Travel & Landscape Photographs from Destination Photographer Allison Davis Photography:
Rome | Santorini | Milos | Naxos | Mykonos
The Greek Island Trip Overview
Where do I even begin with Greece? Every day was a gift! Every day was a different experience. And it was all beautiful. I discovered my love for volcanoes and how through their destruction, they have produced so many beautiful places in the world like the Greek Isles, Iceland, Costa Rica, Hawaii and more. God creates beauty after destruction and brings order to chaos. I can see that through nature and am grateful for the gift of experiencing that truth.
It was a also gift for Chandra, my friend of ten years, to come with me and experience these islands with me. I can hardly believe that her husband Jeff took care of their three kids while she came with me for a 13-day trip. I am so grateful to God for Jeff and Chandra and the source of encouragement and friendship they give me.
We flew into Rome and spent the day starting at the Vatican to hear Pope Francis speak and to walk the 551 stairs to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. After that, we walked the streets of Rome all the way to the Colosseum. We had an amazing meal in a plaza, took a nap in the park and ate gelato by the Trevi Fountain. It was a long day of exploring and then we were off on our 12:50 a.m. flight to Santorini.
We stayed five nights in Santorini: two days in Oia, three days in Perissa. We explored the island from the staircases, to the beaches, to a boat tour of the Caldera, and an ATV ride to the top of Santorini where an old monastery still operates. We drank 1.5 liter wine for 4 euros, we met people from around the world, we lounged on beach chairs, danced in Jojo’s pool, had amazing baked goods right next to our hostel, saw “The Mummy” with Tom Cruise at an outdoor cinema, swam in the ocean, and soaked in the sun.
From Santorini, we took a ferry to Milos and stayed at Apartment Fillipos with Anna, the sweetest Greek woman. Despite the inclement weather, we chanced it and took a sailing tour of the island of Milos — it was everything! Pirate caves, snorkeling in crystal waters, Greek lasagna, wine all day, conversations with people from Greece, Argentina, Japan and Italy. It was a beautiful island, full of geological wonders. The next morning we were off to Naxos, but not before our celebrity sighting of Emma Thompson at the cafe where we enjoyed our breakfast.
Naxos was a paradise of pristine beaches, large boulders, cactus, rugged terrain, watermelon harvests and a rich Greek history with many historic ruins including the famous Gate of Apollo which looms over the port city Chora. Just off the ferry, we were welcomed by hotel owners and were so fortunate to find an amazing hotel room, steps from the beach for 50 euros. It was a wonderful hotel, with some of the most hospitable Greeks we met. In our 24 hours in Naxos, we rented an ATV and cruised the west coast for the beaches. I’ve never seen waters so clear anywhere. I felt like I was in a dream.
Off to Mykonos for our final island experience! Our hostel was within steps of the majority of the attractions in Mykonos. We enjoyed getting lost in the winding alleys of Mykonos Town, found our way to Little Venice and the windmills. After being tourists, we took portraits through the alleys. Later, we watched the sunset and with everyone else, we applauded the sun setting. Then we went off to the best dinner of the trip at Pasta Barkia Fresca. Three hours later and about eight courses, we wandered back to our hostel with the world’s smallest shower and bathroom. The next day was my 33rd birthday! We started with a kayak tour in the remote part of Mykonos and enjoyed snorkeling, a small hike and kayaking in a few bays. After a nap, we went out to photograph and wander the rest of the alleyways. We had birthday cocktails on a balcony in Little Venice, had an amazing dinner at a local Greek tavern and finished the night at the Montparnesse piano bar where Chandra requested they play “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga for my birthday and it was the hit for the night!
Our early morning lead us back to Rome where we discovered an amazing spa and resort within a few kilometers of the airport. We relaxed in hot tubs, saunas, garden chairs and quiet rooms for eleven hours! We savored the last of our Mediterranean meals with a lunch buffet and wine and later a happy hour with Prosecco and light snacks. QC Terme Resort was just one more gift for our relaxing and adventurous summer trip to the Greek Islands.
Truly one of the best trips I’ve ever experienced. So grateful for these moments in life to savor, experience, to reflect and to be joyful!
Airlines:
American Airlines
Vueling
Accommodations:
Santorini: Artemis Village, Ether Studios, Youth Hostel Anna
Milos: Apartment Filippos
Naxos: Naxos Dream Studios
Mykonos: Studio Eleni
Rome: QC Terme Resort
Tours:
Santorini: Spiradakos Sailing Cruises
Milos: Excellent Yachting tour around the island of Milos
Mykonos: Kayaking tour of the natural part of Mykonos
