Travel Report Greece Journey by Ullrich H. Angersbach: From Athens to the Cyclades

Why Greece?

Acropolis of Athens seen from the Areopagus

Right after our arrival, we took a walk up to the Areopagus (the Hill of Justice), from where we could already catch a rear view of the Acropolis.

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“Food Tour” through the vegetable market of Athens

The next day, we had booked a so-called food tour. The walk first led us through the vegetable market.

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Fresh meat in refrigerated display cases

We then walked through the market halls, where meat was kept fresh in glass-fronted refrigerated cases.

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Changing of the guard in front of the Parliament in Athens

The changing of the guard in front of the Parliament and the Hotel Grande Bretagne is also well worth seeing. We took a break there and enjoyed a frappé.

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The Caryatids on the Acropolis of Athens

Finally, despite the sweltering heat, we made our way up to the world-famous Acropolis. In addition to the classical temples, there are female figures to admire, known as caryatids. The originals are kept in the highly worthwhile and pleasantly air-conditioned Acropolis Museum. They point to an ancient dispute between Pallas Athena and Poseidon over supremacy in Athens. Athena won this contest by giving the Athenians an olive tree. Every year, the people of Athens hold a thanksgiving procession for their goddess and present the statue with a new yellow dress.

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The large ferry for island hopping

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Kostos, a charming mountain village on Paros

Upon arrival at the port, we rented a car to explore the island. One of our first stops was Kostos, a charming mountain village.

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Lefkes with beautiful island architecture on Paros

In Lefkes, too, one can admire the traditional island architecture.

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Parikia, the island capital of Paros, shows its creative side

In Parikia, the island’s capital, you find churches and many shops — here, an original staircase decoration of a boutique.

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Naxos with our favorite beach Agios Prokopios

The always punctual ferry took us to our favorite beach, Agios Prokopios. It was a wonderful place for swimming and relaxing.

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Apollo Temple in Naxos Town

In the evening, many tourists make their way up to the Apollo Temple in Naxos Town, as it offers a magnificent view over the town and the sea.

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Santorini with the party mile in Fira

Once again, a ferry took us to the next island. This time, the port lies far below the towns of Fira and Oia, which can already be spotted from the ship’s deck as clusters of white houses. In the evening, the party mile of Fira is packed with people, and if you are lucky, you may even see a wedding couple.

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Excursion to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni

An excursion to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni is well worth it.

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Oia on Santorini with its “blue domes”

In Oia, blue domes stretch as far as the eye can see.

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View into a Byzantine church in Pyrgos on Santorini

A visit to some of the Byzantine churches is also worthwhile, such as the Panagia Episkopi in Pyrgos.

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Visit to the “Pompeii of the Aegean” on Santorini

A visit to Akrotiri, the so-called “Pompeii of the Aegean,” was a must. The settlement was buried by a volcanic eruption as early as 1,700 years before Christ. Some even believe that the lost city of Atlantis may have been found here.

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Farewell to the beautiful islands

We say goodbye to the dream beaches of Greece.

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Few destinations combine history, landscape, and lifestyle like Greece. Ancient ruins rise above modern cities, islands shimmer with whitewashed villages, and food is as memorable as the sights. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – traveled through Athens, Paros, Naxos and Santorini, experiencing both cultural depth and seaside relaxation.

What impressed me most was the variety: standing before the Parthenon in Athens one day, exploring small Cycladic villages the next, and watching sunsets over Santorini’s caldera the day after.

For US travelers: Greece is part of the Schengen Area. US citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free. Starting in 2025, ETIAS authorization will be required. Passports should be valid at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Arrival & First Impressions

Most US flights arrive in Athens (ATH), often nonstop from New York or Philadelphia. Athens is a bustling capital, but its historical core is walkable. From there, ferries or short flights connect to the Cyclades islands.

Costs (approx. in USD):

Coffee in Athens: USD 2–3
Museum entry: USD 12–20
Dinner in a taverna: USD 15–25 per person
Mid-range hotel: USD 90–150 per night
Ferry Athens–Paros: USD 40–60 (economy seat)

Athens – cradle of democracy

Athens mixes chaos and charm: busy traffic, lively markets, and ancient ruins rising above it all.

Areopagus Hill: offers a sweeping view of the Acropolis, especially at sunset.
Food tours: visits to produce markets, spice stalls, and traditional bakeries, ending with a full Greek meal.
Acropolis & Museum: the Parthenon dominates the skyline, while the Acropolis Museum houses treasures like the Caryatids.

Fun fact: The olive tree, sacred to Athena, was said to be her gift to the city—symbol of peace and prosperity.

Paros – Cycladic charm

Paros is known for its white-and-blue villages and relaxed atmosphere.

Kostos & Lefkes: traditional mountain villages with narrow alleys.
Parikia: boutiques selling crafts, jewelry, and regional products.
Churches: Byzantine and Venetian influences visible throughout.

Renting a car (USD 40–60/day) is the best way to see the island.

Naxos – beaches & temples

Naxos feels larger and quieter than Paros.

Agios Prokopios Beach: long stretch of fine sand and turquoise waters.
Apollo’s Temple (Portara): at sunset, the marble gateway frames sea and sky.
Tavernas: local cheese and potatoes are famous island products.

Santorini – volcanic romance

Santorini is Greece’s most photographed island—and for good reason.

Oia’s blue-domed churches: postcard-perfect, especially at dawn before the crowds.
Volcano island Nea Kameni: hiking trails across lava fields with caldera views.
Akrotiri: “Pompeii of the Aegean,” preserved after a volcanic eruption.
Fira nightlife: bars with cocktails overlooking the sea, wedding couples posing at sunset.

Health & Safety for US Travelers

Vaccinations: No special requirements; keep routine immunizations current.
Water: Tap water in Athens is safe. On islands, bottled water is common.
Medical care: Reliable in cities, limited on small islands. Travel insurance is essential.
Safety: Greece is safe overall. Pickpocketing possible in Athens metro.
Heat: July–August can be extreme (100°F+). Travel in May–June or Sept–Oct for comfort.

Practical Travel Tips

Best seasons: May–June and September–October. Avoid peak August crowds.
Transport: Ferries are punctual and scenic. Flights save time between distant islands.
Language: Greek is official, but English is widely spoken.
Currency: Euro. Credit cards accepted, though small tavernas may prefer cash.
Power: 230V, Type C/E plugs—bring adapter.

Conclusion: Greece blends it all

From Athens’ ruins to island sunsets, Greece unites history, nature, and hospitality. For US travelers, it is both easy and endlessly rewarding: ancient wonders, ferry rides across blue seas, and meals that stretch late into the night. Greece is not a single trip, but a place to return to.

Recommended Reading (English)

Lonely Planet: Greece – practical guide.
Mary Beard: SPQR – background on classical history.
Blue Guide: Greece – detailed cultural insights.

More Travel Reports by Ullrich H. Angersbach

Disclaimer

This report reflects my personal impressions of Greece. Ferry timetables, entrance fees, and travel rules can change quickly—always confirm before your trip.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, enjoy exploring places where the ancient world still shapes daily life. Greece impressed me with its temples, island charm, and hospitality. I write for US travelers who want both depth and simplicity.