🇬🇷 Athens & Santorini: The Perfect Start to a Greek Island-Hopping Adventure

Athens: A City Break with a Greek Soul

We arrived in Athens early afternoon and had pre-booked a taxi transfer from the airport into the city, which took about an hour. First things first – bags dropped, straight out for a gyros!

We stayed at Skylark by Aluma Hotel, a quirky little property right on Omonoia Square. It couldn’t be more central – the hop-on hop-off bus stops right outside, and there’s a metro station just steps away. The hotel itself has a moody, modern vibe with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the city and the Acropolis. We booked a “cozy room” (which really was cosy!) – perfect for a short stay, but if you’re staying longer than two nights, I’d recommend upgrading for a bit more space to open your suitcases comfortably.

That first afternoon was all about relaxing by the rooftop pool before heading out to explore. We wandered down to Monastiraki Square and then up into Plaka, one of my favourite neighbourhoods. We stopped at Brettos Bar, tucked away in the cobbled streets. It’s Athens’ oldest distillery, and its colourful back bar stacked high with bottles is as beautiful as it is historic. Sitting here with a glass of wine, soaking in the atmosphere, set the tone for our time in the city.

Top Tips for Athens
• Metro Pass: €4.10 for 24 hours, unlimited travel – it covers the airport, port, and all the major sights.
• Acropolis: Buy tickets on the door (€30) and get there first thing (we arrived at 7:30 am). By the time we left at 9:30, the crowds were already building.
• Plaka & Monastiraki: Go early for quieter streets, then come back in the evening when the atmosphere comes alive with rooftop bars and restaurants.
• Stay Length: 2–3 nights is perfect. If you can stretch to 3+, add in a day on the Athens Riviera for a beach day.

Athens completely surprised us. For all its hustle and bustle, so many areas still feel traditionally Greek – cobbled lanes, local cafés, rooftop terraces with views of the Acropolis. We both said it would make a brilliant stand-alone city break, or the perfect pre-cruise or multi-centre stop.

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Santorini: Caldera Views & Postcard Moments

Another bright and early start saw us take the ferry from Athens to Santorini. It should have taken just over 5 hours, but with several stops along the way (Milos, Folegandros & Ios), it ended up closer to 6. Looking back, I’d either break the journey up with an overnight stay on one of the islands or fly direct – it made for a long day.

But as soon as we arrived at Stella Rocca A Mare in Imerovigli, we knew it was worth it. This boutique hideaway is built right into the cliffs, blending Cycladic charm with modern luxury. We stayed in the Rocca Cave Suite, carved into the rock and complete with our own jacuzzi overlooking the caldera. Honestly, it felt like a dream. Every corner of the hotel makes the most of those insane views – the kind that stop you in your tracks.

That first night, shattered from the journey, we grabbed a takeaway gyros and a bottle of wine and just sat on our terrace watching the sun set over the caldera. Cruise ships drifted past, the lights of Fira twinkled below, and we both agreed it was one of the best evenings we’ve had in a long time.

The next morning, we walked the caldera path from Imerovigli to Fira (around 30 minutes). Setting off at 7:30 am meant we had the place almost to ourselves – peaceful streets, the sun rising over the sea, and a chance to explore before the cruise crowds arrived.

Highlights of Santorini
• Imerovigli – Known as the “balcony to the Aegean.” Quieter and more exclusive than Oia, with incredible sunsets and luxury hotels built into the cliffs.
• Fira (Thira) – The island’s bustling capital with boutique shops, restaurants, and museums. You can also take the cable car down to the old port – far easier than tackling hundreds of steps in the heat!
• Breakfast at Rocca Nera – Choose anything from the à la carte menu (pastries, pancakes, eggs benedict, salmon) alongside a buffet, all while staring out at the caldera. Genuinely one of the best breakfast experiences I’ve had.
• Dinner at Blue Note – We had the corner table at sunset and it was pure magic. The lobster tagliatelle was delicious, but it was the view that made the night unforgettable.
• Oia – The picture-perfect postcard of Santorini. Arrive early (before 10 am) to wander in peace, or book a restaurant with a terrace if you want to stay for sunset without battling the crowds.

Top Tips for Oia
• Get there early (before 9:30 am). By 10–10:30, it’s heaving. After around 3pm, the crowds ease off as the cruise ship passengers head back, but it soon gets lively again in time for sunset.
• Book restaurants in advance if you want a sunset view.
• Wear comfy shoes – the cobbled streets are steep!
• Don’t miss Ammoudi Bay for seafood and quieter views.

Santorini was exactly what I imagined and more – breathtaking, romantic, and unforgettable. But staying in Imerovigli rather than Oia meant we could enjoy the magic without the constant crowds, and I’d recommend that to anyone.

End of Blog 1 (Athens & Santorini):
👉 Next stop: Naxos & Paros – two of the most authentic and charming islands in the Cyclades.