The Greece Honeymoon Guide
The Greece Honeymoon Guide
ATHENS · SANTORINI · PAROS
A 12-day escape through the Cyclades - where to stay, what to do, and a few ‘good to knows’!
ATHENS · SANTORINI · PAROS
Welcome to Greece!
I am genuinely so happy to be sharing this with you. It feels like I am sharing a piece of my heart because this trip was honestly so, so special to me - firstly, because it was my husband and my first international trip together, and secondly (and most importantly), because it was our official honeymoon!
When we began planning our honeymoon in Greece, it started off being very vague. At the very least, we knew which islands we wanted to visit and how long we'd stay on each. Then, slowly but surely, we began adding the main activities and attractions we wanted to do and see, while making sure we left enough breathing room throughout the trip for us to wander and decide on the go what we wanted to do. This turned out to be the best approach for us because there were so many amazing and spontaneous things we stumbled upon, which wouldn't have happened had we filled our days with a back-to-back itinerary.
I now know exactly what to include in this guide for you to experience, while allowing for some flexibility to make your own spontaneous choices every now and then, just like we did. While this guide is based on our honeymoon, it's by no means only for honeymooners - friends, couples, families, you’ll enjoy this either way! Whether you've got twelve days, five days, one-hundred days, everything here can be tailored to suit your own itinerary.
Okay, now that that’s all out the way…
Let's get you to Greece, shaaall wee?!
One city + two islands
Athens to land and acclimatise, Santorini for the dramatic landscapes, and Paros to slow down and relaaax.
Each section covers where we stayed, what we did, and a few ‘good to knows’. Any helpful links throughout the guide are underlined for easy access. Of course, feel free to pick and choose the parts that best fit your trip, and enjoyy!
FIRST STOP · OH MY GOSH, WE’RE HERE!!
ATHENS
Fly in, find your feet, and let the ancient world set the tone. Two nights was perfect for us. It gave us enough time to experience the 'essentials' without losing precious island time. We based ourselves centrally, near Syntagma, so we could walk to almost everything worth seeing.
WHERE WE STAYED
Syntagma Warm Studio on Ermou Street (check availability)
A cutely furnished, modern studio apartment, perfectly located along Ermou Street. We could literally walk to all the restaurants, cafés, shops, and even the Acropolis from here. The only time we used public transport was to get to and from the airport! The bathroom is small, but otherwise it's such a lovely apartment. I would recommend this spot, especially for its location!
WHAT WE DID
The Acropolis & Parthenon
This is definitely a must-visit! We booked a timed-entry ticket online in advance and chose the last slot of the day (7pm) for the perfect golden light and cooler temp. Alternatively, you could choose an early morning slot (8am or 9am) for golden light and possibly smaller crowds. The sunset light against the Parthenon was simply beautiful. And yes, it is crowded, but so worth it. Of course, I loved taking photos here!
Mnisikleous Stairs
After visiting the Acropolis, we walked towards the iconic Mnisikleous Stairs and enjoyed a rooftop dinner at Anefani. They had live music and a beautiful view overlooking the city and the Acropolis! The vibes were definitely high here, getting us super excited for the adventures still to come!
Plaka
We spent an afternoon exploring Plaka. It's known for its restaurants, shops, and lively streets filled with that authentic Greek charm. We had our favourite chicken gyros (out of the entire trip!) at a restaurant we randomly stumbled upon called The Greco's Project on Ermou Street. I wish I could go back lol. I also enjoyed an iced almond milk latté from Rhoé, a super cute café we also randomly stumbled upon - it’s soo aesthetically pleasing omg (images blow). And I also picked up a few pieces from Pull & Bear (actually my first time shopping there, I wish we had one in South Africa!), which I ended up wearing for the rest of the trip haha. The blue set I’m wearing at the Acropolis, the white set in Santorini and the yellow oversized Tee at Oakberry - all from Pull & Bear, I looove it.
The Changing of the Guard
We watched the ceremonial Changing of the Guard outside the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square. The precision, traditional uniforms, and unique marching style made it such a memorable experience. The ceremony takes place every hour, on the hour, so it's easy to fit into your itinerary. If you're visiting on a Sunday, I'd also recommend catching the full ceremonial change at 11:00 am, where the guards wear their complete traditional uniforms and are accompanied by a military band.
National Garden, Zappeion Hall & The Panathenaic Stadium
We wandered through the beautiful National Garden, a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Athens, before making our way to Zappeion Hall, a beautiful neoclassical building with impressive marble columns. We also walked to the Panathenaic Stadium, the only all-marble stadium in the world and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. We didn't actually go inside, but even viewing it from the outside was pretty incredible.
Sunset from Areopagus Hill
We spent an evening on Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill), a rocky lookout point beside the Acropolis overlooking the entire city. It was incredible watching the Acropolis light up as the sun went down. The Areopagus Hill is also the place where the Apostle Paul delivered his famous sermon about the "Unknown God" (Acts 17), which made visiting even more meaningful for us.
ATHENS · GOOD TO KNOW
The Metro
The metro runs directly from the airport into the city centre. No need to buy tickets - simply tap your bank card when entering and exiting (yes, your actual bank card!). We used our Discovery Bank cards through Apple Pay, so we could simply tap with our phones.
If you're taking the metro back to the airport, simply follow the aeroplane signs. Don't be shy to ask the staff at the ticket desk for help if you're unsure - it can be a little confusing at first.
Getting to Santorini from Athens
I’d recommend booking a ±45minute flight with either Aegean Airlines or Sky Express from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport, which we personally preferred over taking a muuuch longer ferry. View available flights and choose your preferred travel date.
SECOND STOP · I WANT TO CRYY IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL!
SANTORINI
Four nights of caldera, sunsets and whitewashed villages. Santorini is the one on the postcards, and for good reason! White buildings perched on a volcanic cliff, the caldera falling away to a sapphire sea, and sunsets that stop conversation (literally). Base yourself in Fira (or Oia) for the easiest access to everything.
WHERE WE STAYED
Novel Double Room - Kyklandonisia (check availability)
A modern boutique hotel in the heart of Fira! We absolutely loved it here. They offer daily housekeeping and a communal pool. The room is small, but we still loved it because of how modern everything is and how centrally located it is. I would recommend for sure.
WHAT WE DID
The Caldera-Edge Walk
We walked along the marble path from Fira to Skaros Rock, overlooking the ocean the entire way. We also decided to hike to the lookout point on Skaros Rock, which was absolutely breathtaking! You could do this at golden hour for a stunning sunset, or do it during the day like we did - it was just as incredible!
Elevated Dinner at FortyOne Caldera
We treated ourselves to one special dinner at FortyOne Caldera - it was the most beautiful restaurant we have everrr been to, no lies. Caldera views, neutral tones, super modern... definitely worth doing for the occasion. I ordered the Tuna Souvlaki, while Arno ordered the lamb shank with mash. Both dishes were excellent.
The views, the atmosphere, everything, it was all perfect. I'll never forget this night. P.S. We made our reservation for 7pm so we could enjoy the sunset around 8:30pm.
Oia
Busy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Whitewashed buildings, blue domes, boutiques, restaurants, and art shops. We were honestly stunned by how picturesque it was. We took the bus from Fira to Oia around noon and spent the afternoon wandering around. (By the way, the bus fare from Fira to Oia was €2.20 per person, one way.)
We had lunch at Pitogyros Greek Grill - of course we both ordered chicken gyros for the umpteenth time, and they were delicious as always! We then walked all along the coast to a lookout point overlooking Ammoudi Bay. I'd definitely recommend staying for sunset if you can.
A Catamaran Cruise
An absolute highlight. Sailing around the caldera, swimming in volcanic hot springs, and enjoying Greek cuisine prepared by the crew right on deck (barbecue and all!). We booked the Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise, which included transfers from Fira near our accommodation. If you're going to splurge on one activity, make it this.
One tip we learnt the hard way, though... don't book on a windy day. The wind was around 30 km/h when we went, and the ocean was super choppy. I had mint chewing gum to help with my motion sickness (pro tip, especially for ferries!), but I definitely would've preferred a calmer day - around 10-20 km/h maximum. Nonetheless, it was a catamaran cruise well worth going on!
Sunset from The Fira Caldera Path
We wandered along the iconic Fira Caldera Path, the clifftop promenade overlooking the Aegean Sea. It truly is the most beautiful view I have ever seen… in my entire life… seriously… especially when you reach the point where you can view all the white buildings along the cliff, matched with a breathtaking sunset. There are many beautiful restaurants, cafés and boutique shops. It's one of the most scenic walks on the island and the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Of course we had another chicken gyros haha! (Seriously? Another gyros recommendation?) Why yes. It's called Yogi in Fira. We had their chicken gyros on numerous occasions actually. You're welcome and enjoyy. :)
Açaí Smoothie Bowls!!
Okay, so this is pretty niche, but if you love smoothie bowls like me, you'll love these spots in Fira:
Stolen Fruit – I ordered their Banarchy Açaí Smoothie Bowl and an iced latte with almond milk every morning. (Expenny, but so worth it.)
Oakberry– Their store literally opened the day we were leaving Santorini for Paros... perfect timing! I ordered their Works Açaí Bowl with unlimited toppingsss. And, for my unbiased opinion, I actually preferred Stolen Fruit's açaí bowl over Oakberry's. (Shhh.)
Chillbox – Not smoothie bowls technically, but yummy, yummy frozen yogurt with your own toppings! I usually went for the plain frozen yogurt with Oreo crumbs, chocolate sauce, and pistachio sauce (omg take me back).
SANTORINI · GOOD TO KNOW
Public Buses
The local KTEL Santorini buses are budget-friendly (around €2.20-€3.50 per person, one way), frequent during summer, and connect the towns to the beaches. You can view the Santorini bus timetables online.
Airport & Ferry Transfers
Book your airport and ferry port transfers in advance to avoid paying double the price. We pre-booked ours for €30 in total from Santorini Airport to our accommodation in Fira, and €40 in total from our accommodation to the ferry port.
Ferry to Paros
We booked a 1hour 45minute high-speed ferry with Seajets from Santorini (Athinios Port) to Paros (Parikia Port).
Athinios is the island's main ferry port. Arrive with plenty of time to spare, as it can get very chaotic during summer. We chilled at Chillbox while waiting for our high-speed ferry to Paros.
Windy Days
When booking ferries or boat trips, if possible, avoid booking on windy days. Again, it was windy on the day we took the high-speed ferry from Santorini to Paros (lol), and I promise you, I went through three pieces of mint chewing gum by the end of the trip because the ocean was so choppy. I don't know how, but chewing mint gum really helps... and drinking lots of water too. And if you can't avoid travelling on a windy day, I'd definitely recommend keeping mint chewing gum and motion sickness tablets on hand, just in case. Pro tip if you're prone to motion sickness like me!
THIRD STOP · PHEW OKAY LET’S BREATHE
PAROS
Four nights of beaches, villages & island calm. After the busier atmosphere of Santorini, everything here felt a little slower, a little quieter, and exactly what we were looking for. Paros is the exhale - less crowded, more authentic, and home to some of the best swimming beaches in the Cyclades: golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water (A DREAM!). Base yourself in Parikia or Naoussa.
WHERE WE STAYED
Ravel Boutique Apartments (check availability)
Wow, we got soo so lucky with this spot! It's a newly renovated boutique hotel, and we were their very first guests since reopening. The lovely owner and host, Christina, upgraded our room (linked above) since it was our honeymoon and shared the best travel tips for Paros. It's actually how we found many of the beaches and restaurants I've recommended below.
Our room even had a private terrace, daily housekeeping was included, and it was within walking distance of the port, restaurants, cafés, and the main hub of Parikia!
WHAT WE DID
Explore Parikia Old Town
We spent hours wandering through the beautiful alleyways of Parikia, stumbling across little cafés, boutiques, and hidden corners, before visiting the breathtaking Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of the Hundred Doors), one of the oldest churches in Greece, dating back to the 4th century.
Exploring Parikia was the perfect introduction to Paros and quickly became one of our favourite places to simply slow down and soak it all in.
Our favourite chicken gyros in Parikia was To Souvlaki Tou Pepe! I also enjoyed an iced latte from Arsenis Grocery Store, which wasn't too far from our accommodation. Our Airbnb host, Christina, also recommended Mira Restaurant for traditional Greek cuisine and Cannelait Paros for brunch and coffee.
Explore Naoussa
Naoussa is known as the prettiest village on the island! A charming fishing village with whitewashed streets, colourful fishing boats, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants. We loved wandering without a plan, getting lost in the little alleyways, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. We had lunch at Pita Frank - yes, yet ANOTHER chicken gyros... and it was damn good! While we were in Naoussa, we took a bus to...
Santa Maria Beach
While we were in Naoussa, we took a bus to Santa Maria Beach (the bus fare is a flat rate of €2.20 per person, one way). Arriving at Santa Maria Beach was a dream. The water was unbelievably clear, calm, and the most beautiful shade of turquoise, making it the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon swimming and relaxing. I filmed some crazy underwater footage on my GoPro because the water clarity was just insane.
By the way, you can either hire a sun lounger from the restaurant for around €40 per lounger, or simply bring your own towel and enjoy the beach for free. We borrowed beach towels from our accommodation at Ravel Boutique Apartments. All in all, I'd highly recommend visiting Santa Maria Beach purely for its calm, crystal-clear water and fewer crowds.
A Traditional Greek Boat Tour
We loved Santorini's catamaran tour so much that we booked another boat tour in Paros... and we loved this one even more! The Maria Paros Sea Caves Tour was my absolute highlight of the entire trip. Personally, I'll find aaany excuse to swim in the ocean without needing a wetsuit - you can thank Cape Town's freezing water for that. 😂
The tour departs from Parikia and includes 3-4 swim and snorkelling stops around the Antiparos Sea Caves, the famous Blue Lagoon (Panteronisia), and Despotiko. It also includes a traditional homemade Greek lunch prepared onboard, drinks, snacks, and plenty of time to relax on deck.
If you're only going to do one boat tour while visiting Paros, I genuinely couldn't recommend this one more. It was the perfect way to experience some of the most beautiful waters in the Cyclades.
Livadia Beach
Just a short walk from the centre of Parikia (and only around 10–15 minutes from our accommodation, Ravel Boutique Apartments), Livadia Beach is the perfect spot for a beach day without needing to travel far. The water is calm, warm and crystal clear, with several beachfront cafés and restaurants nearby. We stopped here for a swim after exploring Parikia and loved how easy it was to walk straight back into town afterwards.
PAROS · GOOD TO KNOW
Public Buses
The local Paros KTEL buses are budget-friendly (around €2.20-€3.50 per person, one way), frequent during summer, and connect the towns to the beaches. You can view the Paros bus timetables online.
Ferry Port
Ferries arrive into Parikia, so if you're staying there like we did, it's just a short walk or quick taxi ride from the port.
Getting to Athens from Paros
If you're flying to Athens from Paros, the public bus to the airport (€2.20 per person) is a fraction of the price of a private transfer (€50 in total) and was perfectly reliable. As always, just leave yourself a comfortable time buffer.
I’d recommend booking a ±40minute flight with either Aegean Airlines or Sky Express from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport, which we personally preferred over taking a muuuch longer ferry. View available flights and choose your preferred travel date.
THE ESSENTIALS
A Few Final Tips
Staying Connected
A travel eSIM... oh my word I couldn't recommend this more. We purchased ours through the Airalo app on our iPhones, set it up before flying, and activated it as soon as we landed. You can receive 10% off by using my link, or use promo code “MELISSA” at checkout. It really is the easiest way to have data from the moment you arrive - no roaming charges and no hunting for a local SIM card. They also have great customer service if you need any help with the setup.
Money
Cards are widely accepted, including Apple Pay, but I'd still recommend carrying some cash for buses, taxis, and tips.
(Side note: if you bank with Discovery Bank like I do, I'd highly recommend opening a Euro account for your trip and adding your Euro card to Apple Wallet. You'll save so much on bank charges when tapping your card throughout your trip! And if you don't bank with Discovery, your bank may offer a similar service, so it's definitely worth looking into.)
Getting Around the Islands
Ferries link the Cyclades and are scenic in their own right. Book high-speed ferries for the quickest crossings, or otherwise flights. We flew with Aegean Airlines from Athens to Santorini, took the high-speed ferry with Seajets from Santorini to Paros, and flew with Sky Express from Paros back to Athens.
On each island, the local buses are budget-friendly and frequent during summer, whereas taxis are a bit more limited, more expensive, and generally cash-preferred. I'd recommend pre-booking taxis if needed.
Sun & Sea
The Greek summer sun is intense, and the sea reflects it. Pack SPF 50, a hat, and remember to reapply your sunscreen after every swim and boat trip. Personally, I prefer using an all-natural mineral sunscreen that's also reef-friendly whenever I'm swimming in the ocean.
When to Go
Late spring through to early autumn offers warm seas and long, sunny days. We visited in June, and honestly, I thought it was the perfect time. The weather was gorgeous, the sea was warm enough to swim in, and the crowds were slightly smaller than during the peak of August.
Packing the Essentials