Curator’s statement
Greece is a country brimming with history, culture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. A first trip to Greece should try to capture as much of this incredible country as possible—leaving you with a taste to return! The best *first* route for your trip should be Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini and here’s how I would organize it.
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Things to do in Greece
Mykonos Town
Athens
Usually your arrival stop in Greece, so we’ll hop right to it with a sunset private tour of the Acropolis. Your guide will escort you through the ruins with colorful (and educational) commentary—making it a perfect entry into Greece. Following the tour, you’ll head to a rooftop dinner at the Dolli to enjoy the glowing Acropolis in the distance—be sure to order a Negroni.
On day two, you’ll have a food tour in the city to get an overview of the Greek cuisine—something you’ll get to experience over and over during your visit and now you’ll have an insider’s scoop!
Mykonos
Next, you’ll head via flight to Mykonos and spend a few days soaking in the lively energy of this island. From the chic beach clubs to the high-end shopping in the gorgeous whitewashed town, you’ll fall in love with Mykonos! We’ll organize a day trip to Delos—the birthplace of Apollo—and then a buzzy night out in town. You’ll spend the next afternoon at Scorpios Beach Club enjoying a late lunch and relaxing.
The next day you’ll head via private boat transfer to Santorini with a stop by an island or two en route. Just imagine a private cove with a picnic lunch!
Santorini
Arriving in Santorini for the iconic sunset, you’ll check into a gorgeous Canaves hotel and then head to Oia for dinner. Santorini will be a slower pace to end your trip—scenic walks in town, a stunning hike from Fira to Oia, a lunch by the water, sunset cruise, and spa time. You’ll finish your Greece trip relaxed, refreshed, and emailing me to plan your return!
Places to eat & drink in Greece
Armeni Santorini
The Rooftop at the Dolli in Athens—the perfect first dinner in Athens with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Mykonos: Interni is the buzzy hot spot for a night in Mykonos Town. Scorpios Beach Club is a chill, boho option for a delicious lunch and then some drinks while lounging by the sea! Be sure to have some oysters—shucked tableside! Noema is another Mykonos favorite—more tame than Interni but with all of the same classic Mykonos vibes.
In Santorini, we love the Oia dining scene—catch sunset and then head to town to dine at Adami, 1800 Floga, Ambrosia, or Petra. Be sure to make at least one lunch stop at Armeni—down at sea level below Oia, you can arrive by boat!
Need to know
September is my favorite time of year to visit—the crowds have slowed, the weather is perfect, and Mykonos is still open for most of September. In October, Santorini is still perfect!
Travel Advisor
Caroline Bernthal
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Greece page.