Summer travel is here and I’ve been getting tons of requests for Greece travel tips since I’m fortunate enough to have spent months hopping around Athens and the Greek islands in the past few years.
The Greek islands are my favorite place to be in the summertime in the Mediterranean because it’s much more affordable than Italy or the South of France, has breathtaking beaches, is very easy to hop around using ferries and a rental car, plus it’s extremely easy to eat dairy- and gluten-free, which is important for me so that I feel my best while traveling.
Here are some of the places I recommend.
Athens
A lot of people skip Athens and head straight for the Greek islands, which is totally understandable if you’re a beach person. But if you have to fly through Athens anyway and want to stay a day to check it out, here are a few of my favorite spots.
ERGON House Athens: my favorite hotel in Athens as far as the location, right by the best bars and restaurants and walking distance from the Acropolis. It has modern design and the rooftop restaurant has acropolis views and delicious food.
Shila Athens: my favorite chic boutique hotel in Athens with the dreamiest bedrooms and breakfast spread they bring to your room. The hotel is located about a 15 minute walk from the main tourist area but is close to a very trendy part of Athens that reminds me of the West Village in NYC.
Winners vegan restaurant in the Nikki Hotel: one of the most delicious vegan restaurants I’ve ever been to, made with whole, homemade ingredients. The hotel owner, Alkis, is passionate about health and fitness as well as cooking and serves as the chef of the restaurant. You’ll definitely get to meet him if you dine there as he comes out and greets all of his restaurant guests.
Birdman: a Japanese pub known for beef nigiris and Instagrammable chicken sandwiches. Make sure you book a reservation or you won’t be able to get a seat in this tiny restaurant.
Nolan: a modern Asian fusion restaurant with beautiful upscale ambience that would be perfect for a date night.
Baba au Rum: a cool cocktail bar that even the locals love.
The Clumsies: a cocktail bar on one of the world’s best bars list that is also worth a visit.
Paros
Paros seems to be the preferred party island for people who want something more chill and less overpriced than Mykonos, especially during peak season in July and August when Mykonos prices are their highest. I think the ideal Greek island trip would kick off with 1-2 party days in Mykonos then transition to 1-2 more relaxing days in Paros. You’ll need to rent a car to get around the island. Book in advance at all of these restaurants. I’ve really only stayed at villas with groups in Paros so can’t recommend any hotels. Paros has an airport that you can fly to.
Blue Oyster: our group’s favorite restaurant in Paros because of the beetroot risotto. We usually go two times in one week.
Siparos: one of the best restaurants for seaside views. It’s slightly away from the main tourist area.
Bebop: Peruvian rooftop restaurant that is perfect for sunset.
Daverona: comforting home-style Greek restaurant in the heart of the main town.
Stilvi: one of the chicest restaurants in town
Kima: a delicious Greek restaurant with a gorgeous beach right in front of it
Ikaria
I visited Ikaria because it’s one of the five world’s Blue Zones, the regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians. The most popping time of year to hit Ikaria is August, when Ikaria has its annual famous panagiria parties that go until sunrise. I visited in June when the weather was still warm enough to swim and the island wasn’t crowded, so it was easy to book hotels and walk into restaurants. Most of the tourists you’ll bump into in August will be Greek people. Book all your restaurants in advance. Rent a car as it’s the only way to get around the island. Note that Ikaria has an airport you can fy to from Athens.
Erofili Beach Hotel: I stayed here for weeks because I loved its sea access and proximity to restaurants as well as the base of the mountain where at the top you’ll find most of the island’s nightlife. It’s very affordable and simple lodging.
Toxotis Villas: the most upscale hotel on the island but be warned there are tons of stairs to walk through the property and it isn’t that close of a walk to anything.
Mary Mary: my favorite Greek restaurant on the island that I probably ate at at least 10 times!
Karimalis winery and restaurant: this is a MUST visit to eat Greek longevity home style cooking. You can also sign up for cooking classes.
Theoktistis: a monastery where you can get delicious Greek donuts. Definitely a tourist trap but still fun.
Navagio Cafe Bar: pop in for a Greek coffee or smoothie from the sweetest owner, Maria, and check out this village. This area at night is where all of the partying is on the island
Seychelles Beach: a gorgeous beach you’ll have to hike a bit to get to.
Stan Gialo: a delicious Greek restaurant with a Greek grandma cooking in the kitchen. The perfect meal after visiting Seychelles Beach.
Afianes Wines: a family-owned winery worth touring. Order the smoked eel salad for lunch after your tour. This winery is known for a sparkling wine that’s aged in the sea.
Mykonos
I love daytime parties, which is why no summer feels complete to me without at least one quick trip to Mykonos. You MUST book everything in advance. When I did my 40th birthday party here in August, I booked everything in April and May. Note that Mykonos has an airport that you can fly directly into from many other places in Europe.
Kalua: my favorite place on the island to book a day bed for a beach day party
Noema: upscale place to grab a late dinner in town before going clubbing in town
The Town House: my favorite hotel in Mykonos town. They have a rooftop bar that’s lovely for sunset.
Moni: the best night time club in Mykonos. You won’t be able to book a table unless your group has at least half women in it.
Hippie Fish: great place for a chill beachside lunch outside of town
Alemagou: the best night is Friday. Book a late dinner table and a drinks table for afterward.
Scorpios: the best day and night to go is Sunday.
Julie