After nearly 50 hours of travel each way, our twenty days under the Greek sun felt completely worthwhile. My phone is overflowing with photos of landscapes, food and cats, but this condensed photo journal highlights the trip’s best moments and practical experiences for anyone planning a Greece travel itinerary.
We began with five days in Athens, determined to explore the city’s archaeological treasures and discover local cuisine. With a focus on history and food, we soaked up the electric atmosphere of central Athens and made a day trip down the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon at sunset.
From the capital we set out on a four-day road trip across the Peloponnese and beyond. We crossed the dramatic Corinth Canal, visited the ancient theatres and ruins at Epidaurus and Mycenae, and wandered the charming streets of Nafplia. Travelling through the plains of Argos and the towns of Tripoli and Megalopolis brought us to historic Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Continuing west, we reached Patras and crossed the impressive Rio–Antirrio Bridge to the coastal town of Itea for an overnight stop. Then we climbed into the mountains, staying in Arachova before exploring the sanctuary at Delphi. From Delphi we headed north through rural villages to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora, where the dramatic monastic cliffs are unforgettable. On the return south to Athens, we passed through Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae and Kammena Vourla, each offering a different slice of Greek life and history.
After so many days on the road, we took a ferry to Mykonos for a few days of relaxation. While based on Mykonos we made a short trip to Delos, the archaeological island long associated with Apollo, and enjoyed the island’s vivid ruins and views. From Mykonos we sailed to Santorini, where we spent time on a catamaran cruise to see the caldera, swim from secluded beaches and enjoy a lunch at sea—an ideal way to experience Santorini’s coastal beauty.
Greece should be on every travel wish list. Between ancient ruins, mountainous landscapes and island life, the country offers a remarkable variety of experiences. Athens in particular felt welcoming enough to become a second home—one I’d happily return to. I’m preparing a practical survival guide to travel in Greece and a separate feature on Greek food to help plan your own trip.
Athens + Cape Sounion
Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Epidaurus – Olympia
Itea – Arachova – Delphi
Kalambaka – Thermopyae
Mykonos
Delos
Santorini
Athens – Farewell
