3 Day Athens Itinerary + 5 Greek Island Escapes

In this episode, Tyla takes you on a 3-day journey through ancient Athens and recommends five stunning, yet often overlooked Greek islands. This itinerary begins with exploring the many layers of Athens from the iconic Acropolis to hidden neighborhoods where locals go about their daily lives.

Then to avoid the mistake most visitors fall into by following the well-trodden path to overcrowded Santorini and Mykonos, Tyla steers you toward islands that offer the same breathtaking beauty, authentic Greek charm, and sparkling Aegean waters, but with far fewer tourists and a genuine sense of discovery.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the ancient temples and tranquil islands of Greece!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• How to arrive at Athens International Airport and reach the city center via metro, bus or private transfer
• Strategic tips for experiencing Athen's central neighbhourhoods without falling into tourist traps
• How to book Acropolis tickets in advance and the difference between standard tickets and combo tickets 
• Hidden gems and the neighbourhoods most visitors miss
• Where to find authentic Athenian food and markets 
• Best months to plan your visit that balance weather, ferry accessibility, and manageable crowds 
• Why ferries to Greek islands are best booked via third-party sites like Ferryhopper or Directferries 
• Why the islands of Hydra, Milos, Folegandros, Spetses and Serifos deserve to be at the top of your Greek island travel list! 
• How mixing different island types (Cycladic vs. Saronic) creates more varied experiences compared to visiting multiple similar islands

Places & Resources Mentioned

• Welcome Pickups (airport transfer service)
• Athens neighbourhoods - Monastiraki, Plaka, Filopappou Hill, Psyrri, Kolonaki, Lycabettus Hill, Exarchia, Kerameikos, Metaxourgeio, Ano Petralona, Koukaki and Makrigianni 
• Acropolis Tickets + Museum Tickets 
• Buy Ferry Tickets - Ferryhopper and Directferries
• Greek Islands - Hydra, Milos, Folegandros, Spetses and Serifos 

What's next?

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Transcript

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Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a city where every single layer of time exists all at once. Where ancient marble temples rise up from the hilltops and cast long shadows over neighborhoods filled with coffee shops, street art, and plates of grilled octopus. Then, when you are ready to leave the city behind, imagine a coastline waiting just a short ferry ride away. Islands of volcanic rock shimmering like moonscapes above an impossibly blue sea. And if you haven't guessed already, welcome to Greece. While everyone talks about Santorini and Mykinos as the Must-Sea Islands, today I want to steer you somewhere a little different. To a version of Greece that is just as beautiful, just as extraordinary, yet you feel as if you have it all to yourself. Hi friends and welcome back to Travel with Tyler, your much-needed audio vacation to Europe, where we explore thoughtfully crafted itineraries and inspiring personal travel stories designed to fulfill your European wonder loss. Today's episode is one I have been looking forward to for a long, long time because Greece is one of the most iconic summer destinations in Europe. Together, we will spend three magnificent days in the ancient city of Athens, followed by five absolutely idyllic island escapes. And while we accept that the capital of Athens will always be busy, your choice of Greek islands certainly has a massive impact on the overall trip. So for that reason, we are purposefully avoiding the overcrowded, touristy islands of Santorini and Mykinos. Because while they are stunning, the crowds are suffocating and will likely leave you questioning why you chose to go there in the first place. Thankfully, Greece has over 6,000 islands, many of which maintain a slower pace of life and authentic charm. The grease I want to share with you today is one that still has that feeling of discovering something real and something that still feels like a little bit of a secret. So if that sounds like the way you prefer to travel, then I hope you stick around. Maybe grab yourself a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the ancient temples and blissful islands of Greece. Before we dive into the itinerary, let's talk about what makes Athens and the Greek islands such a highly rated destination and why 38 million people choose to visit Greece each year. You see, Greece is one of those countries that has been on the travel radar for centuries. People have been making pilgrimages to Athens and the Greek islands since antiquity. It was also a popular destination on the Grand Tour, where 17th and 18th century British aristocrats would take a journey across Europe to sow their wild oats and discover the architectural, literary, and historical wonders of the continent. And yet, hundreds of years later, Greece still attracts visitors to its sparkling shores. Every time I arrive in Athens, I am stopped in my tracks by the sight of the Acropolis, sitting tall on its hill like it's floating above the rooftops, glowing in the late afternoon light for all to see. But Athens is so much more than just its ancient ruins, and that is what I really want to convey in this episode. It's a city that has reinvented itself many times over, and especially in the last decade. From a nation on the brink of bankruptcy following the 2008 financial crisis to a once again thriving metropolis. A walk around Athens will reveal diverse neighborhoods alive with independent restaurants, contemporary galleries, rooftop bars, and a street food scene among the best in Europe. There is a creative energy here, a certain scrappiness and warmth that quickly becomes irresistible. And then, of course, there are the islands. As I mentioned just a moment ago, Greece has over 6,000 islands, of which only a couple of hundred are inhabited. And of those, only a small handful receive the vast majority of tourists. Which means that if you are willing to do just a little bit of research and step slightly off the beaten path, you will be rewarded with experiences that feel genuinely raw and truly magical. Now, a quick word on timing. The best months to visit Greece are May, June, September, and October. During these months, the weather is fabulously warm and sunny, with temperatures hovering in the high 20s. The islands are accessible, the ferries are running, the hiking trails are open, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the crowds are significantly more manageable. July and August are considered the peak summer months where temperatures soar above 30 degrees Celsius. So that's about 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Crowds are also at their peak, especially in the Sacladic Islands, which become extremely busy. Less popular islands will be easier to navigate, but you should still expect crowds as this is also when all of Greece takes its summer holidays. So if you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's best to aim for late May, early June, or September and October. Trust me, you will be very glad that you did. Okay, so with that initial discussion out of the way, let's get into the day-by-day itinerary. Welcome to day one and your highly anticipated arrival in Athens. Most international flights land at Athens International Airport, which is a well-organized and easy airport to navigate. From there, you have several options for getting into the city. The metro is by far the most convenient as the line runs directly from the airport to central Athens and takes around 40 minutes, dropping you off right in the heart of the city. Tickets cost around 10 euros each way and the trains run regularly, so there is no need to purchase tickets in advance. Simply show up and buy them from one of the machines located at the metro entrance. Taxis are also widely available if you have heavy luggage or are traveling as a group. Plus, some hotels offer private transfers, which are worth looking into if you're after a seamless experience. A company I personally like to use when arriving in new European cities is called Welcome Pickups. You can book a driver and pay online several days in advance, allowing your arrival to be relaxed knowing you have already sorted out your transport. Now, this isn't any type of promotion or ad for them, it's just a company I personally use and always recommend. Now, as with any travel day, I want you to be kind to yourself and avoid trying to pack everything in to this first afternoon. Think of today as an introduction, a slow and sensory exploration of the city, a chance to orient yourself, catch your breath, and begin to uncover the many layers of Athens at your own pace. Once you have checked into your accommodation and freshened up, I want you to lace up your most comfortable walking shoes and head straight to Monasteraki. This is one of Athens' most atmospheric and ancient neighborhoods. And it sits in the shadows of the Acropolis, which means the first time you look up and see the Parthenon sitting on top of a great craggy rock, you will be doing so from the middle of a bustling, colourful square filled with street vendors, lively restaurants, and of course lots of other tourists. But don't be deterred, it's popular for a reason, and you can spend a good hour here, popping into the little Byzantine church located right in the middle of the square. And then take a wander down the side streets, where stalls sell everything from antiques, old coins, leather goods, and all types of touristy knick-knacks. Walk a little further and you're sure to stumble across some Greek or Roman ruins. Plus, maybe if you're lucky, a temple glowing in the late afternoon sun. Next, I want you to find your way into the Placa neighborhood, which is considered the old town of Athens, and is one of the most enchanting places to walk through. Imagine a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets climbing up towards the base of the Acropolis. It's the definition of ancient, with some of these lanes having been around for thousands of years. Notice the vibrant pink Bogan villa, cascading over whitewash walls and tiny restaurants spilling out onto terraces. Adorable cats sleep in patches of shade, and the whole area feels so easygoing. No frills and no fuss. Now, a quick word of warning: like all major European city centres, Placca does have its fair share of tourist traps, particularly around the main squares. But that's okay. Just make sure to remember your training. If you see menus written in five languages and a waiter standing outside trying to usher you in, these are the telltale signs to run away. You're definitely standing in front of a tourist trap. My advice is always to walk a little further up the hill and a little further away from the main drag, as this is where you will start to find these smaller, simpler places. The ones with handwritten menus and tiny tables that barely fit two people. Trust me, these are the ones worth sitting down in. Now, if it's not quite dinner time and you still have some light hours before sunset, I suggest heading up to Philippapu Hill. It's one of the city's best viewpoints, sitting just across from the Acropolis, and is connected to the historic center by a lovely pedestrian walkway. It takes about 20 minutes to climb to the top, and the path winds through a quiet, pine-scented park that feels like a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets below. The view from the top is also something truly special, looking directly at the Acropolis from across a valley with the city sprawling out in every direction beneath you. For sunset seekers, it's also the perfect spot to watch the city skyline change as ancient buildings glow a vivid rose color. Then, if your stomach starts to grumble, that's a clear sign it's time to return to the streets of the old town in search of dinner. Syri is another neighborhood that I am completely obsessed with, especially for food. It's not too far from the old town and is the kind of place that was once known as being a bit of a rough neighborhood, but has gradually transformed into something wonderfully creative and a lot of fun. Here you will find small tavernas dishing up mesai, which are lots of small plates that can include grilled octopus, creamy tarama salata, hitipi, which is a spicy whipped feta dip, and little crispy bites of saganaki cheese that arrive flaming at your table. I suggest you order a carafe of house white wine, eat slowly, and allow yourself to soak in the fact that you are really officially on vacation in Greece. Good morning and welcome to day two. This is going to be a big one because today it's time to tick off an ancient architectural marvel. That's right, we're heading to the Acropolis. But before we start, no big sightseeing day begins without breakfast. For your first taste of Athens street food, keep an eye out for cooluri, which are these delicious sesame-coated bread rings, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are sold from little carts located all over the city and are the Athenian equivalent of a morning croissant. Pair it with a freddo cappuccino, which is the highly addictive Greek take on iced coffee. Think frothy and wonderfully bitter. Athens is also an amazing city for brunch, with new cafes popping up on every street corner. In fact, it rivals cities like Barcelona and Lisbon for the sheer number of excellent brunch spots. Now for planning your visit to the Acropolis, the most important piece of advice I can share with you is to get there early. I really cannot stress this enough. The gates open at 8 a.m. And if you arrive a little bit before or right on time, then you will experience something very special. Walking around this sacred rock with just a handful of other early risers. The light is soft and golden, the air is still cool even in the depths of summer, and the whole place feels remarkably quiet. Of course, you must buy your timed entry tickets online in advance, and these earlier time slots do tend to sell out first. To secure these early morning tickets, I suggest you get onto the official website three months before your planned visit, as this is typically when they will become available. You can choose from the single entry standard tickets, which give you access to the main archaeological area, including the Parthenon. Or upgrade to the Combo ticket, which covers the Parthenon plus seven other archaeological sites. There is also the option to add on access to the official Acropolis Museum for those wanting to dive deeper into the history of the site. No matter which ticket you purchase, make sure you have it downloaded and ready on your phone for easy scanning at the entrance. It's no surprise that the Acropolis is extraordinary to see in person. So what I really want to focus on now is making sure you get the most from your visit, rather than feeling like you are being rushed from one monument to the next. The centerpiece of it all is of course the Parthenon, and it is genuinely an incredible sight to see. But it's also where 99% of the tourists will be. I suggest you head there first, and then when the crowds start to get too much, take this as your cue to seek out other sites, like the Erectium, where you'll see the spectacular porch of the Caratides. Imagine a balcony where six female figures draped in delicate cloth serve as the supporting columns. The Temple of Athena, Nike, is also not to be missed. It sits just at the right of the main entrance and is beautiful to see in person. You'll need at least two hours here to properly see it all or even just the highlights. But before you leave, make sure to carve out some time, even just a couple of minutes, to simply sit and take in the views of the city. Athens stretches out in every direction, all the way to the port in the southwest and to the glorious mountains in the north and east. Just take a moment to breathe it all in. These major sites are often overwhelming, yet the Acropolis provides an extraordinary opportunity to stop and contemplate the fact that you are sitting in the place where democracy was first imagined, the birthplace of modern philosophy, plus so much of what we consider to be the origins of Western civilization. It all first took root right here on this very hill thousands of years ago. Crazy, right? By 10am, you should be ready to come back down from the hill, and if you've opted to include the Acropolis Museum in your ticket, then this would be a good time to visit. It's located just a short walk from the south slope of the hill and is one of the finest museums in Europe. Housed inside a stunning modern building, here you will find most of the Acropolis's original statues, the ones that are far too delicate to be left outside. After exiting the museum, it is the perfect time to pause for a much-needed lunch break. Order your first Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and topped with a thick slab of feather. Then in the afternoon, I want to take you somewhere that most visitors to Athens usually walk right past, and that's the site of ancient agora. So while the Acropolis gets all the glory, the Agora was arguably the true heart of ancient Athenian life, as this is where people gathered to trade, to debate, and to hear the great orators of the day. The likes of Socrates walked here, Aristotle lectured here, and the very idea of democratic governance was shaped here in Athens. Nowadays, the site is a beautiful archaeological park, with green and shaded areas that are a stark contrast to the emptiness of the Acropolis that sits just above. The highlight of ancient agora is the Stoa of Atollis, a magnificent ancient colonnade building that now houses a small museum. It's also a magical photo spot at sunset when the ruins glow bright orange. Speaking of sunsets, as the sky begins to darken, and only if you still have energy to explore, there are two contrasting neighborhoods worth visiting for those seeking to deepen their understanding of modern Athens. Because whilst this city is ancient, over 3 million people call Athens home today, and the city has certainly transformed in modern times. The first neighborhood is called Kolanaki and is known for its elegant, slightly Parisian streets that gently climb the slopes of Lycabatus Hill. It's the more glamorous side of Athens with beautiful boutiques, smart cafes, galleries, and national embassies. Plus, if you missed the views from Philopapu Hill last night, well Lysabetus Hill arguably offers even better views. You can ride the funicular to the top, eliminating the need for a long hike, and if you time it right, then you can watch the sunset from the highest point in Athens. Then, for a neighborhood that is completely different in every possible way, catch the bus or walk 20 minutes to reach Excacia. This is Athens' radical, anarchist, and chaotic neighborhood that is completely covered in street art from pavement to rooftop, full of independent bookshops, record stores, and old-fashioned cafes, where old men play backgammon and chain smoke long into the night. So for those who prefer to see the grungy and lived in sides of cities, this is the place for you. Also, word of caution, if you do plan to visit this neighborhood, it's a good idea to check the latest news updates as major protests are often scheduled here, which can make the area more chaotic and hostile to be in. Then for dinner tonight, I suggest you return to the old town or the neighborhood of Siri in search of a restaurant serving plenty of grilled meats. Order the Savlaki, which is skewers of pork or chicken grilled over charcoal. Lamb chops are another great choice, and as long as you pile everything on top of flatbread, you are in for a delicious meal. Finish it all off with a small glass of ozo, an Anis flavoured spirit popular all over Greece, and toast to another day in this extraordinary city. Plus, more adventures to come tomorrow. It's officially day three and your last full day in Athens. So I want you to spend it uncovering parts of the city that most visitors simply never see. Start your morning at the Vava Kiosk Central Market, which is Athens' magnificent and entirely untouristy covered market hall, located just north of the city centre. Now it's no secret that I love a local market, as it's the best place to catch a glimpse of local life in a new place, and this fully functioning alive market. Market has it all. From a fish haul that is so big, it's worth visiting alone, just to see the heaps of prawns, buckets of tiny clams, and squid lined up in every size imaginable. The meat hall is located next door and is also quite impressive. Then, dotted throughout are tiny lunch counters serving some of the freshest and most traditional Athenian food you will find in the city. For the best experience, you need to go early before 10am, when the energy is at its peak and the vendors are at their most enthusiastic. Sample a variety of whatever is on offer. Strike up a conversation if you can, as the store owners here are proud of what they sell and love to share. From the market, it's only a short walk to reach the Keramikos neighborhood and the ancient cemetery of the same name, which is one of my absolute favorite hidden gems in all of Athens. Keramikos was the ancient Potters district and the principal burial ground of the city for thousands of years. And it sits on the site of what was once the beginning of the Sacred Way, the ancient road that led from Athens all the way to the spiritual center of Eleusis. Today it is a beautifully peaceful archaeological site full of ancient grave markers, overgrown paths, and plenty of sleeping cats. Almost no one comes here, which means you can wander through it in near complete silence, with nothing but the sound of birds and the distant hum of the city around you. I really want you to take your time here as we are in no rush today. Then when you are ready to leave, pop into a cafe, grab a coffee, maybe a sesame pastry, and make your way back to your accommodation to rest. Or if you prefer, I have more options for you to continue exploring. From Karamikos, you may wish to wander through one of Athens' most underrated neighborhoods. And I apologize in advance because I am going to absolutely butcher this name. But it is called Metatorios, something like that, but it's spelled M-E-T-A-X-O-U-R-G-E-I-O. Now, this neighborhood sits just north of the historic center, and for a long time it was considered one of the rougher parts of the city. But over the last decade or so, artists and creatives have quietly moved in and transformed it into something genuinely fascinating. Imagine peeling neoclassical buildings covered floor to ceiling in murals, tiny independent galleries tucked into former workshops, and coffee shops that fuel the locals. It is gritty and beautiful in equal measure, and it feels absolutely nothing like the Athens that most visitors will experience. Then, for your final afternoon, I want to send you somewhere that almost no visitor to Athens ever finds, and that is the neighborhood of Arno Petralona. This is a residential neighborhood that sits on the western slopes of Philipapu Hill, and it is quite simply one of the most charming places in the entire city. There are no ancient ruins here, no famous sights, no reason to visit that you will find in any guidebook. But what there is instead is a neighborhood that has remained wonderfully stubbornly itself. Imagine a grid of quiet streets lined with modest neoclassical houses, small local grocery shops, family-run taverns with hand-painted signs, and residents who have clearly lived here for generations. Take a walk through here in the late afternoon, when the light is at its most golden and the neighborhood is coming alive after the afternoon lull. Shutters begin to open, chairs are being set out on the square, and the smell of something delicious cooking drifts from a nearby kitchen window. This is the Athens that exists alongside the one that most visitors do see. So spending an hour here will give you a sense of what real life is like living in the capital of Greece. These extra additions to your itinerary will provide a lovely rhythm for the day, mixing neighborhood wandering with a leisurely lunch and relaxed afternoon strolls in the golden light. Each one is genuinely off the beaten track, and together they build a picture of Athens as a living, layered, and endlessly surprising city rather than just as the backdrop for ancient monuments. Now for your final dinner, I recommend heading to the neighborhoods of Kukaki or Makrijani. These two side-by-side neighborhoods have truly bloomed in the last few years and offer some of the best dining options in the city, with plenty of restaurants offering a modern take on traditional Greek cooking. The cuisine has evolved beautifully over the centuries with dishes like braised lamb paired with pasta and aged cheese. Or for seafood lovers, a plate of grilled sawfish with capers and preserved lemon goes down an absolute treat. For your drink, order a glass of acyrtico, which is a Greek white wine made from grapes grown on volcanic soils, producing flavors that are mineral, complex, and delicious. Tonight's meal should be one you'll remember, so when the dessert menu presents itself, do not hesitate to order yourself a baklava or a sweet sponge cake drenched in citrus syrup. You are on vacation after all, so make sure to treat yourself. And now it's time for the part I suspect many of you have been waiting for. Because whilst Athens is an extraordinary city, let's all be honest. When you tell someone you are going to Greece, what they really picture is the blue sea, the islands, the whitewash villages, the little wooden boats, and the sound of a harbor humming at dusk. And so after three fabulous days in the capital, I want to send you out onto the water for a taste of Greek island life. Now Greece has over 6,000 islands, and it is impossible to cover all of them in just one podcast episode. So to keep things concise, I want to focus on five specific islands that you can reach by direct ferry from Athens' main port of Piraeus. They are all incredibly beautiful, and surprise, they are not the ultra-famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Instead, they are stunning, tranquil islands where local life goes on, and the tourists there are genuinely curious about exploring the real side of Greece. Now, a few practical notes before we begin. Piraeus Port is connected to central Athens by the Metro, which makes getting there very straightforward. Taxis and private transfers are also options, but of course they cost significantly more. The ferry schedules can vary significantly depending on the season you visit. So I would always recommend checking and booking your tickets in advance, particularly in the summer months, as some ferries do sell out. In my personal experience, the official Greek fairy company websites are sometimes a little chaotic to navigate. So using a third-party booking platform like Fairy Hopper or Direct Ferries can make it all so much easier. You will likely pay a small fee for the convenience, but again, in my experience, it's worth it for a seamless booking experience. You'll also want to double check the departure terminal number when you book and again on the day of departure, as Perez has several different terminals, so arriving at the wrong one can be a stressful and time-consuming mistake. Also, a lot of the direct ferries leave early in the morning. I'm talking sometimes 5 or 6 a.m. So make sure to set multiple alarms and plan your route to the port if you have booked an early morning ferry. One last thing that I really hope doesn't interrupt your trip, but I think it is important to mention is that on the rare occasion of bad weather and rough seas, the ferries do get cancelled. In these circumstances, you can only hope for it to be one day, but sometimes if the bad weather persists, it can last for several days. There isn't much to be done except to wait out the storms, or if your island has an airport and domestic flights are still operating, you may still be able to get there, but last-minute flights will be in high demand and super expensive. So with those initial logistics out of the way, let's talk about the five islands that I recommend for your perfect Greek escape. If I had to choose just one island in all of Greece to recommend to someone visiting for the first or even the tenth time, there is a very high chance I would almost always choose the island of Hydra, or Hydra, as they say in Greece. Located just over an hour from Piraeus port in Athens by Fast Ferry, Hydra is the definition of a gem hiding in plain sight. From the moment the boat rounds the headland and the harbour comes into view, you'll quickly realize that you have arrived somewhere special. Because to this day, Hydra has no cars, no motorcycles, in fact, no motorized vehicles of any kind. This has been the rule since the 1950s and it is enforced to this day. So the only way to get around the island is on foot, on a donkey, or by boat. For some, this may seem like an inconvenience, but I personally think it has allowed the island to remain absolutely authentically itself. Enforcing this rule over the decades has ensured the island is preserved. So while other Greek islands have succumbed to hotel chains and busy roads, Hydra has remained almost perfectly unchanged. The houses are built of stone, the streets are cobbled, and the only sounds you hear walking through the alleys are your own footsteps, the occasional bray of a donkey, and the lap of the sea. The harbor itself is also one of the most beautiful in the whole Mediterranean. Curved and welcoming, surrounded by grand stone captains mansions built in the 18th century by the island's wealthy seafaring families. Artists and writers began discovering Hydra in the 1950s and 60s, and the most famous among them was Leonard Cohen, who bought a house here in 1960 and lived on the island for years. He once said that Hydra taught him what it meant to be alone with yourself in the most creative sense. A sense of beauty and stillness that is still very much present on the island today. So what is there to do here, you may be asking? Well, swimming first and foremost, although Hydra has no sandy beaches, you will be able to dive into the sea from rocks and stone platforms, which has its own unique charm. The water surrounding the island is extraordinarily clear and clean. Plus, only a short walk west along the coast from the port of Kamini is where you'll find some wonderful swimming spots. For avid walkers and hikers, the island offers a network of ancient mule paths that climb up through the pine and wildflower-covered hills to various monasteries, chapels, and viewpoints that look out across the whole cerotic gulf. Then, for food, you can choose from waterfront tavernas dotted along the edge of the main harbour, or for an even better sea view, seek out a clifftop restaurant located just a short uphill hike away. But of course, everyone knows that the best food is found in the tiny laneways and back streets, where you are first greeted by the sound of distant laughter, and then the lingering smell of something delicious. And lastly, for sunset. Find a spot on the eastern side of the harbour, order a glass of chilled wine, and watch the light reflecting off the old stone houses. This is what Hydra is for. Slowing down, forgetting time, and appreciating the simple things. No loud noises and no distractions. Just pure, unhurried relaxation. Unlike anywhere else in Greece or maybe even Europe. It's a place where a traditional way of life has been fiercely protected. And because of that, visiting today feels like a privilege. Well, if Hydra is about stillness, then island number two is all about dramatic scenery. That's right, I'm talking about the island of Milos. As a volcanic island located in the western Cycladic Island chain, Milos is between two and a half to four hours from Piraeus port by ferry or a short 45-minute domestic flight. The island sits on an ancient caldera, and the geological forces that created it have produced a landscape so strange and so beautiful that it seriously looks like you've landed on another planet. The most famous example of this is at a place called Sarakiniko, a beach on the northern coast made entirely of white volcanic pumice. The stone has been sculpted by wind and waves over the centuries, into the smooth, curved rock formations that we see today. The rocks glow bright white in the sunshine and the sea beside it is the most vivid shade of turquoise, making it the most postcard perfect site on the island. But that's all just the beginning as the island offers over 70 extraordinary beaches, each shaped by unique volcanic rock formations. So if you're looking to spend your vacation jumping between the most spectacular, dramatic beaches in all of the Greek islands, well, I must say that Milos is for you. Beyond the beaches, Milos has plenty more to explore. The village of Placa, which is the island's capital, sits on a hill in the center of the island with the most incredible views across the Aegean Sea. Then just below Placa is the village of Tripiti, where you'll find a remarkable set of ancient Christian catacombs, one of few such sites to exist outside of Rome. They have been cut into the soft volcanic rock and date all the way back to the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. It was also here on Milos in 1820 that a local farmer unearthed the breathtaking marble statue of Aphrodite. And some of you may even recognize it by its more common name, the Venus de Milo, which currently resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris. A copy of the statue stands in the Archaeological Museum in Placa, but there is something rather wonderful about knowing that you are walking the fields where one of the world's most famous sculptures was found. And for a fun activity, I highly recommend taking a boat tour around the island. These typically depart from the main port of Adamus in the morning and circumnavigate the island over the course of a full day. Stopping in at several beaches and sea caves that are only accessible by boat. Milos stands out among Greece's many islands because of its unique geology. No other Greek island looks like it, and for that reason it's incredibly special to visit. To get around the island, you can rent ATVs, scooters, or even cars. Just make sure to have the necessary licenses needed for each vehicle type. Well, we are already two islands down, so I wonder where we'll escape to next. Now for this third island, I want to tell you about a place that the Greeks tend to keep quietly to themselves, and that is the island of Philogandros. This is a small rugged island in the southern Cyclades, located about four hours by Fast Ferry from the port of Piraeus. And in every conversation I have ever had about it, the question that always comes up is why is it not more famous? And I think the answer boils down to the fact that Folagandros refuses to compromise. There are no big hotels here, no international airport, and no major beach clubs. But what there is instead is something rarer and more precious. The main village of Folagandros sits on the edge of a sheer drop cliff, 200 meters above the sea. So the first time you walk out of the village on the western side and look down that vertical drop to the water far far below, your stomach will likely drop. It is one of the most dramatic settings of any village anywhere in Europe, and the village itself is pristine. Imagine a maze of whitewashed buildings, bright pink bogan villa, and tiny squares where locals gather in the evening to chat, drink uzo and play games. Above the town and only accessible by a steep and beautiful curving pathway, the church of Panagia glows in the afternoon sun. The walk-up takes about 20 minutes and is traditionally done at dusk, when the church is lit up by candles and the last of the light is fading over the sea. It's an absolute must while visiting the island and an experience that will stick with you long after you leave. Naturally, due to its clifftop location, the beaches of Falagandros require a little more effort to get to. So you can either take a boat or a long walk down the very steep coastal paths, which is perhaps what keeps these beaches so beautiful and uncrowded. Agali is by far the most accessible and is a gorgeous curve of petals and calm water. While the beaches of Agkali and Verdea are accessible only by boat, and therefore they are more secluded and pristine. The food found on Folagandros is also exceptional, despite its tiny and remote location. You'll find several restaurants in the square of the main village offering some of the tastiest and most authentic dishes in all of the cycletic islands. One dish that you simply have to try whilst here, as it is unique to the island, is masata, which consists of hand-rolled pasta served with rabbit or rooster ragu. Now the island of Folagandros is unique because it's 100% unapologetically itself and is not trying to cater to any type of tourist. The island is small, dramatic, deeply beautiful, and very Greek. It's a place where sitting in the main square at midnight, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the cliffs and sipping a glass of wine is all just part of that Greek island experience. The island is unhurried and off the beaten path in all the best ways. So you can leave feeling like you've saved a slice of grease all to yourself. Now for our fourth Greek island, we're going to go somewhere slightly closer to Athens and slightly different in character. So unlike the Cycletic Islands, it's more green, more terracotta rooftops, and much quicker to get to. The island of Spetsis is located in the Saronic Gulf, close to Hydra actually, and it's only about two hours from Piraeus port by fast ferry. It's a place that has become popular with wealthy Athenians over the last century, and also like Hydra, cars are heavily restricted here, so you can only bring a vehicle onto the island if you are a resident and if you have special permission. For this reason, most visitors get around by horse-drawn carriage, by bicycle, or by water taxi. The result is an island that moves at a different rhythm to the rest of the world. Slower, more gracious, and more enjoyable. However, what Spezus has that Hydra does not, and what makes it immediately distinctive, is trees. Sweeping pine forests cover the interior of the island, running right down to the shore in many places, and the scent of the pine trees and sea together is one of the most beautiful smells to exist. This unique microclimate created by all this forest is also noticeably cooler than the more exposed Cycladic Islands, which is a wonderful bonus if you plan to visit in the summer months. The main town of Spetsis is also architecturally interesting and is dominated by the grand neoclassical mansions of its wealthy merchant past. There is also a beautiful old harbor lined with fishing boats. And the elegant facade of the 19th century Poseidian Grand Hotel. Now, the beaches of Spezas can only be reached by water taxi, which are often small wooden boats that shuttle you between the harbor and the various bays around the island. Some of the closer beaches are easier to get to and therefore more popular and busy. But if you're willing to travel a little bit further, you can access some truly incredible remote, off-the-beaten path beaches where you may just be the only person there. So if you're looking for a Greek island offering a combination of restricted traffic, lush pine forests, neoclassical architecture, and beautiful beaches, well, Spetsis is a place that is loved by Greeks, yet somehow remains hidden from international visitors. And for our fifth and final island, I want to take you somewhere that I honestly think is one of the great undiscovered treasures of the Cycladic Islands. So without further ado, welcome to Seraphos. Now, Seraphos is located in the western Ciclades, about two hours from Piraeus Port by Fast Ferry, yet it still remains a pretty unknown island. You'll most likely arrive in the port town of Livadi, where you'll be instantly greeted by a small, cheerful cluster of tavernas and cafes lining the edge of a sheltered bay. It's a rather modest arrival, as further inland lies the island's ancient hilltop village, one of the most dramatic and breathtaking in the entire Cycladic Island chain. And because Seraphos does not appear in most people's travel plans, you can walk through it at your own pace, with not a single other tourist in sight. The narrow white lanes twist between cube-shaped houses decorated with pots of geraniums, climbing higher and higher until you reach the fortress located at the very top of the village. The view from there is sensational as the whole island spreads out below you, the sea on every side, and on a clear day, the neighboring islands appear to be floating on the horizon. The beaches of Seraphos are, as you can expect, truly excellent and also mostly uncrowded. It's here that you'll find long stretches of gentle sand tucked into secluded bays dotting along the south coast of the island. Then, as you explore along the west coast, you'll find the remains of the island's industrial mining past. The hiking on Surafos is also exceptional as the island has a network of ancient mule paths that connect the villages, farm, and monasteries across the island. The walk from Livari up to the main village via the old park rather than the main road takes about 45 minutes and passes through wild herbs and ancient terrace fields. Then the path from the main village to a hilltop monastery takes about an hour and offers astonishing views across the entire island. So if you do choose to visit, well you can expect Seraphos to feel more local and authentic than the other more polished cycladic islands. Being there is like time has stopped. And while other islands have developed, Seraphos has remained genuinely raw and very real. The spectacular natural beauty and slow pace of island life here is why this Greek island escape is so good for a traveler's soul. Right, so before I let you go and start planning your trip to Greece, I want to quickly recap and share a few practical tips to help ensure it all goes smoothly. So as I mentioned before, getting to Athens is relatively easy as the international airport is very well connected with direct flights from most major European and North American cities. Then, for getting into and around Athens, the Metro is a clean, efficient, and safe option that covers all the main areas of interest to visitors and connects the airport directly to the city center. There are also trams and buses, however, these are sometimes less reliable due to traffic and congestion. Walking is also a great option for the more central neighborhoods, but for longer distances, the metro, taxis, and private transfers just make the most sense. Next, for getting to the islands, I have specifically chosen five islands that can be reached by direct ferry from Athens, main port of Piraeus. The fast hydrofoil services are by far the best and most efficient options. They usually cost slightly more than the slower, larger ferries, but it is 100% worth it. The difference is often a quick morning or half-day ferry versus spending an entire day up to seven or even eight hours on a crowded ferry with very little seating. So if you are planning a trip to Greece and you want to visit the islands, please trust me on this and save yourself lots of time by always booking the fast ferries. Now, when it comes to eating in Greece, you are sure to enjoy yourself as Greece is one of the best foody destinations in Europe. In Athens, you must try dishes like Suvlaki and Taramasalata. A proper Greek salad is also not to be missed, and while lazing around on the islands, you should definitely order the seafood catch of the day and the fresh octopus. Enjoying a delicious meal with a drink in hand while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea is one of the great pleasures of holidaying in Greece. And while we're on the topic of drinks, Greece has many unique wines and great varieties. Ordering a carafe of the house wine is customary and excellent for sharing with friends and family. From white to red, rose, and even the rare and elusive blue wines, make sure to try it all. There are also the local spirits to explore, with Uzo being the classic Anis flavored Greek spirit. This clear liquid drink goes cloudy when poured over ice and is a great sight to see. Seppuro is another grape-based spirit similar to grappa in Italy and is absolutely delicious when paired with a plate of something salty. Now, just as a quick reminder, the best time to visit Athens and the Greek islands is during the months of May, June, September, and October. They are ideal for long sunshine days and perfect swimming temperatures, plus, you'll avoid the major summer crowds on the ferries. And for my last and final tip, Greece rewards those who go off the beaten path. The majority of visitors to Greece will rinse and repeat the same basic itinerary: Athens, Mycos, Santorini, and maybe one other more known island. But speaking from experience, there is so much more to see in Greece beyond these two islands. Did I mention there are over 6,000? So, yes, Mycos and Santorini are beautiful. Yes, they are very luxurious, but they are also so popular and busy that unless you have thousands of dollars to spend a night on your accommodation, your experience will likely be tainted by the sheer number of people and crazy high price tags that come along with visiting such an in-demand destination. Greece is one of many places in Europe where it really pays to go against the flow. Pick a lesser known island and take a different route. I guarantee whether you go to Santorini or Seraphos, you'll get to see similar things, like whitewash buildings, blue seas, beautiful beaches, hilltop churches, and lively squares with tavernas serving generous portions of Greek food. Because in truth, once you visit one secletic island, and then another, and then another, they all start looking and feeling the same. So for an even better experience, pick one secletic island and then mix it with a seronic island like Hydra or Spezzus, as the landscape, the architecture, and even the local way of life changes. You'll get to visit two very different Greek islands rather than doubling down on the same experience. Plus, you'll be able to capture the real and authentic beauty of the Greek islands, a thing that in all honesty, most copycat tourists never get to see. So if you're planning a trip to Greece this upcoming summer or in the next few years, I challenge you to go against the flow of tourists, pick something unique and a little bit off the beaten path. I promise you'll be so glad that you did. And that brings us to the end of three extraordinary days in Athens and five absolutely magical Greek islands. From your first breathless sight of the Acropolis rising above Athens rooftops to the silence of Hydra and the volcanic moonscapes of Milos. I hope by listening to this episode, you feel you have experienced a side degree that goes deeper than the postcard images and the famous sunsets. And I sincerely hope you feel inspired to start planning your very own Greek adventure. And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please remember to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It's the best way to help spread the word to more Europe-loving travelers and those who might be planning their very first trip. Plus, if you would like to say hello, you can come find me on Instagram at travelwith.tyler, where I share photographs and recommendations from all my favorite corners of Europe. Thank you so much for spending this time with me as we journeyed through ancient Athens and the beautiful Aegean Sea. Next time, we'll be covering the ins and outs of navigating European transport, from train travel to rental cars, buses, ferries, and everything in between. It's going to be super informative and hopefully gives you the courage to traverse Europe like a pro. So until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep your European wanderlust alive!