10 Days in Greece: Avalon’s Ultimate Travel Guide (From a Mama Mia Dream to Reality)

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Hi, my name is Avalon I am 20 years old, and in college studying nursing. Traveling is how I keep my work-life balance. One of my favorite parts of traveling is planning the vacation. I make a day by day itinerary before I go so that I don’t miss out on anything. It is very important to me that I experience the highlights, and unforgettable experiences of wherever I am at.

In this case I especially wanted to do my research beforehand because, as many of you know, traveling from the United States to Europe is no easy trek. For most people it is a 16+ hour trip with multiple layovers. I felt like I needed to craft the best itinerary to make every day worth it, not only because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Greece, but because it is actually a destination I have dreamed of since a very little girl.

As long as I can remember Greece has been at the top of my bucket list, above everything else. My stepmom, Amy, is who introduced me to the dream, as it was really her lifelong dream that I grew to share. When Amy became my stepmom at 9 years old we began doing movie nights. I remember the first time she put on Mama Mia for me and my brother Lukas. She had told me all about the movie, as it was one she loved too. We all sat and watched on the couch, I remember hearing all the songs for the first time, seeing the beautiful views of whitewashed cobblestone streets and blue domed buildings. It is an image I wanted to experience in real life from the moment I saw it.

So when Amy told me that it was up to me to chose the islands, and plan the itinerary, it was much more than just a fun vacation, I was planning something that she had waited over 20 years to experience, and she wanted to enjoy it with me.

If any of you are step-parents, or have a step-parent, you know that journey in and of itself is not easy, especially when you enter the lives of young children. Amy took on the role of a mother immediately and quite naturally for never having children of her own. While the road had its bumps at times, being an adult now and being able to look back with a completely different perspective made this trip feel like a full circle moment. I never dreamt I would experience it this early in my life, and the gratitude I feel for being provided with this opportunity is immense.

Amy and my dad show me every day, that in order to achieve what you want, you must work your ass off. Trust me when I say I will do whatever it takes to go back! It is one of those destinations that truly changes you and the way you view the world. Knowing that level of natural beauty exists pushes me everyday, whether it be when school is exhausting or when I’m on my 4th 12 hour shift of the week, knowing that the hard work pays off and gives me the ability to experience what the world has to offer is one of my biggest motivators. Here is my day by day itinerary – with tips and tricks I wish I had known!

Day 1 – Travel day! Start your travel day as early as possible as it takes a very long time to arrive. We traveled for 26 hours. Wear comfortable clothing with layers. Pack your toothbrush, medications, maybe a change of clothes if you want to change before getting off the plane in a carryon as you usually fly overnight and land the next day (Europe time change can be between 6-8 hours). Some optional necessities I found useful –

Travel blanket, zips into a small bag and can attach to your luggage (I used this on the ferries too)
Eye mask, if you aren’t flying first class (they provide blanket/eye mask) these things are so helpful for comfort on an 11 hour flight. This mask is specifically for eyelash extensions as well!
Portable charger
European outlet converter
Hand sanitizer, hand lotion
HANDHELD FAN, if I purchased one thing for Europe, it would be this. I used this every single day while walking around in the European sun. I would’ve melted without it.

If I had one recommendation, it would be to pack light and buy things there. Greece has tons of pharmacies with cool skincare and beauty products to try; if I had known, I would’ve bought travel toiletries there instead of bringing them. I also recommend one good pair of shoes and one pair of fancy shoes. I wore the same sandals every day, and if I was going again I’d probably opt for flip-flops, as that’s what most people find most comfortable for the heat and walking. Crocs sandals are what saved my feet. There is also tons of beautiful handmade clothing and it isn’t expensive at all. Unfortunately I had no room in my luggage to bring any clothes home.

Day 2 – Arrive in Athens – Biggest airport in Greece, fly in here and take a ferry to island hop

Arrive 11 am
Check into Airbnb/hotel
Monastiraki Square
- Souvenir shopping – souvenirs are much cheaper in Athens than other islands; I regretted not buying more there before leaving for Paros.
- Street performers
- Rooftop cafés
- Flea market
Dinner with Acropolis views

We ate at MS Rooftop Garden; the view is amazing, it is set right in front of the Acropolis, and next to Monastiraki Square, which has the flea market, street performers, and other rooftop cafes. The MS was our favorite view/food combo.

Day 3 – Acropolis & Museum Day

Hadrian’s Arch
Acropolis 8 am – get there early; lines are LONG after 8 am, and the sun gets very hot midday. You only need about 2 hours to experience the Acropolis.
- Parthenon
- Erechtheion
- Temple of Athena Nike
Walk through Plaka/Anafiotika – lots of shopping, pretty street art, have lunch here
Acropolis Museum – we went at golden hour; it was breathtaking. The sun shines into the museum. Check out their cafe with views of the Acropolis, and their bookstore!
National Garden – it was pretty, but I expected more
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
Rooftop dinner
- We checked out another rooftop cafe called 360 Rooftop; it was okay. We weren’t able to get a view of the Acropolis this time, so it wasn’t as memorable. I recommend making a reservation if you want to ensure the view.

Naoussa, Paros

Day 4 – Travel to Paros by ferry – BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME!

Ferry from Athens 4hrs
Check into hotel/rest
Dinner – we walked and found a small restaurant called GyroMylos – it was very good!
Sunset walk on Piperi beach
Drinks with view of water
- Our hotel was beautiful and had an amazing view of the ocean at their rooftop cocktail bar. If I came back to Paros, this is where I would stay! Hotel Hippocampus

Day 5 – Pool day

Breakfast – Hotel Hippocampus had an amazing breakfast buffet with homemade traditional Greek foods.
Switch hotels – we chose to do one night at a luxurious hotel with a pool; this is where we chose Villa Irini Paros. I would also stay here again, it has a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You get the perfect view without the sand! If you’d like some sand, there is a path to the beach right on the property.
Pool
Rest – rest periods are crucial with the blazing European sun. It is also very common there to nap during the hottest part of the day, and stay out late. Dinner is commonly eaten around 8-10 pm, and the bars/clubs stay LIVELY until at least 5 am.
Dinner – we went to a local grocery store and got some fresh fruits, wine, hummus, tzatziki, and did a “girl dinner”. The best hummus I’ve ever had!
Drinks – Wine, of course!

Day 6 – Sailing & Snorkeling Day (My favorite day!)

Check into Airbnb – we checked in to our last accommodation a beautiful airbnb closer to the “downtown” of Naoussa.
Full-day sailing excursion 10am-3pm – we booked a private family owned full day sailing/snorkeling excursion that stops at 4 different locations, serves snacks, drinks, and a full homemade lunch. It was AMAZING. Pantasoulas Cruises
Rest
Dinner Pita Frank – The BEST Gyros I had my whole time in Greece. We went twice.
Bar hop! – I would’ve loved to do this, but the lines are crazy long, however we found a nice outside spot near the clubs and had drinks while we could still hear the music. I joked it’s better than being crammed inside! But I do have recommendations below on bars we saw/ had recommended to us.
Gelato – so many awesome flavors to try, gelato shops are on every corner practically

Day 7 – Explore Paros

Bus to Parikia Old Town – the busses are super cheap and very clean, it was all young adults going to the beaches/other towns
Visit the shops
Perfumery – they have dupes of every designer perfume for $10 a bottle, would’ve bought them all if I could.
Lunch in Parikia near the port – beautiful view of the water and long strip of restraunts
Return to Naousa by bus – 15 min ride
Walk around Naoussa Harbor shops – tons of jewlery, clothes, shoes
Gelato again!

Day 8 – Beach Day

Water taxi to beaches – $15 per person, can chose between 2 different beaches
Monastiri Beach
Lunch at Monastiri beach club – so relaxing and beautiful, conveniently right on the beach but only option for food at this beach
Taxi back
Rest
Explore the Venetian Castle
Sunset photos
Fancy dinner by the harbor
Drinks at Linardo Pink Bar
Loukoumades (Greek donuts) – The BEST thing I’ve ever eaten, the line is worth the wait!