2026 South Aegean Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

✅Departure City: Shanghai ✅Departure Date: May 4, 2024 🚢Cruise Introduction: Odyssey of the Seas: A striking giant at sea, with 16 decks, a total tonnage of 169,300 tons, a length of 347 meters, capable of accommodating 4,805 passengers and 1,312 crew members, in service since 2021. 🌟Highlights of the Trip: Chania/Crete: Explore this beautiful seaside town with its elegant Venetian architecture and diverse cultural origins. Mykonos Island: Celebrate the "island closest to heaven" with its unique dreamy scenery and beautiful origins. Kusadasi/Ephesus: Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Roman city and feel the historical origins. Limassol: Visit the fruits of Finland and experience the Mediterranean and Asian origins. Santorini: Admire the famous white walls and blue domes of the Aegean Sea and explore ancient civilization sites. 📅Itinerary Overview: 🌈Day 1 (May 4): Shanghai to Rome, start the exciting journey. 🌈Day 2 (May 5): Sightseeing in Rome, including the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, etc., then head to Civitavecchia to board the ship. 🌈Day 3 (May 6): Sea cruising, experience various entertainment facilities on the cruise. 🌈Day 4 (May 7): Dock at Chania/Crete, Greece, explore the history and culture of this seaside town. 🌈Day 5 (May 8): Visit Mykonos Island, appreciate the "island closest to heaven" in the Aegean Sea. 🌈Day 6 (May 9): Dock at Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey, visit the ruins of the ancient Roman city. 🌈Day 7 (May 10): Sea cruising, enjoy the leisure facilities on the cruise. 🌈Day 8 (May 11): Destination Limassol, visit Paphos Archaeological Park. 🌈Day 9 (May 12): Dock at Rhodes, Greece, visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the ancient Temple of Athena. 🌈Day 10 (May 13): Visit Santorini Island, experience the famous white walls and blue domes. 🌈Day 11 (May 14): Piraeus/Athens, including the Acropolis of Athens and other ancient sites. 🌈Day 12 (May 15): Sea cruising, enjoy the leisure and entertainment facilities on the cruise. 🌈Day 13 (May 16): Dock at Naples, Italy, visit Sorrento and the ancient city of Pompeii. 🌈Day 14 (May 17): The cruise returns to Civitavecchia, tourists visit and then drive to Rome. 🌈Day 15 (May 18): Fly back to Shanghai from Rome, ending the wonderful journey. Cost Includes: Shanghai/Rome round-trip international air tickets + Italian visa fees + cruise tickets + Chinese tour guide + insurance + shore excursions + hotel ✔Visa formal outbound travel contract ✔For more cruise itineraries, please click me

Astypalea Greece is a little island of the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Thanks to its secluded location, it has managed to stay off the radar and has emerged as a great alternative destination. Although it belongs to the Dodecanese island group, Astypalea has the characteristic Cycladic architecture. Cubic whitewashed houses and churches, narrow alleys, blue windows, and wooden balconies create a unique Cyclades-like atmosphere that will blow you away! In Chora, you’ll find many Astypalea hotels, shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Chora, the island’s capital is built on the slopes on a hill, boasting a breathtaking view to the Aegean Sea. On the top of the hill overlooking the village, sits Querini castle, a vestige of the Venetian era. This castle used to protect the island during medieval times, but now it is the main attraction of Astypalea. As for Astypalea beaches, those that are close to Chora are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while along the beach you’ll find many taverns and Astypalea accommodation. A drive around Astypalea will get you to more secluded beaches, where you can relax and take a plunge in privacy. Agios Konstantinos, Pera Yalos, and Livadi are among the best Astypalea beaches. The tourism has yet to gasp itself upon the island, thus Astypalea makes a great destination for relaxing holidays. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

🌟 Gundari Resort is uniquely situated on the hidden northern Aegean island of Greece—the Folegandros Islands—backed by 300-meter limestone cliffs overlooking the cobalt blue whirlpools of the Cretan Sea. It faces Santorini across the sea but avoids the crowds, showcasing one of the most pristine and authentic landscapes in Greece. Location: Located on Folegandros Island in the Sea of Love archipelago, Greece. 🚗 Transportation: About a 50-minute boat ride from Santorini. 🏔️ Scenery: A UNESCO geological protected area featuring volcanic rock pillars, wild thyme fields, and millennia-old olive groves intertwined. At the cliff’s edge, you can see the ruins of a 14th-century Orthodox hermit cave. At night, bioluminescent plankton light up the private bay in glowing blue. 🏰 Hotel Features: --🎨 Style: Inspired by ancient Greek mythology, blended with modern minimalist design. Pure blue and white tones, exquisite stone carvings, and smooth lines create a unique charm that merges history with modernity in every corner. --🛋️ Rooms: 27 suites and villas embrace the rustic simplicity of the Cyclades Islands, using abundant natural materials that perfectly blend with the surrounding nature. Each room features a spacious terrace or private pool, allowing you to wake up to the dawn and sea breeze and fall asleep peacefully under the moonlight. --🍽️ Dining: Curated by Michelin-starred chefs, combining land and sea ingredients to present refined Greek cuisine, offering a full sensory feast. --💆🏻‍♀️ SPA: The spa center combines ancient Greek rituals with local herbs and tonics. Guest wellness experts host sound baths, energy healing, yoga, and meditation workshops to nourish body and mind. --🌸 Scenery: All you see are waves lapping against pebble beaches, goats frolicking on the hillsides, and an ancient wooden windmill turning leisurely in the sea breeze. 🏰 Hotel Story: Winner of the Best Off-Grid Hotel and listed among the 101 Best Hotels in the World by the internationally renowned lifestyle brand Tatler’s prestigious travel awards. 🌟 Special Experiences: -- Romantic Yacht: Set sail at sunset to share a romantic sea journey with your loved one and experience the endless charm of the Mediterranean. -- Hiking & Climbing: Guided hikes along the island’s ancient trails up the mountain, then explore deserted bays and beaches along the shore. -- Diving Exploration: Dive into the pristine, clear waters around Folegandros Island to explore ever-changing coral reefs, caves, and rock walls. 📸 Photo Spots: In the village center stands an ancient and solemn Orthodox church. Climb the steps to feel the rich historical atmosphere. Visit Katergo Beach to experience the green waves gently brushing the pebble shore. Walk along the trail to enjoy the deep blue sea and sky, recognized as one of the world’s top ten beaches. 📅 Open Year-Round. Folegandros · South Aegean Hotel Name: Gundari Resort, Folegandros Address: 1, Petousis 840 11 Greece

Very few Chinese travelers go to Rhodes Island; during my two and a half days there, I only met one fellow countryman. Perhaps it's because its fame is overshadowed by Mykonos and Santorini, or maybe it's due to its distant location, far in the southeastern corner of the Aegean Sea near Turkey. But after touring around the Aegean Sea, Rhodes Island is my favorite. It is the favorite vacation spot for Northern Europeans, and you can even see Finnish and Swedish flags and text on the menus. There are plenty of beaches for tourists to relax on. On the long bus ride from Rhodes town to Lindos, you pass at least two well-known beaches. Unfortunately, due to the unreliability of Greek buses, I didn’t visit them, which is a big regret. There are two more distant attractions: one is the Acropolis of Lindos, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, completed around 300 BC. From the Acropolis looking down, you can see a natural "heart" shape formed by mountains surrounding the sea, and swimming inside is extremely refreshing; the other is Symi Island, where the harbor has many places selling boat tickets. Due to time constraints, I didn’t make it there, but I will definitely go next time. The main sights in the town are the harbor and the old town. The Knights’ Street and the alleys near the Palace of the Grand Master are full of atmosphere when walking around. But the most impressive is still the beach. North of the harbor is a huge beach, and on the west side of the island, where the long-distance bus to the airport stops, the sea is unbelievably blue—not the deep blue of the Mediterranean, but a light blue, pure light blue, just like the color of the Greek flag. It amazed me. Along the way, you can also find some nude beaches. Tips: Weather: It’s somewhat like Southeast Asian climate, very hot, unlike Santorini or Crete where it’s a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings; Accommodation: We stayed at Diana Art Boutique Hotel, very clean, affordable, great value. The front desk staff was Serbian and was delighted to see we were Chinese, expressing repeatedly how much she liked Chinese people and wishing China to become strong. It was very touching; Restaurant: Near the hotel, there is a place called Meat Street BBQ. The grilled meat is super delicious, 27 euros for a large portion, with various grilled meats and steaks. Don’t order the double portion; Supermarket: Since it’s a vacation island, prices are not cheap, and supermarket prices vary. Places a bit farther out are cheaper. We went to a FOOD Market that sold local lemonade for 0.6 euros, very tasty; Transportation: There are buses from the airport to the city center, but Greek buses are very unreliable, delays are common. Don’t rely on the driver to remind you to get off; they might forget. Also, Google Maps’ bus info is very unreliable, so it’s best to ask locals. Summary: Rhodes Island is perfect for vacationing, like a fairyland at the end of the world, undisturbed by crowds. There are flights from Athens and Crete (Crete is also a treasure). Taking a ferry is very far. I think you can stay here at least 5 days and visit several beaches. Greek food is also very delicious, especially grilled meat and grilled fish, and you can eat them every day.

#holidayitinerary Wandering around Santorini felt like stepping into a dream. Everything is just so picture perfect with white buildings, blue domes, and those dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea. We didn’t plan much, just explored randomly, followed the little paths, and stopped whenever the view looked too good to pass up. The villages like Oia and Fira are full of charm, with cozy cafés and spots to just sit and chill. Sunsets here really live up to the hype too, even if you’re not watching from a famous viewpoint. It’s super relaxed and easy to enjoy without having to rush around. We grabbed some quick bites, window-shopped, and just kept walking. It’s hilly, so there’s a bit of effort, but it adds to the fun. Every corner looks like a postcard. Whether you’re snapping photos or just enjoying the moment, Santorini really has that magic feel. Definitely a place to take it slow and soak it all in.

#greekislandhopping Just a stone’s throw from Mykonos, Tinos offers a completely different feel. This island is known for its pilgrimage church, peaceful villages, and wild landscapes. I stayed in the village of Pyrgos, famous for marble artisans and sleepy cafés. There were barely any tourists, and yet the food was amazing — think louza (cured pork) and hand-made cheeses. Tinos is one of those spots where you can feel the culture more deeply and escape the crowd.

"Is this place even real?" You can't help but wonder when you set foot on Santorini, the jewel of Greece floating in the Aegean Sea. With its enchanting white walls and blue rooftops, cliffside hotels, and breathtaking sunsets, this is truly a "must-visit once in a lifetime" destination. ⸻ 📍Access Information ・Approximately 45 minutes by plane or 5–8 hours by ferry (high-speed options available) from Athens ・From the airport or port, you can reach the main areas (Fira and Oia) by taxi or shuttle bus ⸻ 🌟Recommended Spots & Experiences ・Sunset Viewing in Oia: Witness one of the world's most beautiful sunsets. The moment when the white houses turn orange feels like time stands still ・Strolling through Fira: Explore the central area filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Enjoy the donkey paths and cable cars ・Cliffside Hotels: Indulge in infinity pools and cave hotels for an extraordinary experience. Popular for honeymoons ・Volcano Cruise & Hot Springs: Take a boat to Nea Kameni Island for volcano trekking and a dip in underwater hot springs ⸻ 🕊Best Time to Visit ・Ideal Season: May to mid-June, September to October (avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather) ・July to August is peak season with heavy crowds but also lots of parties and events ⸻ ☕Travel Tips ・Book hotels early! Especially in Oia's scenic areas, which are highly sought after ・Renting bikes or buggies is convenient for getting around. There's also a hiking trail from Fira to Oia ・Savor traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and Greek salad, paired with local wines ⸻ 💙"Immerse yourself in a world of blue and white, and enjoy moments just for you." The beauty of Santorini cannot be fully captured in photos. Its quiet yet profound charm will stir your soul. Create unforgettable memories in this Aegean Sea miracle.

| Bring the blue of the Aegean Sea into your dream hotel. 🕌| Gundari Resort Address | Folegandros Islands, Greece 📍|Location Hotel in Folegandros Islands, Greece Overlooking the vast Aegean Sea It is located on the northwest side of the archipelago Close to Santorini, yet far away from the world Rugged cliffs and blue sea It forms a refreshing picture A perfect escape for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure port ■|Design The hotel was designed by the Block722 team View the hotel as a natural extension of the Frogandros cliffs Through minimalist architectural style and carefully selected materials It forms a seamless harmony with the surrounding environment The building is low and integrated into the mountain The green vegetation roof integrates the building with the environment. The traditional layout and architectural style of Greek villages are cleverly borrowed to make The entire resort is modern yet culturally rich Designed to perfectly blend a sense of tranquility and adventure Provide travelers with the best holiday experience ■|Guest Room The hotel has a total of 27 suites and 2 villas The rooms offer unparalleled comfort and privacy Each room is carefully crafted using natural materials such as stone, wood and clay to create a rustic and warm atmosphere. Soft beige, warm gray and carefully selected furniture together constitute the overall aesthetic of the space Rooms feature a spacious terrace or balcony Guests can enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. Equipped with complete facilities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, etc. to ensure guests can enjoy a high-quality accommodation experience ■|Public area The hotel's public areas are equally impressive The bar-restaurant is located on the northwest side of the complex A sophisticated and inviting gathering space has been created for all guests, where they can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and stunning sea views. There are also leisure facilities such as infinity pool, spa, gym, etc. Let guests enjoy the natural beauty while maintaining physical and mental health The most eye-catching infinity pool has a unique design It brings the brilliant blue of the Aegean Sea into close range Let tourists feel as if they are in a blue background and enjoy the fun of vacation

Rhodes, Greece Travel Guide Rhodes, Greece, a shining pearl in the Aegean Sea, combines stunning scenery with a rich history. When you set foot on Rhodes, the Old Town is a must-see. The medieval city walls stand tall, and the ancient streets wind and twist. Walking through them is like traveling through time. The unique shops lining the streets are filled with exquisite handicrafts; remember to pick up a few as souvenirs. The beaches of Rhodes are equally captivating. Lindos Beach has fine sand and dreamy azure waters. As the sun shines down, the sparkling waves make it a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports. Don't miss the food! The distinctive seafood dishes are fresh and delicious. Octopus seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice is tender and refreshing. Greek grilled meat is fragrant and served with crispy flatbread and a refreshing vegetable salad. Each bite is full of Mediterranean flavor. Transportation on the island is convenient. Renting a car allows you to freely explore the beautiful scenery, and public buses connect to various attractions. Accommodation options are plentiful. In beachfront hotels, you can open your window to the sea and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Guesthouses offer a more local experience, with welcoming hosts sharing authentic local tips, helping you have an unforgettable trip to Rhodes.

Explore Mykonos, the pearl of the Aegean Sea. From the golden sandy beaches to the chic Little Venice, every step here is a visual feast! Chase the footsteps of the sun and take a trip to Greece that you will remember! 1. Beach Bash: Choose Your Beach Paradise Paradíse and Super Paradise beaches are for dancing and talking, while Platys Gialos is synonymous with lazing on the beach. Psarrou and Elia beaches are peaceful and tranquil, waiting for your footprints to be left. Experience: While enjoying the great prices, remember that the nights at Paradise Beach are absolutely crazy, don’t miss it! 2. Little Venice Time: Enjoy the Tranquility of the Evening The world-famous Little Venice district, with its floating houses as a backdrop, is the most pleasant place to have a drink, chat and enjoy the sunset. Check-in: Don’t forget to sweep your camera toward the windmill to capture the marvelous moment when the sun slowly sets. 3. Mykonos Town: Enter a dream of white walls and blue roofs Walking through the thousand-year-old Mykonos Town is like walking into a white maze by the sea. The narrow sidewalks and eye-catching windmills become eternal memories. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera, every corner of Mykonos Town is worth a stop. 4. Delos ruins: exploring the mythical homeland The mysterious ruins of Delos exude the atmosphere of past myths, making people intoxicated by the abyss of history. Travel Tips: A boat ticket of 20 euros (about 157 yuan) takes you through the ocean of history, and a ticket of 12 euros (about 94 yuan) opens the door to time. 5. Panagia Paraportiani Church: Feel the Baptism of the Times Visit Panagia Paraportiani, which began construction in 1425 and is a symbol of faith built of stone over two centuries. Tips: You must dress neatly to enter. It is open to the public free of charge, allowing your soul to find a peaceful habitat here. Travelers, are you ready to get lost in this holy island full of golden beaches and white buildings? Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as your yearning for a better life, Mykonos is waiting for you to discover its Endless charm!

|The Pearl of Rhodes. Rhodes is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, at the junction of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It is the fourth largest island in Greece and the largest tourist center in Greece. The city of Rhodes is located at the northern end of Rhodes, where half of the island's population lives. It is also the capital of the island and the tourist center. In 1988, the medieval city of Rhodes was selected as a cultural world heritage site by UNESCO. The medieval city of Rhodes was built in 408 BC. Historically, it was a military fortress on the eastern Mediterranean civilization of ancient Greece and a port for Christian ships during the Crusades. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the Gothic era. Walking in the streets and alleys of the ancient city of Rhodes in Rhodes, Rhodes, what comes to the face is a strong sense of history and art.

|Once the religious center of Greece. The Acropolis of Lindos is located on a cliff 116 meters above the sea in the southeastern part of Rhodes Island. It is about 60 kilometers away from Rhodes City. The Acropolis of Lindos is magnificent, guarding the surrounding ports, towns, and coastlines. In the 6th century BC, it began to build walls, which were continuously reinforced afterwards. A large number of brilliant architectural ruins from different periods from Greece to Rome have been left in the Acropolis of Lindos, including the Temple of Athena Lindia, the colonnade with 20 Greek-style columns, and the ruins of the Byzantine church. The Temple of Athena Lindia was built in the 6th century BC and was once the religious center of all Greece. It suffered a major fire in 342 BC. In the 2nd century AD, people rebuilt the temple on the original site. Today, we can still see the glory of the past from the ruins of the walls.