• Acropolis

Athens, Greece Viewing spot: Filopappou Hill So Acropolis admission is going up this year (because, Greek debt crisis), but hold onto your Euros: one of the best spots to admire the ruins is actually totally free. Climbing up Filopappou Hill, you can get an awesome panorama of Athens, the Aegean, and even a full shot of the Acropolis -- no backdrop of tour groups necessary.

• Airbnb - Santorini

Oia is the place to be. This is where you’ll find the traditional cave houses perched overlooking the ocean. There are plenty of similar houses to choose from on Airbnb no matter what your budget, or you can stay in the one we found.

Caldera Villas - Santorini

This one’s an easy choice if you find pool time essential. The terrace at the Caldera Villas features stunning ocean views and they often run deals on their rooms and suites.

• Charisma Suites - Santorini

For a direct view of the sunset each night, book a stay at the Charisma Suites and prepare to be pampered. If it looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen their dreamy suites on Instagram!

• Sunset Ammoudi Taverna - Santorini

At Sunset Ammoudi Taverna, fresh octopus and fish are caught daily from the bay right where the restaurant is located. The best part about eating here is that you can dive into the water after lunch – you’ll be dining inches from it.

• Sunset Restaurant - Santorini

For the best sunset view on Santorini, reserve a table early on the upstairs patio at Sunsets Restaurant and watch the crowds queue up below for an unforgettable evening.

• Lolita’s Gelato - Santorini

Don’t miss this popular spot for gelato and ice cream on the island. Their flavors rotate often, but mango and pistachio are just some of the tasty flavors you’ll find there.

• Pito Gyros - Santorini

This is the perfect spot for a casual lunch of tasty Gyros and fries. Remember, afternoon naps are encouraged on the Greek Islands.

Floga - Santorini

Consistently delicious, fresh dishes are served at Floga — and the views overlooking the caldera don’t disappoint either.

• Ammoudi Bay - Santorini

Head down to Ammoudi for a leisurely afternoon starting with lunch. Around the corner is Agios Nikolaos rock, which is a great spot for cliff diving and sunbathing. Facing the water, just head left down the path past the restaurants until you see it.

• Red Beach - Santorini

This unique red sand beach is situated at the bottom of the island. Tip: go in the late afternoon once the crowds have cleared for a sunset dip. Many beaches on Santorini are rocky, so you might find yourself opting to lounge instead of swim.

• Fira Town - Santorini

Lined with boutiques overlooking the ocean, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here wandering the quaint streets and hunting for products from local designers.

• Byzantine Castle Ruins - Santorini

For beautiful views of Oia and beyond, I suggest visiting this spot and exploring the winding streets nearby.

• Perissa Beach - Santorini

This beach is famous for its black sand. There are also plenty of nearby tavernas where you can grab lunch and an afternoon drink.

• Rent an ATV - Santorini

If you’re a skeptic, hear me out – this really is the best way to see the island. We found a completely empty beach on Santorini with our ATV, all thanks to the freedom of being able to explore the smaller roads.

• Hike from Fira to Oia - Santorini

This two and a half hour hike features beautiful views of the ocean. If a long trek isn’t in your plans, visit Skaros Rock instead and stroll towards Oia, or explore the small paths leading downhill. It’s not uncommon to find an old structure on the cliffside around here.

• Visit the Akrotiri Ruins - Santorini

Check out the preserved remains of this ancient Greek settlement, which are said to have inspired Plato’s story of Atlantis.

• Atlantis Books - Oia
• Hydra

“My favorite island is Hydra, which is defined by distinctive beauty, grace, and simplicity. Arriving at its marble-quayed harbor, you’ll be mesmerized by the mansions—most of which once belonged to ship owners. No wonder the island has hosted emblematic figures such as Henry Miller and Leonard Cohen. Horses, donkeys and mules are the main means of transportation as the use of motor vehicles is banned, except for a few miniature garbage trucks. This gives the island a one-of-a-kind tranquility. Beneath this lack of vehicle noises, you can walk the cobblestone streets or enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at one of its restaurants. If you prefer pizza and pasta to seafood, you should definitely visit Da Barba Dimas, a small restaurant serving the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Don’t forget to spend an afternoon sitting in front of Hydroneta’s famous blue windows while reading a book and drinking a glass of mastiha liqueur with crushed ice. But put your book aside when the sun begins to set. The view is memorable.”

• Zagorohoria

“Worth visiting are the...mountainous areas of northwestern Greece, called Epirus. I like hiking through the forest [where you can see] some unique, very old, stony and protected bridges; canoeing and kayaking, rafting and swimming in the Voidomatis river during summer, and the great hospitality and food that one can experience in most of the boutique hotels, hostels and restaurants all year round. I love staying at Mikro Papigo and looking at the view of Gamila peak (gamila means camel in Greek), or going to the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, a short distance from the center of picturesque Monodendri village and right above the Vikos Gorge. I also like going there for mushroom hunting. The very first village of Zagorohoria, called Asprageli, is only 25 minutes away from Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, a vibrant city with a big lake that is also worth a visit.”

• Nisyros

“Located in southeastern Greece, Nisyros is close to the island of Kos. It sits on the eastern end of the Aegean volcanic arch, and is still active. With the shape of a typical caldera volcano, it is one of the most unique places in Greece. Nikia, a village some 1,300 feet above sea level, has great views of the water and of the volcano’s crater, which you can walk inside. The volcano is still hydrothermally active, so there are hot springs around the island. There is an old community spa/bath building outside Mandraki, which hasn’t changed since the 1960s. There is also the outdoor church of Panagia Spiliani (“Mary of the Cave”), with a cave where the temperature rises to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are a lot of trekking routes around the island that involve the five volcano craters. Beaches on the island are dark, with volcanic rocks similar to Santorini. The most famous beach is Pachia Ammos (meaning thick sand), and it takes 10-15 minutes walking over hills to reach. Is one of the most famous places for free camping in Greece, as camping outdoors in non-designated places is outlawed in the rest of the country.”—Sotiris, postgraduate student

• Nafplio

“Nafplio, an easy-to-get to destination just two hours from Athens, has a lot to offer whether you’re interested in historical sites, shopping, or just relaxing. I visit Nafplio about three or four times a year, as keeping in touch with my father’s birthplace and enjoying time away from hectic Athens is a change I need in my routine. The first ever modern-day capital of Greece, featuring Bourtzi (a castle in the middle of the harbour) and Palamidi (a fortress), Nafplio is history-packed. I always find something interesting to do, whether it’s taking a two-minute boat ride over to Bourtzi to explore, renting a bike to wander, enjoying freshly-made ice cream or eating at the cutest restaurants in the back streets. With such rich history, beautiful sunset scenery, and that salty smell of the sea, you can’t help but fall in love with it. Nafplio is perfect for year round getaways, even day trips, and it’s also close to the majestic ancient theater of Epidaurus and the historical site of Mycenae.”

• Lefkada

“Lefkada is one of the seven islands of the Ionian Sea, along with Corfu, Paxi, Kefallonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Kythira, and it’s one of the very few in Greece that you don’t need a boat to reach. It’s a five-hour trip from Athens, so arm yourself with patience, but if your vacation is about great beaches, this is where to go. The first place to visit should be the village of Agios Nikitas, where a pedestrian road with taverns and hotels on each side leads to a small, colorful beach. From there, you can swim or snorkel to the cape and reach the first “major beach” of the island, Mylos, which has beautiful flat sand and turquoise waters. You should also visit Egremni beach—lots of people consider it one of the two best beaches in Greece, along with Elafonisi in southern Crete. The steep cliffs (which is what egremni means in Greek) come down to meet thick sand and light blue sea for the most impressive scenery I’ve ever seen.”—Vasilis, engineer

• Pylos

“When I first visited Pylos, it felt like being to an unexplored place, a hidden treasure in mainland Greece. I was surprised by its wilderness: sandy beaches and the fourth-longest coastline in Greece, rivers, waterfalls, vineyards, and olive groves. Pylos is one of the first places in continental Greece where birds visit in spring migration, and the EU has designated many areas around it as protected. The Gialova lagoon hosts 271 of the 442 bird species in Greece and is next to Voidokilia, a breathtaking bay that is also an archaeological site with centuries-old ruins. This area is good for road trips: the western end of the Greek National Road 82 begins in downtown Pylos, running east to west, and linking Pylos with Kalamata and Sparta. Stop for traditional recipes such as hilopites (chicken with noodles) and diples (a crunchy dessert), in any of the old-time tavernas along the way.”—Petros, naval architect

• Crete

“Of all the Greek islands, Crete is one of the most distinctive, not only because it’s the largest one, but also because it has its own unmistakable culture. I visit Crete every summer with my family or my friends. Its landscape is remarkable—there are a number of gorges such as the roughly 10-mile Samaria Gorge, in southwest Crete, where local operators provide tours. Also, there are villages...like Spili, one of the most beautiful spots situated south of Rethymno. In Spili, see if you can find the Venetian fountain with 19 lion heads: Its drinking water comes from the nearby Psiloritis mountain. Crete is also very popular in summer because of its gorgeous beaches. One of the most well-known is Balos, an amazing beach in Chania with crystal-clear water. Another one is the exotic beach of Elafonisi in Chania as well as the long, sandy beach of Falassarna. Crete also stands out because of its history: labyrinthine Minoan palaces in Knossos and a lot of museums are just a taste of its cultural treasures.”—Ioanna, university student

• Paxos, Greece
• Nafplio, Greece
• Paros, Greece
• Sarakiniko, Greece
• Katikies, Santorini
• Anafiotika Cafe - Athens
• Santo Winery - Santorini, Greece

The Santo Winery opened in the village of Pyrgos in 1992, but winemaking in Santorini dates back centuries. Overlooking the expansive Santorini caldera, Santo’s vintners created a distinct way of vine pruning called kouloura, in which low-lying vines are woven into special baskets. In some areas, you can see pezoules (stone terraces) that maximize the soil’s absorption of rainwater. The winery offers 10-glass wine flights, including Santorini Vinsanto and Ageri rose wine. (Discover the best of Santorini.)

• Venetsanos Winery - Santorini, Greece

Carved out of pumice on the caldera cliff edge in Santorini, the Venetsanos Winery is planted above the Greek port of Athinios. Tour the winery and sample wines that have been produced since 1947, as well as popular vintages like Liastos 2008, Anagallis 2016, or the Mandilaria Venetsanos 2016. Visitors can take a ferry tour of the nearby Fira settlement or to the island of Therasia. Perissa beach is only seven miles from the port, planted at the base of the statuesque Mesa Vouno Mountain. (An insider’s guide to the best of Greece.)

• 180 degrees sunset bar - Mykonos
• Methystra bar - Paros
• Chromata - Santorini
• Melisses - Andros

Affordable AirBnB with a pool and sea views

• Santorini

The most quintessential, romantic Greek Island of Santorini is known for picturesque views of white-washed facades and blue domes; perfect for those who want good food, unique hotels, cobblestone streets, shopping, and plenty to explore. Best for: romance, trendy hotels, picture-perfect views. Not good for: beaches and crowds. Santorini may have crystal-clear water, but most of the beaches on the island are rocky or overcrowded. Consider Milos if you’re after amazing Greek beaches.

• Medusa – Milos

This was easily our favorite meal on the island. It’s located adjacent to Mandrakia beach, and serves up fresh fish right on the water. Be prepared for a short wait (it’s popular for a reason!), and don’t miss the octopus.

• Jordan’s Meating Place – Milos

For melt-in-your-mouth chicken souvlaki (chicken skewers)! This restaurant is basic, but they don’t mess around.

• Astakas Klima – Milos

For an evening out, this waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunset. You’ll want to come early to explore the quaint town of Klima, a little fishing village. Reservations recommended.

• Ergina – Milos

Recommended to us by a local, this Greek restaurant serves up amazing homemade pasta and lots of other Greek specialties. Perfect for a date night – make reservations.

• Hanabi Sushi – Milos

This sushi spot is on the pricier side, but we loved their rolls and location in downtown Pollonia. Perfect for a lazy afternoon lunch or a nice dinner.

• Avli-Milos –

Authentic Greek food in the heart of downtown Plaka. You can’t go wrong at this restaurant, with tables all along the side streets!

• Fatses – Milos

In terms of Greek food, this spot doesn’t quite hit the mark for the tastiest (or most traditional). However, in terms of atmosphere it can’t be beat. The patio takes over a main square in downtown Plaka, with string lights in the trees, candles, and live music. My tip: go early for a drink and appetizer, then make your way into town for round 2.

• Palaios Pastry – Milos

A MUST for dessert! Everything is homemade and the entire shop smells delicious. Don’t miss the orange cake with olive oil, it melts in your mouth.

• Mykonos

Often referred to as the party island, Mykonos has an upbeat vibe and attracts crowds throughout the summer with dance clubs and beach music. The picturesque downtown of Mykonos and the windmills are some of the most famous attractions on the island. Best for: nightlife, sandy beaches, luxury hotels. Not good for: restaurants. We’ve found the food on Mykonos to be catered to tourists and lacking in diversity. For an island with great cuisine and seaside dining, consider Paros.

• Milos

Best for: unique beaches, restaurants, boutique hotels, small towns. Not good for: nightlife. Milos has some bars and and small clubs, but if you’re after the party scene you’ll want to head to Mykonos or Ios.

• Ios

Ios features a number of beautiful beaches, amidst classic Greek towns and a nightlife scene that attracts younger crowds. It’s a great option for a trip with friends, and conveniently located between Santorini and Naxos. Best for: bars and restaurants, beach options, accessibility. Not good for: honeymooners. If you’re after a romantic getaway, consider the sweeping views and luxurious offerings of Santorini. Or the more relaxed vibes of Milos.

• Paros

Known for having amazing food and beaches, Paros is a crowdpleaser for couples, groups, and families. Long sandy beaches coupled with plenty of restaurant options and close proximity to its neighboring island, Antiparos, allow for lots of activities and nearby villages no matter where you choose to stay. Best for: lots of beaches, day trips, diverse accommodations, restaurants. Not good for: your only destination. While Paros has something for everyone, it’s not the most unique of the Greek Islands. Coupling it with somewhere like Santorini will provide the best of both worlds (uniqueness and accessibility).

• Try food cooked in the sand – Milos

Paliochori Beach is known for its red rock and sand that gets so hot…you can cook food on it! Don’t miss this unique beach. We ordered our food delivered to our lounge chair.

• Watch the sunset – Milos

We loved finding different spots around the island to catch the sunset. I included a list at the bottom of this post with photos of some of our favorites. I highly recommend exploring on your own though, you never know what views you’ll find!

• Visit the Catacombs of Milos – Milos

These preserved catacombs date back from the 1st – 5th century and are located nearby the fishing village of Klima. We didn’t get a chance to visit during our trip, but I’d love to see them if we return.

• Get lost on an ATV – Milos

There may be plenty on your list to explore, but spend at least one afternoon getting lost on the island. We stumbled on a deserted pebble beach with no one around whilst exploring the coastline.

• Go on a boat trip to Kleftiko Caves – Milos

This incredible part of Milos is only accessible by boat. We rented our own through this site. There’s also plenty of charter boat tours to choose from, I recommend booking in advance as they do fill up.

• Naxos

A short ferry ride from Paros, Naxos offers a beautiful seafront town on arrival, trendy hotels, laid-back beaches, and great opportunities to experience local culture. A drive around the island is a must, you’ll find picture-perfect mountain towns and remnants of medieval architecture and history. Best for: landscapes, local culture, hotel options, beaches. Not good for: diversity. We loved the authentic, easy-going feel of Naxos but it is best when combined with another Greek Island, like Milos for unique beaches or Ios for bars and restaurants.

• Zakynthos

This lesser-known Greek Island features one of the most incredible beach views, perched thousands of feet overlooking an old shipwreck. Zakynthos has beautiful beaches, cliffside views, local cuisine, and plenty of options for fun activities all over the island. Best for: unique beaches, local food, nightlife, activities. Not good for: families. Though there are parts of the island that allow for more family-friendly options, I’d recommend checking out Paros instead.

• Sarakiniko Beach - Milos

A unique beach made of lava that’s been bleached by the sun and sea. There is a sandy beach, cliff jumping spots, and a swimming hole open to the ocean. Food options nearby: only a local food truck at the entrance of the beach, so it’s not guaranteed.

• Tsigrado Beach - Milos

This small beach is only accessible via a steep set of two ladders, but opens out to turquoise blue water that’s perfect to wade in. Food options nearby: there is nothing on Tsigrado Beach, but you’ll find drinks and snacks across the way at Firaplaka. It’s within walking distance.

• Firiplaka Beach - M

A long stretch of sand with beach snacks for food and drinks. The rocks are a beautiful red color – not to be missed! Food options nearby: yes, there are food and drink options on the beach.

• Papafragas Beach - Milos

This beach is actually made up of two ‘fingers’ of water that carved the rock out from the ocean, so be sure to check out both. Looking at a map, the left one features calm water and is easy to access just off the road. The right one is completely protected by walls and white-washed caves. Food options nearby: none. The closest place to grab lunch is downtown Pollonia.

• Firapotomos Beach

A pristine stretch of beach protected by the nearby cliffs. Known for its white-washed houses, and nearby cliff jumping spots. Food options nearby: Yes, there are food and drink options on the beach and nearby.

• Paliochori Beach - Milos

Restaurants on this beach will cook your food on the sand! There are lounge chairs here, and it’s also the best beach to go to if it’s windy on the island. Food options nearby: Yes, there are restaurants and you can even order food straight to your lounge chair.

• Kleftiko Caves - Milos

Not necessarily a beach, but rather a series of caves and lagoons off the coast of Milos. A must-visit for the perfect blue water and unique coastline! We hired our own boat through this website (it took us about 20 minutes to get to Kleftiko from the nearest beach). If you’d prefer not to seek it out yourself, I highly recommend booking a boat tour in advance as they fill up. There’s plenty of charter boat tours to choose from – I included some of the highest rated local ones below. Food options nearby: No, once you get there you can only drop anchor and there’s nowhere to dock. If you go with a boat company, many provide meals.

• Folegandros - Milos

The small, charming island of Folegandros is quiet yet romantic. It’s fairly untouched — with local bakeries and tavernas, dramatic seaside views, and picture-perfect beaches that are perfect relaxing and taking in the Aeagean sun. Best for: pristine beaches, relaxation, local culture. Not good for: activities. Folegandros is very small and if you’re going for anything other than relaxation, you might get stir-crazy. Consider Milos or Paros if you want beautiful beaches and more things to do.

• Klima Village – Milos

This traditional fishing village features multicolored houses along the rocks, steps from the water. Few inhabitants still live here, but if you’re visiting around sunset, you might catch them going for an evening swim! I recommend catching the sunset first and then making your way to dinner nearby.

• Venetian Castle – Milos

One of the highest points on the island, this castle dates back to the 13th century and is still preserved. It offers panaromic views of the island, and is easily one of the best spots to catch the sunset – if you don’t mind climbing stairs! Try to arrive at least 20 minutes before sunset to snag a good spot, then head down the hill to Plaka for a Greek dinner in town.

• EUROPE, ISLANDS, TRAVEL GUIDES · MARCH 19, 2019

The Complete Milos, Greece Travel Guide Sarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostI can confidently say Milos, Greece is one of my favorite destinations to date. Between the unforgettable beaches (if you haven’t seen photos of the ‘moonscapes’ of Sarakiniko Beach, check them out ASAP), delicious fresh seafood, and quaint and uncrowded downtowns, it’s truly a slice of paradise. Milos has a port that connects directly from Athens so it’s the perfect jumping off point to spend a summer Greek Island hopping. We took a ferry directly from Athens to Milos, with a few stops on the way. It took just under 5 hours for us to arrive at Milos’ port and then hail a taxi for a short drive to our hotel.

The best way to experience the Greek Islands (especially Milos and Santorini) is by ATV or motorcycle. We opted for ATVs this time around, and ours was already at the hotel waiting for us when we arrived. That’s about all you need for the island to be yours to explore! Our first priority was heading straight to the beach, then off to grab a Greek dinner downtown.

Unlike most places, you don’t need to have a schedule upon arrival to Milos. I’d recommend having a few places in mind that you want to hit – beaches, towns, and restaurants. Typically our routine here was: sleep in, head to a beach, grab lunch, explore another beach, and then make our way home to get ready for dinner in town. This Milos Travel Guide starts with some of our favorite spots around the island, then breaks down the beaches we loved. The only thing I found tough about Milos, Greece (besides the spotty WiFi!) was not knowing which beaches would have lunch nearby – so I made sure to include this so you can plan your day accordingly.

Kleftiko Caves, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostSarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostSarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Paliochori Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostSarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Rooftop sunset, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost

5 DAYS — Milos, Greece Best time to visit – May through October, less wind & warmer water later in the year

Getting around – motorcycle, ATV, or rental car

Currency – euros, most places take credit cards

Where to Stay Asterias Boutique Hotel in Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Our hotel near Sarakiniko Beach: Asterias Boutique Hotel. We stayed at Asterias Boutique Hotel, a family-run boutique hotel located between Sarakiniko beach and Papafragas beach – which turned out to be two of my favorite beaches on the island! Each night we’d take our ATV for a 15 minute drive into the seaside town of Pollonia to grab dinner. Note that Milos doesn’t have many hotels, so book months in advance as they fill up quickly. We originally had our eye on Melian Boutique Hotel in Pollonia, but it was fully booked during our visit in September.

Hotels in Milos Asterias Boutique Hotel – we loved the location of this family-run boutique hotel. It was affordable, comfortable, and a perfect jumping off point to explore the island! Miland Suites – this collection of luxury villas is located on a hilltop close by to the main port town of Adamantas. Great if you want a quiet location, a short drive from local restaurants. Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel – a mix of traditional architecture and modern design, this central hotel has a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Located in Pollonia. Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa – one of the few luxury boutique hotels on the island – snap it up if it’s available during your trip! Milia Gi Suites – this newly built boutique hotel is located just outside the town center of Pollonia, a short walk to the beach. The rooms are spacious, some with private jacuzzis. View Additional Hotels and Homes in Milos

Airbnbs in Milos I recommend staying on the North side of the island, which has the highest concentration of nearby beaches and isn’t far from shops or restaurants in Plaka or Pollonia. Note that Plaka is a much bigger town than Pollonia! Here’s my top picks in terms of amenities, view, and location:

Casa Ana With A Sea View – a modern, chic one-bedroom close to Plaka downtown. Blue Mare – a Greek beachfront home on one of my favorite beaches on the island. Venia’s Superior – a comfortable apartment-style building with a sea-view patio in the quaint town of Pollonia. Apollon by Akropolon – one of the top-rated Airbnb’s in downtown Pollonia. Green Suite – an amazing whitewashed 2-bedroom property with a pool just outside of Pollonia. New to Airbnb? Here’s our code for $40 off your first booking!

If I went back to Milos, I would split my time between a hotel and Airbnb on two different parts of the island. There is truly so much to discover, and having two points to explore from will give you a whole new perspective on the island! Plus, I love the homemade Greek breakfasts on the patio in the morning, which come with a family-run hotel like Asterias Boutique.

Where to Eat Sushi in Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Hanabi Sushi restaurant in downtown Pollonia. Medusa – this was easily our favorite meal on the island. It’s located adjacent to Mandrakia beach, and serves up fresh fish right on the water. Be prepared for a short wait (it’s popular for a reason!), and don’t miss the octopus. Jordan’s Meating Place – for melt-in-your-mouth chicken souvlaki (chicken skewers)! This restaurant is basic, but they don’t mess around. Astakas Klima – for an evening out, this waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunset. You’ll want to come early to explore the quaint town of Klima, a little fishing village. Reservations recommended. Ergina – recommended to us by a local, this Greek restaurant serves up amazing homemade pasta and lots of other Greek specialties. Perfect for a date night – make reservations. Hanabi Sushi – this sushi spot is on the pricier side, but we loved their rolls and location in downtown Pollonia. Perfect for a lazy afternoon lunch or a nice dinner. Avli-Milos – authentic Greek food in the heart of downtown Plaka. You can’t go wrong at this restaurant, with tables all along the side streets! Fatses – in terms of Greek food, this spot doesn’t quite hit the mark for the tastiest (or most traditional). However, in terms of atmosphere it can’t be beat. The patio takes over a main square in downtown Plaka, with string lights in the trees, candles, and live music. My tip: go early for a drink and appetizer, then make your way into town for round 2. Palaios Pastry – a MUST for dessert! Everything is homemade and the entire shop smells delicious. Don’t miss the orange cake with olive oil, it melts in your mouth. What to Do Kleftiko Caves, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Views from our boat on our day trip to Kleftiko caves. Try food cooked in the sand – Paliochori Beach is known for its red rock and sand that gets so hot…you can cook food on it! Don’t miss this unique beach. We ordered our food delivered to our lounge chair. Watch the sunset – we loved finding different spots around the island to catch the sunset. I included a list at the bottom of this post with photos of some of our favorites. I highly recommend exploring on your own though, you never know what views you’ll find! Visit the Catacombs of Milos – these preserved catacombs date back from the 1st – 5th century and are located nearby the fishing village of Klima. We didn’t get a chance to visit during our trip, but I’d love to see them if we return. Get lost on an ATV – there may be plenty on your list to explore, but spend at least one afternoon getting lost on the island. We stumbled on a deserted pebble beach with no one around whilst exploring the coastline. Go on a boat trip to Kleftiko Caves – this incredible part of Milos is only accessible by boat. We rented our own through this site. There’s also plenty of charter boat tours to choose from, I recommend booking in advance as they do fill up. I included some of the highest rated ones below: Boat Trips to Kleftiko Caves

Beaches to Visit in Milos Sarakiniko Beach A unique beach made of lava that’s been bleached by the sun and sea. There is a sandy beach, cliff jumping spots, and a swimming hole open to the ocean. Food options nearby: only a local food truck at the entrance of the beach, so it’s not guaranteed.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostSarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostSarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Sarakiniko Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Tsigrado Beach This small beach is only accessible via a steep set of two ladders, but opens out to turquoise blue water that’s perfect to wade in. Food options nearby: there is nothing on Tsigrado Beach, but you’ll find drinks and snacks across the way at Firaplaka. It’s within walking distance.

Tsigrado Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostTsigrado Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Firiplaka Beach A long stretch of sand with beach snacks for food and drinks. The rocks are a beautiful red color – not to be missed! Food options nearby: yes, there are food and drink options on the beach.

Firiplaka Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostFiriplaka Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostFiriplaka Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostFiriplaka Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Papafragas Beach This beach is actually made up of two ‘fingers’ of water that carved the rock out from the ocean, so be sure to check out both. Looking at a map, the left one features calm water and is easy to access just off the road. The right one is completely protected by walls and white-washed caves. Food options nearby: none. The closest place to grab lunch is downtown Pollonia.

Papafragas Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostPapafragas Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Papafragas Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostPapafragas Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Firapotomos Beach A pristine stretch of beach protected by the nearby cliffs. Known for its white-washed houses, and nearby cliff jumping spots. Food options nearby: Yes, there are food and drink options on the beach and nearby.

Firopotamos Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostFiropotamos Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Firopotamos Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Paliochori Beach Restaurants on this beach will cook your food on the sand! There are lounge chairs here, and it’s also the best beach to go to if it’s windy on the island. Food options nearby: Yes, there are restaurants and you can even order food straight to your lounge chair.

Paliochori Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostPaliochori Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Paliochori Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostPaliochori Beach, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Kleftiko Caves Not necessarily a beach, but rather a series of caves and lagoons off the coast of Milos. A must-visit for the perfect blue water and unique coastline! We hired our own boat through this website (it took us about 20 minutes to get to Kleftiko from the nearest beach). If you’d prefer not to seek it out yourself, I highly recommend booking a boat tour in advance as they fill up. There’s plenty of charter boat tours to choose from – I included some of the highest rated local ones below. Food options nearby: No, once you get there you can only drop anchor and there’s nowhere to dock. If you go with a boat company, many provide meals. Kleftiko caves in Milos, Greece via @finduslostBoat day visiting Kleftiko in Milos Greece via @finduslost

Where To Watch The Sunset in Milos Klima Village – this traditional fishing village features multicolored houses along the rocks, steps from the water. Few inhabitants still live here, but if you’re visiting around sunset, you might catch them going for an evening swim! I recommend catching the sunset first and then making your way to dinner nearby.

Klima town, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostKlima town, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us LostKlima town, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Klima town, Milos Greece Travel Guide via Find Us Lost Venetian Castle – one of the highest points on the island, this castle dates back to the 13th century and is still preserved. It offers panaromic views of the island, and is easily one of the best spots to catch the sunset – if you don’t mind climbing stairs! Try to arrive at least 20 minutes before sunset to snag a good spot, then head down the hill to Plaka for a Greek dinner in town.

• Sarakiniko Beach – Milos

We visited this beach so many times during our stay, and each time it was a different experience. It is fairly empty at sunrise, and you’ll likely only see a handful of other people around. The water is a perfect turquoise mid-day, and at sunset the sky tends to turn into a pink-purple haze. It’s a surreal experience – I highly recommend watching the sunset from here at least once during your visit.

• Ayia Napa Caves – Cyprus

The most beautiful sea caves. Accessible by boat, or you can drive and park here. There’s also spots to go cliff jumping at the caves and along the coast next to this church here.

• Protaras – Cyprus

Known for its outdoor seafood restaurants, family-friendly beaches and views.

• Nissi Beach & Makronissos Beach – Cyprus

These sandy beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

• Blue Lagoon – Cyprus

Located north in Akamas, this is another spot with incredible blue water and small caves. If you go early you can also rent a boat at the docks to see the lagoon on your own, as it gets busy with tour groups later in the day.

• Avakas Gorge – Cyprus

A 2-3 hour hike through the gorge with canyon views. Bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

• Paphos Archealogical Park – Cyprus

Worth a visit to see preserved mosaics, ancient ruins, and great views of the sea. Try not to go mid-day, as it involves a fair amount of walking and gets hot.

• Omodos – Cyprus

Located within the wine-making villages in the mountains. There was an outdoor market here when we visited on the weekend. It’s also known for having one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus.

• Pano Lefkara – Cyprus

One of my favorite stops on the trip, an old town with cobblestone streets, handicraft shops, local restaurants, and lots of charm.

• Kakopetria & Kalopanayiotis – Cyprus

Two more villages located a short drive away from Pano Lefkara. I’d recommend exploring all three in one day.

• Euphoria Art Land – Cyprus

Located about 15 minutes outside of Limassol, this sculpture garden / café / boutique hotel is a work of art. You have to go to experience it in person! Make sure to visit during weekends (5pm to 11pm) and sit for a drink. Visit their website for more information.

• Karatello Taverna – Cyprus

Where my Greek family took me – so you know it’s good! Reserve a table outside and make sure to explore the area.

• Kipriakon – Cyprus

A perfect restaurant on the old port of Cyprus. Tasty food, great wine, and huge portions.

• Larnaca Salt Lake – Cyprus

If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, you can usually see pink flamingos here.

• Church of Saint Lazarus – Cyprus

There are plenty of historic Greek orthodox churches around the island, but if you find yourself in Larnaca I’d recommend checking out this 9th-century stone church.

• Foinikoudes promenade – Cyprus

For shopping, restaurants, and more along the ocean.

• Tips for visiting Cyprus:

Stay: Opt for a boutique hotel like Anassa hotel or check out other hotels in the Paphos area. If you want to be in a large city, I suggest Limassol’s Four Seasons Hotel or other hotels in Limassol. For family-friendly beaches, browse hotels and homes in Ayia Napa. Swim: The best swimming spots are accessible by boat. Don’t miss the Ayia Napa sea caves and the blue lagoon in Akamas, which are both known for the clearest water around. Eat: Try the local food! Sheftalia (Cypriot sausages), Souvlaki (skewers, usually chicken, pork or lamb) and pastries from any Cypriot bakery. You’ll find some amazing local food in the mountain villages of Cyprus. Pack: light clothing, swimsuits, sandals, and shoes that are comfortable for walking. Visit this post for more inspiration and recommendations on what to pack.

• Things to do - Mykonos

Visiting the Aegean Maritime Museum • Lounging on Agios Sostis Beach • Wandering through “Little Venice,” Mykonos Town’s historic 18th-century district • Taking pictures of the island’s famous windmills that line the coast • Visiting the historic Church of Paraportiani • Partaking in some of the island’s famous nightlife

• The Temple of Olympian Zeus to Hadrian's Arch - Athens

Take a long route to see key stops along the way. We wanted to see the National Garden, so we first made our way through the gardens and came across the Zappeion building, which was lovely. One note: We were eager to see the ruins and didn’t end up making our way to the Panathenaic Stadium, and I wish we would have! It is a quick detour from starting in the gardens. I’d recommend to build this into your walk if you’re able! Go to The Temple of Olympian Zeus. It’s the perfect start into what will be an amazing deep-dive into history as you approach the Acropolis. This temple is at the foot of the Acropolis, and also is neighbors with Hadrian’s Arch, so there’s a lot to take in at once. Make sure your camera is ready! Walk around Hadrian’s Arch and make your way through the streets to head to the Acropolis. There’s lots of street vendors and little shops to peruse — I bought a super cheesy head band that I wore to celebrate my newfound love of Greece, ha! This is a great place to pick up souvenirs or just to enjoy people watching.

• The acropolis - Athens

Before we went to Athens, a reader reached out to give some great advice: Go to the Acropolis Museum before actually heading to the Acropolis. This provides a lot of context and history prior to seeing the ruins, so that you’re able to fully comprehend and appreciate all you’re looking at. The Acropolis Museum is well done — there are parts where you’re literally walking above preserved ruins, which is incredible. It’s great to learn more about greek mythology and the history behind the buildings of the Acropolis and helps to look at the buildings – and Greek culture in general – with much more awe! And with only 24 hours in Athens Greece, it was important for us to take in as much knowledge as possible. The museum was a must do for us! The highlight of our day. If you do one thing in Athens, let this be it! The Acropolis is absolutely unbelievable. It’s essentially a collection of ancient buildings, seated at the top of a rocky hill, where you can overlook all of Athens while walking among the ruins. Pictures truly don’t do it all justice – you have to experience and see it for yourself!

• Explore The Plaka - Athens

After what was already a full day exploring, we were hungry! Food time. The Plaka is so cool and right at the base of the Acropolis, so it’s a great option to explore after. It’s essentially a whole area filled with shops, restaurants, quaint boutiques, and musicians playing on seemingly every corner. Pick a restaurant to eat at (I honestly don’t think you can go wrong), and order all the Greek food you can stomach. After eating, we were exhausted. We made our way through the Plaka, stopped at little shops along the way, and ventured back to our hotel to rest. NAP TIME! (Late in the day, yes, but this allowed us to have the coolest experience for dinner. Keep reading!)

• Mount Lycabettus - Athens

Watch the sunset + eat dinner on Mount Lycabettus. I honestly can’t recommend this enough. You can either climb to the top, or you can take a cable car, which was our preferred route because our feet were hurting after walking around all day. Either way, the view from the top is simply amazing, especially at sunset! (Try to arrive a little early, because the crowds get intense as the sun goes down.) After the sun set, swing by a restaurant at the top of the hill called Orizontes Lycabettus. The stars aligned and we somehow got a table on the deck, which overlooks Athens and the Acropolis at night. Seeing this sight from above at night, with all the lights lit up, is so beautiful. It was truly the most romantic dinner we’ve ever had!

• Seven Santa Maria Paros Boutique hotel - Paros
• Apella Beach - Karpathos
• The Clumsies - Athens
• Baba au rum - Athens
• The Palace of Knossos - Crete

The Palace of Knossos is truly impressive and a nice introduction to the long history of Crete. This sprawling palace is partially dating back to 2000 B.C. and it is one of the largest Minoan palaces. Although it’s mostly in ruins, a restoration was attempted in the 1900s, which you can judge on your own. Unfortunately, much of the original artifacts are held in the Heraklion Museum, but it is still impressive. If you have time, I’d recommend going to both. It wasn’t crowded when we went, but you can purchase skip-the-line tickets if you are visiting in peak season! We ended up exploring Heraklion Fortress, which was a few euros to enter. I learned a lot here about the Ottoman-period of Crete and Cretan history. The views from the top are pretty sublime and it was a really lovely spot to watch the sunset from! The fortress has been well-restored and it’s easy to spend at least an hour exploring the various rooms.

• Crump bakery - Crete
• Chagiati - Crete
• Hairi - Crete
• Xalavro Open Bar - Crete
• Rethmyno’s Fortezza - Crete

A fortress from the 16th century, which has stunning views over the water and the city. I found it worthwhile to walk around, but many of the main highlights of the city are free to see, including the old Venetian lighthouse where we spent sunset. There’s also a nice beach very close to the city center where my friend took a dip while I had a beer.

• Brew Your Mind - Crete
• Ο Φούρνος του Νύκταρη - Crete

For a snack (or a hearty lunch), stop for authentic Cretan pastries

• Let's Vegan - Crete
• Bakalogatos - Crete
• Bar B.Q - Crete

Souvlaki

• Chania Market - Crete
• Pulse - Crete
• Etz Hayyim Synagogue - Crete

Free to visit although I recommend carrying some cash to make a donation. This restored synagogue in operation after a pause after the Holocaust was lovingly restored in the 1950s. I recommend reading about its history inside! (No photos allowed.)

• ABABA - Crete
• Ταβέρνα Θρούμπι - Crete

Octopus

• Taverna Panorama - Crete

One of the highlights of visiting Plakias is the short 30-minute walk up to the neighboring town of Mirthios for incredible views over the sea and the surrounding landscape. (The path begins near the Youth Hostel Plakias!) We had lunch at Taverna Panorama, which is a cozy family-run taverna with delicious food. We quite enjoyed our lunch before exploring the old village and shopping at one of the cute locally run jewelry shops in town (Lithos). The prices here were far better than prices in the major cities in Greece that we saw and I am very glad that I got earrings here. ( I regretted not getting more handmade pieces!) The town is fairly small and easy to explore on foot, but it’s the perfect place to relax on a slow afternoon. We quite enjoyed seeing all the olive oil trees on the way up only to try the organic olive oil down in Plakias with fresh bread. After a relaxing day and a dip in the sea, we took the last bus home just in time for dinner near our hotel.

• Boutari winery - Crete

Boutari is one of the Crete’s better-known wineries and it’s worth coming here if you’re looking for the full winery experience. It’s best to reserve in advance as they take pride in giving attention to all their visitors and it’s possible to also have a meal here. The wine from Boutari is really lovely, but so is all the Cretan wine that we tried in both white and red varieties. You’ll need to pay some money for the tasting, but it’s perfectly possible to come here without a tour.

• Scorpios - Mykonos
• Yalos - Santorini
• Psili Ammos, Patmos, Greece

You'll need to follow the hoofprints to Psili Ammos — the donkey that delivers supplies to the beachside cafe each morning will lead you on the half-hour trek across the rumpled dunes. This is the southwestern tip of Patmos, the holy island in the Dodecanese where St. John is said to have holed up in a cave to write the Book of Revelation. These days, it's equally quiet, though unlike the saint, you won't be expected to do any work on this semicircle of cookie-colored sand with steep cliffs rearing up behind. The far end is a nudist beach, but worry not — you'll get no strange looks for being clothed on the rest of it. Take a dip in the shallow waters, sunbathe under the tamarisk trees, and don't forget to buy a beer from the cafe — that donkey didn't come here for nothing.

• Latchi, Polis, Cyprus

Beaches don't get much bigger than this enormous swirl of sand framing the gigantic Polis Bay in Cyprus' unspoiled northwestern tip. And the Mediterranean doesn't get much warmer, either — down here, it feels like stepping into a tepid bath, even in October or April. Outside peak season, you'll pretty much have the entire bay to yourself, with just joggers for company. Bring your own gear and jump right in. For lunch, walk west along the beach, past the marina, to Yialos Beach Grill for some halloumi, souvlaki, lamb chops, and sheftalia sausages flamed over the sand-side, coal-fired grill.

• Cala Saladeta, Ibiza, Spain

On the west coast of the White Isle lies Cala Salada, a little cove backed by thick shrubbery, with a sickle of sand and rock slabs cantilevered over the water to moor boats against or sunbathe on. That's not your goal, though; instead, follow the footpath across the headland and you'll reach Cala Saladeta, the next cove along, cocooned by low rocks and bushy tree-peppered headland. It's quieter, with a sliver of sand and the odd dinky boat bobbing in the jade water. It's also small, though, so if there are already too many people for your liking, take to the flat rocks shelving into the water. Didn't bring snacks? Pop back to Cala Salada's great little beachside restaurant.

• Aretes, Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki's three long, sandy "fingers" splayed out into the Aegean Sea are home to some of Greece's best beaches — and that's saying something. Aretes is one of its most laid-back options, though. The wave-like coastline wiggles itself into three distinct bays — the biggest, a wide sandy stretch that's calm but popular; beyond it, a rocky stretch; and lastly, a small sandy cove that not many bother walking to. In fact, on a quiet day, it might be all yours. It's perfectly sized for two, with gray-green rocks shearing up behind the tiny inlet. Head back to the restaurant on the main beach when you get peckish.

• The Clumsies - Athens
• Baba Au Rum - Athens
• Mona Athens
• Bad Tooth - Athens
• Monsieur Didot - Athens
• Bar/restaurant @ Grand Bretagne - Athens
• Acropolis museum - Athens
• Sifnos
• Grand View Apartments - Sifnos
• Aglaia Studios - Sifnos
• Kavos Sunrise - Sifnos
• Loggia wine bar - Sifnos
• Hydra
• Hike the Samaria Gorge - Crete

Hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete, said to be the longest in Europe, is all downhill so pretty much anyone can do it. But it's more than 10 miles from the fragrant pine and cypress forests at the island's highest elevation, past long-abandoned villages and castles, and through sheer rock walls that narrow to less than a dozen feet, before you reach a wide black-sand beach on the Libyan Sea. This is your reward: a dip in the clean buoyant waters, followed by octopus, revithada, and cold Mythos beer at a nearby taverna.