Our Greek Getaway
If you could pick one travel destination that offers history, culture, and natural beauty all in one, where would it be?
If you are thinking of the beautiful country of Greece, then you guessed right! This summer we went on the family vacation of a lifetime. Not only did we visit Greece’s most iconic spots and indulged in the best food in the world (quite literally, the best) we also embraced the traditional Greek culture. It was the kind of trip that soothed the soul, reset the mind and body, leaving you wondering why you waited so long to visit.
The purpose of this blog post is not to provide the “ultimate to-do list” of the best places we visited from our self-made itinerary, but more importantly we hope to take you on a journey: from the mainland to the islands, from famous landmarks to tucked away villages and from breathtaking views to moments that will hopefully guide you to book that next greek getaway!
Why Greece?
Before we go any further, we thought to give a backstory behind why we chose Greece as our ultimate destination this year. Choosing Greece as our top destination was never a difficult decision. Beyond its post-card perfect beauty, Greece has always been a dream to see, live and experience. It is honestly so true, travel vlogs and Instagram reels cannot capture the feeling of standing on the grounds of ancient Parthenon, you simply must be there to understand the tremendous amount history behind the Greece that still stands today. Greece offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, and there is something special for anyone. From sight-seeing to hiking, to swimming, the list just goes on and on.
Besides Greece being a bucket list country, we have always felt compelled to visit as a part of our story in learning more about our heritage and roots as Greeks ourselves. With a Greek mother and grandparents, we grew up surrounded by the language, traditions, and flavors. From celebrating Orthodox holidays to cooking family recipes in our Canadian kitchen, our heritage has always connected us to this vibrant culture. Visiting Greece was not only about sightseeing, it was about stepping into the heart of our roots and seeing the world that shaped the traditions we carry today.
Athens (The oldest city in Europe and a must visit)
When planning our itinerary, we noticed that Athens is often described as the “one-stop city”, a place to check off the monuments before heading to the islands. And yes, the monuments are truly extraordinary; the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora are awe-inspiring, each telling stories of centuries past that are impossible to forget. But Athens is not just a city of sights to rush through. We decided to explore Athens a little more in depth by wandering into the outskirts (~20,000 steps a day later) and hopping on the metro (which, by the way, is impressively clean and easy to use) to explore the neighbourhoods where everyday life happens.
Reflecting on our time in Athens, we found joy in life’s simple pleasures touring the peaceful National Garden, enjoying gelato in the sun while wandering through Monastiraki Square, and browsing small shops filled with unique gifts and treasures. Connecting with beloved store owners with a simple greeting like “Kalimera” (good morning) revealed Athens’ true charm. We no longer felt like visitors; we felt like welcomed guests in their city, and taking each moment to savor the little delights around us showed a side of Athens that extended far beyond the typical tourist path.
Time for the islands!
Typically, after visiting the mainland areas of Greece, travelers spend a few days to a week exploring a couple of islands, this is referred to as island hopping! This can be accomplished by taking flights between islands or hopping on a ferry to explore several islands situated close to each other. Of course, flying is faster, but taking a ferry is a quintessential part of the Greek experience that you don’t want to miss. We took the ferry from Crete to Naxos, and then from Naxos back to Athens, and it was such a cool experience. There’s something magical about stepping up on the upper deck of the boat feeling the sea breeze, watching the turquoise waves pass by. The ferry also had a little café on board, so it was easy to grab a freddo coffee and a fresh spanakopita to enjoy along the way. It was convenient, comfortable, and made the journey feel like part of the adventure.
Crete
Stepping off the plane, it felt almost unreal to be surrounded by such a unique landscape, crystal clear waters to one side and mountains to the other. Crete is quite large compared to many other Greek islands, with plenty to see and do. We chose to stay in the town of Agios Nikolaos, which was in a great location close to calm beaches, small villages, and historic monasteries.
Our favourite spots on the island
1. Spridi Olive Oil Farm
Taking the tour at Spridi felt like stepping into a slower, simpler rhythm of life. We learned about the history of olive oil harvesting and the care that goes into each step of the process, along with stories of traditional Cretan cheese making that have been passed down through generations. After the tour, we wandered through the gift shop, where shelves were filled with hand-made ceramics, jars of local honey, and bottles of their fresh olive oil, each item reflecting the heart of the island. But the part that made us smile the most was wandering outside to feed the goats and greet the chickens and rabbits. There was something so grounding and joyful about being surrounded by the animals, the olive trees, and the hospitality of the farm.
2. Monastery of Saint George
The drive to the Monastery of Saint George was a trek, traveling on a highway hundreds of feet above sea level. With every turn, the views grew more breathtaking, endless rocky cliffs, the blue sea in the distance. When we finally reached the monastery, tucked quietly into the hillside, it was so peaceful. The stone paths and courtyards carried a quiet charm, and a few cats lounged lazily in the sun. It was the kind of spot where time seems to slow down, where you pause, breathe a little deeper, and forget about everything else for a while. We totally recommend this location to anyone interested in experiencing a peaceful glimpse into Orthodox tradition while surrounded by stunning mountain views.
3. Krista Village
We visited a nearby village because we wanted to explore some of Crete’s traditional life. The narrow cobblestone streets were lined with whitewashed houses and small, charming shops. Yia Yia’s sat outside their doorways, smiling and eager to show us their handmade textiles, patiently explaining the patterns and stories behind each piece. The shops were full of one-of-a-kind treasures, colorful ceramics, woven baskets, and fragrant local herbs. We also stopped at a local taverna, where the smell of freshly baked bread and freshly cooked lamb filled the air. Between the warm hospitality, the crafts, and the delicious food, it was easy to spend the afternoon completely immersed in the village.
Naxos
Moving onto the island of Naxos, we noticed right away how different it felt from Crete. The island has more of a small-village atmosphere, and because it’s less expansive, we spent most of our time walking through the streets. Naxos is known for its sandy coastline, mountain villages, and fresh local cheese products. It was simple to get around and easy to enjoy at a slower pace.
Our favourite spots on the island
1. Old Market
We love browsing for unique souvenirs and everyday items to bring home, so Old Market quickly became one of our favourite places to explore. Most evenings, after a relaxing day at the beach and a delicious dinner, we found ourselves wandering the narrow streets. Everywhere we turned, there were small boutiques offering handmade handbags to souvenir magnets to clothing. One evening, we came across a quiet square where lanterns were strung across clotheslines, giving the space a warm, festive glow. That same night, the lively sounds of a besuka (a traditional music and dance gathering), adding to the sense of joy and celebration. Each visit to Old Market felt a little different, full of new discoveries and moments that made Naxos memorable.
2. Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus is one of Naxos’s most iconic landmarks and a definite must-see when you visit Naxos. The hike up to the temple isn’t too exhausting, and as you walk, the views are unforgettable: on the right, waves crash dramatically against the rocky shoreline, while on the left, people are fishing or swimming in the calm, clear waters below. Standing at the top, it is easy to lose track of time. The way the temple blends with the natural surroundings makes the experience unique, a perfect mix of adventure, history, and the simple beauty of Naxos.
3. Filoti
Filoti is one of the largest villages in Naxos, nestled on the slopes of Mount Zas. Its lively main square, shaded by a giant plane tree, is surrounded by cafés and tavernas serving traditional dishes, which gives the village a warm, inviting atmosphere. We stopped at a quiet spot called Owl’s Nest Café to enjoy some time in the shade, it was peaceful and the perfect place to relax and watch the village life go by. Narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and small shops add to its authentic charm. Filoti is a great spot to experience everyday life on Naxos, away from the busier old town.
A special moment: Feast of Agios Nikodimos
Being in Naxos for the July 14th celebration of Agios Nikodimos was such a special experience for us. We started at the evening liturgy in the Cathedral of Chora, where the atmosphere was filled with reverence and anticipation. Later, we joined the procession as his icon was carried through the streets, which were glowing with lights and surrounded by flowers and flags. As we proceeded to the main town of Naxos, we were surrounded by locals chanting hymns together, children playing the trumpet and clarinet in the streets and fireworks in the sky. We felt welcomed into the heart of Naxos’ traditions. It was more than just a festival; it was a moment of true connection with the island.
Overall Greece experience
Looking back, what made this trip so special was not just the stunning views or historic sites, but the way each place invited us to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. From feeding goats on a quiet farm in Crete to wandering the old town streets in Naxos, the little experiences became the ones we cherished most. The contrast between lively villages and peaceful monasteries showed us the many layers of Greek life, each one rich in its own way. More than anything, these islands reminded us that beauty can be found in both the everyday details and the grand traditions. It’s a journey that left us not only with memories, but with a renewed appreciation for simplicity, connection, and joy.
