1. Panama City, Panama

2. New York City, USA

3. Danube River Cruise, Europe

4. Tokyo, Japan

5. Paris, France

6. Santorini, Greece

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

8. Lisbon, Portugal

9. Bali, Indonesia

10. Edinburgh, Scotland

11. Cruising the Caribbean

12. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, which makes it ideal for the mother-daughter duo who can never decide between “go, go, go” and “sit by the beach all day.” Explore the tea plantations, visit the ancient city of Sigiriya, and if you’re both feeling brave, head on a safari in one of the country’s lush national parks.

• Stay: Cape Weligama – A luxury resort with infinity pools that scream, “Instagram me.”
• Eat: Ministry of Crab in Colombo for the freshest seafood. Eden might not care, but you will.
• Do: Go on a safari in Yala National Park. Leopards, elephants, and…bonding time, in the wild!

Highlight: Taking a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella. The views of the rolling hills and tea estates will make both of you forget about Wi-Fi for at least a minute.

13. Ireland

If rolling green hills, castles straight out of a fairytale, and pubs with live music sound like your idea of heaven, then Ireland is the ultimate mother-daughter trip. Plus, the locals are so friendly you’ll leave convinced you have at least three new cousins.

• Do: Cliffs of Moher – Because no trip to Ireland is complete without standing on the edge of a cliff, wind whipping your hair into a bird’s nest, and yelling “I’m the queen of the world!”
• Stay: Castle Leslie – Because nothing says “quality mother-daughter bonding” like pretending you’re royalty while someone else brings you tea in a literal castle.
• Eat: Chapter One in Dublin – Michelin-star dining with modern Irish cuisine. You’ll feel fancy while still pretending you know what half the ingredients are.

No matter where you go, the secret to the perfect mother-daughter trip isn’t in the destination—it’s in those moments when you look at each other, laugh, and say, “Can you believe we actually did this?” And if all else fails, there’s always shopping.

The post 13 Best Mother-Daughter Trips Around the World appeared first on Mommy Travels.

We were in Greece for a little over two weeks and I enjoyed the food and wine so much I gained 7 pounds while we were there. Oops. Now I’m hitting the gym multiple times a week. It always amazes me how easy it is to gain weight and how hard it is to lose. It’s so unfair.

One great thing about Greek food is no matter what part of Greece you visit the Greek Islands or the mainland, it is easy to find something you like to eat, even if you have dietary restrictions. If you are vegetarian you will be in heaven.

Now, I left out some obvious foods, like olives and tzatziki. The olives in Greece are phenomenal, and I think we ate them with at least one meal today. The same goes for tzatziki. It is served with lots of food and should be enjoyed as much as possible!

16 Greek Foods and Drinks in Greece You Must Try

1. Gyros

Okay, maybe I shouldn’t put it at the top of the list, but they are just so good. I could have eaten a gyro every day we were in Greece. And they are so cheap! In Greece, you can have them add French Fries inside your gyro. Also, many times they offer a gyro plate or a gyro, be careful when you order or you will end up with the plate which tends to cost double.

2. Greek Salad (Choriatiki)

When in doubt, you cannot go wrong with a Greek Salad. Everywhere you go, these salads will be available and they are always good.

3. Souvlaki

One of the most popular things to eat in Greece is Souvlaki. It’s always some type of grilled meat cut into small pieces and served on a skewer.

4. Kebabs

Kebabs is another popular dish that can be served in several ways. When we tried it the meat kebabs were topped with tzatziki and served over pita bread.

5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmadakia)

Stuffed grape leaves are not my favorite, but if you are in Greece you have to give them a try. They are certainly much tastier in Greece than in the places in America where I have had them. They are grapevine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices.

6. Moussaka

Moussaka is an eggplant- or potato-based dish popular in Greece. Some refer to it as eggplant casserole. Greek Moussaka is layers of minced beef or lamb cooked in a tomato-based sauce, layered with eggplants and béchamel sauce, and baked together.

7. Halloumi

Halloumi is a type of white Greek cheese and in my opinion the best cheese I have ever had. I’m obsessed with it after our last trip to Greece. It’s a mixture of goat and sheep cheese, except I think it tastes nothing like goat cheese. I hate goat cheese.

Fun Fact: In ancient Greece, they believed that the son of Apollo, Aristaios, was the god that brought cheese-making to Greece.

8. Tirokafteri

Tirokafteri also sometimes referred to as Ktipiti is a warm cheese dip.  Ingredients most commonly include feta and sometimes other types of soft white cheese, red cherry pepper, roasted peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and yogurt. It is commonly eaten as part of a  platter, or by itself, with slices of bread.

9. Stuffed Aubergine

Aubergine means eggplant, so this is usually a vegetarian dish. The eggplant is stuffed with things like cheese, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and baked. Sometimes, it is stuffed with meat. This was one of the best things I ate while in Greece.

10. Pastitsio

Pastitsio is a Greek baked pasta dish that contains ground lamb and béchamel sauce. Many people refer to it as Greek lasagna or a Greek casserole.

11. Gemista

Gemista is a stuffed pepper dish that is usually vegetarian but sometimes stuffed with meat.

12. Loukoumades

Loukoumades are like Greek donut holes. Loukoumades are little fried dough balls that are sometimes sprinkled with sweet syrup or honey, nuts, and cinnamon. We found these being served as dessert on a dinner buffet and as breakfast on a breakfast buffet.

13. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a staple for breakfast in Greece. Drizzle some honey over it and add a bit of granola and enjoy.

14. Greek Wines

When in Greece you must experience some of their wines. They have wines I had never heard of before. Try Agiorgitiko the Merlot of Greece, an Assyrtiko, usually from Santorini, a Malagousia, a Moschofilero, and a Xinomavro.

The most popular wine is Restina. Retsina is a Greek white resinated wine, which has been made for over 2,000 years.

15. Ouzo

Ouzo is a dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. I think it tastes like black licorice. It’s strong, up to 90 proof, so only drink a little!

16. Tsipouro

Tsipouro is a pomace (the residue of the wine press) brandy from Greece and in particular Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia, and the island of Crete. Tsipouro is a pure grape distillate, similar to Italian Grappa.  Tsipouro is a strong distilled spirit containing 40-45% alcohol by volume.

Take a walking food tour in Athens, Greece.

Have you experienced the fantastic drinks and food in Greece? What is your favorite Greek food?

We would love suggestions for more things to try in the comments below!

Read Next:

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Mykonos with Kids

Thessaloniki on a Budget

How to island hop in Greece with Blue Star Ferries

The post 16 Must Try Greek Foods and Drinks in Greece appeared first on Mommy Travels.

With its reputation for postcard-perfect vistas, it lures over two million visitors annually. Yet, beneath its sun-drenched cliché lies a serene escape in the spring, particularly in early April, when you can relish the island’s beauty sans the human traffic jams. Yes, I’m talking about having the iconic blue-domed views of Oia all to yourself, without the dread of photobombing strangers or the marathon sprints to beat the queue at every picturesque turn.

No Crowds: The Unsung Perk of Off-Season Travel

The contrast is stark. Come peak season, and you’re elbowing your way through throngs at every sunset point and quaint alley. The island morphs into a buzzing hub of tourist frenzy. But visit in spring, and it’s a different story. The roads are clear, the airport less chaotic, and local buses—well, you might actually get a seat! (I got a seat with no problem in late August as well.)

Sweet Deals on Dreamy Digs

Spring also spells discounts on accommodations without compromising on the experience. You can get an amazing multi-room cave hotel for less than half what they go for in the summer. Be sure to get one with a hot tub! We stayed at the “Ethereum Luxury Cave” private jacuzzi villa in Imerovigli.

Not traveling with kids? You can snagged a spot at the adults-only Nefeli Homes in Imerovigli—pristine views, impeccable service, and breakfast worth waking up for up to $200 less per night. Remember, while budget options abound, a splurge here means waking up to awe-inspiring caldera views right from your pillow. 

It’s Mostly Sunny!

While Santorini’s springtime isn’t a nonstop sunshine parade, it offers plenty of warm days perfect for exploring. Throw in a few extra days to your itinerary as a buffer for the whims of weather gods. The island’s natural splendor during this season, adorned with wildflowers, is a sight for sore eyes. Imagine hiking trails flanked by the azure sea on one side and vibrant blooms on the other—unexpected and utterly breathtaking.

Exploring Without Sweating

Speaking of hiking, the trails from Imerovigli to Oia and to Skaros Rock are less of a workout and more of a leisurely stroll during spring. And yes, the sunsets? Still spectacular, but imagine enjoying them in peace, breathing in the crisp, cool air without jostling for a spot.

Flights: Plan Ahead!

Getting here isn’t as straightforward as hopping on a plane. Most journeys begin with a flight to Athens followed by a ferry or another flight to the island. Deals from the U.S. to Athens in early spring require some digging, so start your search early. You can always just fly into where ever the cheapest place in Europe is at the time and then jump on a cheap airline like Ryan Air to get to the island. 

Too Chilly for a Dip

It’s brisk in spring, so while the island’s beaches beckon, the waters are not quite inviting for a swim. However, a beach stroll? Perfectly pleasant. This is also why you want to stay at a hotel or VRBO with a hot tub!

Limited Choices But No Less Charming

A caveat of spring travel: many hotels and restaurants are still stretching their legs after the winter slumber. Your options might be limited, but this also means fewer distractions from the island’s inherent charm.

While many tour operators scale back their offerings, you can still snag some intimate and personalized experiences. We loved our private tour, which was tailored to our tastes, far from the cookie-cutter itineraries.

Bring a Jacket!

Yes, it can get chilly, especially at night. The breezy evenings make al fresco dining less appealing, but that’s what indoor heating is for, right?

No Nightlife

Don’t expect the vibrant late-night scene typical of summer—spring nights in Santorini are for quiet contemplation and perhaps a good book. If you are traveling with kids, like I mostly do, then you will appreciate the reduced party scene. 

So, Is Spring the Time to Visit Santorini?

It boils down to what you’re looking for. If uninterrupted views and serene walks sound like your cup of tea, spring is your season. Just pack for cooler weather and prepare to be smitten by the island’s quiet charm. I personally love Greece no matter what month I am there. 

Springtime Santorini To-Do List:

• Join a customized tour with a local guide.
• Catch a sunset in Oia—cliché but compulsory.
• Hike to Skaros Rock and between the villages.
• Enjoy meals with a view—because why not?
• Lounge by your hotel pool; sometimes doing nothing is everything.
• Visit a local winery for a taste of volcanic viticulture.
• Feast on Greek culinary delights.
• Rent a car to uncover the lesser-seen corners of the island. It’s much easier to drive around with less tourists.
• And if you’re feeling fancy, bring a flowy dress and arrange a fashion shoot—because in Santorini, every backdrop is a runway!

In essence, a trip to Santorini in the spring offers the beauty of the Aegean with the volume turned down. Perfect for those of us who want to absorb its magic at our own pace.

Read Next:

Mykonos versus Santorini

The Red Beach: Best Santorini Beach

The post Santorini in April and May appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Planning a trip to this jaw-dropping destination? Here’s your must-do list for Santorini that will have you soaking up all the island’s magic. Oh, and if you’re wondering how to pull this off without completely destroying your budget, check out our guide: 3 Days in Santorini, Greece, on a Budget. Spoiler alert: it’s totally doable.

Watch the sunset in Oia

Perched on the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is the stuff of travel dreams—think whitewashed houses, iconic blue domes, and views so breathtaking they’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to stay in Santorini, Oia should be at the top of your list, especially if catching one of the island’s world-famous sunsets is on your agenda (and it absolutely should be).

The most famous sunset-viewing spot in Oia? That would be Oia Castle—or what’s left of it. While it’s technically just the ruins of a castle, the views from this vantage point are anything but ruined. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the caldera, the volcano, and the entire village. But here’s the catch: the crowds. They’ll be there. They’ll be everywhere. So pack your patience.

If elbowing your way to the perfect photo isn’t your thing, there’s a better (and much tastier) option. Along the caldera, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that pair jaw-dropping sunsets with delicious food and drinks. For a more private—and let’s be honest, more civilized—experience, snag a reservation well in advance. These prime tables book up faster than you can say santorini sunset.

10 Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini

Hike from Fira to Oia

If you’re up for an adventure (and by adventure, I mean one that comes with jaw-dropping views), the Fira-to-Oia hike in Santorini should absolutely be on your list. This iconic trail connects the island’s capital, Fira, with the postcard-perfect town of Oia, and it’s the kind of hike that makes you fall in love with travel all over again.

The journey is about 10 km (6 miles) long and takes around 3-4 hours, depending on how often you stop to snap photos—and trust me, you’ll stop. A lot. The good news? It’s one of the easiest hikes you’ll ever tackle, with views so incredible they’ll make you forget you’re even exercising. And your reward? Reaching Oia, where the panoramic cliffside vistas will leave you speechless.

Pro tip: There’s basically no shade along the trail, so unless you enjoy roasting under the Greek sun, start early in the morning when the weather’s cooler. Oh, and pack water. Lots of it. You’ll thank yourself later!

Take a boat tour around Santorini

Santorini’s one-of-a-kind landscape is pure magic, and if you’re ready to see it from a whole new angle (literally), hop on one of the many boat tours cruising around the island. Trust me, there’s nothing like experiencing the dramatic caldera and sparkling Aegean Sea from the water—it’s a total game-changer.

You can pick from half-day or full-day tours, depending on how much time you want to spend channeling your inner Greek adventurer. One of the top choices? A sunset boat tour. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the water is next-level breathtaking, and it’s no surprise these tours are a hit.

For something even more unique, consider a volcano tour. Yep, Santorini is a volcanic island (fun fact: its crescent shape is the aftermath of a massive volcanic eruption that obliterated the volcano’s core). On a volcano boat tour, you’ll get to explore two smaller islands nearby—Palea Cameni, the remnants of the old volcano, and Nea Cameni, home to a new one. It’s geology, but make it epic.

Drive Up to Profiti Ilias Monastery

If you’re chasing the best views in Santorini, head to Profiti Ilias Monastery, perched at the island’s highest point. Not only is it one of the oldest churches in Santorini, but it also serves up jaw-dropping panoramas of the Aegean Sea, Thirassia Island, and practically the entire island. Think of it as a front-row seat to Santorini’s greatest hits.

Getting there is a breeze—about 35 minutes from Oia or 20 minutes from Fira. Just be sure to time your visit wisely. While there’s plenty of parking at the top, the big tourist buses can turn the peaceful vibes into a traffic jam. Aim for early morning to enjoy the serenity and those unbeatable views.

Visit Pyrgos Village

While you’re in the area, make a pit stop at Pyrgos village, conveniently located at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias. It’s one of those rare gems in Santorini that still feels untouched by the tourist frenzy, offering a completely different vibe than Oia or Fira. Plus, it’s one of the island’s oldest villages, oozing charm from every corner.

A must-see in Pyrgos? The ruins of the Old Venetian castle. Not only will you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, but the unobstructed views from the top are well worth the climb. Pro tip: Combining a trip to Profiti Ilias Monastery and Pyrgos in one go is a winning strategy for an unforgettable Santorini day.

Go to the beach

Santorini may not scream “beach paradise,” but the island boasts some truly unique spots that are worth adding to your itinerary.

First up is Red Beach, arguably one of the most unusual beaches you’ll ever see. Its striking reddish hue comes from ancient lava seeping down the cliffs, creating a geological masterpiece. While it’s a must-visit for its dramatic scenery, swimming here isn’t ideal—think sharp rocks and strong currents. Consider this more of a “snap a few photos and admire” kind of stop.

For swimming, head to the black sand beaches of Kamari or Perissa. Kamari is bustling and lively, perfect if you’re into a vibrant beach scene. But if you’re craving a more laid-back vibe, Perissa is a quieter, less-crowded alternative where you can relax without fighting for beach space.

Hike Skaros Rock

If you’re feeling adventurous and love a good hike, exploring Skaros Rock near Imerovigli should be high on your list. Once the site of a Venetian fortress designed to fend off pirates, it’s now a dramatic rocky outcrop with unbeatable views over the caldera. Sure, the fortress didn’t survive the test of time (thanks, earthquakes), but the scenery makes the climb totally worth it.

The hike up to the top takes about 30 minutes from Imerovigli, and the trail is simple to follow. But here’s your pro tip: there’s zero shade on this trek, so plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the sweltering midday heat.

Step Back in Time at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site

For history buffs, the Akrotiri Archaeological Site is a must-see. This ancient settlement, part of the Minoan civilization, was frozen in time by volcanic ash in the 16th century BC—essentially the Santorini version of Pompeii. Excavations have uncovered incredible artifacts, offering a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Greece.

You can wander through the site at your own pace or opt for a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history. Either way, it’s a chance to experience the island’s rich past beyond its stunning views.

Discover the Akrotiri Lighthouse

On the southwestern tip of Santorini, you’ll find the Akrotiri Lighthouse, a hidden gem built in 1892 that still guides ships to this day. Fun fact: it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the Cyclades, giving it extra charm.

While it’s a bit of a trek from Oia (about 45 minutes by car), the journey is worth it, especially if you’re looking to escape the more crowded spots. Parking is easy, and the lighthouse is especially magical at sunset—though it’s quiet and peaceful no matter when you visit.

Whether you’re in the mood for beaches, history, or jaw-dropping views, these Santorini experiences are sure to impress.

Try the local cuisine

No trip to Santorini is complete without indulging in its mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a good meal (who doesn’t?), the island’s traditional dishes are a must-try.

First up, the classic gyros. Picture this: tender meat, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita or served with a side of crispy fries. Simple, delicious, and downright addictive. If you’re hunting for the best gyros in Santorini, look no further than Pitogyros in Oia. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be making excuses to go back.

For seafood lovers, make your way down to Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Ammoudi Bay. It’s not exactly a budget-friendly spot, but when the seafood is this fresh and the views this spectacular, it’s worth the splurge. From grilled octopus to freshly caught fish, this place serves up some of the best dishes in Oia, all with a side of postcard-perfect scenery.

And let’s not forget about the wine. Santorini’s volcanic soil gives its wines a unique character you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you choose to join a wine tour at one of the island’s many vineyards or simply enjoy a glass at dinner, Santorini’s wines are the perfect way to end a day of exploring.

From savory gyros to fresh seafood and world-class wines, Santorini’s culinary scene is the cherry on top of an already unforgettable destination. Just don’t blame me if you leave the island craving gyros for the rest of your life!

16 Must Try Greek Foods and Drinks in Greece

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or just appreciate the finer things in dessert), then baklava is non-negotiable during your Santorini adventure. This decadent treat is a masterpiece of flaky layers of buttery filo dough, generously packed with chopped nuts, and drenched in sticky-sweet honey or syrup.

The most common version in Greece features a blend of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, creating a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. And while there are many creative spins on baklava, the classic version remains the showstopper.

The best part? You won’t have to go far to find it. From charming village bakeries to upscale restaurants, baklava is everywhere in Santorini. It’s the ultimate pairing with a strong cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sweet Vinsanto wine.

Conclusion

Santorini is the ultimate destination for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re chasing jaw-dropping views, savoring incredible cuisine, or diving headfirst into Greek culture, this island checks every box—and then some.

From its iconic sunsets to its volcanic beaches, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you. Hopefully, this list of the best things to do in Santorini has sparked your wanderlust and inspired you to book that dream trip. Trust me, it’ll be one for the books!

So, what about you? Have you been lucky enough to explore the magic of Santorini? What made your trip unforgettable? Drop your favorite activities in the comments and let’s keep the Santorini inspiration flowing!

Read Next:

10 Romantic Things to Do in Santorini

Mykonos versus Santorini

4-Day Athens Itinerary to See it All

6 Best Nude Beaches in Europe

20 Most Beautiful Greek Islands

The post Top 10 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the majestic island of Santorini is an icon in the Greek archipelago. It’s the ultimate destination for couples who want to spend hours together in paradise. If you’re planning on visiting this beautiful island, here are 10 romantic activities you can do with your partner!

Need more ideas? Read our Top 10 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

1. Relax In A Hot Spring

An island located within the caldera of Santorini, Nea Kameni formed in the year 1570 after many volcanic eruptions. Today, this uninhabited island is a popular destination as it’s surrounded by hot springs rich in manganese, sulfur, and iron. These hot springs are often referred to as the healing waters as visitors find the warm and mineral-rich water extremely therapeutic. 

These natural waters are a stunning location for couples, as they offer the ultimate way to relax and unwind while enjoying glorious views.

2. Visit The Wineries

Nicknamed the ‘wine island’, Santorini is home to over 15 wineries that grow the indigenous white grape varietal, Assyrtiko. It’s also renowned for its excellent Vinsanto wines made from white grapes that have been sun-dried and aged in oak for up to 2 years. 

If you and your partner love wine, join a wine tour around the island and discover the different varietals and blends on offer. Many of the wineries have wine tastings for their guests, and you can sample the many different offerings while enjoying the view. You can also visit the one-of-a-kind Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, which is located in an underground cave!

3. Enjoy A Couples Spa Day

Dotted around the island, you’ll find many spas where you and your partner can indulge in a day of self-care together.  You can reconnect with each other with a couples massage or treatments, all while being treated to idyllic views and a rejuvenating experience. 

Spending time in such a superb setting while being pampered will leave both of you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to continue your island exploration.

4. Dine in A Romantic Restaurant

Greek food is legendary, and there is an abundance of restaurants that offer a view of the caldera, overlooking the beautiful ocean waters. Pick your favorite location and time of day to enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner for two and enjoy feasting on local delicacies together. 

A sunset meal on the edge of a cliff with your partner is a near-unbeatable experience, and it’s one you’ll both remember for years to come.   

5. Visit An Open Air Cinema in Kamari

Open-air theaters hold a special place in Greek history, and they’re also the perfect spot for a romantic evening. Through the 1920s and 1930s, films became increasingly popular in Greece, and this led to the development of unique roofless cinemas where locals could enjoy a movie in the warm summer evening.  

The cinema at Kemari has been around since 1987 and has remained very popular. Here, you can enjoy well-known movies in English with Greek subtitles, and on occasion, you can catch a theater show or concert in the summer months. The location also boasts a fully stocked bar, snacks, and even ice cream for those warm evenings. 

6. Explore The Town of Oia

Oia is a coastal town on the northwestern tip of Santorini, and it’s one of the most picturesque spots for couples, with plenty to enjoy. Meander through this little town’s narrow streets hand-in-hand with your loved one as you explore its charming little cafes and art galleries, or explore the rugged hilltops where the houses are carved into the land.  

Time this stroll with sunset and find a cute cocktail bar to take in Oia’s stunning sunsets, or visit the ruins of Oia Castle and enjoy a truly unforgettable end to the day.

7. Take A Private Boat Cruise

If spending time on the water is your idea of a romantic outing, there’s nothing better than chartering a private boat for a few hours and exploring all the caldera has to offer. You can swim in the warm waters, find the hidden coves and soak up the romantic ambience of being on the ocean. 

You’ll find a few options for day and sunset cruises suitable for various budgets, all of which provide the perfect opportunity for the two of you to spend time at sea together.

8. Book A Private Beach Outing

Get some sand between your toes and rent a private cabana on a beach of your choice. This gives you the chance to relax on the beach without the crowds.

Just some of the best beaches for couples looking for some alone time are:

• Perissa Beach is known for its dark volcanic sand, which makes it appear black. This beach is located in the southeast, near the village of Perissa.
• Kokkini Paralia is more commonly referred to as ‘red beach’ for its red cliffs and black and red pebbles. It’s located on the southern coast, near the ancient ruins of Akrotiri.
• Vlychada Beach, with its white cliffs and black sand, is a strikingly beautiful landscape that’s located on the southern part of the island near the village of Vlychada.

9. Hike From Fira to Oia

If you enjoy being active as a couple, then seek out the many trails that the island has to offer. 

One particular hike that stands out for its scenery is the walking route from Fira to Oia. This walk is considered moderate in difficulty and is 6.2 miles long (one way). It’s bound to take your breath away with its gorgeous vistas, and it offers plenty of opportunities for romantic picnics along the way.  

10. Stay In A Seaview Suite With A Private Pool

When it comes to accommodation options for a romantic holiday, you’re spoilt for choice! Splash out and spoil each other by booking a suite with its own private pool overlooking the sea. You can sit back and relax with a bottle of bubbly or a refreshing cocktail, soaking up the views and the sun together.

The sunset and nighttime views are exceptional, too, and you don’t even have to leave your room to experience the splendor of Santorini. 

Last Call For Boarding!

Santorini is the perfect spot for romance. From its beautiful landscape nestled in an ocean-filled caldera to its buzzing restaurant scene and breathtaking sunsets, every couple will fall in love all over again. And they’ll fall in love with Santorini, too!

I hope these ideas inspire you to visit this destination with your loved one. You’ll experience a getaway of a lifetime together.

Read Next:

The Red Beach: Best Santorini Beaches

Mykonos versus Santorini

The post 10 Romantic Things to Do in Santorini appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Over the years I have been constantly asked where my favorite place is. My answer is always the same: Greece. Greece is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been and probably unlike anywhere, you’ve been as well, especially the Greek Islands. Currently, my favorite islands are Mykonos and Santorini. Today, I’m sharing tips for having the best experience possible on both of these islands.

How to Get to Santorini and Mykonos

Depending on where you are coming from, the islands are not the easiest place to get to. If you are flying in from somewhere in Europe you can likely get a direct flight to one of the islands on a cheap airline. We flew from Mykonos to Paris once for $37 per person.

If you are flying in from the United States you are most likely going to have to go through Athens. If you end up going through Athens you have two choices. You can take another flight or you can catch a ferry. Greece has an excellent ferry system that allows you to get around quite easily. Keep in mind that the main ferry port is nowhere near the airport, but the smaller port is. If you are taking a ferry, I recommend getting a private cabin room on Blue Star Ferries. This is an easy way to sleep off jet lag. From Athens to Santorini the ferry takes 8 hours. 

Where to Stay

Your lodging should be based on the island.

Santorini

In Santorini, staying in a cave is a fun experience. There are hundreds of little whitewashed caves tucked into the side of the mountain and staying at one is a one-of-a-kind experience. If staying in a cave is too expensive, consider staying one night in a cave and then moving to a cheaper hotel for the other nights. Here are the best towns to stay in Santorini. 

Mykonos

In Mykonos, you should stay in Mykonos City or at a beach. If you prefer the beach, I recommend staying down at Plati Gialos. Plati Gialos is a fun little area. 

How to Get Around

It can be extremely difficult to get around both islands, but not impossible. Oftentimes, the hotel you have arranged to stay at will also take care of arranging a car or ATV for you. This may seem odd but this is common practice on the islands. 

Santorini

In Santorini rent an ATV. You must have an international license to rent an ATV. In Santorini, there are areas that are borderline impossible to park in, which is why a smaller ATV is a better choice. For example, if you are staying on the side of the cliff, you cannot drive all the way down to the cave area you are staying in. Instead, you will have to find somewhere to park nearby and then walk down to find your lodging. If you have an ATV, it will be much easier to find a little space to park in. I’ve had to rent a car in Santorini as well, so if you have to, be sure and get the smallest car available. 

Mykonos

In Mykonos rent a car. Mykonos typically has parking lots near the most popular areas, allowing you to easily park and then walk to where you want to go. Mykonos also has a bus system, which allows you to easily get from Mykonos City to other parts of the island. There are around 50 taxis on the island, which means if you need a taxi, it might be a long wait.

Must-See Spots on the Islands

There are certain things on both islands that you must see. Instead of diving deep into all the things, there are to do on each island, I am going to share some of the things that cannot be missed.

Santorini

Santorini has world-renowned beaches due to a volcano explosion many years ago. Down south is the striking Red Beach, and on the east side is the compelling Black Beach. Both are worth seeing and both are rocky, bring water shoes. Oia is world-famous for having the most incredible sunsets and is obviously a must-see during sunset. The brilliant caldera during the daylight is also a sight to behold.

10 Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Mykonos

Mykonos City is spectacular, and you should plan to spend at least half a day there. Spend your time meandering down their iconic little walkways paved in stones winding your way through the whitewashed buildings shopping and eating along the way. At one end of Mykonos City, you will find the famous windmills.

Mykonos with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Where to Party

Mykonos is a legendary place to party. But Santorini has excellent party areas as well. Both islands offer two unique nightlife options: beach and city. Keep in mind, you do have to be at least 18 years old to drink in Greece.

Santorini

Head to Fira for the city experience or over Kamari Beach for beach. Both of these towns offer a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of nightclubs.

Mykonos

Hakkasan or the Toy Room are two popular clubs in Mykonos City. Down south Paradise Beach turns into a party around 4 p.m. with wild dancers leading the charge to get the crowds mingling and dancing. Not too far from Paradise Beach. There are a lot of beach clubs in Mykonos. You will have a good time at any of them.

The islands may be small, but in Greece size doesn’t count, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to spend all your time at the beach, take in some culture, or party all night, Santorini and Mykonos will not disappoint.

Read Next:

3 Days in Santorini Greece on a Budget

4-Day Athens Itinerary to See it All

16 Must Try Greek Foods and Drinks in Greece

The post Mykonos versus Santorini appeared first on Mommy Travels.

10 Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini

1. Watch the Sunset

The cobblestone and marble streets are lined with shops and restaurants. But it’s the sunset most people are after when they come here. People pack in every night to see the sunset, so get there early is possible. Oia is on the north part of the island and is more or less one way in, one way out, so allow plenty of time for driving up there. From most of the island, it’s gonna be at least an hour drive.

After sunset stroll around until the buses have time to clear out otherwise you will be stuck in traffic. When I was there sunset was around 8:10 and the buses were leaving around 9. So it was worth it to linger an extra thirty or so minutes. I recommend waiting until after sunset to eat. I ate at two places there and they were both excellent. I had Italian at Lotzas and sadly cannot remember what the other place was called.

Sadly, when I went back a few years later so my kids could see it, it was cloudy so there was no sunset. 

2. Go Shopping

There are lots of fun little shops you can explore including an adorable book shop, Atlantis Books. My favorite souvenir from Greece is a pair of earrings I got here. They were not even expensive and I think of Greece every time I wear them. They have great hats too. 

3. Cliff Jumping

You can go cliff jump at Amoudi Bay. There are two paths to get up to the jumping spot and it can be a little difficult to get to. As you swim around you will have awesome views of Oia and of course the port between the volcanic cliffs and the Aegean sea.

4. Take a Tour

There’s a couple of tours available. You can go on a walking tour around the town led by a local or take a boat tour from the water. Some of the water tours end in Amoudi Bay where you can then take a donkey up to the village of Oia after visiting the volcano and swimming in the hot springs there. There are a ton of catamaran cruises to choose from.

5. Get Instagrammable Photos

Oia is oozing with cool places to take photos. If you want a professional photographer to take your photos know that there are a lot of them on the island. Some even can provide those flowey dresses that are so popular. Some fun places to take photos are by the blue domes, the Oia Castle, and the Byzantine Castle Ruins.

6. Go Hiking

Yes, there’s hiking in Oia. In fact, there’s a six-mile trail from Oia to Fira. Along the way, you will pass through two other towns, Firostefani and Imerovigli. It might be a little confusing to find the trail since there’s not one. But walk as close as you can along the Caldera and enjoy those views! It will take around three hours to walk this so it’s essentially a day trip. 

7. Eat Delicious Food

Greek food is outstanding, so make sure to eat a lot of it! I mentioned Lotza’s earlier because it’s amazing. Just look at it. If you can’t get in here, don’t worry there are lots of other great restaurants to eat at. Passagio is a good place for breakfast in the center of Oia.

If you are not sure what to order check out our suggestions in our post: What to eat in Greece.

8. Stay in a Cave Hotel

Staying in one of the caves in Oia built into the cliffs is a unique experience. Here’s a video of the one we stayed in. I do not recommend it so I am not linking to it, but it will give you a solid idea of what I mean when I say cave hotel. 

Next time we visit I hope to stay in another cave that is also a luxury hotel like the Filotera Suites. They have a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and an infinity pool which is better than staying in a one-off cave with no restaurant. Plus, they have private outdoor heated Jacuzzis. Sitting in a jacuzzi watching the sunset with a bottle of wine is my version of the perfect vacation.  

9. Ride ATVs

The best way to get around this Greek Island is by ATV or a super small car. Your hotel can help arrange a four-wheeler for you to rent. 

10. Visit a Beach

There’s no beach in Oia, but if you drop down to other parts of Santorini you can visit the Red Beach, Kamari beach, or Akrotiri aka the white beach. The only way to get to the white beach is by foot from the neighboring Cambia Beach or by boat. 

I’ve seen where some recommend a day trip to one of the other Greek islands. I personally do not recommend this. I think if you want to visit another island you need to just switch islands completely and go stay there. The ferries constantly run late and although switching may seem like a lot of work, I promise you will be happy you took this advice. 

Santorini on a Budget

Mykonos with Kids

Thessaloniki on a Budget

How to island-hop in Greece with Blue Star Ferries

The Red Beach: Best Santorini Beaches

The post 10 Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini appeared first on Mommy Travels.

It is possible to visit Santorini, Greece on a budget or splurge and have a luxury experience. I spent three days in Santorini with my sister and we did it on a tight budget.

We managed to get ourselves to Santorini from Athens affordably by taking the Blue Star Ferry. The port in Santorini is called Thira and it took about 8 hours to get there. Depending on when you go flying around might be cheaper than the ferry. Astra Airlines, a Greek airline, is super cheap. So always check both.

Book an Affordable Hotel

Start by booking an affordable place to stay. Keep in mind that many hotels in Santorini cost well over 500 euros for just one night. The place I would have loved to have stayed was over 1000 euros a night. So, by affordable I am considering anything under 200 per night to be budget friendly. There were some options as low as 79 euros a night if I hadn’t waited until the last minute to book.

My trip was super last minute and I booked the Santorini Mesotopos hotel the day before we arrived. I got a great price and I thought it was a good enough place to stay. The total price was 153.00 euros per night for a grand total of 459.00 euros for three nights. 

Santorini Mesotopos Hotel

This hotel has  an outdoor swimming pool, free self parking, free wifi, daily housekeeping, and our rate included breakfast. The breakfast was just ok. I think maybe they had better options but I do not speak Greek, and most of the staff speaks no English. They do have pictures of things, though, and I could point. Some items they brought out and then told me the name of them, which was super helpful. 

It mentions on the site that it has great views, which I disagree with. It does have a view, but I wouldn’t refer to it as great. These are pictures of our room. It was clean and the AC worked well, which is a big deal in August. There was a mini fridge in case you needed to chill bottles of water or wine.

The location was decent, not too far from the port or Fira.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER AT THIS HOTEL. (I did and boy did I pay for it.)

Cut Costs with an ATV

Instead of renting a car, get a 4 wheeler aka an ATV to ride around on the island. Keep in mind that as they have changed laws it has become harder and harder to rent an ATV. You need an international driver’s license now to rent an ATV. You do not need this to rent a car. I know, ironic.

We got ours from Moto Chris and a 3 day rental cost me 115 Euros. Phone number 22860 24713

If you have kids with you then you will need a car, because they will not let a teenager operate an ATV either.

Cheap Activities in Santorini, Greece

There are lots of cheap and free things to do in Santorini. In fact, many of the best things there are to do in Santorini are free!

Hang out on a beach

Hanging out at the beach is a super cheap thing to do. There is a ton of beaches to hang out at. Here are the three we went to.

Red Beach – The Red Beach was fabulous and totally worth seeing. It is possible to see without walking all the way down. I wrote up an entire overview of our experience at this beach along with photos of what to expect. If you do not think you can walk down, consider a boat tour that will pull up to the beach. Granted, this wouldn’t be “budget”. I recommend the Santorini Gems Tour or the Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Barbecue tour.

Kamari Beach – Kamari Beach has lots of restaurants and shops. Out on the beach are lots of chairs and umbrellas that you can use as long as you are ordering food and drinks. I loved hanging out around here. I definitely recommend having lunch or an early dinner here. If you are down to party I heard it’s a good spot for that too!

Perissa Beach – This is the black beach made from volcano rocks. They also have chairs and umbrellas you can use if you buy food and drinks.

Watch the sunset in Oia.

This is a must do if you make it to the island. Oia is said to have the best sunsets in the world and I would have to agree. Plan to spend some time walking around Oia too. It’s just cool to see.

Visit Akrotiri Prehistoric City

Akrotiri is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini down south near the Red Beach. It was destroyed during an eruption around 1627 BC and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved it.

Hike from Fira to Oia

This3 mile hike will take you through  Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, eventually ending up in Oia. As you hike you will see the volcano, the sea and the caldera. This hike takes two and a half to three hours. It is ideal to hike when it is cooler, either in the morning or the evening.

Cliff Jump at Amoudi Bay

There are two paths to get up to the jumping spot and it can be a little difficult to get to. As you swim around you will have awesome views of Oia.

Take a Tour

There are tours available that will not drain your wallet. We didn’t book any tours until we arrived and the hotel offered some really cheap tours. I did a tour that takes you to tour the volcano, another little island, and

Where to Eat in Santorini on a Budget

Parea Tavern

This is a roof top restaurant in Fira. It doesn’t have a view of the caldera, instead you have a view of the other side of the island. As long as you order carefully, you can have a reasonably priced meal here.

Lotza

Lotza is my absolute favorite place to eat in Oia. I’ve been both times I was there and it was wonderful both times. It’s not cheap, but it’s not expensive.

Other affordable places to eat are Lucky’s Souvlaki, Afro, Metaxi Mas, Kyria Niki’s, Taverna Geromanolis, Penelope’s, Psaraki Psarotaverna,

Near the Perissa beach area a lot of places to eat. If you stick to ordering Greek salads or gyros you can eat super cheap. Remember, it’s a gyro that’s cheap, not a gyro plate.

Have you visited Santorini? What was your favorite thing to do? Or did you find a fantastic place to eat? I would love to hear about your Santorini experience in the comments below!

Read Next:

10 Romantic Things to Do in Santorini

Mykonos versus Santorini

The post 3 Days in Santorini Greece on a Budget appeared first on Mommy Travels.

As I type this, the kids and I are on our way to Greece. This will be my second time in Greece and the kids first.

Greece is absolutely amazing and I am so excited to show it to them. The entire time I was in Greece two years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I wanted the kids to see everything too. So, when I say this trip is a dream come true for me, it’s no exaggeration!

We are covering many different destinations across Greece, including the mainland and the islands. In order to accomplish this, we are utilizing every mode of transportation possible, including flying, trains, ferries, taxis, quads, and rental cars.

Daily Journal

We’ve decided that this trip is a great way to kick off a few new things, the first one being out this daily travel journal. I am going to attempt to journal every day of our trips going forward. I don’t know if y’all will want to follow along with us, but I hope you do. I was inspired by 2TravelDads. They journal their trips and I enjoy reading their last one so much I thought, “What the heck, why don’t I give it a try!”. Every day of our trip I will be coming back to this exact post to update.

New Daily Vlog

The second thing we’ve decided to attempt to add is a daily vlog. I’m unsure if we will be able to do this, but we are gonna give it a go. I will be uploading videos to YouTube.com/MommyTravels and on Facebook.com/MommyTravels.

Drone Videos!

Last, but not least, I purchased a drone and have been practicing with it. Hopefully, this means I can share awesome videos of Greece soon.

Day One: Travel Day

It’s a haul to get from Portland, Oregon to Athens, Greece. PDX to NYC is 5 hours and 15 minutes. JFK to Athens is a little under nine hours over night. I’ve been packing and preparing for the international flight all last week. I have an entire post dedicated to flying overseas with kids.

• https://www.mommytravels.net/tips-for-flying-internationally-with-kids/

And so it begins, our 22-day trip!

We woke up at 5 AM and headed down to the Portland International airport. We are flying standby, so fingers crossed we make it onto a flight. Have you ever wondered how we are able to travel all the time? It’s partly because we have the ability to fly standby on Delta. We have a family member that works for the airlines, so we are able to go to the airport and wait around to see if there are empty seats on the flight. If there are, off we go.

We were supposed to take this flight yesterday, but when looking at how many seats were available I didn’t think we could make it all the way to Greece. Instead of going to JFK and waiting to see I decided to wait a day. Of course, I couldn’t resist and I went to look up the flights and it turns out we would have made it all the way there standby. Of course! 🤦🏽‍♀️ We could’ve been in Athens already, but instead, we are still in Oregon.

When building this trip itinerary I knew that Delta only offers a few flights to Athens per day from JFK. And they only fly to Athens from JFK, which means we have to get to JFK and we have to make it onto one of the two Athens flights. Coming home, there is one flight a day from Athens to JFK (NYC). So, I have built-in 4 days to get there and 4 days to get back. Maybe we will need them, maybe we won’t. The last time I flew standby home from Athens it took three days. I really need to just buy plane tickets instead of sitting around an airport, I know there are cheap flights to Europe all the time. I use SkyScanner to find cheap flights.  

At the airport today we got held up in security. Sometimes when we fly standby we do not get our TSA pre-check. I do not know why this is. Sometimes the kids only get it, but this time none of us did. This was my first time taking a drone through security and it didn’t occur to me to take it out of my suitcase. They went all through my bag looking for my make-up wipes and the drone. Lucky for us they were training a new guy. It didn’t occur to him to see if any side of the bag wouldn’t spill. He dropped half my bag everywhere. Fun times.

We made it onto a flight easily. Sometimes flying standby with four people can be extremely difficult. Check out tips for flying standby: 7 Tips for Flying Standby with Children 

Perks of flying on Delta

Eden and I ended up in Delta comfort +, which means free booze and snacks like bananas, granola cars, and Swedish Fish! Mama’s having a mimosa, maybe even two. Delta doesn’t have champagne-like on American Airlines, but they do have Prosecco. Eden and I didn’t get to sit together, but we at least got extra legroom. The boys are in the back of the plane, but they got to sit together.

Sadly, none of us ended up in first class. I have a separate post about flying first class Delta also know as Delta business class.

• https://www.mommytravels.net/delta-first-class/

On flights going all the way from the west coast to the east coast meals are given to everyone. I didn’t realize we were going to get meals. I have breakfast for all of us packed in my backpack along with a bunch of other snacks. Here’s a look at my breakfast meal, I went with the turkey bagel breakfast sandwich.

Much to my surprise, it’s a decent size, meal. I would almost say it was too much food, but the people I am sitting in between pounded their meals in less time than I would think humanly possible. I had three options, none of which were vegan. (Eden’s been told to go vegan. We recently found out she has high cholesterol, which was shocking, she’s so young. Turns out, it’s hereditary.)

Once we got to JFK we didn’t have much time, because much to my surprise we made the first flight out. I took the kids for a quick meal at Buffalo Wild Wings and now I know that the most expensive Buffalo Wild Wings in America is most likely at JFK. 🤑

Currently, we are on our flight to Athens waiting for the food cart to make its way back to us. It’s going to be a while, we are in the last row. 😂

Day 2: Exploring Athens

While in Athens we are staying in an VRBO. Hotels were horribly priced for the dates I needed and I realized I could save hundreds of dollars by staying in someone’s house instead. I’m saving at least $250 per night. The other main reason for staying in an VRBO is typically they will let you stay as soon as you arrive, unlike a hotel that may make you wait until check-in. I knew that as soon as we got in we were going to need to sleep. Noah has epilepsy and sleep is extremely important. Him getting sleep is literally priority #1 after an overnight flight.

My main goal today after long naps is to take the kids to the Acropolis. We only have a day and a half in Athens, so this is the only thing I have planned. Anything else we may somehow manage to do will be a bonus.

We got to the Acropolis at 6:30 PM which gave us plenty of time before they closed at 8 PM. The Acropolis is open from 8 AM – 8 PM every day. Kids under 18 get free admission. My admission was 20 euros, so the four of cost a total of 20 euros! How great is that.

I was unsure when we would get to the Acropolis, so instead of taking a tour, I downloaded Rick Steve’s Acropolis tour. He as many free podcast tours all over Europe, including a few in Greece.

• https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/greece-turkey

Savvas Rooftop Cafe

For dinner, we went to a restaurant with a view of the Acropolis, Savvas. It was really excellent and affordable. Plus, it’s kid friendly. It was around $40 euros for 4 meals, a large bottle of water, and a side of hummus.

As promised, here is our very 1st vlog covering Athens.

Day 3: Taking a Train across Greece to Thessaloniki

Trains in Europe are always an affordable option for families because they give child discounts and youth discounts. In Greece, I was able to get all three kids discounted tickets and myself since we are a family.

The train station is called Athens Railway Station. We took an Uber to get here. Before we left the USA I check to see if Greece had Uber. Everything I saw was that they no longer did. I’m happy to report that this isn’t true. You can use Uber to get a taxi and pay all through the app.

My plan was to have breakfast at the train station, but it turns out they have no restaurants. Oops! Thankfully, there was a pastry cart with gigantic donuts. The train station in Thessaloniki is much nicer and has a restaurant.

The train, like every other train we’ve been on in Europe has a little snack bar with coffee, sandwiches, water, chips, wine, beer, soda, and more. I noticed pets on this train, I guess pets are allowed on trains in Greece.

Here’s a disgusting pet story from today. A lady sets up a puppy pad in a chair across from us. We are sitting in the last train car. She then leaves to the front. It becomes apparent that when her dog needs to go to the bathroom, she’s bringing it back here to use the puppy pad. No, I’m not making this up. This is probably one of the most disgusting things I have seen while traveling. Now our train car smells like dog poo. She’s lucky I can’t speak Greek. I certainly tried to stop this from happening and failed. Granted, I am pretty sure the word no is universal as well as making a horrified face. 🤮The kids didn’t sleep good last night because of the jet lag, so they slept on the train. The route was quite scenic.

Train Tips

If you decide to take a train in Europe with kids I have some suggestions. Bring a deck of playing cards, snacks, and water.

Book seats facing each other or even better, book a private room with seats facing each other.

Train Horror Story

Keep in mind that having a private room inside the train car can backfire if you do not purchase all the seats. Back in 2014, we had a private room on a train going from Munich to somewhere else in Germany, but I only bought five of the seats. A drunk guy that didn’t smell good bought the 6th seat. His only luggage was a bag full of beer bottles. He proceeds to get up off and on all night long to grab another bottle from his bag in the overhead compartment. The bottles banging around made a lot of noise, especially when he dropped them. He also walked around a little here and there. He fell down once, which was pretty sad. Needless to say, we got almost no sleep on our overnight train. Good times!

Jet Lag Tips

We are so jet lag, it’s brutal. It’s been especially bad for the kids. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag.

1. Plan to sleep when you arrive – If at all possible, try to arrive at the destination no later than 1 or 2 in the morning. You can immediately go to sleep and begin adjusting your internal clock.
2. Take the sleeping mask and ear plugs the airline gives you. These will help you sleep in the room.
3. Do not sleep all day – If it is daytime there, get outside. The sunshine will help you stay awake.
4. Melatonin – Taking melatonin will help you get to sleep. Melatonin is safe for children. If your children struggle to take a pill, give them melatonin gummies instead.
5. No caffeine – Do not drink any coffee or soda on the plane. It can take up to 14 hours for the caffeine to leave your body.

HOTEL AMENITIES NEEDED WHEN BATTLING JET LAG

• Good Mattress – Often times the hotel’s website will tout what kind of mattress the rooms have. If not, call them and ask.

• Low Noise Levels – Check recent reviews of the hotel to see if others are complaining about noise.

• Black Out Curtains – If the website does not tell you, just call the hotel and ask or email them. If you are on social media you can tweet them.

• 24 Hour Food – Having food available when you need it is essential when battling jet lag with kids. Whether it is room service or a hotel restaurant with 24 hour service, it helps.

Alexander the Great Hotel

Thessaloniki wasn’t our final destination. Once we arrived there we headed an hour and a half south to Alexander the Great Beach hotel in Kyropigo. Wine Tasting

Shortly after arriving, they treated me to a wine-tasting class where we got to try four white wines and two red wines. All the wines we tried were from Greece. I gotta say the Greeks make excellent wine! (Don’t worry, when I say “we” I mean the other guests attending the wine tasting, not the kids!) The wine tasting was led by an expert and overall simply phenomenal. Here are the six wines we tasted.

Day 4: Halkidiki

Down in Halkidiki the kids and I are working with some family- friendly boutique hotels. Alexander the Great Beach hotel is the first of four hotels the kids and I will be experiencing in this part of Greece. Here at Alexander the Great we have two connecting rooms that look like this.

Exploring the round of Kassandra

Today the kids and I are exploring the area around Kassandra. I am driving us around since you do not need an international driver’s license to drive around Greece. Lucky for us I know how to drive a stick shift, because that’s all they had.

Our first stop is lunch in Pefkochori at Smile Gyros. They have super cheap food and you can sit along the beach. There is also an outlet store nearby where I scored two pairs of shorts for $15 euros. 

Our next stop is the thermal springs. I assume these are some sort of natural hot springs in the forest. Turns out, it’s an indoor/outdoor facility with pools full of thermal water. We would have paid the $30 euros to do this, but one of us forgot to grab their swimsuit. So, onto the next stop, Siviris. This is an old fishing village. Where we had a gelato break. 

When we got back to the hotel we found out it was Greek night at the hotel’s tavern. Their was a buffet with all Greek foods and Greek dancing.

Day 5: Alexander the Great Beach

The rain has finally stopped and we indulge in our first beach day. Our hotel is on Alexander the Great beach and it’s a nice long stretch of beach. The hotel has pool floats for sale, which is super handy. They also have two restaurants on the beach. We ordered lunch from one of them, the Oasis Bar. We all got gyros. They also have cocktails, ice cream, and loads of other food options.

Here’s our vlog covering day 2 & 3 in Halkidiki.

Day 6: Beach Bumming

In life there are few things I would say I do well, but holding down a chair on a sunny day on the beach sipping cocktails, I AM EXPERT LEVEL. We enjoyed sitting around doing nothing but beach yesterday, that we are now doing it again

For lunch we are going to Agora Beach Bar. It’s near the hotel at the end of the beach.

Here’s a look at Alexander the Great beach.

Agora Beach & Agora Beach Bar

We had a ridiculous amount of fun the day we spent at Agora Beach Bar. During the day we paddle boarded, had a fabulous lunch, sunbathed, swam, enjoyed a live show and more!

At night we came back for “The Wedding Party” show. It’s goofy and full of great music. Oh, and it’s kid-friendly.

Right before the show started Mother Nature treated us to brilliant skies.

Day 7: Day Sailing and switching hotels today.

Today we went day sailing which took up the majority of our day. From start to finish, we were gone about 7.5 hours. Depending on the age of your kids this could be a little too long, but my kids did fine. It included a bit of snorkeling, but from what I can tell the arm of Kassandra is not the place for snorkeling.

Here’s a video recapping our Day Sailing experience.

After sailing, we packed up and said goodbye to Alexander the Great Beach Hotel. We drove an hour and a half to Xenia Ouranoupolis over in the third arm of Halkidiki. It’s located right on the edge of Ouranoupolis, which makes it an ideal location. You are close to town, less than a five minute walk and still far enough away that it feels private. 

Ouranoupolis is a super cute town. I will post some photos of it soon. I just have to figure out which camera they are on. I brought six cameras.

Day 8: Exploring the Drenia Islands

Something really cool about where Xenia Ouranoupolis is located is its proximity to the Drenia Islands. They are accessible only by boat, but the hotel can arrange a boat rental for you, because the boat rental is practically next door. They arranged one for us today and it was too much fun.

• No license needed to rent a boat.

The little beaches here and there are beautiful. You can beach your boat along them and have a fairly private beach day. When we stopped at the first island the kids took off climbing and exploring. I stayed back to try and get my drone to fly, which it finally did! I’ll be posting drone footage soon!

Our hotel, Xenia Ouranoupolis, offers a dinner buffet, but tonight we skipped it and instead had dinner in town at Kritikos.

Day 9: Mt. Athos Cruise

This is a sightseeing cruise, which means you will be on the boat the entire time as it cruises along Mt. Athos. Mt. Athos is 57 kilometers long and inhabited since the 5th and 6th centuries by monks. There are 20 monasteries here.  Tips for taking children on one of these boat tours:

• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Find a seat in the shade
• Bring water and a snack

Jonah found the Mt. Athos tour riveting.

After the cruise we stopped to have lunch at Zorbas in Ouranoupolis.

Day 10: Amouliani Island

While on Amouliani Island we are staying at Agionissi Resort. We LOVE this resort! Here is my review of Agionissi Resort. Although the island is close to Ouranoupolis, it’s far enough away to feel like a private island far away. One of the best parts of staying here was the nightly sunsets. They were tremendous.

The kids are a little sick of Greek breakfast, so they are thrilled out of their minds when we find out they can order pancakes at the pool bar.

Day 11: Thessaloniki – It’s my Birthday!

While in Thessaloniki we are staying at Astoria hotel. The Astoria Hotel is in a fabulous location and they have large rooms to accommodate families.

Also, it’s my birthday! The Astoria Hotel gave me a cake! How sweet is that!

Much to my surprise, Thessaloniki is a super cool city. Before our visit, we had heard that it wasn’t that nice, but it simply wasn’t true. We walked all over the place and I swear they have ruins or a gorgeous church around every corner.

Is Greece Safe?

Another thing that was brought up to me by more than one person before we came to Greece was that it wasn’t safe. I had a few people ask me why I would take my kids to Greece when things were so unstable. These people were under the impression that Greece had floods of Syrian refugees. (This isn’t true.) Now why they thought this I do not know, but for any of you with similar concerns I want to assure you that this is a non-issue. Greece is extremely safe.

Day 12: Island Hopping Time! Off to Santorini

We couldn’t come all the way to Greece and not visit some of the islands down south. I wanted to take my kids to a bunch of the islands, but the time and money we would spend says that we should only go to a few. I narrowed it down to Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos. I heavily debated going to Naxos and Ios, but I guess we will just have to come back.

I’m hoping to score a cabin for our family on Blue Star Ferries as we Island hop. Out of all the ferries I took last time they were my favorite. Right now this is our tentative plan, but it’s not set in stone.

Today we went and saw some of Thessaloniki’s old city and then headed to the airport.

We are flying on Astra Airlines down to Santorini. After experiencing this airline I recommend not using it. I’m still a little confused by what happened, but here’s the short version. When we got to the airport they made me pay another $88 euros to board. I have never had to pay a fee to board a plane. This was on top of the $400 something I paid for our tickets. And it wasn’t baggage fees. They ran my credit card and handed me a receipt as we were boarding. I plan to talk to my credit card company when we get home. There is no way this is legal.

In Santorini we are staying at different places on the island the two nights we will be here in order to see as much as possible quickly and cut out having to go back and forth on the island.

Santorini on a Budget

The first hotel we stayed at me loved, Ethereum Luxury Cave. The location was super fun just north of Fira.

I have a drone video of this area up on my Facebook page. I haven’t had enough internet to post much, but it’s over there if you would like to take a look.

Day 13: Santorini

The Red Beach is gorgeous and I think it’s a must-see while on the island. As is the city of Oia and we saw both today.

We also switched hotels. Tonight we stayed at Armeni Luxury Villas. Sadly, I cannot recommend this hotel. I still made a video of it. It looks great, but only 2 people are allowed in the hot tub at a time. So, we had to take turns. I NEVER would have booked this hotel had I known this. Also, they would not let my kids sit in certain areas of the hot tub and made me supervise the kids at all times. My kids are 17, 14, and 11, they do not need me to sit there and watch them in a shallow hot tub. Unfortunately, the manager was super nasty to me and her office was above our villa, so there was no getting around her rules. I won’t go into her behavior, but the important take away is that this is no place for a family to stay.

Jonah was totally enthralled with watching the famous Oia sunset.

After the sunset, we went and found a restaurant I dined at two years ago, Lotza. It was just as good as I remembered it to be.

Day 14: Santorini and Mykonos

Today we took the Sea Jet super jet ferry from Santorini to Mykonos. I wasn’t sure how the kids would do on a ferry and I forgot to bring motion sickness medicine, so I was relieved when all of them seemed unbothered by the constant motion.

We didn’t do much in Mykonos. It took a long time to get a car rental squared away. By the time we made it to Mykonos City it was sunset time.

Day 15: Mykonos

Mykonos with Kids

We decided that our last full day in Greece should be at the beach. We headed over to Plati Gialos beach. After several failed attempts, to drive directly here we parked at Agia Anna beach and walked over.

There was free parking and the walk wasn’t too bad. At Platis Gialos beach there are lots of places to rent chairs and umbrellas. I paid 20 euros for two chairs and one umbrella at Mykonos Dove Beach part of Anios seafront restaurant. The handy thing about their umbrellas is that they have solar panels on them, so you can charge your phone off the umbrella. Each section is also attached to a restaurant so you can order food and drinks.

The drinks are spendy, so I walked over to a little supermarket and bought drinks and chips. They have alcoholic drinks for 2.90 euros, which is more than 10 euros cheaper than ordering. The little market also had a great selection of ice cream. 

Day 16: Mykonos to Paris

I scored some super cheap plane tickets from Mykonos to Paris, $37 each on Easy Jet, and I felt like this was a sign we should go to Paris. I then managed to find a hotel room for less than 300 euros, which last minute is pretty lucky. We are staying at the Hilton La Defence.

2 Days in Paris with Kids

Day 17: Paris!

Today, since I’ve done no pre-planning I only have three goals. Notre Dame Cathedral, Lourve, and eat some French food.

Day 18: Paris

Some of my friends that know us and our weird sense of humor have suggested we visit the catacombs. To me anytime you get the same thing suggested to you more than once, that’s what you should do. So, off we went to visit the bones of 6 million people underground.

Day 19: Go home 😰

Noah has a job now, which is great, but that means we have to go home so he can work. He “retired” from doing gymnastics after 15 years and his gym immediately hired him to coach. He now coaches level 5 boys!

We fly standby, so hopefully, we can get home in one day.

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The beach is slightly difficult to reach and I saw many people having a difficult time. You have to climb over a lot of rocks, up and down to reach it. If you struggle with stairs you probably will not be able to get down to it. You will be able to get to the overlook and at least see it. Hopefully, the picture below gives you an idea of the walk down to the beach, so you can decide if it’s something you can do or not. There is a free parking lot for you to park your 4 wheeler at before you walk down. The beach is located on the south part of the island, near Akrotiri village where you can visit some ruins if you like.

If you do not think you can walk down, consider a boat tour that will pull up to the beach. I recommend the Santorini Gems Tour or the Catamaran Caldera Cruise with Barbecue tour. 

The Red Beach: One of the Best Santorini Beaches

A few things to remember when you work to get to the best Santorini beaches:  Always go prepared.  Here are some of our best tips, and great methods for enjoying your time at one of the best beach locations in Santorini, Greece.

There is only one food and drink option, so your best bet is to take your own food along with a beach towel or two.  Bottled water is a must to stay hydrated, and some non-perishable snacks like crackers, chips, pretzels, or trail mix are ideal.  If you plan to stay all day long, you’ll want to pack a small cooler with complete meals or plan to spend a bit extra at the one concession area. 

For 16 euros you can rent an umbrella and two beach chairs. If you don’t want to rent a chair know that the further you walk down the beach the less rocky it gets, so set up near closer to the chairs.  When vacationing, you probably aren’t going to be hauling beach chairs and umbrellas to the best beaches in Santorini, so be prepared for a rental fee.  Trust me, it’s worth the expense.

Past the chairs is a little teeny tiny store where you can buy limited drinks and snacks. The selection is quite small, but it’s at least something. Also, down there near the store is a bathroom. You’ll want to remember that.  Staying hydrated on the beach is important, so you are going to need the bathroom at some point during your day.

Visiting great Santorini beaches when on vacation in Greece is a must. The Red Beach is a favorite for tourists and locals, and is sure to be a highlight of your vacation!

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