Girls Trip in Greece – Mykonos, Paros, and Athens
Greece has always been one place that I have always had an infatuation with. There's just something about the blue waters, white buildings, and my love for feta cheese but something has always been calling me there. I saved my trip for the end of my time in Europe because I knew it would be magical and I wanted to do the trip right.
When my friend Anastasia (visit her blog here), who is originally from Greece but lives in Baltimore invited me to a girls trip in Greece for her birthday, I had no hesitations. The stars aligned and we had the most incredible time in Greece. We spent most of our time in Mykonos, accidentally got on the wrong ferry and ended up in Paros for an afternoon (the most wonderful accident ever) and finished the trip with 48 hours in Athens.
The trip was surreal. Not only because of the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and fancy beach clubs but because I feel like I got the real Greek experience. Anastasia and Emily, another one of the girls on the trip, both speak Greek and have family throughout Greece so I got to experience a side of Greece that I doubt many tourists even know about. I really loved Greece. I love the people, the islands, and the food. It was a magical week.
Some logistics from my trip:
- Spent 3 full days in Mykonos (plus two half days due to traveling)
- 1 afternoon in Paros
- 1.5 days in Athens
Looking back, I would have spent more time in Paros or one of the other smaller islands. Mykonos was beautiful and it was a blast but even though I went in May and it's just the beginning of the season, it was touristy. If you want a quaint beach trip, head to one of the smaller Greek islands but if you want to party def go to Mykonos.
Mykonos
Accommodation: We stayed in the middle of the town in a sweet little Airb&b right by the water. It was about a 10 minute walk from Little Venice/the windmills. If you're not going to rent a car or ATV, I suggest staying in town because there are the most options of things to do within walking distance.
Transportation: While Mykonos isn't a big island, it's not all walkable. I highly suggest either renting a car, ATV, or hanging on the card from a taxi driver (so you can call him whenever you need a ride). There's a decent amount to do in town but if you want to go to the beach clubs, more secluded beaches, or see the East side of the island you're going to need to drive. We went at the end of May so didn't have much trouble with getting taxis but apparently in the middle of summer, it's nearly impossible.
To Do
- Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm: We were so kindly invited to visit this beautiful farm on the Northeast of Mykonos Island. It was a nice, peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Old Town. They grow their own vegetables, produce their own wine (if you visit in September you may even be able to crush your own grapes!), make honey, and have adorable animals. We went on a tour of the farm, learned about the culinary tradition in Mykonos, and then sat on their beautiful terrace for a wine tasting and mezze with an array of Mykonian delicacies. This was definitely a highlight of my time in Mykonos. The food was delicious (especially the yogurt with honey...Greek yogurt in Greece is INCREDIBLE)
- Yacht Tour: Highly suggest doing a boat tour during your time in Mykonos. We choose a tour that included a trip to the ancient archeological island, Delos. We also docked for a few hours and had the chance to swim in the crystal blue Mediterranean water and eat a freshly cooked meal with all the delicious Greek specialties.
- Agios Sostis Beach: Said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Make sure to have lunch at Kiki's Tavern right up from the beach while you're at it.
- Walk around Little Venice and Old Town and see the famous windmills
- Beach Clubs (didn't go to all of them and didn't spend the day at any of them but still a fun option if you're looking to spend $$ and party ;)): Paradise Beach, Scorpios, SantAnna, Nammos, Super Paradise Beach Club –– We went to Scorpios on Sunday early evening to see sunset and stayed a danced most of the night...SO fun but so fancy and everyone is a beautiful model HAHA i felt like I was in a different world but I loved it.
- Night Clubs: Most of the beach clubs turn into night clubs once the sun sets but since it was the beginning of the season when we went, they weren't that fun. The bars along the water in Little Venice were really fun! Specifically Caprice and Moni (which is really fancy but a cool experience)
Restaurants
Eva’s Garden: Really beautiful terrace. A bit touristy/pricey but good food ranging from traditional Greek dishes to really delicious looking pasta
Jimmys Gyros: runner up for best gyros in Mykonos. Really good for a second dinner (or lunch) :)
Kiki’s Tavern (Agostis Sostis Beach): One of my favorite meals in Mykonos. Get the grilled octopus or any of the seafood. It's SO fresh and so delicious. The salad bar, typically not my thing, looked delicious and everyone kept getting food from it. Also, if you get there anytime after it opens at 12, be prepared to wait but the wait goes by fairly quick.
Sakis: Not going to lie, we probably had a gyro from Saki's every day we were in Mykonos. It's just SO good. My mouth starts watering whenever I think about it. I got chicken but the pork is really delicious too!
Koursaros: Greek/Japanese fusion? Definitely a splurge meal but it was delicious and the service was great. We got grilled octopus that was really good and the shrimp skewers melt in your mouth.
Alegro: You'd think it was touristy but it was delicious? Right on the water in Mykonos Old Town and great for lunch/brunch. We split a few brunch dishes and also had the zucchini balls (AMAZE), leek pie, as well as a delicious Greek salad. Highly suggest this place.
Gioras Wood Bakery: If you like baked goods, this is the place for you. Amazing baklava, little tea biscuits, and traditional Mykonian sweets/bread/baked goods. I wish I would have tried the spinach pie!
Paros
So just a little heads up if you are taking the ferry from Mykonos to get to Athens...make sure you are going onto the correct ferry before you walk on because once everyone is on the ferry, the boat leaves even if you accidentally walk on to the wrong ferry like my friends and I did. Long story short, we ended up in Paros which is a place that I quickly fell in love with and want to live in at some point (how many times have I said that after traveling to a new city this year? too many lol)
Since we were only on the island for 5 hours, we didn't do much except wander up and down the streets but nonetheless had a great time. We stopped by Sousouro, a smoothie bar, and had the most delicious (and much needed) green smoothies. Then had a late lunch on the water at Statheros which was so tasty and the view made it unforgettable.
Athens
Again, because of our slight ferry mishap, we lost half a day in Athens so I didn't have much time to explore the city. Athens is HUGE and there's a lot to do but like in any other city, I think the best way to discover it is just to explore :) We went to the Acropolis and walked around near there and then spent the rest of the time with Anastasia's family and then watched the sunset with some friends. The next day, before my flight back to Belgium, I just walked around Plaka and Monastiraki. For cute souvenirs, definitely visit Green Thumbs and Forget Me Not they both have the cutest things (art, jewelry, clothes, postcards, etc.) from local artists.
Restaurants
- Vegan Beat: We had the opportunity to try some of the fan favorites at this vegan cafe and boy oh boy it was all delicious. We tried lemonade with turmeric ginger mint, strawberry kombucha, beetroot chickpea burger, lahmajoun tortilla, Greek mushroom gyro, Greek salad with vegan feta, strawberry cheesecake and banana chocolate mousse. HIGHLY suggest the greek mushroom gyro especially if you are vegan but want to try one of the most delicious foods in Greece ;) This cafe is so cute and so delicious! Great for a healthy lunch or snack in the afternoon.
- Just Made 33: Nice little cafe in the center of town with great sandwiches. I had breakfast there with Greek coffee, Greek yogurt, and a mini brioche with grilled halloumi and roasted veggies.
- Lukumades: I'm from Kentucky so obviously loved everything fried especially fried balls of dough. Loukoumades are tradional Greek donuts that can be found pretty much anywhere. This spot has a modern take on the Greek donuts. I just got the traditional which where drizzle with honey and topped with cinnamon and walnuts but you can get pretty much any topping or filling your heart desires.
Traditional Foods to Try in Greece
- Tzatziki: yogurt cucumber sauce (great with just about anything)
- Greek/Village salad: fresh cucumber, tomato, onion, pepper, and of course feta
- Gyros: pita sandwiches with meat, veggies, fries, tzatziki or honey mustard sauce
- Moussaka: basically Greek version of Shepard's pie
- Dolmades: stuffed grape leaves (vegetarian)
- Baklava: filo dough + chopped nuts + tons of honey
- Zucchini Balls (kolokithokeftedes)
- Frappe: "jet fuel" iced instant coffee with water with ALOT of foam
- Fried/Grilled cheese (saganaki)
- Loukoumades: Greek donuts
- Souvlaki: meat kebabs
- Spanakopita: Spinach Pie
- Yemista: rice stuffed tomatoes or peppers
- Greek Yogurt
So is it obvious that I have fallen in love with Greece (Spain, don't worry, you are still #1 in my <3)? I contemplated missing my flight back to Belgium just so I can stay in paradise for a few more days but reminded myself that I will get back to Greece sooner rather than later. The traveling for the year is coming to an end and I am very sad about it but I am so grateful for all of these experiences. Until next time, Greece!
If you want to see more from the trip, check out my vlog!
