Santorini Travel Experience: Best Romantic Islands in Greece & Athens Travel Guide
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine on a cliffside while watching the sun melt into the Aegean Sea, then a Santorini travel experience should be at the top of your bucket list. Greece is not just about history and mythology—it’s also home to some of the best romantic islands in Greece, stunning beaches, and unforgettable sunsets.
From the lively streets of Mykonos to the cultural treasures of Athens, every corner of Greece has something unique to offer. Whether you’re searching for an Athens travel guide, tips for Greek island hopping, or simply the best time to visit Greece, this complete guide will help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Our First Time on Greece's Most Romantic Island
On hearing the name of Greece, the blue sea, white walls, and iconic blue domes of Santorini immediately come to mind. For us, it was not just a tourist destination, but a dream – and finally that dream came true. This was our first time when we stepped into Greece’s most romantic island, Santorini, and began our unforgettable Santorini travel experience.
First Glimpse of Athens
After a long flight journey, we reached Athens early in the morning. As soon as we came out after completing the immigration process, all the tiredness went away after seeing the board “Welcome to Athens.”
This was my second time in Greece – I came here for an internship seven years ago. But this trip was the most special because I came here with my partner.
From the airport, we took the metro and went straight to the city center. The ticket was economical, about €10 per person. After a journey of about 40 minutes, we reached the heart of Athens – a perfect start to our Athens travel guide.
Hotel and Local Market Experience
Our hotel was very close to the main square, so it was easy to walk around. When we reached the hotel, the room was not ready yet, so we left our bags and headed towards the streets of the city.
It was morning, and the markets were just opening. My wife’s eyes fell on the first shop and she could not stop herself from trying on dresses like a Greek goddess. Here you will find everything from the cheapest to the most expensive.
On the way, we also saw many old excavation sites. Every corner of Athens seems to be full of history and culture.
Acropolis and Museum
It is impossible to come to Greece and not see the Acropolis. But due to the afternoon sun and the crowd, we decided to go in the evening.
For now, we went straight to the Acropolis Museum. The good thing is that tickets are available online (€20 per person) and there is no need to stand in a long queue.
I was overwhelmed to see the ancient coins, artifacts, and remains of Greek civilization kept in the museum. It was even more amazing to see the real remains of the excavation below the glass floor. Truly a must for anyone following an Athens travel itinerary.
Taste of Greek Food
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Tasting the local food is a must while traveling. We tried the famous Gyros roll, which is stuffed in pita bread. The taste was amazing and light on the pocket too.
Journey Towards the Romantic Island
The next morning we woke up early and set out on our island tour by boat. After a ferry ride of about 4 hours, the view of the blue Aegean Sea and whitewashed houses spread in front of us made our hearts happy.
To reach the hotel, we had to take a local bus, which reduced the expenses considerably. On reaching the hotel “Kima”, we got a surprise – direct Acropolis View from the balcony!
Magic of Blue Domes and Sunset
The most special identity of Santorini is its blue domes and wonderful sunsets. But to be honest, there was a lot of crowd here. As much peace and romance is seen on Instagram, in reality there is a line to take photos there.
Still, when we watched the sun set across the sea from the Old Castle in the evening, it felt like all the fatigue and waiting was worth it. The whole atmosphere was like a movie – truly proving why Santorini is counted among the best romantic islands in Greece.
Volcano Tour and Hot Springs
The next day we did a volcano tour. The boat took us straight to the crater. It was a little difficult to climb up as it was very hot, but the experience was great.
After this, we went for a swim in the Hot Springs. The water had a sulfur smell and a slight warmth, as if nature itself had gifted us a spa.
Greek Hospitality and Last Day
The locals on the island are very friendly. At the hotel, we got a welcome drink “Mastiha”, which is a specialty here.
We spent the last day of the trip relaxing – visiting markets, sitting in local cafés, and quietly collecting memories on the beach.
Conclusion
This trip to Greece was not just about sightseeing but also became a beautiful memory of our relationship. Yes, the crowds and the sun bothered us at times, but the blue sea, white houses, and golden evenings of Santorini made us forget all the tiring moments.
If you are also planning a trip, here’s a tip – live the real Santorini travel experience rather than chasing the perfect Instagram photo. Only then will you feel the real magic of this enchanting destination and truly understand why Santorini is known as one of the best romantic islands in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Santorini travel experience so unique?
Santorini offers breathtaking caldera views, blue-domed churches, luxury resorts, and world-famous sunsets in Oia, making it one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Which are the best romantic islands in Greece besides Santorini?
Apart from Santorini, couples often love Mykonos, Paros, Milos, and Crete for their beautiful beaches, cozy villages, and lively nightlife.
What is the best time to visit Santorini and Athens?
The best time to enjoy Greece is between April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are smaller.
How many days are enough for a complete Santorini travel experience?
Ideally, 3 to 4 days are perfect for exploring Santorini’s villages, beaches, wineries, and sunset spots.
Can I combine Santorini with an Athens travel guide itinerary?
Yes! Most travelers spend 2–3 days in Athens exploring the Acropolis, Plaka, and museums before heading to Santorini or other Greek islands.
Is island hopping easy from Santorini?
Absolutely! Ferries from Santorini connect you to Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Crete, making it ideal for a Greek island-hopping trip.
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