Travel Tips
TO DO LIST
Check Passport: A passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in a foreign country.
Download Ferry Hopper App if going to the islands. Note that there are 2 ports in Athens. Both are fine but double check which one you are leaving from on the day of departure.
Download the Greek Language on Google Translate App if you fancy a go at it.
Download Our Guide to Greece
HOW TO PACK
Packing for a trip is a very personal process. I’ve dialed mine in over the years but its just what works for me. Here is a list of my tried and true favorite products that have taken me across the world. Everything from travel bottles that haven’t onced leaked in over 30 countries to shoes that have walked across the middle east blister free.
Swimsuit
Beach Sandals
Walking Shoes
Nice Shoes
Shorts
Light Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
2-3 nice outfits for the weekend
Passport
A good general rule for packing is if you don’t use it at home, you probably won’t use it on your trip.
ATHENS TOP TEN
Visit the Acropolis and then have a lunch by a yia yia at To Kati Allo.
Stroll through the National Garden, see the Olympic stadium and have lunch at Vyrinis.
See the changing of guards at Syntagma Square or The Presidential Palace.
Go for a run or walk up to Mount Lycabettus.
Visit the Alekos Fassianos Museum.
Stroll through the Ancient Agora of Athens in the evening.
Eat at Mavro Provato Restaurant.
Get over jet lag (or a hangover) with a Freddo Espresso and scrub at the Polis Hammam.
Try modern Greek cuisine at Nolan or LS and Sia.
Eat at Ama Lachei.
A Greek’s Guide to the Islands
There are over 6,000 islands in Greece and a whopping 227 are inhabited. Don’t get decision fatigue by this. I’ve put together a list based on the vibe you might be seeking.
There are two ways to get to the islands. Ferry or flight. Some airlines include: EasyJet, Ryan Air, and Aegean Air. Use the Ferry Hopper app when choosing to travel by sea (journeys cost anywhere from €50–150). There are over 30,000 routes to choose from in all of Greece.
On Jason and my 1 year anniversary we flew to Milos from Athens, spent 4 nights there and then took a ferry to Amorgos for 4 nights. When it came time to leave we took a ferry from Amorgos to Santorini where we stayed one night before flying back to Athens.
All that said, don’t forget to explore Athens for a few days. It’s an amazing city…
The Family Trip
Naxos and Paros: If you want to see a few islands but don’t want to be traveling a lot these two islands might be right for you. For this option one would stay in Paros and just ferry over to Naxos for a day to try out different beaches and such. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into Tom Hanks. He’s a fan.
The Couples Escape
Milos and Amorgos: Milos was listed as the most beautiful island in the world a couple years back. Not too far from it is Amorgos where all the European expats go to get inspired and do yoga. Jason and I love it so much. Really beautiful and affordable if you want to stretch your euro.
Dropping Corfu in here as well. I’ve never been but have heard amazing things. You can even take a 1.5 hour ferry to Albania which is high on our list.
The Adventurers
Rhodes or Crete: I went to Crete on a solo trip in 2018 and hiked the amazing Somarian Gorge. One could spend a whole month on Crete, it’s like its own little country. Rhodes I went on a family sailing trip and we have really great memories swimming in the Seven Springs.
The Quickie
Idra (aka Hydra) or Spetses: I’ve never been to either but they are really high on my list and only 1.5 hours away. You could go for a day or one night. So I recommend this for anyone who doesn’t have much time on the trip. Idra doesn’t allow cars, which can make it accessible for tourists tacking on a trip to an island.
The Influencer
Santorini: Beware of selfie sticks! I’d recommend a day trip or just one night here. Snapping a photo in Oia is more chaos than charm, and the traditional food isn’t anything to rave about. But if you’re staying at a high-end resort, you might have a totally different experience. If you go, don’t skip the Fira-to-Oia hike—it’s really special. Opt for the hot girl summer experience in Mykonos if you wanna party like Lindsey Lohan circa 2018. This is the Greek party island.
Faq
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Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
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It is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union. Meals cost anywhere from €10–30 per person. Lodging costs anywhere from €75–300.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service in restaurants and cafes; a general guideline is to tip around 10% of the bill. -
Yes, but pickpocketing can happen anywhere.
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Uber works great, they are connected to the city taxi system. You can also download the Freenow app if you want another option.
The intercity trains in Athens are very fast, clean, and reliable. Highly recommend if you are tired of walking and want to save your money for the next trip to Greece.
Walking is the best because you’ll likely stumble into an ancient site and that always feels cool and unexpected.
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Yes. Airbnb is a great option. Some neighborhoods to look in would include: Pangrati, Gizi, and Kolonaki. We do not suggest you stay in Monistiraki or Vathi.
Some other hotels include: Coco-Mat or Sheila
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You have known us long enough to know that we are understanding people. We love you and look forward to toasting with you one day in person. See you soon friend!
Psst…Don’t forget to
Write a Love Letter!
Feast like
a Greek
Food is a big part of Greek culture, and sharing it is one of our favorite ways to connect.
There is no wrong way to order when it comes to Greek food, but here are Jason and my top hits.
One more thing! Don’t forget to try a Freddo Espresso to help boot your jet lag. It’s an espresso coffee shaken with ice until frothy. Amazing with milk (and sugar) if you fancy!
Appetizers and Sides
Spanakopita
A savory pie made with layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.
Dolma
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs, often served cold with a squeeze of lemon.
Taramasalata
A creamy dip made from cured fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, and bread or potato.
Skordalia
A thick garlic dip made with puréed potatoes, olive oil, and vinegar.
Tzatziki
A thick yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, dill, and olive oil.
Horta
Boiled wild greens served warm with olive oil and lemon.
Greek Salad
A crisp salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
Mains
Moussaka
A layered casserole of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and béchamel sauce, baked until golden.
Pastitsio
A Greek pasta bake with layers of tubular pasta, spiced ground meat, and creamy béchamel topping.
Fried/Grilled Calamari
Tender rings of squid lightly fried or grilled, served with lemon or dipping sauce.
Fried Sardines
Small whole sardines lightly battered and fried, often enjoyed with lemon and herbs.
Paidakia or Provatina
Juicy, marinated lamb chops with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano—crispy on the outside, tender inside.
Souvlaki
Skewered and grilled meat, usually pork or chicken, served with pita and sides.
Avgolemono Soup
A silky chicken and rice soup finished with a tangy egg-lemon mixture.
Desserts
Baklava
A rich pastry made with layers of phyllo, chopped nuts, and honey syrup.
Galaktoboureko
A creamy semolina custard wrapped in phyllo and soaked in citrusy syrup.
Greek Yogurt and Fruit
Thick, tangy Greek yogurt served with seasonal fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Take Home
Φάε για να μεγαλώσεις pronounced Fah-eh yah nah meh-gah-LOH-sees “Eat so you grow.” It’s something my family often said to force us to eat more and get strong.
Airbnb is also a great option. Some neighborhoods to look in would include: Pangrati, Gizi, and Kolonaki.
We do not suggest you stay in Monistiraki or Vathi.