Destination: Greece part 2 - The Islands of Mykonos and Santorini

Greece is an archipelago of islands in the Agean Sea and each is quite different from the mainland and unique in its own right. Two of the more popular islands are Mykonos and Santorini. Unlike the mainland of Greece, where I have been many times, my visits to the islands were limited to a day in each port while on a Mediterranean cruise so my advice is limited but think you might enjoy it just the same. And the photos are beautiful!










Let's start on the island of Mykonos.

Mykonos is an island with crystal clear blue water and beautiful sandy beaches.

Agios Ioannis and Orno Beach was the first stop and the site of a beautiful chapel on the sea.

From Agios Ioannis, we head to Kalafatis. Stopped at the Aphrodite beach resort with beautiful beaches and a taverna on the sea.

http://www.aphrodite-mykonos.gr/

 

From Kalafatis, we headed to the interior of the island and the village of Ano Mera. There is a beautiful little monastery, Panagia Tourliani Monastery.

Take a stroll through the quaint alleys of the village and  enjoy the Greek cuisine at local tavernas.

Then its back to the port of Mykonos.

Next stop, Santorini!

Santorini is unique and completely different from Mykonos. In Santorini, we had to take a tender boat to the port of Athinios. The village of Fira is at the top of the cliffs.

You have a choice of how to make your way to the top of the cliffs. You can take the funicular. Note: lines tend to be long and VERY long on the way down. Plan in EXTRA time, especially if you have to make a cruise ship departure.

Or for the adventurous, take a donkey!

When we got to the top of the hill, we took a cab to Oia, instead of an organized tour. Oia offers panoramic views of the sea. Blue domed buildings dot the mountain side. 

Enjoy Greek wines in one of the many shops in Oia. This was my favorite spot in the Greek Islands. So picturesque! We then headed back to Fira for a quick bite in a local taverna, grabbed a few let photos and headed back down to the port.

Enjoy the view!

Robin