Postcards from Greece, and what stayed with us.

a roundup of our favorite stays, tables, and moments from Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

Hi all, I hope you are having a beautiful summer. This summer I went to Greece alongside my family. For as long as I can remember, Greece has been a dream painted in my imagination, sun-bleached islands, the endless blue of the Aegean, Greek salad, baklava, olives and Greek wine. Greece is full of things to see and do, but these were the ones that stayed with me.

Our first stop was Athens, a city that echoes both ancient and modern energy. Ruins rise beside contemporary cafes, and galleries spill into markets. With only 48 hours, we filled our short stay with as much as possible. Standing in awe at the Parthenon glowing against the sun, wandering through the Acropolis Museum where history feels almost touchable, and visiting galleries, markets and artisan shops.

From Athens, we flew to Mykonos, trading the city’s ancient stones and bustling streets for the island’s breezy, sunlit ease. Here the rhythm slowed and shifted. Mykonos greeted us with winding whitewashed alleys, blue doors and the Aegean that seemed to stretch endlessly. Each corner revealed another postcard-perfect view. Bougainvillea over stone walls, by night music spilling into the air and tables that never seem to empty. We spent our time wandering through Mykonos Town, artisan shops and hidden courtyards.

Our last Island stop is Santorini, we arrived here by ferry. Arriving here was like stepping into a painting. The island revealed itself in layers, whitewashed houses filling down volcanic cliffs, the Aegean shimmering endlessly below, and skies that seemed made for sunsets. Here, we wandered narrow pathways in Oia, looking at the caldera views that no photograph could ever truly capture. We truly enjoyed the island’s simplicity and abundance, fresh seafood, Greek salad, and wines born from volcanic soil. It was more than beautiful.

Favorite Stay- Chelidonia Villas, Santorini

A cliffside heaven in Oia, where mornings began with the caldera views under soft light and evenings ended with the kind of sunsets that silence a crowd. The villas felt both private and rooted in traditional Cycladic architecture, a whitewashed cave-style villa and blue accents with private terraces opening to the Aegean.

Favorite Greek Meal- O Thanasis, Lyra & Lotza

Athens gave us kebabs at O Thanasis, the best kebab we’ve eaten, smoky, and wrapped in pita with tzatziki. At Lyra, we have the best baklava with honey and spice. And in Santorini, Lotza won us over with local flavors with amazing views from its terrace.

Favorite Sweet Bite- Loukamades Athens

Golden little puffs of dough, crisp on the outside and soft within, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or pistachio, best eaten warm.

Favorite View- Oia, Santorini

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for watching the sun sink into the horizon of Oia, it truly lived up to its reputation. The sky shifts through golds, pinks, and deep blues, and for a moment, the entire village seems to pause. It’s a view that isn’t just seen.

Favorite Walk- Mykonos Alleys

Narrow, whitewashed lanes like a maze, lined with blue doors, bougainvillea, and boutiques that appear like hidden treasures. It was so dreamy, I could walk there every day.

Favorite Cultural Moment- The Parthenon, Athens

Many travelers skip Athens to rush to the islands, surely missing one of the world’s greatest wonders. Standing before the Parthenon was like standing inside time itself. Columns weathered by centuries, glowing against the sun, a great reminder of the weight of history and the persistence of beauty.

And while the islands are amazing, skipping Athens means missing the Parthenon, an irreplaceable encounter with history.

On my radar for next time: the quieter islands of Greece, Paros and Naxos.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and perhaps found inspiration for your own journey!