We’re basing ourselves in Naousa for three nights, June 25–28, with a rental car for the last two full days to explore freely. Then it’s a ferry to Athens for the final stretch of the trip. This is the exact plan we’re going in with — restaurants booked, ferry tickets in hand, and rental car confirmed. I’ll update this post once we’re back with how it all actually went.

How to get to Paros

Most people get to Paros by ferry from Athens (Piraeus port). The crossing takes roughly 3.5–5 hours depending on the vessel — SeaJets runs the fast ferry in about 3.5 hours, while slower ferries can take closer to 5. We booked through SeaJets directly and it was straightforward. Book as early as you can in June — it’s peak season and ferries sell out, especially the fast ones.

We’re coming from Santorini, so our route is a little different. We’re taking Golden Star Ferries (Superexpress vessel) from Santorini to Paros — departs 2:15 PM, arrives 4:25 PM on June 25. If you’re island hopping through the Cyclades, Golden Star Ferries covers a lot of the inter-island routes and you can book directly on their website.

On the way out, we’re taking SeaJets from Paros back to Athens — departing Parikia at 10:45 AM and arriving Piraeus around 1:50 PM. Same advice: book early and double-check your port. The main Paros ferry port is in Parikia.

Where to stay in Paros: why we chose Naousa

There are two main bases in Paros — Parikia (the main port town) and Naousa (the smaller, more charming village on the north coast). We went back and forth, but Naousa won for a few reasons: you can walk to dinner, the harbor at night is genuinely beautiful, and it doesn’t feel like you’re staying in a ferry town. Parikia is worth a full morning visit, but it’s more functional than atmospheric.

We booked Ochre Dream in Naousa — three nights for $764.33 total. The photos sold us immediately (sea view balcony, Greek style building), and having a rental car for most of our stay meant getting around the island won’t be an issue regardless of where we stay.

Renting a car in Paros

A rental car makes a real difference in Paros, especially for beach hopping. The island isn’t huge but the best beaches are spread out, and taxis add up fast when you’re moving between them multiple times a day.

We rented through Auto Dermatas Paros Rentals, booking directly on their website. They deliver to your hotel, which is a great touch — the car comes to us on the morning of June 26. I chose to drop-off at their location at Parikia Port before our ferry. Total cost came to EUR 114 (about $123) for 2.5 days, which included insurance. The breakdown: EUR 90 rental price, EUR 30 insurance extra, minus EUR 6 for paying by cash at pickup.

Get the insurance. The roads in the Cyclades are narrow, winding, and occasionally shared with ATVs that have no concept of lanes. EUR 30 is nothing compared to the stress of worrying about a scratch on a bumper.

The Full 3-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival + Naousa Harbor Night

Our ferry from Santorini gets in at 4:25 PM, so Day 1 is light by design. The whole point is to check in, get your bearings, and let the island slow you down. We will get our rental car the next monring, so tonight is completely walkable from the Airbnb.

Afternoon

• Ferry arrives Parikia 4:25 PM —get a Welcome Pickups transfer to the Airbnb in Naousa (~20 min)
• Check into the hotel in Naousa
• Walk down to Piperi Beach (~4 min from the house) to decompress and get our first look at the water

Evening

• Slow, romantic walk through Naousa Harbor before dinner
• Dinner at Yemeni Wine Restaurant — 7:45 PM reservation (~13 min walk). Greek wine bar vibes with small plates.  Budget around €30–45 per person with drinks. Book this one at least 2 weeks ahead in June.
• After dinner: drinks along the waterfront

First-night tip: resist the urge to plan anything after dinner. Naousa at night is the kind of place where wandering IS the plan.

Day 2: Beach Loop Day (Naousa Area)

Day 2 is our big beach day — three beaches, lunch in between, and a sunset dinner reservation to close it out. The car gets picked up at the hotel this morning, which makes the whole loop a lot easier. We picked this order to minimize backtracking.

Morning

• Breakfast at a local café in Naousa — planning to ask host Panos for a rec
• Rental car pickup at the hotel (Auto Dermatas, hotel delivery)

Beach loop

• Agioi Anargyroi Beach — ~25 min walk or 6 min drive from Naousa. Quieter, less crowded, good first stop
• Kolympethres Beach — ~11 min drive. This one has the dramatic granite rock formations. Get there before noon if possible to beat some crowds.
• Lunch at Taverna Kolibithres right in Kolympethres beach area
• Santa Maria Beach (Parilia) — ~15 min drive. More organized, livelier energy for the afternoon

Dinner

• Barbarossa — 7:00 PM reservation (~13 min walk from Naousa). Sunset-facing waterfront spot. Books out fast in mid/peak season

Day 3: Parikia Day + Coastal Drive Back

Day 3 we head toward Parikia, Paros’s main port town and the one most visitors see briefly before grabbing a ferry. We decided to give it a full morning. Having the car makes this day completely flexible.

Morning — Parikia

• Breakfast at Distrato Cafe Bistrot in Parikia
• Wander the Parikia Old Town — the alleys, the shops, the Kastro, the waterfront. Allow at least an hour to just get lost in the new city.

Late morning / midday

• Krios Beach — 5–10 min drive from Parikia. Easy, calm, good for a morning swim
• Drive to Agia Irini Beach (~13 min from Krios) for the main afternoon stretch
• Lunch at Laris Beach Bar casual food, €15–20 per person

Afternoon

• Scenic windows down coastal drive back toward Naousa

Dinner

• Siparos Seaside Restaurant — 8:30 PM reservation. The kind of place that earns a closing night. Budget €40–55 per person.
• After: drinks + slow harbor walk to close out the trip

Day 4: Travel Day

Light morning, then we’re back on the water for the ferry. The car gets dropped off at Auto Dermatas in Parikia Port on the way to the ferry so this should be an easy pitstop before boarding.

Morning

• Brunch at Cosa Cafe Bar in Naousa
• Pack up, check out, drive to Parikia
• Drop rental car at Auto Dermatas, Parikia Port (return by 9:15 AM)

Ferry + Athens arrival

• 10:45 AM ferry departs Parikia Port
• 1:50 PM arrive Athens (Piraeus)
• Welcome Pickups transfer from port to hotel

What does 3 days in Paros cost?

The food estimate is based on ordering a full meal with drinks at each sit-down restaurant.

Three days isn’t a lot of time in Paros, but it’s enough to feel like you actually lived there for a minute rather than just passed through. The goal was always slower and less scheduled than the rest of the trip — beaches in the morning, good food at night, no alarm clocks unless necessary.

I’ll Update This After the Trip

We’re heading here soon, so I’ll come back and update this with:

what’s worth skipping

what actually worked

what I’d change

and whether Paros felt worth the hype.

More details on our overall Greece itinerary below:

14 Days in Greece: Island-Hopping Milos, Santorini, Paros, and Athens

How to Fly to Greece Using Points (Step by Step Guide)

Milos Greece: 4 Days of Beaches, Boat Tours, & Travel Tips

Santorni: The Perfect First Time Itinerary

The post 3 Days in Paros: Best Beaches, Naousa & Everything Worth Knowing appeared first on CahoonCo.

Our 4-day Santorini itinerary is built around views, slower mornings, a little beach exploring, a wine tour, and a few really special dinners.

Santorini is definitely one of the most popular stops in Greece, so for our first Greece trip, we wanted to include it. This stops helps add a little more of the wow factor with caldera views, Oia, and romantic sunset dinners!

If you want a mix of iconic spots, pool time, good food, and a schedule that still leaves room to relax, this is the route I’d follow.

Where to Stay in Santorini

We’re staying in Imerovigli at Nefeli Homes Adults Only Hotel.

Imerovigli seems like the best middle ground if you want the caldera views without staying directly in Oia, which can often feel overcrowded. Close enough to both the larger cities of Oia and Fira but it is still quieter, more romantic, and less chaotic.

For Santorini specifically, I would not want to stay somewhere just because it’s cheaper if it means giving up the view or location completely. This is one of the islands where your hotel matters more than usual.

I landed on Nefeli Homes after a lot of research for the best balance of price and experience. We booked the Senior Double Room (Cave) because it had that Santorini cave look, a gorgeous caldera view from the balcony, and a private tub as well.

Nefeli Homes- Adults Only hotel in Imerovigli.

Day 1: Arrival + Easy First Night

The first day is intentionally simple.

We’ll be coming from Milos by ferry, so the goal is just to check in, settle in, and not over plan the first afternoon.

Plan:

• Check out in Milos
• Grab a casual brunch
• Ferry from Milos to Santorini (Arrive around 2:15 pm)
• Private transfer to Imerovigli by Welcome Pickups
  • The port area is busy, crowded, and not the place I’d want to be trying to figure out a ride after getting off the ferry. For this part of the trip, I’d rather have a transfer booked ahead of time and keep the arrival day easy. We are renting a car for a few days, but I had seen that pickups at the port and the winding drive on the narrow road to/from the port could be stressful.
• Pool time + decompress
• Dinner nearby

We have a 7:00 PM dinner reservation at Aegean, which is only about a 3-minute walk from the hotel.

This is perfect for the first night because we won’t need to deal with driving, taxis, or trying to squeeze in too much right away.

After dinner, I will be keeping it easy with drinks on our own private balcony.

Day 2: Beach Hopping + Oia Dinner

This is our main Santorini exploring day with a rental car.

Santorini is not really known for beaches the way Milos is, but I still wanted to see a few of the unique ones since they are so different from what we’ll see on the other islands.

Must-stop spots:

• Perissa Beach
  • Black sand beach
  • Good early in the morning before it gets too crowded
• Vlychada Beach
  • More relaxed and known for the unique cliffs
• Red Beach
  • One of the most recognizable spots in Santorini

The biggest thing here is not trying to make this feel like a Milos beach day. Santorini’s beaches are more of a “see them, enjoy them, then move on” rather than places I’d build the entire trip around.

After the beach stops, we’ll head back to the hotel to shower and relax before dinner.

Dinner plan: Ambrosia in Oia at 8:30 PM.

Day 3: Oia Morning + Ammoudi Lunch + Wine Tour

This is probably the day I’m most excited about outside of our anniversary day.

We’re planning to start in Oia early, which seems like the best way to actually enjoy it before it gets too crowded.

Plan:

• Breakfast at Kookoo Bar
• Explore Oia early
• Walk around, shop, and take photos
• Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern
• Return to the hotel to reset and enjoy pool
• Wine tour excursion with dinner and sunset:

Oia is obviously one of the main reasons people go to Santorini, but I do not want to experience it only during the most chaotic sunset window.

That’s why we’re doing it in the morning instead.

For lunch, we have a 12:30 PM reservation at Ammoudi Fish Tavern.

This felt like a good way to experience Ammoudi Bay without trying to combine it with sunset crowds.

After lunch, we’ll head back to the hotel for a quick reset before the wine tour.

Evening plan: 4:00 PM wine tour with dinner and sunset.

This is one of the things I’d book ahead for Santorini. Between the wineries, dinner, and sunset, it feels like a really easy way to enjoy the island without having to plan every detail ourselves.

Add here: link to the exact wine tour once you know which one you want to promote or reference.

Day 4: Anniversary Day

This is our anniversary day, so we’re keeping the plan special but not overly complicated.

The main daytime activity is a catamaran cruise, then we’ll have a slower afternoon before our nice dinner reservation.

Plan:

• 9:30 AM pickup for catamaran cruise
• 5-hour cruise with included food + drinks
• Return to hotel to relax + reset
• Anniversary dinner

This felt like the best way to make the day feel memorable without running around the island all day.

The catamaran cruise gives us the water views and a more fun daytime plan, but we still have time to come back, shower, relax, and not feel rushed before dinner.

Dinner plan: The Athenian House at 7:30 PM.

This is only about a 4-minute walk from the hotel, which is exactly what I wanted for the anniversary dinner.

No long drive. No stressful taxi situation. Just a nice dinner close to where we’re staying.

For this day especially, I’m glad we’re staying in Imerovigli.

Final Morning: Keep It Simple

Our ferry to Paros does not leave until 2:15 PM, so we don’t need to rush out super early.

That said, I still wouldn’t try to cram in a big activity here.

Plan:

• Pack up
• Check out and transfer to the ferry port
• Ferry from Santorini to Paros!

Santorini’s port can be chaotic, so this is one of those days where I’d rather be early and relaxed than trying to squeeze in one more thing.

Quick Take

Santorini is definitely more expensive and more touristy than some of the other islands on our itinerary, but I still think it’s worth including.

For us, it’s the romantic part of the trip.

Milos is more about beaches and adventure. Paros is more about relaxed island time. Santorini is where we wanted the views, the nicer dinners, the wine tour, and the anniversary feel.

I don’t think you need a full week here, but I do think 3–4 nights is a really good amount of time if you plan it intentionally.

If you’re building out a Greece itinerary, I’d recommend adding Santorini but just make sure you balance it with islands that feel a little more relaxed too.

I go into more detail on our overall Greece itinerary below:

14 Days in Greece: Island-Hopping Milos, Santorini, Paros, and Athens

How to Fly to Greece Using Points (Step by Step Guide)

Milos Greece: 4 Days of Beaches, Boat Tours, & Travel Tips

3 Days in Paros: Beaches, Naousa & Everything Worth Knowing

I’ll Update This After the Trip

We’re heading here soon, so I’ll come back and update this with:

what’s worth skipping

what actually worked

what I’d change

and whether Santorini felt worth the hype.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and experiences I’d genuinely recommend.

The post Santorini: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary appeared first on CahoonCo.

We flew from a small airport in Knoxville to Greece for our anniversary trip and paid a fraction of what these flights normally cost. No crazy tricks, no confusing hacks, just a few smart moves and some flexibility.

Here’s exactly what we did, what worked, what didn’t, and how you can realistically do the same.

What Value We Actually Got Per Point

This is the part most people get confused on, so here’s the simple version.

Based on that range, we got about 1.7 to 2.8 cents per point.

Quick rule of thumb:

Value Per Point	What It Means	What I’d Do
Under 1.25	Not great	I’d usually just pay cash
1.5–2	Solid	Worth considering
2 +	Great value	Definitely using points
2.5 +	Big win	Jump on it immediately!

We landed right around 2.2 cents per point, which puts it in the “great value” range.

If you want to calculate your own points value:
(Normal cash price – taxes you pay) ÷ # of points used = value per point

How We Found These Flights

Once you do this a few times, you’ll realize it’s way more repeatable than it seems at first.

Free Tools we used:

• PointsYeah
• PointHound

We set alerts for 3 airports:

• Knoxville (TYS), Nashville (BNA)- 2.5 hour drive, Atlanta (ATL)- 3 hour drive

But, smaller airports like Knoxville (TYS) don’t always show up well using automated tools.

So:

• We used emailed automated alerts for larger airports (BNA, ATL)
• Then manually checked TYS routes on PointsYeah

The Strategy That Works

1. Be flexible with routing

Our route:

• Knoxville → DC → Frankfurt → Athens

We had a 7 hour layover in DC

Not ideal… but worth it. We actually have family there, so we planned to either see them or hang out in the Capital One lounge for a few hours.

2. Be flexible on the return

We couldn’t find anything back to Knoxville on points.

So instead:

• Flew Athens → Atlanta
• Stayed overnight
• Flew Atlanta → Knoxville next morning

This is a very normal workaround if you’re flying from a smaller airport.

3. Use multiple point credit cards

This is huge, and why having more than one card makes a difference.

• Capital One points → transferred to LifeMiles and AirFrance for flights
• Chase points → used for Hyatt hotel in Atlanta

Transfer Bonuses (This Helped A Lot)

We had a 15% transfer bonus from Capital One to LifeMiles.

That’s why:

• We only transferred 68,000 points
• But ended up with 78,200 miles

Always check for transfer bonuses before booking.

The Downsides

This is where most people sugarcoat it.

1. Routing can be annoying

You might get:

• Long layovers (like 7 hours in DC)
• Extra stops

2. Small airports are harder

Knoxville worked, but:

• Fewer options
• More manual searching

3. Seats are not always included

We didn’t realize this fully.

• Our United leg included seats at no extra costs
• Lufthansa legs did NOT, so we paid about $150 extra total after booking.

4. Fees vary by airline

LifeMiles had solid value, but:

• Some programs charge higher fees so look at both points and the tax/fees cost

When You Should NOT Use Points

Points are not always the best move.

Use cash when:

• Flights are cheap (under ~$500 to Europe deals)
• Point value is under ~1.25 cents

Use points when:

• Flights are expensive
• You get close to 2+ cents per point

Final Thoughts

If you take nothing else from this:

You do NOT need to live in a major city to make points work.

We flew out of Knoxville (TYS) and still made it happen.

Was it perfect? No.
Was it worth it? Absolutely for us!

If you’re planning a similar Greece trip, these will help you map everything out:

14 Days in Greece: Island-Hopping Milos, Santorini, Paros, and Athens

Milos, Greece 4 Day Itinerary: Beaches, Boat Day, and the Stops to Prioritize

Santorini: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary

3 Days in Paros: Beaches, Naousa & Everything Worth Knowing

If you want to try flying with points yourself, here’s exactly where to start:

• Set alerts on PointsYeah and PointHound
• Check multiple airports
• Be flexible on dates and routes

And most importantly, just start searching. The first time is the hardest, then it starts to click.

The post How to Fly to Europe Using Points (Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on CahoonCo.

It’s not ultra luxury like Hammock Cove Antigua, but for the price it really delivers.

What We Paid (June Trip)

For context, we booked this as a package with flights and hotel included.

• $3,930 total after taxes and fees
• 7 nights in a Junior Suite Partial Ocean View
• Dates: June 23 – June 30

I thought this was a really good deal for Cabo, especially for an adults-only all-inclusive.

We booked it as a flight + hotel package, which I’d recommend at least checking because it can sometimes be cheaper than booking separately.

What the Trip Actually Felt Like

Slow mornings grabbing coffee, heading straight to the pool, and staying there most of the afternoon. Just drinks, music, and relaxing! We’d freshen up, go to dinner, and then either walk over to another resort or check out whatever entertainment was going on that night.

It was a really easy trip to settle into without feeling like you had to plan much.

Sunset Cruise (Best Thing We Did!)

This was easily the highlight of the entire trip! If you’re going to Cabo, I really think a sunset cruise is a must!

You go right by the Arch at sunset. Drinks, music, being out on the water. It ended up being more memorable than anything we did at the resort.

If you’re looking for one, this is the sunset cruise we did and I’d book something ahead of time since they can fill up. We waited until at the resort and they did not have much availability left.

You Can Use Multiple Riu Resorts

One thing I didn’t fully realize was how we would be able to use multiple Riu resorts all right next to each other and just how many different spaces each of them provided.

It honestly feels like miles of pools and beachfront. You can switch it up depending on what kind of vibe you want, but people with the other resort wristbands can’t come over to your side, which is a huge bonus.

We went over to the sports bar one night and it ended up being one of the more fun nights. We even randomly ran into a couple NFL players, which was one of Chris’s highlights of the trip!

Pool vs Beach (What to Expect in Cabo)

I’m usually much more of a beach person, but at this resort I spent most of my time at the pool. I mean who would ever want to leave the infinity pool with the perfect views and pool bar?!

Something to know if you’ve never been to Cabo, the water is pretty rough at most beaches. This resort is within walking distance to a swimmable beach, but do not expect to be able to hop in the ocean right in front of the resort.

Food and Drinks

I went in expecting average all-inclusive food, but it was much much better than I thought.

There were plenty of options, and we never had a bad meal. Drinks also surprised me and were not your typical watered down all inclusive drinks. They had a large drink menu to choose from, and I love trying pretty much all of them!

I will be honest… the food and drinks are not on the level of Hammock Cove or Secrets, but for what you’re paying it holds up really well.

If food and a more upscale feel are a big priority, I also wrote about Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, which is definitely a step up overall.

One Other Thing We Did (Scuba)

We also did a quick scuba dive one day. Quick in large part because I underestimated how rough the waters in Cabo can be at times! That is why I wouldn’t recommend Cabo as a first-time scuba destination (unless you like feeling like you are in a washing machine lol).

It was still really cool to do and worth it if you already dive more frequently than me, just not the calm Caribbean-type water you might expect. The people we booked with were awesome though and gave us half our money back since we only felt comfortable doing the first dive.

Entertainment and Overall Vibe

This is where Riu does a great job!

There were normally things going on at night if you wanted them. Karaoke, poker demos, mezcal and tequila tastings, shows, and sometimes late night pool parties! There is definitely a party option if you want it, especially if you go over to the other resorts.

We kept things more laid back most of the time and never felt like it was overly loud or chaotic around our area of the resort. We didn’t hear noise at night or feel like anything was disruptive.

Some of the reviews mentioning noise might be from rooms further inside the property, like garden view areas, but that wasn’t our experience in the ocean view room.

Rooms and Small Details

• Every ocean room seems to have a good view because of how the resort is laid out
• Welcome champagne was a nice touch
• In-room liquor bar made it feel a little more elevated
• We stayed in Room 4120

We also skipped the Elite Club upgrade and didn’t feel like we missed anything. However, I would recommend the upgrade to ocean view over garden view, especially if you appreciate less noises from late night entertainment.

A Few Things to Know

• You may need to reserve chairs earlier in the day for the best spots
• Laying out on the beach is not the main highlight here
• It’s not a quiet, luxury-style resort

Who This Is Best For

• Couples looking for a fun adults-only trip
• People who care more about pools than beach swimming
• Anyone wanting a solid all-inclusive without paying luxury prices

Who It’s Not For

• Quiet honeymoon-type trips
• People who want calm, swimmable beachfront
• Anyone expecting high-end dining

If I Were Booking This Again

I would book the same room type and plan the sunset cruise ahead of time.

I’d also go into it expecting to spend most of the time at the pool and treat the beach more as something to walk, not the main activity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For around $4K total for a week with flights, I thought the value was really strong.

If you’re looking for a fun adults-only Cabo resort with a great pool setup and a mix of relaxed and social, I would recommend it.

If you’re wanting a more high-end or quiet luxury experience, there are probably better options but would be pushing into another price range.

I’d also check current prices for your dates since Cabo pricing can move around quite a bit depending on the time of year.

The post Cabo Riu Palace Adults-Only: Pools, Beaches, Food, and Value appeared first on CahoonCo.

Our 4-day Milos itinerary is built around unique beaches and boat days, and we think that’s the perfect amount of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Santorini gets most of the attention, but Milos felt like the better balance for us. It’s more laid-back, more scenic, and much more focused on beaches.

If you want a mix of iconic spots, beach time, and a schedule that still feels relaxed, this is the route I’d follow.

Why We Chose Milos as Our First Stop

After a long travel day (USA → Athens → Milos), I wanted somewhere that felt slower and easier to settle into, but still had plenty to explore.

That’s exactly why we chose Milos as our first island.

From everything I’ve seen, it’s not overly built up, but still has a great mix of:

• beach hopping
• boat tours
• harbor dinners
• small villages

If you’re looking for a balance between structure and flexibility, this seems like a really strong place to start.

Where to Stay in Milos

We’re staying near Kaminia, which seems like a great middle ground.

Close enough to:

• Adamas (main harbor area)

But still:

• quieter
• less crowded

For Milos specifically, I’d strongly recommend renting a car even if you plan to stay in the heart of one of the cities.

This is not an island where I would want to rely on taxis, especially since a big part of the experience is being able to move around freely and stop wherever looks interesting.

Day 1: Arrival + Easy First Night

The first day is intentionally simple.

After getting in from Athens, the goal is just to settle in and not force anything.

Plan:

• Pick up rental car
• Check into Airbnb/hotel
• Head to Adamas harbor
• Walk around + casual dinner

We’re planning on doing Nostos Seafood Experience for dinner — something easy but still nice for the first night.

This is more of a “get your bearings” day than anything else.

Day 2: Beach Hopping + Scenic Stops

This is what I expect will feel the most “Milos.”

Starting early and building the day around beaches seems like the move here.

Must-stop spots:

• Sarakiniko Beach (early)
  • The most famous spot on the island
  • White rock landscape that looks like you are on another planet
• Papafragas Caves
  • Quick stop with great views
• Firiplaka Beach
  • Good for a longer beach hang
• Firopotamos Beach
  • More picturesque and quieter

Optional (if you have time):

• Paleochori
• Tsigrado

The biggest thing here is not rushing it and making sure to leave time to actually enjoy each stop instead of just checking boxes.

Dinner plan: Sirocco

Day 3: Boat Day (Do Not Skip This)

This is the highlight of Milos. The boat day is what really sets this island apart.

You get access to places you can’t reach by car:

• Kleftiko
• Sikia Cave
• Agios Ioannis
• Agathia Beach

Most tours run close to a full day (~8–9 hours), so we’re planning to keep this as the only thing on the schedule for day 3 other than a casual dinner afterwards.

If there’s one thing I wouldn’t wait to book, it’s this. Spots on some of the sailing excursions that I was looking at were filling up fast. If you are looking for a place to start, this is the sailing excursion we booked: Milos Full Day Sailing.

Day 4: Villages + Slower Day

After two full days, this is where we’re planning to slow it down a bit.

No strict schedule, just exploring.

Ideas for the day:

• Mandrakia Village (lunch at Medusa)
• Klima Fishing Village
• Tripiti Windmills
• Revisit a favorite beach

This is one of the reasons Milos stood out — it seems like an island where you don’t need a packed itinerary to have a really good day.

Dinner plan: AVLI

Final Morning: Keep It Simple

Coffee, light breakfast, and head to the ferry.

No need to cram anything in here. Just enjoy the slower pace before heading to the next island.

Quick Take

Milos is one of the easiest islands to enjoy.

It’s flexible, not overly crowded, and gives you a completely different feel than places like Santorini we plan to visit later in the trip.

If you’re building out a Greece itinerary, this I would highly recommend adding Milos to your list. I go into more detail on our overall Greece itinerary below:

14 Days in Greece: Island-Hopping Milos, Santorini, Paros, and Athens

How to Fly to Greece Using Points (Step by Step Guide)

Santorini: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary

I’ll Update This After the Trip

We’re heading here soon, so I’ll come back and update this with:

what’s worth skipping

what actually worked

what I’d change.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and experiences I’d genuinely recommend.

The post Milos Greece: 4 Days of Beaches, Boat Tours, & Travel Tips appeared first on CahoonCo.

For our 14-day trip, we wanted a mix of everything — dramatic views, beach time, cute towns, good food, and at least one stop that felt a little less chaotic than the typical “must-see” islands.

We ended up choosing Milos, Santorini, Paros, and Athens, and it felt like a really solid balance.

This route gives you a little bit of everything — boat days, scenic coastlines, cliffside views, beach clubs, slower island time, and a final city stop before heading home. It also feels manageable without trying to squeeze in too many places just because they look good online.

Here’s how we planned it and what each stop brings to the trip.

Milos

Milos is the stop I was most excited about.

Santorini gets all the attention, but Milos will be the island that gives you a more unique version of Greece. It looks a little more raw, a little less polished, and much more focused on beaches and exploring.

The landscapes are what really sold me. The coastline looks unreal, and the beaches all feel completely different from each other.

What drew us to Milos:

• Scenic without feeling overly busy
• Beaches that feel unique from each other
• A boat day here seemed like it would be the highlight of the trip
• A more relaxed start before heading into Santorini

A few spots we’re most excited about:

• Sarakiniko for the white rock, almost moon-like landscape
• Kleftiko and the boat-access caves
• Small fishing villages like Klima and Mandrakia
• Easy evenings around Adamas harbor

If you don’t want your entire trip centered around one famous island, Milos is a really good addition.

Santorini

Santorini is the one that almost doesn’t need an explanation.

We knew we wanted it in the trip, especially for an anniversary, because it is one of those places you have to see at least once.

That said, I think it works a lot better when it’s part of a bigger itinerary instead of the whole trip. Starting in Milos and then going to Santorini makes it feel more balanced instead of overwhelming.

We’re staying in Imerovigli, which felt like the best fit for us. It seems quieter than Oia but still has those same insane views.

What makes Santorini worth it:

• The caldera views really are that good
• It’s perfect for a special occasion or a few “bigger” moments
• It adds a completely different energy to the trip

Things we’re planning around:

• Sunset dinners (this feels like a whole event here)
• Exploring Oia without necessarily staying there
• Swimming spots like Ammoudi Bay
• A catamaran or wine day to break up the sightseeing

It’s not the place I’d choose if I only wanted quiet beach days, but for views and atmosphere, it absolutely belongs on this route.

Paros

Paros is the part of the trip that feels like a reset.

After Santorini, it’s nice to have a stop that still has great restaurants, beaches, and things to do, but without the same intensity.

It feels a little more effortless.

What I like about Paros:

• You can have slow days or go out — it works for both
• It doesn’t feel overly crowded or overly quiet
• It rounds out the trip without repeating the same vibe

The areas we’re focusing on:

• Naoussa for that harbor, dinner, walk-around feel
• Parikia for convenience and exploring
• Beach clubs and swim spots for easy days

Paros is a place where people don’t expect to love as much as they do, but it ends up being a favorite.

Athens

We’re only doing one night in Athens, but I still wanted it in the plan.

I know some people skip it to maximize island time, but I think ending here makes the trip feel more complete.

After days of beaches and ferries, it’s nice to have a completely different setting to wrap things up.

For us, this stop is simple:

• Walk around Plaka
• Get a rooftop dinner with a view of the Acropolis
• Enjoy one last night without trying to over-plan it

It also makes flying home easier, which is a big plus at the end of a long trip.

Why This Itinerary Works

The biggest thing I like about this route is that nothing feels repetitive.

Each stop has a purpose:

• Milos = beaches and scenery
• Santorini = views and memorable moments
• Paros = balance and flexibility
• Athens = a completely different finish

It builds really well from one place to the next instead of blending together.

It also leaves room for both planned experiences and slower days, which keeps it from feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to decide which islands to combine for a two week Greece trip, I love this lineup.

It gives you the mix people picture when they think of Greece — beaches, views, towns, and food without trying to do too much.

Each place feels different, and together it just flows well. be sharing more detailed guides for each stop, but as a full itinerary, this is the exact route we’re planning and would use again.

I’ll be sharing more detailed guides for each stop, but if you’re planning something similar, you can start with my 4 Day Milos itinerary and exactly how we booked our flights to Greece using points.

The post 14 Day Greece Itinerary: How to Split Your Time Between Islands appeared first on CahoonCo.

We stayed here for 6 nights as three couples across two generations, which ended up being a great test of whether a resort actually works for different types of trips.

Some of us wanted pool time, some cared most about food, some wanted beach walks and excursions, and others stayed out later for drinks and nightlife.

Everyone left happy, which is not always the case with a group like that!

If I had to sum it up:

• It’s one of the better value adults only all-inclusives in Punta Cana.
• Secrets Royal Beach is the right resort if you care about overall resort experience, food, and flexibility.

Check current rates for Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

First Impressions

The lobby sets the tone right away.

It’s open air, clean, and feels more put together than a lot of all-inclusives. Some places photograph well but fall flat in person — this wasn’t one of them.

From the start, it felt like a step up from a basic all-inclusive without going into luxury pricing.

Resort Layout & Overall Feel

This is one of the biggest things the resort gets right.

It’s a larger property, but it never felt like a hassle to get around. You’re not constantly walking forever or dealing with crowds at every turn.

That mattered more with a group. People could do their own thing during the day and it was still easy to meet back up or cross paths easily.

It also stayed consistently clean the entire trip, which is something you notice more the longer you’re there.

Atmosphere: Lively if You Want It, Relaxing if You Don’t

This is where the resort works really well.

Secrets Royal Beach had a good mix of energy. There was enough going on if you wanted fun nightlife or more of a social atmosphere, especially with the rooftop club, which was actually pretty fun.

At the same time, it never felt loud or chaotic, and it was still very easy to have a slower, quieter trip too.

Some nights we stayed out, some nights we didn’t. Same during the day with activities. Nothing felt forced or constant.

That balance is a big part of why this place works for both couples and groups.

The Beach: What You Should Know (Honest Take)

We went in July, and there was definitely sargassum (seaweed).

This isn’t specific to this resort — it can affect Punta Cana overall depending on the time of year. The resort cleaned it daily and clearly stayed on top of it, but it still impacts the water.

If perfect turquoise water is one of your top priorities, I would pay more attention to when you go than which resort you pick in this area.

That said, it did not ruin the trip at all.

The beach was still nice for walking, sitting, and just being out there, and the rest of the resort was strong enough that it never felt like a dealbreaker. We still ended up doing a lot of beach walks anyways.

There were also vendors on the beach, but they were not overly aggressive — especially compared to other places I’ve been. You’ll notice them, but it’s not constant.

One very specific tip: if a vendor tells you their shop is “just right there,” it probably isn’t. You may end up walking way farther than expected into a small market area.

Food: Better Than Most All Inclusives

The food was one of the best parts of the trip.

Not just “good for an all-inclusive”, but it was actually really great food.

On a 5–7 night stay, food matters more than people expect, and this is where the resort separates itself from a lot of others.

One thing to know:

The Asian restaurant requires a reservation, so book that early.

Everything else was fairly easy to get into, even with six people, which made a big difference.

Hidden Perk: Access to Dreams

One of the best underrated perks of staying at Secrets Royal Beach is that you also get access to the neighboring Dreams Royal Beach resort.

That gives you more pools, more restaurants, and more variety without needing to pay extra, and I think it adds real value, especially on a longer stay. It helped the trip feel more flexible without making the resort itself feel too busy.

For groups, this is especially nice because it gives everyone more options.

Best Excursion: Swimming with Nurse Sharks

If you are considering excursions, our favorite was swimming with nurse sharks.

It was absolutely worth it and one of the most memorable parts of the trip. I never though I could swim with any kind of shark, but this was such an amazing experience! I would book it early if you know you want to do it.

Nurse Sharks Excursion

Rooms: What’s Worth the Value

For most people, pool view rooms are the best value here.

Unless a beachfront view is extremely important to you, I don’t think you’re missing much by skipping it — especially depending on the time of year.

You save money, still get a really solid room, and can put that toward excursions or just keep the overall cost more reasonable.

Why It Works So Well for Groups or Couples

This is one of the things Secrets Royal Beach did best.

It worked really well for a multi-generational group, which is not always easy to find in an adults-only resort. Some people were more pool-focused, some cared most about food and relaxing, and some wanted more activity and nightlife.

At the same time, I would still absolutely recommend it for a romantic couple’s trip.

That balance is what makes it stand out. It feels easy enough for groups, but still upscale and romantic enough for couples.

For what you get, it’s very strong value.

It feels upscale without pushing into ultra-luxury pricing, and between the food, adults-only atmosphere, and Dreams access, it offers a lot for the money.

Is Secrets Royal Beach Worth It?

Yes. For the price point, I would absolutely go back!

It’s one of the better adults-only all-inclusives in Punta Cana for value, food, and overall experience.

If your top priority is perfect beach water every day, I’d look more closely at timing due to the sargassum.

But if you want a resort that feels easy, well-rounded, and works for both couples and groups, this is a solid pick.

See Current Availability for Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

If you’re trying to keep trips like this affordable, here’s exactly how we book flights using points:

How to Fly to Europe Using Points (Step-by-Step Guide)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and experiences I’d genuinely recommend.

The post Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana Reviews: Is It Worth Booking in 2026? appeared first on CahoonCo.

There are resorts, and then there is Hammock Cove.

We stayed here for our honeymoon and booked a full Sunday-to-Sunday week in Waterfront Villa #1, with round-trip flights included for about $8,600 total. Going in, we expected a beautiful Caribbean resort. What we found was something even better! A quiet, intimate adults-only resort that felt far more private and personal than a typical all-inclusive.

Between the plunge pool, calm cove, water hammocks, genuinely kind staff, and some of the best food we have had at any resort, Hammock Cove ended up being one of the most memorable trips we have taken.

That said, there were also a few things I really wish I had known before arriving — including the fact that men need pants for the main restaurant, which led to my husband buying black jeans in the gift shop because we definitely did not research that part enough.

If you are considering Hammock Cove for a honeymoon, anniversary, or splurge Caribbean getaway, here is my honest review of what made it special, what to know before you go, and whether I think it is actually worth the price.

Check current rates for Hammock Cove

Quick Take: Our Honest Verdict

If you want a lively resort with lots of nightlife, endless restaurant options, and a bigger social vibe, Hammock Cove probably is not the best fit.

But if you want a romantic, adults-only resort where you can slow down, spend real time in your villa, enjoy calm water, and feel taken care of without being surrounded by crowds, it is incredibly special.

For us, Hammock Cove felt more like a private honeymoon retreat than a standard all-inclusive!

What Makes Hammock Cove Different

One of the biggest things that stood out to us was how small and peaceful the resort felt. Hammock Cove is not the kind of place where you are fighting for a beach chair, waiting in buffet lines, or feeling like just another room number.

Because the resort is made up of private villas instead of one giant hotel building, everything feels quieter and more spread out. Even when we were around other guests, it never felt crowded.

The setting also makes a big difference. The resort sits inside a protected cove, which keeps the water calmer and helps avoid the seaweed issues that can affect other Caribbean beaches. That meant the beach stayed beautiful while we were there, and the water was actually enjoyable to swim in every day.

Our Waterfront Villa: What It Was Actually Like

We stayed in Waterfront Villa #1, and for us, the villa was a huge part of what made this resort worth the splurge.

The indoor space was clean, comfortable, and spacious, but the outdoor area was what really made the room special. Between the private plunge pool, the hanging chair, the outdoor bar, and the ocean view, we spent way more time at our villa than I normally would at an all-inclusive.

That is probably the biggest thing I would tell anyone considering Hammock Cove: you are not just paying for a room. You are paying for a villa you will actually want to spend time in.

The bathroom also felt more upscale than I expected, especially the huge double shower. Everything felt simple, clean, and well laid out without trying too hard.

I would still choose waterfront again. The views were beautiful, and waking up to the water every day made the whole stay feel more special. That said, some waterfront villas seem a little more private than others, so if privacy matters a lot to you, I would pay attention to villa placement when booking and request ones away from the center of the resort.

The first picture shows the water view villas, which as you see are behind the walkway. Not a lot of foot traffic since it is a small resort but still worth noting if you value privacy.

Compare Villa Pricing

The Ambassador Service

Each villa comes with a personal guest ambassador, and that ended up being one of those small details that really improved the overall experience.

Instead of calling a front desk or figuring things out yourself, you have one main point of contact who helps with dinner reservations, requests, activities, and anything else you need during your stay.

The staff overall were incredibly kind, and that warmth was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. When my husband wanted to take the Hobie Cat out, one of the employees actually went with him early in the week to teach him, which made the whole experience so much more fun. After that, my husband took us out on the private Hobie cat every day!

Food, Drinks, and the 7-Course Dinner

The food was one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

At a lot of all-inclusives, food is fine, but not usually something you keep talking about after you get home. Hammock Cove was different. Meals felt more thoughtful, more elevated, and much more memorable than we expected.

The 7-course dinner is an absolute must. If you are going, I would prioritize that early and ask about it when you arrive to make sure you plan accordingly. It was one of the best meals of the trip and one of the experiences that made Hammock Cove feel more luxury boutique resort than standard Caribbean all-inclusive.

We also got to do a kitchen tour and cooking class, which ended up being one of the coolest surprises of the trip. Seeing a freshly caught yellowfin tuna arrive and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the food side of the resort made the dining experience feel even more special.

One thing to know ahead of time: men need pants for the main restaurant. We learned that the hard way and ended up buying my husband black jeans in the gift shop. Funny now, but definitely something I wish I had known before packing.

Beach, Water Hammocks, and Activities

The beach here is not huge, but it was one of my favorite parts of the resort.

Because the resort is tucked into the cove, the water felt calm, clear, and easy to enjoy. I never had that feeling of looking at a pretty beach that was not actually fun to use. We spent a lot of time swimming, relaxing, and just enjoying how peaceful the area felt.

The water hammocks were one of my favorite little details at the resort. They made the beach area feel fun and unique without being overdone.

My husband also loved taking the Hobie Cat out, and that ended up being one of his favorite parts of the trip. I really liked that the included activities actually felt usable and enjoyable rather than just being listed as amenities on paper.

The Seadoo Snorkeling Excursion

One of our favorite off-property experiences was the Seadoo snorkeling excursion.

It was such a fun experience and definitely one of the most memorable excursions of the trip. That said, I would only recommend it if you are a fairly confident swimmer. You do go pretty far out, and while the underwater scooter helps a lot, it still felt like something better suited for stronger swimmers.

If that sounds like you, I would absolutely recommend it.

What I Wish I Knew Before Booking

Here are the biggest things I would want a friend to know before booking Hammock Cove:

• Men need pants for the main restaurant.
• The 7-course dinner is worth doing.
• The waterfront villas are worth it if views, extra privacy, and villa time matter to you.
• Some waterfront villas may feel a little more private or get different sun than others.
• The beach is smaller, but the protected cove makes the water calm and beautiful.
• You will probably spend more time at your villa than you expect.
• The Seadoo snorkeling excursion is amazing, but I would not recommend it for weak swimmers.

Is Hammock Cove Worth the Price?

For us, yes!!

At around $8,600 for a full week including flights, this was absolutely more of a luxury trip for us. But for a honeymoon, it delivered exactly what we wanted: privacy, beautiful views, a villa we genuinely loved spending time in, kind staff, calm water, and food that felt far above the usual all-inclusive standard.

If you are the kind of traveler who mostly wants action, nightlife, or a huge resort with endless options, I would look elsewhere.

But if you want an intimate luxury all-inclusive that feels relaxing, romantic, and genuinely special, Hammock Cove is one I would absolutely recommend.

Current availability and pricing for Hammock Cove

Quick Reference

Resort type: Adults-only luxury all-inclusive
Best room: Waterfront villa
Trip length: 5 to 7 nights
Best for: Honeymoons and anniversaries
Must-do: 7-course dinner
Favorite beach feature: Water hammocks in the cove
Best activity: Hobie Cat and calm-water beach time
Best excursion: Seadoo snorkeling
Would we go back? Absolutely!!

FAQ

Is Hammock Cove Antigua worth it for a honeymoon?

Yes, especially if you want privacy, a romantic villa setup, calm water, and a more intimate feel than a large all-inclusive resort.

Are the waterfront villas worth it at Hammock Cove?

I think so. The views and the overall villa experience were a huge part of what made the stay feel special.

Does Hammock Cove have seaweed on the beach?

During our stay, the beach stayed pristine, and being protected inside the cove seemed to help a lot.

What should men wear to dinner at Hammock Cove?

Men should bring pants for the main restaurant. We learned that one the hard way. Women typically wear dresses (long or short).

What is the best thing to do at Hammock Cove?

For us, the highlights were the private villa time, the 7-course dinner, the water hammocks, and the Hobie Cat.

Planning a romantic Antigua getaway?
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and experiences I’d genuinely recommend.

The post Hammock Cove Antigua Honeymoon Review: Is it worth it? appeared first on CahoonCo.