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Exploring Greece:
- Gina Cardoza
- Oct 17
- 12 min read
History, Island Hopping, and Endless Blue Views!
Day 1 in Athens, Greece
A Solo Stroll and a Surprise Coffee Date:
I arrived in Athens a day before the rest of my group, which gave me some time to explore on my own and ease into the trip. While walking around the city, I must have looked a little lost because a cute local man stopped and asked me in Greek if I was looking for something. I didn’t realize he was talking to me at first since he was behind me and close to an older woman walking past us. Then I heard him say, “Hello,” and turned around. Guess my American was showing!
When he asked me again if I needed help, I told him I was looking for a nearby ATM. He pointed me in the direction of the local hospital right behind us and told me I’d find one there.
When I came back out after using the ATM, he was still standing off to the side. I thanked him for showing me where to go, and then he asked me out for coffee. We walked to a nearby café, had coffee together, and then strolled through a local park while we talked. Eventually, he had to head back to work, but it was such a sweet and unexpected way to start my time in Athens.
Day 2 in Athens, Greece
Walking Tours, Rooftop Views, and New Friends:
The next day, I joined a brief walking tour around Athens, taking in more of the city’s sights. One of the coolest parts was how you could see the Acropolis standing tall in the distance from different spots in the city.
After exploring, we enjoyed some authentic local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at a cozy spot in the city. Later that evening, my friend and I decided to check out a rooftop bar near our hotel, NYX Japanese Rooftop Gastrobar. The view from up there was stunning, and the cocktails were amazing.
While we were sipping our drinks and enjoying the scenery, two of the guys from our group joined us. They were best friends, and their bromance was instantly obvious. They were so funny and high-energy, just genuinely good people. It was nice getting to know them better and realizing how great the group dynamic was going to be for the rest of the trip.
Day 3 in Athens, Greece
Acropolis Adventures, Ceremonial Guards & A Taste of the City:
Day three was all about stepping back into history. We explored the Acropolis of Athens with our local guide, seeing incredible ancient sites like the Propylaea and the Theatre of Dionysus, along with several other structures that definitely required some help pronouncing! From the hilltop citadel, the panoramic views over Athens were absolutely breathtaking. It was easy to see why the city’s name translates to “high city.”
We also watched the ceremonial changing of the Greek guards, known as the Evzones, who were performing precise movements designed to improve circulation during their long shifts. I caught it all on video to remember just how unique and fascinating it was to watch.
Later that day, we joined a food tour where we were shown a variety of Greek dishes and got to sample something different at multiple stops around the city. At one of the stops, we even tried Ouzo, the famous Greek anise-flavored alcohol. It was definitely a strong taste, but when in Greece, right?
Day 4 in Kamari Village on Santorini, Greece
Ferry Rides, Beach Naps & A Crazy Night Out:
We boarded a five-hour ferry from Athens to Santorini, which gave our group plenty of bonding time. As we reached the coastline, we were greeted by dramatic mountains, and our bus had to make its way up a winding road with incredible views looking back down at the sea.
We checked into our beautiful resort, did a little initial exploring, and stumbled across adorable evil-eye trinkets in the local shops. After that, we relaxed on the beach and even dozed off for about ten minutes before meeting up with the rest of the group.
Later in the evening, we headed out to explore the local bars and clubs. It was a wild and fun night. When we walked into one of the clubs, people were already up dancing on the bar. At some point, I may have gotten up there myself! There was a live drummer, sparklers going off, and one of our group members bought everyone a round of shots. Let’s just say, I definitely slept well that night.
Day 5 in Kamari Village on Santorini, Greece
Sun, Sand, & Seaside Octopus:
After days of exploration, history, and jaw-dropping views, today was all about embracing the art of doing nothing… beautifully.
We spent the entire day soaking up the Aegean sunshine in Kamari Village, a laid-back beach town on the eastern side of Santorini. With our toes buried in black volcanic sand and the sound of gentle waves in the background, we finally let ourselves settle into the slower pace of island life.
My beachside lunch? Grilled octopus delivered right to my lounge chair! It was fresh, tender, and absolutely unforgettable. The kind of meal that only tastes that good when your hair’s salty and your feet are sandy.
After refueling, we wandered through the nearby shops and cafés, exploring parts of Kamari we hadn’t seen yet. The paths were lined with local charm and the occasional curious cat, each one just as friendly and photogenic as the last.
This day didn’t come with sweeping views or dramatic cliffs. Instead, it offered soft breezes, simple pleasures, and a peaceful kind of magic that made me appreciate the slower moments just as much as the show-stoppers.
It was the perfect way to reset and recharge before the next adventure.
Day 6 in Megalochori & Oia on Santorini, Greece
Winding Doors, Hidden Vineyards, and Blue-Domed Perfection:
We began the morning in the peaceful village of Megalochori, a place that felt like it was plucked straight from a fairytale. Our local guide led us through its charming maze of cobblestone streets, sharing something I’ll never forget: the homes in this village don’t have addresses. Instead, people describe their front doors to help others find them, each one so unique it becomes its own landmark. Pastel arches, hand-painted knockers, and carved wooden frames made every entrance feel like a work of art. Let’s just say Amazon Prime isn’t making deliveries around here anytime soon.
After soaking in the village’s charm, we made our way to Venetsanos Winery, perched dramatically on a cliffside overlooking the caldera. The view alone was worth the trip, but the wine tasting made it even better. We sampled several local varieties, each with its own rich flavor and backstory. The highlight was when our table got to share a full bottle of the group’s favorite pick, because all the sample glasses weren't enough!
Here’s a fun fact I never would’ve guessed: grapevines in Santorini aren’t grown tall. Instead, they are trained to grow low to the ground in woven basket-like shapes to protect them from the island’s fierce winds. I had no idea I was standing in the middle of a vineyard until someone pointed it out. What I thought were bushes turned out to be the very grapes we were sipping.
Next, we arrived in Oia, and it was everything we dreamed it would be. Wandering through the iconic cliffside village, we finally saw the famous blue domes in all their postcard-worthy glory. The sun-washed white buildings seemed to glow, each curved rooftop and narrow path more breathtaking than the last.
We ended the evening with a sunset dinner overlooking the caldera. From our table, we could see nearby islands, distant cliffs, and even the silhouette of a volcano across the water. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was romantic, and the cool evening breeze was the perfect way to wind down the day. After dinner, we grabbed gelato and took one last stroll through the glowing streets before heading back to our hotel.
Day 7 in Parikia & Naousa, Paros, Greece
Ocean Breezes, Pink Doors, and My Favorite Island Yet
We arrived in Paros ready for another day of island charm, and this one completely stole my heart. Out of all the places I visited in Greece, Paros had one of the most relaxed, laid-back vibes, and I think that’s why it ended up being my favorite.
We grabbed lunch at the most adorable seaside restaurant, where tables were set just steps from the sparkling water. The view was endless blues, and the sound of waves lapping nearby gave the whole meal a peaceful rhythm. It was one of those moments where you truly feel present.
After lunch, we wandered the nearby streets, each turn revealing something even more beautiful than the last. The alleyways were a dreamy maze of whitewashed buildings trimmed with colorful shutters and blooming bougainvillea, much like Santorini without the crowds and blue domes. Tiny boutiques with handcrafted jewelry, linen clothing, and pottery spilled onto the cobblestones, tempting us at every corner.
We stopped at the Venetian Fortress, which offered a peek into the island’s medieval past and some gorgeous panoramic views of the port. Then we visited the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece. The intricate stonework and hushed reverence inside gave us a moment to pause and reflect.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without snapping a photo in front of the iconic pink door at Linardo, one of the island’s most Instagram-worthy spots. After all that walking, we treated ourselves (again) to gelato! this time at Solo Gelato, my new favorite gelato spot in all of Greece. The perfect way to cool off before strolling a little more and soaking in the calm, coastal breeze.
Every part of Paros felt welcoming and peaceful. It didn’t have the bustling energy of the other islands, just a gentle pulse that invites you to slow down, take it in, and stay awhile.
Day 8 in Antiparos & Paros, Greece
Baking, Caves & Cultural Surprises:
Our morning began in the peaceful charm of Antiparos, where the village’s quiet beauty made us feel like time had slowed down just for us. Our first stop was the quaint and cozy O Stratis Bakery, where the warm-hearted owner gave us a peek into his kitchen and shared stories of his beloved bakery. Everything about it was adorable, simple, traditional, and full of heart.
After wandering through the town’s sun-drenched alleys for a bit, we made our way to the Cave of Agios Ioannis. Exploring the cave was both peaceful and surreal. The air was cool and quiet, and the natural quartz shimmering on the walls gave everything an otherworldly glow. Stalactites hung above like frozen moments in time, and it felt like we had stepped into something sacred.
Later that day, we returned to Paros for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We spent time by the sea, soaking in the relaxed pace and that signature blue-and-white charm that never gets old. As the sun began to dip, we wandered into the town square, and were completely surprised and delighted to find a Syrtos dance competition happening! The dancers wore beautiful traditional outfits and moved in a rhythm that felt like a celebration of the culture itself. It was such an unexpected and beautiful experience to witness.
With our hearts full and our feet a little more tired, we ended the night with dinner and a stop at Pralina Handmade Crêpes, where we tasted loukoumades for the first time! They were crispy, golden, sweet, and absolutely addictive. Each of us picked a different flavor and shared bites around the table like kids at a candy shop.
From hidden bakeries and ancient caves to spontaneous cultural gems and decadent desserts, Day 8 was the kind of day that makes you fall even more in love with Greece.
Day 9 in Mykonos, Greece
Sun, Shops & the Party Pulse:
As soon as we stepped foot on the island of Mykonos, we could feel the energy shift. The quiet charm of Paros was replaced by booming beats, colorful crowds, and a vibrant buzz that filled the air. It was clear: this was the island where people came to let loose.
Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, and even in the daytime, the energy was contagious. We spent most of the afternoon soaking in the island’s sun-drenched beauty. We wandered through vibrant alleyways filled with boutique shops, grabbing fresh gyros, and claiming our spot on the beach to become proper beach bums for the day.
The breeze off the Aegean was perfect, and every turn offered a new photo-worthy view. We couldn’t help but smile at how different this island felt. Everything was louder, livelier, but just as stunning. It was a full-on people-watching paradise paired with perfect blue waters.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, the sun dipped low, and the real Mykonos came to life.
After freshening up at our hotel, we joined the rest of our group and headed across the street to a local club. The music, lights, and dancing were all such a fun way to round out the day. We danced, laughed, and soaked up the scene, but made sure to slip out before things got too wild. A good night’s sleep still called our names!
Day 10 in Mykonos, Greece
BBQs, Windmills & Dancing with Locals:
We got to spend our final full day in Mykonos, and what a sendoff it was! The morning kicked off with a visit to Mykonian Farm, where we were greeted with warm smiles and rustic charm. The energy was instantly inviting, like visiting a Greek cousin you didn’t know you had.
Our tour guide walked us through the grounds, proudly pointing out all the animals, including a dog who practically led the tour himself. One particularly enthusiastic cow licked my entire arm in a single swipe. If you’ve never been licked by a cow, imagine a cat tongue… but, like, supercharged. And here’s a little tip: if you visit, ask about the donkeys’ names, trust me, you won’t regret it. The guide’s excitement to share that information was unmatched.
After the tour, we gathered for a traditional BBQ lunch served buffet-style under a shaded pavilion. I even got to hop behind the grill for a bit and play chef! It felt more like a family reunion than a tourist experience.
In the afternoon, we wandered through Mykonos Town, taking in more of the iconic whitewashed alleys, the famous windmills, and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, with its beautiful asymmetrical layers. Every little corner held something uniquely charming.
Later that evening, we had dinner at Promenade Restaurant, perched right over the sea. The meal was already perfect… and then the real show began. As the sun began to dip behind the horizon, sparklers were passed out, someone yelled “OPA!”, and within seconds, we were witnessing an impromptu Zorba dance party complete with plate smashing on the stone pathways. Two of the guys in our group (our honorary “girl group” members by this point) couldn’t help themselves, they jumped in with the locals and twirled away like naturals.
It was a magical, movie-scene moment and the perfect way to celebrate our final night together on the Greek islands! Mykonos sent us off in true Greek fashion! With food, dancing, laughter, and memories we’ll carry forever.
Day 11 in Athens, Greece
One Last Rooftop Toast in Athens, Greece:
Our final day in Greece had officially arrived. We boarded the ferry one last time and made our way back to Athens from Mykonos. As we rolled our suitcases through the familiar streets of the city, a sense of nostalgia started to set in.
That evening, my girl group and I made our way back to where it all began: the rooftop bar overlooking the glowing Acropolis. The sun had dipped low in the sky, and the lights of the city began to flicker on one by one, casting a warm shimmer across the skyline. Sitting together with our drinks in hand and the evening breeze brushing past us, we shared stories, laughter, and one final toast to the incredible journey we had just lived.
This trip had it all! From exploring ancient cities and wandering through Mediterranean seaside villages, to dancing under the stars and making new lifelong friends! Though we were no longer traveling with the larger group (and the boys had split off to do their own thing), it felt fitting that it ended with just us girls, exactly the way it started.
We don't know where we'll head next, but one thing's for sure: wherever it is, we hope we'll be together for that trip too!
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