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3 Incredible Itineraries for Travelers Heading to Greece This Year

Three Greece travel experts weigh in on how to craft the perfect trip — top hotels, informative tours, and Cycladic islands included.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

In the past few years, tourism to Greece has boomed. With the summer high season only a few months away, now’s the time to lock in your own plans, whether they call for a tour of the classics or something a little more adventurous. Here, a collection of trips from the three Greece experts on Travel + Leisure ’s A-List .

A Classic Crowd Pleaser, Arranged by Petros G. Zissimos of Hellenic Holidays

Ian Dagnall/Alamy

This quintessential itinerary includes visits to some of Greece’s most iconic destinations, Zissimos says, adding that “it’s our most popular trip for 2023 so far.” Touch down in Athens, where you can hit highlights such as the Acropolis and Areopagus with a guide, then explore neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Plaka on your own. Zissimos recommends staying two nights at the well-situated Electra Metropolis before heading off to the Cycladic island of Mílos, accessible either by air (45 minutes) or by ferry (from three hours).

Seux Paule/Hemis/Alamy

“Mílos has dozens of beaches to visit, with different combinations of sand, stone, and shells,” says Zissimos, who’s especially partial to Sarakiniko. He also recommends a sailing excursion to Kleftiko, where volcanic rock formations make for spectacular photos, and an evening in the town of Adamantas, where tavernas line the waterfront. The seaside Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa , on the northeastern tip of the island, is a go-to for Zissimos.

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

You’ll need a morning for the four-hour ferry ride to Naxos, an island offering a solid combo of archaeological sites and contemporary adventures. “There’s a beach for everything here,” Zissimos notes. “Agios Georgios is known for windsurfing, while Mikri Vigla is the place for kitesurfing.” In between, Zissimos can arrange guided visits to the Temple of Demeter and the Portara, the 2,500-year-old marble gate that stands at the entrance to Naxos Harbor. His preferred place to stay is Villa Marandi Suites , with its whitewashed ocean-view rooms.

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection

After breakfast, catch a high-speed ferry (90 minutes) to Santorini, then check in to the cliff-top Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection . Spend the next day on a sailing excursion, complete with snorkeling stops. Zissimos can also set up wine tastings and recommend hikes, like the coastal path from Fira to nearby Imerovigli, with its jaw-dropping views of the caldera. Zissimos suggests leaving time for dinner in the ever-in-demand village of Oia, known for its sunsets. From there, ferry or fly back to Athens for the trip home.

Something Less Expected, Planned by Christos Stergiou of TrueTrips

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The capital is a must-see, Stergiou says, “because its classical history has so distinctly influenced modern thought.” He suggests a guided tour that takes in both the ancient and the contemporary, with visits to the Acropolis Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus as well as landmarks around central Syntagma Square, including the Greek Parliament. Conveniently, his hotel pick, Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel , is located on the same square. “It’s the grande dame of Athenian hotels,” Stergiou says.

Izzet Keribar/Getty Images

From Athens, head for Patmos, “an island that exudes a unique aura thanks to its seemingly untouched natural beauty,” Stergiou says, adding that it’s a Christian pilgrimage site, as it is believed to be the place where the Book of Revelation was written. His favorites include the village of Chora, a UNESCO World Heritage site and “one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the Aegean.” Stergiou can also arrange for private boat excursions for sightseeing, swimming off uncrowded beaches, and dining in a hyperlocal family-run restaurant. His go-to hotel is close to his heart: the Petra has been in the Stergiou family since 1989. The 11-suite inn is now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Courtesy of Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort

After a late checkout, hop aboard the overnight ferry from Patmos back to Athens — in a private cabin, of course. In the morning, it’s an easy one-hour flight to Páros, a place Stergiou calls “up-and-coming, or maybe already there.” Make your way, with a guide, to the island’s north and the Environmental and Cultural Park of Páros. The area “is filled with fascinating attractions, including the old shipyard and the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis, built right above the sea.” Check in at Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort , where Stergiou likes the Aether suites, with their sea views. Spend the rest of your time either lounging on Páros’s sandy beaches or making day trips to nearby islands like Antiparos, before taking the ferry (from 90 minutes) over to Santorini.

Ståle Eriksen/Courtesy of Canaves Oia Epitome

“It’s not exactly under the radar,” Stergiou notes of Santorini, “but with the right guides, you can still tap in to the more traditional side of the island.” He recommends spending one day exploring Assyrtiko vineyards, such as Domaine Sigalas; he also suggests a guided walk through Oia, the picturesque if popular village that still conceals a few lesser-known corners. As for where to stay, the Canaves Oia Epitome strikes the right balance between proximity to the island’s best restaurants and seclusion — particularly when you’re booked in a one-bedroom pool villa. Stergiou suggests one last night back at the Grande Bretagne before your flight home.

Off the Tourist Trail, Recommended by Mina Agnos of Travelive

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Start in Athens, Agnos says, “but unless you’ve never been to the Acropolis, I’d suggest instead a tour of the stunning archaeological site of Cape Sounion, south of the city, where there are spectacular sunsets.” Spend another day on a guided tour of the city’s cafés and ouzeri, low-key bars that serve the anise-flavored spirit along with platters of meze. Agnos loves the centrally located and newly opened hotel Xenodocheio Milos , from the group behind the Estiatorio Milos restaurants.

Spiros Papadakis/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Your next stop is Sérifos, “a Cycladic island that has some of the most stunning beaches in Greece, including sandy Psili Ammos, which is often on lists of Europe’s best,” Agnos says. More rugged and lesser-known than nearby spots such as Mílos, it’s nevertheless easily accessible by ferry (from two hours). Agnos suggests taking time to explore the island’s mythological sites, such as the ancient construction known as the Throne of the Cyclops, before spending time swimming or hiking. She recommends the Hotel Rizes overlooking the port.

Emi Cristea/iStockphoto/Getty Images

From there, it’s onward by ferry (from 6 1⁄2 hours) to Naxos, the beachy island that’s also a favorite of Zissimos. For her part, Agnos recommends the island’s many hikes (like a half-day round-trip from the village of Chalki) and can also arrange for cooking or pottery classes. Stay at the hilltop 18 Grapes , with its two pools and views of the sea, or Naxian on the Beach , which has 10 seafront suites.

Athina Psoma/Alamy

From Naxos, it’s an easier ferry (from 90 minutes) west to Sífnos, a less-visited Cycladic island with a growing reputation for food. “It’s famous in Greece for having some of the country’s best culinary experiences,” Agnos explains, as it’s the birthplace of distinctive dishes such as revithada, a chickpea stew, and mastelo, red-wine-braised lamb. The island also has its share of hikes, from easy three-mile loops to challenging nine-milers. Agnos recommends a stay at the Elies Resorts , on Vathi Beach.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "The Best of Greece, Three Ways."

How to see the best of Greece in 10 days

Sep 12, 2022 • 6 min read

Here's how to make the most of your trip to Greece in 10 days © borchee / Getty Images

You can see a lot of Greece in under two weeks and get a real feel for its history, ruins, beaches, food, late-night revelry and a few of its many iconic islands. Ferries link many of the best places to visit , and lazing away the hours on deck gazing at the passing turquoise water is an irresistible interlude to more storied sights. 

We’ve put together a detailed ten-day itinerary to show you the best Greece has to offer. Don’t have that much time available? Never fear – you can also curate your ideal locations from our picks to plan a blissful long weekend.

Day 1: start in Athens, the nation’s cradle

Don’t delay; climb the hill in the center of Athens to the magnificent Acropolis . Descending back into the land of mortals, wander the ancient Agora neighborhood before joining the merry mobs hopping from one taverna to another in the  Plaka  district . For extra credit, pause at some point at the extraordinary Acropolis Museum .

Go from Athens to Mykonos: Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from Piraeus , the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. The fast times are on speedy hydrofoils, while the slower runs are on traditional boats, with their broad and sunny decks.

How to get around Greece

Day 2: sail the Aegean to Mykonos

Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos . One of Europe’s fabled party destinations (St Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. Explore the maze of covered lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes in the old town of Hora . Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. But save some energy for well after dark when the notorious clubs like to party until dawn – or later.

Go from Mykonos to Delos: Boats to Delos make the run in a quick 30 minutes starting in the morning. 

Day 3: walk with the ancient Greeks in Delos

Fight off any after-effects of the night before and catch a morning boat to Delos , the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The entire island is a sacred shrine – ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. Let your imagination run wild as you reconstruct this once magnificent center in your mind. Make the quick return to Mykonos by boat and cool off at a beach. Then get lost in Hora until you stumble upon the perfect seafood dinner.

Go from Mykonos to Paros: Several ferries a day make the run in about one hour.

Day 4: relax on Paros

Something of a ferry hub for the Cyclades, Paros – the group of islands that in many ways defines Greece – literally has something for everyone. Flower-draped tavernas in the port town of Parikia make great post-ferry lunch spots.

Get a rental car and drive the circumference of the island. This can be an all-day adventure and includes plenty of beach access along the east coast. The island is also noted for its produce – especially the tomatoes – so enjoy something delicious in the oh-so-cute mountain village of Lefkes or the locally popular beachside town of Aliki.

Go from Paros to Antiparos: Car ferries link the adjoining islands in under 15 minutes.

Day 5: slow down on Antiparos

Almost touching its much larger neighbor, the diminutive island of Antiparos really is the anti-Paros. Parts of the island qualify as sleepy, and there’s an unhurried vibe across its narrow, windy roads. Take the quick boat ride to Despotiko, a restored ancient sanctuary, then enjoy a seafood feast in Agios Georgios at a waterfront taverna. If you’re feeling sporty, join the windsurfers taking advantage of some of the most reliable winds in Greece.

Go from Paros to Santorini: Ferries take 2–3 hours.

Day 6: join the throngs on Santorini

With its polychromatic cliffs soaring above its drowned caldera, Santorini  is the definition of a ‘Greek island’ for many. Steep and narrow lanes are lined with brilliantly whitewashed houses topped with cerulean domes. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the island’s spine, offering sweeping views. Sunsets are mesmerizing. Take in the spectacle from tiny hillside Oia , which offers a choice of tavernas serving deeply traditional Greek fare (expect grilled meats, creamy tzatziki and more).

Go from Santorini to Crete: There’s usually one speedy ferry daily, making the two-hour run to Iraklio in Crete.

Day 7: get lost in Greece’s best palace at Knossos

The island of Crete is so big that it almost feels like its own country. The main city of Iraklio is best enjoyed for a quick lunch in a café and as a place to secure a rental car. Then charge south for barely 20 minutes to one of the top ancient sites in a nation of ancient sites. The Palace of Knossos was built by the Minoans and is a vast and somewhat restored ruin that can easily absorb half a day or more. If you have time to take a tour, there are more than a dozen wineries nearby that make the excellent local wines you’ll enjoy with every meal.

Go from Iraklio to Hania: Rental car prices on Crete are competitive, and distances are manageable. The run between the island’s two main cities takes only two hours, although endless stops and diversions to admire incredible views can greatly extend that .

Day 8: revel in the stunning beauty of Crete

Crete’s second city of Hania is really the island’s first city in the hearts of those in the know. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. The food here is extraordinary, and the chefs put Crete’s fabled produce to remarkable use. Two excellent detours are the absorbing ancient port town of Rethymno and the grand and glittery Orthodox churches in the hills, such as Moni Arkadiou .

Go from Hania to Elafonisi: Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly.

Day 9: hit the beaches of Crete

The Samaria Gorge is the most famous of southern Crete’s many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. If the crowds at Samaria are daunting, consider the Agia Irini Gorge instead. Finish your day at sublime Elafonisi Beach , where the sand has a pinkish hue in a certain light, and the swimming is superb.

Go from Hania to Athens: Frequent flights to Athens take under an hour from Crete’s second-largest airport.

Day 10: stroll around Athens

The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. Catch the changing of the guard at the center of government (and Athens) in Syntagma Square . Choose from sights such as the antiquity-stuffed Benaki Museum , the lush National Gardens , the ornate Hadrian’s Arch and the grandiose Temple of Olympian Zeus .

Finish your time in Greece with a languid session in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki and cafe-lined Plateia Kolonakiou.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Athens International Airport Guide

Cities to Visit

Neighborhoods to Explore

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48 Hours in Athens

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Your Trip to the Greece: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Greece: The Complete Guide

A visit to Greece can be a dream vacation as long as you know what your dream really is and plan for it. The country's beautiful beaches and world-famous archaeological sites are just two (of many!) reasons to visit Greece . But whatever your reason, use this guide to learn more about the various regions of Greece, how to travel around the country and what to expect of Greece's food, culture, and sights.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : Spring and early fall are the best times to visit when there are fewer tourists but the sea is still warm and the weather fine for outdoor activities.

Language: Greek  . English is spoken in the cities and areas popular with visitors.

Currency: Euro (€)  .

Getting Around: Train service in Greece is limited. An exception is the InterCity Network run by TrainOSE that connects Athens to Thessaloniki and several other cities. Buses, including both local and intercity services, are run by regional cooperatives known as KTEL. The services are not nationally coordinated, so you need to look up KTEL for the region you plan to visit. This KTEL Macedonia website (covering the area around Thessaloniki) is typical. Athens and Thessaloniki have local and suburban public transportation systems. Athen's Metro (expanded for the Olympics) is particularly good, cheap, and clean. Hundreds of ferries connect the mainland to the islands and mainland coastal ports to each other. Private companies run the ferries, and there is no nationwide timetable. Save time and money by using the services of a Greek travel agent to book ferries and for information about buses and trains. Greek websites on these subjects are not well developed for international travelers, but agents are common in ports and city centers.

Travel Tip: Driving in Greece is not for the faint-hearted. Even though many of the highways have been improved in recent years, mountain roads can be hair raising. That, coupled with Greek driving habits, means that the country has a much higher accident rate than elsewhere in Europe.

Things to Do

Eighty percent of Greece is covered in mountains, divided into many peninsulas, and separated by canals  . There are also about 6,000 islands, 227 of them inhabited, and thousands of miles of coast. Getting from one part of the country to another can be complicated so it's important to know, in advance, what you want to do and where to find it:

• Two major cities, Athens , the center of Classical Greece, and Thessaloniki , the heart of Byzantine Greece, are hubs of culture, museums, fashion, nightlife, shopping, dining, and festivals. Both are good bases for touring.
• Fragrant woodlands, dramatic mountains, olive groves and sacred sites dedicated ancient oracles and gods cover mainland Greece. Byzantine fortresses and remote monasteries perch between deep, folded mountain valleys.
• Wherever you go in Greece you'll find thousands of years of history, from the earliest signs of democracy to the temples and theaters of the ancient world as well as the remnants of the Romans and the Byzantines. The Parthenon, the Acropolis , and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi are among the most popular sites.
• The thousands of Greek islands and beaches are an essential part of Greece and Greek culture and are surprisingly easy to reach by plane or ferry. Islands like Crete , Santorini , and Kefalonia are worth a trip on their own.

What to Eat and Drink

Though the foodie scene in the cities is becoming pan-European and international, the best things to eat in Greece are still fresh and local. Octopus and kalamari (fried rings of squid) are popular taverna fare. Fresh Greek salads with feta or local cheeses, a squeeze of lemon and tangy olive oil, are part of every meal. Look for sweets flavored with mastic, a gum from evergreen trees. You may be welcomed to your hotel with a spoonful of cherry or apricot jam and a glass of water.

Take some time to stop at a kafenio (cafe) for coffee and honey-soaked Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi , or the custard pie known as galaktoboureko . A popular outdoor coffee drink, apparently invented accidentally in Thessaloniki, is frappé. It's made of instant coffee, ice water, and sugar beaten with an electric whisk to form a foam.

The Greeks these days are producing outstanding red and white wines from vineyards in Crete and Santorini. Ouzo, flavored with aniseed, is similar to French pastis drinks. It is sweet and robust and, when added to water, turns white. It packs a lethal punch. If you have a taste for firewater, try the raw spirit made from the byproducts of winemaking. It's called raki in Crete and Tsipouro or Tsikoudia everywhere else. As far as local beers are concerned, microbreweries have caught on, and there are excellent craft beer makers. Look for Red Donkey, a fruity amber ale from Santorini.

Learn more about what to eat and drink in Greece, including the top 10 dishes to try in Greece and the best restaurants in Athens .

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Greece range from quirky Athens boutiques in bohemian neighborhoods like Psirri to corporate giants, like the Athens Hilton in the city center or the luxury Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square. The area immediately west of Syntagma Square and into Monastiraki has a concentration of moderately priced three and four-star hotels.

Learn more about the best hotels in Athens, as well as top neighborhoods to visit in Athens .

Getting There

The main international airport for Greece is Athens International Airport , with connecting flights to Thessaloniki, Kalamata , and several of the islands, including Crete and Santorini. Athens Airport is on a main highway and is about 20 minutes from the city center by car or taxi (taxi fares are set by law). Car rental, pick up and drop off, is easiest to arrange at the airport. The cheapest and fastest way to get to the airport from Athens is by Metro Line 3. The airport Metro station is well marked. There are also bus services from the airport to the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.

To find out more about getting to Greece, explore the best ways to get to Athens Airport , how to take the ferry from Athens to Santorini and how to avoid taxi scams in Greece .

Culture and Customs

Outside of the big cities and major tourist resorts, Greece is a relatively conservative country. In small towns and rural areas, women should dress modestly, avoiding bare shoulders, exposed bosoms, tight or very short skirts or shorts. Even in the cities, cover up before entering Greek Orthodox churches. And, if you are visiting monasteries like the ones at Meteora, don't wear trousers. If you do, the monks will give you wrap around skirts to put on over pants.

Nude and topless bathing is tolerated in many parts of Greece, and on some of the islands, like Crete and Spetses, a short walk beyond the end of a popular beach will take you to a nude beach area. But check with your hotel or a local taverna first. Nude bathing is still technically illegal. On the small islands and in more rural places, Greek families from the small mountain villages visit the beach on weekends with their families. Nude bathing that may be tolerated during the week is not allowed on weekends and school holidays.

Check out everything you need to know about nude bathing in Greece and discover Crete's best nude beach.

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in the off-season: The most popular time to visit, with the highest prices from June to September. Visit in May or October, and the weather is reliably warm, but prices are much lower.
• Consider self-catering: That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. Efficiency apartments and small villas are usually cheaper than hotel accommodation, and you can save quite a bit by cooking some of your meals yourself.
• Rent an electric bicycle or moped: They're cheaper than rental cars and popular for getting around on islands and in coastal resorts. Just be careful. They are very noisy, and you may not be aware of traffic coming up behind you.
• Take advantage of what's free: Most museums and historical attractions have free admission on certain days or for certain groups of travelers. Look up the site you're interested in on the Greek Ministry of Culture & Sports website . In the left column of your attraction's listing, click on "Information," and you'll find all the free days.

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "General Info."

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "Geography."

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10 Days in Greece: The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide

last Updated: March 27, 2024 athens delphi greece meteora mykonos santorini

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a trip to the Mediterranean and looking for the best 10 day Greece itinerary?! You’re in luck, my Mediterranean-loving pal, I’ve got the perfect 10 days in Greece planned out for you below!

AND if you want to extend your trip even further (aka see even more stunning islands), follow my advice for a complete 2 weeks in Greece!

We chose Greece as our honeymoon destination (it was a close call against Bora Bora which we thankfully made it to the year after), and couldn’t have picked a better country! Since then, we’ve visited Greece a few more times, and honestly can’t wait to head back for more island hopping.

From the turquoise Mediterranean Sea to all the olives and feta you can eat (ooooh the feta), it’s never a bad idea to visit this little slice of paradise.

This 10 day Greece itinerary is broken up into different parts and will show you the best of both worlds; a few highlights on the mainland and then about a week or so of island hopping!

You’ll see archeological sites in Athens and Delphi , ancient monasteries in Meteora , jaw-dropping caldera views in Santorini (plus those iconic blue domes in Oia ), and those famous windmills and boisterous nightlife (should you choose to take part) in Mykonos . Planning a trip to Greece will never be easier!

Psst – many people head straight to the islands when visiting Greece, but I highly recommend venturing a bit north to Delphi and Meteora. Yes, while the islands are downright stunning, seeing other parts of the country are valuable as well. Variety is the spice of life, especially on a trip to Greece!

But first, a pre-travel guide to Greece to learn a bit about the country and what to expect when you’re there.

MAIN REGIONS VISITED ON THIS GREECE ITINERARY:

• Delphi + Meteora
• Cyclades Islands (Santorini and Mykonos)
• Extra Islands: Crete, Ios, Milos, or Hydra

This itinerary starts in Athens (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads up north to Delphi and Meteora , and then continues even further south to the stunning and ever-so-popular Greek Islands of Santorini and Mykonos (with possible additions of Crete , Ios, Milos , or Hydra to round out a complete 2 week Greece itinerary).

You’ll find tons of options for getting around Greece – a mixture of buses, ferries, and flights, which I’ll explain in more detail as this itinerary progresses.

Important Info for this Greece Itinerary

When to spend 10 days in greece:.

The short answer: The shoulder seasons of May and September. Everything is open (and the weather is pleasant) but the hordes of tourists have either not yet arrived (May) or have just all gone home (September).

The longer answer: While many visitors to the country choose to come in the summer months, know that it’ll be ridiculously crowded, most likely scorching hot (heat waves of 100°F/40°C are not uncommon in July/August), and you’ll pay much more for accommodation than during the off-season.

But if summer’s the only time you can go, don’t fret- the waters are at their warmest (so plan some time for swimming), nightlife really kicks off this time of year, and everything will be open and ready for business. Take tons of sunscreen and a hat, understand you’ll be sweaty more than half the time, and you’ll be good to go.

Visiting in the off-off season (November to early-April) is a whole other story, especially if you’ve got your heart set on visiting the islands. Hotels, many restaurants, and most shops are closed during these times, so you may find that there’s really not tons to do on the islands in the winter months.

Your call, but I’d opt out of visiting Greece during this season. Stick to late-April to early-October and I’d say you’re golden.

And thankfully, if that just makes you even more confused, I have a full article on when to visit Greece , including all the festivals, weathers, and crowds.

HOW TO GET TO GREECE:

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights and almost alllways find the cheapest possible flights on one of those sites. The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas in Europe with much shorter flight times. A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

You can typically find airfare from New York to Athens for roughly $8-900, although costs will vary wildly depending on season and if you’re traveling over a holiday period.

I’ve seen flights as low as $~650 in the off season months and during flight seat sales (just gotta get lucky!). Expect to pay $200ish more if you’re coming from the West Coast.

Most international flights arrive in Athens, although you may have difficulty finding non-stop flights to Greece if you’re coming from the States.

If you’d like, you can take advantage of this by extending your layover and checking out another country! Just depends on your preferences – but just know that once you get to Europe, it’s fairly inexpensive (within reason) to get around to neighboring countries.

Once you’re in Europe, check out low-cost airlines like Aegean and EasyJet in order to make it to Greece (but be sure to take into account those pesky bag fees before making your ultimate decision on a budget airline!)

MONEY AND EXCHANGE RATES

Greece, like many other parts of Europe, uses the Euro, with the exchange rate being approximately 1euro = $1.05USD (at time of this publication, June 2022). I recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or a currency converter on the web) to get the most up to date currency exchanges for all forms of currency.

Note that Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards in Greece, and your beloved American Express may in fact get rejected at most places. If you’re planning to visit towns in the countryside (and not on the typical tourist track), you’ll want to keep some cash on you at all times.

How to get the best exchange rate: I always suggest you take out local currency at ATMS upon arrival and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in your home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always. I always take out cash at an ATM at the airport upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting.

Health and Safety:

You can drink the water in Athens (and other large towns), however you should stick to bottled water on the islands (including Mykonos and Santorini) and in smaller towns (should you be visiting any of those).

It’s not to say that the water on the islands/small towns will 100% make you sick, but if you have a weaker stomach, bottled water is recommended. Feel free to ask locals for their advice, but I’d rather drink bottled and not ruin my trip over a few dollars.

Also, while we’re at it, do your best at not flushing toilet paper in Greece. The sewage system is very narrow in diameter, and the pipes tend to get clogged quite easily. So where should you dispose of your toilet paper?  The garbage bin located next to the toilet. 🙂

Greece is a relatively safe country, but in more recent years, there’s been more reports of cars broken into, pickpockets, purse snatchings, etc. Use normal precautions to keep yourself and your family/friends safe.

Always keep your valuables at your side, don’t leave cameras, phones, or other expensive gear visible, and don’t leave any precious belongings unattended at the beach.

I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the company SafetyWing (which even includes pandemic coverage — something most don’t cover). We ALWAYS buy a short term plan (depending on how many weeks we’ll be away) before we leave for any trip! Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion. Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Not convinced you should be using travel insurance? Check THIS out, I explain it in much more detail over there.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Greece as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Note that your passport needs to have at least six months of remaining validity in order enter Greece.

Where to Stay:

*More info on each one below in full Greece itinerary

Athens : Athens Gate Hotel (affordable luxury) or City Circus Athens (artsy hostel)

Santorini : Astra Suites

Mykonos : Belvedere Hotel or Cavo Tagoo

A (few) Notes on Ferries:

You’ll undoubtedly need to take a few ferries if you’re planning a trip to Greece which includes some island hopping (which yes, of course you should be).

The ferries can be a bit tricky to those who’ve never taken them before (those schedules and port names are all kinds of annoying), so I’ve made a list of things I wish I’d known before visiting Greece the first time. And you betcha I was as anxious as ever about missing my scheduled ferries (it was also 7 years ago before I started traveling like a mad woman).

→ We like to use  Ferryhopper.com  to search and book our ferry tickets in Greece. The site shows all the schedules (direct and those with connections), prices, timing, and more. Those Greek ferry websites can be so confusing and clunky (especially if you don’t know Greek)! Thankfully,  Ferry Hopper  makes it super easy; it’s what we use each and every time and we’ve never had an issue. Always opt for a direct ferry if at all possible (like I said, the ferries are super chaotic – a connection is the last thing you want).

• 1. I like to have our travel schedule all planned out before initial take off, which makes it much less stressful once we arrive in our destination.
• 2. We were traveling during peak season and didn’t want to possibly have our preferred ferry of choice sell out.
• 3. We wanted to ensure that we could travel on the fast ferries, ultimately getting to the islands faster and spending more time on the beach.
• There are a ton of different ferry companies, each with their own schedule, pricing, and ferry options, but Blue Star ferries and Hellenic Seaways are known to be the most popular. We bought high-speed ferry tickets prior to putting our Greece itinerary to work. (High-speed ferries will cost you the most, but will save you ample time and are the least likely to be choppy).  

• Many of the ports are not named what you’d initially think. For example, the port in Athens is not just named “Athens”, but Piraeus, and the Santorini port is entitled Thira. If you’re not following my itinerary and choosing to head to different islands, make sure you do research in advance so you know which ferry route to book. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if you can’t find Athens as a departure port on the ferry website when searching for it. Just use Ferry Hopper — they make it super easy for you.
• Not all islands are interconnected via direct ferries, especially during the off season. Because of this, you may need to fly from Athens or between islands.

And now what you’ve been waiting for, a perfectly planned out 10 days in Greece (which you can easily extend for the ultimate 2 week Greece itinerary as well).

In a nutshell: Athens (1 day) → Delphi (1 day) → Meteora (1 day) → Santorini (3 days) → Mykonos (3 days) → OPTIONAL additional island (3 days) → Athens (for departure)

Day 1: Athens

Everyone always says that Athens isn’t worthy of much time when visiting Greece, but I beg to differ. I spent a full 3 days in the city a few summer’s back, and never found myself bored (let’s face it – I was the girl stuffing her face with loukoumades and blocks of feta like there was no tomorrow #noshamehere).

It’s true, Athens is most definitely on the grittier side of Greece, but the history alone is staggering and the food is to die for. And plus, you’ll appreciate those luxurious islands (later on in the itinerary) if you see how the country actually runs and operates.

HOWEVER, if you’ve only got 10 days allotted for your Greece travel itinerary, it’s best to keep your time in Athens to a minimum. And don’tchu worry, you can fulfill all your ancient-marbled fantasies with just one (long and tiring) day in Athens. Luckily the sun sets quite late in the summer months (8:30ish or so), so you can really get a lot in with only one day.

Read Next: 2 days in Athens (a super complete itinerary!)

Choose from plenty of these popular highlights below:

• Acropolis : don’t miss the Parthenon (obviously), the Propylaea (gateway to the Acropolis), the Theatre of Herod Atticus, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. In order to save some time (and avoid waiting an hour+ in the hot sun for admission), I HIGHLY recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket to the Acropolis in advance before your trip. If you’ve only got a day (or two), why waste it on line? And if you wanna beat the crowds, consider getting there as early as 8:30am, when this tour (tickets excluded, just FYI) starts.

• The New Acropolis Museum (you can also book a combo Acropolis and Acropolis Museum guided tour if you want to keep it all easy-peasy and ensure you don’t miss any of the super important stuff). And if you totally want to cram it all in and are getting into Greece this morning, you can book an afternoon tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (skip-the-line of course as well).

• The Plaka : Being the historic center of Athens, filled with winding alleys, steep staircases, and tons of cafes and restaurants, you’d be a fool to miss this picturesque neighborhood. And plus, it’s a wonderful place for some lunch: grab some gyros, chocolate covered coconut sticks, loukoumades, and call it a day. Up for a bit of shopping? Stroll around the streets of Adrianou and Kydathineon, full of boutiques, art galleries, and color.

• Syntagma Square : Being the epicenter of modern Athens, Syntagma Square is complete with the political center and transportation hub, and is an all around fantastic place to people watch (any time of day). Catch the changing of the guards at the top of every hour.
• Monastiraki : strolling along the Ermou (a famous pedestrian shopping street) and wandering around Monastiraki market surely makes for a great afternoon.

• Search for Anafiotika: Craving the islands already? Well, this is as close as you’ll feel until we actually get there! Anafiotika is a neighborhood hidden against the slopes of the Acropolis, and it’s actually pretty easy if you know where to look. To find it, head up Erechtheos Street, (towards Pritania Street), make a right and across from Metochi Panagio Tafou (a church) start heading up hill. And all those little cul-de-sacs and private-property looking-esque twisty staircases – that’s Anafiotika!
• Watch the sunset from Mount Lycabettus : if you’d rather get your heart pumping and go on a little hike (for unparalleled views of the whole city), skip some afternoon wandering and head on up to Mount Lycabettus instead! Just depends on your interests!
• Athens by Night via Segway : if you arrived into Athens this morning or just have a thing for segways, consider signing up for a segway tour of the city ! In just a few hours you’ll see ancient monuments and modern landmarks, illuminated after dark, and discover hip neighborhoods that are at the heart of Athens’ nightlife. Sounds like a decent night out to me.
• Wander Psirri neighborhood : bars and DJs, tavernas, meze and live music, you name it, it’s one hell of a good time. Pittaki street, the areas famous alley, is decorated with lamps and artifacts donated by citizens to give new life and light to the neighborhood. It’s really something special when you sit down and think about it.

• Night food tour (plus wine!) : Looking for an expert foodie guide to help decide what’s for dinner?! Sign up here → enjoy stunning views, visit hidden bars and family taverns, and learn the culinary traditions of Greece. Oh, and of course stuff your face with tons of mezes and wines.
• E-bike Tour: Want even more sightseeing?! If all you’ve got is a day you may as well make the most of it! So hop on that bike (it’s electric!) and experience the city sans crowds! On the tour you’ll get dramatic views of the Acropolis from the Hill of Nymphs, cycle the picturesque streets of Plaka, and listen to the street musicians.

***Note that you’ll most likely have a few hours in Athens on your last day in Greece (dependent on the timing of your flight home of course), so you can leave some of these activities until then.

A few notes on Athens:

• Athens is easily explored on foot, so be sure to wear extra comfy shoes today! If walking’s not your jam (that intense heat in summer is no joke), there’s a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you to the highlights within the city, including the nearby beaches as well.
• You may want to consider purchasing the Athens City Pass ahead of time if you have at least 2 days in the city, as it will provide skip the line tickets to the Acropolis Museum, free admission to Athens’ top museums and major sites, and numerous discounts on shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment.

• Get the skip-the-line ticket to the Acropolis in advance before your trip. What would you rather do? Sweat in the blazing sun waiting for a ticket or having a leisurely lunch later on at a cute cafe complete with gyros and feta? No brainer, right?
• I’d also recommend taking a guided tour ( this tour comes with a skip-the-line ticket as well ) to really get a feel for ancient Greece. If you’re not a major history buff and haven’t spent hours reading your guidebooks, it’d be a shame to wander around the magnificence of the Acropolis with no general understanding of it’s significance. Looking back, I really wish my husband and I partook in a tour- while the marble was pretty we honestly didn’t really get exactly what we were staring at.

If you have an extra day or so, definitely consider checking out the three-island tour from Athens (link is my review and experience) which travels by boat to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina (all wildly beautiful). Might as well start that Greek island hopping right away (after you see the main highlights of Athens that is…)!

Where to Sleep: Athens Gate Hotel

We chose to stay at the Athens Gate Hotel which is located in the center of the city, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and offers panoramic views from it’s rooftop restaurant. The breakfast spread overlooking the Acropolis in the distance was the perfect way to start each morning in Athens.

If you’re looking for an upscale hotel with Acropolis views (that won’t break the bank), Athens Gate is your place.

When I visited Athens solo for a few days on a different trip, I stayed at City Circus Athens , which was quite frankly one of the raddest hostels I’ve ever booked (and I’ve stayed at my fair share of hostels). Located in the artsy neighborhood of Psirri, there was wacky street art all around and I loved wandering down the alleyways in search of cool findings. Plus, the location was great, only steps from the Monastiraki Metro.

Day 2: Delphi

Next up on this 10 day Greece itinerary, the ancient ruins of Delphi !

Delphi is the 3rd most visited archaeological site in all of Greece, and an especially popular day trip from Athens! I mean, it was regarded as the center of the Earth during ancient Greek times, so i guess it’s kiiiiinda important. 😉

If you’re a history buff (or just wanna see it all and do it all during your 10 days in Greece like me), you’ll want to make sure you schedule a trip to Delphi into your itinerary. From the moment I got picked up for my tour to the minute I arrived back in Athens, I soaked in as much history as my (summer-crazed) brain could handle.

And thankfully, this place is just full of it – the history of Delphi is older than old, dating back to ancient Greece, 510-323 BC. Whoaaaa. Talk about crazy and a hell of a long time ago. Book tour to Delphi here.

When visiting, make sure you don’t miss the pillars of the Sacred Way, The Temple of Apollo (the most popular site in these parts), the Treasury of the Athenians (which still stands in its entirety today), and the impressive Delphi theatre.

Be sure to wear extra comfy shoes and take plenttyyyy of water (especially if you’re visiting in summer – it’s hotter than hot!), as you’ll be walking uphill for most of the day while exploring.

How to get here: Note that it’s possible to drive yourself, but considering it’s a 2.5 hour drive into a fairly remote part of Greece (each way), you may want to consider hopping on a private or group tour.

This tour not only includes tickets to the main archeological site of Delphi, but includes entrance to the highly sought after Delphi Museum as well, complete with impressive artifacts and stunning scenery.

Additional tours to Delphi to look into:

Local buses from Athens also frequent Delphi, but note that if you’re visiting in summer, book way ahead of time as they fill up quite quickly.

Wanna just take the easy way out (like I did – no shame)? Just book yourself on a tour; they’re not super expensive, and you’ll get your driving, navigating and narrating all things Greek history and mythology done for you in one swoop.

→ Read Next: Diving into the History of Delphi (Day Trip from Athens)

But wait, before you book just any old tour, decide if you want to travel even further north to Meteora (more details below), as Delphi is on the way. It’d be plain silly to come back to Athens just to head north again the following day (and day trips to Meteora aren’t really a thing anyways). I took a 2-day tour extremelyyy similar to this one , and it saved me a ton of logistical headaches.

Where to Sleep: Kalampaka , the small city under the towering rocks of Meteora (or Athens if you’ve decided not to visit Meteora)

Note that accommodation is usualllyyyy included on tours from Athens to both Delphi and Meteora since an overnight is necessary. If you’re booking yourself on this tour to both Delphi and Meteora , your hotel stay is part of your tour fee.

And don’t worry, the tour isn’t as pricey as you probably think (around $200), especially considering it includes transportation to both sites, hotel accommodations, and a few meals. You’ll definitely pay more taking 2 separate day trips from Athens, in addition to an extra night in Athens. The 2-day tour is the way to go if you wanna see it all (like me).

Day 3: Meteora

Meteora . Wow. What can I say? Spiritual, inspiring, magical, breathtaking, mystical, immense, and impressive. There really are no words to truly capture the effect the Meteora monasteries have on its visitors. This majestic spot in Central Greece is surely unlike any area I’ve ever seen. And lucky you, it’s up next on this Greece travel itinerary!

After spending the previous afternoon exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi , head off to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. And if you’ve booked the combo tour I gushed about on Day 2, your comfy chariot bus will transport you right to the base of Meteora before you can even finish your feta and tomato salad.

Since getting from Delphi to the Meteora monasteries is known to be difficult on one’s own (there is literally no public transportation between the two), I opted for an organized tour originating in Athens .  It really couldn’t have been more convenient, and I’m glad I made the most out of my limited time in Greece. #timesaver that’s for sure, and our guide was such a fun character to hang with!

During your day in Meteora you’ll gawk at unique rock formations (formed by numerous earthquakes and floods), visit a few monasteries, and possibly even witness some praying monks (pleaseeee be respectful and quiet if you do encounter any).

Back in the day there used to be 24 monasteries, but only six remain today, and all six are open to visitors throughout the year! Do note that each monastery is closed one day of the week to give the monks compete respect and privacy when praying.

Be sure to bring your camera –  the landscapes were truly remarkable, and I had an exceptionally difficult time putting my camera down. Again, like in Delphi, be sure to wear comfortable footwear as you’ll need to climb a whole lotta steps to visit certain monasteries (they’re built on those towering rock formations, afterall).

It’s hard to remember that a visit to the Meteora monasteries is more than exquisite landscapes and overwhelming rock formations.  The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is a holy place for all Christians around the world, and many make the far pilgrimage to the area to visit and pray.

However, visit the Meteora monasteries even if you are not deeply religious.  You’ll find yourself super inspired regardless of your religion or lack thereof. I was- that’s a fact.  And I was pleasantly surprised by how much we were able to see with just one day hanging around!

→ Read Next: Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora

Before you visit any of the monasteries, please understand the dress code.  You will be required to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect when entering the monasteries.  If you do not have proper coverings, you’ll be provided with them at each entrance free of charge (which I appreciated and took advantage of).

Summer is hot hot hot in Meteora, so I was glad I wear appropriate summer attire and opted to use the provided coverings.

If you want to visit Meteora (like I did and highly recommend), THIS is the tour to book. First you’ll do a deep dive into the history of Delphi and all it’s impressiveness (day 2 of this itinerary I’ve planned out for us), then you’ll head to the stunning rock formations and historic monasteries of Meteora.

Like mentioned earlier, there’s no public transport between Delphi and Meteora, so if you want to visit both, an organized tour is the way to go.

IF your Greece itinerary only allows for either Delphi or Meteora (what a shame), and you’re looking to head to Meteora, there’s trains that run straight from Athens to Meteora. I suggest booking a tour to Meteora which will ensure the timing of the day runs smoothly and you don’t have any logical hiccups.

The end of the day will be spent traveling back to Athens. Yes, it’s a long drive, but those monasteries in Meteora are worth it, for sure.

Where to Sleep: Athens

Day 4: Arrival in Santorini

And just like that, off to Santorini we go!

No matter how you get there, Santorini is the definition of paradise . Easily. And even with these 3 short days in sunny Santorini, you can still fulfill all your idyllic whitewashed Greek Island fantasies in a short amount of time.

SPANAKOPITA. SAPPHIRE AEGEAN WATERS. CANDY COLORED HOUSES. GLEAMING WHITE BUILDINGS. THOSE ICONIC BLUE DOMES IN OIA. Oh, just a few things that make up the wonderful-ness that is Santorini. I’ve been back twice and it’s still that place I find myself dreaming about time and time again (yes, it’s that perfect).

Santorini is an island that has it all – hypnotic sunsets, volcanoes rising out of the blue Aegean Sea, cave house accommodations, and of course those stereotypical (but equally as beautiful) blue-domed churches amidst whitewashed stone buildings.

Getting to Santorini from Athens

We opted for an early morning flight, but you’ve got a few different options when it comes to getting yourself from Athens to this stunning white-washed island.

Nonstop flights to Santorini (from Athens) take approximately 45 minutes, while ferries vary in duration between 4 and a half and 7 and a half hours (depending on the ferry type). It’s really up to you, but I highly recommend flying.

You’ll only need to purchase a one way flight from Athens to Santorini, which will most likely be under $50 if you book far enough in advance on a budget airline like Ryanair.

In addition, if you’re worried about cost, just realize that if you do decide to take a ferry (whether it be fast or slow), you’ll first need to get yourself to the port of Piraeus, which is on the opposite side of Athens from where you’ll likely be staying. Ferry frequencies are dependent on the season, with the max number per day occurring in the popular summer months.

Psst – if you’ve had your heart set on ferrying throughout the Greek island (honestly, why though?), you’ll get your chance in a few days.

FIRST DAY IN SANTORINI:

Your first day in Santorini realllly depends how much time you’ve got left in the day after you arrive and get settled into your hotel (or drop your bags off).

If you take an early morning flight, you can definitely squeeze in a wine tour around the island . And what better way to get introduced to Santorini then by personally taste-testing it’s wine? Hint – not much.

Santorini wines are some of the best in Greece, and this half-day wine tour takes you to three of the best wineries on the island. Not only will you sample 12 different wine styles (yes, really 12!), but you’ll be served cheese, salami, and Greek olives as well. Can you think of a better afternoon (for the record, I cannot).

Wine’s not your thang? Whaaaat?! Consider hiking the foot path from Fira to Oia, a surefire way to see some of the Santorini’s epic views from the very beginning of your trip, while making room for some calories you’ll undoubtedly be consuming during the rest of your time in Greece.

The walk takes about three hours, but the views are 100% worth it!  Be sure to take a decent amount of water with you, as the stalls are few and far between.

And in all reality, if you choose to just hang at your hotel, that’s totally fine too. Just make sure you’ve booked sweet accommodations with caldera views. That’s an absolute must (no ifs, ands, or buts).

Night: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise

If you really wanna plan out your 10 days in Greece to the absolute max, I guessss you could technically book yourself on a sunset dinner catamaran cruise for your first night. Just know that many companies start picking guests up at 3pm, so if you couldn’t get yourself on an early morning flight or chose to ferry it over from Athens, be mindful of the timing.

Greek mezes and bbq right away? Fiiiiine by me. This sunset catamaran dinner cruise has rave reviews.

Note that many sunset cruises also include additional stops around the island, some including snorkeling and hiking, so make sure to read up on the one you choose to know what to bring along!

Be sure to watch the sunset tonight and every night of your visit (either via catamaran cruise or from the island itself). And if you don’t wanna sit amongst the masses watching the sunset in Oia (trust me, although it’s a pure magic, it’s not romantical at all), head to Imerovigli. The sunset here is just as spectacular, but with way less crowds.

Where to Sleep: Astra Suites

Tourists choose to stay in four main villages of Santorini (Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Perissa). However, wherever you do decide to stay, I highly encourage you to opt for a hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the caldera.  

We based ourselves in Imerovigli at Astra Suites during our time in Santorini, and couldn’t have been happier. Offering some of the best views of the caldera, private balconies with breakfast, and an absolutely stunning sunset each night, it was the perfect honeymoon hotel for us. Many luxury hotels boast private hot tubs, butler services, fine-dining, and other top-notch amenities.

If you’re gonna splurge at some point during your trip to Greece, Santorini’s the time to do it. Truuuuuust me. The luxury hotels ain’t cheap, but boy are they impressive.

Next time we visit we want to check out Grace Santorini (just wow, look at it), Katikies Hotel (that rooftop terrace OMG), Canaves Oia Suites (traditional cave houses!), and/or Mystique (it’s so hard to choose – they’re are so many great hotels here).

Be sure to book waaaaaay ahead of time (6-10 months, yea, it’s no joke) if you’re visiting during high season, as hotels tend to book up super fast in this area of the world. Aka – if you’re visiting during June, July, August, or September, get on it, fast.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Santorini

Day 5: The Highlights of Santorini

Next up: spend a full day in Santorini by renting an ATV (short for All Terrain Vehicle and also known as a quad bike) and navigate the island at your own pace.

And because Santorini’s not too large in size, it’ll only take about an hour or so to get from one side of the island to the other. But remember, there’s a whole bunch of stops to make, so plan to spend the the entire day rolling around via ATV.

Note that you can also rent a dune buggy, scooter, or car (lame) and explore, but we absolutely loved the simplicity and ease of the ATV. Plus, we felt extremely safe on it, and LOVED having the fresh air on our faces when driving all over the island.

Tip #1: Don’t rent your ATV in Oia – it’ll likely be way overpriced (it is the most touristy area on Santorini afterall…). A typical price is roughly 35 euros per 24 hours – it shouldn’t cost more than that (feel free to bargain as well). You will need to show proof of driver’s license, and don’tchu worry, an international license is 100% accepted over here.

Tip #2: Not all ATV’s are created equal. ATV’s have a limited amount of power, especially when going uphill. You’ll want to make sure you basically rev up your engine before attempting climbing a hill, as the ATV might not clear it without doing so.

We actually had to push our ATV up a mini mountain (I’m being a tad dramatic – it was probably a 2% radiant hill) the first time we rented one, which was both slightly terrifying and especially embarrassing at the time.

Tip #3: Always wear a helmet! Just do it. Oh, and be sure to slather on the sunscreen as there are no shady roads in Santorini and the sun is strong!

A few spots to visit during your self-guided ATV tour of Santorini:

• Red Beach: One of Santorini’s most unique spots, and not to be missed!  Note that the sand is full of volcanic pebbles and you will need to take a 15 minute mini-hike to reach the beach down below.  I suggest stopping for a few photos and then moving on. Those azure blue waters are just aching to be photographed. On our first trip to Santorini we opted to walk down to the beach, laid on the rocky (and therefore uncomfortable) sand for about 20 minutes than called it a day – there’s much better beaches to relax on.

• Perissa Beach: This is one of Santorini’s black sand beaches, and a good place to pop down for a bit and savor the Greek sun.  The black volcanic sand is extremely hot hot hot, so take your sandals with you if you go into the water (or run back miserably like I did…)  This stretch of sand is lined with restaurants and bars, and be sure to grab a gyro and a cocktail here!

• Kamari : This little(ish) seaside village, located on the east coast of Santorini, is known for its rugged volcanic landscapes and it’s black sand beaches (yup, more black sand beaches, can you believe it?). And being only about 30-45 minutes away from Perissa via ATV, there’s no excuse not to visit both. Stroll down the cafe-lined promenade and treat yourself to some souvlaki, a Mythos or two (local beer), and feta. Ancient Thira, with its Roman baths and Greek agora (main square) is not too far from here as well.

• Oia : You cannot come all the way to Santorini (yes, it’s kind of a pain getting here) and not witness the charm of Oia yourself.  More details below, but Oia is a great last stop on an ATV tour of the island. However, beware: the area gets over-crowded and disgustingly hot during the summer months of July and August. But I promise you, even if you’re visiting during these months, an afternoon in Oia is still one of the best things to do in Santorini.

• Profitis Ilias Mountain Peak: Welcome to the highest spot on the island! And Profitis Ilias, translated to Prophet Elijah, is the name of the Monastery on its peak as well (yes, it’s confusing). But once you reach the vantage point, you’ll have a striking viewpoint of the entire island.
• Santo Winery: If wine’s reallllly your thang, you can also visit Santo Winery, which is quite popular and basically on the way to everything on this list. HOWEVER, please use caution and do not drive the ATV if you’ve had a few too many. It’s probably wise to designate a few people in your group to be DDs (and maybe let them have a few extra beers later on).

If navigating the island via ATV scares your socks off, consider joining a bus tour to all the hot spots in Santorini. Not only will you visit Santorini’s most popular sites and learn about its history, but you’ll also visit traditional villages, volcanic beaches, and witness one of those spectacular Oia sunsets everyone raves about!

If you want to guarantee you see the island and have enough time for the beach (on another day), I highly recommend joining this tour in order to get it all in. Read reviews and book your full-day bus tour here.

And if large bus tours ain’t your thing (I completely understand), this private car tour with a local is a much better option. On this 5-hour private tour, you’ll have the van and local guide all to yourself, while admiring architectural wonders, spectacular views, and learning all about the rich culture of the island.

I’m sure your local expert will even take some incredible photos for you as the tour visits Oia, the Akrotiri excavation site, the highest point of Santorini at Profitis Ilias mountain, and a black sand beach. And since this is in-fact a private tour, you can choose to customize the itinerary and go wherever you’re little Greece-loving heart desires. Read reviews and book your private tour of Santorini here.

Day 6: Choice Day in Santorini

You have a few options on this Greece itinerary as to how you’d like to spend your last full day on Santorini (cue the sad face). I’ve planned out what I feel is the best use of time and as Santorini-like as possible, but I’ve included other options if you’re not feelin’ what I suggest.

Morning/Afternoon:

Option 1: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs

Why not spend the day aboard a catamaran visiting the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and then taking a dip in the nearby hot springs? Since Santorini was in fact formed by a volcano, it’s a quite appropriate way to spend the day if I do say so myself!

You’ll have the opportunity to walk up the ascending soil path, and approach the crater of the active volcano. Yes, it’s active! Your guides will make sure no one gets too close to the steam!

Your second stop will bring you to the second lava island of Palea Kameni, where you can swim in the green sulphur waters of the hot springs. Make sure to wear your bathing suit! Read reviews and book your 4-hour boat cruise here.

If you’d like to visit the villages of Thirassia and Oia as part of the tour as well, be sure to check out this organized catamaran cruise , too. An extra few hours will allow you to properly explore.

And psst – if you’d like to witness an absolutely spectacular sunset in Oia, you can add that onto the catamaran cruise tour as well. For an extra few bucks (I think like $5), you’ll be given a few extra hours aboard the boat and won’t need to take the sunset dinner catamaran cruise suggested later on in the day’s itinerary. What a great value for the money! Read reviews and book here .

Definitely one of more active things to do in Santorini, and a good option if you like being on the water and/or are exhausted from laying out at the pool (should that ever happen…).

Option 2: Go scuba diving

If you’re keen on viewing the Greece underwater world, why not try out scuba diving? We opted for a morning dive on our honeymoon, and it was by far one of the most thrilling things we’ve done to date (besides bobsledding in Park City and skydiving in Hawaii ).

Santorini boasts crystal clear ocean waters, so put on your gear and get below the water!  Never been scuba diving before? Don’t fret – there are numerous companies offering Discover Scuba lessons (ask your hotel), who will teach you all the necessary requirements before suiting up and getting into the waters.

You’ll see plenty of colorful fish, a shipwreck or two, all while swimming in some of the most beautiful waters of the world.

Option 3: Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour (starts at 10am), goes for 6 hours

If you didn’t have time to do a wine tour upon arrival in Santorini, now’s your second chance! And since there’s even more time today, consider taking a Santorini wine-tasting tour and cooking class, all-in-one! I love taking cooking classes to learn secrets of the local food, and it surely sounds like this one doesn’t disappoint.

Alongside a local chef, you’ll cook and prepare a 3-course meal of typical Santorini signature dishes → But not before visiting two traditional Santorini wineries to taste their crisp volcanic wines (don’tchu worry, you’ll have enough time to sober up before putting things in the oven). Read reviews and book cooking class here.

Day 7: Arrival to Mykonos + Old Town and Windmills

Say goodbye to stunning Santorini, because now it’s off to Mykonos ! Don’t be too sad about leaving your first island – Mykonos is full of tiny white-washed alleyways complete with fuchsia bougainvillea, super-luxurious resorts, and even more delectable cuisine (Greek, of course).

Book yourself an early morning ferry from Santorini to Mykonos , which will take roughly 2.5 hours on the fast ferry.

FIRST DAY IN MYKONOS

EARLY AFTERNOON: Get Lost in the Old Town (Chora)

Old Town is basically a giant labyrinth of narrow whitewashed buildings with bright blue and pink balconies, not only providing color to the otherwise blank space, but alluding to the character of Cycladic towns. Since many of the houses look identical, don’t fret if you get confused! This is the place to get lost; stop at cute cafes and shops, admire churches, and just people watch amongst the cobblestone streets.

A few must-do’s in Chora:

• Eat at Kastro’s restaurant : famous on Instagram for it’s narrow alley leading to the sea)
• Panagia Paraportiani Church : whitewashed church, photographed a lot because of it’s unusual shape and architecture
• Look out for Petros III : Yup, it’s true island living – there’s even a resident pelican over here! He’s usually wandering around Little Venice/the windmills/Old Town. I didn’t see him but hopefully you’ll get luckier than us!

MID-AFTERNOON/SUNSET: Kato Mili Windmills at Little Venice and sunset drinks

Once you’ve had enough of the cosmopolitan life over in Chora, head on over to the windmills. Being an iconic feature of Mykonos (it’s a windy island after all – always keep a sweater handy!), you just can’t miss them.

There are 16 windmills in total around the island, with 5 being located on a hill near Chora (Mykonos Old Town). As with any landmark attraction, the windmills can get a little touristy so be prepared to wait patiently to get that perfect photo.

I suggest popping over to them quickly after wandering Old Town, grabbing a drink/snack/food, then heading back once the sun starts to set. We had cocktails at Veranda, and the view of the windmills was perfect. Those windmills against a pink cotton candy sky? Dreams do come true.

If you want to ensure you see and do it all over here, why not take a walking tour of Mykonos Old Town ?! Although we loved just wandering and admittedly getting lost quite a bit, a walking tour with an experienced guide would have been ideal in order to learn the history and secrets of the island.

This 3 hour walking tour will take you basically everywhere – including the popular Mykonos Town, Manto Square, the district of Matogianni, traditional Gioras bakery, the 5 windmills, castle of the Chora, Little Venice, church of Panagia Paraportiani, Folklore Museum, and the famous church of Agios Nikolaos.

Phew, told you that was a lot. You won’t even have to navigate! It’s a great way to learn your way around the island on your first day. And just remember – if you get all this done with a guide in 3 hours, you can go back to all your favorite spots and/or just relax with some vino and Greek food for the remainder of the evening.

LATE NIGHT: Party?! Sunbathe all day, party all night!

If you’re looking for that iconic nightlife of Mykonos, look no further than Cavo Paradiso, Skandinavian Bar and Club, Astra, Super Paradise Beach Club, Babylon, among many others. With dance floors and free-flowing cocktails, don’t expect to make it back before the wee hours of the morning.

Just remember that the clubs don’t get going until 11pm, so you may have to force yourself to stay awake if you wanna join in on all the fun. Plan to party until sunrise as that’s when the parties tend to end.

A note on Mykonos’ Devilish Nightlife: Similar to Ibiza, Mykonos is known globally to throw some crazy parties. Around the island (from late June to mid-September), you’ll find tourists flocking to hotels and hostels for crazy shenanigans that go into the wee hours of the morning.

Mykonos attracts some of the biggest DJs in the world during peak season, which in turn attracts the wildest tourists. Don’t feel like you have to partake in the fun if it’s not your thing. We chose to skip the wild nights and simply relaxed with some Greek wine instead. While experiencing the night life is fun, don’t force yourself if that’s not your idea of a good time.

Although Mykonos is known for its crazy beach parties, you’ll also find a bunch of smaller pubs and bars scattered throughout the cobblestoned streets of Mykonos Town. They’re way more low-key than the parties mentioned above, but still involve dancing, singing, and drinking (ouzo, anyone?!) This is where the locals go to hang out.

A note on the cats in Mykonos: They’re everywhere. Everywhere. You’ll see. Greece as a whole has a large population of stray cats, and Mykonos is no exception. There’s stray cats scattered throughout the island, which at first seems cute, but in reality, is pretty upsetting as they’re particularly hungry.

If you wanna help them out, grab some cat food at any corner store and feed the strays you see. Whatever you do though, don’t pet or play with them as a lot of them don’t have their shots (they are strays afterall) and can pass any illnesses they may have onto you.

Where to Sleep: Mykonos Town ( Belvedere Hotel or Cavo Tagoo )

I recommend staying in Mykonos Town (Chora), but many chose to stay near the beaches of Ornos or Platis Gialos as well. Why is Mykonos Town so desirable → it has the most nightlife, restaurants, and shopping!

Although we stayed near the beach, next time we visit, I have my eye on Belvedere Hotel (super chic with sunset views), Cavo Tagoo (that infinity pool, whoa!), or Theoxenia Boutique Hotel (located right next to the windmills). Worried getting to the beaches will prove difficult if you’re staying in Mykonos Town?

Don’tchu worry – there’s loads of buses than run quite late (and frequently) ushering guests to the island between the two.

Day 8: Mykonos

For your second day in Mykonos and day 8 of this Greece itinerary, you’ve got a few different choices here, depending on if you partied hard last night.  

Option #1: Beach Day

Comfy sunbeds. Crystal clear turquoise waters. Delectable cocktails. Take your pick, because Mykonos is no stranger to those beautiful golden beaches you’ve dreamed about for oh so long. If you’re looking to continue the party from the night before, or start your own fun in party-like atmosphere, head to either Paradise or Super Paradise, both located on the south side of the island. Want a more relaxed and unspoiled afternoon?

Choose to venture to Lia Beach or Ornos Beach (perfect for families and/or those looking for some peace and quiet with a good amount of amenities), or to Agios Sostis (breathtaking but note that there’s usually some skinny dipping going on over here).

Fokos Beach is the most secluded beach on the island, with a restaurant but no chairs or umbrellas. Platys Yialos Beach is arguably the most popular beach not only in Mykonos or Greece, but in all of the Mediterrean Sea! Basically, you’ve got tons of choices.

Option 2: Mykonos Cooking Class

If you missed out on a cooking class in Santorini, now’s your chance to prepare some favorite Greek dishes and enjoy the meal with the chef. And this cooking class in a traditional home looks like the place to do it.

Learn how to make tzatziki and spinach pie (my all-time favorite), stuffed peppers and tomatoes, beef with orzo, and more. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also be presented with some local snacks to try, including dakos with kopanisti cheese and tomato, louza (sun dried pork fillets), wine and Cretan raki.

The cooking class starts at either 10am (for lunch) or 4pm (for dinner), so you can choose to spend the morning at the beach and then get to cooking if you so please! Read reviews and book class here.

Option #3: Experience Authentic Mykonos on a Full day Jeep Safari

Up for a full day of fun exploring the hidden secrets of Mykonos? Want to explore the rugged landscapes, access parts of the island other vehicles can’t reach, and laze in the sun? This full-day jeep safari is for you, mah friend.

Not only will you get breathtaking views as you drive to beautiful beaches and rural villages, but you’ll also stop along the way for swims on quiet beaches, visit lighthouses, Venetian ruins, churches, and visit the remote corners of the island. And plus, you can even drive the jeep if you please! Sounds like a good day to me. Read reviews and book jeep safari here.

Note that this last activity lasts all day, and won’t give you much time to visit the popular beaches. However, you can use your last morning in Mykonos (Day 9) as beach time if you’ve got yourself on a night flight.

Day 9: Mykonos and fly back to Athens

EXPLORE MYKONOS IN MORNING/MID-AFTERNOON

You’ve got a few options for your last morning. You can choose to head back to the beach, take the morning cooking class as listed above, or simply wander around Old Mykonos if you’re craving more cobblestone streets and charming little shops full of photo ops. We loved our villa and private pool overlooking the sea and took dips as often as we could.

Note that can you also visit Delos from Mykonos, but if you’re like me and have had enough of ancient ruins after visiting both Athens and Delphi , skipping Delos is completely fine. Plus, more beach time!

However, if you’re an archaeology buff and the idea of missing out on exceptionally well-preserved monuments kills you, there are guided tours in the morning that last about 4 hours or so. If you’ve got a flight later in the day, you can easily squeeze in a short trip to Delos. Read reviews and book morning tour to Delos here.

RETURN TO ATHENS

I guesssss you could technically wait until tomorrow morning to get back to Athens (as long as your flight back home is at night), but I always like to get back the night before – juuuust in case anything gets delayed or cancelled. Better be safe than sorry, especially when we’re dealing with pricey international flights from Europe to the States. 

In order to make it back to Athens at a reasonable time, you’ll want to book a flight from Mykonos (JMK) to the mainland, taking just over 30 minutes. Ferries just take oh so long, and why waste precious time on your 10 day Greece itinerary if that’s all you’ve got?

My advice – book the latest flight possible in order to savor your last day on the Greek Islands. You’ll find direct flights back to Athens on Aegean Airlines (Olympic Air), Ryanair, Volotea, and Sky Express. You’ll want to book this one-way ticket far in advance in order to get your preferred date and time, as well the best deals of course.

Where to Sleep : Athens

Day 10: Athens and/or Depart

Wake up in Athens one last time, and tick off all those spots you missed on your first day! If you managed to get through everything already (you probably rushed!!!), consider a gourmet food tour of Athens , a trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion , or go sailing to a few islands off the coast (if you’ve got time for that of course).

Unfortunately this 10 day Greece itinerary has come to an end, and it’s already time to say goodbye to this stunning country. Be sure to grab some coconut sticks and gyro on our way to the airport!

But wait! There’s more → if you’ve got more time that is!

OPTIONAL Days 11-14: Additional Island Hopping!

Have a few extra days? Don’t wanna leave after your 10 days in Greece is up? I feel ya; no amount of time is too much time in Greece. And with an abundance of other islands to explore, you could easily turn this into a 2 week Greece itinerary. After Mykonos, continue your greek island hopping extravaganza and head to either Ios, Crete , Milos (our new favorite) or Hydra (tough choice, but they’re all beautiful).

I always suggest returning back to Athens the night before your international flight back home, as ferries can unfortunately be delayed and unpredictable at times (weather and season dependent). Wouldn’t wanna be late and possibly miss your flight!

My top picks to continue on with the Greek island hopping itinerary and complete your 2 weeks in Greece:

If you’re looking for a few days at the beach, definitely choose Milos . All the beaches we visited in Milos were absolute stunners, and we honestly NEVER wanted to leave. And plus, Milos is much quieter than both Santorini and Mykonos, so you’ll truly be able to relax here.

We did a lot in just two and a half days — we visited the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko (don’t miss it!), swam in super-clear waters on our catamaran tour around the island (of course stopping at Kleftiko, an old pirate lookout !), and checking out a few traditional fishing villages. I honestly can’t wait to go back, and we literally just got home!

Read Next: All the Best Beaches (and Swimming Spots!) in Milos!

Dreamy Ios, with its sparkling white hillside houses and blue domed rooftops, is undeniably one of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in Greece. Known for its vivacious nightlife, and an affordable destination for students on summer break, it’s also a great place to kick back year-round, with sunshine and views around every turn.

Aside from joining the student parties (you do you), there’s a ton to do on Ios island. Head out to the countryside to visit some historic Greek gems around the town of Chora, Skarkos archaeological site, and Homer’s Tomb. Alternatively, kick back at the popular Mylopotas Beach and relax for a day by the glimmering sea.

Most people who visit Ios stay in Chora, the main town on Ios. Chora has a large variety of restaurants, shops, and a buzzing nightlife (if you’re into that kind of thing).

You can get from Mykonos to Ios on a ferry , which takes ~2 hours one way. There are a few different companies that operate trips every day.

Crete is the largest Greek island (at a length of 260 km!) and, by many sources, is one of the most beautiful. Here, you’ll find idyllic villages, stark mountains, and of course, the beautiful deep blue seas that surround the Greek islands. A visit to Crete not only gives you the opportunity to experience its tourist attractions, but also its distinct local way of life.

There are four prefectures in Crete and, because of its size, you’d need quite a bit of time to see everything. But the highlights are pretty obvious: learn about the fascinating history of Crete, explore some of the small villages, and of course, visit the incredibly beautiful and unique beaches on the island.

Don’t miss the famed “Pink Sand Beach,” Elafonisi Beach, where the pink tinted sand glows brightly against the beautiful turquoise water. It was actually one of my favorite beaches on our honeymoon to Greece.

In Crete, Chania is the most popular and developed place to stay, with great access to some of the island’s best beaches and lots of things to do in the city as well.

You can get to Crete from Mykonos by ferry , which usually takes ~5 hours to arrive (yes, it’s a long time, but well worth it)! There are daily departures for the Mykonos-Crete route. You’ll want to fly back to Athens for sure, as the ferry back takes foreverrr and a day (it’s the farthest island from the mainland).

If you wanna get back to the mainland but stillll wanna feel like you’re on island time, head to Hydra, right off the coast of Athens . Originally, the island was named Hydrea after the natural springs that dot the whole island.

Needless to say, Hydra is a fabulous destination for water-lovers and people who want the laid-back vibes of the Greek islands. You won’t feel like you’re anywhere near the city (even though you can get back to Athens in less than 2 hours).

When I visited, the crystal clear water, the traditional craft shops, and the cantaloupe gelato won me over (yes, cantaloupe!)  And plus, with no vehicles allowed on the island, Hydra is the perfect place to go for a long stroll around the Port admiring the boats and watching the tourists and locals go by.  

Be sure to climb up and up to get views for days, as well as wander the streets to admire the unique architecture of the old homes. Head to one of the local museums, or lay out at one of the island’s beaches, like the secluded, tranquil Agios Nikolaos.

The best place to stay in Hydra is, well, Hydra Town. Being centrally located, you can get everywhere you’d want to go quite easily, and thankfully, there’s a whole slew of hotels to choose from! Nereids Guesthouse and Piteoussa Guesthouse are two well-rated local guesthouses that travelers seem to love.

To get to Hydra from Athens, take a ~1 hour ferry from the port at Piraeus, which is a 20-minute metro or car ride from Athens. Ferries leave several times per day.

Hopefully this (ridiculously detailed) Greece itinerary made planning your trip a bit easier and actually somewhat enjoyable! Are you headed to the country soon? How are you spending your 10 days in Greece?

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June 15, 2020 at 9:59 am

When traveling to Greece, there’s much to do it can be hard to find the best options. This is a nice option for an itinerary that can easily be accomplished in ten days!

February 8, 2022 at 8:36 pm

I would to have some guide tohelp us to plan our self guide for 10 t0 11 days . We want to go Athens, Delphi-Meteroa by rent a car then go to Santorini and Crete. Within our budget leaving on April 9th to 19th or 20th. Any suggestions and tips where to find reasonable rent a car. And etc

February 9, 2022 at 10:49 pm

Hi There, Sounds like an amazing trip! I don’t recommend a car in Santorini unless you feel like you really need one. Unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations on exact spots to rent a car, but I always make sure to check a few different websites to make sure I’m getting the best deal! Also, make sure you don’t need to get an international drivers license beforehand.

March 7, 2022 at 1:14 pm

Really love this itinerary! Thank you so much for sharing!

We have a 3 year old, planning on visiting this year in June. Is this itinerary “child friendly”?

March 7, 2022 at 5:59 pm

Glad you enjoyed it! As with every trip, it really depends on your kid and how they do in new environments! Overall I feel Greece is very child friendly, although you won’t see many young kids at the luxury resorts, as it’s a lot of couples and honeymooners. Have the best trip ever!

June 7, 2022 at 1:16 pm

This is an incredible resource post! Thank you so much! I’m in the early planning phase and this is giving me so much help defining where to go/what to do/where to stay. Yay! Thank you!

August 24, 2022 at 5:39 am

Great iterinary and tips to make it a fun holiday. Just one question If i want to eliminate mykonos and go to chania from Santorini, whst are the travel options and time taken? Also any idea if there are there daily ferries from Santorini to chania?

August 24, 2022 at 10:26 am

Hi Sharmila,

I’m not 100% sure if there are any direct ferries from Santorini, I think you’d need to head to Heraklion and then make your way to Chania from there. I like to use the website below to easily check ferry schedules and possibilities. Hope that helps! Have a great trip! 🙂

https://apassionandapassport.com/ferryhopper

September 7, 2022 at 8:06 am

This is a great 10 day itinerary so we’ll planned. We intend to visit in last 2 weeks in Oct. We intend to make a 12 day trip. Can Peloponnese be included on this itinerary? is it worth and if we do your 10 day trip where can we go from and what is the best transport means. Thanks again for an excellently planned trip.

December 2, 2022 at 4:04 pm

Thank you so much for such fabulous details and insights on a 10 day itinerary in Greece.. Much appreciated!!

April 30, 2023 at 1:01 pm

Wow great details for this trip! Did you utilize a travel agency at all for your trip?

April 30, 2023 at 8:19 pm

Hi Allyson,

No, we hardly ever use travel agents — we like being able to book everything ourselves and make changes easily on the fly if need be without needing to go through a third party. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Greece!

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Plan A Trip To Greece – Travel Tips And Advice From A Local

Plan a trip to Greece with these travel tips and advice by a local. Includes when to visit Greece, travel costs, where to go in Greece and more, to help you plan the perfect Greek vacation itinerary.

How to plan a trip to Greece

Greece! The birthplace of western civilization, the land of the Acropolis and the famous Santorini, Mykonos, Ancient Mycenae and Ancient Delphi.

There are dozens of Greek islands, tons of UNESCO sites, hundreds of beaches, ancient history and natural wonders, all waiting to be discovered by you.

With so many choices of places to visit, deciding where to go in Greece can be overwhelming. Where on earth are you supposed to start? The short answer is, right here!

I’ve created this post to help you make the best Greece travel plan on your own, even if you have never been here before. Let’s start with a brief introduction to Greece.

Introduction to Greece and the Greek islands

Greece is a small, mountainous country in South Europe. It is most famous for its incredibly long coastline with hundreds of Greek islands , most of which are clustered in different island groups .

However, mainland Greece has an extremely varied landscape with mountains, gorges, plains, lakes and rivers.

First-time visitors are usually overwhelmed by the abundance of places to see, in combination with the number of ancient sites. This article about the famous attractions in Greece is a good starting point to find out about Greece’s highlights.

Many areas in Greece are famous for their winding streets, hilly terrain and hundreds of steps. If you are travelling with children or people with limited mobility, you will need to take that into account.

Let’s follow a few simple steps to build your perfect Greece vacation itinerary.

Step 1: Decide what you want out of your Greek holiday

The first and most important step when planning a trip to Greece is to decide what you want out of your holiday.

As an example, you could ask yourself these questions:

• Am I interested in history and culture, or do I prefer to relax on the beautiful beaches?
• Do I want lots of nightlife and crowds, or am I after nature and quietness?
• Am I interested in visiting the bigger cities, like  Athens , the capital city, and Thessaloniki , or is the idea of  Greek island hopping  more appealing?
• Do I want to see the popular destinations, like Santorini and Mykonos , or would I rather visit some quiet islands ?
• If I go to any Greek islands, am I happy to take ferries or do I prefer to fly?
• Do I want to drive in Greece?
• Am I planning to travel around independently, or is it better to use one of the numerous Greece tours?

Most travellers will probably want a mix of the above. At the same time, some people might not be too interested in beach time, while others won’t care about our museums. Everyone is different, and there is no right or wrong preference.

Answering these questions, and any others you can think of, is crucial when you are planning a vacation to Greece. Your answers will determine how much of the country you can see during your trip, and where to go.

Step 2 – Study a map of Greece

If you want to plan your own Greece travel itinerary, the first thing to do is to study a map of Greece. Thankfully, with Google Maps, this is very easy these days.

If you are flying from overseas, you may be arriving at the Athens airport first. Central Athens is a 40-60 minutes drive from the airport, and you can easily get there by metro , bus , taxi or pre-booked transfer .

You can reach any Greek island with an airport on a 40-50 minute flight from Athens. By contrast, islands without an airport can take several hours to get to on a ferry .

In addition, some places in mainland Greece, like Ancient Delphi or Meteora , can only be reached by land, and are a few hours away from Athens.

Your friends who have been to Greece will come up with different islands that they fell in love with. They may mention Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Crete or Rhodes.

Check out all these places on the map, and you will find that they are all in different areas.

My best advice – Choose a combination of places in Greece that are relatively close to each other, or at least are not too far away. Then, check if direct connections exist between your dream destinations.

Related article: Best apps to use for your trip to Greece .

Step 3 – Do you really want to include Athens, Mykonos and Santorini in your Greece itinerary?

The combination Athens – Mykonos – Santorini  is the most common route that first-time visitors to Greece think of, and a very popular itinerary.

In fact, if you are planning a trip to Greece through your local travel agency, you might not even be presented with an alternative choice. So what do I think to this combination?

Is Athens worth visiting?

I am an Athenian, and therefore biased, but I think you should really include the Greek capital in a first-time Greece itinerary.

Apart from the world-famous Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Acropolis museum, Athens has a lot more to offer in terms of history. Or if you don’t want to visit the ancient ruins , you can simply walk around them for free and enjoy the ambiance.

You can discover more about Athens and its magic in this article with the 30 best things to do in Athens . It includes tips on the most picturesque neighborhoods, like Plaka , Anafiotika and Psiri .

Of course, like most major cities in the world, Athens is not perfect. Many visitors find it too noisy, too messy and too dirty. They probably have a point – but I see it as part of its unique charm!

Are Mykonos and Santorini the best Greek islands to visit?

Most travelers will want to visit Santorini and Mykonos. Our two most popular islands, which are both in the Cyclades group, have almost mythological status in people’s minds, and are on everyone’s bucket list.

Let’s face it though – The original charm of these two islands is tainted somewhat by the high prices and huge numbers of other tourists, many of whom arrive on cruise ships.

There are many other islands that I personally like a lot more than Santorini and Mykonos, as they are quieter and more authentic. Here’s an introduction to the Cyclades islands , where I’m also listing my personal favorites.

However, if it’s your first time visiting Greece, you will probably want to include Santorini and / or Mykonos in your Greece itinerary. Here is some more information.

Should I visit Santorini?

The Greek island of Santorini is really a very unique and romantic place. The landscapes and views to the volcano are stunning, and the famous Oia sunset is worth seeing once in your life.

This 4-day Santorini itinerary will introduce you to the best things to do on the Cycladic island.

However, bear in mind that Santorini usually receives about 2 million visitors a year. If you can, try to visit Santorini in winter , or at least shoulder season, when it’s relatively quieter.

This is when I did the popular hike from Fira to Oia , on the west coast, and had an absolute blast.

If you visit in summer, be prepared for crowds, high prices, traffic and lack of parking space. Here’s a fun guide with  things to avoid when visiting Santorini .

Is Mykonos worth the hype?

If I had to choose any of the Greek islands in summer, it wouldn’t be Mykonos. Quite a bold statement, isn’t it!

Now, don’t get me wrong. Mykonos is a pretty island, and it has some of the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades.

I was lucky to visit Mykonos without the crowds in June 2020, and couldn’t believe how fantastic the beaches were! I took a great kayak trip , and a day-trip to Ancient Delos , so I loved my time there.

However, on most years, Mykonos can get extremely crowded and insanely expensive. Many of the beaches are packed with loud bars, loungers, umbrellas and various water sports.

I have met dozens of foreign visitors who didn’t think much to Mykonos Town, the island’s capital, and thought it was overpriced and overrated.

At the same time, I know people who return to Mykonos every year to enjoy the famous party scene and busy beach clubs.

All in all, it’s your call. If you decide to visit Mykonos, I’d love to know your opinion, so feel free to leave a comment down below.

Step 4 – How long to spend in Greece

How much time you have is one of the most important factors when you are planning your vacation to Greece – or anywhere for that matter.

As an example, if you only have one week in Greece, it’s unrealistic to plan trips to seven different areas. You will end up seeing lots of airports, ports and highways, but you won’t see much of the country.

That said, few people have more than two weeks in Greece. Many visitors only have a week, and they try to squeeze in as much as they can.

If this is your style of travel by all means do it, at the same time try to appreciate the “ siga siga”  Greek culture – slowly slowly.

Example itineraries for Greece

If you have a week in Greece, starting and ending in Athens, my suggestions are:

• Spend a couple of days in Athens, and visit one or two of the Greek islands
• Allow for a couple of days in Athens, and hire a car to tour around the Peloponnese and visit Ancient Mycenae , Nafplion and Ancient Epidaurus
• Spend a couple of days in Athens, and take a couple of day trips from Athens , or visit one of the islands close to Athens .

If you have two weeks in Greece, you can visit multiple islands on an island hopping trip , or go for a longer road trip including Western or Northern Greece.

Here are a few more ideas for a 2-week Greece itinerary .

Step 5 – When to visit Greece

Greece enjoys the so-called Mediterranean climate. We have warm, dry summers, with blue skies and very low rainfall.

Due to the warm weather, Greece is predominantly thought of as a summer destination. The busiest months are July and August, followed by June and September.

However, some visitors avoid the peak months as the crowds are bigger and prices are higher.

If you have a flexible schedule, visiting Greece outside peak season might work in your favour. Hotels will be cheaper, you will meet fewer crowds, and the temperatures are actually more pleasant.

With the exception of Santorini, Crete, Corfu and Rhodes , most islands will be fairly quiet outside the summer months. Swimming might be a bit of a challenge in spring, but will be fine in autumn.

In my opinion, if you want to take full advantage of the beaches in Greece, the best month to visit is September. The water temperature is warmer than during the summer months, and you will enjoy some quiet time.

As for spring and autumn, even though the weather can be variable, with a few rainy days, it will be pleasant for the most part. This is the best time to visit the archaeological sites in Greece, as you won’t get the scorching summer sun.

Here are some more tips on  the best time of year to visit Greece . Note that our winters are much milder than other European countries, but they can still be be surprisingly cold and rainy.

If the only time you can travel to our country is summer, check out these  tips for travelling to Greece in summer . And if you can visit later in the year, check out the hottest Greek islands in October .

And finally, check out my ultimate guide with what to pack for Greece , for all four seasons.

Step 6 – Budget for your vacation in Greece

Another thing that is crucial when it comes to planning your Greece vacation is your budget.

Contrary to popular belief, your Greece trip cost doesn’t have to be sky-high. Let’s break down possible costs when travelling to Greece.

Cost of accommodation in Greece

Accommodation in Greece can be fairly inexpensive. Depending on where you go and what time of the year you travel, it is possible to find a budget room for a couple for around 30 euro.

Realistically, if your Greek trip is in summer, you would want to budget for at least 50-60 euro for a decent room, though you might be able to find something more wallet-friendly.

If you are on a tight budget, you will notice that hostels are not as popular as in other countries. However, there are a few in the bigger cities and the most popular islands.

On the other hand, if you want to splurge, you will find plenty of opportunity, especially in places like Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini hotels with a view to the caldera can easily climb up to over 1,000 euro a night – but you will remember that vacation forever!

I personally use Booking.com to find apartments and rooms to let in Greece. In my experience, it has a much wider selection and better prices than other platforms, and usually offers better terms. 

Cost of road transportation in Greece

Transportation in Greece is not always wallet-friendly – certainly not for Greeks. In fact, if you decide to rent a car and drive around Greece , transportation might actually turn out to be your highest cost.

While many of the motorways in Greece are brand new and fantastic, there are also many toll stations. Also, the price of gas is rather high, compared to other countries in the EU, and much higher than in the US.

If you prefer not to drive, public buses are pretty good. Prices vary a lot, so you will have to check the price for the trip you want to take. As an example, a bus ticket from  Athens to Delphi is about 15 euro.

Due to serious flooding in September 2023, the trains in Greece are not running properly, and it’s not certain when services will resume. You can check the latest info on the train website . 

Another option is to take an organized tour, that will take the hassle away. Here is a popular organized tour to Delphi and Meteora , which includes transportation to and around the Meteora monasteries.

Cost of ferries and flights in Greece

Ferries and flights are popular ways to get around Greece and the Greek islands.

The cost of ferry tickets depends on the distance and the type of ferry you are using. 

Generally speaking, there are two types of ferries: the slow ferries and the fast ferries. 

• The slow ferries are much more comfortable to travel on, you can go for a walk on the deck, and behave better on windy days. A well-known operator running slow ferries is Blue Star Ferries. One-way tickets from Piraeus to most of the Cyclades islands start at around 35-40 euro.
• The fast ferries, many of which are run by a company called SeaJets, take less time. However, there is no outdoors seating. Plus, the ride will be bumpy, or might even get cancelled, on a meltemi wind day. One-way tickets start from about 70 euro and can cost over 100 euro.

Overall, I use slow ferries whenever I can, as they are bigger, more comfortable, and also cheaper. If you are pushed for time, at least try to avoid the smaller fast ferries, which have no vehicle capacity.

You can check ferry routes and book your tickets on Ferryscanner .

Domestic flights in Greece can be quite costly. If you are flying from the Athens International Airport to an island, book your connecting flights as early as possible. Last minute prices can get really high.

Note that, with a few exceptions, there are no direct flights between the Greek islands, and you would have to connect in Athens. The best way to visit islands in the same island group is usually by ferry.

Cost of meals in Greece 

Most visitors find that food in Greece is generally good value. Obviously it depends on where you are and what you are eating, but it’s easy to eat at a nice Greek  taverna   with about 15 euro per person.

If you are interested in fresh fish or gourmet cuisine, you will need to budget a lot more for a meal in Greece. Similarly, if you are visiting places like Mykonos and Santorini, you could easily spend 100 – 200 euros per person for just one meal.

People who are on a budget can always stick to street food or fast food, like souvlaki , gyros and bakery goods. You can also do some shopping at street markets or supermarkets, and cook at the place you are staying.

Cost of sightseeing in Greece

The cost of sightseeing in Greece depends on the individual attraction. The most popular archaeological sites and museums are more expensive.

As an example, the  combined ticket for the Acropolis and the other sites in Athens  costs 30 euro. Prices for the individual sites decrease during the winter months.

If budget is not a concern, you should visit the sites and museums with a guide, who will help you understand more about our fascinating history and life in Ancient Greece.

If you are travelling with children, you could consider doing some sort of Greek Mythology travel itinerary. There are several tour companies specializing in guided tours and Greek mythology tours .

At the same time, there are usually some free activities in most destinations. Here are some  free things to do in Athens .

Greece is not expensive

From all the above, you have probably seen that you can easily explore Greece, appreciate its natural beauty and enjoy some beach life on a budget.

My partner and I usually end up spending about 40-50 euro per person per day. Here is an article with our budget on a month-long island hopping trip around the Cyclades, including a couple of day trips to small islands. I’m sure you will agree that Greece isn’t expensive !

Step 7 – Prepare for the occasional strike

You may have heard about it, and it’s absolutely true – sometimes, there are  strikes in Greece . These generally affect public transportation, including ferries, trains and the  Athens metro  and buses.

The strikes are often announced only a couple of days in advance, and there is no way to predict when a strike is going to happen. That said, the 1st of May is always a strike day for ferries and most means of transport in Athens.

The most valuable suggestion I can give you is the following: If you are arriving to and leaving from Athens, it’s best to spend the last few days of your trip in the capital. This way you won’t be stuck on an island if a last-minute ferry strike is announced.

You could also consider getting travel insurance, which will cover you in case of strikes.

Have a look at this list of things you should know about Greece , apart from strikes.

Step 8 – Learn a few words in Greek

And now for something fun! While English is widely spoken in Greece, I would recommend trying to learn a few words and phrases in Greek .

You could also have a look at the Greek alphabet . Believe it or not, our alphabet has remained the same since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Then you may be able to read some of the inscriptions you will see in the museums and ancient sites.

Or, you might be keen on learning how to swear in Greek !

FAQs about planning a trip to Greece

Here are some questions often asked by people planning to visit Greece:

How much does it cost to plan a trip to Greece?

The cost of a trip to Greece can vary significantly, and it depends on the places you visit as well as the time of year. While it’s possible to travel for about 40-50 euro per person per day, it’s advisable to budget for more than that. Expect to pay around 100-150 euro per person per day, especially if you are visiting the most expensive destinations.

How do you plan a trip to Greece?

If you want to plan a Greek vacation, begin by asking yourself what you want out of your holiday. Afterwards, study a map of Greece, read about the attractions and best places to go, and decide how many of these places you can visit in the time you have.

What is best time of year to go to Greece?

The best time of year to visit Greece is spring, the beginning and end of summer, and early autumn. If you can, avoid peak season (July and August) as it tends to get more crowded (and expensive).

What is the cheapest month to travel to Greece?

Two of the cheapest months to travel to Greece include November and February. While this is not the best time to go to Greece if you want to spend time on the beach, you will see a totally different side of the country.

What should I avoid in Greece?

The number one thing you should avoid in Greece, is throwing toilet paper in the toilet. The sewage system in many areas is a bit dated, and the last thing you want on your Greek holiday is a clogged toilet. Just use the bin, and everything will be fine!

Here’s why you shouldn’t flush paper down the toilet in Greece .

Have a look at these other articles:

• 22 beautiful places to visit in Greece
• Athens to Thessaloniki by train
• Athens in November
• Little Kook in Athens

Start planning your trip to Greece today

With all the above in mind, you will hopefully be a little closer to planning your dream Greek trip. So why don’t you start putting your notes together!

Hi, I’m Vanessa from Athens and I hope this guide has helped you think about your future trips to Greece! If you have any specific questions, please ask in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you with personalized suggestions and advice! Feel free to follow my FB page for news and ideas about Greece.

3 thoughts on “Plan A Trip To Greece – Travel Tips And Advice From A Local”

Useful and succinct info for people. Thank you. I like the suggestion of a 1-week stay best staying IN Athens and day tripping out. Does that also apply to staying on the outskirts, or periphery, of the city and tripping in to the city for site-seeing as well as island excursions? Kevin

Where were you thinking to stay? Some people plan to stay on the Athens coast (e.g. Faliro, Glyfada, Voula or Nea Makri on the other coast) and take day trips into the center. This would require a lot of driving / taxis. If your main aim is to sightsee in the centre, I would personally suggest staying in the centre, but if you are only interested in the highlights that can be covered in two or even one days it would be fine to stay on the coast.

That’s an amazing information, Vanessa. You are right, planning for Greece gets overwhelming with so much choice and information. I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks for simplifying.

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