Tag: Greece

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  • A Journey Through Ancient Seas – An Iconic Aegean Cruise Review

    A Journey Through Ancient Seas – An Iconic Aegean Cruise Review

    Six ports in five days? Sounds a bit crazy doesn’t it? ..almost impossible! However, Celestyal Cruise’s Iconic Aegean itinerary does just that, and in style too! We wanted to share our experience of each port along the way. Read on for our full Iconic Aegean cruise review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    To read all about the ship and what we got up to onboard, check out our Celestyal Olympia Review.

    Our Iconic Aegean Cruise

    Our trip took place in November, the very last sailing of the season. We were watching the weather intently and feeling our hearts drop as we saw the temperature doing the same. However, apart from the chilly and rainy Athens, the weather was still rather lovely. Rhodes in particular was really warm. So warm in fact, that we spent an afternoon by the pool. This was the only port where we didn’t spend every second possible on land. The Iconic Aegean cruise itinerary takes passengers to a variety of interesting and historical destinations through the Greek Isles and we would love to share some of the highlights of each spot with you.

    Athens

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    No – We did have the pre-cruise transfer and hotel package but no tours were on offer.

    What Did We Do in Athens Instead?

    With just one evening in Athens, I decided to satisfy my Instagram cravings and visit the crazy Little Kook Cafe. This spot, with a fair few locations all around Karaiskaki, takes theming to a whole new level. As few years ago they realised that decorating is a good pull for people and it now dresses its rooms and facade up for every season. We have seen Alice in Wonderland, London, Halloween and when we visited, Christmas. It was still early in the season so they were still putting up the lights and only one venue was open but it was amazing. (Amazing or intense?).

    Then we popped up to the roof of our hotel for a little savoury snack, a cocktail and a nice view of the Acropolis. Honestly, when we booked the pre-cruise package, we assumed we would be put up somewhere simple, near the port (on the other side of the city and then a little further). It was such a nice surprise to find out we were in a great location, close to the sights of Athens and with the chance to have a small look around. The view was even more exciting!

    The camera wasn’t coping but it was so nice to see it lit up
    Dolmades!

    Mykonos

    Mykonos sits in the Cyclades Islands and is traditionally known as, “The Island of the Winds”. These days it is known as, “The Island of the Rich Instagrammers”. Its other nickname is very apt, “The Queen of the Cyclades”, as it is a fun, LGBTQIA+ spot with plenty of nightlife in the season. The capital, Chora or Mykonos Town is where the majority of residents live, and where the boat docks.

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    No – There was such a short time in port and it was due to get dark that I just wanted to run to my desired locations.

    What Did We Do in Mykonos Instead?

    The most iconic image of Mykonos has to be Little Venice backed by windmills. Both of these spots are within easy walking distance of where our coach dropped us. We stormed through the cute, white-washed streets in hopes of having this area to ourselves as storm clouds rolled in. The sun set shortly after we arrived and very quickly the photo opportunities went. After it got really dark, we had a wander around the small streets of Little Venice, wondering what to do with ourselves.

    Mykonos is one of those destinations that I cannot afford. With the best will in the world, something inside me refuses to pay €26 for a simple bowl of pasta. That is why it was so exciting to see Mykonos on our cruise itinerary. I am all for putting some money into the local economy but also quite glad that I could eat and drink on the ship. We did have a vague idea to go to a bar and grab a drink with a nice view but actually, most of them were shut for the season. The one bar that we found open had “winter pricing” which was even more expensive than that of summer. €22 for a simple glass of wine was more than I could stomach. We decided to head back to the port and our waiting ship, complete with a drinks package.

    Kuşadası

    Kuşadası is in Turkey. This is the only destination outside of Greece on the Iconic Aegean cruise itinerary. The port used to be a major cargo transit point, sending wares across the sea since the 17th century. Now, it mostly caters to the cruise ships that pour tourists towards Ephesus, a nearby historical city. There are several beaches nearby so this is a nice port to relax in, and a huge waterpark if you like your water vertical. Ephesus is an 18km drive away and is the star attraction. It is a well-preserved ancient Greek city that dates back to the 10th century BC.

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    Yes – Despite this being our second time to Ephesus, we couldn’t resist seeing it again.

    Which Excursion Did We Do?

    Ancient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses – As mentioned, this was our second trip to Ephesus. We travelled here by ourselves in 2020 (remember that bit where we could travel before it all went back into lockdown?) However, when we came, we did it by ourselves with just a guidebook for info. It was exciting to have a professional guide provided so we could learn a little more. We also opted for the terrace houses as we hadn’t paid the extra to see them last time, and it was a smaller group size.

    The group caught a small bus to the entrance and after a quick bathroom stop, headed inside the site. We were surrounded by huge groups, so our 10 visitor gaggle seemed rather personal. We walked around the side street rather than past the small theatre and felt like we had it to ourselves for a small while. This is hard to achieve in Ephesus as it is a very, very popular sight but at the end of the season, it never felt all that busy.

    The terrace houses are not the terrace-style that you imagine coming from the UK, but a collection of six beautifully preserved villas. You can see the gorgeous frescoes and marble on the walls. Mosaics cover the floors and our tour wound through the houses with our passionate tour guide sharing all the secrets. It was so great to see beneath the covering roof.

    After emerging into the stream of tourists outside, we hit the main attraction, Celsus Library. If you have seen any photos of Ephesus I can almost guarantee it was of this stunning facade. It was renovated in the 1970s and is due for another one soon. Go quickly or in a few years! We took a few photos here, despite already having some, and then strolled along and passed the amphitheatre. We didn’t feel rushed as we had been before but it would have been a bit of a rush for a first time visit.

    Next came the bit of the tour that I was dreading. A visit to a rug workshop was promised. Having traipsed around many a shop disguised as a factory, I knew how uncomfortable it made me. I should have had a more open mind.

    We saw two workers making tight knots of fabric, flying through the weaving and it was so impressive. It is always astonishing to find out these things are still created by hand and it takes them months Next, we saw how silk thread is extracted from cocoons. I got to hold one as it unwound in my hand, rating and jiggling. Everyone was offered a drink of tea, coffee, juice or wine and then we took a seat as the show began. A variety of beautiful rugs were unfurled in front of us with a flourish. We enjoyed the experience but as soon as the salesmen split between the groups, we dashed for the exit. There was a small table of nibbles to snack on before we hopped back into the van and sat back for the drive to the ship.

    Patmos

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    No – The island looked small and the sights looked close. There was nothing that was an absolute must-see so we thought we would take it a little easy. We regretted this decision. Given the chance again, we would have joined a tour to the monasteries.

    What Did We Do in Patmos Instead?

    Patmos is a small island with a small port. Thus, we took our first tender boat ever. We all queued in the Muses Lounge for a number and that indicated our tender boat number. When called, we made our way down to the bottom public deck and down a few more steps onto a small boat. It whizzed across the waves and dropped us in the heart of Skala.

    We had a speedy look around town but decided that the monastery didn’t look too far…it was. The worst thing about Google Maps is the lack of contour lines. We didn’t realise that the walk was quite steep in places so took a while longer than expected.

    I hadn’t really done my research for Patmos beyond learning, the name of the monastery. The church of the apocalypse sounded so dramatic that I was expecting vaulted ceilings with licks of flame scalding the stone, tortured, monks in a flagellating, fugue state, and semi-regular earthquakes. Turns out the monastery of the apocalypse is a tiny whitewashed visitor centre and a smaller rock chapel. The monastery is dedicated to St John. It was on this spot that he had his visions, marked down in “Book of |Revelations”.

    After a quick look around, we determined that we would not make the next monastery up the hill before it shut. It looked like the timing would be tight as it was. Then, at the end of the walk was, what we like to call, “The Google Line of Death”. These tricky little guidance, notations can dictate either a couple of stairs or an extra 10 minutes of hiking up the wrong side of a hill. Instead, we chose to walk down the hill to the west on the hunt for a beach and a sunset beverage. we found a beach but everything that backed it was closed for the winter. However, there was a beach and a friendly kitty with which to enjoy the sunset so we settled in. It was gorgeous.

    Once the sun was well and truly gone, we walked the short distance back into town. Feeling a little disappointed at our lack of sunset, we found a bar from the handful open and settled in for a quick drink. I opted for a pink grapefruit spritz, which was divine, whilst Mr Fluskey had a snifter of dessert wine. We had some breadsticks provided too, which we nibbled away at far too quickly. Cravings satisfied, and with the temperature falling a little, we caught the tender back to the Olympia.

    Rhodes

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    Yes – The sight we were most interested in seeing was a fair distance away so we thought it best to join a tour. We didn’t trust local transport out of season for that distance.

    Which Excursion Did We Do?

    Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights – Leaning over the rail, we saw a fleet of coaches ready and waiting to take daytrippers across Rodes. We boarded ours and were handed a small plastic box attached to a lanyard. these are the famous “whispers”. These allow tour guides to wear a mic and talk to their group without shouting. We all popped our headphones in and tested them, ensuring they were ready to go.

    I am a little conflicted by the whispers. I am such a wanderer so it is amazing to listen to essentially a live podcast and have a nice wander around. However, I do feel rude to the guide as I am off doing my own thing. They can’t see my appreciative nods and gentle chuckles though!


    Passing the Church of Panagia, the group made its way up the hill. It was a mix of steps and slopes, some with precipitous drops. This almost gave me wobbly knees, worried I was just going to stop paying attention and wander off into oblivion. At the top, we passed a cool carving depicting a Trireme (a war ship) and took one last steep staircase up into the fortress. We had seen the temple from the bus but when we stopped right up at 116m for some more information, it was nowhere to be seen.

    Our guide suggested everyone go in one direction, avoiding the slippery and steeper way up to the temple. Well, I wanted a clear photo so we stormed up the rocky slope and emerged by the Acropolis of Lindos in just two minutes. It was clearly reconstructed but it was just gorgeous. The striking columns against the seascape were just Greek perfection. It was so cool to imagine it back in the 4th century BC with its giant golden statue of Athena, sadly lost to time.

    We took some time to work our way back down through these amazing collonaded steps and stopping to watch a lone butterfly. Realising we were the only people from our coach around, we hurried back down the stairs and slopes to the coach. We were the last and arrived slightly out of puff. Mr Fluskey had a little nap when we took our seats.

    The group were driven to Gate d’Amboise on the north of the old town. We made our way slowly through the UNESCO World Heritage site, starting at fortifications and unpeeling the layers of history. It took around half an hour to walk the Street of the Knights. Our guide pointed out the cool old marks of knight’s orders from around Europe. This was the home of The Order of the Knights of St. John and they helped protect the island from pirates and other invading forces for hundreds of years.

    After the tour, everyone was given the choice to join the guide back to the ship or to do our thing. We ran straight back up to the top of the route to snap some Instagram photos in places we spotted along the way. Then we spent an hour meandering the empty back streets. We couldn’t help but wonder if this was normal. Was it a quiet day because it was off-season or are 90% of people taken through on tours and then never go for a stroll

    Santorini

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    Yes – Again, not keen to rely on local buses, and with the cable car price included, this seemed like the smarter thing to do.

    Which Excursion Did We Do?

    Santorini is another quite expensive spot to visit. We spent three days on the islands in March 2022 and I have a blog post all about how to do it on a budget. Returning, we decided that it would be nice to revisit Oia as it was due to be quite a nice sunny day.

    Everyone was assigned a guide at random, and ours seemed a little slapdash. Once the group had gathered, he turned around and silently walked away. Somebody realised we all scrambled to follow him. We were all given entry to the cable car up the hill. Our gondola was in fits of giggles as someone in the car below was making rather hilarious noises. I felt bad though as it turned out that the lady howling was actually very freaked out. We made a few jokes with her and she seemed to perk up a little.

    Note: The daily planner advises against taking the donkeys up the hill due to safety concerns for the passengers. We strongly insist you don’t as they are treated terribly and they don’t need to drag you up an unshaded path in the heat.

    From the top of the cable car, we were all paraded through Fira, past the main bus station, and down to waiting coaches. The coaches then separated for their different tours. Most head down to the south of the island and a small village. This seemed a bit confusing with Oia in the opposite direction until we realised that usually the boat docks on the southeast coast of the island so you would be driving through it anyway. It was a very cute village. I wonder what the residents think about daytrippers hoofing through every morning without time to stop and spend any money. After a 15-minute wander, we all bundled back onto the coach to drive to Santorini’s most famous Instagram spot, Oia.

    We opted to separate from the group as there was a long port day in Santorini. We were not ready to return to the ship after just an hour and a half in Oia, so we asked our tour guide if we could hand on to our own return cable car tickets. With these in hand, we wandered off to do our own thing…after playing with kittens for a good, long while.

    Yes, we spent an hour or so taking Instagram photos. See a photo dump below:

    On our first visit to Oia, we did not make the walk down to Ammoudi Bay to see the seafood restaurants, and I regretted it. This was the time! After revisiting the most popular photo spots, we took the long winding steps down towards the water. The snowy white buildings that topped the cliff soon gave way to crumbling red stone and ended in turquoise water. Unfortunately, the famous seafood restaurants were all shuttered for winter. We had missed the octopi again. It was hard going climbing back up the stairs. The internet will tell you there are 287 stairs but they fail to mention how deep and steep they are. It was like 2 stairs for every 1 advertised.

    We decided that we needed a reward so we grabbed a bargain souvlaki before catching the local bus back to Fira for a sunset cocktail at PK Cocktail Bar. With a little more wobble in our step, we caught the cable car back down with no problems and boarded the tender boat back to the waiting ship.

    To read all about the ship and what we got up to onboard, check out our Celestyal Olympia Review.

    Back to Athens

    Did We Book an Excursion?

    No – As this was our last day, we weren’t due back on the ship and so didn’t need a tour. Some cruisers start and end in Turkey.

    What Did We Do in Athens Instead?

    On our return to Athens, we were ready to do some hardcore sightseeing. We had two days to play with and managed to cover an awful lot of ground. Athens is surprisingly compact and you can see most of the major sights on foot in a day. I am planning to write a separate blog post all about our time in Athens so stay tuned!

    On our second day, we took a brilliant food tour with Alternative Athens. If you have some time in Athens before the cruise, this is a wonderful way to learn about the city and lots of delicious food you can find along the way.

    Final Thoughts for Our Iconic Aegean Cruise Review

    The destinations visited on our cruise were a nice selection. There were a couple of islands that were so pricy that we were glad to return to the ship. The blend of quiet gems and popular historical sights kept us guessing and I bet in the summer, the opportunity for beach days helps the variety further. It was incredible to squeeze everything in over just four nights! We still prefer small tours to the large groups that cruises inevitably produce but we did love that we could take the tour and then do our own thing. For the price and the sheer volume of things to see, we think the Iconic Aegean cruise is well worth a go!

    Rosie xx

  • All Aboard the Celestyal Olympia – Our Full Celestyal Cruises Review

    All Aboard the Celestyal Olympia – Our Full Celestyal Cruises Review

    Celestyal Cruises is a small, homegrown Greek cruise line. They celebrate all things Greek through their food, onboard activities, shows and cruise itineraries. I had never heard of Celestyal before last year but was so intrigued by their impossible sounding Iconic Aegean cruises. Four nights and seven posts? This must be a truly unique offering. Read on for our full Celestyal Cruises review.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Arriving in Athens

    Athens

    It is possible to book a cruise package with Celestyal that includes transfers and a 4*+ hotel. This was such a nice way to start the trip. We arrived at the airport to find a driver waiting to whisk us into Athens. Our package included just one night before our sailing but you can choose more. I was expecting a small hotel somewhere near the port but we were actually in a nice spot right in the heart of Athens. We had a lovely afternoon and evening exploring near the hotel.

    Check out all our travels in Greece

    We weren’t worried about getting to the port in the morning as once again, someone was there bang on time to get us there. Our Celestyal Cruise was operating out of Lavrio which isn’t the easiest to reach by public transport so this was a very chilled way to get there in comparison.

    Checking in

    Lavrio Port

    Check-in was so easy. We dropped our two small bags off outside the port building and then waited no more than five minutes to check in at the desk. This probably took us three minutes, obviously the people in front of us were a bit slow, and then we went to security. The security line was a bit mixed up with two lines merging into one, but I think as this was a smaller sailing with only 500 people due to be on board, they had changed things to try to streamline them, and just not got their queue control perfected.

    We were shown to a bus which we hopped on, soon realising that the ship was a hilariously short distance away and lots of people were walking. We boarded quickly, with no fuss, just scanning our cruise cards and hopped in the lift up to deck number 7 to find our cabin.

    Welcome Aboard Celestyal Olympia

    The Celestyal Olympia was built in1982 in Finland but she looks rather good for her age we must say! The gorgeous teak deck that surrounds deck 7 is a particularly lovely vintage feature (Is it vintage…maybe for a cruise ship?) She was originally owned by Royal Caribbean, named Song of America before passing through a couple more hands and ending up with Celestyal Cruises. She is 179m long, 29m wide and can hold around 1500 passengers. For our sailing, we found out that there were only 500 or so of us and so we never queued for a drink, struggled to find a seat or book any of the excursions we preferenced. Honestly, I think that, even at capacity, it wouldn’t feel too crowded at all.

    A Look Around Our Cabin

    The Space

    Our cabin was a junior suite, and we had so much room! It was 23 square metres (more than half the size of our flat in London). We were not in each other’s way at any point.

    The storage was copious. I can almost imagine filling it on a two week cruise, maybe not with the way we pack, but it was chemically empty for our four night Iconic Aegean.

    There were two large wardrobes, one for full length garments, and one with two shallow rails. Next to these was a cupboard with slightly awkward triangular shelves and a half size, one with the same kind of shelves on the other side of the TV.

    The junior suite has a large seating area. The three seater sofa can be converted into an extra bed if you are using the cabin for three people. Then there are two chairs and a coffee table by the window. Being such a busy itinerary we didn’t use this at all but it would be nice on a longer sailing or for a quiet night. Mind you, the TV is opposite the bed so if you want a movie night the sofa is not an option. My only disappointment with the room was the view. Our room was on deck seven, tucked behind a lifeboat so the view was partially obscured.

    Opposite the sofa was a large desk/vanity, backed by two large mirrors which was fab. There were more shelves and this is where you find the electric safe. Under the desk, the hairdryer was stashed. It wasn’t very strong. Luckily, there were some plugs here, so I was able to use my own. There is also a minibar. It’s worth noting that even with the full premium plus drinks package (more on that later), this is NOT included. The prices aren’t bad. You can get a half bottle of bubbly for around £12, but unless you want to incur extra costs, it’s best to forget that this store exists. The water bottles in the room are also chargeable so don’t forget to grab one from the bar before you head to bed.

    The Bathroom

    The bathroom was really quite big with plenty of room between the toilet, sink and bath. Yes, you read that correctly, we had an actual bath! Of course, it wasn’t quite full length, but still big enough for me to relax in. Actually, I fully intended to have a bath (I wanted to see if the water would slash with the waves) but never felt like I had time because there was so much to do. Luckily, the shower was good with decent pressure.

    There was a large counter and a shallow three door cabinet on the wall. We had plenty of room for all our bathroom bits. The only weird thing was the cabinet doors, which were all hung in the opposite manner to that which common sense would indicate

    The bathroom products provided were all olive oil-based with a herby, unisex fragrance. We got shampoo but no conditioner, soap and body milk. These were all available to buy in the shop if you fall in love with them.

    The Bed

    Our bed was large and the mattress was quite firm, which I love. The pillows in contrast were far too soft for my taste. I am aware that my predilection for bouncy pillows isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Every evening we returned to our room to see a nice turn down service with a little snack (sesame crackers or nougat) which was a nice goodnight nibble. We were also treated to some adorable towel art. (Yes, I know this is passé but it delights me every time).

    We each had a reading light, but there were no plugs by the bed, probably the worst thing about this old cruise ship. We all have so much to charge these days. This is especially true when you are disembarking every day as you can’t leave things charging in your room during the day.

    Dining on The Olympia

    During our trip, all meals were served in the main Aegean restaurant. There are no set dining times, just opening times and seating is at shared tables on a first come, first served basis. Well, that is almost true. We were lucky enough to be able to use the Galileo Room. This is a quieter dining room tucked in the corner of the main room and is open to those with suites/staterooms. All the food is the same here but the service isn’t spread as thinly and we had a private table that was ours for the whole trip.

    If the weather was warmer, and the ship busier, there would have also been the Leda self-serve buffet (more about that in a bit) and the Aura Grill. This is open on days that the ship is at sea during lunch and serves international fare like burgers and fries. Finally, there is usually a poolside grill in summer once a cruise, where great quantities of meat are prepared poolside.

    Aegean Restaurant   
    Breakfast

    Breakfast was a big buffet. You could pick from a selection of six spreads, copious, fruits, thick, Moorish, Greek yoghurt, and even salad. In the hot area, there were sausages, eggs, bacon, hash browns (yum) and plenty of other naughty breakfast delights. There was a section with crispy croissants (good, but not great) and thick American pancakes. Oh and don’t forget the cake selection. Breakfast desert? Why not?

    Finally, there was an omelette station with two chefs, whipping up, fresh, French-style omelettes. I wanted to try one but ate so much at dinner every day that I just wasn’t hungry by the next morning.

    Lunch

    At lunch, you could choose from the buffet or go à la cart. The buffet was brilliant. The food was fresh and there were loads of healthy options. not that we preferred these. The feta was the creamiest I’d ever had, and I took every opportunity to add it to my plate.

    As well as a substantial European buffet, there was an Asian section 2. This had mainly Chinese dishes. I saw noodles on our first day, but had already filled my plate to overflowing. Then, they never reappeared over the next three lunches and boy, was I craving noodles. Note to self (and you) if you see something delicious, grab it, because the buffet changes every day.

    Dinner

    Dinner was always à la la carte, really good food, cooked beautifully and with some interesting combinations. On the whole. I was particularly impressed with the cooking of the meat I tried. I had beef one evening and I asked for it, “Medium rare, more rare than medium” and it was exactly what I got. That is so hard to achieve in a dining room full of people all ordering at the same time. I did have moussaka on one occasion and it was very dry and very bland, so it wasn’t hit after hit, but the majority of food was excellent.

    The desserts were the weakest of the courses. I very much enjoyed my ice cream with blue Curaçao. However, the Panna cotta had too much gelatin, so it was a bit solid and the chocolate Heart was clearly made with quite a cheap chocolate. We did enjoy trying the different Greek pastries, it was a lovely way to try something new.

    Leda Buffet

    The other option for breakfast was the continental breakfast up in the Leda restaurant. This is a restaurant that looks out over the back of the ship and in summer it has all its windows open and has a buffet lunch too. On our quiet, winter sailing it was only open for pastries and boy, were the staff confused that we actually came up. Couldn’t miss that sunrise though!

    Drinks

    There were six bars, each with their own vibe, but with mostly the same menu. Our favourite bar was quite hard to find. Tucked through a door on deck seven, the lift whisked guests up to the bar that ran around the funnel called the Horizons Bar. This had lovely views out across the water and the pool deck. It was always quiet so it was easy to get a drink and really relaxing.

    In general, most of the drinks are excellent. Particularly noticeable were the Miami Vice (a blend of frozen piña colada and strawberry daiquiri), the Hugo, and something Mr Fluskey loved; the Mudslide. He had one on the last night. Too late in the crusie to find your favourite!

    The Celestyal Cruises Drinks Packages

    Celestyal’s menu was surprisingly extensive. Included with every cruise are soft drinks, selected drinks with meals, and some hot drinks. Of course, anyone can purchase drinks at any time and with wine at something something and most cocktails between £7 and £10. This isn’t a terrible way to go if you don’t drink a lot or you plan to be in port most of the time. There were a couple of soft drink packages that allowed the extra special milkshakes and coffees, but for the price, it’s probably best to do pay-as-you-go. The coffee in the bars was good but quite small, so I began to order two at once. Maybe the drinks package is worth it?

    However, if you enjoy a few bevvies with breakfast, libations at lunch, and drinks at dinner, then the packages are pretty good value. There is a premium package that allows cocktails up to £7. The premium plus package gets you cocktails up to £10, which is most of them. There is a list of drinks that are £30 also but if you really want one, you can pay the extra. We didn’t try any of these, but they better be blooming good!

    Drinks at Dinner

    Selected drinks with dinner are included with everyone’s cruise. This presumably meant sodas, wine and beer. We had a wine waiter who very much enjoyed helping us to taste different wines. We brought different options and taught us how to taste them which was fun. (mind you, I am not sure i needed to compare the Barefoot White Zinfandel to know it is really rather sweet. He looked slightly bemused when we ordered cocktails at dinner. I don’t think many people are as uncouth as us.

    Entertainment

    The Activities

    Considering how much time we were in port, I was impressed at the variety and availability of activities on board. I imagine these would be vital when the ship was busier and there were less free spots to just laze about. We saw exercise classes like Zumba, Greek language lessons, bingo, quizzes and sporting tournaments. We did pop to the back of deck eight to play mini golf but nobody else had turned up. I mean, it was windy and a bit rainy so I guess we were the weird ones.

    Throughout the day, there was quite a bit of live music, which we loved. The Argo Bar in particular often had someone tinkling on the piano or singing to backing tracks. There was a super violinist on our cruise who could be found performing on most evenings, which was a real treat. Plus, there was karaoke in the Selene Bar on most nights….which wasn’t so much.

    Finally, Casino Royale next to the Argo Bar allowed people to try and win back the cost of their cruise. We didn’t venture in as casinos aren’t really our scene but people looked to be having fun.

    Wellness
    Sana Wellness Spa

    The Sena Spa offers all kinds of treatments, from hair to nails, to facials, to massage. We decided that with such a busy week, a 30 minute head, neck and back massage would be just the ticket. I ticked medium and Mr Fluskey chose soft but they both seemed quite intense. I was a sore lady the next day but he was OK so even though they were both stronger than we expected, they obviously listened to the request which was lovely to know. The treatment rooms were quite bare and I must admit, I wasn’t a fan of the lime green towels. (I know this is super nit-picky but it just seemed to clash with the relaxing vibe I was after). For the best experience, go for a manicure as the treatment room looks out over the sea, a beautiful spot for some pampering.

    The Gym

    Now we all know that I didn’t use the gym. Actually, that being said, if we had been on a cruise with sea days, we probably would have. This can be a little tricky to find as it has to be entered from the outside deck on level 8. Inside, the gym is quite small with four running machines, some ellipticals and a handful of bikes. There are some weight machines and a set of free weights too. When we popped in, there were three people in here but I guess with so much walking in port, most people don’t feel the need. There are also saunas here, separated by gender.

    The Pool and Sundeck

    On deck nine you will find two pools. We thought they were identical but apparently, one is adults only (the one to the aft of the ship). They are a reasonable size for an exercise swim and have some railings to hang on to if you are just having a float about. We spent an afternoon here whilst in port at Rhodes as the sun was warm enough and the wind dropped. The water is not heated and was just about warm enough for quick few lengths. Bear in mind that they will be much colder at the beginning of the season (MArch/April). Then we steamed dry in the winter sun on a couple of sunbeds. There is loads of seating around the pool so finding a spot shouldn’t be too tricky.

    There are also loads of sunbeds up on deck 10, the walkway that runs around the pools, one deck above. As the sun began to set, we decamped up here and as other people appeared, the staff began to bring more and more beds for people to relax upon. I am sure that in warmer months, they would stay out but nobody was expecting it to actually be warm enough to sun(set)bathe.

    The Shows

    We watched the show in the Muses Lounge every night, no matter how tired we were. The set up is more of a cocktail lounge than a proscenium style theatre. There is a bar to the back of the room but staff don’t take orders during the performance. So make sure you grab something before you settle in for the show. The shows have to cater for an international audience, so there wasn’t a lot of speech, focusing more on singing, dancing and acrobatics. Each offering is performed by Canadian troupe Cirque Fantastique, The cast was quite small but they are very talented. We enjoyed the musical theatre show with some favourite songs and really allowed the dancers to show off their skills.

    Excursions

    At every port, there are several excursions on offer. One of the lovely things about Celestyal is that all cruises include excursion credit. We enjoyed a mixture of organised excursions and independent travel during our port visits.

    The excursions we took with Celestyal were:

    • Rhodes, Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights – Although it was possible to reach Lindos by ourselves, we decided it would be quicker and easier to join a tour. Usually we arrive before tour groups, but as the tour groups disembark first, this wasn’t going to happen. We really loved the views from the hill top temple at Lindos and following our guide through Rhodes Old Town gave us a nice overview. We dashed back through the streets to take photos afterwards with nobody else there. (That is probably not possible in high season).
    • Santorini, Spectacular Oia Village Perched on the Caldera Rim – This was our second visit to Santorini. We spent three days here in 2021 and so knew how to get around but decided to join the tour as it included both the cable car and bus transfer. We wanted to spend a bit longer in Oia than the group was allocated. We asked our guide to hang onto the cable car tickets and caught the bus back to Thira before grabbing a sunset cocktail by ourselves.
    • Kusadasi, Ancient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses – Again, this was our second visit to Ephesus. On our first visit, we had been by ourselves, armed only with a guidebook. It was great to revisit with someone who was really passionate about it and explore new areas of the site.

    Information and Top Tips for Celestyal Cruises

    If you are considering a cruise with Celestyal, here a few things you might like to know:

    • For all the nest deals, you should definitely check the Celestyal Cruises website.
    • Our phones picked up Turkish phone service when we sailed between Ephesus and Rhodes as it dropped off the wifi. A top tip is to leave your phone on airplane mode as you sail close to the border.
    • Many of the cruises start from Greece but a few board from Turkey so you have pre and post-cruise options.
    • There will be a gala night on every cruise so don’t forget to pack one fancier outfit so you can join in the fun. You may also have a Greek night on longer cruises where guests are encouraged to wear white and blue (the colours of the Greek flag). We didn’t have one but I did bring a white and blue dress just in case!
    • The Celestyal itineraries are very port intensive so make sure you have comfortable walking shoes and a bag you don’t mind carrying a lot for excursions.
    • Dinging times are flexible so you can arrive during the opening hours of the dining rooms rather than at a set seating. The Gala Night is an exception, with two seatings for dinner.
    • Gratuities are included on Celestyal Cruises so you do not need to offer any extra. If you do decide to tip specific crew then bring euros that you have picked up ahead of time. Finding free ATMs in many of the destinations isn’t that easy. (This is especially true in winter when many ATMS are emptied and closed).
    • Celestyal is very family friendly, with a kid’s club and small kid’s area available. To be honest, you will be on land so much of the time that this isn’t as vital as those cruises with sea days but it is nice to know that it’s there.

    Final Thoughts for Our Celestyal Cruises Review

    We had a blast on our Iconic Aegean cruise. There is no doubt that it is an intense itinerary but it isn’t so crazy that you can’t enjoy it. We disembarked at every stop but still had plenty of time to explore the ship, relax and even spend some time at the pool. Now, it is worth noting that the Celestyal Olympia is meant to be retired any minute now. You may not find exactly what we experienced, but the itinerary and vibes should be the same so get booking!

    Rosie xx

  • A Review of Jet2 737-800 STN – ATN – STN

    A Review of Jet2 737-800 STN – ATN – STN

    Jet2 has been going gangbusters in the U.K. with plenty of flights from the north of the country, (in fact I travelled with Jet2 to Prague before they made it down south and had a lovely flight). Now Jet2 is conquering the south with an increasing presence at London Stansted. With very reasonable prices and more passenger offerings than your average Stansted departure, the orange and blue carriers must be a little bit worried. Join us for our review of Jet2 flights from London Stansted to Athens and back again.

    Boeing 737 aircraft

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Airport Experience

    Stansted

    With a brutal 03:15 alarm, we surfaced bleary-eyed and a bit stroppy into the London cold. It took us two night tubes and the first Stansted Express of the morning but we made it bang on time for our expected 06:32 arrival. Two hours before a flight is an hour less than I really like but it was the only way to ensure a little sleep.

    We found our check in desks and there was no queue. There was a very clear Jet2 check in area at London Stansted with some fun Instagram additions (giant teddy bear). We decided to check in our bags as they were included in the fare and the chap who checked us in was very perky. It was impressive for such an early morning. He let us know that the Stansted transit train wasn’t working and that staff would point us in the right direction. We were very happy to see that there were four staff stood by the train entrance and they were all Jet2. No other carrier was represented here. We all went down to waiting coaches over to the remote terminal. I was very glad we’d checked in our bigger bags as it was a lot of standing and stairs which would have been annoying with the suitcases.

    The terminal is very scrappy but that is not Jet2’s responsibility. There were lots of seats and nice big windows where you could see our plane and a few other Jet2 planes too. They had nice, shiny signage and nice, shiny staff. Everyone was wished a good holiday as they passed through the gate which was a very nice touch and it was really good that they maintained that line for everyone.

    Athens

    We arrived at Athens airport three hours before our flight took off but the check-in wasn’t open yet. There wasn’t anywhere to sit nearby and it was very buy and tight so we went and sat out of the way for a while. When we returned, there was a huge queue…rookie mistake! It took around 20 minutes to get to the front and then the agent wasn’t too friendly. We checked in our bags and headed for security. Jet2 is in the satellite building and there is quite a long way to walk along travelators before you go through security (plenty of time to buy any drinks you have bought).

    Once through security, there was a departure lounge that was very busy where we picked up a sandwich and crisps for the flight. Then we passed through passport control (another long queue) and found our gate. Remember to leave plenty of time to get through the airport because it takes a while. We entered the gate which was very busy and didn’t have many seats left. The staff were checking in hand luggage. they were not asking but instructing passengers and making sure they went over to the tagging desk. It didn’t feel very Jet2.

    The Plane

    The Seats

    We paid to book our seats ahead of time both to ensure we could sit together and to guarantee a window seat. Honestly, we sit separately alot due to traveling on standby but when I am reviewing a flight, I like a window. Poor Mr Fluskey likes a window too, but he married a window lover so he doesn’t get it all that often.

    The seats were pretty standard for a European short haul airline with 31 inches pitch and 17 inches width. This is slightly wider than both Ryanair and Easyjet and has at least two inches of extra leg room, This really does make a difference when the flight is more than two hours, especially when squeezing out to pop to the bathroom. There is no back to the seat in front where your legs are which, if you are tall, will give you those precious extra centimetres….I wonder if that is included in the legroom?

    Instead of a traditional seatback pocket, there is a magazine stand. This means you cannot store your belongings in there. This is much cleaner (those pockets can be real germ-fests) and presumably prevents lots of lost property. There is a small tray table and the addition of a simple metal cup holder which I really like. It’s designed for the hot drinks they sell onboard so doesn’t really fit a water bottle.

    The Windows

    There was something very strange about the windows and I only realised about half an hour into our flight. I went to pull down the shade for an easier sleep but it wasn’t there. None of the windows have shades so the sun streams in undisturbed. It’s great for the views but it was tough to nap with the full force of the sun seeping through my eyelids.

    I wanted to share some of the views we got.

    The Way Out

    Leaving a grey morning at Stansted is always satisfying. Bursting through the final layer of cloud and into the blue sky above really makes it feel like a holiday! Plus, trying to spot the Acropolis on our descent was lots of fun.

    Coming Back

    On the way back we were treated to a fabulous hour long sunset. I couldn’t stop snapping but here are just a few little photos.

    Storage

    The baggage bins have stretchy bands across the front so things don’t fall out when the bins are reopened. It also means people can shove their coats and other soft items in and they stay put. This is a very smart addition which I am surprised I have never seen on any other carriers.

    Everyone is entitled to one underbag seat and one overhead spot. Of course, if everyone takes advantage then it gets overfull so they were checking in baggage at the boarding gate in Athens. I was surprised that they faced this issue seeing as everyone gets free chek in luggage. This surely reduces the number of large rolling hand luggage bags that end up at the gate. Well, it encouraged us to check our bags in, something we rarely do.

    Entertainment

    There are two magazines in the seat back but no TVs onboard. There aren’t any plugs so my advice is to bring a phone or tablet, a portable charger and some headphones. Mr Fluskey used both his Bluetooth headphones until they ran out of battery and was forced to read the magazines. (What a rookie, use one at a time!). There were a few interesting articles but not enough for a three hour flight.

    The Tannoy

    We really enjoyed the tunes as we boarded. They were all upbeat and put us in a good mood with our mini singalong. Of course, they played Jess Glynne’s banger Hold My Hand which is on the Jet2 adverts.

    Now, about the announcements. They were all prerecorded and very cheery. We loved the fun tone and the two voices giving it some pep. However, they were SO loud! Every time one was played, the whole plane (who were trying sleep due to the early starts we had all had) was shocked awake. You could visibly see people jump out of slumber. It seemed unnecessarily loud when the boarding music had been considerably quieter so there must be a volume choice. I would hate to take this as a commuter without a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. In general, the announcements were too loud and too frequent.

    That being said, we loved the flight deck announcements which were thorough, describing the exact route we would be taking and what we could expect to see along the way. They also kept everyone informed when we had a delay on the way home. Top marks to the flight deck!

    Amenities

    The bathroom was kept clean on both legs of our journey which is impressive on 3.5 hour flight. I liked the big pictures on the door which cheered up the small space….and they were small. You would struggle to change clothes in here or anything like that so don’t plan to use them as a space for anything other than using the toilet. There was some simple soap but no hand cream or anything so if you need that stuff, make sure it’s in your liquids bag.

    Food & Drink

    There was plenty on offer to purchase during the trolley service. I was expecting shocking prices but actually, compared to airports and other carriers, it was all quite reasonable. We stupidly paid more for food in Athens airport to eat on board which saw us standing in long queues. We should have just waited and chosen things from the menu!

    There was a second round of trolley service on both flights where sandwiches were offered at half price. This is a nice way of ensuring less food waste but I would be pretty annoyed if I had paid full price just one hour prior. Good to know for future travel though!

    Final Thoughts for our Review of Jet2

    For holiday travel Jet2 is a brilliant choice. Free luggage, check-in desks and super cheery announcements at the gate and onboard all get you in a good mood. Whether you prefer a longer fly and flop or want a fun Jet2 city break, they will get you there safe, sound and smiling. Overall, Jet2 are a fantastic choice with genuinely friendly staff, an expanding network and an attitude we love!

    Rosie xx

  • Cakes, Coffee & Kalamatas – An Alternative Athens Food Tour Review

    Cakes, Coffee & Kalamatas – An Alternative Athens Food Tour Review

    Do you love to try new foods when you travel? Good! So do we. It can be intimidating when you are handed a menu full of things that you haven’t heard of or tried before and so we think the best way to start a trip is to join a food tour. We did just that on our first morning in Greece choosing Alternative Athens and their Delicious Athens Food Tour. Join us for our Alternative Athens food tour review.

    Not at all related to food, but the cutest doggo we saw on our tour

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    Flying Fluskey in Athens

    OK, so technically we had been to Athens for one evening before but we were just stopping over on the way to our Celestyal cruises sailing so we didn’t count it. The ship docked really early and we had a taxi back into Athens at 08:00. At the hotel, we dropped our bags but by that time, check in wasn’t for seven more hours. We decided to head to the meeting point Syntagma Square (the main square outside Greece’s parliament building). As we were trying to decide where to grab a coffee Mr Fluskey spotted a sign that promised a fifth floor spot with a view. It was at the top of a slightly tired department store called Public. The cafe/bar was rather trendy and the (slightly over-priced) coffee in the sun, out of the chilly wind, was the perfect way to refuel before the tour.

    Our Delicious Athens Food Tour

    We made our way downstairs at Public and just outside the door was our guide, Antigoni and our fellow tour mates. It was a Friday and definitely the off-season (mid-November) so we had just four of us. We made some quick introductions, a nice start to the tour and then started strolling away from Syntagma Square.

    Beautiful Baklava

    I have never been a massive fan of baklava but one of the nice things about food tours is that you will give everything a go. Boy, am I glad we stopped here. Baklavas is an iconic bakery that produces a whopping ton of baklava every week. They supply top hotels in the area and still manage to keep this little storefront looking vintage and very pretty. *I love the tiles on the floor). We were each handed a shining golden nugget of baklava and taking a bite, I realised why I had never really liked baklava before. This was next level delicious and what every other baklava should have been. The nutty layer was soft but still textured and the filo pastry on top was crispy and flaky, yet somehow, still had a decent soaking of syrup.

    We returned here for a selection of baklava on our last morning in Athens and they were all delicious but I did end up feeling slightly overwhelmed by the syrup. Turns out, I just need a salt lick to reset between each bite.

    The Bakery

    Good bread is so far removed from bad bread that it could be considered a totally different food stuff. We stopped at a famous bakery to pick up a loaf of the good stuff. While we were waiting, our eyes drifted across the other incredible-looking goods. Plump doughnuts topped with glistening fruit compote, sesame-jewelled twists of bread and crispy little pies. We asked about the other items and got to try some cheese pies as we wandered down to our next stop. Of course, they were lovely. Pastry and cheese…where could you go wrong?

    Cezve Coffee

    This is when I advise you against getting a double cappuccino before the tour because you are about to get some caffeine.

    At our hotel, I spotted what I thought was Turkish coffee next to the regular coffee machine. Well, turns out that this coffee wasn’t Turkish but Greek. On a trip to Sarajevo, I had tried some coffee from a pretty copper pot but my goodness, it was so strong and so bitter. That is why I approached this cup of joe with apprehension. We grabbed a table in the sun before heading into the cafe/bar to watch the coffee being made.

    The copper pot sat in a tray of heated sand, slowly bringing cold water, coffee grounds and sometimes sugar, up to temperature. The slow boil starts the coffee rising and almost bubbling. Once it reaches the perfect point (with the middle unrisen) it is taken off and poured into pretty little cups. Well, here it was anyway. The bubbly consistency and the sugar made this like the world’s best coffee milkshake…despite it bing black. The oxygen running through the drink really made it smooth and it’s lucky we don’t live in Athens because I would be wildly addicted!

    Once we had slurped and sipped our way to the bottom of the cups, the ground coffee started to outweigh the liquid that was left. It was at this point, the talent Antigoni gave us a fun surprise. I made a joke about reading tea leaves and turns out, I was half right. I got a coffee ground reading which was fascinating!

    Olive Oil Heaven

    Vibrating after my three lots of coffee, it was a quick walk around to the fourth stop. Here we entered a shop full of olive oil.

    We were given a palate cleanser in the form of Tsipouro/Tsikoudia. This distilled spirit has 40-45% alcohol and gave everyone the shudder. It was nice but very strong!

    Now we had nice, clean mouths it was time to fill them full of fatty goodness. We got to do an olive oil tasting which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Greece produces between 174,000 and 429,000 tonnes of olive oil every year. More excitingly, around 75% is classed as good extra virgin and we learned all about why that is the only way to go! We also had some nibbles go along with it and turns out that green olive tapenade is awesome!

    It was so cool to taste three different types of olive oil and really get to slow down and experience each one. Usually, you have one bottle sitting at home with very little concept of how it compares to other types. It was interesting to take note of the spice, acidity and mouth feel. We actually bought a small bottle to take home which is quite unusual for us but they were just that good.

    Churches

    We passed through The Mitropoleos square, admiring the two churches that sit side by side. The smaller is the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherius (that’s a mouthful). It looks really old but that is because it used ancient stone int he construction. I mean, it is still over 500 years old but when we are talking about Atehsn, that’s practically modern

    Next door is the large Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. This is Athens’ cathedral and was built in the 19th century. It is the spot where all the city’s bigwigs get married etc. We popped inside to have a look and it was pretty in a dark, moody, orthodox church kind of way. I always love all the wall paintings, so much to look at.

    A Super Souvlaki

    I love a souvlaki. It is the perfect street food lunch. Fluffy pitta, grilled meat, salad AND chips all wrapped up in the perfect takeaway. Usually, the meat is cooked on a skewer and that’s where the dish gets its name. Souvla means skewer in old Greek and that, in turn, comes from a Latin word.

    The souvlaki at Kosta’s is a cut above the rest with really fresh ingredients. Particularly lovely was the tangy tomato sauce, the homemade kind, not ketchup. I forgot to mention that I despise onion so myself and Mr Fluskey picked it out and then I demolished the souvlaki. I am sure that good company, warm sunshine and a pretty square with butterflies all added to the enjoyment. Still, I would happily eat this in the cold, rain of London and think it would be just as tasty.

    Doughnuts

    We bought a box of round doughnuts and they were very surprising The small round shapes meant I thought we were getting the stodgy kind of doughnuts you might find in a British fun fare. Instead, we tried loukoumades, a light, fried dough a bit like churros. They were soaked in honey and cinnamon syrup and melted in the mouth. I think we could have all eaten a box each. In other spots, and on many a recipe website, they are just balls so keep your eyes peeled for them elsewhere in that form too.

    Meandering the Market

    When we first passed through Athens, we heard pumping dance music blaring at a strangely early 6pm. We couldn’t resist the lure of the bass and wandered over to investigate. Turns out, the club was a large market hall with a DJ, food stalls and bars. Turns out, this is a Sunday party every week. However, during the day, it is a working, thriving meat and seafood city market (which explains the fishy whiffs in the club).

    We all took a stroll between the dripping ice covered stalls and freshly carved meat stalls. A large cow’s head was apparently the main attraction but I was too busy chatting to Antigone and totally missed it.

    Across the road, we found shops full of spiuce, establishments overflowing with bric-a-brac and large stall stuffed with olives. Let’s continue with our Alternative Athens Food Tour review.

    A Cheeky Olive or Three

    Technically, this isn’t a stop on the tour but Antigone has a good relationship with the stall owner and he is happy for tourists to try a few. We munched our way through as many as we could whilst not taking the mickey. The chilli olives were particularly good, coated in a mild chilli paste that I think I would return to Athens for. The large, green olives were meaty and screamed for a martini to go with them. Our last tester was olives in vinegar which were nice but you couldn’t eat a whole tub. They would be an excellent addition to a dish that needed a little sparkle..like a caper in a butter sauce.

    Taverna Time

    Our last port of call was a cool, yellow Taverna. We found a table in this lovely family run restaurant and food appeared. First we had a bread basket and a plate full of dips. We could try fava beans, a smoky aubergine dish and my favourite; spicy cheese. I know, it sounds like a Cheetos flavour, but Tirokafteri is a feta base with hot peppers, olive oil and garlic (or thereabouts). It was highly addictive. Why is this as ubiquitous in British supermarkets as hummus, tzatziki and taramasalata?

    We also had some dolmades. Now, I LOVE these, my stp dad makes a super version. It consists of rice mixed with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon before being wrapped in vine leaves. Here they were served with a lemon and egg sauce called Avgolemono…I might have to introduce my step dad to this as fun variation.

    Information

    If you are thinking of booking a tour with Alternative Athens, here are some things you might like to know:

    • The best place to book is through the Alternative Athens website where they offer many tours in and around the city.
    • The Delicious Athens Food Tour can also be booked as a private experience if you fancy having a guide all to yourself.
    • The tour takes around 3.5 hours and involves a fair bit of walking so bring comfortable shoes. It is at a nice slow pace so don’t worry.

    Final Thoughts on this Alternative Athens Food Tour Review

    Greece is pretty famous for its food. However, if you had asked me to list some I mnight have come up with moussaka, Greek salad and ouzo. Our Alternative Athens Delicious Athens food tour review introduced us to new delights (Greek coffee for the win) and learn so much about firm favourites. I am never going to be able to buy cheap olive oil again! We loved the blend of culture a cuisine which really gave a us a glimpse of the city. We hope you enjoyed our Alternative Athens Food Tour review. Thanks Antigoni and Alternative Athens, we had a blast.

    Rosie xx

  • The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Santorini on a Budget

    The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Santorini on a Budget

    Santorini has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit. It’s true, the beautiful volcanic marvel that is Santorini can produce some seriously eye-wateringly high bills. However, we are here to prove that you can do Santorini on a budget. So, if you are interested in travelling to Santorini on the cheap, read on for our top tips for backpacking Santorini on a budget.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    1.) When to Travel to Santorini if You’re on a Budget

    Travel Off Season

    Try to avoid summer. Prices skyrocket for everything! Plus, everything is crowded and the heat can be intense. You’ll spend a ton on accommodation and plenty of cold drinks which will hurt your pocket.

    Now, I’m not saying you need to visit in January. Winter is chilly, cheap flights are very hard to come by and lots of businesses are shut. I’m sure you could have fun but it might be a struggle. Instead, aim for shoulder season. This means March/April or September/October. In terms of weathered September and October are a more settled time to visit and the sea surrounding Santorini should hold the warmth it has gained through the hot summer months. However, coming in Spring, you will get the best service as things reopen and people aren’t feeling jaded after a long tourist season, and the spring flowers are super!

    If you can find a flight deal, it may even be worth checking out March or November. There will be some things closed on the island, and it will be colder BUT, days can still be balmy enough for short sleeves and there are bargains to be had.

    2.) Where to Stay in Santorini on a Budget

    Location

    The most expensive place to stay in Santorini is Oia. It has beautiful sunsets, the famous three blue dome church and all those hotels you’ve seen with infinity pool cave rooms. Even the cheap guesthouses are more expensive here. Sure it’s nice but it can be in really busy at sunset and you’ll save a bundle by staying elsewhere on Santorini.

    Find a Place in Fira(ish)

    Santorini’s capital, Fira is a bit cheaper. You can find a great quality room here, some with iconic s and caldera views. They will be about 1/3 cheaper than in Oia. There are also lots more small guesthouses that may not have the view but are fab value. All the buses on the island start and end at Fira bus station so it is a wonderful base for exploring every corner of Santorini. In Fira there are some lovely photo spots and the cruise port below ensures there are plenty of food and drink options in town. Plus, there are some gorgeous churches to visit.

    Heading towards Oia, you’ll find the lovely cliffside villages of Firastefano and Imerovigli. Here, you will find plenty of precipitous hotels with hot tubs and plunge pools that cascade down the terraces of the town…but at half the price of those around the bay in Oia. The sunset is basically the same as it slips below the waves in west so you really aren’t missing out on that famous Santorini moment.

    Imrovegli for the win
    Bet on the Beach

    This one seems counterintuitive. In most holiday destinations, the beach is the most popular and most expensive place to book a room. However, in Santorini, where the cliffs reign supreme, a budget bed by the beach is easy to come by. The largest hostels and cheap guest houses on the island are at Perissa and Kamari on the south east coast.

    Staying on this side of the island does mean you’ll be travelling to reach the sights of Oia and Fira but there are buses from both Perissa and Kamari. In Perissa, you are just a stone’s throw from a black sand beauty where you can enjoy a beach day with no drama. In Kamari, the bars/restaurants nearby are plentiful and cheaper than those around the more high-end resorts. Best of all, both of these towns are within easy reach of Ancient Thera

    Church of the Holy Cross – Perissa
    Book Ahead

    Visiting Santorini means being ahead of the game, being organised and being slightly obsessive. This is not the kind of destination that offloads a slew of rooms nice and cheap at the last minute. Most properties only have a few rooms and so they are not block booked by travel agents. Our advice is to find a room that you like as early as possible with free cancellation. Then, it is good to keep checking to see if any flash sales or super sales pop up over time. You could snag a bargain but if not, you have something that is nice and within budget.

    How About a Hostel?

    There are a few hostels on Santorini, offering both private and dorm rooms. Most are clustered around the beaches coast but a 30 minute walk away from Fira is a brilliant option, Caveland. They have lovely cave rooms, a killer breakfast and they sometimes have Greek dinners for the guests.

    Check out our full Caveland review here.

    Consider Camping

    Yes, you can camp on Santorini! Just 10 minutes from Fira’s main square is Santorini Camping. The campsite has a large pool (great if you want to actually swim rather than just plunge like in the fancy hotels) with a poolside bar. In terms of accommodation, for just €10 – €15 per person, you can pitch your own tent. For increasing fees, you can also rent bed tents (canvas tents with beds in), hostel style dorms and even private rooms with fridges and A/C. There’s even WiFi!

    Bag a Breakfast

    Eating a nice big breakfast could set you up for a good few hours, reducing the size of the lunch you need to eat. Try and find accommodation that includes breakfast, it will be much cheaper than eating out. Plus, if they have bread, cheese etc you could even prep a packed lunch to take out with you. This is especially easy if you are staying a property without a breakfast room, where breakfast is brought to your room. There are no prying eyes to watch you making your laughing cow and olive rolls!

    And speaking of food:

    3.) How to Eat On a Budget in Santorini

    Pack a Picnic

    Eating from the supermarket is a classic money saving tip throughout the world. It is no different on Santorini….well, almost no different. Some grocery stores have excellent bakery counters featuring both sweet treats and traditional savoury pastries that are amazing to grab and go. They are cheap, filling and full of flavour.

    Cook at Your Hostel

    The best way to save money on any trip is to cook in a hostel. The basics (oil, salt etc) re usually provided or left by previous guests so you won’t have to buy everything. You can grab some dry pasta & some veggies or a frozen pizza to heat up from the supermarket. This can be even more affordable if there is a larger group of you.

    Of course, you may feel like you are missing out on a foodie experience. Trying the local cuisine can be a very important part of travel…it is for me. Plus, I am a terrible cook so I only tend to opt for this option if we are in a very expensive country. I sacrificed other things to eat out in Santorini for one meal a day. Mind you, I wouldn’t be averse to popping leftovers in a Tupperware and reheating them in a hostel kitchen the next day!

    Grab a Gyro

    For a filling, hot meal, look no further than the gyro shops dotted across the island. Gyros are a chunky kebab made with a thick pitta bread stuffed with meat (usually pork or chicken), some salad veggies and chips, liberally slathered with sauce if requested. The addition of the chips really makes this feel like a whole meal. If the idea of the turning meat spits turns your stomach then opt for a souvlaki. This is similar to a gyro but the meat is cooked in chunks on a skewer and you would have to ask nicely for chips inside.

    In Oia, PitoGyros is a great bet. It’s located just next to the bus station and feel likes a carpingly classy joint for a kebab shop. There are a couple of half tables outside on the cobbled lane and the food feels very fresh.

    The queue outside Yogi Gyro In Fira tells you everything you need to know about how good the gyros are. For less than €5, you can stuff yourself silly on a pitta…that is stuffed silly. It has more of a slightly greasy fast food feel but when the wraps are this tasty, we will perch on any of the metal stools quite happily.

    Avoid the View

    Cliffside restaurants, sweeping views across the island and prime sunset spots will all hike your dinner bill considerably. Don’t use dinner as your sunset activity. Instead, grab food before or after. Forgo sitting overlooking the sea and head inland a little. It could easily save you 30-50%. You could always grab a takeaway and find a free spot to sit and take in the view.

    4.) How to Get Around Santorini on a Budget

    Take the Bus

    Unlike many other places, there is no Uber in Santorini and the taxis are seriously expensive. There are only around 25 taxis on the island so not only are they extortionate, but hard to find too. Instead, your best bet is the bus. Whilst not the most amazing public transport system in the world, it is great to know that you can get around by public transport. The bus is around €5 return between Fira and Oia and takes 25 minutes or so. Coming from London, where we think the world is ending if the bus is any more than seven minutes away, the bus schedule can feel a little sparse with some buses only going once an hour. However, sitting in the sun for a little while and grabbing a drink while you wait doesn’t feel too painful.

    Check the bus schedule here: https://santorinibus.com/

    Why Not Walk?

    If you have the time, you could try walking between locations. The hike between Fira and Oia is a beautiful walk along the coast but it does take 2.5-3 hours. There are stretches of it, however, that connect Fira to Firostefani and Imerovigli which won’t take so long.

    Exploring on Four Wheels

    If you want to explore Santorini on your own terms, but not under your own steam, then you might look at hiring a vehicle.

    ATVs are incredibly popular in Santorini and ATV rentals are considerably cheaper than actual cars in high season. You are looking at around €25 for 24 hours. A euro an hour…not too shabby.

    Off-season, you can get some great car hire deals. We have even seen as low as €13 a day in January. However, when the high season hits you could be charged €80 – €90 a day! That is when you really need to look at other options.

    5.) What to do in Santorini on a Budget

    Take a Hike

    Hiking is free, allows to escape the crowds and gives you some wonderful views. It is worth remembering that water is hard to come by on these walks so bring plenty with you. You will also need some proper shoes (trainers are fine but no flip flops). There is also very little shade on both walks so a hat or something to cover up is a must.

    Fira to Oia

    The most popular hike on the island is the walk between Fira to Oia. As mentioned, it is a 3 hour stroll or less if you walk with some purpose. The route is easy to follow without a map as it winds its way along the coast, through villages, past fancy resorts and into the scrubby areas between. If you time your walk well, you can arrive in Oia in time to find your sunset spot, or stay at the church on the last hill before the town and enjoy it from there.

    Skaros Rock

    For a shorter hike from Fira, take the same path but at Imerovigli, divert down past Agios Georgios Church. From here, you can climb the 300 steps to the top of Skaros Rock. This ancient fortress (now mostly just rock) gives beautiful views of the caldera and Imerovigli village. Of course, you could add this to your Fira to Oia hike but it will probably add an hour or so (and a whole lot more steps!).

    Up to Ancient Thira

    There is also a wonderful walk up to Ancient Thira that you can take from Perissa. It is a steep one hour hike up the hill before it flattens out a little. Some people like to take the less steep switchback road from Kamari but it isn’t so pretty and you will be sharing the road with the cars. From the top of the hill, it is another kilometre or so to the site itself.

    Take a Dive

    Down, below the hustle and bustle of Oia Castle is the little cove of Amoudi Bay (also spelt Ammoudi Bay). Take the 300ish stairs down and you will be transported to another world, one that feels a lot more…well…Greek. The area is lined with fish restaurants and tavernas but they are not very budget-friendly and that isn’t why we are here. This is also one of Santorini’s best swimming spots. Follow the path past the last restaurants and keep walking for 5-10 minutes until you reach Armonia Bay. Here you can slip into the pretty Aegean Sea or take a flying jump from the cliff jump. Just note that the beach is quite rocky and these can be sharp so bring some water shoes if you have them.

    Just remember to bring a drink down with you to avoid the expensive prices and to ensure you have something for the trek back up all those stairs!

    One more thing: PLEASE don’t take the donkeys that are waiting on the path. Some are kept in terrible conditions and the only way to eradicate the practice is not to participate.

    Take a Dip

    If you don’t fancy tackling the steps at Amoudi Bay or just prefer a freshwater swim, head to Lioyerma Lounge pool. This isn’t free, there is a minimum spend of around €10 per person but considering that gets you access to the pool and a drink or two, it seems like pretty good value for a relaxing day. You can add another €5 or so for use of a sunbed or chair, or you can just flop down on your own towel. It is a great spot to watch the sunset as it won’t be crazily crowded and has a reasonably clear view.

    Catch a Film at Kamari Open Air Cinema

    Remember when it was affordable to go to the cinema? Well, it still is in Santorini! Every night in summer a big screen plays a film for just €8 in Kamari. Films are in English with Greek subtitles and seating is in an almost amphitheatre style with canvas director chairs. There is a bar that sells cocktails for around €7 with wine cheaper than that and soft drinks even cheaper again. You could have a full night of entertainment with a couple of drinks for less than €20….you would pay this just for the film in London! Check out the listings here.

    Have a Beach Day

    Some of the cheapest days you can have whilst backpacking are at the beach. Lay your towel down for free and relax. Now, the beaches on Santorini are not those powder white sweeps of Caribbean dreams or even the yellow kind that roast your feet as you run for sea in little hippity hops. On Santorini, you will be laying out on volcanic black sand mixed with little rocks. This is even hotter so bring water shoes or be prepared to leave your flip-flops at the water’s edge. You can get a sunbed for around €10 but some tavernas or cafes will let you have one for free if you buy something. Get a couple of coke zeros (other soft drink brands are available) and you will have a nice, comfy day.

    Perissa is the longer of the two beaches so it will feel a bit less crowded. Kamari has a little more in the way of activities and you could combine a day here with a movie in the evening. To travel between Perissa and Kamari in summer, you can hop on an inexpensive taxi boat and catch a glimpse of White Beach too.

    The Red Beach is on the southwest of the island and at the moment (late 2022) it is shut to tourists. Hopefully, they will be able to stabilise the cliffs and you can return to this naturally stunning red beach again.

    Perissa
    The Red Beach
    The Red Beach
    Save Money on the Sights

    Did you know that Santorini has its very own Pompeii!? OK, so it is much, MUCH smaller but the preserved ancient of Akrotiri is still very impressive. In normal times, entrance to the site costs €12, however, if you visit on any of the dates below, entrance is free:

    • 6th March
    • 18th April
    • 18th May
    • The last weekend of September
    • Any national holiday
    • 28th October
    • The 1st Sunday of the month 1st November – 31st March.

    You will also find the entrance to Ancient Thera free on these days so you’ll be saving a bundle over the day on sightseeing if you go to both.

    Practice Your Photography

    For many people, Santorini has become inexorably linked to Instagram. Every inspirational feed will contain several shots from this exceedingly photogenic island. Well, the good news is that photography is a totally free activity. Grab your phone (or big fancy camera) and look for a gorgeous angle. We had fun snapping away during our trip. Some of the famous spots below can have full-on queues during summer but in March, we didn’t have to wait for our turn at all.

    6.) How to Save Money on Drinks

    There is nothing that screams, “Holiday” so much as a creamy piña colada on the beach or a bitter-sweet glass of cold Aperol Spritz at sunset. However, to save money in Santorini, you need to forget that these drinks exist…most of the time.

    Hunt Out Happy Hour

    How do the bars without sunset views tempt in the punters? Well, they offer some decent happy hours. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander the streets of Santorini for flyers, chalk signs and posters advertising the deals. The best places offer 241 cocktails, meaning a pre-dinner drink (or two) is a fun plan. Some places offer €1 shots which could get messy….but you can’t argue that it is good value!

    Indulge Your Inner Wine Snob

    If you are backpacking Santorini but still fancy a sundowner or a drink with dinner then stick to wine or beer. A small carafe (2/3 glasses) of local white wine can be as little as €6 whereas one cocktail could be twice as much. Santorini produces some beautiful wine so you won’t be missing out on a tasty tipple. If you can agree on one wine between you and your travel buddy in a bar or restaurant, it is much cheaper to order a bottle than by the glass. You could be looking at around €12 for three glasses of wine each…depending on your pour.

    Yes, it was all mine for €6
    When you ask for the name of the wine….

    Want more wine?

    Visit the Wineries

    Santorini has an amazing wine scene. The viticulture can’t be found anywhere else and those who produce these unique wines are so excited to share their knowledge and techniques with you.

    Santo Wine

    Santo Wines is the largest of the wineries on Santorini and you will see their wines on every menu. It is free to visit the terrace but they do charge for tours and wine tastings. Skip the tour and just come to drink some tasty wine here. The tastings are pretty good value at less than €10 for six wines and this comes with some nibbles. You can go right up to 16 pours with lots of food and a coffee for €36. This full flight can be shared but the smaller options are per person. It is a great spot to watch the sunset too but you’ll need to book well in advance for a good table.

    You can get the bus by hopping off in Pyrgos and walking for around 10 minutes. You could even ask the driver to drop you at the winery if you are coming from Fira as it is en route.

    Gavelas Wine

    Megalochori village is home to Gavelas Winery (as well as two other small producers, Venetsanos & Boutari). At Gavelas, the wine tasting isn’t quite such good value with a full 6 wine flight being €25 and the nibbles not quite so plentiful. However, the experience feels a little less corporate and the staff will spend time explaining the wine and how wine is made on Santorini.

    Megalochori village is on the bus route from Fira to Perissa so it is easily reached by public transport.

    Supermarket Sundowners

    Who says you can’t sort out your own beverages? Supermarkets sell wine, beer, premixed cocktails and more. Grab a bottle of something tasty and find your perfect sunset spot on a wall in Oia, a perch at Akrotiri lighthouse or a hillside anywhere you can hike to. Plus, you are your own waiter so no need to tip. Wine goes for around €8 a bottle, beer for €1.30-2 and ouzo (if you are feeling brave) will be less than €10. Rum, vodka and whiskey will be rather pricy so I’d avoid as a general rule.

    7.) General Tips for Saving Money When you are Backpacking Santorini

    Opt for Euros

    If you are paying for something and the vendor asks if you would like to pay in your currency (GBP, USD etc) or Euros, ALWAYS opt for Euros. Your bank will give you the best rate of the day whereas the shop/restaurant will usually give a pretty terrible one. Over a few transactions, this can really add up.

    Stay Independent

    Taking tours can be a very expensive way to see Santorini when it is so easy to travel around independently. There is plenty of information about everywhere you want to visit either at the site, on a blog or with a trusty guidebook. It also allows you to see things at your own pace and avoid the cruise ship crowds as they go around in big hoards.

    Sun Cream Splurge!

    Sun cream or sunblock is very expensive on Santorini so if you can, bring some from home. It just isn’t worth the €20! If you are arriving by air and only have hand luggage, just get 100ml in and hope for the best.

    Backpacks for the Win

    Backpacking Santorini isn’t just about seeing the island on a budget, it is also about the bag you pack. Fira, Firastefao, Imerovigli and Oia and all full of steep hills and steps. You will find your journey to your accommodation so, SO much easier with something on your back than with wheels.

    Final Thoughts on Backpacking Santorini on a Budget

    Santorini is undoubtedly one of “those” locations. Instagrammers, honeymooners and luxury tourists abound so you might feel a little like you are missing out on that aspect of the island. However, we really don’t think you are missing out on all that much. Backpacking Santorini is the best kind of fun challenge. With a little forethought and a sturdy pair of shoes, you can have a great time backpacking Santorini on a budget.

    Rosie xx

  • A Bed in Santorini – Caveland Hostel Review

    A Bed in Santorini – Caveland Hostel Review

    Let’s be honest, Santorini is not a cheap destination. Alongside Mykonos, it is the most expensive destination in Greece, but with some wise choices, it is possible to see Santorini on a budget. Your first step? Finding great accommodation that is also excellent value. When we started searching for ours, Caveland Hostel kept popping up. We found a room here and we were so glad we did. Read on for our full Caveland Hostel review.

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  • Meet and Crete

    Meet and Crete

    My first full blown trip abroad took me to the beautiful Greek island of Crete.

    My parents had booked us on a package holiday to keep things simple, and remembering what a handful my brother and I were, it seems like that was a good plan. We jumped on a coach from the airport and after a couple of hours of bobble-headed napping we arrived at our “small and friendly” hotel in the heart of Rethymno.

    A narrow street of the Old Town, with the minaret of Neratze Mosque in the background in Rethymno, Crete, Greece
    Rethymno Old Town is full of wonderful little streets to explore.

    The Beach

    The town backed a gorgeous beach that stretched to the horizon (for a partially sighted girl). The only protection from the searing sand was the endless sun loungers and their accompanying umbrellas. We spent a lovely day down at the beach. My brother went running off to join the banana boat, but I was deemed too little and pathetic to join in. Other than that long forgotten slight, it was a picture perfect tourist sun-fest. The only way to make get back up the beach, and preserve our blistered feet, was to wait until the sun was gone and the sand had cooled.

    Rosie, aged 6, wearing a a terquoise t-shirt and sunglasses stands in the sea at sunset
    Note the Pegasus t-shirt, worn especially for Crete.

    Read the very beginnings of our blog with Checking in Online

    The Palace

    Crete was a fascinating blend of ancient past and dusty present. I was quite the geek and so I was very familiar with the myths and legends of Greece. Visiting the Palace of Knossos, home of the Minotaur, was a real treat. Although, I remember the complete lack of shade and the disappointment that I couldn’t enter the famous maze and outwit him myself.

    Ancient Greek pottery, a toilet and paintings at the Palace of Knossos, Crete, Greece
    Very early pots, potties and paintings

    The Siesta

    During this holiday, my parents tried to introduce me to the midday treat known in Spain as a siesta. As a six year old I was full of energy and these long hours became a daily torture.
    I took to spending afternoons happily sitting at the fruit machine in the hotel bar and chatting to the fantastically friendly barman, Andy (who inexplicably let the six year old me gamble my pocket money away). Now, as this was the early 1990s, no holiday cocktail was complete without at least three novelty, plastic items adorning any vibrantly radioactive beverage. Andy supplied me with regular hits of these bright, shiny trinkets. I left Crete with plastic monkeys, plastic swords, cocktail umbrellas, shiny sparklers and any number of cocktail paraphernalia. Later that year, we decorated the Christmas tree with the hoard.

    One day I decided to water the flowers on our balcony. With my parents wilting after lunch everyday, I was sure our flowers must need the same sort of break from the scorching sun. Cheerfully I doused the hanging baskets, drenching the large Greek man propping up the bar five floors below. Needless to say, I was marched downstairs to apologise to the unlucky chap.

    The Fort

    To avoid any further misdemeanours we decided to go on some day trips. We visited an old hilltop fort where I got to hone my blossoming photography skills. Check out this sunset!

    2 photos; a sunset over the sea from the fort and a photo of Rosie, James and Jonathan together in Crete, Greece
    A sunset on one side, and my brother, step-dad and I on the other.

    Apparently there was a fabulous taverna here; I remember lots of lovely red lights beckoning us in, my Mum remembers lots of lovely red wine.

    The Gorge

    We also split up on one day and negotiated the Samariá Gorge from its two ends. The boys took the high, and we ladies took the easy route in order to avoid perspiring in the 32 degree heat.

    a view from the sea of Samariá Gorge in Crete, Greece
    The 16th century Venetian Baroque front of the Monastery of Arkadi, Crete, Greece

    On our last day, I told Andy about my Rosie & Co credit card. I had created an ATM at home that I would sit inside and dispense Monopoly money from whilst giggling so hard that the whole thing vibrated alarmingly. Unfortunately, I was informed that as I had a UK credit card, I was unable to use it at the hotel. The family and I headed to the beach for the day and returned for our last dinner. On our return, I was presented with my very own gold card. Andy had made me the card specially and I treasured it as if it was my first born child. During dinner I used the card to purchase a small bottle of champagne that I proudly presented to my parents enjoying my new found financial station. It was only later I found out they had slipped some money behind the bar…betrayal!

    My fondest memory took place lounging by a rooftop pool atop a sister hotel. It was superbly sunny, and we had to shade our eyes whilst we wrote our postcards home, I was asked to contribute my words of wisdom. Looking back, I now know that it was quite a formative moment in my travel life, my first holiday brag…

    “We’re here and you’re not, nur nur nur!”

    Rosie xx

    A view over a town in Crete. The yellow banner at the bottom reads 'Meet and Crete'
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