Island hopping in Greece: Santorini and Milos

Greek islands are a classic and all time favorite choice for a European summer vacation. With over 200 inhabited islands, one can spend a lifetime discovering this beautiful part of the world. On our trip to Greece, we met some seasoned traveling couples who would choose Greek islands as their destination every summer for over thirty years. As one man said, “There is no place like Greece, it has that charm that always pulls you in.” As we were short on time for our first island hopping trip in Greece, we went with the old classic Santorini and a dreamy Milos.

SANTORINI

Blessed with some stunning architecture and amazing Mediterranean cuisine, Santorini, a volcanic island nestled in blue waters of the Aegean sea, tops a list of ultimate romantic getaways. Like the Amalfi coast or Paris, Santorini is a place to see at least once in your lifetime. The view of blue-domed churches and white-washed cave houses perched on a cliff right over the blue sea is so poetic, it will continue to inspire the mankind for generations to come. While we only had three nights in Santorini, we made sure to pack them with some great adventures, sightseeing and leave enough time to enjoy the amazing food scene.

THINGS TO DO

10 KM HIKE FROM FIRA TO OIA

This three and a half hour hike on the edge of the caldera is a great way to experience the island. On this trail, you will pass by a beautiful village of Imerovigli, Skaros Rock, Finikia and finally, end up in a stunning village of Oia. Wearing hiking shoes is essential since the trail gets pretty rocky and dusty in places. Sweeping views of Santorini, peace and quiet away from tourist crowds are the ultimate reward on this hike.

EXPLORE THE ISLAND ON ATV

Riding an ATV is the most fun way to explore the island. On Greek islands, ATVs are so common and popular with tourists that it’s hard to resist the temptation of renting one yourself. With the ATV, you’re allowed to go off-road and it’s also easy to park. You will most definitely enhance your island experience by adding some fun and adrenaline filled ATV rides.

GO SIGHTSEEING IN PYRGOS

A traditional hilltop village of Pyrgos is another charming place on the island that can be enjoyed without massive crowds of tourists seen in Oia and Fira. With no high end hotels and stores in sight, Pyrgos feels authentic and truly romantic all around.

WHERE WE STAYED

Looking for more authentic and off the beaten path experience in Santorini, we chose to base ourselves in a hilltop village of Pyrgos. We found a lovely cave house Anna Fani Villas with a hot tub and a rooftop patio with amazing views of the village and sea. With our cave house located right at the heart of Pyrgos, we were steps away from some amazing restaurants. In Pyrgos, accommodations and food were also more affordable than the ones found in Oia.

RESTAURANT/ CAFE RECOMMENDATIONS

KARMA (OIA)
CAVA ALTA (PYRGOS)
KASTELANA PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY (PYRGOS)

MILOS

Cliff jumping into the bluest of waters at a moonscape beach, off roading around the island, discovering picturesque fishing villages are some of many unique experiences to be had in Milos. The island has that raw beauty and spirit of adventure that you can’t resist and end up day dreaming of getting there one day. We spent six days in Milos and wished we had more time to slow down to enjoy long hours at our favorite beaches. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Milos and a suggested itinerary for your trip:

THINGS TO DO

EXPLORE LOCAL BEACHES

SARAKINIKO – the world famous moonscape beach created out of lava shaped by winds and waves. On a non windy day, this place is perfect for cliff jumping.

TSIGRADO – A beach with a wooden ladder to get in.

PLATHIENA – A remote Northern beach, one of our favorite on the island. You will have to do some off roading to reach Plathiena.

FYRIPLAKA – A gorgeous long stretch beach right by Tsigrado, both should be visited on the same day.

ALOGOMANDRA – A beach with a big cave to hide from the sun, on the way to Pollonia.

VISIT FISHING VILLAGES

KLIMA

A colorful fishing village by Plaka where we spotted Eugene Levy filming an episode for his travel show The Reluctant Traveler!

FIROPOTAMOS – A beautiful fishing village with a small church and beach.

MANDRAKIA – Picture perfect Mandrakia with its colorful boathouses doesn’t feel real. Medusa, a highly popular seafood restaurant, is in Mandrakia as well.

MANDRAKIA

VISIT PLAKA

Boasting some of the best sunset views in Milos, Plaka will charm you with its narrow alleyways filled with lovely restaurants, bars and shops. For a sunset, take a 15 minute hike to the Venetian castle.

WHERE WE STAYED

We decided to stay in Plaka, the most charming hilltop village in Milos with breathtaking sea views and fantastic food scene. We booked a room with a sea view at lovely Plaka Suites.

RESTAURANT/ CAFE RECOMMENDATIONS

KOKKINO (Plaka) – perfect breakfast spot in the middle of Plaka
O! HAMOS (Adamas) – serving some of the best local food on the island
VLAHOS (Plaka) – serving some delicious souvlaki for less than 3 euros! Their Greek salad is spectacular too
THE BLACK HOG (Plaka) – great for meat dishes
PALAIOS COFFEE & PASTRY (Plaka) – amazing desserts