We’re taking the kids on their first mini back-packing adventure this summer. Starting in Santorini and ending in Mykonos (with a flight home from Athens). Have looked at the usual places in between, but we have 16 days to fill, so wondered if any of you have any hidden gems, must see places, amazing beaches, great restaurants away from the madding crowd, etc.
Thanks in advance x
Tinos sounds lovely …
Tinos is well worth a trip, if you are there on August 15 its the Greek Orthodox pilgrimage to the big church on top of the hill in the main town. Quite a spectacle. Paros is great too but becoming very busy. Naxos same but again really nice. Andros is a popular place for Athenians to go for a break, can get really windy at times.
So many places to visit and Athens is a great city to spend a couple of nights in just pick a good area and stroll around the streets there. City is huge… If you go to Thessaloniki you will have a new favourite city…you can get a ferry from Corfu to Albania it’s takes little over a hour. Corfu town is beautiful loads of hidden gems to be found…
Attended a wedding 10 years ago on Samos and then ferry over immediately after to Icaria for the party, a feast with trad music and pork (!) served all evening. Both islands were lovely. We panicked when we got to harbour to get ferry back to Piraeus and realised ticket office was on other side but a chain smoking local on scooter gave me a lift and just made it. The sort of kindness that stays with you forever.
Went to Oia in Santorini for a few days last year - lovely but chichi village, and overrun with social media influencer types trying to get the perfect shot for the grid. However, if you find yourself there and can cope with a walk down the steep hill, there’s a tiny restaurant right on the beach that seemed pretty quiet and serving incredible fish if that’s your thing. https://armenisantorinirestaurant.gr/menu/
Also similarly Ammoudi round the corner for sea swimming.
I really liked Naxos and Paros. Naxos felt slightly less busy and trendier than Paros when I went. Would recommend both. Paros had the better nightlife imo.
Currently on the ferry heading to Athens for our final 24 hours Any tips for what to check - bars/restaurants, etc.
Cheers x
I think I walked past you today in Athens?!!
Can’t be sure, and it was very brief.
Just arrived today with my two teens.
3 days in Athens, 7 in Naxos.
Ah, you should’ve said hi 
Athens is mega hot - have fun but carry plenty of water!
It was the sunglasses I saw and thought “could that be?” And did a double take.
Walking through the small street with lots of tee shirt stalls and jewellery for sale.
Next time!
Sounds about right. We were just killing time waiting to get to the airport later that day. Hope you’re having a fun trip!