Greece offers unparalleled scenery and profound history. You cannot resist the deep blue Aegean Sea, the dazzling Cycladic houses, and the towering Acropolis of Athens. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, a country with thousands of islands, you need to decide on your destinations and how long to stay. We’re here to help you craft the perfect Greece travel itinerary, whether you have a short break or a more extended vacation.
To achieve this goal, we’ve designed two comprehensive itineraries of varying lengths: a fast paced one week plan and a relaxed 10-day journey. These combine the most popular mainland cities and islands, making your Greece itinerary simpler and more stress free.
Table of Contents
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Greece?
Greece Itinerary 7 Days: Athens & Santorini
Greece Itinerary 10 Days: Athens, Santorini & Mykonos
Travel Tips for Greece
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Greece?
For first-time visitors, 7 to 10 days is an ideal choice. This allows for a good balance between exploring historical sites, experiencing city life, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Greece Itinerary 7 Days: Athens & Santorini
If you only have 7 days in Greece, we’ll focus on the main destinations: Athens and a Cyclades island like Santorini. This minimizes travel time, maximizing relaxation and sightseeing.
Overall itinerary: Athens (3 nights) – Santorini (3 nights).
Day 1 Arrival in Athens
Your first stop in Greece is the capital city of Athens. From there, you can take the metro or a taxi to your hotel. The best way to start is by simply walking through the atmospheric neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika. These areas, nestled right under the Acropolis, feel like a village within the modern city, with charming staircases, street vendors, and small tavernas.
Later in the day, you can visit the Acropolis Museum in advance to learn about the background and history before touring the Acropolis tomorrow. Near the museum is an excellent Greek restaurant called Yard Restaurant, where you can enjoy dinner.
Where to stay
Look for accommodation in the Plaka or Monastiraki areas. The Plaka district boasts stunning scenery, though it can be crowded with tourists and noisy at night. The Monastiraki area offers convenient transportation and features numerous landmarks.
Day 2 Visit Historical Sites
Start early to visit the Acropolis of Athens and avoid the crowds and heat. Witnessing the Parthenon standing sentinel over the city is a moment you won’t soon forget. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to the ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, the heart of public life in ancient Athens.
For lunch, head to Kuko’s The Bar, where you can enjoy Greek specialties and delicious pizza to quickly recharge. Afterward, grab a coffee at 1937 Coffee Bar to ease the morning’s fatigue. As night falls, take the cable car up Lycabettus Hill to admire the sunset views over Athens.
Day 3 Classical and Modern Convergence
This morning, head to Cape Sounion, located about an hour’s drive from the city center. You can visit the Temple of Poseidon, the ruins of a 5th-century BC temple, and enjoy stunning sea views from the site, Enjoy locally sourced fresh seafood at Marida Seafood Restaurant.
Return to Plaka in the afternoon to explore its charming alleys and souvenir shops. Alternatively, head to Ermou Street for a coffee, then conclude your final day in Greece with dinner at Maiandros Restaurant.
Day 4 Travel to Santorini
There are two ways to travel from Greece to Santorini. You can take a flight, which takes only 45 minutes. Another common option is the ferry, which takes 5-6 hours. Therefore, for a 7-day trip, we recommend flying.
Most hotels in Santorini are located in Fira, Imerovigli, or Oia. After settling in, take a stroll through the cliffside town of Fira, where you can capture postcard-perfect photos. Especially at the Three Bells of Fira, you can see the blue sea and the domes of the church. Head to Parea Tavern for dinner, where you can enjoy outdoor seating and excellent views.
Where to stay
Imerovigli is a quiet village on the island offering the most spectacular views of the caldera. Fira is perfect for nightlife and shopping. Oia is picturesque but extremely crowded, especially at sunset.
Day 5 Watching the Sunset at Oia
Oia is one of Santorini’s most famous towns, renowned for its iconic blue domes and whitewashed alleys. Lunch at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, the cliffside restaurant. At the Castle of Oia, you’ll witness the most breathtaking views. The Blue Domed Church of Santorini is also a classic postcard-perfect photo spot.
In the afternoon, start by finding a prime spot at Oia Castle, the best location for watching the Aegean sunset. Alternatively, choose a bar with exceptional views, such as the 363 Sunset Bar with its terrace, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the sunset.
Day 6 Join the Sailing Adventure
Join a Santorini cruise for a day trip. Most cruises will take you along the island’s eastern coastline, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach. Barbecue and beverage service is provided, and you can enjoy the sunset over Oia while on board.
Day 7 Farewell to Greece
On your final day in Santorini, start the morning by finding a brunch spot to savor your last Greek meal. Afterward, make the most of your time shopping for souvenirs before catching the ferry or flight back to mainland Greece and heading home.
Greece Itinerary 10 Days: Athens, Santorini & Mykonos
With an extra 3 days, itinerary for Greece in 10 days can include Mykonos, one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Following the popular route through Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos allows you to experience more diverse landscapes.
Overall itinerary: Greece (2 nights), Monastiraki (3 nights), Santorini (4 nights).
Day 1 Visiting Athens
Visit Athens’ most important ancient site, the Acropolis, and explore the Parthenon and Erechtheion here. Next, visit the adjacent Temple of Olympian Zeus, a 6th-century BC temple dedicated to Zeus. For lunch, head to the Metropolis Roof Garden, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the terrace.
Spending the afternoon wandering around the Plaka district is a great choice, with its many small shops and the uniquely scenic open-air cinema Cine Paris, where you can watch the sunset.
There are many excellent bistros in this area, among which Couleur Locale is particularly popular, offering a delightful evening experience.
Where to stay
For accommodations, we also recommend staying in the Plaka or Monastiraki areas. Alternatively, you can choose lodging near the Acropolis of Athens for closer proximity to major attractions.
Day 2 Museum Tour
Spend the morning at the National Archaeological Museum, home to world-class ancient Greek artifacts and Greece’s largest archaeological museum. Enjoy lunch nearby at Atitamos, a beloved traditional Greek restaurant famous for its popular squid dishes.
In the afternoon, witness the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square. If time permits, shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street. For a unique dining experience, Ergon Agora Restaurant comes highly recommended, but be sure to book ahead as it’s extremely popular.
Day 3 Getting to Mykonos
Traveling from Athens to Mykonos can be done by either plane or ferry. The plane is the fastest option, taking only 45 minutes to arrive. The ferry is the cheapest and most common way, with the fastest journey taking 2.5 hours.
After settling in, head straight to explore Mykonos Town. Its labyrinth of narrow white alleys, originally designed to confuse pirates, now keeps visitors trapped in its charm.
Spend the afternoon wandering and shopping along Matogianni Street, the main thoroughfare filled with boutiques and high-end shops. For dinner, Oniro Sunset Bar offers ocean views and sunset watching, along with fresh seafood.
Where to stay
Mykonos Town offers the best access to nightlife and restaurants. You might consider staying near Ornos or Platis Gialos for a slightly quieter beach-focused experience.
Day 4 Sunset and Little Venice Charm
Today, we focus on the picturesque heart of Mykonos. Start with a visit to the Windmills of Kato Mili for classic photos. Sixteen historic grain windmills stand atop the mountain, creating a beautiful scene against the azure sky.
Next, head to the enchanting Little Venice district, where houses are built right along the water’s edge. You can wander through the area or snap photos from the shore. For relaxation, enjoy a cocktail at Negrita, a beautiful bar in the heart of Little Venice with prime views of the sunset.
Day 5 Day Trip to Delos
The ferry ride to Delos takes 30 minutes. This island is one of Greece’s most significant sites for mythology, history, and archaeology. Legend holds that it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A visit to the Terrace of the Lions is essential, featuring marble lions that are the island’s most iconic landmark.
Take some time to climb Cynthus, the highest point on the island, where you can overlook the entire archaeological site and the surrounding Aegean Sea views.
Note that there’s only one small café on the island, so you may want to bring some snacks and energy bars with you.
Day 6 Ferry to Santorini
Today, you’ll take a high-speed ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, a journey that takes about 2 to 3 hours. Start by strolling through Fira, visiting the blue-domed, white-walled churches in the old town, and snapping some postcard-perfect photos of the sights. Later, find a cliffside restaurant like Aris Restaurant for panoramic views of the caldera.
Where to stay
Focus on the caldera villages: Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli for the best views.
Day 7 The Fira-Oia Hike
We recommend tackling the scenic hike today. Start in Fira and work your way north to Oia. Don’t forget to stop at the highly praised Confetti Dessert Boutique in Imerovigli for a brunch break.
As evening approaches, head to the Castle of Oia, the prime spot for sunset viewing. Alternatively, visit the 3 Domes Viewpoint for the classic panorama of three domes. If you’d like to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset, Kastro Restaurant also offers excellent vantage points.
Day 8 Cruise & Wine Experience
A Catamaran Cruise around the caldera is highly recommended. During the cruise, you can admire the island’s unique coastline and swim in the Aegean Sea.
Later in the afternoon, head to Santo Winery for a cliffside wine tasting. Tasting packages range from €20 to €40, offering samples of 6 to 12 local wines. Along the way, visit Pyrgos Kallistis for panoramic views of the entire island. Dinner can be enjoyed at Metaxi Mas, a popular Santorini restaurant renowned for its delicious lamb stew.
Day 9 Archaeological Sites & Natural Scenery
Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, where preserved remains of the Minoan civilization date back as early as 4,000 BC. Here you can see well-preserved streets, houses, and frescoes. From there, head to Red Beach, known for its uniquely colored volcanic sand.
Alternatively, choose Perissa Beach, better suited for swimming and sunbathing. Near Red Beach lies the delicious restaurant The Cave of Nikolas, where fried squid and Greek stuffed eggplant are recommended.
Day 10 End of the journey
Your 10-day Greece itinerary ends here. Based on your flight schedule, you can choose to return to Athens by plane or ferry. For last-minute shopping at Athens Airport, Greek olive oil, wine, and the specialty anise-flavored liquor are the most popular items.
Travel Tips for Greece
Before traveling to Greece, knowing these key details can make your trip go more smoothly.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Greece is during the off-season months of April–May and September–October. The weather is warm during these periods, tourist crowds are smaller, and prices are relatively affordable.
If you wish to visit different islands, avoid traveling between November and March, as many ferry services reduce their schedules or cease operations during this period.
Transportation
Greece has thousands of islands, and knowing how to get around is key to traveling there.
- Athens: The Athens Metro is clean and efficient, connecting the airport, port, and all major archaeological sites. Within the city, most central areas are easily accessible on foot.
- Between Islands: High-speed ferries are the most popular way to travel between islands, especially within the Cyclades archipelago, such as between Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. Book tickets in advance, particularly during peak season. For longer journeys like Athens to Santorini, flying is usually the fastest option.
- On the islands: Renting a car or an ATV is more convenient for exploring larger islands. On smaller islands like Santorini and Mykonos, buses and taxis are sufficient.
How to Pack
- Travel Documents: If you plan to rent a car, bring your driver’s license. Bring a credit card and some small euro cash for use at restaurants.
- Clothing: Start by packing lightweight T-shirts, shorts, or dresses. Bring a light jacket to protect against island breezes. If heading to an island, remember to pack swimwear and a beach towel.
- Shoes: Comfortable walking sneakers, plus a pair of sandals suitable for the beach.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential for protecting your skin.
- Electronic Devices: Chargers and power banks, cameras, and plug adapters.
- Other Items: Prepare a waterproof bag for your phone, an umbrella, personal medications, and a water bottle.
- Please note that when visiting monasteries or religious sites, such as the monasteries of Meteora or specific churches in Athens, women should cover their shoulders and knees. Carry a lightweight scarf for coverage.
How to Save Money
- Take the Ferry Between Islands: While flights are fast, inter-island ferry travel is almost always cheaper.
- Use the Metro in Athens: A single metro ticket is much cheaper than a taxi, especially for trips to and from the airport.
- Book Accommodation Away from the Caldera: On Santorini, the same hotel room a few streets back from the famous caldera view can be half the price.
- Eat at Local Eateries: Try gyros, which cost €3-5 and are very filling. Avoid restaurants on main streets near attractions; head to those tucked away in side alleys for better prices. Also, local wine is cheaper than cocktails.
- Buy Combo Tickets: The Athens Archaeological Sites Pass costs €30 and covers the Acropolis plus 6 other sites. A single ticket for the Acropolis alone costs €20.
- Bring cash: Shops on the island prefer cash payments, so prepare in advance to avoid high ATM fees on the island.
FAQ
How much would a trip to Greece cost?
For budget travelers, excluding airfare, two people might spend €80–150 per day. This requires staying in budget accommodations and using public transportation and standard ferries.
Mid-range travelers might spend €200–300 per day, which includes staying in decent hotels, dining at good restaurants, and participating in various activities.
Is it cheaper to go to Italy or Greece?
Greece is generally considered cheaper than Italy, especially in terms of accommodation and local food. This also applies to admission fees for some attractions. For example, the entrance fee to the Colosseum in Rome is relatively high.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, you do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
However, all non-EU travelers will soon be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before traveling to the Schengen Area. While not a visa, it is a mandatory electronic permit. Be sure to check the latest implementation date for ETIAS before traveling.
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