Oia is a picturesque town on the northern part of Santorini that overlooks the famous Caldera where some speculate the lost city of Atlantis stood before sinking into the sea. It is the perfect place to feel on top of the world and watch the sun set into the endless seas surrounded by M.C. Escher-like architecture with view of the endless sea.

Thanks to doing research on AFAR.com, I learned that one could sea kayak around the island of Milos. I signed up with Rod from Sea Kayak Milos and had a fantastic time. My fellow kayakers and I paddled through bright blue water, in and out of tight caves and learned about the various geological highlights on this volcanic island. It was stunning! Lunch on a private beach rounded out the day before we paddled our way back to dry land.

Plaka is a neighborhood of Athens exactly underneath Acropolis. Here, you can find museums, traditional restaurants, cafes and tourist shops. You can get there easily by a 10 minutes walk from Syntagma, the central square of Athens. You can also continue walking to Thiseio, a very picturesque place with many cafes and bars full of young people and Monastiraki, where you can find the biggest open market in the city with special prices to anything your heart desires.

If you want to get away from the crowds in Santorini, try Megalochori - one of the prettiest, quietest little villages on the island. The town's location further inland, away from the caldera cliffs, removes it from the typical tourist itinerary. A beautiful bell-tower archway frames the entrance as you drive into town, which is easily accessible by a short car, taxi or bus ride from any part of Santorini. Megalochori features a maze of extremely narrow cobblestone streets passing by hundreds of traditional white-washed houses and churches with accents of bright blue. Let yourself get lost. At the the center of Megalochori is a sleepy town square, with two tavernas and bougainvillea-covered patios. Sit in the welcome shade and order a vibrantly-hued Santorini tomato salad, grilled souvlaki and sesame & honey-coated feta. Try Restaurant Raki (above) in the town square, where the locals go. (Live Greek music at night.) And since Megalochori is the heart of Santorini's wine industry, be sure to visit a winery, where you can meet the local vintners and sample their goods. If you are looking for a very quiet village and a low-key, relaxing day, this is a wonderful place to visit. Sometimes a really lazy day is just what the doctor ordered. www.santorini.com/villages/megalochorivillage.htm

Of course I could not post highlights of Athens and not post a photo of the majestic Parthenon. I prefer this shot over one I took of the front simply because you don't see so much of the scaffolding from restoration work. It's a shame that this building was in beautiful condition until 1687, when a bombardment set off an ammo dump the Turks left in there, blowing up a part of the building. I do wonder if they'll fully restore things in my lifetime.

At the northern edge of Oia lies a pool lounge overlooking the Aegean Sea – a peaceful place to stay while cruise crowds storm the town in the afternoon. The pool is open to the public and makes money off the purchase of snacks and drinks from guests who linger to take a refreshing dip or soak in the spectacular views. To find this hidden treasure, walk the northern path along Oia's caldera, past the far windmill until the walkway ends. It can also be accessed by car from the next parking lot north of the the bus station.

The belly button of the world lies eighty miles northwest of Athens, where the southern slope of Mount Parnassus, cut deeply by cascades feeding the River Pleistos, drops precipitously into the Gulf of Corinth. High above the ravine in a cleft between the Phaedriades, or “Shining Rocks,” a natural amphitheater was shaped by wind, erosion, and tectonic turbulence over the intersection of two underground faults. This is the omphalos—the spot believed by ancient Greeks to be Gaia’s own navel. Homer called it “Pytho,” because it was here that the Earth Mother gave birth to a female serpent. “Why is it the serpent is always a woman?” The goddess/serpent appears in everyone’s mythology, I remind KB as we approach six massive columns re-erected where the western pediment of Apollo’s temple once stood. “Yeah,” she replies, kicking a loose a chunk of limestone across the weathered foundation, “along with the ‘hero’ who kills her.” KB’s sinewy, suntanned legs straddle one of the pedestals at the entrance to the sekos—Apollo’s inner sanctum—and her belly button taunts me between the waistband of low-slung hiking shorts and the hem of her tank top. “Both Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, whacked the serpent goddess,” I remind her. “Naturally, the locals erected a temple here to commemorate his bravery. It was named after a cult that worshiped the sun god in the form of a dolphin—Delphinios—Delphi for short.” “How do you remember all this stuff?” KB asks.

Maybe the most ubiquitous dish in the capital city, but the window on the corner of Monastiraki and Metropoulos is where you go if you want the best souvlaki Athens has to offer. (Catch! Delicious entry!)

The famous Little Venice in Mykonos attracted many people to gather here at sunset to enjoy the purple sky, the orange sun and the blue water all meet together to mimic the colorful paints of the buildings. This is also a good spot for food and drink while watch the sunset.

Our villa's patio in Santorini was equipped with some comfy benches that provided the perfect, secluded oasis to enjoy the sunset from the hordes of people who flood the town at day's end. The soft dusk light brings out the subtle nuances of the white-washed buildings, making everything seem ethereal and calm. Riva Villa is a great option for a group who looking to stay by the caldera in Oia for rates that are more affordable than a hotel.

You can't beat this - a delicious, freshly caught seafood dinner on the edge of the Aegean Sea. Sunset Taverna is located in Ammoudi, at the base of the cliffs in Oia, Santorini - dramatic scenery for simple, rustic, delicious food. From the castle in Oia, enjoy a leisurely, winding walk down to the marina (or take a car down the coastal road). Feast on lobster spaghetti, fresh grilled seafood, baked feta, stuffed eggplant, Fisherman's Salad. Hike back up to Oia under the clear, starry night.

Acropolis is one of the world's most famous landmarks and Greece's center of history and culture. The Parthenon is the largest structure of the Acropolis and is admired by the entire world. The temple was complete in 438 b.C. and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. When you finish your visit to the "holy rock" of Acropolis don't forget to visit the new museum which is full of ancient artifacts on display.

These windmills were actually places that you could stay. I loved how they added something different to the caldera. At sunset, they became colorful. But, I was drawn to the abstract shape of the wooden arms of the windmill against the post sunset sky. This is one of a few images I created.

Mention 'Greek Islands' and one instinctively thinks of Santorini or Crete. But there are literally thousands of other islands scattered between Greece, Turkey and North Africa. The smaller ones like Poros (above) are just as charming. I don't know what it is but I just love these scenes of blue skies, blue sea and white buildings with terracotta roofs. Though it may look crowded, I still get a sense of peacefulness and serenity. Life here moves just that little bit slower :)

One experience I was determined to have while I spent time in Greece, was a meal of octopus. I had eaten it once before in a fancy restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. However, I had a hunch that it would likely taste better in a country known for eating such a creature. While I did not eat those from this stash at the neighborhood market (in or near Thisio), I did partake on a couple occasions. I rather enjoyed the cuisine and the suction cups do not bother me a bit.

For one of the best views and best meals in Santorini, try Red Bicycle. Located at the tip of Oia on the northern part of the island, the restaurant is housed in a 19th-century Santorini mansion with a 180-degree view of the famed sunset and the volcano caldera. It was heavenly. Soft island breezes on the open-air terrace. The best food I had in Greece (fresh, local Mediterranean dishes with Greek/Santorini influences). A warm hostess who was incredibly kind to our two children. We ate here twice during our weeklong stay - I definitely hope to go back.

Located right next to the ancient site of Akrotiri is the Red Beach, where the sands are in rare red color. After you park the car, you almost have to hike a little bit in order to reach the beach. Right there, you can rent two benches with an umbrella, relax and enjoy the beach.

Above the tree line, a wiry twelve-year-old named Pericles and his taciturn papous—grandfather—accompany me along the trail that crosses beneath the steep needles of Mytikas, a five-hundred-foot crag that soars to the summit of Olympus. “You come why?” Pericles asks. “To visit the gods, of course.” “All gone,” Pericles insists. “Only Yesus and saints now.” “Maybe they’ve just changed their names.” He scratches his head as his grandfather flashes me a gap-toothed grin. The trail begins a series of switchbacks that culminate at the base of the needles, rising to a height of 9,570 feet into the blue heavens like immense eroded pillars. It’s not difficult to imagine the ancient Greeks, tending their flocks and vineyards on the coast of Thessaly, looking up after a storm at sunlight glittering on these vertical crags and seeing, instead of weathered rock, the divinely sculpted colonnade of a golden palace rising above the clouds, a place where lions roamed, great eagles soared, and squabbling gods interfered in the affairs of mortal men. Ahead lies a steep cleft in the buttress, a tumble of broken talus forming a precarious, but non-technical route to the summit. Even so, a bronze plaque bolted to the rock wall commemorates a climber who fell to his death on the spot. I squint up the chute. The sharp blocks are exposed but climbable; handholds look adequate. Behind us, three men approach the cleft and signal to me. “Pros ta pano?” Going up?

To the southwest coast of Crete lies one of the most magical beaches. "Elafonisi" is one of the exotic beaches of Crete, located about 8 km from Chania, is characterized by dunes of white sand, crystal clear shallow waters, the tranquility and the peace that it offers. The landscape refers to exotic beaches, shallow waters often continue for several meters into the sea and it is riveting as it's rare to find in Greece beaches with the characteristics of Elafonisi. To get there, you can take the bus or travel by car. Your visit to this beautiful beach will be unforgettable, for sure! After a few minutes walk western, you can easily reach another amazing beach which is famous for its Cedar forest. Enjoy!

The white eggplant octopus tartar is not only tasty but also artful. Served in Selene restaurant in the town of Pyrgos. With many other great choices on the menu, the restaurant also offer cooking courses.

I had seen the church on the top of Likavittos Hill through the lens of my camera from the Acropolis and was determined to see it in person. It is a LONG walk (in particular if you add in the distance to the top of the hill), but definitely worth the effort. I was on my way down when I noticed this bench and thought it was a great place to take in the view of the city below . . . probably evne better on a clear day!