2 weeks on the Greek Islands

To start your trip, it would be ideal to fly to Heraklion International Airport in Crete. Spend a few days exploring the "cradle of Minoan civilization”, starting at the awe-inspiring Palace of Knossos. It's the oldest city in Europe and the largest Bronze Age archeological site on Crete. 

The Heraklion Archaelogical Museum is a must-see on Crete, as is the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania. You can also find plenty of restaurants and bars here. Take a day trip with the family (or without them) to visit the CretAquarium, the largest complex for marine research in the Mediterranean.

With 3 million visitors in the last year and a population of only 10,000, Santorini is popular to say the least. With its white houses and its breathtaking scenery the opportunities for relaxation are endless. Visit the Art Space gallery, go wine-tasting, and stop by at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, home to a large number of ancient artifacts.

Take a plunge in water that couldn’t get any bluer and experience the luxurious plethora of hot springs and beaches on a Caldera cruise. After a long day of snorkeling and snapping the gorgeous sights, take a moment to appreciate the sunset from Oia, where tourists and locals gather to admire the golden haze.

Ios is particularly known for its beaches (surprise, surprise!), picturesque landscape and a nightlife that attracts tons of young tourists. However, that does not make it off-limits for those not in it for bars and clubs.

The island is a great place to relax away from the crowds with its winding footpaths of the old town and its isolated beaches. Manganari beach in particular is an absolute must-see. If you’re traveling off-season, you will find Ios is a destination for families and mature travelers, giving it the best of both worlds appeal.

Paros has a bit of everything you’d expect - whitewashed sweet villages, blue-domed churches, fashionable resort towns and fishing harbours. The island of Paros is basically Mykonos without the hype and the price tag, a jackpot renowned for its cosmopolitan and vibrant nightlife.

Whatever it is you’re looking for you are bound to find in between walks through Paros park or while indulging in various activities from windsurfing to snorkeling in the emerald waters. If you’re in need of some history and architecture, the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (literally the Church with a Hundred Doors) - a few meters from the port of capital city Parikia - is one of the best-preserved monuments in Greece.

You may be on your way home, but this isn't where the fun and games stop. There's plenty of things to see and do in Athens on your last days. Climb the Acropolis, the most important ancient site in the Western world, and marvel over the Parthenon temple that was built for the city's patron, the goddess Athena. 

Take a walk through the Plaka neighbourhood and watch a film at Cine Paris, the first outdoor cinema in Athens. For some more history, check out the Kerameikos - the old potter's quarter that's a heaven for archeologists.