, you’ll be between the beaches and history – which may be perfect for those who like it all!

Recommended hotel in Rethymnon – Avli Lounge and Suites: Another great boutique hotel in the hidden alleys of the old town of Rethymnon, with a beautiful terrace and a rooftop pool. Avli is also famous for their house restaurant serving creative Cretan dishes all year round.

WHEN TO VISIT CRETE:

Honestly, there’s never really a horrible time to visit Crete. The weather on the island is mild and relatively pleasant all year round.

However, winter brings a bit of rain, especially in the western region, and the sea is still a bit chilly. You will still see (a few) people swimming in Crete all year round though!

The shoulder season sees less tourists, less heat, better prices, and great weather. Therefore, May and October are the best months to see Crete, as they are right around the prime summer months of June-September.

HOW TO GET AROUND CRETE:

Unlike other Greek islands, Crete is quite large, meaning if you wanna see and do it all, you undoubtedly need a car to get around. Do note while there’s a well-maintained highway connecting the cities of the North, the southern coast of the island is rather isolated, with the exception of a few resorts. 

Therefore, if you really want to explore the beautiful hidden beaches of southern Crete, I strongly suggest you rent a car. And thankfully, driving on Crete is really easy, as long as you use common sense (just like anywhere else in the world of course).

Thankfully, taxis are not expensive and are plentiful in every city, and a great choice for moving short distances within the towns.  Important to add, that there’s currently no Uber or ride-sharing on Crete.

For traveling longer distances (say, between cities), a car is highly recommended. For example, Chania is located about 2 hours away from Heraklion and 45 minutes away from Rethymnon. However, if you’d rather not drive yourself, know there are buses available (although it does take quite a bit longer – 3 hours from Chania to Heraklion, and a bit more than an hour from Chania to Rethymnon).

Thankfully, bus tickets won’t break the bank, with one way tickets from Heraklion-Chania costing €15.10, while the Rethymnon-Chania route is €8.60.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND ADVENTURE:

• Comfy sneakers or hiking shoes. The island is 80% mountains, so you’ll probably find yourself on a trail or two, or three (or four).
• Reusable water bottles. Psst: the water on Crete is completely safe to drink, despite what other blogs and sites might say. I’ve been living on the island for the last 5 years, and I hardly ever buy bottled water… and surprise, surprise, neither do the locals!
• Jacket or raincoat if you are visiting in winter. Also, add a few extra layers if you plan to visit the mountains as it can get quite chilly.

Other things to note:  

• Don’t worry about your language skills; Greek is a very difficult language and the locals know that! You’ll be able to find someone who speaks at least some basic English almost everywhere, and we’re all pretty friendly enough to help! Don’t be shy – just ask!

So let’s get to it, the best things to do in Crete (from a locals perspective), coming right up!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN CRETE:

As there are an abundance of things to do in Crete, all within different areas of the island, I decided to break them up by location. Hope this helps a bit with planning!

HERAKLION

Knossos Palace: One of the main reasons tourists flock to Crete is to check out this unique archaeological settlement (known as Knossos Palace), dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. I mean, we’re talking 3,500 years back in Greek history.

Trust me, Athens isn’t the only one with admirable ruins; you’ll find the same level of skills here in Crete (as well as Delphi, too!).  Don’t miss one of the most remarkable things to do in Crete – just don’t!

The ruins are impressive, featuring the high grade of architectural development and engineering abilities of this ancient civilization. But of course, remember, they did NOT have the same machines as we do in the present time.

When you think about that last statement, it makes them seem even more magnificent. Inside the Palace, make some time to check the royal rooms as well as the well-known Bull fresco. 

Logistics: The Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 10 km from the center of Heraklion, and it’s easy to reach via city bus (Bus N°2, from the Central Station, ticket: €1.80). The best way to visit the palace is by joining a guided tour that you can book at the entrance, or booking a group tour. This ensures you don’t miss anything important! 

This tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets, a detailed guided walking tour of Knossos Palace, as well as entrance to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Honestly, it’s a great deal at under $50 per person.

Know in advance:

• The site is mostly in the open, so carry some sunscreen lotion and a bottle of water, especially if you visit in summer.
• To avoid the crowds, go to the Palace early in the morning or during sunset. In addition, it most likely won’t be as scorching hot those hours as well. Double win!
• A ticket to the Archaeological site costs €15

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Hate to break it to you, but no visit to the archaeological site (Knossos Palace) is complete without adding an hour inside the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. And score – if you buy a combined ticket, you’ll save some money too! (Ticket: Museum: €15 or Museum + Minoan Palace: €16).

The museum hosts objects found in the archaeological site as well as in other ruins and settlements of the area. There are remarkable pieces of jewelry, as well as clay figures and some iconic objects too. AND the Phaistos disc. Aka, just don’t miss the museum. It’s not everyday you get to admire 3500 year old artifacts and relics of civilizations that once populated the island. 

Psst – if you’re really into this stuff, you may find yourself spending a few hours here, so plan accordingly!

Venetian Fortress and Old Port: The Old Port is exceptionally beautiful and full of atmosphere, facing the modern city of Heraklion with fishing boats in the harbor and tons of eateries. 

And when you check out the old port of Heraklion, be sure to pay a visit to the magnificent Venetian Fortress (also known as Koules). Surprise, surprise, the fortress was built by the Venetians. They ruled on Crete for over 400 years, and the fort was built in order to defend the city from recurrent pirate attacks (did someone say pirate attacks?! I mean, whoa). 

Mini history lesson – unfortunately, no fortress was enough to deter the attack of the Ottoman Empire, who finally took over in 1669, ruling on Crete for the following 267 years.

It’s hard to miss this majestic limestone castle right on the sea, giving a small glimpse into Crete’s sometimes bloody history.

Matala Beach: It’s time to cross the mountains and reach the southern coast of Crete – off to the beach we go! Of course I had to include some beach time on this list of best things to do in Crete.

About an hour away from Heraklion, you’ll come across Matala, one of Crete’s most iconic beaches (and yes, it’s absolutely breathtaking – do a google search and you’ll be wowed). The beach boasts crystal clear water (it’s actually a deep bay – meaning no waves) with a bluff full of caves on one side and the town on the other.

Matala is THE place to go if you wanna rent a lounge chair and umbrella for an entire day (at a reasonable price no less) and just relax. Or go for a walk on the beach and stop for a cocktail or two (a bunch of beach bars around).

Matala first became famous during the 60’s when it was the destination of choice of the expats and hippies. They’d leave everything behind to live a thoughtless life inside the caves of Matala. Hippy hangouts, if you must! Today, Matala’s caves are virtually empty, but the flower power atmosphere is pretty much alive in the village, with its colorful streets, shops, and bars.

Insider Tip: the water gets deep pretty quick, and the sand at the water’s edge is more pebbly than sandy, so you may wanna wear waterproof sandals.

RETHYMNON

Once you’ve seen some of Heraklion’s landmarks, it’s time to move west to the remarkable city of Rethymnon. Being the third largest city in Crete, Rethymnon is home to one of Crete’s most important universities – ultimately giving the city a young vibe. It has a fairy-tale feel to it, and one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Greece.

Old Town: The Old Town of Rethymnon is right next to the sea, on the northern coast of the island. It’s a fantastic Venetian town with characteristic cobblestone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, picturesque houses with Turkish balconies made of wood, and a beautiful small harbor. 

In the Old Port of Rethymno, be sure to check out the beautiful Venetian lighthouse, which is 9 meters tall and gives a unique character to the area. OH! And don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail at the waterfront of the port during sunset. Just do it, you won’t be upset.

Rimondi Fountain: Since you’re already visiting the Old Town, don’t miss the elaborate public fountain in Platanos Square (built way back in 1626). And elaborate it is – three basins and three Caorinthian columns, water running from three lion heads, and remains of the coat of arms of the Rimondi family, an aristocratic Venetian family.

Do note that it’s typically pretty crowded since just about every walking tour in Rethymnon stops here (especially in summer). It’s a quick stop, even just to quickly admire the architecture and rinse your hands under the cool running water in the heat. Of all the things to do in Crete, this one will just take a few minutes – might as well check it off the list!

Fortezza: Much bigger than the Fortress of Heraklion, the Venetian Fortress of Rethymnon, known as Fortezza, is an imposing structure right by the sea, on the western tip of the Old Town.

Inside, it’s possible to see the unique former mosque of Sultan Ibrahim Han, with one of the highest tiled vaulted ceilings in Crete.

Also inside the fortress, pay a visit to the Bastion of Saint Lucas, which boasts a unique cannon ramp and great views of the sea. The Fortress of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved castles in Greece (with a well-priced entrance ticket of €4).

Plakias Beach: Ready for some beach time? The best beaches of Rethymnon are located on the southern coast (I guess you’ve already realized that the best beaches of Crete are in the South, right?)

Thankfully, the drive isn’t too long (roughly 45 minutes to an hour), through the Ida Mountain range and through the small (but impressive) gorge of Kourtaliotiko (you’ll want to stop for photos here!)

Plakias has a beautiful sandy shore, with some smooth pebbles, perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and snorkeling. And get this – some sun beds are FREE (yes, free – just with the purchase of a drink)! It can get quite windy in this area, so you may wanna bring along a light sweater just in case. Grab a smoothie at the beach bar and hang out for the afternoon.

The beach is divided into different areas, one of them a favorite among naturists. So now you know, if you want to sunbathe without a bikini, head to the eastern end of Plakias!

Editor’s Note: while performing my due diligence and fact checking this article (true story – it’s what I do for all guest posts), I came across Skinaria Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Ammoudaki Beach close to Plakias Beach. And OMG they all look just as beautiful.

While I can’t vouch for these beautiful stretches of sand, the photos look absolutely unbelievable. Make sure to do your research before visiting to ensure they’re a good fit for you and your vacation to Crete.

CHANIA

Old Town: One of the most beautiful cities in Greece is the romantic old town of Chania. The town is divided into several different quarters (meaning there’s lots to see), so it’s a good idea to plan a few days in Chania to ensure you see them all! 

The Venetian quarter, located towards the west of the city, is home to some beautiful historic buildings which have been transformed into elegant boutique hotels. In this area, you’ll also find the Venetian Port, the Lighthouse, and Chania’s most famous landmark, the Mosque of the Janissaries. Don’t miss it!

The Turkish quarter, also known as Splantzia, is a maze of cobblestone alleys, small picturesque houses, and less hotels or touristic activities. It’s indeed the most unspoilt area of Chania’s old town, and a must-see. There is a beautiful minaret hidden in the alleys (Chatzimichali Daliani Street), as well as pretty churches and trendy pubs.

If you’re a fan of Greek beers (or if you’re eager to learn all about the stuff), head to Plaka, a small bar on Sifaka Street. 

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay: Out of ALL the things to do in Crete, DO NOT miss Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. You’d be doing yourself a big disservice. I could try to spell out the insurmountable beauty of this area, but I’d run out of adjectives.  A few that come to mind: exotic, rugged, and unspoiled. It is the most photographed beach in Crete afterall.

It’s impossible to visit Crete and skip this spot on the westernmost tip of the island! Balos Bay, often included among the best beaches in the world, is a spectacular exotic shore, a shallow lagoon with stunning turquoise waters and white sand that will leave you in awe. There’s even a Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island to climb for stunning, unique views. A definite pearl of Crete and not to be missed. 

However, despite its beauty, the beach has very limited organization, so it’s always a good idea to pack your own lunch and carry plenty of liquids to spend the day. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen (it gets hot hot hot and sunny here), as well as comfortable shoes to hike down from the parking lot to the beach.

If you prefer, it’s also possible to visit the beach with a day cruise (trips available from both Heraklion and Rethymnon as well). Instead, if you’d rather give this adventure a try sans group, check this complete guide to Balos and other beaches of Chania. 

→ Book tour to the stunning Gramvousa and Balos Bay here. This is one spot you don’t wanna miss.

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach: Pink sand! Need I say more?! If you thought this guide was going to exclude Crete’s most beautiful beach, think again! Elafonisi is an islet on the southernmost tip of the region with a fantastic pink sandy shore and the most pristine blue waters you can imagine. 

The beach is located about 72 km from the center of Chania, and you can either drive there yourself or book a tour to visit (the best option if you suffer from vertigo or if driving in the mountains is not your cup of tea!).

In fact, to reach Elafonisi, you’ll need to drive through the ravine of Topolia. The ravine is quite an impressive gorge with a tunnel and bends right by a bunch of cliffs that are not for the faint of heart.

Anyhow, no matter how you get there, once at the beach you’ll forget about everything else, considering it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Psst: You can also book a tour to Elafonisi from Rethymnon if you don’t plan on staying in Chania for whatever reason.

Day trip to Loutro: From the city of Chania, it’s possible to drive through the road next to the Gorge of Imbros, towards the South, and reach the small coastal town of Chora Sfakion. Once there, walk to the port and board a ferry to Loutro, a small fishing village that you can only reach by sea, or by hiking a portion of the E4 (European Path).

Loutro is a place for extreme relaxation and tranquility. The main activities limit to lounging on the small pebbles of the beach, swimming in its emerald sea, and eating delicious seafood in one of the several tavernas by the water (check out Taverna Notos for the most delicious dishes).

It’s also possible to spend the night, but you’ll need to book in advance if you visit in the high season of July-August.  

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN CRETE:

Mmmm, Greek food. Yes, there are tons of things to do in Crete, but don’t skimp out on the eating, too! Make sure to try as much as you possibly can – it’s all so exceptionally tasty. Promise me you won’t leave Crete without at least indulging in traditional moussaka, pastitsio, and yemista in any traditional taverna.

If you have no idea where to start (there’s a lot to order, trust me!), book a gastronomic/food tour! These tours are found in every major city (including those listed above), with some even including wine tasting sessions and visits to olive oil mills and/or cheese factories.

If you’re in Chania and want to discover the best tastes of the city, as well as discover the staple products in the Municipal Market, check this gastronomic experience of Crete. Book on AirBnB here (get up to $15 off your first AirBnB experience by signing up here), and Viator here (one of my preferred booking sites for activities). What’s better than a morning filled with traditional pastries, authentic coffee, local tapas, and culinary hotspots?

Where to Eat in Heraklion

O Tempelis, in the center of town, is a traditional place with very convenient prices. Here locals gather to share meze, small dishes with Cretan delicacies, such as dolmades, stuffed champignons, baked potatoes, tzatziki sauce, and more.

Peskesi is probably Crete’s most famous restaurant (yes, on the entire island). Located a few meters from Liontaria Square (close to the center of Heraklion), it’s well-known for serving innovative Cretan flavors while still keeping the traditional homemade cooking methods of Crete.

Where to Eat in Rethymnon

Prima Plora, right by the sea, is a romantic setting with beautiful views and a delicious menu. It’s one of the top-rated places in town for seafood and sushi too.

Kokkino, if you’re on a budget, though, you don’t want to miss the most popular restaurant of the city, right in front of the beach. Kokkino has been in town for ages, serving every dish of the Greek tradition, including inexpensive but huge gyro wraps, skepasti (similar to gyro but in a sandwich), and souvlaki as well.

Where to Eat in Chania

There are several places to have dinner in Chania, and as long as you avoid the tourist traps in the old port, you’ll be fine. 

The best place where to eat is – as usual – where the locals eat. In Chania, locals gather for dinner in absolutely any of the restaurants along Chatzimichali Daliani Street.

Oasis Souvlaki, is the place you go if you simply want to grab a wrap and keep exploring. This gyro joint has been serving gyro for the last 50 years in the same spot; something tells me they must be doing something right!

Municipal Market, for those who want fresh dishes at friendly prices, there’s nothing like a lunch in the municipal market. A few small tavernas serve dishes from midday until the market closes (5 pm), or until food runs out (sometimes well before 5!).

Have we convinced you to start packing your bags for Crete yet? Which of these (ridiculously gorgeous) things to do in Crete will you be adding to your must-do/see list?!

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Author Bio: Gabi is the founder of The Tiny Book, a blog about the Greek island of Crete, with useful inside tips about Crete, travel guides and itineraries to discover Crete. You can also join her Crete Travel Facebook Group, follow her on Pinterest or walk with her in a gastronomic tour of Chania.

The post Best Things to Do in Crete: An Insider’s Guide to Greece’s Largest Island appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Athens is gritty, authentic, surprising, and always a true adventure. However, whenever someone books a trip to Greece, they head straight to the islands, skipping out on Athens altogether. At least that’s the majority of visitors (and everyone I seem to talk to).

Athens hardly gets any love (cue the sad face), and it’s such a shame because this inspiring city actually has tons to offer! From the architectural magnificence of the Acropolis to the electric street art of the Psyrri neighborhood, there’s just no reason to skip it. And get this – it’s actually one of the oldest cities in the world, with civilization dating back 3,000 years (yup, it’s that old).

People say it’s gritty, dirty, and all around unappealing. And while, yes, some of that is undoubtedly true, Athens has a good amount of quirky neighborhoods to properly explore, besides the typical archeological sites. The Parthenon! The Ancient Agora! Hadrian’s Library!

I could go on and on about all the things to do in Athens, but let’s just get on with it, shall we? I’m here to prove to you just how fascinating and worthwhile this Greek capital city really is. It is considered the historical capital of Europe, with a current population of over 3.5 million people…

I recently had a few days to explore this sprawling city before taking off on a Mediterranean cruise (visiting Santorini, Kotor, Taormina, and the Amalfi Coast), and I’m SO glad I added a few extra days to explore Athens.

→ Read Next: 10 Days in Greece (The Perfect Itinerary)

Logistical Info For Your 2 Days in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens

Many visitors opt to stay at hotels which offer great views of the Acropolis. I highly recommend this. Breakfast with Acropolis views? I think yes.

We chose to stay at the Athens Gate Hotel for our 2 days in Athens; it’s located in the center of the city, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and offered panoramic views from it’s rooftop restaurant. The breakfast spread overlooking the Acropolis in the distance was the perfect way to start each morning in Athens.

If you’re looking for an upscale hotel with Acropolis views (that won’t break the bank), Athens Gate is your place. Additional hotels which offer those stunning views you’re probably after: Zillers Boutique Hotel, 360 Degrees, and Acropolis View Hotel (budget).

When I visited Athens solo for a few days on a different trip, I stayed at City Circus Athens, which was quite frankly one of the raddest hostels I’ve ever booked (and I’ve stayed at my fair share of them).

Located in the artsy neighborhood of Psirri, there was wacky street art all around and I loved wandering down the alleyways in search of cool findings. Plus, the location was great, only steps from the Monastiraki Metro. Other highly rated hostels include: Zorbas Hostel, Athens Backpackers, and Bedbox Hostel.

When to Visit Athens

The short answer: between late March – early June and then again from late September – early November.

The spring and fall months provide not only lots of sunshine, temps that aren’t too drastic (no intense heat spells), and thinner crowds. You’ll also probably find better airfare and hotel deals during these months, at least compared to summer! If I had to pick for myself, I’d visit late September/early October.

The longer answer:

Shoulder Season: April through early-June, Mid-September through October

Best time to visit in my opinion, as the crowds have slowly dissipated and the high temperatures range in the low 70s, making it pretty comfortable for sightseeing. No one wants to sweat through their clothes when out and about all day.

HOWEVER, you’ll probably be heading down to the islands at least for a few days (highly suggested), and it’d be just plain silly to visit when the water’s too chilly for swimming (April/May). Get a good combination of warm water and less(er) crowds in late September and early October.

This way, the water has had time to warm up quite a bit over summer, the crazy hordes of tourists from July and August have left, and you’ll get a bit of a respite from the intense summer heat.

High Season: Mid-June through early-September

Most expensive and craziest crowds. Try to visit as early on in June as you possibly can, or wait until September. With that being said, if you don’t have a choice, just make the most of it and understand you’ll need to take breaks throughout the day to cool off, and be sure to stay hydrated. If you want to get the best photos sans crowds, you better be willing to wake up quite early!

Athens in July and August is just brutal – for one it’s blazing hot with high temps of 40 C/100F (we were sweating through our clothes, and no, it wasn’t pleasant), and you’ll find a ridiculous amount of tourists around the city. But the nightlife is booming and the city is at its most entertaining and lively, so your pick!

Also keep in mind that during August, many shops/restaurants will be closed as the owners go on vacation themselves during that time (to cooler places).

Winter/Low Season: November through early-March

I don’t recommend visiting Athens during its wintertime, as you’ll find many more unpleasant days, with some rain and cloudy grey skies. Although the temps don’t reach freezing, it’s significantly chillier than during other parts of the year (with a high temp of 55F), with unpredictable weather (although thankfully, sun isn’t uncommon!).

This could be a good thing in some perspectives — less crowds brings less time waiting on line for attractions, and you’ll likely be able to find discounts on both hotels and airfare. It’ll get significantly colder at night, around 40F or so, so be sure to take a warm jacket.

Do note that if you’re planning on using the Greek Ferry systems, they won’t be running on a full schedule (but then again, I don’t really recommend visiting the islands during the winter time anyways).

→ Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Greece

How to get to Greece (and Athens in particular)

FLYING: Most visitors to Greece arrive via air, and thankfully, most international flights arrive in Athens (Athens International Airport, airport code ATH)! Just note that you may have difficulty finding non-stop flights to Greece if you’re coming from the States.

If you’d like, you can take advantage of this by extending your layover and checking out another country! Just depends on your preferences – but just know that once you get to Europe, it’s fairly inexpensive (within reason) to get around to neighboring countries.

Once you’re in Europe, check out low-cost airlines like Aegean and EasyJet in order to make it to Greece (but be sure to take into account those pesky bag fees before making your ultimate decision on a budget airline!)

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights and almost alllways find the cheapest possible flights on one of those sites. The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.  

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas in Europe with much shorter flight times. A great list of budget airlines can be found here.

CRUISE SHIP: If you’re taking a Mediterranean cruise, you may in fact find that the cruise starts (or ends) in Athens! Piraeus, which is about 10 km southwest of the city centre of Athens, is the Mediterranean’s largest port, and most likely where your cruise will leave from.

Do note that if you’re visiting Athens via cruise ship, you’ll likely only have one day to explore. I recommend extending your stay at least for a day or so before your scheduled cruise to get a proper feel for the place (and I always suggest arriving into the city of departure early anyways, to ensure you don’t miss the boat!)

Top Tip: No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Greece as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Note that your passport needs to have at least six months of remaining validity in order enter Greece.

How to get around during your 2 days in Athens

First things first, you’ll need to get yourself from the airport to the city center.

Take Metro Line 3 to the Syntagma Station (Athens Center) from the Athens airport. Trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The trip from/to the Airport to Syntagma station (Athens center) lasts roughly 40 minutes.

Many visitors choose to stay near the Acropolis, which you’ll need to make one change from the blue line at Syntagma to the red line in order to reach the Acropolis Station.  Cost should be €10 from the Athens airport.

Transport around the city:

• The Metro: It’s so super easy (and quick); there’s no reason not to use it!. And with only 3 lines it’s much easier to navigate than say, NYC which has a muuuuuch more intricate subway system.You can also take the bus/trolley or tram, but these usually take much longer than the metro.

• Uber/taxi: Do note that as of April 2018, UberX service is suspended in Athens, whereas the UberTAXI service remains in place. So basically, you can call (and pay for) a ride on the App, but you’ll be getting a typical city taxi instead. The taxi drivers over here use the Uber app like all the other Uber drivers you’re probably more familiar with. There is no option for the typical UberX at this time.

Insider Tips when Visiting Athens

• Book your skip-the-line-ticket to the Acropolis ahead of time. What would you rather do? Sweat in the blazing sun waiting for a ticket or having a leisurely lunch later on at a cute cafe complete with gyros and feta? No brainer, right? I’d also recommend taking a guided tour (this tour comes with a skip-the-line ticket as well) to really get a feel for ancient Greece.

• The archeological sites are closed on Sunday, so be sure to plan accordingly. In addition, all the sites open at 8am and close at 3pm, with the exception of the Acropolis which closes at 7pm. Since we’re talking opening hours, it’d be wise to know that the Acropolis Museum (€5 for entry)  is closed on Mondays. Again, plan out your Athens itinerary with this in mind and make adjustments if need be.

• Pickpocketing is unfortunately quite common. Athens is known to have a bunch of child gypsies who work together in pairs in order to pickpocket. One child is usually distracting you by asking for money or playing an instrument, while the other steals. Just something to be aware of and stay away from them.

• Keep small change handy (in your pocket) if you intend to tip street performers, as it’s not wise to take out your wallet or open your purse in crowded areas.

• The city is easily explored on foot, so be sure to wear extra comfy shoes during your 2 days in Athens! If walking’s not your jam (that intense heat in summer is no joke), there’s a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you to the highlights within the city, including the nearby beaches as well.

• You may want to consider purchasing the Athens City Pass ahead of time if you have at least 2 days in the city, as it will provide skip the line tickets to the Acropolis Museum, free admission to Athens’ top museums and major sites, and numerous discounts on shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment. Plan to buy the pass, which gives you access to all the sites and is good for 4 days (still worth it even if you’ve only got two days in Athens).

What and Where To Eat in Athens

Classic Food:

• Souvlaki: seasoned meat skewers, usually flavored with tzatziki sauce
• Tzatziki: a classic Greek sauce of thick strained yogurt, garlic, and olive oil
• Spanakopita: it’s commonly referred to as spinach pie, and is just that – feta cheese, butter, and olive oil and layers upon layers of phyllo dough
• Moussaka: a traditional dish comprised of minced beef, tomato sauce, and eggplant
• Gyros: pita filled with roasted meat, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and even fries and/or potato chips, and they’re economical to boot (perfect for when your wallet is feeling a little light)!
• Greek salad: a salad consisting of tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and allll the crumbly blocks of feta cheese you can imagine
• Keftedes: fried crispy meatballs
• Dolmadakia: grape leaves stuffed with meat (either ground lamb or beef) and rice

Sweets:

• Loukoumades: bite-sized balls of fried dough, usually drizzled with honey, sugar, cinnamon, and other toppings of your choice
• Kataifi: pastry with a deletable nutty center all rolled into pastry and soaked in sweet syrup (can you say, yum!)
• Baklava: a sweet treat consisting of mostly nuts, butter, and sugar, all absorbed by delicious layers of phyllo dough (my favorite)

We didn’t do much research on restaurants when we visited, but we found and loved the following on our explorations:

• Cinque Wine and Deli Bar (came here twice for the cheese platter- it was that good)
• Lukumades for some loukoumades (yes, they’re spelled differently)
• Yiaourtaki for some frozen greek yogurt with honey
• Aiolou 68

I promise you, even with just 2 days in Athens, you can really experience the culinary expertise that you’ll find in the city. It’s all just so damn good!

And now, let’s get to it, a fully comprehensive 2-day Athens itinerary to follow on your next trip to the ancient Greek city!

Day 1: Ancient Ruins of Athens // Archaeological Sites

First up on this Athens itinerary: the ancient ruins! Might as well get all the typical Athens-y stuff outta the way first thing! And since the sites get rather crowded the longer you wait in the day (despite the intense heat), it’s best to visit early morning.

Early Morning: Acropolis

The Acropolis is to Athens as the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco and the Panama Canal is to Panama City. It’s utterly fascinating and something you just can’t leave the area without doing, and is understandably the city’s most iconic attraction.

There’s a reason this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site → ancient ruins amongst a dramatic landscape of Athens, yes please!

Start as early as humanly possible (opens at 8am), as it gets crowwwdeddd and it’s disgustingly hot in the summer months. Plus, this is your only chance to get a few pictures without hoards of tourists in the background. Be sure to grab at map at the entry gate – the area is larger than I initially realized!

It’s wise to purchase a skip-the-line ticket and/or booking an early morning guided tour. Although we fully enjoyed our time at the Acropolis, it was difficult to appreciate it without much background information.

We’re not major history buffs so unfortunately didn’t know much about the significance of the place so a guide would have been super helpful (in order to learn a thing or two → next time).

Be sure to feast your eyes on the Temple of Parthenon (the most famous of the sites), the Theatre of Dionysus, and Erechtheion, which are all relatively close. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here depending how many photos you take and how much you can deal with the heat and/or possible crowds.

Top Tip: The Parthenon is actually the building (what everyone instantly recognizes), while the Acropolis is the name of the hill it’s situated on! Who knew?!

Mid/Late Morning: Acropolis Museum + Temple of Olympian Zeus

Ancient treasures in an ultramodern glass and steel museum? Don’t mind if we do! The Acropolis Museum holds the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens, and is a great stop on any Athens itinerary if you have a thing for history.

Located at the foot of the Acropolis, you can’t miss this architectural wonder! Visiting the museum really expands your understanding of the Acropolis, and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t make this stop a priority on our 2 days in Athens.

Artifacts dating to prehistoric times, walking on transparent floors over excavated sites, marveling at the highlights like the Propylaea ceiling, fragments of the Parthenon frieze, and more → what’s not to love. I mean, it’s actually the #1 thing to do in Athens on TripAdvisor (true story). And since it’s oh-so-popular, it’s highly advised to buy a skip-the-line ticket to the Acropolis Museum ahead of time.

Grab a snack or lunch here if you’re already feeling pretty famished (the views from the museum restaurant are stunning).

Psst: you can also book a combo Acropolis and Acropolis Museum guided tour if you want to keep it all easy-peasy and ensure you don’t miss any of the super important stuff.

And thankfully the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a mere 5 minute walk away, so you may as well marvel at this historical wonder as well since you’re riiiiight here anyways. Check out the unusually tall columns and ambitious layout, which actually made it one of the largest ever built in the ancient world! Whoa.

Early Afternoon: Plaka + Anafiotika

Once you’ve got the especially busy stuff done for the day, go for a wander through the charming historic neighborhood of Plaka and go on the search for Anafiotika.

The Plaka: Being the historic center of Athens, filled with winding alleys, steep staircases, and tons of cafes and restaurants, you’d be a fool to miss this picturesque neighborhood. And plus, it’s a wonderful place for some lunch: grab some gyros, chocolate covered coconut sticks, loukoumades, and call it a day.

Up for a bit of shopping? Stroll around the streets of Adrianou and Kydathineon, full of boutiques, art galleries, and color. Look for the famous Plaka steps, nestled into the side of the mountain, and be sure to watch the cats sneaking in and out of the cafe tables!

Anafiotika: Craving the islands already? Well, this is as close as you’ll feel until we actually get there! Anafiotika is a neighborhood hidden against the slopes of the Acropolis, and it’s actually pretty easy if you know where to look.

To find it, head up Erechtheos Street, (towards Pritania Street), make a right and across from Metochi Panagio Tafou (a church) start heading up hill. And all those little cul-de-sacs and private-property looking-esque twisty staircases – that’s Anafiotika!

And thankfully, with 2 days in Athens (instead of just one), you can take some time to find this white-washed little area.

Late Afternoon: Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is always buzzing, no matter the day or time. Being the epicenter of modern Athens, the square is complete with the political center and transportation hub, and is an all around fantastic place to people watch (any time of day).

It’s the central square of Athens, and it’s constantly crowded with both locals and tourists. Catch the changing of the guards at the top of every hour at the Greek Parliament Building, a neo classical building with a very long and complex history.  But be sure to come early – this is a popular activity for those visiting.

Night in Athens

You could just wander around the Psirri neighborhood (full of bars and DJs, tavernas, meze and live music), but if you’re not into chilling out (although it’s one hell of a good time), consider seeing some of the sites by night.

And one of the best ways to do this → via a segway tour of the city. Yes, a tad cheesy, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really a whole lotta fun. In just a few hours you’ll see ancient monuments and modern landmarks, illuminated after dark, and discover hip neighborhoods that are at the heart of Athens’ nightlife. Sounds like a decent night out to me.

-or-

Take an E-bike Tour! Want even more sightseeing?! If all you’ve got is two days in Athens you may as well make the most of it! So hop on that bike (it’s electric!) and experience the city sans crowds!

On the tour you’ll get dramatic views of the Acropolis from the Hill of Nymphs, cycle the picturesque streets of Plaka, and listen to the street musicians.

Day 2: The Eclectic Neighborhoods of Athens

Since we rushed allll around yesterday, day 2 of this Athens itinerary will be a bit less fast-paced. Take the morning to sleep in (just a tiny bit), have a relaxing breakfast on your hotel rooftop overlooking the Acropolis, and just take a few moments to take it all in. You’re in Athens afterall- one of the most historically significant cities in the world!

MORNING:

Additional Archaeological Sites

History buff? Archeology nerd? You’ve gotta check out the Ancient Agora and it’s a adjacent museum on your 2 days in Athens. This historical landmark in Athens is actually the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora. And if you’re wondering WTF an agora even is (I wondered the same thing), it’s essentially the gathering place of an assembly of people.

It’s where the Greeks made political decisions, exchanged news/information, went shopping, and relaxed. In modern Greek terms, it simply means “marketplace”. Although minimal restoration has been done, there are two buildings standing – the Temple of Hephaestus and the impressive Stoa of Attalos, from the Classical era and Hellenistic periods, respectively.  And thankfully, there’s lots of shade and plenty of benches to rest on!

Hadrian’s Library should be on your agenda for this morning as well! And nope – you can’t check out any books here, although the library used to hold 16,000 books in the time of the Emperor of Hadrian! Although it’s quite small, it’s worth a quick look around for ½ hour or so.

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Athens Food tour

And if you’ve had enough of ancient archaeological sites (I totally get it), why not spend the morning on a food tour around Athens instead? No one’s judging, I promise. Immerse yourself in the fragrances and colors of the local spices early on in the morning, which is the secret behind those renowned Greek dishes we all know and love.

Athens has a pretty impressive food scene, and a food tour will not only let you taste test a whole array of grub, but will take you to where the Athenians actually eat.

From the best souvlaki in town and that sweet, sweet baklava to Greek coffee in a hidden cafe and the finest olive oil, cheese, and honey available, you won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure. Oh, and don’t miss trying to the local delicacy of pastourma, a popular cured meat.

The food tour will take you to bustling open-air food markets and unique speciality food shops, as well as the oldest bakery of Athens while teaching the secrets of the Mediterranean diet. And if a morning tour doesn’t fit in to your schedule (if you’re switching things around from the Athens itinerary I’ve created), luckily there’s food tours in the afternoon as well.

A few food tours to check out:

Early/Mid Afternoon: Explore the Neighborhoods of Athens

Once you’re all nice and full of souvlaki (and mezes and wine and spanakopita), it’s time to get moving!

Monastiraki

First up, the Monastiraki flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, which is, you guessed it, one of the primary shopping districts of the city. Here you’ll find a whole jumble of shops selling everything you can think of, including artisanal shops, homemade sandals (I wanted to buy them allllll), and souvenir shirts.

If you’re feeling hungry or just want a little afternoon pick-me-up, be sure to lookout for the traditional tavernas and restaurants nearby, many with unparalleled views of the Acropolis.

And if you visited the Ancient Agora and ruins of Hadrian Library earlier in the day, you’ve already seem some of Monastiraki’s iconic landmarks (again – no judgements if you wanna skip them).

HOWEVER, be suspicious of the kids who beg or appear too friendly to visitors. As noted above, the kids work in teams and pray on unsuspected visitors by playing out their well-rehearsed schemes. Pickpockets and scams are unfortunately rather common in this area. Stay alert, keep your valuables in sight, and be extra extra cautious in the metro station and in crowded areas.

Psyrri

After you’ve shopped (and ate) your heart out, head on over to the eclectic Psyrri neighborhood, full of street art and interesting art installations. Albeit a bit gritty, it’s a great place for a wander.

This downtown district, right near Monastiraki Square, is now known for its magical lantern-lit alley on Pittaki Street. With Chinese paper lanterns, fringed and floral shades, stained glass lamps, mirrored lampshades, and mid century metal lamps, look up, you’ll see them all.

It wasn’t always this multi-faceted. Before 2012, Psyrri was an area frequented by drug addicts and petty criminals. Locals even called Pittaki Street a “public toilet.” Interestingly enough, this area used to be an underground district → citizens donated the lamps and artifacts, giving new life and light to the neighborhood. It’s really something special when you sit down and think about it.

Because of this, Psyrri recently turned into a dynamic night-life hub, filled with vintages shops, tons of colorful street art, and alternative bars and cafes. The neighborhood underwent a drastic transformation, and should most definitely be on anyone’s 2-day Athens itinerary.

Late Afternoon: Sunset at Mount Lycabettus

If you’d rather get your heart pumping and go on a little hike (for unparalleled views of the whole city), make sure your wandering is quick and head on up to Mount Lycabettus!

This limestone hill stands about 277 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest point in all of Athens! And you’ll see Mount Lycabettus from almost anywhere, as it rises abruptly and is kinda hard to miss! The uphill hike takes roughly 20 minutes or so, and you’ll be greeted with one of the best vantage points of all of Athens.

Yes, it’s an absolutely beautiful walk (from what people say), but if you visit in summer, remember it’ll most likely be scorching hot, which may present a challenge. I highly suggest taking the funicular up, then walking down the hill via either the steps or road. Make sure to wear proper footwear as it can get slippery on the sand paths!

I reallllly wanted to make it here for sunset, but we missed it. Next time!

Night

If you missed out on a food tour this morning, don’t fret, there’s options for those at night, too! Looking for an expert foodie guide to help decide what’s for dinner?! Sign up here → enjoy stunning views, visit hidden bars and family taverns, and learn the culinary traditions of Greece. Oh, and of course stuff your face with tons of mezes and wines.

Or why not end your 2 days in Athens with a night out on the town. You may choose to wander the Psyrri neighborhood come nightfall, as it’s full of bars and DJs, tavernas, meze and live music, you name it, it’s one hell of a good time.

Day 3: For those with Extra Time (Lucky You!)

If you end up with 3 days in Athens, don’t fret! There’s tons of day trips you can take from the bustling city! I’ve been to all three below, and can honestly say are all worthy of an extra day allotted to your Athens itinerary.

If you wanna see more ruins, head to Delphi, if you wanna get a taste of island life, check out the 3 island cruise, and if you just want something a bit different and outta this world, venture north to Meteora. 

Delphi

Delphi is the 3rd most visited archaeological site in all of Greece, and an especially popular day trip from Athens! I had the opportunity to spend a day in Delphi on my last trip to the country, and boy was I super impressed. I mean, it was regarded as the center of the Earth during ancient Greek times, so i guess it’s kiiiiinda important.

Check out my experience in Delphi here and read reviews/book tour here.

3 Island Cruise to Saronic Islands

If you have an extra day or so, definitely consider checking out the three-island tour from Athens (link is my review and experience) which travels by boat to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina (all wildly beautiful). Might as well start that Greek island hopping right away (after you see the main highlights of Athens that is…)! Check out my experience on the island cruise here and read reviews/book tour here.

Meteora

It sure is long (and downright tiring) day, but well worth it in my opinion. Wow. What can I say? Spiritual, inspiring, magical, breathtaking, mystical, immense, and impressive. There really are no words to truly capture the effect the Meteora monasteries have on its visitors.

This majestic spot in Central Greece is surely unlike any area I’ve ever seen.  Check out my experience in Meteora here and read reviews/book tour here.

→ Read Next: Top Day Trips from Athens

Are you visiting Greece’s most historically significant city anytime soon? What on this 2 day Athens itinerary will you be checking out?!

The post 2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Athens Itinerary for the First Time Visitor appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

After spending about 2 days in Athens or so, it’d be wise to get yourself outta the city! These day tours from Athens are the perfect way to extend any Greece trip, and will surely add to your obsession with the country (it did for me).

I can’t stress this enough – if you don’t have time to make it south to the popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, and Crete ring a bell, correct?), definitely check out a sailing trip or two from Athens. And if you’re looking for some ancient monasteries to explore, Meteora’s calling your name. Haven’t had enough history just yet? Book yourself a tour to Delphi, Corinth, or the famed Temple of Poseidon (all excellent choices).

Plus, many of these day trips from Athens will be much quieter and less touristy than the city itself, giving you a chance to escape the crowds and observe a more authentic version of local Greek life. Set out on one of the following Athens day trips and I promise you, you won’t regret it. Just promise to bring me back a few pieces of spanakopita and some of that sweet, sweet Aegean sunshine.

Read Next: The Perfect 2-Day Athens Itinerary for the First Time Visitor

Best Day Trips from Athens

1. Delphi

• Distance from Athens: 111 miles/184 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Tons of historical ruins and structures, like the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury of Athens

Located about two hours from Athens in the mountains of Central Greece lies Delphi, one of the most important historical areas in all of Greece (yup). If you haven’t already gotten enough of the ancient Greek ruins in the capital city, head on over to Delphi, as it’s by far one of the most amazing day trips from Athens for anyone who geeks out over Greek history!

It’s easiest to book a day tour like this one or this one (straight from Athens), but you can also get to Delphi by bus or car if you’d rather DIY your own trip.

Psst – I like to join organized trips in order to leave the driving to someone else, especially when traveling solo. During my recent trip to Greece, I visited Delphi on a 2-day trip to Northern Greece (which included the monasteries of Meteora as well), so that’s something to keep in mind as well if you’ve got 2 days to spare in Athens.

Here, you’ll find some of Greece’s most jaw-dropping archaeological sites, like the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of Athens, and the Theater of Delphi (all pretty remarkable if you ask me). These massive sites have towering marble ruins that sparkle against the mountainous, green backdrops, perfect for a relaxing day of exploring or, you know, the ‘gram.

If it’s rainy or you’d simply like to learn more, there are also two history museums – the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Museum of Delphic Festivals – to learn even more about the history and traditions of the area.

→ Read Next: My (super-informative) Day Trip to Delphi

But if you’re not that into history, Delphi has plenty of other things you can do → The surroundings are full of charming, adorable towns to explore! The village of Chrisso is full of super cute cobblestoned streets to wander, with shops and small cafes you can duck into for a quick bite.

Or, head to Arachova, the hilly little town with red-roofed homes that’s one of the most beloved winter getaways from Athens because of its amazing ski resorts. In either place, you can stop at a locally-owned Greek taverna to sample traditional Greek dishes that will make your mouth water with joy. Book day trip to Delphi here or check out the additional options below:

2. Hydra, Aegina, and Poros (3 island cruise from Athens)

• Distance from Athens: Tour begins at Marina Flisvus, 6 miles/10 km from Athens
• Activities You Can’t Miss: 3 gorgeous Greek islands to explore, plus a buffet lunch with Greek music on a comfortable, luxurious boat!
• Special Foods to Try: Anything seafood-related! The islands are known for their amazing fish dishes. I also had cantaloupe ice cream (weird, I know) which I loved, as well as pistachios on Aegina (they have some of the best pistachios in the world)

If you’re dreaming of sipping cocktails on the water with the salty sea breezing through your hair, you can take a relaxing 3 island cruise to Hydra, Aegina, and Poros from Athens! This cruise explores the nearby Saronic Islands, and is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing and adventurous day tours from Athens all in one.

Not only do you get to explore three beautiful islands off the coast of Athens for a whole day, but you’ll get ample time to spend reading, relaxing, and whatever you may please on the way.

Mid trip, a hearty Greek lunch will be provided, so make sure to eat your weight in grape leaves and traditional Greek cake (I sure did). A show of traditional Greek singing and dancing is also found onboard, so be sure not to miss that!

Most day cruises to the Saronic Islands leave from Marina Flisvos, a port just outside of Athens. You’ll board your ship and get sailing! Your first port will be at Hydra, where you’ll have approximately 90 minutes to wander through the streets of the main town or head down to the sparkling beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing or going for a swim.

This idyllic island full of picturesque red tiled houses and narrow stone-paved streets is one I’ll gladly revisit on my next trip to Greece.  

→ Read Next: Sailing to the Saronic Islands from Athens

Next, you’ll head to Poros, which is a quieter island with isolated beaches and some historic buildings that are even visible from the water (!!!). Despite being the smallest of the three, Poros is a volcanic little island filled with great beauty and lush, green vegetation.

Here, you can hang out by the water or explore the town, where you’ll find cobblestoned streets and adorable shops and Greek tavernas. You’ll explore Poros for ~50 minutes before heading back to the boat for your final island of the day.

Your last and longest stop will be at Aegina, where you’ll have a whole 3 hours to wander around on foot. Aegina is one of the most important and famous islands for Greek ruins and history (oh so much history everywhere in this country!). Here, you can find the famous Temple of Aphaia, which was an early rendition of the Parthenon.

There are plenty of historic and natural gems to explore on Aegina, and since it’s the longest stop, you should be able to hit the most iconic spots. Don’t miss out on the pistachos → Up and down the waterfront I found plenty and plenty of pistachio stands, offering loads of samples, which you know I devoured.  

Little did I know, pistachio trees have been cultivated on Aegina Island since the 1860’s! To say they are quite famous here is a massive understatement! Book sailing trip to 3 islands here or check out the additional options below:

3. Nafplio, Mycenae, + Epidaurus

• Distance from Athens: 83 miles/138 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Exploring the ruins at Mycenae, historic castles in Nafplio, and the theater at Epidaurus

As one of the popular Athens day trips, a visit to Nafplio, Mycenae, and Epidaurus (also known as the Argolis) offers a nice mix of history and charming villages. If you’ve never heard of these places, they’re home to some of the most impressive temples in Greece, like the Lionesses Gate and the Ancient Treasure of Atreus.

I know, they sound like amazing, faraway lands from some kind of storybook, but these are actual places that you can visit on a day trip to the Argolis area!

Since you’ll have to move around quite a bit to fit everything in one day, I recommend taking a tour like this one or this one. Both will take you to the main sites in the Argolis area, but the first tour actually comes with an actual archaeologist as your guide, who can tell you all of the cool stories and theories surrounding these ruins.

First, you’ll head to Mycenae, where you’ll see ruins like the Cyclopean Walls, the Lionesses Gate, and the Ancient Treasure of Atreus, which were constructed in the Bronze Age (~1350 BC). You can admire the amazing, ancient structures here, which have really withstood the test of time over thousands of years!

Then, you’ll head to the former capital of Greece, Nafplio, where you’ll get to see the blend of Venetian, Greek, Ottoman, and Byzantine architecture and history. Visit the Castles of Bourtzi and Palamidi in Nafplio, which are two really beautiful examples of the different, unique architecture in the area.

You can head back to Athens early or end your day at Epidaurus, which is a massive, ancient theater near Nafplio. It is still used today occasionally, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a festival or event going on there! Book tour here or check out the additional options below:

4. Meteora

• Distance from Athens: 215 miles/358 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Visiting cliff-top monasteries and seeing the entire area from Panorama Rock

Quite possibly one of the most famous sites in Greece (and one of the most popular day trips from Athens), Meteora is an area home to isolated, ancient monasteries that sit atop the most eerie rock formations ever – vertical columns that seem to spring out of nowhere!

Of course, the monasteries are amazing, but it’s really the combination of the strange landscape and the man-made structures on top of it that make Meteora so special.

You can get to Meteora on your own by bus or train, or you can book a day trip like this one or this one. In my opinion, since Meteora is so far from Athens, it’s a LOT easier to book a tour so you don’t have to worry about getting yourself there and back in one day. I’m exhausted just thinking about that.

Once you’re in Meteora, your tour will take you to see the amazing viewpoint from Panorama Rock, visit some of the cliff-top monasteries, and explore the nearby town of Kalambaka. If you’re DIY-ing your trip, you can go hiking as well, provided you have enough time for that (hint, you probably won’t with just one day from Athens).

If you’re interested in visiting both Delphi and Meteora (highly, highly recommended), you can combine the two into one 2-day tour instead of going back and forth on separate day tours from Athens (now that’d just be silly). Delphi is on the way to Meteora, so you’ll save time and money by doing both in one trip.

You can DIY your trip or make it easier on yourself by booking this wonderful 2-day tour, which includes accommodation, all tours, and some meals. Book 1 day tour to Meteora here. Book 2 day tour to both Delphi and Meteora here. Check out the additional options below:

5. Sailing to Agistri, Moni & Aegina

• Distance from Athens: The tour starts in Piraeus, which is 9 miles/15 km from Athens
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing on the seaside (plus beautiful historic sites in Aegina)

I hope you’re not tired of exploring the Greek islands, because this is one of the best Athens day trips for a full day of island hopping! (Who am I kidding, how could anyone get tired of island hopping in Greece?!) On this day-long sailing adventure tour, you’ll travel to the islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina.

Your first stop is Agistri, which is best known for its beautiful beaches, and you betcha’ll have time to get your tan on in the sparkling waters and golden sands of Megalochori and Skala. Up for something a bit more active? Take a bike tour around some of the beaches on the island (then relax later on).

Next, you’ll head to Moni, an uninhabited nature island where you’ll eat lunch (seafood, anyone?!). This forested island has a ton of wildlife and is perfect for a tranquil, midday siesta. After you eat, you can sunbathe or snorkel in the waters nearby!

Your last stop will be Aegina, that same island we talked about in the other island hopping tour. There’s a reason why Aegina is on the itinerary of many sailing day trips from Athens (psst – it’s gorgeous). I won’t go too far in depth about Aegina, (since it’s covered it in the other section), but basically, it’s home to one of the most famous temples in Greece: the Temple of Aphaia. Book sailing trip here or check out the additional options below:

6. Seaside Winery Tour

• Distance from Athens: You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Athens
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Wine tasting (duh!) and a lunch at an adorable seaside tavern
• Special Foods to Try: Traditional Greek snacks at the wineries and seafood dishes at the tavern!

What’s more dreamy or relaxing than sipping wine by the seaside? Umm…yeah, basically nothing. Luckily, day trips from Athens bring you to do exactly that: tasting delicious Greek wines along the Aegean Sea.

This delicious tour takes you to a few local wineries near Athens, and includes lunch in a delicious seaside tavern. Since you’ll be drinking alllll the wines and enjoying your life to the fullest (it is Greece afterall!), I strongly recommend booking that tour.

Why worry about driving, transportation, or logistics when you don’t have to? Instead, follow along someone else’s itinerary and just drink it all up and soak in that fresh Aegean air.

Greece is home to several unique red and white wine varieties, with names I’ve never heard anywhere else! On the tour, you can try white wines like Assyrtiko, Malagousia, and Savatiano. Savatiano, a white variety that’s native to Greece, is the most famous wine in the wine region near Athens and is produced in high numbers there.

You’ll also get to try some of the local red wines, like Agiorgitiko, as well as international varieties grown in Greece, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Please and thank you!

The tour will end at a locally-owned seafood tavern right on the water, where you can dine on delicious regional specialties and admire the sparkling seaside. Sounds like a relatively perfect day from Athens to me! Book seaside winery tour here.

7. Corinth

• Distance from Athens: 50 miles/83 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Ancient Corinth, Temple of Apollo, Corinth Canal

Imagine the lavish cities of the ancient Greek civilization and you’ve got Corinth, one of the most rewarding Athens day trips for history and culture lovers! Located at the entrance to the Peloponnese Peninsula, you’ll find ancient marvels located next to the shine and sparkle of modern-day Corinth.

While the city itself has tons of restaurants and shops, your visit will truly feel special because of the ancient history that surrounds you!

Without a visit to the ancient areas of Corinth, it’s hard to understand the fascinating story of this place. Head to Ancient Corinth to catch a breathtaking glimpse of one of the most influential Classical cities, which was taken over by the Romans in 146 BC.

The ruins hold many remains of temples, homes, and government buildings, but quite possibly the most important is the Temple of Apollo, which still has a handful of standing columns.

Arcocorinth is another beautiful structure located on top of a hill in the Corinth area. It’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the area, even if you just snap a photo of this majestic fortress. Its walls climb in zig-zags up a hill and measure almost 2 kilometers in length! Quite impressive if you ask me.

While you’re in Corinth, don’t forget to visit the Corinth Canal! It’s one of the most interesting landmarks, and located ~4 kilometers east of the city. This is the canal that separates the Peloponnese Peninsula from the Greek mainland and is an incredibly picturesque spot, where the sparkling blue seawater juts between two vertical cliffs. While there isn’t much to do at the canal itself, it’s definitely worth a stop to see it and take a few photos!

While you can DIY this trip, there are also many agencies that offer day tours from Athens to Corinth. We recommend booking this day tour to save the hassle of getting back and forth from Athens. It also includes a local guide who can tell you all about the history of the places you’re seeing (better than any guidebook or travel blog can, I promise!) Book tour to Corinth here or check out the additional options below:

8. Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon

• Distance from Athens: 46 miles/76 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Ancient Corinth, Temple of Apollo, Corinth Canal

There are few things more relaxing than being by the seaside, and a day trip to Cape Sounio is no different. During a trip to Cape Sounio, you can lounge by the beach and frolic in the water, and also make a stop at the famed Temple of Poseidon, which is one of the most well-known temples in all of Greece.

Cape Sounio is also known for epic sunsets (which, not gonna lie, is what sold me on adding the cape to my never-ending bucket list!).

You can get to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounio by bus fairly easily from Athens, which will give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace. However, if you’d rather have your transportation organized or go with a local driver/guide, you can book this half-day sunset tour from Athens, which is reasonably priced and organizes everything for you (and lets you have a glimpse of the gorgeous sunsets I mentioned before!).

During your visit to Cape Sounio, you can stop at the nearby Temple of Poseidon, which is still fairly intact even though it was built in 444-440 BC. Here, you’ll see tons of marble columns that made up the once lavish, extravagant temple. Even though the temple is the main thing to see here, there are ruins that extend down the hill — don’t miss out on the chance to explore further!

Once you get to Cape Sounio, it’s all sun and sand! Lined with high-end resorts, Cape Sounio is a hotspot for vacationers looking for a break from Athens. On the tour I recommended before, the guide will take you to a dedicated swimming spot where you can watch the sunset (swoooooon x 23436234).

If you DIY this trip, you may have a harder time finding a spot to swim, but there are plenty of seaside restaurants where you can take in the sunset views! Book half day sunset tour to Cape Sounio here or check out the additional options below:

Are you headed to Greece soon? Which of these day trips from Athens are on your list to visit?

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