Kimkim Trip Reviews for Greece

Overall it was very clean and functional. The staff were very helpful, friendly and personable. The rooms are of adequate size but the bathroom was small. Air conditioning was fine once we figured out how to set it - there were no instructions in the room. The fridge was cold but the tiny freezer was unable to keep ice frozen. Location is in an area that is a bit rundown. Easy walk to town. The beach at the hotel is ok but not as remarkable as other nearby beaches reached by bus (buy the tickets before you board) or taxi (expensive). The two pools were very clean and inviting. Maid service very prompt and efficient. Breakfasts were very extensive and many types of self-serve fresh-brew coffees were available. The layout of the hotel is a bit inconvenient in that you almost always need to go up and down short stairways to get around. The Galaxy pool is smaller and there were rarely, if ever, any shaded lounges available on sunny days. More umbrellas and chairs would be useful. The restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner adjacent to the large pool, was actually part of the next-door sister property Naxos Resort. Bar staff were admittedly worn out from a long season but did their best to put on a game face. If we did this trip again, we would not choose the Galaxy and instead have KimKim offer other choices.

Very clean and the executive suite is large with a kitchenette and separate bedroom. Quiet except for a couple emergency vehicles at night. Perfect location. The hotel's claim that Executive Suites have a view of the Acropolis, Hadrian Arch etc. is misleading---if you stretch out over the very small balcony overlooking the street and turn your head as far as possible to the side you can get a glimpse of them in a narrow opening down the street between buildings. Hotel breakfasts were extensive and very good. We used the reception/bar area for our family/friends group pre-meal cocktails with both our own wine and wine purchased from the bar. Staff was very friendly and helpful and on our last night they did recommend a restaurant in an out-of-the-way beautiful location that was the culinary highlight of the stay.

Clean, with very friendly staff. Nice location with restaurants nearby and you can walk to the Acropolis. We only stayed one night so can't give a full review - except to compliment the staff for having a takeaway breakfast ready for us when we had to leave at 4:30.a.m.!

This tour was billed as a cooking class in someone's home with a farm and garden tour before making lunch and eating it outside under the trees. There was no farm or garden tour and lunch was served in the stuffy kitchen. But the most disappointing was that the meal was not something that seemed Greek. It was meatballs with two kids of potatoes - mashed and fried. I was expecting salads, filo dough, olive oil, honey - those kinds of things. Having to make common meatballs and peel potatoes seemed like work, not a culinary experience. Our driver/guide was suffering from a root canal and he tried his best to be helpful but you could tell he couldn't wait for the tour to be over. Same with us. Also, the tour said we would stop at a distillery (we did, just ok) and an artisan pottery studio (we didn't). The woman teaching the class was pleasant but she seemed tired. I suggest finding other options for anyone wanting a cooking class - this one wasn't great.

We had so much fun on this sunset cruise. The catamaran was spacious and classy - one of the nicest catamarans in the harbor. We were lucky with the weather - no wind, the water was like glass and the temperature perfect. The crew was nice but didn't engage with us much. They brought out two kinds of appetizers, including chunks of banana with honey and cinnamon that was different and delicious. They served plenty of ok chilled white wine. The crew anchored by the arch for the sunset, and we watched a big full moon rise over Naxos harbor on the way back (it was twilight). We were all in great spirits, lots of laughs, and this was one of the highlights of the trip.

This was just what we wanted on our first full day: an orientation on Naxos and a visit to three villages that coincidentally let us check out some hiking options. Guide Gina was enthusiastic, personable and knowledgeable, explaining the quarries and terrain as we entered the hills. She had only been on Naxos a year and the driver cheerfully added information during her narration on the way to the villages. We met very nice local cafe in Melanes who provided some delicious snacks. (If we had known there would be food we would have skipped breakfast. )

On time, friendly drivers.

Ferry vouchers and transport to/from Naxos ferry were all in perfect order. We could have handled these easily ourselves but a couple in our group liked having the support of KimKim in case something went wrong (it didn't). The ferry boarding process is a bit disorganized but if you have ferry experience in your travels and go with the flow of passengers you're fine. Pay attention to announcements (in Greek) as you approach your destination, especially if you have a car, and go to the loading/unloading deck as it can take over five minutes to get to the boat exit and the ferries sometimes only stop for a few minutes. You may not make it off if you wait in your seat for the boat to dock.

Leo the guide was very thorough and knowledgeable, not just about the food we sampled but also about the eating habits and daily lives of the average resident. He knew well the story of Athens and Greece and answered numerous questions about history. We walked several miles and he made sure we were all up to the task. The shopkeepers were friendly and appeared to like Leo. We started with a breakfast filo dough pastry spanakopita at shop that had locals lined up outside. Then we had a delicious baklava. There was a larger meal with many different Greek foods at a local restaurant. He took us to the old town with the street markets, where local fishmongers, butchers and produce stalls had all types of fresh and dried food on display.

Between our research and the help of KimKim, this was a custom tour. We enjoyed the visits to villages like Lefkes where we had coffees and talked about Greek life and politics, then to Naoussa where we had a marvelous harbor-side lunch. The town was just beautiful with a quaint, authentic, old central shop area. We made a mistake in asking for a 4-hour midday tour. While it was interesting and the guide very professional and knowledgeable, we would probably have changed the timing as we returned to Naoussa about 3pm when all shops were closed and we had to sit in a cafe playing cards until the 6:15 ferry. It might have been better to either go much earlier in the day and return to Naxos to enjoy the afternoon, or do a longer tour and spend more time in Naoussa town and at a beach instead of sitting around for 3 hours.

The guide (Magdalena?) was exceptional and knowledgeable. When she realized that not many of our group of 12 were deeply into mythology, she adjusted and concentrated on pertinent facts about the Acropolis with just interspersed mythology references which were interesting. She did her best to maneuver through crowds, gained us immediate entrance to a couple areas that had lines, and several times we were off by ourselves near shade on a hot day.

We enjoyed this hotel very much. The staff was friendly and helpful, the accommodations were perfect, and the common areas for sitting and breakfast were very pleasant.

The Galaxy was very pleasant and comfortable.

Wonderful place for a quick overnight stay before we left Athens to fly home.

The gathering point was extremely convenient since were were staying in the Ava Hotel. It was right at the end of the street at Hadrian's Gate. All the participants were divided into groups of about 12 and assigned a guide. Our guide Magda was extremely knowledgeable about the Greek gods, the myths surrounding them and their various relationships with each other and humans. She was funny, entertaining and personable. We visited many sites such as the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysis and the Sanctuary of Asclepios, along with many others. Madga had tales to share for all of them.She was excellent at explaining the complexities of life in those early times. Quite the historian!

Fantantic tour! Our guide Leo was a native Athenian who met us in the lobby of the Ava Hotel. He was a fascinating narrator of the history of Greece as we walked through the city. In Plakia, where the Ava is located, Leo also explained the meal customs of most Greeks who eat a very light breakfast early before leaving for work but who then have a substantial snack around 10 am. Ours consisted of some famous spinach pie (spankopita) and some cheese pie. From there we stopped at a baklava shop where we each had a piece of the best baklava ever. We reached Parliament Square where Leo explained why the guards were attired the way they were, and we witnessed the changing of the guards. From there we walked through an upscale area, and then visited the "Athenian Trilogy," three beautiful buildings completed in the 1890s. Next was a visit to an olive oil shop where we learned about the various flavors and acidity levels. Our last stop was at a tavera where Leo ordered numerous delicious dishes for us to sample. It was the best we'd had so far. We walked back to the Ava through the market and old town. The five or so hours were well spent.

Gina, our tour guide, was delightful! We drove through the countryside, stopping first at a honey tasting place in the mountains with different honeys and teas and a delicious "lentern pie." This was followed by a visit to a Kouros, a statute made of marble, that had been abandoned after it was obviously dropped on the way down the mountain. The next stop was in a town largely made of marble where we had a scrumptious lunch served with wine (included). The setting was idyllic! Then there was a Kipton tasting at an old house, now a museum. Our driver then drove us through the countryside and villages back to the Galaxy Hotel. A wonderful tour!

Two of us went on this excursion to a farm and a cooking class. The drive up to the farmhouse was very pretty. Maria was the chef. When we arrived we were sitted at the kitchen table and offered zucchnini pancakes, cheese, spinach pie and a homemade brew made by Maria's husband. By the time we finished snacking, we were totally satisfied. At that point, Maria presented us with aprons, and we began our lesson. We helped make some meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, sliced potatoes which Maria's husband cooked, and mashed still more potatoes. Maria then dished up large portions in spite of our pleas to make them small. The plates consisted of the meatballs and sauce, delicious fried potatoes wedges and mashed potatoes. We managed to eat some but not all. It was way too much food.

This was a wonderful evening! The weather was perfect and the water extremely calm. The two crew members, while not overly friendly, were attentive and competent. We were served white wine (no red on the boats apparently), delicious sliced bananas with honey and cinnamon drizzzled over them, and some small bread slices with tomates and cucumber. The catarmaran itself was very comfortable. We sat on the front in comfortable padded seats leaning against the window. In the bay overlooking the Portara (the Temple of Apollo), the island’s emblem and main landmark, we anchored and watched a beautiful sunset. A very nice experience.

No problems with the ground transfers. Drivers were waiting with a sign and were easy to find.

It was nice to have reserved seats in first class. It is a short, easy ride between Naxos and Paros.

We had another fantastic guide who took us to four villages, lunch at an excellent restaurant, and then a beach where we waded and enjoyed the scenery for half an hour. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting, especially since he is somehow connected to the governing body of Naxos and was therefore able to give us details on many of the political aspects of life there. It was an outstanding tour!

We all loved our rooms here. Super fun staff

Perfect for our last night and VERY easy access to airport. Rooms good

Our kids stayed one night and spoke very highly of this hotel and its location :)

Great location and staff was amazing

Amazing to see some villages and learn history. Our guide was pleasant and very nice :)

Another informative and fun time

Probably the highlight of Greece. Great staff on board, fabulous food

Hercules was so fun and informative. Loved the wineries and our authentic meal.

This was so amazing. Our guide was fun, informative, and read the room.

Great location and spacious rooms.

Probably our favorite hotel during our 15-day trip to Greece.

Hotel was beautiful, although some of the rooms were a bit on the smaller side.

Beautiful modern hotel in a great location. Shopping, restaurants and sites were within walking distance.

Tour guide (Elena) was great. It's a challenging tour if your if you have any physical limitations.

Andres was great. Had a lot of knowledge.

The tour was okay; but there is an additional charge to get to the Poseidon ruins.

Local cuisine was excellent. Enjoyed the walk throughout the city.

Another walking tour that required some stamina.

Would highly recommend this restaurant. The views were incredible.

Probably one of the best tours. What made it so memorable was our tour guide Felipe. He was very informative and so humorous. By the time the tour was over, we were certain we wanted him and our driver Philipos for the following day's tour.

It was a continuation of the previous day with Felipe (Guide) and Philipos (Driver). More fun and great sites.

Bill took us to a local restaurant. He was a great driver that was both friendly and funny.

This tour was amazing. Seeing these ancient ruins makes you appreciate how advanced the Minoan society was.

Although if rained on this tour, Nicos made it memorable nonetheless. He was very knowledgeable and engaging.

We had a second floor room with a view of one of the two pools and the ocean beyond. The view was lovely although you do see a bit of the rustic road leading in. Go for a second floor or higher room. Beware there are multi-level stairs everywhere and this hotel is on the outskirts of Naxos town. The beach is right across the road though so that’s great and the hotel’s breakfast buffet is generous. Its restaurant is open all day and we lunched there several times as we preferred the pool that’s next to the restaurant. Easy to get into the shallow end and more secluded from cars and traffic noise. Overall this hotel is quiet and we were very glad we were not in the heart of Naxos town.

More benches; more shade offered

This is what I expected Greece to look like. Charming villages, honey and pancake tasting, delicious Rossi pork lunch

I would give this hotel a 10 star rating if possible. They make you feel like part of the family. Service was exceptional and the rooms were clean and charming.

The rooms were clean and very spacious. Breakfast was served timely and the staff was helpful. Location provided easy walking access to many restaurants and shopping locations.

Beautiful location with beautiful views.

Rooms were clean and comfortable.

Elena was great and very informative

Andres was kind and informative.

Central location, safe and clean. The homemade breakfast will be forever remembered. Highly recommend.

Brand new apartment. Excellent location.

The view and breakfast!

This not only kicked off our Greek holiday but turned out to be a highlight. A VIP experience.

Location, perfect. Layout and space, beautiful. We did have an issue with the cleaning. We arrived very late at night and our apartment hadn't been cleaned. Angela and the building management had someone come to give us fresh sheets and towels for the night and would send someone for a full cleaning the next day. No one showed up the next day. Management was so apologetic and I just think it was a one time issue, but it was really irritating. Not a fault of KimKim at all, I just want people to know. Someone did end up coming our last day and doing a clean.

Amazing amazing amazing! Right across from the beach and had the most amazing views. We could have laid by that pool all day every day. Also breakfast was so so so so good! 78 steps to get up to our villa just a heads up to anyone going there with bad knees or out of shape! Lol

Views were literally insane, it was such an amazing view. We really enjoyed our stay here. Shower situation was a bit odd, but we understood the buildings are old and not modern. Didn't affect our opinion, they were just awkward and interesting.

Our guide was amazing we really loved her! Only reason for 4 stars is that it is a lot of standing sometimes we just wanted to go see the acropolis and then sit down with our guide. Still an amazing educational tour, we learned a lot.

This was amazing! Our guide was amazing!!!! 🤩 Great food and coffee as well 😋

We had lunch at Ms Maria's house!! We helped her cook lunch and then all ate together in her kitchen. It was very authentic and very homey - we all loved this so so much.

We loved this tour and our tour guide. Only issue was the length of the trip. Our ferry was delayed by 30 min, but I think it could have been planned a bit better. It was supposed to be a day trip to Mykonos and by the time we got there we only had 2.5 hrs to see everything. Our guide was incredible, but I would really suggest getting an early morning ferry (ours wasn't until 12:15pm and was delayed until 12:45pm) so that you have substantial time there. That was a bit disappointing. I almost feel like the tour was planned as if we were taking a high speed ferry, but we were not.

Great tour!!! 😁

Amazing amazing amazing!!!! At first we thought it looked like a lot of people to have on the boat at one time (about 16 of us). But it never felt crowded at all! One of our party got seasick and the crew was SO nice making sure she felt comfortable the whole time. The sunset was incredible and the dinner they made us was delicious. I recommend 10/10 for everyone to do this one.

18 Grapes Hotel in Naxos was our favorite of the four hotels during our Greece trip. This hotel hit all the marks, beautiful property, elegant rooms, quality food, and genuinely friendly and attentive service. Breakfast selections were from a menu and made to order. Eating areas included indoor/outdoor areas. The hotel staff were ALL so accommodating and attentive. They made us feel like we were part of their family. This was the hotel where I felt most relaxed and happy to sit by the pool and enjoy the sun.

The Iliovasilema Hotel in Santroini had beautiful views of the sea with a patio area outside the room to sit and enjoy the views. The hotel is built into the side of the mountainous terrain of Santorini which requires access to the rooms by narrow stairways. The size of the rooms seems to vary considerably. We were assigned an extremely small room.

This hotel was very conveniently located in an area that was walking distance to the acropolis, museums, shops, and restaurants. The room we had was a two-room suite with a kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave. This was the largest room we had during our visit to Greece. Breakfast was included and consisted of a wide selection of a la carte food and drinks. Overall, a very pleasant experience.

This hotel was very conveniently located in the city center and walking distance to a small grocery store, museums, shops, and restaurants. The room was a small size hotel room. Breakfast was included and consisted of a wide selection of a la carte food and drinks.

The Electra Metropolis Athens Hotel was fantastic. The room was exactly what we liked, and the location was spectacular. The restaurant overlooks the Acropolis and the Paragon, which was just magical. Absolutely wonderful experience.

The Myconian Ambassador in Mykonos was a great experience. The people were wonderful, and we loved the spa treatment and the service. Although it was a bit further from the old town, the location was peaceful and quiet, which suited us well. There was plenty to walk around, and we just took a taxi for tours into the old town. The hotel itself was cool and modern.

Avgoustos Suites Naxos had a cool vibe and felt very local. The people running the place were incredible and hospitable. The rooms were beautiful, the bed and showers were amazing, and the breakfast was a delight. We loved the local feel and the connections we made here.

Homeric Poems Santorini was stunning. We spent a good amount of time just sitting on our overlook watching the sunset and the water. Even though there are stairs, it didn’t bother us. The walk along the trail nearby was beautiful and the tours were great. Very hospitable and helpful service.

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum!

The actual catamaran cruise itself was amazing! The staff was very friendly and attentive to us. The food was great and we had plenty of beautiful stops to swim! The transport to and from was disappointing. The transfer was very late picking us up and we had to call to make sure they were still coming. Then when the cruise was over we had to wait at least 45 minutes for the van to pick us up. It seemed like a lot of waiting around and very disorganized.

This was our favorite activity by far! The tour guide (Manos) was amazing! We loved the diversity of this tour - we got to see an olive oil press, a local farm and tavern, and go to a beautiful beach. Being on bike allowed us to go places a big van was unable to reach. The e bikes were very easy to use. We cannot recommend this activity enough!

Perfect location, steps from the water front, restaurants and shops but far enough away to avoid the crowds. There are beautiful beaches were you could rent chairs and receive food and beverage service about 10-15 mins walking distance. Our host Irene was lovely, she made sure we were taken care of and provided a variety of tasty breakfast options that were delivered at our request. The Inn itself is very unique, with it's history presented along the ancient walkways and garden, the room was clean and modern with plenty of space indoors and private outdoor space.

Only one site stands above the Acropolis- it is Orizontes. Entire city view! Wonderful service and delicious food.

Excellent!

Must dine at Roof Top Restaurant - no equivalent views of the Acropolis throughout Athens.

It's why you go to Athens. Request Effy (Effie) as your guide - she is outstanding!

Do it on your last night - lasting memories of a magnificent sun- set dinner cruise. Only way to cap off a totally wonderful vacation. Amazing!

Beautiful pool and perfect family room for 4.

Lovely inn - perfect location, comfortable room, breakfast included.

Great location, perfect family room, nice pool facilities and food service. Close to the beach!

Stunning suite, incredible view, so spacious and beautifully decorated.

Beautiful modern suite, rooftop pool and great service.

Great way to learn about the history of Nafplio and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Fantastic evening! Amazing food and wine. Wonderful hosts / chef.

Our guide was superb - really brought ancient Olympia to life.

Beautiful way to see the Naxos shoreline. Good food, company, 3 stops for swimming/snorkelling.

Amazing walk from Imerovigli to Oia. We could have done it on our own but learned so much from the guide about Santorini - definitely worth it! Picnic lunch at a nearby farm was a surprise - delicious and unique experience.

Perfect way to see the Crete countryside and learn about the people, food, history.

A perfect hotel! We had a large group of 21 people and there were appropriate room types for everyone: singles, couples and families. The hotel and beach were beautiful and the service was fantastic. They organized a special birthday cake and toast for one of our group that was celebrating a milestone birthday on the trip. Sundunes is beautiful, relaxing, and the food is great! It's also convenient to several beach bars and restaurants that are easy to walk to.

Amazing views and great location

Great location and spectacular Acropolis view from the rooftop bar.