GREECE

WHEN: June 2018
WHERE: Athens, Santorini

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Where to Stay?

ATHENS
Diros Hotel

Location
I thought the location was perfect. It was out of the hustle and bustle but was still close to walk to anything. It was about a 30 minute walk to the main sites. 1 minute walk to the hop on hop off pick up and to cafe's. Safe environment despite the appearance.
Likes
Location, price, staff, cleanliness. I also really liked the fact that they had a room in the back to hold our luggage. We arrived really early and they allowed us to hold luggage so we could walk around the area.
Dislikes
Far from airport (but most are), not super fancy & no breakfast or food options right at the hotel.
Price
€35.20 /night ($160 for 3 nights)

SANTORINI

Villa Ilios

Location
Located right outside Thira (Fira) - short drive.
Likes
I loved the pool and privacy. Good price. It was a short quad ride to Oia.
Dislikes
Would have rather stayed in Oia (but would have cost a lot more) Room was clean but bed was uncomfortable.
Price
€55.00/night ($82.12 for 1 night)

SANTORINI
Apenemo Hotel

Location
Located in Akrotiri which is close to the black sand beach. Location was a huge con of this hotel mostly because its part of the island that is more secluded and less touristy (which for us was perfect!)
Likes
Everything. The room, the staff, the food, the pool, the layout. Best hotel I have ever stayed in.
Dislikes
As previously mentioned, it is more secluded with not much close by - BUT they offer a van into the town to grab food
Price
It is expensive. Around 300 a night. I unfortunately don't remember what we paid. I believe around $230 a night. Worth EVERY penny.

SANTORINI
Santa Barbara Hotel
Location
Perissa Beach! Perfect location. Close walk to shops, restaurants and beach!
Likes
Staff! Comfortable and good food!
Dislikes
Thin walls.
Price
C$54.91/night

Where/What to Eat

We didn't really eat at any fancy restaurants to tell you where exactly to eat. BUT the following you have to try!
- greek salad (so much better there then here!)
- fresh fruit
- local wine
- local beer
- pastries/baked goods (they have stores everywhere - try everything - seriously its so freaking good!)

Things to do/see

#1. Rent A Quad

- Do NOT rent one if you don't know how to drive one properly. They don't drive as nice as they do here
- rent on the island (too busy in Athens)
- perfect to get you around everyone
- cheap (I think it was about 30$ for 2 days for 2)
- helpful to get you around the entire island

#2. See The Ruins

- Acropolis (pay to see it all) I can't remember what it cost but it isn't cheap. Bring a student card for a discount (or fake it till you make it)
- Olympic Stadium (personal favourite) - it was empty with very few tourists and cheap (5 euros).
- Temple of Zeus (part of the Acropolis) but worth a visit

#3. Visit Oia

- cliff jump (Amoudi Bay) be careful when first getting in the water to not cut your foot. & if you don't have quads the trek is a long one
- sunset (if you're in town you may want to find a spot 1-2 hours early)
- try ice cream and smoothies
- go into all the shops (seriously, they have some amazing stuff)
- donkey ride (if you can!)

Tours To Take

Catamaran Tour

Where: Santorini
We booked a "small group catamaran cruise with meal and drinks" tour with Get Your Guide. It was pretty great. We had a lovely group of people and good staff.
Free booze.
Great food.
Lots of stops.
The snorkelling was amazing.
Just relaxing on the catamaran was amazing.
The sunset was much better from the boat then in Oia as well!
Everything was included which was why the price was well worth it.
Price: C$421.22 for 2 people

Cruise

Where: Athens to Islands
This trip was something we randomly booked when we were there and we weren't disappointed. It was basically a tour to 3 different islands. The 1st island (Hydra) was absolutely gorgeous. We had lots of time there and I would highly recommend to go there even to stay the night. We then went to 2 others. the last one we opted to do an "added" tour to a private island. IT was so stunning.
Our complaint would be the boat/ship itself. It was PACKED. There was no seats outside and when we questioned the loads they said that this is a really light load, so I wouldn't want to be on the boat with any more people - so its risky.
Price: C$110 per person

Time we went

When we were there in early June it was perfect.
It wasn't over run by tourists (it was busy, but not packed).
It was perfect weather (25-30 degrees during the day, sunny and very little rain (if any!).
It also wasn't crazy expensive & was affordable.
Peak season would be May-September but June was perfect.

general tips/tricks

The people are extremely friendly. Now maybe it helped that we were girls but I find they love to help. When we were on Hydra a local man asked us if wed like to use his house too take some photos (best decision I've ever made). It was stunning. They offered us soda's and water's and showed us secrets. While at the temple, we got talking to a guide who then snuck inside for better photo access in restricted area's. We went to one cafe daily to the point where they knew us and would give us free samples of their baked goods. If you talk to them, you'll get a much better experience!
Don't move around so much! We didn't need to stay at 3 different hotels while we were on Santorini. Its small enough to just rent a quad and drive.
Have lots of cash - its easier and more accepted!
Spend less time in Athens and more time on islands
If you're going to Santorini, don't stay in Oia. Its way more expensive! You can stay at hotel just as nice outside for cheaper (I mean Oia is stunning and perfect to stay in - but if you're ballin on a budget its not worth it!)
Don't be alarmed at all the graffiti, its everywhere but doesn't mean the area is bad
Sanotini is beautiful but is definitely more of a romantic island
There are lots of spots on Santorini that aren't overrun by tourists (but you gotta just find them!)
If you're renting a quad: avoid muddy streets (they don't like it when it comes back muddy), know how to ride it and how to fix it if it stalls, know where you're going, don't drive at night (we got lost)

Final opinions

Greece is an amazing country with amazing history, culture, food, wine and people. Athens wasn't my favourite place in the world, but the people made up for that. The islands on the other hand were spectacular. I wish I had longer to explore other islands (Crete, Corfu, Mykonos).
Would I recommend going?
Yes. 100% yes.
Would I go back?
I'm already planning a trip back!
Total Cost:
Around $1000-$1500 per person

(please note: we flew standby with my airline)

Photos

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GREECE

WHEN: June 2018 WHERE: Athens, Santorini

Where to Stay?

ATHENS Diros Hotel

SANTORINI

Villa Ilios

Location Located right outside Thira (Fira) - short drive. Likes I loved the pool and privacy. Good price. It was a short quad ride to Oia. Dislikes Would have rather stayed in Oia (but would have cost a lot more) Room was clean but bed was uncomfortable. Price €55.00/night ($82.12 for 1 night)

SANTORINI Apenemo Hotel

SANTORINI Santa Barbara Hotel Location Perissa Beach! Perfect location. Close walk to shops, restaurants and beach! Likes Staff! Comfortable and good food! Dislikes Thin walls. Price C$54.91/night

Where/What to Eat

Things to do/see

#1. Rent A Quad - Do NOT rent one if you don't know how to drive one properly. They don't drive as nice as they do here - rent on the island (too busy in Athens) - perfect to get you around everyone - cheap (I think it was about 30$ for 2 days for 2) - helpful to get you around the entire island

#2. See The Ruins

#3. Visit Oia

Tours To Take

Catamaran Tour

Cruise

Time we went

general tips/tricks

Don't move around so much! We didn't need to stay at 3 different hotels while we were on Santorini. Its small enough to just rent a quad and drive.

Have lots of cash - its easier and more accepted!

Spend less time in Athens and more time on islands

If you're going to Santorini, don't stay in Oia. Its way more expensive! You can stay at hotel just as nice outside for cheaper (I mean Oia is stunning and perfect to stay in - but if you're ballin on a budget its not worth it!)

Don't be alarmed at all the graffiti, its everywhere but doesn't mean the area is bad

Sanotini is beautiful but is definitely more of a romantic island

There are lots of spots on Santorini that aren't overrun by tourists (but you gotta just find them!)

If you're renting a quad: avoid muddy streets (they don't like it when it comes back muddy), know how to ride it and how to fix it if it stalls, know where you're going, don't drive at night (we got lost)