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If you have any plans to visit Greece soon or much later in the future, my in-depth Greece Travel Guide will dish out all the spots to eat, sleep, and play – or just take jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring images!
SANTORINI
I’m kicking off this guide with Santorini because it was my personal favorite! From the blue domes and crisp waters to the rustic windmills, it was beautiful beyond belief – and basically the capital of the most Instagrammable spots in the world.
Where to Stay
Before you settle on one place, I just want to note that Santorini is a pretty small island, so going from one town to the next doesn’t require a whole lot of work. In the end, Dan and I settled on Oia for its reputation of having some of the most beautiful views in Santorini – especially when the sun sets.
The town itself had a romantic vibe – and it was charming all over. It’s also one of the most popular towns that has many many tourist attractions. That being said, it’s also more expensive than the capital, Fira, which is known to be more of a party town. We definitely wanted to stay in a isolated, low-key spot (i.e. Oia).
That turned out to be this quaint Airbnb that proved to be far more amazing than we ever imagined! To say the views from this corner are incredible is an understatement. It’s basically right next to the iconic blue domed church. The image to the right, above, & below are examples of the view from our Airbnb – how lucky, right?
Where to Shoot
There are tons of great places to shoot in Oia and around Santorini. However, here were two specific spots we felt should be on everyone’s radar:
Near or Around the Iconic Blue Domes – The image left was shot right outside our Airbnb – and you can see that the domes are literally right there. We never got tired of seeing them. However, in order to get a photo-worthy shot, you have to be a little strategic. (Click here for exact spot!)
To get beautiful shots of the blue domes from the angle you see above and left, you’d have to go to the opposite side of where our Airbnb is, which can be found here. However, you can’t access the roof (as you see me sitting) UNLESS you’re guests of the Blue Blanco Cave House.
Pro Tip: Make your way there early right before the cruise ships come in – or, get your hands on a cruise ship schedule so you can have your backdrop free of intruders.
Pink House with Windmill Background – The “pink house” is the Kastra Oia Houses which features suites with spacious terraces and hot tubs overlooking the sea. It’s also known for having a restaurant that serves traditional Greek breakfast in the morning. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth a stroll to snap some photos like the two below. You can also get these exact shots by going here and bookmarking it for later!
Where to Eat
Santorini is filled with plenty of wonderful places to eat – and it doesn’t fall short of gorgeous views to accommodate each meal.
Here were some stand out highlights you wouldn’t want to miss:
Pro Tip: To go back up is quite a climb, so if you’re not up for it, you can hire a donkey for 5 euros a person.
Drinks by the Windmill
Once you’re back up, be sure to visit the Oia Castle to get a spectacular view of the hillside (see image below) and the famous Windmill. It’s also one of the best spots to get a sunset shot. Plus, you can find plenty of places for tasty, thirst-quenching drinks while you’re waiting for time to pass.
Pro Tip: It can get quite crowded, if this is priority, make sure to go an hour or two before sun sets and secure a good spot.
And, that’s it for Santorini!
MYKONOS
Now onto Mykonos, dubbed as the nightlife of Greece, it’s glamorous, posh, and high in energy. If you love the party scene, then you might prefer Mykonos over it’s quieter counterpart (Santorini). Characterized by rolling hills, cubist-inspired architecture, and sandy white beaches, it also doesn’t fall short of photogenic spots! I’ll be sharing my favorite places to shoot and eat below!
Where to Shoot
Outside Pandora Boutique – The images above and below are perhaps one of the most iconic shots in Mykonos, which sits right outside of Pandora Boutique. Be sure to save the location here so you don’t miss it during your excursion! The stone alleyway and white buildings with bright pops of blue make it clutter-free and pleasing to the eye.
Pro Tip: Go super early in the morning so you get flattering lighting and the luxury of empty streets.
By the Windmills – Mykonos also has some stunning windmills of its own, which hold great history but also makes an Instagram-worthy spot! You can shoot at sunrise or sunset, but beware that it gets pretty crowded from the late afternoon to the evening.Pro Tip: If you want to get up close (and personal) to the windmills, try shooting BEHIND them. Everyone tries to shoot from the front, but from the back, you actually get a better view with the ocean sitting in the background and beautiful vivid skies (especially at sunset – see below).
Kastros Bar Secret Shot – I love places that are as lovely as they taste. Kastro Bar has a hidden spot that’s breathtaking, serene, and essential for bloggers (see above)! Photo-worthy, right? To get this shot, save these coordinates for later!
Kounelas Fish Tavern – Finally, for dinner, I couldn’t recommend this place enough – and even more so if you’re a seafood lover like me. You can get incredibly fresh seafood straight from the Aegean Sea! Do not give up the opportunity for quality food – you’ll regret it!
Where to Eat
Popolos – For breakfast like a true local, I loved Popolos (see left) for their delightful sandwiches! I feel like I can still smell and taste them now looking back at these photos! Also, don’t forget to grab some true Greek coffee here – it’s a must-try when in Mykonos! Bonus: The staff is so friendly and smiley from ear to ear!
Veranda Bar – Going a bit backwards here, but the Veranda Bar is a sublime stop to make so you can get an unhindered (and gratifying) view of the Windmills! It’s a nice quick-stop to refuel and relax. (See below.)
Pure delish!
Til our next trip! Hope you enjoyed my travel Guide to Greece!
