Kalimera iPatriotPost readers,
I was blessed (shoutout to my amazing parents) with the opportunity to take a trip to Greece and visit some of its islands, including Santorini, Naxos and Paros, during the second half of July. A popular tourist destination known for so much – rich ancient history, mythology, stunning islands and influential contributions to philosophy, democracy and Western culture – I was beyond excited to check out Greek life for myself.
While all of the islands were remotely similar, featuring dynamic nightlife, picture-perfect sunsets, delectable Greek cuisine and a powerful sense of nationalism, every island had its own quirks that made it unique.
So, here is a glimpse of the Mamma Mia lifestyle as I give you my review on three of the Greek islands I visited:
Santorini
The famous Santorini. With its iconic caldera views, whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets, Santorini is arguably the most famous of the Greek islands. It’s a place where romance and beauty converge, making it a top destination for honeymooners and photographers.However, if I were ranking the islands, I would put Santorini last solely because of the tourists influx. We visited the infamous blue domes (pictured below) around 8 a.m. and the street approaching the picturesque spot was filled with tourists waiting in line for a photo. Considering the wait was 45 minutes shortly after dawn, I can’t even imagine the chaos at sunset.
When we first got off the ferry and stepped foot in Santorini, the first glimpse of land was an enormous red rock, complete with windy roads up to the top. We curiously researched Santorini’s Red Beach, which is famous for its striking red volcanic cliffs and unique, colorful sands, making it one of the island’s most popular attractions.
Along the Santorini beaches were narrow streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries and gourmet restaurants, providing plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
My group also had the luxury of taking a boat tour along the Mediterranean sea where we got to swim in the crystal blue water and indulge on Greek delicacies. That was one of my favorite days on the trip by far.
The beautiful views of Santorini. (Photos/Zoe Horwitz)
Paros
Paros, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – especially by tourists. Known for its picturesque villages, pristine beaches and lively nightlife, Paros offers a balanced mix of tranquility and excitement.
We stayed in a hotel that was along a strip full of boutiques, charming restaurants, live music and best of all: the most beautiful sunset.
Beach lovers can definitely find their paradise on Paros. We visited multiple beaches within Paros and its neighbor island, Antiparos, with my favorite beach being the Santa Maria Beach. We ate lunch at a nice restaurant/resort on the Santa Maria Beach’s water that served the most delicious sandwiches, fruit and coffee.
Our trip to Paros included other active activities as well, including hiking down the Byzantine Road and climbing 400 stairs in an ancient cave full of unique limestone formations. The Byzantine Road hike was just over two miles with views of the Aegean Sea. The path, which links the traditional villages of Lefkes and Prodromos, featured many rocks and sticks but also berries that we tasted as we walked.
While in Paros, we also visited a cute town nearby called Nousa. We dined at a fancy seafood restaurant that made amazing shrimp pasta and then walked around to witness the social scene. The town had rows upon rows of little shops selling traditional clothing and jewelry. There was no shortage of the famous evil eye bracelets and necklaces in Nousa, that’s for sure.
Seaside views from Paros. (Photos/Zoe Horwitz)
Naxos
Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, is a treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty. Known for its fertile landscapes, mountainous terrain and ancient ruins, Naxos is a destination that caters to all types of travelers. Strolling through the labyrinthine alleys, visitors can discover hidden gems like local tavernas, boutique shops and artisan workshops. A must-have shop to stop at is the Naxos Apothecary, which sells skin care products from natural Greek ingredients. I bought an oil that smells incredible and instantly softens skin.
We stayed in Naxos for two nights. The first day we visited Plaka Beach, which had a more desert-like feel in comparison to the other beaches. The road leading up to the beach was very dusty and rocky and had old mini markets and restaurants along the way. The restaurant we ate at while visiting had killer tzatziki, a traditional dip made of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt.
We also took a trip to the southeastern island of Ano Koufonisi, where we basked in the sun and swam in the pellucid Mediterranean Sea. While there, we befriended a local 13-year-old Greek boy who told us more about Greek culture and even taught us a few words: λατρεύω την Ελλάδα (translation: I love Greece).
Our final side quest in Naxos was visiting Portara, the gate of Apollo’s temple, right by the port. The gate acts as a trademark, symbolizing a joyful entry and exit on Naxos.
Naxos offered a more rural perspective of Greek culture but still featured the traditional gorgeous sunset and waterfront view. (Photos/Zoe Horwitz)
Final thoughts
Santorini, Paros and Naxos each offer a unique slice of the Greek island experience. Whether you’re drawn to the hidden charm of Paros, the historical richness of Naxos or the iconic beauty of Santorini, these Cycladic jewels promise unforgettable memories like the ones I made on my trip. Until next time…
