Note: This trip was taken prior to me becoming fully plant-based.
Our trip to Greece took us to two stunning islands—Santorini and Naxos—each offering something special. Santorini wowed us with its iconic white-washed buildings set high into the cliffs, offering breathtaking views and a dramatic, rugged landscape. Meanwhile, Naxos was a dreamy beach town, with a relaxed atmosphere and a distinct Venetian influence that made it feel like a world of its own.
After soaking in the beauty of the islands, we made a quick stop in Athens to take in some of its ancient history before wrapping up our trip.
Santorini:
Things to Do: When in Santorini, be sure to ride a donkey, take a catamaran around the island and swim, hike the 4-mile trail from Oia to Fira (or the other way around), take a cooking class, sit somewhere and watch the sunset, and of course, eat a gyro!
Oia:
Taverna Santorini Mou: Our first stop after arriving in Santorini was Taverna Santorini Mou, conveniently down the street from our hotel, Mr. & Mrs. White. It’s a charming tavern with outdoor seating and live music, creating the perfect atmosphere for our first night. Out of our group of seven, six had a great dinner!
The highlights were the Santorini salad, which is a must-try if you’re visiting the island. This dish varies at every restaurant, but our group voted this one as the best! We also ordered saganaki (cheese dusted with flour, pan-fried, and topped with a squeeze of lemon), and the kebabs were a favorite among those who tried them.
A standout on the island, this salad skips the lettuce and instead features hard brown bread chunks, Greek capers, and caper leaves. The star of the dish is the Santorini cherry tomatoes, renowned for their incredible flavor thanks to the island’s rich volcanic soil. Each restaurant has its own take on this dish, but our group agreed that this version was the best.
Sunset Ammoudi: On our first day in Oia (pronounced EE-ah), we took a scenic walk through the town and descended the steps to the small fishing port at Ammoudi Bay. The views were absolutely stunning, and we stopped for drinks and snacks at Sunset Ammoudi, a charming spot right on the water. We enjoyed a Santorini salad, the best tomato fritters, and a mix of mocktails and cocktails—everything was delicious. Take a look at the incredible view from where we were dining!
Mes Amis: Mes Amis was just a short walk from our hotel and perched on the cliffside, offering the perfect view of the famous Santorini sunset. Our group tried a little bit of everything—fish, steak, beet risotto (which I had!), cocktails, and of course, a Santorini salad. The combination of the view and the delicious food made for a great dinner!
Catamaran Trip Around the Island: We took a catamaran around the island, stopping at a volcano, Red Beach, and White Beach. Although we didn’t dock, we had the chance to jump off and swim at all three spots. The lunch buffet was surprisingly good, with a spread that included meats, grilled veggies, pasta salad, dolmas (rice-stuffed grape leaves), Greek salad, feta, pita, and a few other options I can’t quite recall.
Koo Koos: This place was highly rated on Google and we wanted a rooftop so we headed to Koo Koo’s. We had a wonderful server there and was able again to watch the sunset! I got a wonderfully simple veggie pasta that was delicious, and our group got a fish, steak and pizza! Great smoothies as well!
PitoGyros: One night, we opted for something quick and easy instead of joining the group for a long sit-down dinner—what we really wanted was a gyro! For just €6, we got a Halloumi gyro (my choice and the right one!) and a pork gyro. You order inside, and you can either eat by the window outside or grab a seat at one of their outdoor tables. It was perfect!
Paradox Thai Food: In the spirit of switching things up, we went to Paradox for Thai food one night, and it did not disappoint! The pineapple fried rice was the highlight for me, but our group also ordered pad thai, curry, and chow mein—everyone was thrilled with their meals. The smoothies were also a nice touch!
Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Experience: We took a cooking class at a winery with an outdoor cooking setup, and it was such a fun, hands-on experience. After being welcomed with water and wine, we jumped right into cooking. Each pair of participants cooked and shared dishes like a Greek salad, saganaki (pan-fried cheese), spanakopita, and elk sausage baked in peppers and tomatoes in a clay pot for an hour.
The wine—both red and white—was delicious, and for dessert, we enjoyed spoon fruit (fruit preserved in sugar syrup for at least four weeks) served with Greek yogurt. The winery’s location, right across from the beach, also made for some great photo moments. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and a really unique place to cook!
Link to Cooking Class on Viator
Fira:
Oia to Fira Hike & Breakfast at Corner: We started the day with an early morning hike along the 4-mile trail between Oia and Fira, the main town where all the cruise ships dock. The hike comes highly recommended, and it’s easy to see why! Afterward, we found Corner for breakfast. While there’s no ocean view, it’s right in the heart of town, so there’s a lively, buzzy atmosphere. We ordered lattes, an egg scramble, and a very interesting take on avocado toast—two pieces of bread with a light avocado cream or mousse, topped with more mousse and avocado slices. Definitely a unique twist on a classic.
Other Notes About Santorini:
- It seems standard for breakfast to come with your hotel. Each morning we had a wonderful buffet of Greek yogurt, pastries, omelettes or eggs coffee and juice.
- We also went to a few other places below that I didn’t have good pictures for but that were good!
- The Yard Coffee Bar
- Pelican Kipos (in Fira). Really great outdoor patio with lots of coverage, flowers and even music at times!
Naxos:
Naxos is a haven for food lovers, known for its fresh, local ingredients, especially its cheeses and seafood. The island’s laid-back, Venetian charm adds to the experience, making it the perfect place to enjoy Greece’s culinary richness.
Things to do: When in Naxos you should: Swim in the ocean and spend a day at one of the many beach clubs | Shop for foodie products to take home | Rent a buggy and drive around the island (we used and highly recommend renting from Falcon Rental) | Stop at Agios Prokopios Beach for the day (rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe) or Plaka Beach | Kite surf at Mikri Vigla Beach | Walk the marina | Visit the Doors of God in Naxos (a ruin perched near the port and the only remaining part of the old Temple of Apollo) | and, of course, eat a gyro!
Paradise Restaurant Cafe: Our first stop on Naxos was Paradise Restaurant Cafe, nestled right on the beach on the southern part of town. This casual, lively spot was just what we needed to ease into island life. The beachfront views were stunning, and the atmosphere was bustling yet relaxed—a perfect reflection of Naxos itself.
For lunch, we indulged in saganaki (crispy, pan-fried cheese), gigantes (those irresistible giant white beans simmered in a tomato-herb sauce), a classic Greek salad, and a refreshing caprese with avocado. Everything was fresh, bright, and packed with flavor. A special note on the gigantes: while they’re a traditional Greek dish, we didn’t find them everywhere during our travels, making them a delightful discovery here in Naxos. Simple, delicious, and the perfect start to our island adventure.
Gigantes!
Scirocco: Located in the bustling town square, Scirocco is a must-visit spot that’s been a staple in Naxos for over 30 years. The restaurant was packed, and after our meal, it was clear why. It quickly became one of our group’s favorite meals of the trip. One person declared it the best seafood they’d had, and another raved about the steak! Scirocco truly embodies the spirit of Naxian cuisine, offering a mix of fresh, local flavors in a lively atmosphere. Highly recommend making this a stop during your stay!
Here is a photo of that Seabass.
Naxaki Beach Lounge: Nestled on the southern point of Naxos Beach, just down from Paradise, Naxaki Beach Lounge quickly became one of our favorite spots to unwind. Turquoise waters perfect for a swim, comfy beach chairs to lounge in all day, and drinks and food brought right to us by friendly servers! The vibe here was laid-back but with a touch of beach side luxury. The restaurant itself was beautiful, making the whole experience feel like the perfect mix of relaxation and indulgence.
We started with a Naxian cheese board that was absolutely delicious, along with some refreshing fruit drinks and cocktails. For lunch, we tried the burger, which was okay but admittedly overshadowed by its giant bun.
Regardless, Naxaki Beach Lounge was a great place to post up for a lazy beach day, and we loved every minute of it!
The Beach Club
Old Town Naxos: Just a few photos to show the beauty of the town.
Taverna: Located right on the lively marina, Taverna was a wonderful spot for dinner. The area was buzzing with energy, with tons of restaurants and people out enjoying the evening. The menu, like many on Naxos, highlighted fresh, local Naxian ingredients, giving us a true taste of the island. Our group had a great time, with everyone finding something they loved on the menu. From the vibrant setting to the delicious food, it was a perfect way to soak in the local culture and cuisine.
Pictured below is Naxian cheese balls with local honey | Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) | Tomato orzo risotto
Taverna on TripAdvisor (Naxos Town – not to be confused with another Taverna in town)
Chocolat: This cozy breakfast spot was conveniently located right across the street from where we rented buggies for our day adventure—highly recommend doing this! It’s such a fun way to explore Naxos, and the rental shops even provide a mapped-out itinerary if you need one.
As for Chocolat, they offer a variety of breakfast options, including crepes, egg dishes, and lattes. While the savory options and egg dishes were great, be mindful of the sweet crepes. Some in our group ordered them and found they were overloaded with chocolate and sugar—definitely a bit too sweet for our taste. But overall, it’s a cute spot to start your day before heading out to explore the island!
Half eaten Breakfast Brushetta – It was very good!
Rotonda: On our buggie adventure through Naxos there is a restaurant between Filoti and Apirathos and that is Rotonda. It sits up on the moutain and overlooks a huge valley – see photo below. It’s a really nice place with beautiful views and I believe only outdoor covered seating. We stopped for lunch and got a variety of salads and some beverages before we made out way back down the mountain.
Lefto’s Souvlaki: Just before entering Naxos from the south, you’ll find a few charming beach towns—great spots to stay if you want a laid-back, beachy vibe. We decided to park and explore, and of course, we couldn’t resist grabbing another halloumi gyro (you know we love them 😋)! Lefto’s came highly recommended, and it lived up to the hype. It’s a super casual spot, perfect for a quick and delicious bite before continuing your island adventure.
Amici: If you’re craving pizza or just looking for a break from Greek food, head down to the marina where you’ll find Amici—a charming spot run by a friendly husband and wife team. The pizza here is absolutely delicious, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect choice. We ordered a few pizzas, salad, and some wine, and it was the perfect change of pace we needed. Highly recommend if you want something different during your stay!
If you get a chance – try the orange cake in Naxos! We had it at Amici but you can find it all over – it seems to be a signature dish 🍊.
Athens
Things to do: When in Athens you should go see the Parthenon | Walk around Plaka area and enjoy food and shopping | Take a drive around the city to see the old churches, buildings and universities including the first modern Olympic Stadium built for the 1896 games!
Eatery: We stopped by this spot for a halloumi pita, which was a bit different from the halloumi gyros we’d had before. This one was stuffed in a soft pita with a tzatziki-style sauce, sliced cucumbers, and fresh arugula—super delicious!
Feyrouz: Oh my goodness, we loved this place! After enjoying the halloumi pita, we stopped in for another snack because Middle Eastern food sounded amazing. Feyrouz is a great fast-casual spot, and we ordered the Syrian zucchini soup and the Lahmajoun (similar to the Turkish Lahmacun). The thin flatbread was topped with a variety of fillings (traditionally lamb or beef but they make a vegan option too), quickly baked, and then finished with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy yogurt sauce. Everything was fresh and flavorful—definitely a must-try!
Fontana: If you need a refresh or want something cooling, head to Fontana. They offer a great selection of smoothies, fresh juices, and coffee—perfect for taking a break and cooling off (because Athens can get HOT!). It’s a great spot to relax and recharge.
There are so many options in Athens of restaurants to try – these were a few of my favorites.
This wraps up the foodie highlights of Greece. Greece is an absolute delight for the senses—it’s a foodie haven and a stunning country. We thoroughly enjoyed our adventures and had a truly memorable trip. I’d love to go back and explore more of the numerous islands, each with its own unique charm.
Thanks for reading, and until next time Greece — Τα λέμε (Ta léme)!
If I was capable of following recipes, I would definitely follow _many_ of these! Such beautiful and delicious dishes!
What stands out in _all_ of them is the Freshness Factor.
My favorite section is “Foodie Travel”. I may have to go back to Greece!
Thank you for the positive feedback Kathy! And yes, I love the Foodie Travel too – Greece was such a wonderful place to eat our way through!