Opa! Another nonstop international flight option has landed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and this time it’s taking us to Athens, Greece.
Officially taking flight earlier this month, the new seasonal flight — running only from June to September — takes approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes to get Charlotteans and those passing through the Charlotte airport to the historic yet picturesque European destination. It’s the longest direct flight to-date (approximately 5,500 miles) leaving from the already-booming airport.
DeAnna Taylor experiences a “Flying Dress” photo shoot in Santorini, Greece.
A popular vacation spot for tourists around the world, it is said that a record 40.7 million travelers visited Greece in 2024, a 12.8% jump from 2023, with the majority landing in Athens.
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
“American Airlines continuously evaluates customer demand to ensure we offer flights to the right places at the right times. This is especially true for our second-largest hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), where we proudly offer nonstop service to more than 170 destinations worldwide,” Ralph Lopez Massas, American Airlines’ senior vice president of CLT Operations, said in a statement.
“New service to Athens (ATH), one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, allows our customers to experience the rich culture and cuisine of Greece, explore ancient ruins and enjoy the beautiful Greek islands.“
DeAnna Taylor swings at a rooftop bar in Athens, Greece.
Ready to experience all that the country has to offer? From an up-close look at the Parthenon and indulging in made-to-order saganaki to marveling the unreal views of the caldera in Santorini, here are a few can’t-miss things to check out once you land in Greece.
A morning view of the Santorini caldera.
Walk through the ruins of Acropolis
If you plan to spend a few days in Athens, it’s only right that you schedule time to take a walking tour through Acropolis and get an up-close view of the Parthenon.
Visitors can take guided tours through the historic temple site dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena with third-party operators like Viator or Get Your Guide. For those wanting to take in the landmark on their own time, you can purchase tickets in advance or at the gate, and entry costs range from 15 to 30 Euros, depending on the time of year.
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
Indulge in Greek meals at local tavernas
When in Greece, eat like the locals. Head to the Plaka neighborhood, said to be one of the oldest in the city, for some of the best tavernas around.
Grab a table outdoors and get your fill of traditional dishes like saganaki (fried cheese), moussaka (an eggplant- or potato-based casserole with meat and veggies), spanakopita (a pie-like dish made of spinach and feta cheese), souvlaki and of course, baklava. And for the adults, it’s only right that you end the meal with a shot of ouzo (a traditional apéritif).
A traditional Greek taverna spread.
Take the ferry to nearby Greek isles like Santorini or Mykonos
While the option to fly to the isles is certainly available, you’ll find that many locals will opt to take the ferry instead. On my previous visits, I have done both. It’s all about your budget and timing.
Ammoudi Bay in Santorini, Greece.
You can book your ride in advance on Ferry Hopper, and prices vary depending on the type of ferry you choose. (Some are slower than others, so pay close attention to the total journey time.) While Wi-Fi isn’t always available, there is typically a food counter on board, and the seats are pretty comfortable.
The beach at Mykonos.
Book a cozy, cliffside bed & breakfast
While Google and social media will have us believe that the iconic blue-domed white buildings associated with Santorini are found all over the island, that’s not exactly true. The structures are mostly located in the town of Oia (pronounced ee-ah), which means this is where most tourists flock to on the island.
Sunset in Santorini, Greece.
While this is great for daytime exploration, as far as cost-saving areas to stay, I suggest the nearby town of Fira, which is just as picturesque. With many available accommodations being locally-owned, you can book a cozy bed & breakfast along the cliffside waterfront. Though you’ll need to be prepared to walk up and down many steps (which means this area isn’t the most accessible), the sunrise and sunset views are otherworldly — especially if you have a view of the Santorini caldera (volcano in the middle of the water).
If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, Magma Resort Santorini is a newish hotel with an exceptional food and beverage program, as well as a spa.
Outside Magma Resort Santorini.
Make photo memories in Oia
Though it is more touristy, you honestly can’t go all the way to Santorini and not spend a day in Oia. The winding cobblestone paths are filled with cafés, souvenir shops and restaurants. But most people spend time marveling at the blue-domed buildings and snapping photos for their memories.
If you are visiting for a special occasion, or you simply love professional photos on vacation, I suggest booking a private shoot with one of the many local photographers. I booked the popular flying dress photo experience with Santorini Photoshoot via Airbnb Experiences. Keep in mind that the town gets very crowded around sunset, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Santorini Photoshoot via Airbnb Experiences offers you the opportunity to customize a photo shoot while you’re in Greece.
Get lost in the alleys of Mykonos (Chora)
Although there are more than 200 inhabited Greek isles, Mykonos is another popular one for international tourists. Similar to Santorini, it is known for its white buildings and stone paths that are often seen in social media photos and videos.
DeAnna Taylor strolls through Mykonos.
To make the most of your time on the island, I suggest booking a beachfront property like Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux for the option to spend a lazy day by the pool, beach or your private plunge. When you’re ready, you can take a local bus over to Chora (Mykonos’ center) to spend hours perusing the narrow, fairytale-like alleys. And when you’re done, find a waterside restaurant for dinner to take in the views with your meal. Pro tip: Opt for the fresh fish.
The waterfront in Mykonos.
Try the many Greek wines and liquors
While most tourists wouldn’t automatically associate Greece as a place for wine, due to the volcanic soil in places like Santorini, you can actually find several tasty varietals. If you happen to be spending some time on the island, check out Domaine Sigalas, a vineyard that offers tastings, as well as wine pairings.
Domaine Sigalas vineyard in Santorini, Greece.
For a unique experience, Brettos in Athens is said to be the oldest distillery in the city. There, you can find traditional Greek spirits like Ouzo and Masticha and try fun cocktails like the Acropolis Martini (ouzo, Limoncello and fresh lemon juice) or the Aphrodite (ouzo gold, house-made raspberry liqueur, pink grapefruit soda and mint leaves).
Brettos Bar in Athens, Greece.
