Just got invited for a friend’s wedding in Santorini next year at the end of August and I figure that since I’ll be flying there, why not take some time off and explore Greece
If you have any recommendations of where should I also go, places to see, and most importantly, places to eat, let me know!
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I’ve been a couple of times in Greece. Not enough, but that’s a start!
Are you more into nature or culture? Mountains or beach kind of holiday? How many days do you have available?
I don’t have recommendations for very specific places to eat or attractions to visit, but I might be able to help with some ideas of places to go
Santorini was one of my favourite places I’ve ever explored. You can rent an ATV very cheap and explore the entire island! I suggest Akrotiri, since the ruins are super cool and there are some great restaurants right on the water nearby to enjoy after visiting. And Perissa and Kamari beaches with their black sand are really cool!
And if you want to catch the sunset in Oia make sure you go early and find a place to eat dinner with a view! Because the streets will be PACKED with people trying to take pictures!
For places to eat- to be honest I never found a place in Greece that I didn’t enjoy the food! I think you would be hard pressed to find a bad meal!
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I extended my trip in the Greek islands after falling in love with Naxos. It’s beautiful, but not as insanely touristic as Santorini.
Plus, it has, IMO, the best beach bar in the world: https://www.picassoismexican.com/
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+1 for Naxos, also there are beautiful islands around to check: Ios, Naxos, Mykonos.
If you’ll be on Naxos, it’s a place to visit and try out squid stuffed with cheese (stuffed calamari): Google Maps
Also, skip the excursion with swimming on a volcano in the center of Santorini - it’s a scam not worth the money paid
I’ve never been to the Greek islands, but I visited the mainland part. I definitely recommend visiting Meteora, Gitio (it is famous for seafood - the best I have ever had).
a little of culture but more nature and if possible a mix of mountains and beach! Still not sure how many days but maybe something around 10 +/-
Any recommendation would be awesome
I am even more excited now since every food will be amazing thank you for all the suggestions! Will definitely take a look into the ATV renting!
hmm not as touristic, love that! They have daily ferries to all the islands, right?
sounds like I have to go to Naxos then! and thank you for the heads up on the volcano!
Looks magical And seafood will definitely take a look also!
Thank you all sooo sooo much!
Still touristy, but not as obscene as Santorini. The best way to enjoy the islands is to not have a plan at all and just hop from island to island. There’s usually folk selling accommodation in the ports.
Ok, I can see a Naxos trend here when it comes to the island/beach part of the trip So nothing to say on that side!
Let me suggest a couple of places inland. First of all, 3 well known places: Meteora for the monasteries, Delphi for the oracle and the views and Mt Olymp, for the trekking opportunities if you are into it.
If you are looking for something off the beaten path, try the area around Ano Pedina, in the mountains in the Central Zagori area. You can stay in this village or any other of the ones that are located in this closed valley, pretty isolated from any other community, which means they developed their own architectural style in their houses, their bridges, etc. Natural scenery is also breathtaking here!
Hope this helps!!
As a Greek, I’d be happy to offer you some travel suggestions from my POV! It really depends on what you’re seeking from your trip. I visited Santorini three years ago and, honestly, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. However, that’s just my personal perspective. While Santorini delivers iconic photos, it left me wanting for more.
If you’re looking for islands near Santorini that are easy to reach by ferry, here are some options:
Crete: This is the largest Greek island, and it’s so vast that you’d need around a month to explore it all. But you can focus on Heraklion or Chania. Plus, there are direct flights to Vienna from these two cities. Crete is rich of history, culture, and natural beauty, with stunning beaches. Don’t forget to savor the local cuisine! The ferry ride from Santorini to Crete takes about 2-3 hours. (My top pick)
Naxos: Naxos is one of the closest islands to Santorini, just a short ferry ride away. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, and historical sites. The Temple of Apollo and the Portara are must-see historical sites.
Paros: Another neighboring island you can easily reach by ferry. Paros is famous for its charming villages, scenic landscapes, and water sports. It’s a great place for a mix of relaxation and adventure. The ferry ride from Santorini to Paros takes around 3-4 hours, and you’ll also find many German and Austrian travelers there!
Mykonos: Mykonos is a short ferry ride from Santorini, usually about 2-3 hours. It’s renowned for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque streets, and lovely beaches, but do keep in mind that it can be quite expensive.
Ios: Ios is quite close to Santorini and reachable by a short ferry ride of about 1-2 hours. It’s famous for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, making it a paradise for party lovers and sunseekers!
If you’re open to visiting an island a bit farther from Santorini, consider:
Rhodes: It’s not as close to Santorini as some other islands, so the ferry ride takes about 7-8 hours, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. Rhodes Town boasts one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. You can also explore a wide range of beautiful beaches on the eastern and western coasts of the island. Prasonisi, Tsambika, and Lindos are just a few fantastic options. (My 2nd pick)
@joana I can highly recommend the Sporades archipelago! I went to Skiathos and Skopelos that are next to each other and well connected with ferries. These are also the islands where Mamma Mia was filmed.
It is less busy than Mykonos and Santorini, smaller, but absolutely give you that Greek island feeling. 
