Greece: From Athens to Santorini in 10 Perfect Days

The Acropolis at sunrise is a mystical experience. We arrived at 7 AM, when the gates open, and had the Parthenon almost to ourselves. The golden sunrise light illuminating 2,500-year-old columns... no photo captures that feeling.

The Plaka neighborhood, at the foot of the Acropolis, is a maze of alleys with tavernas, craft shops, and cats dozing in the sun. We had homemade moussaka for lunch on a terrace with views of the Parthenon for €12. The Ancient Agora, where Socrates debated with his students, is just steps away.

For sunset, we climbed Filopappou Hill. From there, the Acropolis stands out against a sky that goes from orange to pink to purple as the sun sinks into the Aegean. We dined in Monastiraki: souvlaki in pita with tzatziki, the taste of Greece in every bite.

The 5-hour ferry from Athens is an adventure in itself. Seeing Santorini appear on the horizon, with its white houses spilling down volcanic cliffs, is one of those unforgettable moments.

Oia is the postcard village, but also the most crowded. We arrived at sunrise to explore its empty alleys, with blue domes reflecting the first light of day. For the famous sunset, we avoided the castle (too many people) and booked a table at a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

Fira, the capital, has better nightlife and more reasonable prices. We walked the 10 km trail connecting Fira to Oia along the edge of the volcanic crater: impossible views at every turn. The prehistoric museum of Thera houses 3,600-year-old frescoes rescued from volcanic ash.

Santorini's beaches are unique: black, red, or white sand depending on the volcanic mineral. Perissa has coal-black sand, crystal-clear waters, and beach bars where a freddo espresso costs €3.

Red Beach is small but spectacular: an amphitheater of red rocks contrasting with the impossible blue of the sea. We arrived early because it fills up at midday.

Pyrgos is the village tourists ignore. We climbed to its Venetian fortress at sunset and were alone. The views of the entire island, with the sun setting and Fira's lights coming on, were more intimate than any Oia viewpoint.

And don't miss a winery: Santorini produces unique wines thanks to its volcanic soil. Santo Wines offers tastings with caldera views that justify the €25.

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, but it also hides traditional corners. Little Venice at sunset, with its balconies over the sea and windmills in the background, is magical.

The beach clubs at Paradise and Super Paradise are legendary, but we preferred Agios Sostis: a beach without umbrellas or beach bars, just golden sand and turquoise waters. Kiki's restaurant, without electricity or a menu (just fish and salad), has a 2-hour line for a reason.

The Chora (main village) is a maze designed to confuse pirates. Getting lost among its white alleys, with pink bougainvilleas and blue doors, is the best plan. We dined at Kastro, a gay-friendly restaurant with impossible views and contemporary Greek cuisine.

Naxos is what Santorini was 30 years ago: endless beaches, authentic mountain villages, and prices that don't destroy your budget.

Plaka Beach has 4 km of almost empty golden sand. We rented an umbrella and loungers for €10 a day and stayed until the sun went down. The water is so crystal clear you can see your feet even in the depths.

The island's interior is surprising. We rented a quad (€25/day) and climbed to Apeiranthos, a marble village at 600 meters altitude where inhabitants still speak a Venetian dialect. The tavernas serve local cheese and homemade raki while the elderly play backgammon.

The Portara, the portal of the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, is the island's symbol. At sunset, it frames the sun perfectly as it sinks into the Aegean.