The Kat Chase

Athens

Day 1-2

Athens Backpackers hostel – Although it is hard to find in the tiny streets of Athens, this hostel is clean and has a great rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis where you can meet some of the coolest fellow travelers. This hostel boasts two locations close to each other and their own sports bar for after hours drinking.

• Acropolis
  • Acropolis museum – you get in for free with a student visa
  • Afternoon ancient ruins tour – this tour was absolutely fantastic, the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and the time of day was perfect to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Ancient Agora – visit the Temple of Hephaestus, the democratic citizens council, and the marketplace grounds. There are adorable restaurants right outside of the Agora on the way to Monastiraki Square.
• Syntagma square – this is the quintessential shopping street, Greece’s answer to Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue
• Monastiraki
  • flea market – this market is over half a mile long and full of souvenirs and specialty shops
  • A for Athens rooftop – This rooftop lounge and cafe is the perfect pit stop location for an afternoon or evening drink with a great view of the Square and the Acropolis

Mykonos

Day 3-5

Paraga Beach Hostel – this hostel is not for the faint of heart, it is by definition a party hostel. It is directly on a beach with a beach bar and infiniti pool with its own bar and restaurant. The conditions are basically glorified camping depending on what type of room you choose, but it is fun none the less. Paraga beach is a prime location and within walking distance to other famous beaches and clubs.

• Paradise beach – the most famous beach party scene on Mykonos island, find clubs such as Tropicana and Cavo Paradiso (Steve Aoki, Alesso, and Afrojack all performed there while I was there)
• Chora (Mykonos Town)
  • Little venice – an adorable part of Mykonos Town with narrow and bright picturesque streets and bars with fantastic views of the water
    • Katerina’s Bar and Restaurant – I’m partial to this bar because of the name but it truly has the best view of the windmills of any bar in the area
  • Windmills – take a picture in front of the famous windmills and see Little Venice from a great vantage point
  • Alefkandra square – An opening into the narrow and maze like streets of Mykonos town that ends up by the water in the harbor
  • Eva’s Garden Restaurant – The cutest hidden restaurant with a Secret Garden feel
  • Sea Satin Market – the restaurant directly below the windmills with great seafood and views
• Paraga Beach – Home to multiple beach clubs such as the famous Scorpio’s that have pools and great views of the sunset

Paros

Day 6-7

Paros Backpackers – One of the few hostels in Paros, this family run joint is quaint, helpful, and perfectly located by the waterfront. It is a short walk from the port or to the bus station and is surrounded by cafes and shops.

• Old Town and port of Naoussa – take the local bus from Parikia to Naoussa to visit the little fishing island for the perfect day getaway
  • Moraitis Winery – a short uphill climb from the waterfront, this winery gives you a 12 wine tasting by the classiest and most attentive sommeliers I have ever encountered
  • CINÉ ENASTRON – Outdoor movie theater at Paros park. Look up what movies are playing at parospark.com
  • Barbarossa – A stunning restaurant in between a church and the water in the harbor which absolutely glows during sunset
  • Itria bar – Russian Mule is a must here!
  • Yemeni  – tavern with typical Greek food (better book a table early in high season)

Santorini

Day 8-10

Caveland hostel – this hostel is a little isolated for solo female travelers but it is extremely relaxing and boasts its own pool and puppies that hang around the complex. Upgrade for a single cave room for the best sleep of your trip. The staff is extremely helpful and it is about a 15 minute walk to the main road and the bus stop, with plenty of cafes and bakeries on the way. 

Take the K-Tel Public Bus to scoot around the island. The most expensive leg at most will set you back 2 euros, so make sure you keep those 2 euro coins around! Additionally, the bus runs every half hour and runs to all the major stops: Oia, Fira, Kamari, and even the airport!

• Oia – the best place for sunset and consistently ranked one of the most beautiful places in the world
  • Hope’s place – this tiny shop has the best views of the sunset and town and is not crowded like the walkways
  • Byzantine Castle Ruins – this fort is the number one spot to watch the sunset, but you better get here early for a good seat on the wall. My suggestion: bring a snack and a bottle of wine and watch the people pour in and the sun go down
• Venetsanos Winery
• Red Beach – one of the most popular beaches on the island
  •  You can actually take a boat to lesser known but prettier White Beach from the Red Beach dock
• SantoWines – this winery has wine tasting and aperitif options, but honestly just buying multiple glasses of wine is cheaper, plus your wine won’t get hot (the bring out all the wines at once for the tasting). You still need to make a reservation in the high season even if only to have a glass of wine.
• Fira – this is the capital of Santorini island and is chock-full of restaurants and bars with stunning views
  • Sunset cruise – This cruise was one of the best things I did in Santorini. The meeting point is at the old port of Thira, and the tour starts at 3:30pm and lasts until after sunset. It includes an excursion to the volcano island, Thirasia, and a free glass of wine while watching the sun dip below the horizon.