A Week in Greece: Our Athens & Santorini Honeymoon

After arriving in Athens, ease into the city by exploring the charming Upper Plaka neighborhood. This hillside area is filled with inviting restaurants, small boutiques, and cafés tucked along picturesque stairways, making it a perfect first taste of Athens’ lively atmosphere.

Once you’ve wandered through the shops, make your way to the Acropolis—an essential stop that offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable introduction to Greece’s ancient history. The walk up can be steep and the marble pathways quite slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. For a smoother visit, purchase your Acropolis ticket in advance to skip the often-long entry lines and head straight into the site.

Start your day with lunch at Kosta, home to what we found to be the best souvlaki of the entire trip—fresh, flavorful, and incredibly affordable.

After refueling, continue your exploration of Athens’ ancient past by visiting some of the city’s many additional ruins. The Ancient Agora of Athens is especially worth a stop; it offers a quieter, more relaxed experience compared to the Acropolis while still delivering impressive historical significance. Be sure to visit the museum located just across from the Temple of Hephaestus, which provides helpful context and artifacts from the site.

To wrap up your final evening in Athens, consider a sunset rooftop dinner at GB Rooftop, where panoramic city views create a beautiful farewell to this first chapter of your trip.

After flying to Santorini, prepare to be captivated—every corner of the island is stunning, but our stay at Art Maisons Aspaki made it truly unforgettable. The hotel excels in hospitality, offering breathtaking caldera views, exceptional food, and thoughtful touches like personally escorting you and your luggage to your room—an invaluable service in Oia, where steep, winding pathways make luggage nearly impossible to manage on your own.

After the travel and sightseeing of the previous days, this is the perfect time to unwind with a relaxing massage, which you can schedule right on your balcony for an indulgent, private experience before dinner. Santorini boasts an impressive dining scene, but for authentic flavors and warm local charm, we found ourselves returning to Pelekanos more than once.

To capture Santorini’s breathtaking views and preserve your favorite memories, consider booking a photoshoot with a local photographer. Not only will you end up with stunning images, but you'll also be guided to hidden viewpoints and lesser-known corners of Oia that you might never discover on your own.

After your session, spend the rest of the day unwinding—relax by your pool or hot tub, wander through Oia’s charming boutiques, and soak in the island’s enchanting atmosphere at your own pace. For dinner, head to Thalami, a stylish spot with a more modern, Western-leaning menu that still delivers truly delicious dishes.

No trip to Santorini is complete without time spent on the water, and a beach or ocean adventure is an absolute must. We chose a catamaran cruise—an all-day tour around the island that included swimming stops, incredible views, and plenty of food and drinks onboard. The crystal-blue water is irresistible, so be ready for a refreshing dip, and don’t miss the chance to swim near the ancient sulfur springs, a unique and memorable stop along the way. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery.

Start your morning with the iconic caldera hike from Fira to Oia, one of the most scenic walks in all of Greece. The trail winds along the cliffside with panoramic views of the volcano and sea, offering endless photo opportunities and a peaceful way to experience the island’s natural beauty.

After several days of activities and exploring, we planned a “free day” to slow down—perfect for relaxing, wandering through Oia’s shops, and revisiting any favorite spots. This unstructured time gave us that satisfying feeling of having fully experienced Santorini without rushing.

Fly back to Athens and dedicate your last day to visiting the Acropolis Museum—an experience we nearly skipped, but ended up being incredibly grateful we didn’t. The museum houses original structures and sculptures from the Acropolis itself, along with countless fascinating artifacts that bring the ancient site to life in a way you simply can’t experience from the hill alone. It’s an absolute must-see and the perfect way to round out your historical journey through Greece.

Afterward, enjoy a casual and delicious dinner at O Thanasis, known for its affordable prices and uniquely flavorful dishes. Then it’s time to head home, hearts full and memories made.