Greece was our honeymoon destination, which means it will probably always hold a special place in our travel memories. We started in Athens, where we explored the Acropolis and wandered through neighborhoods that seemed to blend thousands of years of history with modern city life. No matter how many photos you've seen of the Acropolis, it's one of those places that's still more impressive in person.
From there we ferried to Naxos, which ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip. Compared to Santorini, Naxos felt quieter, more authentic, and less focused on tourism. We spent our time wandering through the old town, relaxing by the beach, and taking a food tour through the mountain village of Apeiranthos. Sampling local cheeses, honey, breads, and traditional dishes while learning about the island's history ended up being one of the most memorable food experiences of the trip.
Next came Santorini, which somehow managed to live up to the hype. We stayed in Oia, hiked along the caldera, toured local wineries, and spent an afternoon sailing around the island on a catamaran. Seeing the cliffs and whitewashed villages from the water gave us an entirely different perspective on the island. The sunsets were beautiful, the views were ridiculous, and yes, it was every bit as photogenic as Instagram makes it look.
If I were planning a first trip today, I'd still include Santorini, but Naxos was the place that surprised me most. We'd love to return to Greece someday—not only because it's some of our favorite food in the world, but because it feels like a destination you could visit over and over again and have a completely different experience each time. There are hundreds of islands, each with its own personality, and I have a feeling we've only scratched the surface.