As I was getting my cultural and historical fix in Athens and Northern Greece , I knew that for Monicca, this whole trip was leading up to her personal highlight, Santorini . Sure I knew from all the pictures and movies shot here how beautiful the island is; but what got me really excited was when I read that the Legend of Atlantis was actually based off of this island! To get a chance to explore the so-called most beautiful city in antiquity, destroyed by the gods because of its citizens’ hubris ? Count me in! * The departure gate at Athens’  Eleftherios Venizelos . You know you’re going to have an epic time when all your fellow passengers are wearing shorts and sandals .