A Week in Greece: From Athens to Nea Makri

Last year, I had the chance to visit Greece in the springtime with my parents and my boyfriend. It was such a special trip—especially for my parents, who had never really traveled outside of the former Soviet territories before. Experiencing something new together as a family, especially in such a beautiful and historic place, felt incredibly meaningful.

We spent five days in Athens, exploring its ancient sites, lively neighborhoods, and sunny streets. The Acropolis was, of course, a major highlight. Standing up there, with the whole city stretching out below, gave us such a powerful sense of history. It was hard not to be amazed by how much has survived from so long ago.

What really made this trip special, though, was seeing my parents react to things they’d never seen before—palm trees, cactus plants, and even wild turtles. These are everyday sights in Greece, but for us, coming from Lithuania, it felt like stepping into another world. Watching them enjoy these little moments made me even more grateful for the experience.

After Athens, we spent two days in Nea Makri, a smaller town by the sea. It was quieter and more relaxed, and the beach there was absolutely beautiful. We took slow walks along the water, enjoyed fresh seafood, and just soaked in the calm after the busy city. It was the perfect ending to our trip.

The whole week was packed with experiences—historical sites, local food, new landscapes. But more than anything, it was full of shared memories. It was a reminder of how travel can bring people closer together, and how seeing the world through someone else’s eyes—especially your parents’—can make everything feel new again.

And now, I’m actually flying to Greece again in two days! This time with my partner’s family. I’m really excited for another round of sunshine, sea, and culture—and of course, I’ll share that experience with you when I’m back. But for now, here are some moments from last year’s trip with my family, which I’ll always keep close to my heart.