Would like to pen down some of my observations and views from Greece travel backpack.
1) As soon as I landed early in the morning, I was wondering am I really in Athens? I was really shocked to see amount of Chinese around me.
After coming here, I came to know – Greece has maximum number of tourists coming from China. Every nook of the corner it's Chinese. I mean it. Literally every one meter may be. And Greece is also a wedding destination for every Chinese.
2) Till now I had my own perspective thinking Indians have art and probably have mastered the degree in clicking pictures of everything that they come across. I mean everything. But no. I was wrong. I think Chinese have taken over us. After coming to Greece I heard “Do like Chinese do”. You will see them clicking a photo for everything that they come across, may be a normal shop or a toilet or how a tap in the toilet works. They are mesmerized like never before. And not to forget, it's clicked either by Iphone or Selfie Stick. After all, its made in CHINA.
3) Greek Islands are little bit expensive then Athens – Capital city of Greece. So be prepared to shed some money for food. Normally I had some good dishes in 6-7 Euros. Where as on the Greek Islands the same dishes costed me around 10-11 Euros. I could easily manage with expenses in my Greece trip because of my local stay where ever I travel. Sometimes I had a chance to have home cooked food. If not, I have gone to grocery shop and bought stuff like bread, salami packets, some cheese, butter, milk, pasta, etc. This helps me to save lot of money. And all this money saved, helps me to try one authentic dishes in every country I go. That too lavishly why not ;)
4) I have really followed Dave's blog for Greek Island. It's amazing. Every minute detail for Greek Island is mentioned in his blog. And that's how I ended up booking my flight and ship tickets for Island to Island. So I would not provide any details on transportation. Especially Santorini, Mykonos & Naxos where I had chance to transit it. But yes you are more than welcome to ask me. In his blog, don't forget to check questions ask below – it clears all your doubts.
Here is the link - http://santorinidave.com/
5) Usually you would have read the best time to visit Greece is June, July & August. Yes it's true but don't forget it's superb high season,. Everything would be jammed pack. Especially Greek Islands. All the bars and the beaches would be packed. And so I personally like the idea of going in May where I found less people on the Island. And where as people are gearing up to welcome the crowd in coming days. Not to forget Island like Mykonos is compared to Ibiza, Spain and they have best DJ's from the world. June July August usually have DJ's like David Guttea, Afrojack, Hardwell etc. So choice is yours. Tickets would cost you from 40 to 100 Euros. And yes I didn't pay any money for sitting or sleeping on beach shacks because of the off season. Otherwise you have to pay around 5 to 7 Euro's for few hours to sleep on the beach or to book your own shacks.
6) I like the idea of local bus transportation and ATV on Greek Island. To travel from one place to another at a distance of 12-15 km on the Island, the bus ticket would cost you Euro 1.50 to Euro 2.50. If you hire ATV for yourself, it would cost you around 50 euro to 80 euro. 2 people can sit on ATV. For this you will have to deposit your driving license.
P.s They do not look if you have international driving license or not. They want to make business. You can also rent a car. From Smart Car to Peugeot to Mercedes.
7) Athens:
Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Plaka, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kolonaki, Arch of Hadrian, Zappieon, Pnyx, Old Acropolis Museum.
Sunion, Greece is around 80 km from Athens. I had a chance to do a road trip and the way from Athens to Sunion is just I can't forget. It's really amazing place. If you have more time, please consider this and drop by!
8) Santorini:
I have explored more than half of Santorini by walk and hiking the mountain. Except Oia which is 12 kms. There is bus every 15-20 minutes. The best way to explore Greek Island is by map and getting lost.
Imerovigli, Fira, Oia, Akrotiri, Thersia, Kameni and must experience CALDERA.
Get your bikin's/shorts and sunscreen and massage oil to get laid down at red beach of Santorini.
9) Mykonos
This center square or Little Venice has to be explored by foot. Where as to go to Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, Paraga Beach – You can catch bus or rent a ATV. The most happening place for the music & parties is Paradise beach. This beach have 3 main bars – Tropicana Club, Guapaloca Club and Cava Paridivo. These are the places where the International DJ's from the world are invited. You definitely need to take your beach wear here. The parties starts at 4:00 Pm and it goes till 05:00 Am in the morning.
Not to forget - Mykonos is compared to Ibiza.
Check out the stunning video -
10) Carry very light clothes after all it's summer, sand & the beach. But don't forget to carry one or two jackets. Because you are surrounded by water everywhere & its going to be super cold in the evenings.
11) Don't forget to try Souvlaki the local fast food of Grecece for 1 Euro. But on Greek Island it will cost you 2 and 2.50 Euro. Also it's local beer – Fix & Mythos. And definitely some Greek Salad.
12) Visit Acropolis of Athens at night. May be dinner with it's view would be one great idea. And lunch at Plaka too.
13) Video taken at Acropolis of Athens!
14) Road trip from Athens to Cape Sunion