Travelling during Covid-19 might be a challenge and not the smartest thing to do, but when the trip is planned already a year ago and vacation is all you need to recharge and feel alive – then I say ‘’hell yeah’’! Pack this dusty suitcase and take off to Greece!! One of the most beautiful, lively European summer destinations and a source of vitamin sea, vitamin D, sunburns, mosquito bites and astonishing architecture. The Cyclades Islands makes you feel like you landed on a cloud – whites, blues and quite deserted landscapes. The Bougainvillea and the olive trees are perfectly completing the atmosphere.
Athens
Geneva – Athens by plane. The plan was to stay 4 days there and take a ferry to Mykonos. Well, we arrived and fell in love with the city, but despite that the hunger to explore more is never-ending, so we evaluated the situation and what is to see and do in Athens and the conclusion we came to was to change our ferry tickets and to add one more destination to the list – Paros or Milos. As the ferry tickets to Milos were sold out, it was decided where the next stop is. However, if we couldn’t visit all of Athens, we still had 3 more days by the end of our trip to discover the undiscovered parts.
As ‘professionals’ in travelling, we covered everything in the first part of our Athens stay, so we didn’t have to worry.
DAY 1.
Arrival, trip reorganization and strolling the streets of Athens. This day, I felt the vibe of the city although we haven’t visited the most famous sight. However, the Acropolis was visible from many spots in the city centre – one of the best places to admire this view and greet the sunset with a cocktail is ‘A for Athens’ or ‘360 Cocktail Bar’. The evening, we spent in a beach bar called ‘’Balux’’. I strongly recommend you going for drinks there.
Please, keep in mind that the city is enormous and if you want to go to the coast or other parts of Athens, it might take ages. We mostly used a taxi (via Uber), but also tested the subway. The locals use a similar to Uber app, called BEAT. Whatever you choose, no private drivers are offering these services, so you will be picked by taxi. I think the best way to go from point A to point B, if you don’t want to stay only in the city centre, is to take the subway. Masks right now are obligatory in Greece due to COVID-19 (in the airplane, airport, taxi, public transportation).
DAY 2.
Exploring the best, must-visit hot spots. Roaming the city is a great way to taste the Greek way of living, come across the big city life reality and friendliness of the people.
But first things first – covering all the tourist destinations and get in touch with ancient Greek history.
I highly recommend you to buy the special ticket pass, which is valid for 5 days and costs 30 euro. You can purchase it online or at the ticket offices on-site. It is valid for Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of the Acropolis, Olympia, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis.
In front of the Acropolis, you can find and hire a tour guide to explain you all the precious monuments. I was so impressed with those ancient structures because this time of history has always interested me a lot.
Please consider, that the Acropolis is currently in restoration, but this should not worry you. It still looks majestic and worth a trip to Athens.
The sightseeing tour, followed by a walk through Plaka neighbourhood and sunset view over the entire city at Mount Lycabettus were the highlights of the day.
Plaka has so many cute restaurants and streets. Don’t miss ambling this part of the town.
Mount Lycabettus, on the other hand, is the top sunset location and opens great sceneries and cityscapes
Where we ate this day: Yiasemi Bistrot; Dexameni Kolonaki
Paros & Antiparos
DAY 3.
Athens – Paros by ferry. We used SEAJETS ferries. The ferry ticket costs around 45 euro, with a duration of 3h 15min. Arriving at the port of Paros, we took a taxi (there is no Uber on the island). The taxi driver gave us a fixed price of 18 euro to our hotel.
WHERE TO STAY IN PAROS:
My personal choice fell on the adults-only SeeSoo Paros, located in Pounda (see the map). This makes it perfectly located to hop on the ferry and discover the neighbouring island – Antiparos. The ferry between the two islands takes only 10 minutes. This port is a good 5-minute walk from the hotel. The area is also a great place for kitesurfing. SeeSoo Paros is a new eco-friendly, boho, offering only fresh local products for breakfast, pool and a private beach/coastline hotel. Expect to witness amazing sunsets and great family service and hospitality. The beachfront of the hotel is breathtaking. They are collaborating with Clean Blue Paros, which will support the island in becoming the first plastic waste-free Mediterranean island and a global leader in the fight against the plastics in our seas.
Instagram: @seesooparos
Book here: https://seesooparos.com/
If you want to be located more central and to have everything next door, choose a hotel in Naousa or Parikia. Parikia is the capital and Naousa is the second largest village on the island. Both are very lively, cute towns and you won’t regret choosing any of them.
At the day of our arrival we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel and afterwards straight took the ferry to Antiparos, where we strolled the tiny, white streets contrasted by the amazing Bougainvillea trees and hired a quad to discover the rest of the island. After exploring all the beaches, we finally ended at Soros Beach. Don’t skip the Soros Beach bar/restaurant.
Coming back to Paros right before sunset. We cheered to this incredible vacation and
the magical sunset hues. The hotel organized a quad for the evening and the next day so that we can go for dinner and scout further the island.
The evening we visited Parikia for a walk and dinner. For dinner, I warmly recommend you Dionysos Restaurant. There we experienced the kindest service. The encounter with the person who served us will forever remain in my heart.
DAY 4.
Big time - QUAD time. When we explore, we DO explore. The mission of the day was to discover as much as possible and to steal some time for the beach. We did a complete round of the island, finding some hidden gems on the way. A do-not-miss destination is Lefkes village, situated in the heart of Paros. Trust me you have to go there. After finding our turquoise waters and spending about 30 minutes there (coordinates of the place: 36°59'14.4"N 25°09'03.7"E), we continued our ‘grand’ tour and finished exploring Naousa during the day.
We quickly went back to the hotel for the sunset and change of clothes and went back to Naousa. Dinner at Sigi Ikthios.
Mykonos
DAY 5.
Early wakeup and ferry to Mykonos. The SEAJETS ferry costs about 38 euro with a duration of 1h15m. First thing when setting feet on the ground - taking a taxi and going to the hotel for early check-in.
It was an insanely windy day and the sea was furious. The wind was so strong that when we arrived in the hotel, we rented a car, instead of a quad, and later we realized that even the car is moved by the strength of the wind.
WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS:
Rocabella Mykonos – a 5-star hotel, located in Agios Stefanos. Loved this laid-back atmosphere and bohemian simplicity. The hotel offers great views over the Aegean sea, a swimming pool and a rich breakfast. Not far from Rocabella Mykonos is the Agios Stefanos beach. Distance to Mykonos Town - just 3,5km.
Instagram: @rocabellamykonos
Book here:
Finding accommodation around or in Mykonos Town itself is a good option, depending on what you are looking for at your vacation. Another great towns/ villages to book your stay are Psarrou and Ornos.
During our first day in Mykonos, we did a quick sunbathing at our hotel and explored Mykonos Town afterwards. We went to the famous Windmills of Kato Milli and ate at Kastro’s, which I highly recommend. It’s a postcard-worthy restaurant in a tiny alley in the town with a view over the sea and the windmills. The food is absolutely delicious.
Next to Kastro’s, going on the right alley is located a cute Insta-worthy church, called Paraportiani.
The evening was a bit chilly as all evenings we had in Mykonos, so don’t forget to take a jacket. The first evening we chose to have dinner at M-Eating and straight after we went further to Interni. It was fun, regardless of Covid-19 and all current restrictions.
DAY 6.
Short road trip and chasing Mykonos views in defiance of getting blown away and the possibility to roll down a hill, thanks to the wind. As I’ve mentioned on my Instagram – the Marilyn Monroe moments weren’t missing during this vacation. However they created some special effects for my pictures, so I am grateful to Mr.Wind, despite all the trouble he caused us.
Ornos offers some very picturesque spots to take a beautiful capture from above if you are into photography.
Next stop: Nammos village / Psarou beach – luxury destination, where you can see it all – from a helicopter landed next to the beach, to yachts, luxury shops and peacocks proudly strolling around.
Psarou beach has the perfect location, where the wind doesn’t disturb, so it’s definitely a good spot to choose in a windy day or if you need to experience more of the famous Mykonos fanciness. The beach is divided into 3 parts – a private one, for customers of Blu, public beach area and the section of Nammos Beach Club, where we stayed for a drink.
And time for food – this time at a very special location. I loved the experience of going there. The restaurant is called Spilia Seaside and it’s located at the back of a rock. You have to head to Agia Anna Beach and afterwards walk through the sand until you get on the rock leading you to the restaurant. On the edge of this rock, there is a tiny path. After the scenic few steps ‘’tour’’, you will arrive at the restaurant full of flower decorations, beautiful sea view and the sound of the waves. Unfortunately for me, the food is mostly fish, but I would go back even if there is not as much choice for vegetarians/vegans.
Sunset o’clock at the 180 Sunset Bar, which you shouldn’t skip. The sunset was followed by a nice dinner at Kalita Mykonos.
DAY 7.
Beach day. A protected from the wind, a cool beach resort is SantAnna. The waters there are turquoise and the place is really nice to enjoy a comfy sunbathing, accompanied by music, drinks and sushi.
After we got sunburnt, we returned to Mykonos town for some pictures, before chasing the next sunset at Cavo Tagoo. And what a sunset it was… it will be forever captured in my mind.
Dinner at Lotus.
DAY 8.
Headed to Alemagou for a nice lunch, beach and just for charging our nomadic state of mind.
Another town walk, where we met Petros – the famous Mykonian pelican, who just ‘’owns’’ the island and grabs all the attention to himself wherever he passes with his fancy, trending hues and glamorous feathers.
Don’t skip capturing the #Happiness sign and the cute souvenir shops.
Last island’s sunset and dinner at Scorpios. This place is so Tulum and we love it so much. Another must-go spot. Reserve much in advance. Actually, in Mykonos, you always have to book ahead of time, but it counts more than ever for Scorpios, even though during Covid-19 the access is easier because there are not as many people as usual.
DAY 9.
Last half a day of wandering, so we did another whole round of the island to make sure that we will never forget those landscapes. Mykonos turned into my favourite European port of call.
Lunch and ferry back to Athens…
Arrival in Athens, where we've rented a villa with our Swiss friends.
Athens
DAY 10.
We just chilled at the pool the entire time as on the next day we were invited to a wedding, The only exception of going out was the evening when we went to a nice place called Riviera Coast… I won’t comment on the service and the food, but the ambience was great.
DAY 11.
BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING… from dressing up the groom, beautiful and very traditional church ceremony to the actual party time where the Greek dances and music never stop. Congratulations to our friends who got married and wishing them an entire life full of fun, dances and love.
DAY 12.
Early flight = we went straight to the airport, because who sleeps when there is a Greek wedding the night before…
Greece is the perfect summer destination. The best escape from the accumulated stress and boundaries throughout the year. The country has so much to offer – the amazing architecture and the vibe, the ancient history, the salty air and sea breeze. Not to mention the sparkling jewels of the Aegean sea – the Cyclades islands… Ahh, the Cyclades… This is an experience guaranteed to delight both young and old. This is an experience of a lifetime.