Favorite Destinations: Greece Highlights

Hi everyone! My name is Teah, and I am a student worker here at the SBCC Study Abroad Office. I was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, and I have been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world. Today, I want to tell you about one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to: Greece!

Greece was one of those trips where I returned home feeling like a changed person filled with so much gratitude, appreciation, and an even stronger desire to explore the world. I visited Greece the summer before my sophomore year of high school with my family and a close friend. During our trip, we explored the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos, each of which felt completely unique while still being connected through Greek culture and tradition.

Of course, I have to mention the food! Greece has some of the most delicious, fresh seafood I have ever had, and the quality of the olive oil was incredible. Nearly every meal felt fresh, simple, and full of flavor.

Athens: A City Full of Life

What I loved most about Athens was that it felt alive. There was always something happening, whether it was a local market, a late-night meal at a small restaurant, or people gathering in open squares as the sun went down.

Athens has so much history, but it also has a modern energy that makes the city feel vibrant and welcoming. Walking through the streets and seeing ancient landmarks alongside everyday life made me appreciate how seamlessly Greece’s past and present exist together. There was something special about being surrounded by thousands of years of history while also experiencing the city as it exists today.

Mykonos: Adventure & Nightlife

Then there’s Mykonos, which felt like a completely different world. It is known for its social scene, beautiful beaches, and bright blue water that looks just as unreal in person as it does in pictures. While Mykonos has a reputation for nightlife, it also has a much softer side if you explore beyond the main areas.

One of my most cherished memories from the trip was dancing with friendly locals with my friend at night and then discovering a secluded cliff-jumping spot the next morning. It was the perfect combination of spontaneity and adventure. Those unexpected experiences are some of my favorite parts of traveling because they are the moments you could never fully plan for.

Naxos: Slowing Down & Living Locally

Finally, Naxos was the island that felt the most grounded and local to me. It was less crowded than some of the more famous Greek islands, which made it perfect for experiencing a slower pace of life. The beaches were long and open, and the villages felt authentic and full of character.

Naxos also has a strong sense of tradition, which you can feel in its architecture, food, and the way locals go about their everyday lives. It is so hard to choose just one favorite memory from Greece, but one of my fondest moments was going on a spontaneous sunset sailboat cruise with my family. Watching the sun go down over the water while being surrounded by the people I love is something I will always remember.

What Greece Taught Me

The variety of places to explore and the beautiful balance of adventure, fun, and peacefulness are what make Greece so special to me, and why I always find myself wanting to go back. What impacted me most, though, was the culture and the way people seemed to approach life. The culture felt so alive and unique compared to other places I had traveled. I noticed how many locals took their time with meals, conversations, and their daily routines. There was less of a feeling that everything needed to be rushed. Seeing this made me rethink the way I often approached my own life. I realized that I had become so accustomed to thinking that I always needed to be busy, productive, or moving on to the next thing. In Greece, I saw people enjoying the present moment and finding meaning in simple parts of everyday life. Their goals for the day seemed to be filled with intention and purpose rather than simply trying to accomplish as much as possible. That perspective has had a lasting impact on me. I truly believe that stepping outside of your comfort zone and exploring beyond what you already know can create growth and meaningful change.

Traveling to Greece showed me that sometimes the most valuable things you bring home from a trip are new perspectives.

And for that reason, Greece will always hold a special place in my heart. 🇬🇷💙