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5 Days in Greece : Ideal Itinerary for First-Timers (2024)

Greece is a land of superlatives when it comes to the beauty of nature and architecture. From swimming in turquoise waters to walking among historic ruins, here’s what you should do during your 5 days in Greece .

The country of 6,000 islands has so much to offer, it can be hard to find your way around. First you need to define your objectives for this 5 days in Greece itinerary . You could easily spend 4 days in Santorini without getting bored, but you might want to see more of Greece if you’re short on time…

You can’t visit Greece in 5 days and see it all. However, you can still get a pretty good glimpse of the wonders of this country by visiting one mainland city and two islands.

If you are looking for both a cultural and relaxing sunny holiday, we got you covered. In this 5 days itinerary for Greece , we want you to see three iconic sites: the glorious city of Athens , the small cobbled alleys of Mykonos and the wonderful sunsets of the volcanic Santorini .

Here’s how you should spend your first 5 days in Greece , with all the practical information you’ll need as well.

First Time in Greece : Quick to-do list

• Choose the 2 or 3 places you want to visit during your 5 days in Greece. This country has 6000 islands and many wonderful cities to visit on its mainland, so you’ll definitely need some guidance. There’s no need to buy a 5 days Greece package , here are all the information you’ll need. For a first visit to Greece , we recommend visiting the capital Athens, as well as one or two known islands.
• Define the best itinerary for you, or copy this one!
• Once you have a good overview of the places to visit in Greece , book your flights on Skyscanner.
• The next step is to find the best hotel deals on Booking . Are you more into indoor or outdoor jacuzzis? Greece has it all.
• Depending on the location of your hotel and your plans on the island, you might need to rent a car.
• Have the time of your life in this welcoming mediterranean country!

Greece travel itinerary 5 days : the Ultimate Guide

First day in greece : discover the history and magic of athens.

Greece is known for its ancient history, paradise islands and rich culture. If you’re flying to Greece , there’s a good chance you’ll arrive in Athens. And that’s perfect because its historical hub is a must do! Here are the best things to do in Athens in one day .

Visit the Acropolis

There’s no place more iconic and historically important in Athens than the Acropolis. It is the most known ancient Greek site, and for good reasons. This ancient citadel was built by Pericles in the 5th century BC.

Are the Acropolis and the Parthenon the same thing?

The Acropolis is not only an architectural miracle. It offers wonderful views on both the city and the sea. The Parthenon is the building of marble columns located on top of the hill. It is the most important and most visited building of Greece.

🇬🇷 10 Greek Words EVERY Traveler Should Know…

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How much does it cost to visit the Acropolis?

You can purchase two types of Acropolis tickets . The entrance ticket costs $22.5 USD (20€) from April 1st to October 31st and $11 USD (10€) the rest of the year.

You’ll be able to visit the whole site of the Acropolis, which is already pretty big and is much more than just the Parthenon. If you’re staying in Athens more than one day, you might want to buy the combination ticket at $34 USD (30€).

It covers the Acropolis and 6 other architectural sites : Ancient Agora , Temple of Olympian Zeus , Roman Agora , Hadrian’s Library , Kerameikos and Aristotle’s School .

Where to eat in Athens?

Klimataria is a good option for both local food and atmosphere. You’ll enjoy Mediterranean delights with a musical background and a glass of excellent wine. The name of the restaurant literally means grape vines, so it’s pretty trustworthy right?

Mount Lycabettus

After lunch, you have to visit the tallest of the seven hills of Athens : Mount Lycabettus! It is visible from anywhere in the city and there’s no way you can visit Athens without going to the Lycabettus Hill .

It’s 277 meters above sea level, which is approximately twice as high as the Acropolis.

We let you imagine the impressive 360 degree view you will have at the top of all the institutions in the city! It is a perfect spot to admire the city from above or have a picnic at sunset.

Plaka and Psiri

Now it’s time to discover Athens from the pov of a human, and not a bird! Wander in the streets of Plaka . It’s a beautiful neighborhood with small alleys covered by plants and cute shops.

It’s the best antidote to the crowded streets under a heavy sun. Plaka is home to family-run shops of ceramics, handmade jewelry or local food.

It is right next to the National Garden Athens , where locals hang out and breathe the pure air of this little corner of green paradise. In the same area, Psiri is where outsiders have fun.

It has a good nightlife, with endless bar and restaurant options.

Party at Six Dogs

To finish the day on a cool note, Six Dogs is a trendy cultural bar with live music and art exhibitions. It has a great garden and that’s where locals reunite to party. It’s the best place for you to have a taste of the local nightlife!

Where to stay in Athens? 🏛️

Acro Urban Suites offer full suites to guests with an incredible view on the Parthenon for as little as $66 USD (59€). It’s modern, well decorated and extremely well located. Perfect value for money!

The Foundry Suites is literally our dream home 😍. This futuristic building is an architectural beauty, where greenery and graphics are the watchwords! The large industrial glass roofs and the incredible decoration give each of the unique studios an incredible charm.

Last but not least, its rooftop terrace is a true odyssey to nature and offers a view of the Acropolis. The Foundry Suites are also located 500 meters from the central Monastiraki Square and a studio costs $150 USD (134€).

Second day in Greece : explore the Mykonos

As we promised, this Greece itinerary for 5 days includes the best of three wonders : Athens and two paradise islands.

Your second day in Greece will be punctuated by the charming and picturesque alleys of one of the most famous Cycladic islands… The one and only Mykonos!

You must have seen Mykonos instagram spots all over social media. Those spots are as charming as they are photogenic. We strongly advice to visit those, but also the hidden gems in the less touristy parts of the island.

Athens to Mykonos

You can either fly or take a ferry from Athens to Mykonos. The flight lasts 45 minutes, but then you’ll need to add security check and airport waiting times. A high-speed ferry takes about 2 hours to join Mykonos from Athens. It’s more ecological and usually cheaper.

Explore Mykonos Town

Now that you arrived in Mykonos and maybe checked in your accommodation, head to Mykonos town! It is the very heart of the island and it’d be a shame to start your visit anywhere else.

Mykonos old town , called Chora by the locals, is one of those perfect dreamy Cycladic villages.

Its small paved alleys among the white houses and bougainvillea pink flowers are almost entirely pedestrian. Greek houses are both classy white and artistically colorful, with their wooden doors, balconies and windows.

One thing is for sure : you won’t get bored wandering in a labyrinth of cute alleys, lovely houses and churches. There is a popular belief that the streets form a kind of labyrinth to confuse pirates.

You’ll also find numerous cafes, souvenir shops or high-end shopping. If you’re lucky, you might even run into the mascot of Mykonos : the friendly and photogenic Petros the Pelican .

The story of this huge bird is unbelievable and starts back in the 50s’, when a fisherman found a wounded pelican… The rest is history!

You can walk to the Mykonos Old Port to eat at a beachfront restaurant. This is by far the best place to eat at because you’ll be facing the two spots that make the reputation of the island.

Windmills Mykonos

Located on the Old Port, facing the sea and Little Venice, Mykonos windmills have been the very heart of the island over the centuries for various reasons. First, they were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to grind wheat. It was the primary source of income for many locals.

They stopped working in the middle of the 20th century and are now the absolute emblem of the island of Mykonos. There are 16 windmills in total. Most of them stand on a hill overlooking the waves of the Mediterranean and the houses of Little Venice.

Little Venice Mykonos

Little Venice is a set of houses hanging over the water of the Mediterranean sea. It is a very picturesque spot as the waves crash against the walls of those houses and sometimes even reach the blue wooden balconies.

Even if the scene is a bit surreal, they are still standing and still ! You’ll see it by yourself : it’s very easy to wander around the town for hours without getting bored.

For sunset, we highly recommend looking at it setting at the famous windmills. The view is mind blowing and this really is the once-in-a-lifetime sunset kind.

Yialo Yialo Restaurant Mykonos

After a long day in the charming streets of Mykonos, you deserve dinner in an atypical haven of peace. Yialo Yialo Restaurant Mykonos serves Greek and international food in the loviest place with sea view. This intimate setting offers a wonderful atmosphere where guests can relax and eat delicious food.

Where to stay in Mykonos? 🇬🇷

Chill Out Studio is a set of several fully-equipped studios located on a hill 400 meters from Little Venice. They offer an insane view of the sea and the pool surrounded by stones is gorgeous. The host is the nicest man and will treat you as if you were in a 5 star hotel for the sum of $180 USD (160€) for two people per night.

Third day in Greece : wander in Mykonos

Halfway through your 5 days in Greece, you might want to relax and soak up the Greek sun. That’s what the program of this third day is all for : walks, beach and party! In other words, a typical day in Mykonos.

Mykonos Churches

There are around 800 churches on the island of Mykonos, and 80 of them are in Mykonos town! Even if you’re not christian or religious, Greek churches’ architecture is something else. Those whitewashed holy buildings are architectural wonders.

Some of the most famous are Panagia Paraportiani and Agios Nikolaos . They are both located in Chora. If you wish to explore more of Mykonos island outside of the old town, you can visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera .

Super Paradise Beach

To unwind from your last busy days, enjoy an afternoon at the beach in the famous Super Paradise Beach. 5 days in Greece wouldn’t be complete without at least one chill afternoon of lounging around in the sun.

Super Paradise Beach Club is a white sand beach with hot crystal clear water. You can do water activities such as flyboard, parasailing or private cruises. However, it’s more known for its beach club.

You can have drinks and dance all day long there! What’s even funnier is that its name is a superlative of the competing range: Paradise Beach.

Mykonos nightlife

The sunset in the Greek islands never gets old – be on time to witness it from Mykonos town. Then, you must discover the party part of the island. From late June to September, there are beach parties with DJ almost every night. Just remember to set an alarm so you don’t miss the ferry the next day!

If you wish to spend more time on this fabulous Cycladic island, here is a complete itinerary for 3 days in Mykonos .

Fourth day in Greece : marvel at the volcanic Santorini

You cannot spend 5 days in Greece and not visit the most wonderful and romantic islands of them all : Santorini. Worldly known for its wonderful architecture, white houses on black lava cliffs and epic sunsets, what might be the lost city of Atlantis amazes thousands of people every year.

Mykonos to Santorini Ferry

To go from one Greek island to another, your best option is to take high-speed boats. Companies like Sea Jets do one crossing per day from Mykonos to Santorini. They usually leave at 10am for two hours and the trip costs $80 USD (69€) per passenger.

The first place you can visit in Santorini is Amoudi Bay. This small fishing village is one of the most picturesque places in all Santorini. Typical houses and tavernas have their feet in soft blue water. They stand from the mountain of red lava in the background.

The village of Oia and its windmills are perched on top of the cliff. And yes, you can see all of this post card from Amoudi Village! This place is out of the world and we couldn’t think of a better way to start your visit of Santorini .

Fishermen bring in fresh fish and octopus daily from their vintage boats. As you can guess, the restaurants there not only have an amazing view, but also food with more flavor than you’ve ever tasted. After an excellent meal, go past the village to reach a swimming and jumping spot.

Now that you’ve unwinded and ate fresh food at Amoudi Village, you’re ready to face the crowds of the touristy yet mind-blowing Oia. The village is characterized by its breathtaking views of the ocean and the caldera with each new alley.

Wander through the cute alleys and admire its small white houses perfectly aligned and its famous blue-domed churches . Make sure to go to the Oia castle at least one hour before the sunset to have the best view on all the island of Santorini. Oia’s sunsets are among the most beautiful in the world.

After this once-in-a-lifetime sunset, head to Lotza Restaurant for a well-deserved dinner. This cliffside restaurant offers a wonderful view on the ocean and typical food for a normal price. You will be able to try some traditional Greek meals for around $17 USD (14€).

Where to stay in Santorini? 🌇

As we went to Santorini a couple of times, we tried out different accommodations and two of them stood out. And when we say they stood out, we meant that those are the top 3 hotels we ever tried in our entire lives.

Langas Villas

The first hotel that we highly recommend is Langas Villas . We couldn’t possibly describe it in a few sentences, but here’s our best try. Those cave suites are located in Imerovigli, owned by the nicest hosts we ever had, with the highest swimming pool of all the island. The view on the caldera at sunset is stunning!

The suite has a jacuzzi carved into an orange rock, the decoration is stunning and the view on the terrace is breathtaking. A scrumptious continental breakfast is also included in the price of the room (around $230 USD (200€) for two people per night).

Amber Light Villas

The second best hotel in Santorini is Amber Light Villas . This complex offers incredibly luxurious and modern cave suites facing the sea for a wonderful sunrise. It’s located in Imerovigli as well but you’ll have a view on the other side of the island. It costs $300 USD (258€) per night for two people.

Fifth day in Greece: Santorini

Your 5 days in Greece will go by at lightning speed, so we planned amazing activities for your last day. On the day’s schedule: history of ancient Greece, discovery of typical villages and beaches of atypical colors… Let’s make your last day in Greece the best one!

Santorini Breakfast

Locals do not joke around with breakfasts. Marketing may have recently convinced the world that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, inhabitants of Santorini have always believed it. Hospitality is in their veins and hotels are betting big on their breakfast menu.

If you’re staying at Amber Light Villas or Langas Villas, be prepared to have the breakfast of a lifetime. You can have it all : bread, eggs, bacon, sausages, fruits, cheese, cake, yogurt, cold cuts, coffee, tea, orange juice, champagne… The hosts usually bring it to you on your terrace.

As all the houses align on the as all the houses are glued and lined up along the cliff, you can see everyone having breakfast and it’s quite funny. So enjoy your feast before starting the day!

Fira is the capital of the island. Located right in the middle of the island, it’s the bubbly and lively town where everything happens. Plus, if you’re staying in Imerovigli, it’s a short ten minutes drive so it’s perfect to start off the day the right way.

Stroll in the different alleys and witness the wonderful views 220 meters above the sea. You will run into the cutest sea view restaurants, art galleries and houses. There are churches of all kinds in Fira : orthodox, baroque… You have to at least visit the famous Three Bells of Fira !

For lunch, you can choose among the many seaside restaurants, such as Nektar Lounge . They serve greek food with delicious local wine produced on the island.

Archaeological Site of Akrotiri

In Ancient Greece, Akrotiri was a famous port in the Aegean Sea. Loads of merchant ships were stopping there between the different countries of the Mediterranean Sea. A lava eruption completely covered the site in the 17th century BC, which greatly preserved the settlement.

Nowadays, you can visit the Akrotiri excavation site which remains an important piece of Greece’s history. Suspended walkways allow visitors to visit the site without hurting it. The entrance ticket costs $14 USD (12€) per person.

A trip to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Red Beach! There’s not a lot of places in the world where you can see a beach made of a flaming red lava. The water is hot and crystal clear in comparison to the red and brown lava.

In the area, you can also find the white beach and black beach . At the white beach, you’ll find impressive white limestone rocks. The black beach is less frequented as the other two stand out with their original colors. If you only have a limited time of 5 days in Greece, the Red Beach is definitely the one not to miss.

Santorini Sunset

What a better way to end your 5 days in Greece than attending one last Santorini sunset? Head back to Oia or Fira ahead of time to secure a good seat at a bar, restaurant or at the Oia castle. Imerovigli is the highest point of the island and offers incredible sunsets with a view on all the crescent-shaped Santorini.

If you wish to spend more time in the magical Santorini, here’s a complete itinerary on how to visit Santorini in 4 days . This way, you’ll be able to visit the famous volcano, caldera and hot springs that once probably were the lost city of Atlantis…

Greece Travel Tips

How to get to greece.

Greece is not a landlocked country, and can therefore be reached by boat, plane, train or car. The most common way to arrive in Greece is by plane. Athens Airport is the largest in Greece and receives lots of international flights every day.

Big islands such as Santorini or Mykonos also have airports. However, as they are not this far, we recommend taking greek ferries between them. If you’re planning an Europe road trip , you can drive to Athens and then you’ll need to pay for a ferry to reach the islands.

How to get around in Greece?

Car rental in greece.

Renting a car in Greece is the easiest way to get around! You can do it on Mainland Greece but also on the islands. You won’t need it in Athens and the public transports work fine. In Mykonos, you can stay near the city center and walk around.

However, you’ll need one in Santorini as the main points of interest are quite spread out. The basic car costs approximately $40 USD to $60 USD (35€ to 52€) per day depending on the season.

You can book your car at big companies like Sixt or independent greek companies. Last but not least, do not plan to save on insurance as this is very important in Greece as the roads are mountainous.

Uber in Greece

When planning their trip, a lot of travelers ask if there is Uber in Santorini , Mykonos or Athens… Uber only operates in Greece with its “Uber Taxi” service, which redirects customers to local cabs.

Buses in Greece

The bus is the best way to go around big Greek cities on the mainland. Athens public transport system covers all the city and its surroundings. It’s affordable as well as a single ticket costs $1.58 USD (€1.40) and is valid for one hour and a half.

You can also take the bus on touristy islands like Mykonos. But you’ll need a bit more planning as they’re not as frequent as in the capital! After visiting the city center, you can take it to visit the Super Paradise Beach Club .

Boats in Greece

Fast boats are the best way to travel from one east island to another. Sea Jets for instance operate daily crossings from Mykonos to Santorini for $80 USD (69€). Different boat companies operate crossings between the different islands, but also from the mainland to the islands.

How many days do you need to visit Greece?

Let’s face it ; Greece is a huge country with thousands of islands and you won’t be able to visit it all, even if you moved there. It all depends on what you want to visit ; a weekend in Athens or on one island is worth it. 5 days in Greece are perfect to visit Athens and 2 islands. Two weeks would be great to add two more islands.

Is Greece expensive?

Mainland Greece is much more affordable than Greek islands. A traveler on a budget would spend around $80 USD (70€) per day for a double room, meals and activities in Athens. On an island like Santorini, the same traveler would spend around $140 USD (125€) for a double room, meals, activities and the car rental.

Do I need a visa to go to Greece?

Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows Europeans to travel in Europe as if there were no borders. Therefore, US citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

If you’re not European and American, we recommend that you check the entry requirements for Greece on the national website of your country.

Best time to visit Greece

You can visit Greece all year long because the temperature hardly gets under 10°C. However, for warm weather and beach opportunities, we recommend you to visit between May and October .

As the most crowded months are July and August, the very best time to visit Greece and avoid the crowds is in May or September.

Do I need travel insurance Greece?

Travelers are not required to buy travel insurance when travelling to Greece. However, we cannot stress enough the importance of having your medical fees covered when you have an accident abroad. If you’re planning on renting a scooter, quad or doing hiking activities, you should take travel insurance. Better safe than sorry, right?

Where to go in Greece?

Greece is a huge country and has a lot to offer. The best places to visit for a first visit are Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, as covered in this 5 days in Greece itinerary ! However, other islands are worth visiting as well : Milos, Zakynthos, Crete, Corfu, Thessaloniki or Kalamata.

Thessaloniki and Kalamata are on mainland Greece while the others are Mediterranean islands. If you are a history lover, Thessaloniki was once part of the Byzantine Empire. Kalamata would be good for you as well because it is home to the ancient ruins of Messenia.

All the islands listed above offer incredible beaches, cliff views and great sightseeing. The islands of Zakynthos and Corfu are located to the west of mainland Greece, while Milos is to the east. Crete is a huge island in the south of the country.

We’ve now covered everything you need to know to have the best 5 days in Greece ! This itinerary has been designed to give you a taste of all the magical aspects of Greece, between nature, history, luxury and exceptional food. This country definitely is among the first countries to travel post COVID 19 .

Further Reading...

Santorini in 4 days: DREAMY Itinerary For 2024

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5 Days in Greece Itinerary Ideas by a Local

Only have 5 days to visit Greece? Don’t worry – With my 5-day Greece itinerary; you will be able to get a good taste of what Greece has to offer in a short time. I have prepared for you three different 5-day itineraries to choose from depending on your taste.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Day 5: Athens

Greece in 5 days – detailed itinerary ideas.

5 Days in Greece Option 1

Day 1: Athens Day 2: Delphi Day 3: Meteora Day 4: Island Cruise Hydra, Poros, Aegina Day 5: Athens

Day 1: Athens

How To Get To & From The Airport

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is located 35km (22miles) from the city centre with a number of public transport options to get you into the city.

Metro – Line 3 (the blue line) takes you from the airport straight to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes. The metro operates daily from 06.30-23.30, with trains running every 30 minutes and stops clearly identified in English. Cost 10 €.

Express Bus – The X95 express bus operates every 30-60 minutes minimum (with more frequent services in the Summer) 24/7. It stops in Syntagma Square with a journey time of 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost 5.50 €.

Taxi – The official taxis (yellow cabs!) operate a flat rate fee from the airport to the city center to ensure visitors are not ripped off. Journey time takes 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. 40 € between 05:00-24:00 and 55 € between 00:00-05:00.

Welcome Pickups – Pre-book a private transfer, and your English-speaking driver will meet you at the arrivals hall with a bottle of water and a map of the city. Baby/child car seats can be pre-booked in advance. Click here for more details and to book your transfer.

Things To See and Do in Athens

• Acropolis – Allow yourself at least 2 hours to explore ‘the Acropolis’ as it comprises not only the iconic Parthenon and the iconic Caryatids (the female columns) located at the top of the hill but plenty of interesting sites on its slopes too, including the 6th-century BC Theatre of Dionysus and the 2nd-century AD Theatre of Herodion.

• Acropolis Museum – Filled with 4,000 artifacts, be sure to see the 160m long frieze plus the statue of a man with a calf called The Moschophoros – One of the first examples of marble used in Ancient Greece.
• Ancient Agora – The hub of ancient Athens used for religious, political, and social activities, including sporting events from the 6th century BC; this is the place where Socrates would hold his lectures.

• Plaka – One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city featuring gorgeous neoclassical architecture, Plaka is a hive of activity full of tavernas, rooftop bars, and souvenir shops.
• Monastiraki Square – Your gateway to the famous Monastiraki Flea Market, this square, with its fountain, 18th century Ottoman mosque, and metro station entrance, is a great place to people watch whilst snacking tasty Greek street food.

Where to stay in Athens It’s best to book a central hotel in Athens, one in or around Syntagma Square or Monastiraki Square as this will save you time and money since all the must-see sights are within walking distance. Niki Athens Hotel : Located 100 meters from Syntagma Square with a bus stop for the airport right outside the door, this modern hotel with a bar has sound-proofed rooms with large balconies. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. 14 Reasons Why : Just 200 meters from Monastiraki Square and the famous flea market, this modern hotel features a terrace and a lounge where you can relax and mingle with other guests before retreating to your room. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Herodion Hotel : Located seconds away from the Acropolis Museum, this elegantly decorated hotel has a view to die for, its rooftop garden with hot tubs and a rooftop bar and restaurant both overlooking the Acropolis. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Day 2: Delphi

The most sacred place in Ancient Greece during the 6th century BC, the UNESCO site of Delphi is well known for being the religious center of the ancient Greek world where the famous oracle foretold the future and is a must-visit place when exploring Greece.

How To Get There:

You have 2 options for reaching Delphi, either rent a car for 2 days and drive (continuing on to Meteora the next day with an overnight stay in or near either of these places) or sit back and relax by booking this 2-day tour that includes a visit to both places.

Click here for more information and to book your 2-day trip to Delphi and Meteora.

If you don’t want to overnight in Delphi or Meteora, you can base yourself in Athens for the duration of your stay and make some day trips from Athens instead. It is just very tiring going back and forth, but it is up to you. What To See at Delphi

• Temple of Apollo at Delphi – The place where the cult rituals took place, including the famous divination ceremonies, the Temple of Apollo is the most important building at Delphi.
• Treasury of the Athenians – Used to house trophies from various Athenian victories as well as a variety of votive objects dedicated to the sanctuary, the treasury was built in either the 6 th century BC or the 5 th century BC.
• Ancient Theatre of Delphi – Built for the music and poetry contests of the Pythian Games, the theatre seen today dates from 160BC and 67A.D but was first built in stone in the 4 th century BC.
• Archaeological Museum – Containing architectural sculpture, statues, pottery, mosaics, and metal objects dating back to the 8th century BC, be sure not to miss seeing the lifesize bronze charioteer from 478-474BC!

Day 3: Meteora

The biggest and most iconic monastic center in Greece, the hanging monasteries of Meteora (of which six can be visited) are a can’t-miss attraction on your 5-day Greece itinerary.

Great Meteoron Monastery – The most iconic of the hanging monasteries with its red roof is also the most difficult to reach due to its altitude, however, perched upon a 610-metre-high rock, it’s from here that you get the most breathtaking views!

Rousanou Monastery – This 16th-century monastery is actually inhabited by nuns making it a nunnery. It’s the most easily accessible monastery at Meteora since it’s located lower down the rock pillars.

St Nicholas Anapausas Monastery – Built at the beginning of the 14th century, only one monk lives at this monastery today.

St Stephen Monastery – Built in the 15 th century, this is the only monastery (now inhabited by nuns, so technically a nunnery) visible from the nearby town of Kalampaka.

Varlaam Monastery – Built by a monk named Varlaam in the 14 th century, he lived here alone until his death. In 1517, 2 monks from Ioannina renovated the monastery using a pulley system of ropes and baskets to transport the necessary building materials up the rock. It took them 20 years to move the materials but only 20 days to finish the reconstruction.

Holy Trinity Monastery – Made famous when it was featured in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, this 14th-century monastery was only accessible by rope ladders prior to 1925 when 140 steep steps were cut into the rock.

After marveling at the hanging monasteries, make your return to Athens in the late afternoon or evening.

Spend the night in Athens.

Day 4: Island Cruise: Hydra, Poros, Aegina

The 3-island day cruise allows you to visit 3 Sanonic islands in one day. Visit the picturesque port towns of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with an English-speaking guide and enjoy lunch and entertainment in the form of traditional Greek dancing while onboard.

Hydra – This island is where the jet setters go to enjoy the boho Greek vibe. Shop for souvenirs at the craft shops and consider strolling around the quaint backstreets.

Poros – This small tranquil green island is known for its lemon groves and pine forests. Climb to the top of the bell tower to enjoy the magnificent views.

Aegina – Another green island, this one known for its pistachio trees; here you’ll get to see the 5th century BC Temple of Aphaea and the lively fish market.

Click here for more information and to book your day cruise.

If you have a night flight home, you’ll have enough time to see more of Athens during the day. Use this time to see the following:

• Changing of the Guard – Taking place every hour, on the hour, watch the presidential soldiers (Evzones) proceed in traditional dress to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where they switch places with their colleagues using must-see slow-motion movements.
• Panathenaic Stadium – Built in the 6 th century BC this is the only stadium built entirely from marble in the world. Initially used for male-only track sporting events, today, this is where the Olympic Flame begins its journey around the world every 4 years.

• Hadrian’s Arch – Built in 131AD to honor the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, today, the triumphal arch stands to the side of Athens’s main road, but it once spanned the road that linked Ancient Athens with Roman Athens.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus – Just behind Hadrian’s Arch are the remains of the 6th-century temple dedicated to the King of the Olympian Gods, Zeus. Originally featuring 107 Corinthian columns, it took 700 years to build.

• National Archaeological Museum – NAM contains the richest collection of Greek artifacts dating from the 7th century BC to the 5th century BC. Items include Minoan frescoes, the Antikythera Mechanism (the world’s first computer!), and the gold death mask of Agamemnon.

Greece in 5 Days Option 2

Day 1: Athens Day 2: Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio Day 3: Delphi Day 4: Island Cruise Hydra, Poros, Aegina Day 5: Athens

Follow the itinerary of option 1 to visit the main attractions of Athens.

Day 2: Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio

Book a day trip to visit 3 historic towns in the Peloponnese with pickup from your Athens hotel. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore on your own.

This was the most important city of the Mycenaean civilization that dominated not only mainland Greece, and its islands but also the shores of Asia Minor for 4 centuries. Visit this UNESCO site with your guide and explore the ruins of the fortified hilltop citadel seeing the 13 th century Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the ‘beehive’ tombs known as tholos, and the grave circle where a wealth of burial goods including gold death masks were uncovered, the items, or replicas of them, being on display in the museum.

A place of ancient healing in Ancient Greek and Roman times, the ancient sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus is considered the birthplace of medicine. On a guided tour, you’ll see the remains of the dormitories where visitors would await their healing treatments, the 480-380BC sports stadium, and the Tholos or Thymele – a circular building from 360-320BC which had a labyrinth thought to house the sacred snakes for the cult activities that took place on the floors above.

Epidaurus is also famous for its 4th-century BC theatre, which has incredible acoustics and is considered the best-preserved theatre in Greece. At the archaeological museum, you’ll see the finds that have been unearthed from the sanctuary, including fascinating medical items made from bronze.

The picturesque seaside town of Nafplio was the first capital of Greece after the Greek War of Independence. Enclosed within ancient city walls and boasting sea views plus mountain views, it’s awash with winding backstreets, Venetian, Frankish, and Ottoman architecture and has not one but two castles – one of these being built on an island just off the coast!

Click here for more information and to book your day trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio.

Day 3: Delphi

It’s possible to visit Delphi in a day whether you hire a car, take the public bus, or book a day trip there.

If you decide to do a guided tour, I recommend this 10-hour guided tour to Delphi from Athens.

Day 4: Island Cruise to Hydra, Poros, Aegina

Spend the day on an organized cruise visiting 3 islands close to Athens. Hydra, Poros, or Aegina. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry from Piraeus port and visit one of them on your own. If you decide to do that, I highly recommend that you choose Hydra.

Finally, if you are not interested in the Greek islands, there are many things you can see in the Greek capital, or you can head to Meteora instead.

On the final day of your five days in Greece, you can spend it exploring more of what Athens has to offer, for suggestions check the last day of option 1.

If you decide to book a car for your 5 days in Greece, I recommend booking a car through  Discover Cars  where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price.  Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

5 days in Greece Option 3

Day 1: Athens Day 2: Santorini Day 3: Santorini Day 4: Santorini Day 5: Athens

Spend your first day on your 5-day Greece itinerary exploring Athens (see the detailed itinerary in option 1)

Day 2, 3, 4 Santorini

I chose Santorini for this 5-day Greece itinerary as it is a popular destination everyone wants to visit but it is also one of the few Greek Islands that you can easily visit all year round.

If you don’t want to visit Santorini, you can take the ferry to the nearby islands of Mykonos or Syros if you are visiting between May and October.

You can either fly to Santorini from Athens airport (flight time of 45-55 minutes) or take the ferry from Piraeus (journey time of between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the route and ferry company). Since you are only spending five days in Greece, I recommend that you fly to Santorini. There are many airlines offering daily flights to Santorini, and if you book early, you can find amazing deals.

If you decide to take the ferry, check here for the ferry timetable and to book your tickets.

Top Things To Do In Santorini

• Explore Oia – Think of Santorini and the pictures you’ve seen were probably taken from this quaint cliffside village. Wander the streets taking in the breathtaking views being sure to stay for sunset, which is best viewed from the castle ruins.
• Visit The Volcano – The view you’ll never tire of seeing whilst standing on Santorini; take a boat trip to the volcano and hike 10 minutes to the top of the still-active crater.
• Akrotiri Archeological Site – One of the most important prehistoric settlements of Greece, see what has been uncovered of the Bronze Age town that was buried beneath volcanic ash after the Theran eruption in the 16 th century BC.
• Museum of Prehistoric Fira – See the artifacts unearthed from Akrotiri Archeological Site with items dating from the Neolithic period to the early Cycladic period at the museum in Fira.
• Red Beach – Famed for its red cliff face, which turns the sand a reddish-brown color, this small beach with its volcanic rocks requires quite a trek to reach, but the views make it well worth the effort.

• Skaros Rock – Hike out to the headland of Skaros Rock which features the remains of a Medieval fortress – The views are out of this world, and it’s slightly off the tourist trail!
• Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach – Head to the South of the island and sink your toes into the black volcanic sand that these two beaches are famous for.
• Explore Fira and Firostefani – Walk along the Caldera, admiring the view out to the volcano and taking in all the architecture that makes Santorini so special – You’ll be taking photos every 2 seconds!
• Ancient Thera Archeological Site – Perched on a ridge of the 360-meter high Messavouno mountain, see the remains of the ancient capital of Thera that were inhabited from the 9 th century BC – 726 AD.

On day 4, I recommend that you head back to Athens for your last night in Greece to make sure you are back on time for your flight home the next day. Depending on your preferences, you can spend the majority of the day in Santorini or head back to Athens in the morning to allow for more sightseeing of the city.

Where To Stay in Santorini Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel With sunset views to make your mouth drop open, this elegant Cycladic-styled hotel is located on Oia’s famous cliffside. Antiques and art decorate the rooms, with a pool on-site, too, and friendly staff who go the extra mile. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Costa Marina Villas: This traditionally styled guest house is just 200 meters from the central square in Fira, so is perfect for exploring the town, with restaurants and shops close by. – Click here for more information and to book your stay.

Spend your last day exploring the many sites Athens has to offer. For ideas, check the last day of option 1.

As you can see, even when you’re short on time, it is still possible to see a lot of Greece in 5 days! So how will you spend it? Are you more drawn to the amazingly historic archaeological sites, or do you dream of visiting as many islands as possible? Let us know in the comments, and remember, five days in Greece will have you returning for a longer trip, one day for sure!

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The Best Ever 5 Days in Greece Itinerary

Are you looking to spend 5 days in Greece? Then, I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you! While 5 days may not be the longest time to visit Greece, it will allow you to get a taste for Greece’s amazing history and do some island hopping too. Greece is such a beautiful country to visit especially if you’re into delicious food, water activities, and strolling through pretty white-washed streets. Whether it’s your first time visiting Greece or you’ve been before, you will get inspiration on how to spend 5 days in Greece with this comprehensive post.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure  here .

Quick Facts before visiting Greece : 💱Currency:  Euros € 💶  Budget for a trip to Greece : The  average daily cost  for a trip to Greece is  $183 a night  for both  food  and  accommodation . If you want to save money skip the touristy places like Santorini and Mykonos, and go to cheaper lesser-known Greek islands like Kimolos, Tinos, or Paros. 💜  Is tipping required in Greece?  Tipping in customary in Greece and you should plan to tip between 10-15%. ☀️  Best time to Visit:  The season for Islands in Greece typically starts after Easter at the end of April and closes in October. The most ideal time to visit is right before or after the peak season of summer. June or September would be great! 🏥  Travel Insurance in Greece : I recommend  SafetyWing  which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels.

Is 5 Days Enough to Visit Greece?

While five days in Greece may feel short considering how many beautiful islands there are, it’s certainly possible to do so, especially if you focus on specific regions or islands. In 5 days, I’d pick 1 to 2 bases to stay in and do a day trip to a nearby island. My favorite itinerary is starting in Athens then heading to Milos and doing. a day trip to Kimolos, a lesser known island. I also loved Paros and that would be my second choice for a 5 day Greece Itinerary. However, it’s ultimately up to you and your preferences which route you choose!

10 Best 5 day Greece Itinerary Ideas

This will cover the best places to visit in Greece. These itineraries will help give you ideas of how to spend 5 days in Greece.

1. Athens, Milos, and Kimolos

• 1 days in Athens
• 2 days in Milos
• 1 day trip to Kimolos

2. Athens & Santorini

• 2 days in Athens
• 3 days in Santorini

3. Athens, Mykonos, & Delos

• 2 days in Mykonos (here’s how to spend 1 day in Mykonos! )
• 1 day trip to Delos

4. Athens, Crete, & Knossos

• 2 days in Crete
• 1 day exploring Knossos Palace

5. Athens, Rhodes, & Lindos

• 2 days in Rhodes
• 1 day trip to Lindos

6. Athens, Meteora, & Thessaloniki

• 2 days visiting Meteora monasteries
• 1 day in Thessaloniki

7. Santorini & Naxos

• 2 days in Santorini
• 3 days in Naxos

8. Athens, Corfu & Paxos

• 2 days in Corfu
• 1 day trip to Paxos

9. Athens, Antiparos, & Paros

• 1 day in Athens
• 3 days in Paros
• 1 day trip to Antiparos

10. Athens, Hydra & Spetses

• 3 days of Hydra
• 1 day trip to Spetses

Athens, Milos, Kimolos 5 Days in Greece Itinerary

My favorite 5 day Greece Itinerary would be a trip to Athens, Milos, and Kimolos! This itinerary is also perfect if you want to visit Greece on a budget. I also traveled to Greece solo using this exact itinerary! So, we’ll go into the details of what you’d do here in 5 days.

Day 1: Athens

On your first day in Greece, you’ll likely arrive into Athens which is part of mainland Greece and it’s one of the largest cities in Greece! There are so many must-see attractions in Athens. Being the capital city of Greece, it is a no-brainer to visit. Athens is a city full of ancient history and a popular destination for those visiting Greece.

✈️ How to get there: You can get to Athens by flying into Athens International Airport or arriving by ferry at one of the city’s ports. Most major cities will have a direct flight into Athens.

⏳ How Long to Spend There? I spent 2 nights but got in very late the first night. I think you could definitely see many of the highlights including the archaeological sites in just one day. Of course, if you have more time you can spend a great 2 full days here.

🏨 Where to Stay in Athens:

La Divina Hotel seriously has the best location in Athens. It’s situated in the charming neighborhood of Thiseio. Right out of the hotel, you could find so many cute cafes. I was a short walk to Monastiraki, Hadrian’s Library, the Agora of Athens, and more! The rooms were elegant and had huge windows! 

🏛️ What to do in Athens:

MAIN ANCIENT SITES:

• Acropolis, a UNESCO Heritage Site
• Acropolis Museum
• Ancient Agora
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus

NEIGHBORHOODS:

• Monastiraki

🍽️ FOOD/BARS

• artFix Athens
• A for Athens (rooftop bar)
• Niche Hotel Athens (rooftop bar)

Day 2-5: Milos with Day Trip to Kimolos

On your second day, you may opt to transfer to an island and explore it. I’d recommend Milos, which is a gorgeous island along the Aegean Sea. Although it is now being more and more discovered, it’s definitely less busy than Mykonos or Santorini. There are so many beautiful beaches in Milos to relax at! Milos is known for its distinctive coastline, featuring rugged cliffs, colorful rock formations, and beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. It’s also famous for its volcanic landscapes and historical sites, such as the ancient theater of Milos and the Catacombs of Milos.

🚢 How to get there: You can take the ferry from Athens which takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. Book tickets ahead via Omio .

⏳ How Long to Spend There? I personally spent 2 nights in Milos. While it was hardly enough time I was able to see all the highlights as they were all within 10 mins from each other (30 mins max). I’d ideally recommend 3 or 4 nights unless you have limited time. You definitely need a car. I’d recommend a rental car via Discover Cars for the best prices.

🏨 Where to stay in Milos:

I stayed in a cute windmill! It was located near Plaka which has a lot going on and you could see the whole town from the hotel. 

Aera Milos was the hotel name.

🌊 What to do in Milos:

🏖️ BEACHES/CAVES

• Sarakiniko 
• Papafragas Cave
• Tsigrado Beach
• Fyriplaka Beach
• Paliochori beach

🏡 VILLAGES & TOWNS:

• Firopotamos 
• Plaka 
• O! Hamos! Tavern
• Astakas Cafe Restaurant
• Enalion Restaurant 
• Nostos 
• Yialos 
• Gyros of Milos
• Traditional Desserts (Dessert)
• Angellica (ice cream)
• Backers Kivotos Ton Gefseon (Bakery)

Kimolos Island

Kimolos is a tiny volcanic island with so much charm and authenticity. There is no airport on the island. This island is a hidden gem and you’ll find very few tourists here. It’s an easy day trip from Milos as it takes only 20 minutes by boat to get here.

⏳ How Long to Spend There? A day is more than enough as the island is quite small!

🚢 How to get there: The best way to get there is by taking the ferry from Milos. It takes anywhere from 25 minutes to one hour. Book tickets ahead via Omio .

🏨 Where to Stay:

I suggested you take a day trip to Kimolos from Milos. However, if you have more time to spare, you should definitely stay overnight especially if you love a peaceful escape. I stayed at the most gorgeous hotel, The Windmill by Aria Hotels . From here, you could walk to the only village on the island. You had views of the small town and views of the sea from this perfect stay. 

🌊 What to do in Kimolos:

Read my full blog post on the best things to do on Kimolos Island.

Explore the only village with its picturesque streets:

• Chorio Village (the old town)
• Agios Georgios Beach
• Kalamisti Beach
• Rema Beach
• Prassa Beach
• Bonatsa Beach
• Kali Kardia
• Agora Cocktail Bar

Hopefully, this post helps you plan the most ideal 5 day itinerary to Greece! Leave a comment below to tell me how your trip ended up!

You may also like these posts: 🏝️ Cheap Islands in Greece to Visit 💙 Greece Solo Travel Guide 🤫 Quiet Greek Islands to Visit 🌊 Things to Do on Antiparos Island 🏝️ The Hidden Island of Kimolos, Greece 🌊 Mykonos 1 Day Itinerary 🏛️ Athens 1 Day Itinerary ♡  Instagrammable Spots in Mykonos 💎  Best Hidden Gems in Europe 📸  Most Beautiful Cities in Europe 🤫 Travel secrets & tips

Meet Jackie Rezk, the London-based explorer behind Jou Jou Travels. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Jackie's travel blog captures the charm of undiscovered places through pretty architecture and bursts of color. Featured in Yahoo News, Tripadvisor, Niche Pursuits, and GetYourGuide, Jackie has been blogging for four years and solo-traveled to over 20 countries. In 2023, she made the leap to full-time blogging, sharing her passion for travel and unique finds with readers worldwide.

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How to Spend 5 Days in Greece: The Best Greece Trip Itinerary

Explore the best of Mediterranean scenes in our 5 days in Greece itinerary

Want to discover Greece in a short span of time? Then buckle up for a new adventure, as you travel down to some of the quaintest towns of Greece in this short Greek vacation.

Greece, the Mediterranean bliss, is one of Europe’s perfect getaways to relax and experience coastal life. As we all rightly know, Greece is all about exploring the famous locations of Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, and Para. But why not break the cycle? And gain a whole new discovery?

This guide is curated considering a new possibility, niche way of exploring the Greek Isles and its mainland. The itinerary designed, will take you through some of the gorgeous, under-rated towns and scenic areas. At the same time we ensure, the activities & experiences you do in your Greek vacation remain blockbuster.

Overview of 5 Day Greece Itinerary

This 5-day Greek itinerary is designed considering leisure excursions and activities you could do in a short span of time. Often, travelers look for itineraries that take less time to travel, but more opportunities to seek. Exactly what this Ancient Greek vacation offers.

Highlights of 5 Days in Greece –

• Explore the Corfu Old Town
• Excursion to Agni Bay and Cape Drastis
• Discover monasteries & monoliths at Meteora
• Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi
• Journey to Athens highlights

The below itinerary boasts excellent touristic moments for visitors who want to travel to off-beaten places of Greece . You’ll start your tour from Corfu – one of the stunning most locations of Greece – and will then end it in the capital city – Athens .

All the activities & attractions mentioned in our 5-day Greece itinerary can be done in a simple, relaxed way. However, if you feel to explore more out of a certain place– then feel free to customize this itinerary. You can chip in additional days, discover optional tours and venture beyond the off-beaten path.

If you wish to book the exact same tour, then you could do so – by visiting the G Adventures website . You will even find other best Greece trip itineraries, uniquely designed tours, and add-on experiences for purchase, along with this itinerary.

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Greece

Before moving to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning points prior to booking any Greece vacation. This is just a high-overview of certain travel tips – but I’ll ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides.

Best time to visit Greece : The islands of Greece and its mainland, is known for their glorious summer weather. Temperatures are blazing around the mid-30s, with mild sunshine and clear blue skies. So ideally, May to September is the best time to visit Greece. It’s also the peak season of travel, so expect crowded tourist centers and bustling attractions. If you prefer a peaceful Greek vacation, then I would suggest booking a Greece tour between April and June. The weather might be a little chillier, especially in the island areas. Try and avoid the Easter week the best you can, as it’s the peak season for domestic travel.

Visa & Documentation : Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) & a Schengen Visa to enter Greece. For more details, visit the website .

How much does a Greek vacation cost : If you’re specifically traveling to Greece during the peak season, then the entry fee for all attractions will reach its high point. All of them need to be booked well in advance to avoid any hassles. An average weeks’ vacation to Greece can cost you approx. $800-$900. This is just an indication considering previous traveling data. Your tour price will heavily depend on the choices you make for your trip. Factors like accommodation, inter-travel, meal expenses, and optional activities should be considered when planning.

Note : Our 5 days in Greece itinerary will cost you approx. $700. You can book a similar tour around this price range through the G Adventures website . The price indicated can change depending on the dates/season you travel, and also on the optional activities you choose.

5 Days in Greece Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | corfu.

There are literally hundreds of places across Europe, that seem little under-rated, or under-appreciated. Corfu Island is one of those.

Coming from my own travel experience, Corfu is one of the best Greek Islands you can visit. It has got everything you need, right from a range of classic activities to unbeatable experiences.

Since the itinerary is only for 5-days, I had to keep Corfu for only an overnight stay. However, there are plenty of things you can still do while exploring this island.

Things to do in Corfu, Greece –

Visit the Corfu Old Town – The Old town is loaded with walkable streets and narrow alleyways, making you venture between the stunning Venetian and Neoclassical houses. It’s probably one of the best ways to discover the highlights of the island’s main tourist attractions . Do check out both the fortresses – the New to the west and the Old to the east. Later, discover some canal bridges and visit other popular places like the Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the Corfu Old Town.

Explore Agni Bay – A 45-minute drive from the main town will take you to a pretty-little gem – Agni Bay. This will be a wonderful experience if you love interacting with locals and indulging in their day-to-day activities. This historic fishing village boasts excellent coastline views, seafront tavernas, and great viewpoints. You can simply dip in the warm waters or treat yourself to a nice local Greek seafood.

Excursion to Cape Drastis – An hour’s drive from Agni Bay will take you to the northernmost points of Corfu Island – Cape Drastis. It’s commonly said, that if you’re in Corfu – never miss a visit to Cape Drastis. It’s rightly said so because this dramatic cliff is one of the fantastic places to visit in Greece. It kind of reminds you of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the UK, which shares similar features. Well, good for you, that you can see the same in Greece. My favorite time to visit Cape Drastis was during a bright sunny day. This is how you can truly appreciate the sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The above-mentioned ones are the must-visit places in Corfu. Make sure you plan your day accordingly. Moreover, if this doesn’t suit you – then you can also check out Vlacherna Monastery, St. George’s Church, Loggas Beach, and Porto Timoni.

Practically, it’s impossible to cover all of them in just one day. However, if you want you can extend your 5 days in Greece itinerary to make sure you visit other popular places as well.

Explore : Find out more about Corfu’s top accommodation, restaurants, and things to do .

Day 2 | Corfu – Meteora

Make an early checkout from your hotel, and get ready to embark on a scenic journey to Meteora. The total time to reach your next location will be approx. 5 hours. You’ll need to take a ferry from Corfu to Igoumenítsa, then drive to reach Meteora.

If you thought Greece was all about island hopping, then you’re slightly wrong! Meteora looks like a different world altogether. The dramatic landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and perched atop monasteries – are just some of the many highlights of Meteora.

There were once 24 monasteries at Meteora, but that number is now all gone with passing time. Today, you can still see six monasteries nestled on those high rocks, almost being like a picture-perfect postcard.

In Meteora, you get a complete full day to visit some top highlights . You can discover the ones suggested below or opt for guided excursions for self-exploration.

Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery – If there’s one monastery at Meteora you should visit, then it’s the Great Meteoron Monastery. It is the biggest built structure, set across the stunning landscape of Meteora. Along with a visit to this monastery, you can also explore the in-built museum which displays religious icons and traditional books. Furthermore, you can visit the tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph. If you need to explore other monasteries along with the Great Meteoron, then this half-day guided tour from Kalabaka will help.

Hike the Monasteries and Monoliths – Driving to the popular monasteries of Meteora is a common activity, but hiking between the hills through rugged lands and lush-green mountains is a real pleasure. One of my favorite things to do was to explore the abandoned monasteries and lesser-known sights by taking an early-morning hike. You can surely take on these trails late in the afternoon, and ensure you pay a good visit to this gorgeous landscape.

Sample wines – Your Greek trip is incomplete without relishing some of the finest, most classic wines. Make a visit to the Theopetra vineyard, located near the prehistoric cave of Theopatra, and discover how wines are cultivated in this region. Ensure that you try the famous Tsipouro – a strong Greek spirit. For bookings & prices, visit the tour operator site.

Live the local life – The best way to truly appreciate Greek culture is to live the local life. Kalabaka, the main city of Meteora, is a perfect way to indulge in local-life experiences. Savor some gastronomical delights at Meteoron Panorama Restaurant and dance the Greek way to soothing instrumental music. Meet and greet locals around the market area, and learn inspiring stories from them.

Overnight at Meteora.

Day 3 | Meteora – Delphi

It’s time to travel to southern Greece and pay a visit to one of Greece’s iconic locations – Delphi. The journey from Meteora to Delphi will be 4-5 hours.

Delphi – one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world – is truly a fascinating place one should visit. Delphi, in all its mightiness, is a lifetime experience. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the ancient naval, the legendary Oracle of Apollo, and the Pythian Games. If you are unfamiliar with the importance of these sites, touring Delphi will ensure you’re occupied with enough knowledge.

There are plenty of things to do in Delphi . Honestly, I won’t do any justice shoving everything in a single day. Since the itinerary is customizable, I’d urge you to extend your stay at Delphi to explore all of its historical sites. However, for now, these are my top recommendations to do on a full-day trip to Delphi.

Things to do in Delphi, Greece –

Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia – The first sanctuary any visitor would see at Delphi is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. You’ll see many buildings and structures at this historic sanctuary, but Tholos is the most photographed spot. It’s usually crowded with visitors, however, you can avoid the crowd by making an early visit.

The Treasury of Athens – As you ascend the Sacred Valley, you’ll come across a small temple-like structure, which houses dedications and votive offerings to the sanctuary of Apollo. Being a symbol of Athenian Democracy, it’s worth stopping by and paying a visit.

The Archaeological site of Delphi – Follow the same path of the Sacred Valley and soon you’ll enter the ancient site of Delphi housing historical sites and buildings. The most visible attraction of all is the ancient theatre of Delphi, which once hosted 5,000 people for the Pythian Games. The theatre also hosted other musical concerts, which were quite famous back in the Greek era. Another notable site is the Siphnian Treasury – the oldest religious structure, dating back to the 6 th century BC. You’ll also be visiting the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Stadium near the main site.

Visit the Castalia Spring – The sacred waters of Castalia Spring are nestled between two steep rocky cliffs of Parnassus, the Phaedriades. Even today, the water runs from the mountain spring. You can cleanse yourself at Castalia Spring before you enter the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other prominent locations at Delphi such as – the Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum of Delphi, Museum of Delphic Festivals, and scenic villages of Chrissó and Aráchova.

To save time during your Delphi visit, consider booking a full-day guided tour. Alternatively, these half-day trips & other optional excursions of Delphi will complement this itinerary well.

Day 4 | Delphi – Athens

You will depart from Delphi to reach the capital of Greece – Athens.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities houses an incredible amount of archaeological treasures. This ancient-dwelt, bustling modern city is spoiled with Doric and Ionic temples, statues, monuments, and other Greek ruins.

Just like Delphi, there are a plethora of attractions to visit in Athens. A single day isn’t enough to justify your true Athens discovery. However, it will ensure that you visit some of the best highlights in this 5-day Greece itinerary. Moreover, this is the last destination of your itinerary. So you get great flexibility to maximize your stay in Athens or travel to other Greek Isles.

Things to do in Athens, Greece –

Visit the Acropolis – Rising from the abrupt rocky outcrop, is a fortified limestone plateau – the Acropolis. This ancient site gave philosophers freedom of speech to discuss politics, democracy, and religious matters. This also gave rise to building temples across Greece to honor and worship the gods. Along with the Acropolis, there are other prominent historical landmarks as well. The Parthenon (famous of all), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Visit the Acropolis Museum – An archaeological museum, housing some significant pieces of work and artifacts found on the foothills of the Acropolis. Interestingly, the museum is built over the ancient ruin and the floor beneath is made up of glass panels – showcasing the foundational site below. There could be a huge queue to visit the museum, so make sure you book your tickets online. Alternatively, you can purchase this skip-the-line ticket to get direct entry to the museum.

Explore Hadrian’s Library – Built in 132 AD, the library was constructed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It once used to contain the house rolls of papyrus books. It won’t take you much time to explore this site, and will only require an hour.

Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honor the Greek God Zeus. Even before construction began, this was the most ambitious project to build the greatest temple. And today, we see this temple being one of the largest ever of the ancient temples being constructed. Originally the temple held 104 columns, but now you can see only 15 still standing.

In addition to the ones recommended above, explore other famous landmarks of Athens – Kerameikos, Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus, the Roman Agora, and the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.

If you wish to extend your stay in Athens, then visit the museums of National Archaeological and Cycladic Art. For a perfect full-day excursion from Athens, check this amazing Saronic Islands tour . If willing to discover traditional Athens, then this 4-hour cooking class tour is recommended.

Day 5 | Athens

Depart from Athens anytime. If it doesn’t seem right to end your short Greek trip, then extend for a few more days to visit some of the famous Greek Isles.

Travel Tip: To explore any other vacation on Greek Islands, visit the G Adventures website. They offer a wide range of ‘Sail Greece Tours’ according to your travel preference, style, and duration.

Blog – Read our popular blog-post ‘ 15 Amazing Things To Do On The Greek Island Of Santorini ‘

What to Pack for 5 Day Greece Itinerary

For any Greek vacation, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.

Essential Items –

T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves) Long pants/ Jeans Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need) Footwear Sunglasses Toiletries Reusable water bottle Few energy bars/drinks Waterproof backpack cover Windproof rain jacket

Essential Items (warm weather) –

Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts Shorts/ skirts Sunscreen/ Lotion Swimwear/ Sunglasses

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HOW TO SPEND 5 DAYS IN GREECE ITINERARY IN 2024

AMAZING 5-DAY GREECE ITINERARY

Are you planning your 5-day Greece itinerary? Then read on as I share my tips on creating an epic itinerary with some fantastic places to visit in 5 days in Greece.

One of the most popular travel destinations in Europe is Greece. And if you have seen pictures (or been there yourself), you will know why. Greece is stunning. I mean, really stunning. It is one of the most picture-perfect countries in Europe – if not in the world. 

And yet Greece has some flaws…There are around 6000 Greek islands ! How can you decide which islands to visit with that many options? Mykonos , Ios, Piros, Santorini, Crete…And let’s not forget about the beautiful places on the mainland. 

Greece might be exceptionally gorgeous, but it is not easy to navigate the islands and decide which places to visit.

I am well aware that any 5-day Greece itinerary will be controversial. There are so many stunning places and activities that you can only see a tiny fraction of it in less than a week. And while I have not seen most islands (and probably never will – I mean there are soooo many islands), I have been to the country several times and here I share my tips for your first-time itinerary for Greece in 5 days.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR A GREECE ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS

For this first-time Greece itinerary, Athens and Santorini will be the main places to visit (plus a few day trips from both places). Why did I choose these two destinations for a 5-day Greece itinerary?

Soak up the sun on Santorini’s pristine beaches and sip on a refreshing ouzo cocktail, then hop on over to Athens for a dose of ancient history and culture. It’s like having the best of both worlds! 

But first things first, let’s talk transportation . You’ll need to figure out how to get to Greece, and how to get around to make the most of your trip. 

I´ll also let you in on the best times of year to visit, so you can avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip. 

And let’s not forget the fun stuff. I am talking about adventure, culture, and more. 

But wait, there’s more! I’ve also got a few travel tips up our sleeves to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

So, there you have it. Your 5-day Greece itinerary is all mapped out.

HOW TO GET TO GREECE

There are a couple of options to arrive in Greece. In general, ferries and planes are the most popular ways to arrive in either Athens or Santorini.

Ready to start your Grecian adventure? Let’s talk about how to get to Athens!

By plane: There are a few ways to reach this ancient city. The most common way is by plane. Athens International Airport (ATH) is the country’s main airport and serves as a hub for numerous airlines. From here, you can easily catch a taxi, bus, or metro to get to your destination in Athens.

By ferry: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can also take a ferry to the port of Piraeus. This is a great option if you’re coming from nearby islands or other coastal cities. From Piraeus, you can catch a train or bus to Athens.

Another option is to drive to Athens. This is a great way to explore the countryside and coastal areas at your own pace. However, keep in mind that traffic in Athens can be quite chaotic, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and regulations before hitting the road.

Ready to soak up the sun on the stunning island of Santorini? Here are a few ways to get there:

By plane: The quickest and easiest way to reach Santorini is by plane. Santorini National Airport (JTR) serves both domestic and international flights, with direct flights available from many major cities in Europe. From the airport, you can catch a taxi or bus to your accommodation.

By ferry: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can also take a ferry from Athens or other nearby islands. Several ferry companies operate daily, and the journey can take anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on your starting point. Keep in mind that ferry schedules and prices can vary depending on the season, so make sure to check in advance.

By helicopter : For those looking for a luxurious and speedy option, you can even book a helicopter transfer from Athens to Santorini. While it’s definitely a splurge, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you a bird’s eye view of the stunning Greek landscape.

FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND

There are two main ways to get to/from Athens to Santorini.

• By ferry : One popular way is via ferry. There are – usually – several ferries going to/from Athens daily .  It takes between 4-8 hours to reach Santorini. 
• By plane : The fastest way is to book a flight which takes less than one hour, but is also less fun and scenic. Also, do not forget that you need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure and thus, the flight can also take a long time.

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND

Get ready to put those feet to work! Comfortable shoes are a must when exploring Athens and Santorini. Walking is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of these beautiful destinations.

But if you’re looking to cover more ground and see everything on your must-see list, you might need to mix things up a bit.

While renting a car may seem like a tempting option, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on why it’s not the best idea for your Greek getaway.

First off, let’s talk about the traffic . Santorini and Athens are bustling destinations, and the streets can get pretty packed with vehicles. Unless you’re a fan of sitting in traffic for hours on end, you might want to think twice about renting a car.

And let’s not forget about the parking situation . You don’t want to spend your precious vacation time circling the block in search of a spot. So, leave the car rental behind and get ready to have some real fun in Greece.

 There are plenty of other ways to explore Greece that won’t leave you stressed out and stuck in traffic. 

I’ve got an adventurous option for exploring Santorini: ATVs! These are the perfect way to zip around the island and soak up some serious Mediterranean vibes. Just make sure to wear a helmet and watch out for those hairpin turns!

But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and leisurely option, the bus system in Santorin i is the way to go. These buses will take you to all the hotspots and run frequently, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on any must-see attractions.

Now, let’s talk about Athens. If walking isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! The metro system in Athens is fast, affordable , and oh-so-convenient. It’s the perfect way to get around when your feet need a break, or if you’re trying to beat rush hour traffic. Plus, you’ll feel like a local as you whiz past the city’s iconic landmarks.

BEST TIME TO VISIT GREECE

Let me give you a little piece of advice: avoid visiting Greece in July and August like the plague! Trust me, it’s like everyone in the world has decided to descend upon Greece during those months. It’s like a sea of people everywhere you go.

But if you’re like me and can’t resist the allure of Greece during peak season, make sure you’re prepared for the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and be ready to squeeze your way through the masses.

However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, I highly recommend visiting Greece between April and June or September and October. The weather is perfect – not too hot, not too cold – and the crowds have thinned out. You’ll have more space to breathe, and you might even be able to snag a prime spot on the beach.

Athens is also beautiful in spring.  As you can see, there are many good months to visit Athens and Santorini – just try to avoid July and August.

WHERE TO STAY

I am all about maximizing your adventure without sacrificing comfort. Changing accommodations can be a hassle. You’ve got to pack everything up, haul it to the new spot, unpack…ugh, just thinking about it is exhausting. But with this Greece itinerary, you’ll be able to settle into your first accommodation and really make it feel like home.

So, you’ll only have to change accommodations once during your Greece itinerary. That means you’ll be able to see and do a lot without feeling like a nomad constantly on the move.

So, to make things easy, I will list some hotel recommendations under each destination!

MORE TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR GREECE ITINERARY

If you visit Greece in the summer months (or actually at any time), bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes.

Here is a packing list for your Europe trip .

Want to learn a few Greek words before your trip? Then check out the most important Greek phrases for your trip.

5 DAYS IN GREECE – ITINERARY

So, let´s get started with the beautiful Santorini.

1-3 DAYS – SANTORINI

First up, we’ve got Santorini – the jewel of the Cyclades islands . This place is like something out of a dream. The whitewashed houses perched on the cliffs above the sparkling Aegean Sea make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. And let’s not forget about that underwater caldera – it’s like nature’s own infinity pool!

But there’s so much more to Santorini than just pretty views. Spend at least a day (if not more) exploring the island’s hidden gems. Check out Black Beach for a unique twist on your typical beach day, or hike up to Skaros Rock for some jaw-dropping views.

I’ve got plenty more adventures in store for you on this epic 5-day Greece itinerary. 

Here are some places to add to your Greece itinerary and check out my detailed Santorini post  for a day-to-day itinerary.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR SANTORINI

1. Though Santorini enjoys a Mediterranean climate and you can expect sunny days almost year-round, keep in mind it can get very windy . So make sure to dress accordingly.

2. There is no real need to rent a car or quad – you can get around by bus easily. But also walking from one town to another is possible – and the views along the way make it even more fun. Guided tours are available for volcano visits and more.

3. Have some cash – € – with you. Not all shops accept credit cards, and also bus tickets have to be paid in cash.

4. If you have ever thought about a trip where you can dress up without feeling overdressed, then Santorini is your place. Beautifully dressed people – this is Santorini!

You absolutely have to visit the village of Oia . I mean, this place is the stuff of dreams! And let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of travel photos, but nothing compares to Oia.

In fact, I’m willing to bet that most of the photos you’ve seen are from Oia. It’s like every corner you turn is a new postcard-worthy view. And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture the magic. Just whip out your phone and start snapping away.

But don’t just take my word for it. Oia is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Santorini , from the blue-domed churches to the winding staircases. And let’s not forget about the famous sunset views – trust me, they’re even better in person.

So, if you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, make sure to add Oia to your Greece itinerary. 

Oia is beautiful. Oia is stunning. Oia is a must-see place. Gorgeous sunsets and fantastic luxury hotels add to Oia’s beauty – many people just come via ferry for a few hours to see Oia. There are not many attractions in Oia because it is really tiny. However, it is worth more than just an hour or two.

THINGS TO DO IN OIA 

• Watch the sunset from one of the numerous fantastic vantage points. There is more than one sunset viewpoint, but be prepared for all the crowds, so secure a good spot early on.
• Visit Amoudi Bay . No lecture but a friendly but urgent reminder NOT to use the horses/donkeys in Santorini to get around. Yes, walking all the steps to Amoudi Bay is tiring. However, using horses/donkeys who are tied in the heat should never be an option.
• Marvel at Oia Castle + Byzantine Castle Ruins and enjoy the views from the watchtower of a Renaissance-era castle.
• Get lost in the streets of Oia . Oia has beautiful little spots and streets that make getting lost so much fun.
• Visit the Atlantis Bookshop in Oia – an independent bookshop (so come here, especially if you want to buy books) that is probably also one of the most charming ones.

Let’s talk about Fira – the bustling capital of Santorini. This place is like the beating heart of the island, with cafes, restaurants, shops, and churches around every corner. And let me tell you, the energy is electric!

But here’s the thing – Fira’s Sunset is seriously underrated. Sure, everyone raves about the sunset in Oia (and don’t get me wrong, it’s stunning), but Fira’s sunset is just as pretty. Trust me on this one – you won’t want to miss it.

Picture this: you’re sipping on a cool drink, feeling the warm Mediterranean breeze on your skin, and watching the sun sink below the horizon. And the best part? You’ll have a front-row seat to the show without having to elbow your way through crowds.

So, if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere with plenty of options for dining and shopping, Fira is the place to be. And don’t forget to stick around for the sunset – it might just be the highlight of your trip!

THINGS TO DO IN FIRA

• Watch the sunsets from one of the many vantage points (I liked them as much as the sunsets from Oia).
• Hike from Fira to Oia (it is worth it).
• Explore the side streets and discover the many cute alleys.
• See all the beautiful churches (you can also go inside and visit them).
• Make reservations for some of the restaurants with a view in Fira.

Let me tell you about a hidden gem in Santorini: the charming village of Pyrgos . This place is like a breath of fresh air – it’s located inland, away from the hustle and bustle of the shore villages, and attracts fewer visitors.

But don’t let the lack of crowds fool you. Pyrgos is absolutely adorable, with its winding alleyways and traditional white houses. And the best part? You’ll get a taste of the real Santorini, away from the tourist hotspots.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Pyrgos isn’t on the coast, so why should I go there?” Well, sometimes the road less traveled is the most rewarding. Plus, Pyrgos has some seriously stunning views, so you won’t be missing out on the famous Santorini scenery.

So, if you’re up for an adventure and want to add a little off-the-beaten-path magic to your 5-day Greece itinerary, make sure to check out Pyrgos. 

THINGS TO DO IN PYRGOS

• Get lost in the narrow streets of Pyrgos (there are not many, but they are beautiful).
• Go shopping – there are numerous small souvenir shops).
• Find the cutest little churches in Pyrgos.
• Enjoy drinks with a view (there are not many restaurants/cafes, but some have beautiful views).
• Check out my Pyrgos guide for more detailed travel tips.

BLACK SAND BEACHES

Let’s talk about the black sand beaches of Santorini! Now, I know what you’re thinking – black sand ? That doesn’t sound very appealing. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Santorini is famous for its whitewashed houses, sure, but the black sand beaches are equally as stunning. And the best part? You’ll have your pick of several options. But if you’re looking for a personal recommendation, let me tell you about my favorite – Perissa.

This place is like a slice of paradise. The sand might be black, but the water is crystal clear and oh-so refreshing. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants, so you can sip on a cold drink or grab a bite to eat while soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

And here’s the best part – you can visit Perissa on your way to or from Pyrgos. It’s like a little pit stop on your way to more adventure. 

VOLCANO TOUR / BOAT TOUR 

Let’s talk about one of the most epic experiences you can have in Santorini – a volcano tour ! That’s right, you can visit a volcano and swim in hot springs. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t that be expensive?” Actually, some of the volcano tours are surprisingly affordable. For example, you can book a cruise to the volcanic islands that includes a tour of the volcano and a dip in the hot springs.

It’s like stepping into another world – the landscape is like something out of a sci-fi movie. And don’t even get me started on the hot springs. It’s like a natural spa treatment – you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Now, there are a ton of different volcano tours to choose from, so do your research and find the one that’s best for you. So pack your swimsuit, put on your adventure hat, and get ready to explore the fiery depths of Santorini!

I have a detailed Santorini travel guide with more tips for you. Then it is time to leave Santorini and end your 5 days in Greece with a trip to Athens.

BEST TOURS IN SANTORINI TO BOOK

• Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
• Santorini: Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia
• Santorini: 1-Way Transfer to/from Port or Airport
• Santorini: Horse Riding Trip to Black Sandy Beach

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SANTORINI

• Luxury : For luxury accommodation, Oia is the perfect place to stay. Charisma Suites seems like the perfect choice for anyone who wants to splurge.  Check out prices here .
• Mid-range :  This 4* hotel in Pyrgos seems a good place to stay if you are looking for a decent boutique hotel that is quite unique. Check out prices and availabilities.
• Budget : You can find budget hotels in Fira. This unique hostel is close  to the main bus station and the city center. It is not the cheapest hostel but probably the best hostel in the area. Check out rates and availabilities here.

4-5 DAYS – ATHENS

Let’s talk about Athens – the ancient yet vibrant capital of Greece. This place is like a time capsule – everywhere you turn, you’ll find traces of the city’s rich history and culture!

Think of Athens as Rome ‘s cooler, younger sibling. The historic sights still dominate the city, from the iconic Acropolis to the stunning Parthenon. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the beauty of these monuments.

But Athens isn’t just about the past – it’s a city that’s alive and kicking! The nightlife scene here is seriously buzzing, with plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants to explore. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the city’s legendary events, like the Athens Marathon or a music festival.

But here’s the thing – Athens is a city that’s worth visiting no matter what time of year it is. Even in the colder months, there’s always something to do, whether it’s exploring museums and galleries or sipping on a warm cup of coffee in a cozy cafe.

So, if you’re ready for a city that’s equal parts ancient and modern, make sure to add Athens to your Greece itinerary. 

TIPS FOR VISITING ATHENS – GREECE IN 5 DAYS

• Get around by foot or public transport – walking is the best way to explore Athens and its picturesque streets! The city also has a great public transportation system, including buses and trolleys.
• Take advantage of free attractions – many of Athens’ most famous sites, such as the Acropolis, are free to enter, so make sure you don’t miss out!
• Visit the local markets – Athens’ traditional produce markets are great places to try the local food and pick up souvenirs.
• Make time for a day trip – there are some incredible places to explore just outside of Athens, such as Delphi and Cape Sounion.

THINGS TO DO IN 2 DAYS IN ATHENS

You absolutely cannot miss the Acropolis . I mean, this place is like the Mona Lisa of historical landmarks. It’s a must-see! Now, you might be thinking, “But can’t I see all of Athens’ historical sites from the street?” Well, technically, yes. But getting up close and personal with the Acropolis is a whole different experience. It’s like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to ancient Greece.

And here’s the best part – you can purchase a combined ticket that includes entrance to all of Athens’ major archaeological sites. So if you’re a history buff or just appreciate a good selfie backdrop, this is a deal you won’t want to miss.

Plaka . This place is like a fairytale come to life – it’s the oldest and most beautiful part of the city, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Now, I have to warn you – Plaka is pretty touristy. But here’s the thing – there’s a reason why everyone flocks here. The streets are lined with adorable shops and cafes, and there are photo opportunities around every corner.

But here’s a pro tip – if you’re looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path, make sure to search out the hidden village of Anafiotika. This place is like a secret oasis in the middle of the city, with its white-washed houses and charming alleys.

And if you’re into ruins (who isn’t, right?), Plaka has got you covered. Check out the Tower of the Winds , an ancient clock tower that’s sure to give you some serious Insta cred.

So, if you’re up for some serious wandering and want to soak up the authentic vibes of Athens, make sure to hit up Plaka. 

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for souvenirs, food, and all sorts of knick-knacks, then you absolutely have to check out Monastiraki Square, in the vibrant area of Psyri .

This place is like a treasure trove of goodies. The streets are filled with leather sandal sellers, local food specialties, and all sorts of trinkets and baubles. It’s like a shopper’s paradise!

But here’s the real kicker – on Sundays, a famous flea market takes over Monastiraki . Vintage records? Check. Fez hats? Check. Antique kitchenware? Check. Musical instruments? Check. 

So, whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to bring back home or just want to get lost in a sea of treasures, Monastiraki Square is the place to be. 

One of the best ways to see Athens – from above! That’s right, if you want to get a bird’s-eye view of this stunning city , you need to head to one of Athens’ many rooftop bars.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Rooftop bars? In Athens? Tell me more!” Well, these bars are not just any old rooftop bars. They’re like secret hideaways that offer some of the best views of the city, including stunning vistas of the Acropolis.

One of my personal favorites is A for Athens Hotel. This place is like a little slice of paradise in the heart of the city. The drinks are delicious, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the views are out of this world.

So, if you’re ready to take your Athens experience to the next level (literally), make sure to check out one of these rooftop bars. The views are worth the price of admission!

Let’s talk about the ultimate way to unwind in Athens – hitting up the beach ! That’s right, if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you need to head south to Athens’ Riviera.

These beaches are like little slices of paradise. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft and warm, and the vibes are seriously chill.

But here’s the real kicker – you can take the tram to one of the city’s beach clubs, like Balux Project or Bolivar. These places are like little oases in the middle of the city, with lockers to stash your stuff while you swim and soak up the sun.

So, if you need a little R&R, make sure to hit up the beach clubs on Athens’ Riviera. It’s like a little slice of heaven in the middle of the city!

Check out more Athens travel tips .

BEST TOURS TO BOOK IN ATHENS

Athens: Acropolis Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

Athens: Red Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Piraeus and Beach Rivera

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ATHENS

• Luxury : New Hotel is a luxury hotel close to the Acropolis – it is one of the best-rated hotels in Athens, and staying here undoubtedly has many perks!  Check out rates here.
• Mid-Range:  InnAthens is a very well-rated and centrally located 3-star hotel in Athens. As with central hotels in Athens, they are not cheap, but the reviews speak for themselves.  Click here to find out more about the hotel and rates.
• Budget/Hostel:  If you prefer staying in a hostel, check out City Circus Athens . This is a great place to stay as a solo (female) traveler.  Check out rates here.

Check out this more detailed post on things to do in Athens .

FINAL WORDS ON SPENDING 5 DAYS IN GREECE

Well, that wraps up our 5-day itinerary in Greece! From the stunning cliffs of Santorini to the ancient wonders of Athens, you’ve covered some serious ground in just a few short days.

You’ve walked through charming villages, soaked up the sun on beautiful beaches and explored historical landmarks, and you’ve even taken in some seriously epic views from rooftop bars.

But most importantly, you’ve had a blast doing it all! I hope this itinerary has inspired you to take your own trip to Greece and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Greece is so rich in unique and stunning places. This makes it difficult just to name two places to visit for your 5-day Greece itinerary. However, with Athens and Santorini, you will not go wrong.  

They might not be hidden gems, but there is a reason for the popularity of these places. And if 5 days in Greece is not enough – I mean this is totally understandable – check out my post on the most beautiful places in Greece.

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5-Day Itinerary in Greece for First-timers

Have you been to or are you planning to visit Greece? What are your must-visits?

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5 Days in Greece Itinerary : Peloponnese Guide

A lifetime could not be enough to visit the beauty of Greece, but I accept this challenge and I’ll show you the best of Greece in this 5 days itinerary.

Sandy and pebble beaches of Greek islands are known worldwide, but have you ever considered the Peloponnese as your next holiday destination?

This country was the cradle of one of the most flourishing civilizations. For this reason, the Peloponnese is dotted with impressive ruins belonging to this glorious civilization.

I made this incredible trip a few years ago, and I still have the itinerary fresh in my mind. Studying ancient Greek and exploring its literature (but also watching Disney’s Hercules – I’m not going to lie LOL) has made me really love ancient Greece.

Although I’ve travelled Peloponnese from north to south during my trip, you can start your holidays wherever it suits you!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Dodona and Meteora

Dodona’s archaeological site.

My first of this 5 day itinerary in Greece started in the mountainous region of Epirus. We arrived from Italy by ship to Igoumenitsa, a few kilometres from the border with Albania.

This region hosts the archaeological site of Dodona, which houses the oldest oracle in Greece. The oracle was dedicated to two divinities: Zeus (you know him) and Dione, the Mother goddess.

The archaeological site of Dodona is one of the best-preserved and most characteristic to visit , as it hosts one of the largest theatres in Greece , the ruins of the sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and many palaces. It’s where priests foresaw the future by interpreting the rustle of the leaves of the oaks on the site.

We then drove across the Pinto mountain range to meet one of the wonders of Thessalia: the Meteora. I bet you’ll find yourself lost for words in the face of this place’s incredible beauty – it’s that stunning!

This was the second stop of my holiday in mainland Greece, and needs to be pinned on your map!

The road is not very easy, but the view is fascinating. You’ll be slowly driving on narrow streets lining enormous ridges.

One fact that still blows my mind is that the sea used to cover these mountains entirely during prehistoric times . It’s mind-blowing to think that as you drive through this area now, it would have been an underwater world with fishes and giant animals swimming meters above your head.

But this is not the only fun fact of the area: this was the place the Orthodox monks chose to built six monasteries on the vertiginous rock faces.

You might wonder why monks built their monasteries on the edge of these rocks. In the 14th century, a monk named Atanasio founded the first monastery, calling it Meteora, meaning “in the air” because it seemed suspended between the sky and the ground. Despite the challenges, the monks left us with one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen!

To better organize your trip, Meteora created interactive maps if you travel by car, train or bus.

Time to unwind on your Peloponnese holiday! Opt for a cozy night in one of the charming villages by the Aegean Sea. Paralia Katerini, Neri Pori and Velika are just some of the little towns where you can taste great seafood dishes.

Day 2: Mount Olympus

On the next day, head to one of the most iconic places in Greece: Mount Olympus.

Crafted for maximum enjoyment, this comprehensive 5-day Greece itinerary aims to optimize your visit by seamlessly weaving together ancient history and breathtaking landscapes. So let’s hike the house of Gods!

I love hiking, so I couldn’t miss this chance to hike on the sacred mountain. You’d bump into many people on the trail, all attracted by the charm of this holy place.

Although you don’t need to be an expert to hike Mount Olympus, you need a minimum of preparation. In fact, climbing Mount Olympus requires up to 6 hours, depending on your speed.

We started our hike in Prionia and followed the E4 path , which leads directly to the Spilios Agapitos, a refuge at 2100 meters.

We stopped at the refuge to fully enjoy Mount Olympus’s natural beauty and reach the summit the next day. However, if the mountain is your passion, the excursion can also last one day. Did you ever think Peloponnese could be a great place for a hiking holiday?

If you wan to hike, check well in advance the refuges’ availability as it gets hectic during the summer months!

Day 3: Delphi

After a day surrounded by nature, we took the car back and headed towards the archaeological site of Delphi.

This city is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, considered the centre of the world in ancient times .

People used to travel all over Greece to consult the oracle of Apollo. Before making an important decision, Greek people would ask anything to the oracle.

Once you are there, the archaeological site takes you back in time. Sitting on the amphitheater stairs, it is not difficult asking ourselves how life was 2500 years ago. Pilgrims were coming from every corner of the known world to bring their offerings to the god making Delphi such a lively place!

The site hosts a museum where you can admire the remains of important Greek vestiges.

Don’t miss the Treasury of the Sifni and the Treasures of the Athenians . These two incredible temples were almost completely rebuilt with original materials. But the best is located on the top of the hill.

On top of the hill, there is the real gem of the site: the temple of Apollo. People used to leave gifts and statues as a sign of gratitude. It was where celebrations took place, including the one of divination.

Now it’s time to leave Delphi and travel to Attica, where your next destination is waiting for you .

Day 4: Athens

If you’re flying to Greece this would most likely be the starting point of your Peloponnese holiday. As we drove by car from the north, we dove into the beauty of Athens on day one of your 5-day Greece itinerary, exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and discovering the city’s vibrant culture.

Athens combines the modernity of the nineteenth century with remarkable ruins witnessing the passage of the ancient Greeks.

You can visit the main attractions in the area, which you can explore easily on foot. Therefore, Athens is a perfect destination for a gateway.

Do not miss the Roman Forum , the Agora , the Library of Hadrian , the theatre of Dionysus , and the Temple of Hephaestus .

Ancient Athens

You all know the highlight of Athens: the world heritage site of the Acropolis with Parthenon and the Temple of the Caryatids. It was like living all the mythological stories I’ve been learning in high school.

Thinking about how many people stepped on those stones in ancient times is magical. And the beauty of this place has no comparison.

I suggest planning this day ahead of time and securing a guided tour to fully maximize your experience at the site and the Acropolis Museum.

Modern Athens

But let’s focus a bit more on the city center of the Greek capital. Head to Syntagma square, the beating heart of modern Athens. The square houses the Parliament, and it’s the heart of social and political Greek life.

Don’t miss the change of the guards in front of the Parliament. The traditional costumes and military parade attract people every Sunday at 11 am. Note that down!

A special note goes to the Monastiraki district , a vibrant part of Athens where past and present blend together. The square has been recently renovated, and you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful buildings and marble pavement.

Add to your list the colourful Anafiotika district and the gourmand district of Plaka . Anafiotika offers some of the best viewpoints on Athens and a quiet atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to get photos of the capital without the crowds.

Plaka is another central district, close to the Acropolis and the main attractions. It’s a joy getting lost in its narrow cobblestone alleys, and it’s where you’ll find some delicate and delicious Greek restaurants.

Day 5: Corinth

As day 5 unfolds, venture to Corinth, a coastal gem offering a perfect conclusion to your itinerary in Greece.

We are now entering Argolis, the peninsula in the peculiar shape of a hand.

We’re about to discover another city that played a crucial role in ancient times. Corinth dominated the sea and land commercial exchanges due to its strategic position.

The highlight is the archaeological site of ancient Corinth , located on a hill above modern Corinth. The site houses a well-preserved temple of Apollo and impressive ruins of a theatre, odeon and palaces.

After Corinth, you need to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae .

This city has no Greek origins, but historians say that probably the same Minoan civilization that inhabited the island of Crete founded Mycenae.

In Mycenae, there are the remains of amphitheaters, palaces, tombs and streets that have made this city a vital economic and cultural center.

Mycenae was discovered by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who introduced the world to the ruins of Troy . The site consists of a magnificent triangular acropolis, the royal palace, the famous Lion Gate and Agamemnon’s tomb.

Capturing the essence of Greece in just 5 days, blending historical exploration and coastal beauty, was an unforgettable experience to create this itinerary through this captivating country.

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5 Days in Greece: 4 Great Itinerary Options For You

Your Guide To Greece

July 4, 2020

5 days in Greece is just not enough time to take in such a beautiful location. The country is so disparate between its many cultures and geographic locations, trying to see the whole of Greece in just a single week is neigh impossible and would be like attempting to see all of the United States in just five days.

People visit the USA and can spend five days in Disney World itself, without ever witnessing other monuments and prime tourist destinations. Martha’s Vineyard, the Alamo, San Francisco Bay, Washington DC, Maui… keep in mind how different each of these spots are and then imagine visitors trying to make up their mind about where to visit.

5 Days in Greece: Our Recommended Itineraries

That is what you are going to have to do when you plan your short five days in Greece. There is so much to see that you can spend a month exploring the country and still not see it all. So lets take a look at some of the options that will give you a great experience in some portion of Greece and make you fall in love with the country. Enough to make you want to return, spending another five days on one of our other great itineraries in Greece.

As a history buff with an interest in one of our most ancient cultures, you’ll have more than enough to see and do in Athens and its surrounding area. Five days in Greece could be spent right here in the capital city, not to mention the short excursions available in the immediate vicinity.

The day starts early with so much to do. Walk the ancient streets of Athens, or better yet, rent a scooter, to make it around to all the incredible wonders available to you. The Acropolis and the temple of Athena is one of your first stops and you’ll want to walk the circuit and see the Ancient Agora, Lyceum of Aristotle, Ancient Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch for sure.

Leave time to walk up Phillapapou Hill to witness the Parthenon at sunset. In between this walking tour of all the ancient ruins, there are streetside eateries that you must try and experience the true Athenian life.

A quick trip up the road to Delphi will bring you yet another perspective on ancient Greek life. Here you will visit the Temple of Apollo. Home to the inner chamber that housed the famous oracle, the temple ruins also played host to the wisdom of the Seven Sages, among them “Know Thyself” and “Nothing to Excess”. Good advice through the ages.

The Athenian Treasury and the Theater of Delphi are close by and worth admiring. If you’re up to a healthy hike, the trails through Mount Parnassus will bring you to the Corycian Cave, a sacred location for nymphs, muses, and the nature god Pan.

Next we travel south onto the Peloponnesus to visit historical Mycenae. One of the first things you will note are the enormous walls in the city. Named the Cyclopian Walls, legend tells that they were built by the gigantic creature Odysseus escaped from in the Odyssey. Part of the wall system is the Lion Gate you will pass through as you enter the ancient city. Two tombs are also worth checking out, the Tomb of Clytemnestra and the Treasury of Atreus which is thought to be the tomb of the famous King Agamemnon.

Returning to Athens for a day of leisure, you have countless museums to peruse. If you skipped the Acropolis Museum while hitting all the open-air sites, make sure you stop in and see the chronological history of this magnificent site. Another must-visit is the National Archaeological Museum.

The exhibits there will stun you will the amazing history of Greek culture. The beauty and power in many of these exhibits can only be experienced in person, a photograph can’t convey the awe. After all the museums you can explore, take an afternoon stroll through the streets of Plaka as night falls and the Greek nightlife picks up.

Island Hopping the Cyclades

Having 6000 islands to choose from , spending five days in Greece could be and easy task even just by staying on the islands. If you’re looking to experience the most out of your short trip, get ready for a whirlwind tour of some of the best experiences the Greek Cyclades can offer.

Milos is one of the islands many visitors overlook but that is their great mistake. There is enough to see and do on this one island that you could conceivably spend the entire week here. Beaches ranging from the secluded Paliorema situated at an old mine, the port style Firopotamos Beach, and the breathtaking white alien mounds at Sarakiniko.

The cliffs and arches at Kleftiko are best taken in by a boat tour and while on the way you’ll see Sykia cave where the collapsed roof of the sea cave makes for an incredible view. Milos has plenty more in store for you, make sure you see it all.

Board the ferry and we’re on our way to world famous Santorini. If you planned a trip to the Greek Cyclades, you undoubtedly planned the trip around seeing the blue domed, white walled houses on the caldera cliffs, it is one of the more iconic images of the Greek islands.

After exploring the volcano, hiking the trails or taking in the fine wineries, make certain to plan the evening meal at one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay to the west as the northernmost town of Oia boasts the finest sunset view available in all of the Mediterranean; and they’re not wrong!

When you arrive on Naxos, get your hiking boots on and make the ascent to Mount Zas. It is the highest point in the entire Cyclades island chain at nearly 3300 feet with natural springs and shady caves along the trail to the summit. Once atop the mighty mountain you will have an amazing panoramic view of the island and the seas.

Greek art, particularly statues are known to inhabit museums around the world, but here on Naxos you will see an uncommon sight; unfinished and abandoned sculptures. The Kouros of Apollonas thought to be either Apollo or Dionysis, and the Kouroi of Flerio thought to be abandoned due to damage during transit.

Mykonos is another of those islands that needs no introduction. If you’re going to Mykonos, you already know why; it is party central for jet-setters and fashion-conscious. Mykonos is where the rich get seen and the rest of us want to be seen among them.

Late night clubs, popular DJs and dancing on the beaches until the sun comes up may not be everyone’s cup of coffee, and Mykonos has many small villages, quaint shopping districts and old church buildings to explore. Whether you wrap up your Cyclades excursion with waking up on the beach or sitting in a quiet cafe is up to you.

One hundred miles from the Greek mainland, Crete is very nearly a country in its own right. With such a diverse landscape and varied cultural makeup, spending five days in Greece can be accomplished by visiting Crete alone and taking in the entire Greek life without ever leaving this large island.

Chania is the old capital city and has a very Mediterranean influence much like Venice in Italy. The Old Town Market is a pleasant way to spend the day shopping and indulging in cafe treats and local Greek life. The proximity to snow-capped mountains in contrast to the sparkling blue Aegean Sea will make this beachfront visit worth remembering.

Then you can take a hike through Samaria Gorge. These steep walls carved into the white mountains is impressive to witness. The Doors, or Portes, is just under ten feet wide at the narrowest point making for a great photo opportunity while standing at the bottom of these majestic 1000’ high cliffs.

We leave behind the busy city life of Chania for a day in Rethymnon. The Fortress here is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Greece. Explore this photogenic castle and visit the shops in the pedestrian market below. The harbor is another perfectly beautiful photo spots.

When you’ve had enough shopping and are looking to relax on the beach, Rethymnon has plenty of hotel beaches to offer, but lets take a quick jaunt down to Matala. This strip of beach is circled by hillside caves and grotto making this small excursion worth the extra effort once you discover the laid back vibe from this relaxed beach.

Headed back across the island, north to the capital of Heraklion. It seems every city in Greece has an “old town” section, and this is another one worth visiting. Here there are museums that will take you through the archaeological history of Crete and the nearby Knossos. You’ll also want to visit the Palace at Knossos which is the location of the legendary labyrinth of King Minos.

Nearby is the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, a fantastic modern aquarium displaying the aquatic life from the seas surrounding Crete. After a long day of sightseeing, there is a lovely waterfront walkway that will let you breathe in the fresh sea air and ends at the Koules Fortress.

Wrapping up our short five days in Greece, we head further down Crete to the far west and spend the day in Sitia. This is another escape from the bustling tourist cities and a relaxing day of discovering life in Crete. Embracing both its rich cultural past and melding it with the influx of modern life, Sitia is a fresh city in an old setting.

Walk the Richtis Gorge and listen to the waterfalls for a relaxing and refreshing afternoon. And finish your trip at Vai Beach, the picturesque beach at the end of a palm forest.

Rhodes is just about as far as you can get from the Greek mainland and still spend five days in Greece. The eastern edge of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is a fabulous blend of Greek and Turkish cultures with a fascinating history presented in near perfect locations that are so beautiful they appear as though straight out of a movie set.

Rhodes City is another of those ultimate quaint towns that you want to experience on foot, walking between the cafes and markets, breathing deep the Greek culture among the locals. Walk over to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a castle turned museum. Of course, no trip to Rhodes would be complete without seeing the spot where the 108’ statue of Helios, also known as the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

This was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and though the exact location of the giant is disputed, there is a park at the northernmost tip of Rhodes that commemorates this ancient wonder.

We’ll head south for our next day of adventure. Stopping halfway at the Kameiros Ruins you can see the foundations of one of the larger cities on Rhodes. Set at the base of Mount Akramytis, the ruins are amazingly intact for their age and the infrastructure is incredible to see.

Further south we’ll take a trek through Monolithos Castle. Walking this trail up to the ancient stronghold will impress upon its visitors just how difficult an assault on this fortress would have been. The arches and churches still intact and monumental to history are exciting to see and the view from the castle looking out over the sea is breathtaking.

A quick jaunt to the east coast brings us to Lindos and its famous clifftop acropolis. This idyllic outcropping has been inhabited and reinvented by countless cultures through the ages. As a place of worship and a tactical observation point, this spot has been claimed and reclaimed by occupying forces throughout civilization’s history. The temple of Athena Lindia is still present and the Roman Temple dedicated to the Emperor are still intact.

The Byzantine architecture and the Greek orthodox Church round out the mix of clashing cultures that makes this spot such an amazing historical piece showcasing that this spot has been important to so many peoples over so long a time.

Finally, we make it to the southern coast of Rhodes and the village of Kattavia. This small town remains largely untouched by tourist invasions and is a great place to escape towards the end of your five days in Greece. Take a walk out on Prasonisi beach where a small strip of land connects this nature preserve to the southern tip of Rhodes and in the winter, the water rises and makes Prasonisi into an island.

The reliable wind currents make this spot a great place to enjoy some windsurfing and you will almost always see a handful of colorful kites in the air.

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How to Plan The Perfect 5 Days in Greece Itinerary!

Marco Santos

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Wondering how to spend 5 days in Greece? If you are planning a short tour to Greece, here are some amazing itineraries to make your visit more fulfilling.

With its numerous ancient Greek ruins, spectacular beaches, picturesque hillside villages, and centuries-old history, Greece offers just the perfect tourist destination.  However, with so much to see and do in Greece, getting the right itinerary is never easy, especially if you are just visiting for a few days.

While Greek island hopping through the stunning Greek isles is what clicks on most people’s minds when visiting Greece, what about attractions in Athens, or the rest of Greece’s mainland?

Well, the place offers numerous tourists attractions that can become overwhelming and challenging to fit into a few days’ trip. When visiting Greece you’ll ideally want to be spending at least a week or two to really make the most of your stay.

But not to worry! If you want to spend just 5 days in Greece, then this guide will show you exactly how to plan and spend your limited time in this beautiful country. We will disclose crucial things like how to get there, what you need, places to visit, and the best things to do while there.

Disclaimer: This post contains links to services or products that I trust and recommend and from which I may earn commissions. Read our privacy policy for more.

Pssst…Before you jet off to idyllic Greece, be sure you have all your essentials packed by reading our European packing guide . 

How to Get to Greece

The most common route to get to Greece is through Athens. In fact, it’s the route that most tourists know.

However, there are numerous other routes to follow. For instance, you can land at any of the other International Airports on various islands such as Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes.

Also, there are other airports on the mainland at Preveza, Thessaloniki, Kalamata, and Kavala, which you can opt for.

For those who opt not to travel by air, there are sea routes where you can arrive via cruise ships or private yachts. Transportation options for travel by road and rail are also available depending on where you are travelling from.

Greece has a ton of options for arrival but it’s still not the easiest place to get to in the world. The good news is Greece is generally a pretty cheap destination to travel to once you get there.

Do you Need Passports and Visas?

For starters, Greece is a European country and thus a member of the European Union.

For this reason, all tourists from European countries, under the Schengen Agreement, are not required to have a visa.

Other countries whose citizens don’t require a visa to enter Greece include the US, Australia, and Singapore. All you need is your passport, and you are good to go.

For other countries and nationalities, it’s better to confirm on the government official page about your country’s status to make sure you’re up to date and travelling with the correct travel documentation ready.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The peak tourist season in Greece is during Easter and between July and August. However, the Greece weather is at its best between May and mid-October . So, any visit within this period will certainly offer incredible tourist attractions and activities.

However, you should note that summer temperatures here can go as high as 100°F (+40C). If you are not comfortable with such high temperatures, you can opt for spring or early summer between mid-April and mid-June, or autumn, from September to October.

Also, since summers are peak seasons, you will encounter inflated prices, overcrowding, and overbooked hotels, planes, and boats. If you wish to avoid this, summer is then not the best time for your visit.

But if your schedule still doesn’t allow any other time, you can avoid the too-popular places and islands like Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. With its numerous islands, between 1,200 and 6,000, you can find a few others that offer spectacular sights but with fewer crowds.

5 Days in Greece Itinerary

If you only have 5 days in Greece, here are some amazing and practical itineraries you can opt for.

Day One and Two – Athens – Greece 5 Day Itinerary

Being the capital city and one of the largest cities in Greece, Athens is packed with breathtaking sights and things to do as a tourist. It’s also among the oldest cities in the world. This means that you are sure to encounter numerous ancient ruins, including temples, palaces, sporting arenas, and markets.

While you can’t exhaust all the city’s attractions in these two days, you’ll certainly have toured a good number of them. So, what exactly do you do during your two days in Athens ? Here are some of the top things to do in Athens for you to add to your itinerary:

●       Visit Athens Ruins

The fact is, these are more than you can exhaust. The best place to start is by visiting the ancient Acropolis . This 5th-century BC old ruin was originally the centre of ancient Greek art and philosophy.

The site consists of famous landmarks, including the Temple of Athena, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Parthenon. Since it’s the city’s most popular attraction, ensure that you are there early as it’s almost always crowded.

Your next stop can be at the Areopagus Hill, which rests a short distance from the Acropolis. The place is quite popular among Christians as it appears in the bible, in the book of Acts.

Back in the day, it used to host a meeting place and an ancient court.  And, you can scale the rocky slopes to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, especially stunning during sunsets.

Other incredible Athens ruins you can visit during this tour include the Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus .

●       Visit Athens Museums

The Acropolis Museum is one of the most visited places in the city. Resting just adjacent to Acropolis Hill, you can combine the visit with the tour of the Acropolis ruins.

The museum is known for its vast collection of artefacts that are as old as the Bronze Age. While visiting the museum, you can also enjoy some eye-catching views of the uncovered excavation sites of the ancient neighbourhood.

Athens National Archeological Museum is another great museum to visit. It’s a top tourist attraction in the city and prides itself in over 11,000 exhibits that date back to the Stone Age. The exhibits include statues, sculptures, glassworks, etc.

●       Sightseeing

Your 5 days in Greece tour won’t be complete without some sightseeing in Athens. Monastiraki Square is the first place to visit.

The place is known for its numerous sidewalk eateries, tourist shops, and even a flea market. And a visit to one of the rooftop dining areas will offer you some of the most amazing views of the city. Grabbing a Greek drink at one of these rooftop bars is one of the best things to do in Athens at night.

If you want to shop for some souvenirs from Greece , jewellery, or clothing items, Plaka is the place to be. There are numerous boutiques here, souvenir vendors, and jewellery stores. You can also take a bite of the best Greek cuisines at the beautiful Greek cafes along these streets.

Panathenaic Stadium is an excellent place to wind up your sightseeing spree. The stadium sits in a place where an ancient arena once sat. It is popular for hosting the first-ever modern-age Olympics near the end of the 19th century. And, it’s mostly built from local marble, which upholds its legacy.

Day Three – Trip to Delphi

Once you are through with Athens, it’s time to move to the surrounding areas’ attractions. A day trip to Delphi , 3 hours away from Athens, sounds like an excellent idea.

If you leave early, you can make it to Delphi by 9 am. This should allow you ample time to tour key tourist attractions in the town and have some spare time to get back to your hotel.

First, there are more than enough historical sites that will blow your mind. From the various archaeological sites to Delphi Archeological Museum, which buzzes with tourists almost any day, you have enough on your plate for one day.

At the museum, you get a chance to see numerous spectacular exhibits, including the Sphinx Naxos and the Charioteer of Delphi. And at the archaeological sites, you can see some of the most ancient Greece monuments , such as the Temple of Apollo, which is a sight to behold.

All you need to remember is to carry enough drinking water as the journey can be tiring, especially on hot days.

On your way back to Athens, a stop at Levadia and Arachova villages is recommended. Here, you can take time to shop for various items, including wine, cheese, carpets, etc.

Day Four and Five – Santorini – 5 Days in Greece Itinerary

A trip to Santorini is unlike any other place you’ll likely ever visit. Known for its extensive white villages that adorn the high cliffs and its spectacular beaches, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Santorini . It’s no wonder that so many plan their perfect Greek honeymoon here to take advantage of this incredible and romantic island.

Unlike Delphi, you need to take a 45-hour flight from Athens to get to Santorini . Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time if you travel by ferry.

One thing to note is that Santorini is one of the most visited islands in Greece. As such, you are likely to encounter large crowds of tourists during your tour. Even so, Santorini is still a magical and once-a-lifetime type of destination that you simply have to experience.

Wondering what to do in Santorini during your stay? Here are some of the best sites and places to visit in Santorini include:

●       Whitewashed Villages

This is one thing that draws you to Santorini from afar. If you love photography, these villages will offer some of the most scenic sights for capturing those unique memories.

The famed Oia town on the Cliffside of the caldera coast is among the most photographed places on the island. The white skyline adorned with numerous blue church domes and glimmering villa pool is the perfect way to end your 5 days in Greece.

Other stunning whitewashed villages in Santorini include Fira, which is the entry point for cruisers, and Imerovigli, which sits between Oia and Fira.

Whilst the beaches of Santorini are not the traditional white sandy beaches you’ll find on other islands, they are unique and quite stunning in their own right and definitely worth a visit. 

●       Visit Santorini Ruins

The ancient ruins of Santorini date back to the 8th and 9th centuries BC. If you want to learn more about how things used to look back then, these are amazing places to visit.

You can start by touring the Ancient Thera perch ruins located on the Mesa Vouno Mountain. Here, you’ll see the ancient temples, spas, and markets.

Akrotiri, another ancient ruin dating back to the Bronze Age, is also an incredible place to visit. The place was destroyed centuries ago by a volcanic eruption, which seemed to have frozen everything in time, including the structures and artefacts.

However, you’ll need to pay a fee to be allowed to view the ruins. But it will certainly be worthwhile.

While 5 days in Greece might seem little, as you’ll ideally want to spend at least one week in Greece, planning your trip well can help you create more memories than you can imagine.  Hopefully this 5 day Greece Itinerary has provided much-needed inspiration and tips to help you book the perfect 5 day Greek getaway!

Feature By:

Kyle Kroeger is a travel blogger for his site ViaTravelers.com. Via Travelers is a modern travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to ensure you have an amazing adventure. Follow us on Instagram , Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube to get our latest travel updates in real-time.

Welcome to Travel-Boo. My blog is where I share travel tips, suggestions, and stories focused on European travel adventures!

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Home > Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Here, I present the best Greece road trips that I have done myself over the many years of living in Greece. I’ve meticulously crafted 5, 7, and 10-day Greek road trip itineraries, perfect for a road trip around the captivating landscapes of mainland Greece and the Greek islands. 

These guides are designed to assist you in planning the ultimate road trip route, detailing where to stop and the ideal duration for each location.

Discover the best things to see and do in each part of Greece, from the rugged beauty of the mainland to the pristine shores of the islands, making each journey one of the most beautiful adventures.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Greece Road Trip Ideas 

Visiting Greece is always an unforgettable journey, offering a blend of incredible landscapes, unique beaches, and stunning mountain destinations, making it perfect for a road trip around both mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.

Over 80% mountainous, the country unveils the best places for those looking to explore new lands, from the ancient Agora to the temple of Olympian Zeus and discover lesser-known spots.

Start your road trip in Athens, the capital of Greece, known for its ancient heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ancient Corinth and Ancient Messini.

Enjoy day trips to small islands, indulge in Greek food, and consider a boat trip across the Gulf of Corinth. Your Greece itinerary could include everything from a Santorini road trip to exploring the regions of Greece known for their historical significance in the Greek War of Independence.

Whether it’s a holiday in Greece during winter or a summer adventure, a car is the best way to ensure you visit the best places to see, making every road trip starts an opportunity to delve into the beauty and history of Greece.

5-Day Mainland Greece Road Trip: Thessaloniki & Northern Greece

Although this cannot be considered a classic road trip of the country, you can be sure that it will offer a different view and perspective that has nothing to do with the usual image of paradisiac beaches that you usually think of when dreaming of Greece.

Day 1 & 2: Athens, Thebes & Delphi In Central Greece

Depart from Athens and drive by the ancient town of Thebes, a city in Central Greece that played an important role in Greek mythology. Your next stop on the road will be the traditional village of Arachova and then Delphi, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at the famous oracle of ancient times and the Temple of Apollo .

Here is our guide on getting from Athens to Delphi by car.

Day 3: a taste of meteora, thessaloniki.

This short trip around northern Greece will not give you enough time to visit all the Meteora monasteries (but you can do so if you follow the 10-day itinerary of mainland Greece further down in this article).

A morning in Meteora will allow you to visit just a couple of the Byzantine monasteries that the monks built at the top of the incredible rocks of Meteora. 

Get back on the road to reach Thessaloniki, the most important city in the country after Athens. You can explore the Museum of Byzantine Culture and walk along the famous seaside promenade to spot the magnificent White Tower of Thessaloniki.

Day 4: Naoussa & Vergina

There is a lot to do in a day, so you can choose to do it all and spend less time at each stop. Head to Naoussa , where you can visit the school of Aristotle, the place where the great philosopher taught morals and politics to Alexander the Great and other Macedonians.

If history is not your cup of tea, then you might enjoy visiting one of the many wineries in Naoussa to taste some of the great wines produced in the area . Don’t drink much if you’re driving through Greece , though… fines can be high if you drink and drive in Greece.

The following stop is Vergina , where you can pay a visit to the royal tombs of Macedonia before heading to Veria (Biblical Berea), a place famous for being on the road of Saint Paul but also hosting an important Jewish neighborhood.

Day 5: Lake Plastiras & Back To Athens

Drive along the coastal road from Vergina surrounding the impressive heights of Mount Olympus. Pass through the city of Larissa and drive to the small town of Karditsa to then reach one of the prettiest natural areas in Greece, Lake Plastiras, one of the biggest artificial lakes in Greece, framed by the peaks of the Agrafa mountains. 

Once this visit is over, you will drive to Athens. Remember that the road is long (about 6 hours or more), so it might be wise to depart early.

5-Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary For The Islands: Paros-Naxos

Close to each other and easy to visit in less than a week, these are two islands that the Greeks often pick for their holidays.

Day 1 And 2: From Athens To Paros – Paroikia, Lefkes & Naoussa

You’ll need an early wake-up call to reach the port of Piraeus and sail to Paros . Either rent a car on the mainland and load it on the boat or hire a rental car upon arrival on the island.

After a sailing time that can range from 2.5 to 5 hours (depending on the boat you choose), you will arrive at the main port and town of the island, Paroikia, where you will spend the first day exploring the old town with its Frankish Castle overlooking the sea, and the picturesque Cycladic atmosphere . 

On the second day, drive to the mountain village of Lefkes to spend the morning visiting what was the first capital of Paros. Surrounded by pinewoods and endless sea views, the village is famous for its whitewashed homes, the nineteenth-century church of Agia Triada, and its succulent snails , a staple dish in Paros’ cuisine.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Naoussa and the nearby beaches. The Cycladic settlement, with its cobblestoned alleys, passages, and colorful bougainvillea, is among the most photographed settlements in the country. 

End your stay on the island by spending a few hours in Santa Maria Beach, just a short ride from Naoussa. Here, you will witness one of the best sunsets in the Aegean .

Day 3, 4, & 5: Naxos & Back To Athens

On your third day, take an early ferry and move to the next destination on this road trip , Naxos. The journey to Naxos won’t take more than an hour.

Somewhat bigger and more mountainous than Paros, this is a grand island to explore Greece by car as it has dozens of exciting mountain villages and a long coastal stretch with some of the best beaches in Greece.

It would be a good idea to spend the first morning exploring the old town, known as Chora, where you can visit the impressive Venetian castle and the Archaeological Museum, and devote a few hours to the Portara, the most famous sight on the island.

On the second day, drive to the island’s center to explore the village of Halki, a traditional settlement in the heart of Naxos famous for its stunning cuisine and the production of a unique spirit, the kitron. 

You can visit the Kitron Factory and Museum in the heart of this ancient town and enjoy lunch at the main square before getting back on the road to explore the tiny settlement of Filotti, opposite the impressive Mount Zas (the highest in the Cyclades).

Devote the rest of the day to the marble village of Apeiranthos, not far from Filotti. Here, you will find that most of the houses, the facades of important buildings, and the streets and tiny alleys are made of white marble. 

On your last day in Naxos, check out some of the beaches. The most famous of them is Plaka, which is one of the widest and most beautiful shores in Greece, with crystalline turquoise waters and white powdery sand, perfect for solo travelers , families, and couples. Everybody will find the right spot on the long beach of Plaka. 

In the afternoon, board your ferry boat back to Athens, thus ending your five days in two of the most beautiful Cyclades.

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7-day greece road trip itinerary for the mainland: peloponnese road trip.

The Peloponnese is a fantastic region in Greece that can be easily discovered on an epic road trip with interesting stops and places to see along the way. Even when seven days are nowhere near the right amount of time to see the best of the Peloponnese, one week can be enough to check out the best towns, beaches, and historic sites.

Get a quote on a car rental here.

Day 1 & 2: athens, corinth canal & nafplion.

As with most trips on the mainland, this adventure starts in the country’s capital. Do not overlook its countless archaeological sights and unique museums, and devote at least a morning to Athens before hitting the road towards the east. 

Your first stop will be Corinth, where you can admire the breathtaking canal and visit the ancient Acropolis of Corinth.

Your next stop will be the aristocratic Nafplion, a famous city on the Argolic Gulf that was also the first capital of the modern Greek State before Athens. Spend a whole day in Nafplion to visit its fortresses and beaches and soak in the views of the old town and the harbor.

Day 3 & 4: Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra

Your first stop will be Mycenae and its impressive archaeological site , where, among the top highlights to check out, there is the famous Lion Gate, which was the main gateway to the citadel of Mycenae and is the most iconic symbol of this archaeological site. 

Right after, drive to Sparta, where you can explore Ancient Sparta , with the ruins of its Ancient Acropolis, the Theater, the Agora, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. 

You can also check out Sparta’s Archaeological Museum and the famous Statue of King Leonidas. The warrior’s bronze statue is located in front of the stadium. It features King Leonidas in a defiant position against the Persians.

While Mycenae and Sparta can be seen in a day, Mystra will undoubtedly need more of your time. Only 5 km from the center of Sparta, you will find Mystra, a great place to discover more of Greece’s past in the Peloponnese . 

This small village, which remains relatively unknown to tourists, played a key role in the history of Greece as it was the most important Byzantine capital in the country.

The ancient city of Mystras is UNESCO-protected and worth visiting since it hosts one of the most impressive ruins dating back to Medieval times.

Day 5 & 6: Gytheio & Diros Caves Monemvasia

This small town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula was the seat of the Ancient Seaport of Sparta and where, according to legend, Paris of Troy and Helen from Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, ultimately starting the Trojan War.

Gytheio is a port town featuring beautiful (and delicious) seaside fish tavernas and authentic cafés. The town is within a short distance from Mystra. Here, take some time to explore the old town, the lighthouse, and the Ancient Theater dating back to the first century.

On your second day, move on to explore the Diros Caves. This spectacular natural site is one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. Inside, you will find an underground lake where you can board a boat to sail through the caverns and tunnels featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 7: Monemvasia & Back To Athens

Your next and final stop in this Peloponnese itinerary will be t he impressive medieval town of Monemvasia . This charming medieval settlement is probably the most visited place in the Peloponnese. 

After the visit, get back on the National road and reach Athens to put an end to this fantastic week in the Peloponnese. The picturesque settlement is connected to the mainland by a narrow, artificial strait dating from the Venetian period. In fact, before the Venetians, the island was only accessible by boat.

7-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Islands: Rhodes

Another of the great Greek islands, Rhodes , is located in the Dodecanese cluster , not far from the Turkish coast . Rhodes is an excellent destination for a Greece road trip , and a seven-day itinerary is the right amount of time to visit the most important landmarks on the island.

Day 1 & 2: Rhodes Town

Start by taking the time to explore the old town of Rhodes , with its incredibly well-preserved medieval alleys and stunning castle dating from the times of the Crusades. Known as the Palace Of The Grand Master, this fantastic palace is the best-preserved castle all over the Mediterranean and stands as one of the most distinctive landmarks of Rhodes.

You will need at least two days to experience the best of this ancient Medieval town, discover the museums, the ancient Jewish neighborhood, and the Archaeological Museum, and taste its delicious food in some of the taverns in the city center.

Day 3 & 4: Lindos & Lardos

Jump on your car and devote the next day to heading south; you will be able to drive along the coastal road and explore some of the beaches on the island; start by spending some time in Faliraki, one of the most popular shores, and then drive along until you reach your next stop, Lindos, where you can pay at least two more days. 

While driving around the area, you will have the opportunity to check out stunning shores, some of them famous, including the picturesque Ladiko and the superb Bay of Anthony Quinn, one of the most exotic coves on the island.

The first thing to do is climb to the top of Lindos Acropolis, home to one of the most charming settlements on the island; you will be stunned by the views from above.

If you’re planning to spend the night in Lindos before continuing your trip around the island, don’t miss dinner with a view over the Acropolis and the sea. 

Lardos is another coastal resort you can visit before moving on to your next stop. The beach is gorgeous, and spending some time there is an opportunity for a relaxing break. It offers some free time to swim and sunbathe.

Day 5 & 6: Monolithos & Prasonisi

The following day, get back on the road to reach the southernmost point in Rhodes, Prasonisi. The coastal road has excellent panoramic views, and the area is not as crowded, so you can stop anywhere you want to explore the landscapes.

If you are fond of mountain settlements, you can make a short detour to visit Monolithos, a tiny village surrounded by high hills. Over here, you can explore an ancient castle with fabulous coastal views. 

Your next stop is finally Prasonisi, an incredible beach popular among windsurfers. Depending on the tides, this beach sometimes turns into an island at certain hours of the day. From here, you can get back on the road to get back to Rhodes Town. 

Day 7: Valley Of The Butterflies & Back To Rhodes Town

You can either drive back north along the coast or try the slower but nicer mountain roads inside the island to get to your next stop, the Valley of the Butterflies. Also known by the name of Petaloudes, this park is located near the village of Theologos, about 27 km from Rhodes Town. 

The natural reserve houses a massive colony of butterflies during spring and autumn . The Pelekanos River crosses the valley with several bridges and endless waterfalls along its whole length.

Once back in Rhodes Town, you can see a bit more of the city or enjoy a few hours in the local aquarium. Set up on the premises of Rhodes’ Hydrobiological Station, and it hosts a fantastic marine museum that you will undoubtedly love visiting.

10-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Mainland: Grand Tour of Mainland Greece

If you’re thinking about an epic Greece road trip that takes you to the main cities and regions on the mainland , then this itinerary can be perfect. Remember that it packs a lot, so you can make it shorter and move around at a more relaxed pace.

Day 1: Athens

Start from Athens, where you can spend at least a full day discovering past treasures, including the Acropolis and its fantastic museum. In town, also pay a visit to Monastiraki Square and the Neoclassic district of Plaka. 

Day 2 & 3: Road Trip From Athens To The Corinth, Epidaurus, & Nafplio

The second place you will visit on this itinerary will be Corinth, and you can quickly get there from Athens by driving through Greece on the national road. Once in Corinth, make some time to check out the ancient city and the impressive canal.

Drive a few more miles and explore the ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Then head to Nafplio, one of the most picturesque cities in Greece and the first capital of the modern Greek State.

Day 4, 5, & 6: Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi

During the following days, you can visit the ancient city of Mycenae and move on towards the central area of the Peloponnese to visit Ancient Olympia and Delphi, as well as the local museums. 

The whole area might take you a day or two, depending on how much you enjoy exploring ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and museums.

Day 7 & 8: Meteora, Kalambaka, Pindos Mountains

Devote your next day or two to exploring the area around the magnificent complex of monasteries in Meteora, located near the imposing Pindos Mountains in Kalambaka.

These famous monasteries stand on top of enormous dark rocks and give life to the country’s second most important monastic community. Meteora means high up in the air, and the word perfectly depicts the out-of-the-world scenario you encounter.

It is a good idea to slow down and spend at least two full days visiting the monasteries and admiring the impressive natural landscape that has made this place famous worldwide.

If you plan to check out some of the monasteries, then read this guide to the Meteora Monasteries for further information.

Day 9 & 10: thessaloniki, mount olympus, and volos.

Your next stop will be the northern city of Thessaloniki , the second most important metropolis in Greece and a place with so much to see and experience that you could easily spend two days or more in the region.

Devote at least one day to explore the jewels of this former Byzantine center, visiting the vast and interesting Museum of Byzantine Culture. 

In the area near Thessaloniki , there are also a few beaches where you can spend some time unwinding and relaxing after so many days on the road. 

It is a good idea to head to the impressive Halkidiki peninsula , home to some of the most popular beaches in continental Greece.

Back on the road for the last portion of your trip , discover the most important and highest mountain in the country (over 2900 meters), Mount Olympus, which, according to Greek mythology, used to be the home of the gods. 

You can either spend the rest of your Greek road trip exploring the ski resorts near Olympus or drive towards the coast to reach the seaside city of Volos and, from there, head back to Athens, where your Greece road trip comes to an end.

10-Day Greeke Road Trip: Crete Island

There is no better island than Crete for a long road trip in Greece, and even if ten days look like a lot, once you land on Crete and start moving around, you will soon realize that in ten days, you will barely scratch the surface of this stunning island.

Almost everyone chooses to drive towards the west, visiting the cities of Chania and Rethymnon. Of course, these two Cretan regions are so popular for a reason: they  feature incredible beaches , high mountain ranges, breathtaking gorges, and more. However, if you are looking for a tranquil Greek road trip, following your own pace and rhythm, I suggest heading east for a more intimate experience of the island.

Day 1 & 2: Heraklion, Knossos, Wine Region

The easternmost region of Lasithi is an excellent place for a Greek road trip. It features endless roads with almost no traffic, where you will only encounter incredible beaches, a few scattered villages, and the occasional goat on the side of the road.

Start departing from Heraklion, the capital of the island, and the place where you will probably arrive. Devote one day to the city center to visit the museums and one more day to the Heraklion wine region and t he impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos, the cradle of the Occidental civilization.

Day 3 & 4: Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa

Devote the next two or three days to the small town of Agios Nikolaos, with its gorgeous Lake Voulismeni connected to the sea. 

From here, there are fantastic drives to visit the mountain village of Kritsa, where one of the oldest churches in Crete , Panagia Kera, is open to visitors. It features some of the oldest Byzantine frescoes you can find on the island.

Day 5: Plaka, Elounda & Spinalonga

Not far from the center of Agios Nikolaos, take the coastal road that takes you to the exclusive settlement of Elounda to spend a few hours on the beach and eat delicious fresh seafood by the sea. 

Later in the afternoon, drive a little more towards the west of the coast to visit the small settlement of Plaka. Plaka seats on the Mirabello Gulf, facing the former leper colony of Spinalonga, an islet you can see in about half a day.

Day 6 & 7: Sitia, Vai Beach, Toplou

Follow your itinerary heading east to the coastal town of Sitia, where you can spend time relaxing and discovering the Italian roots of this coastal port. Here, check out the Venetian Fortress, the gorgeous Toplou Monastery, famous for its wines, and the fantastic Vai Beach, the most impressive palm beach on the island.

Spend the rest of the days traveling south and visiting the small settlements that populate the road until you reach Zakros, where you can spend the night.

Day 8, 9, & 10: Zakros, Xerokampos, Ierapetra & Back To Heraklion

Start your day by exploring the Gorge of the Dead in Kato Zakros with its impressive beach. Drive a bit more to the South to find the most solitary coast on the island, Xerokampos. This is a perfect place to spend one or two days wholly isolated from the rest of the world. 

Follow west to the city of Ierapetra. You can take a boat from here and spend a whole day on an uninhabited island, probably among the most incredible destinations in Crete, Chrissi. 

In the southern area, you can also explore the small town of Myrtos and then make your way back to the northern coast to reach Heraklion again and put an end to your ten fantastic days in eastern Crete.

Things To Know Before Taking A Road Trip In Greece

These are approximate itineraries. Road trips in Greece are probably the more flexible way of travel, without fixed schedules or rigid timetables. In these itineraries , we suggest 2 or 3 days at any destination, but it is always up to you to make each stay shorter or longer… and this can change for many reasons. 

First, you might not like the place as much as you thought, and you prefer to move forward, or — on the contrary — you love a place so much that you want to spend the rest of the time there. Both things can happen, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as you are flexible and enjoy your decisions.

But also, it might happen that, given the spontaneous nature of traveling to Greece by car, you decide not to book accommodation in advance. This would not be a severe issue in winter, but in the high season, you might have to change the village you stay in because all accommodation is booked. Plan accordingly, and do not leave all your road trip itinerary choices to the last minute.

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When Is The Best Time To Drive Around Greece?

It would be quite obvious to say that summer is the best moment for an epic road trip in Greece, and that can be the case if you choose a seaside destination or an island. However, Greece has terrific places to discover, also far from the sea and near the mountains.

Moreover, driving through Greece in summer can be pretty uncomfortable if you suffer from the hot temperatures or you are not very happy moving along very trafficked roads. 

For that reason, transition months, such as April, May, and June, but also September, October, and November, are great for avoiding crowds, enjoying milder temperatures, and enjoying beach time and impressive landscapes. 

Those interested in wintery scenarios will be surprised by the majestic beauty they can find in the northern part of the country during the cold season. If you prefer to drive during this time of the year, make sure your car is ready for snow and slippery roads.

How Difficult Is It To Drive In Greece Or Rent A Car In Greece

Generally speaking, the roads in the country are in reasonably good condition, except for some forgotten mountain roads in lesser-visited areas. Although the Greeks are famous for being bad drivers, the situation on the National Roads is not as bad as you think.

If you’re planning on renting a car, then it is a good idea to keep a few golden rules in mind.

• Pre-book : It’s a good idea to pre-book it before you arrive. This won’t be necessary for winter, but car availability tends to be limited in summer.
• 21+ : You must be 21 years of age and must have held your license for at least a year, regardless of age. If you are under 25 years of age, you may end up paying a young driver surcharge, which will increase the cost of your car rental. For older drivers, there may be a maximum age of 70 for renting a car, depending upon the company you’re hiring from.
• International Driver’s License : You will need an international driver’s license, and you will need to carry this at all times, alongside your passport and insurance documents.
• Credit Card : Most car rental companies will ask for a credit card to secure the booking and to take a provisional deposit in case of any damage. Provided you return the car in complete working order, with no scratches or issues, your card will not be charged.

Here is our complete guide to car rental in Greece.

Greece by car & traffic in greece.

The most trafficked centers are Athens and Thessaloniki , and even other Greeks visiting these two cities from more tranquil islands prefer to move around by bus, metro, or even taxi. 

If any part of your itinerary includes a stop in any of these two important cities, park the car on the outskirts of town and visit the center by taking the bus. You will avoid chaotic traffic, possible fines, and the usual nightmare of not finding any free parking spot.

Greek Road Trip FAQs

How can i plan a peloponnese road trip itinerary.

To plan a Peloponnese road trip, consider visiting ancient sites like Olympia and Mycenae, exploring picturesque towns like Nafplio, and enjoying the beautiful beaches along the coast.

What are some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece?

Some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece include the Acropolis in Athens , Delphi, the Archaeological Site of Mystras, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus.

Where can I find car rental services in Greece for my road trip?

Car rental services are available at major airports like Athens Airport, as well as in popular tourist destinations throughout Greece.

What are some highlights of a Crete road trip?

Highlights of a Crete road trip include exploring ancient Minoan ruins, relaxing on stunning beaches, visiting charming villages, and hiking through the Samaria Gorge.

What are some key things to do while traveling in Greece?

Some key activities include visiting ancient Greek sites, exploring historic cities, relaxing on beautiful beaches, experiencing Greek cuisine, and taking day trips to nearby attractions.

So, now that you have all of your ideas on the best road trips in Greece – which of these Greek road trips will you start with?

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Sparta is very important. That’s where my grandparents are from

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SantoriniDave.com

Itinerary for greece & greek islands.

Greece › Itineraries Updated: March 12, 2024 By Santorini Dave

• Aegina – where to stay
• Andros – where to stay
• Athens – where to stay
• Corfu – where to stay
• Crete – where to stay
• Delphi – where to stay
• Hydra – where to stay
• Meteora – where to stay
• Milos – where to stay
• Mykonos – where to stay
• Nafplio – where to stay
• Naxos – where to stay
• Paros – where to stay
• Poros – where to stay
• Rhodes – where to stay
• Santorini – where to stay
• Spetses – where to stay
• Zakynthos – where to stay

The Acropolis and Plaka (my favorite neighborhood) in Athens , Greece. I recommend at least a few days in Athens for any first-time visitor to Greece.

My Favorites for First Time Visitors Best Places to Visit: Athens • Santorini • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros Best Tours: Santorini Wine Tours • Santorini Boat Tours • Mykonos Boat Tours • Athens Historical Tours Best Ancient Sites: Delphi , Meteora , Delos (near Mykonos), and the Peloponnese are some of the historical highlights of Greece. Best for Honeymoon: Santorini is a marvelous honeymoon destination . On Crete, Chania is also great. Best Restaurants: Most towns and every island have several good restaurants. Athens , Naxos , and Santorini are loaded with great places to eat (both modern and traditional). Best Beaches: Naxos has the best beaches in Greece . Best Nightlife: Santorini • Mykonos Most Fun Activity: The Fira-Oia Hike along the caldera in Santorini. (Bonus: It’s free!) Best Hotels: Athens , Santorini , and Mykonos have the best luxury hotels. How Many Days in Greece: For most tourists, I recommend a visit of 10 to 15 days. This allows for a few days in Athens; a day or overnight trip to Nafplio, Delphi, or the Meteora; and a few nights on 2 or 3 Greek islands. Of course, trips of more or fewer days are great too. If possible arrive into one airport and fly out of a different airport so you don’t have to retrace your steps (e.g. Fly into Greece to Athens, and fly out of Greece from Santorini). Can you visit Greece for only two or three nights? Yes, it’s possible, but in this case limit your visit to either Athens or just one Greek island and arrive and depart from the same airport.

Greek Island Itinerary – The Basics

5 Days in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos – remainder of time 1 Week in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos – 3 Days Santorini – 3 Days 10 Days in Greece Athens – 1 Full Day Mykonos – 3 Days Paros or Naxos – 3 Days Santorini – 3 Days 2 Weeks in Greece Athens – 2 Full Days Nafplio or Delphi day trip – 1 Day Mykonos – 3 Days Paros – 2 Days Naxos – 2 Days Santorini – 4 Days 3 Weeks in Greece Athens – 2 Full Days Nafplio, Delphi, or Meteora – 1 or 2 Days Mykonos – 3 Days Paros – 2 Days Naxos – 3 Days Milos, Folegandros, or Sifnos – 2 Days Santorini – 4 Days Agios Nikolaos (Crete) – 2 Days Chania (Crete) – 3 Days Greece Itinerary: Top 5 Highlights 1. The Santorini Caldera Santorini is the most magical and unique Greek island. Boat tours of the volcanic caldera are a highlight of any trip to Greece. 2. The Beaches of Naxos (and Many Greek Islands) There are many Greek islands with fantastic beaches (Mykonos, Milos, Paros, and Crete) but no island has a better beach scene than Naxos. 3. The Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens Athens has lots to see in a compact area. The Plaka, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are where you should spend most of your time. 4. The Beach Clubs & Nightlife of Mykonos Mykonos is the place to go for an ideal mix of great beaches , beach clubs , and nightlife . 5. The Town of Chania in Crete Chania is a charming town on the island of Crete (the largest Greek island). Both Chania and Heraklio have many international flights to other cities in Europe which make it a great place to start or finish your holiday vacation. And Crete has many amazing tours .

About Santorini Dave

Epic 5-Day Athens Itinerary: Guide to Greece

Are you contemplating a trip to Athens? Many people who make the trek to Greece only stop in Athens for their connecting flight or ferry to one of the Greek islands. And don’t get me wrong–the Greek islands are a must. But my partner and I dedicated 5 days in Athens so we could really appreciate its culture and history (and much more reasonable prices) before moving on to Santorini .

Table of Contents

Why i recommend visiting athens.

Is Athens Safe for Travelers?

Where We Stayed in Athens

Modes of Transportation

Athens Itinerary Overview

Day 1: ancient ruins & pub crawl

Day 2: coastline railbike tour

Day 3: Acropolis Hill & museums

Day 4: lounge at the beach

Day 5: ferry to Santorini

Note: this post may contain Trip Advisor or Booking.com affiliate links to which I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

We were admittedly a little hesitant at first to book 5 days in Athens because friends who had visited told us, “Athens isn’t worth it”, or “2 days in Athens is enough”. I considered shortening our Athens itinerary…

But once we arrived and got settled in, Athens quickly grew on us. I’m here to give a #hottake on why you should visit Athens for 5 days–it’s freakin’ awesome for offering everything from:

Ancient ruins (the Acropolis is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World )

Warm, bright blue ocean beaches

Delicious and traditional Mediterranean cuisine (and gelato everywhere)

Colorful street art intertwined with ancient ruins

Casual outdoor hiking (and the oober cool railbiking)

Both ancient and modern history museums

Greek coffee that’s infinitely more flavorful than standard US coffee

Cheaper prices than the US or Greek islands

Easy transportation by bus, train or Uber

Before I dive into our 5-day Athens itinerary, I want to share the basics of what to expect, where we stayed, how we got around the city, and other details that make for easier itinerary planning.

Is Athens, Greece Safe to Visit?

Athens is no more dangerous to visit than most other European cities. It actually has relatively low violent crime rates . You should still keep your eyes peeled for petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, though.

As Two Tickets Anywhere writes, “Illicit trade, extortion and trafficking are the top crimes that occur. These types of crimes are typically directed at locals rather than a tourist visiting Athens.”

Personally, I think Athens gets a bad rap because tourists report it to look “run-down”, which they equate with dangerous. The large amounts of budget, high-rise apartment complexes and graffiti on literally everything can make it seem “sketchy”, but that’s far from the reality.

Graffiti Everywhere

Athens police are a lot more flexible with graffiti than police are in the US. In fact, many shop owners hire artists to paint huge murals along their exterior shop walls. Athens society is quite accepting of graffiti as an art expression.

You’ll notice a lot of stray cats running around Athens. At first you may think, “poor cats”, but take a closer look and notice that these cats are healthy. Well-fed, thick fur coats, no pus-filled eyes or injuries.

Since cats have played an important and sacred role in Greek culture since the ancient times, modern Greek society has carried on this mindset. You’ll see shop owners or people on the streets feed cats, or leave out water bowls–it’s really sweet.

I remember visiting Barcelona, Spain many years ago and the cats that wandered the streets were in terrible condition. So, it was refreshing to see such healthy stray cats in Athens.

We booked five nights at the Moxy Athens City hotel  which is near the city center (Syntagma Square), so we’d be just a short walk from downtown Athens and most of the ancient Greece ruins. The Moxy Athens City hotel is a Marriott property so if you have travel points with Marriott, check this place out!

Our hotel was roughly 1.6 miles (about a 40 minute walk) to the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum and a 0.7 mile (16 minute walk) from the city center of Syntagma.

Personally, I loved this location. We were far enough removed from the insanely busy, crowded, tourist-packed streets surrounding the whole ancient Agora area, but still close enough to walk there nearly every day. Yes it WAS a lot of walking (glad I brought good walking shoes) but I was overeating most of the time anyways, so I didn’t mind the exercise!

You’ll pay top price on lodging and food if you stay near the ancient Agora area, which is where a lot of the most famous Athens ruins are located. Monastiraki Square is right in this area as well, which is the hub of the touristy restaurants and stores. It’s easy to spend all of your time in this little tourist-trap bubble if you aren’t motivated to explore Athens. But our hotel’s location allowed us to get outside of this tourist bubble, so we experienced more local street art and more authentic (and more reasonably priced) restaurants.

Brief Review: Moxy Athens City Hotel

Overall, I really enjoyed my stay at the Moxy Athens hotel . It was in a central location at a big roundabout, so navigating back to the hotel was easy from nearly any direction. The hotel itself is designed in a sleek, modern way that almost gives it New York City feels.

Although everything from the hotel reception area to the rooms themselves are very compact, it was not an issue for me or my partner. Our bed was firm and comfortable, our AC worked great and was easy to control (which was necessary to blast on certain hot nights), and despite being in the heart of the city, we were never kept awake by surrounding city noises.

The staff was consistently friendly and helpful, and I LOVED all of the food. From the continental breakfast to the lunch and dinner menu items, ingredients were fresh and flavorful. In fact, their continental breakfast was way more delicious (and authentic) than the breakfast we were served every morning at our fancy honeymoon suite hotel on Santorini (one of the Greek islands).

Oh, and in the event you didn’t want the Moxy’s amazing Greek coffee from their little auto-coffee machine, there is an incredible bakery next door. The bakery has a full coffee bar and a huge variety of sweet and savory baked goods.

Modes of Transportation in Athens

The best modes of transportation in Athens, Greece are:

Uber or cab

Lyft doesn’t exist in Athens yet. Uber is solely run by cab drivers. This is because a few years ago, cab drivers protested the use of Uber in Athens since it was hurting their business so much. Now, there’s a law in place that only cabbies can also Uber. So, just know you’ll be paying cab fair prices for an Uber.

We tried to walk as much as possible to save costs, but we ended up using the bus and train system once and it went surprisingly smoothly.

There’s a train station right outside of the Moxy hotel, so we used that to get to the Piraeus ferry port (costing us total about 5 Euros), which was a lot cheaper than an Uber that would’ve cost closer to $15-$25 Euros.

We took a few Ubers that were pretty pricey–we took one from the Athens International airport to the Moxy hotel which ran us around $50 Euros. We took another from the hotel to our railbike tour about a half hour drive outside the city, which ran about $60 Euros.

It goes without saying that historical sites, ancient monuments and ruins are the most popular Athens attractions that draw the most tourists each year. The biggest and most famous ancient ruins are located within the same general area of the city, which makes exploring a bit easier.

I recommend breaking up your ancient Athens touring into a 2-3 day itinerary. You can do the Syntagma Square area one day, and then split up the Ancient Agora and Acropolis areas up into one or two days.

Athens Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day of our Athens itinerary, we visited:

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Entrance fee: $6 Euros per person, free for children 1-5 years old

Temple of Olympian Zeus is a 12-minute walk from Syntagma Square and an 18-minute walk from ancient Agora. Temple of Olympian Zeus is a colossal temple that was dedicated to Olympian Zeus to honor his position as head of the Olympian gods. Construction on this ancient temple began in 6th Century BC, which is pretty mind-blowing.

Honestly, I was dying of heat when we explored this area at high noon on a late summer day. Unfortunately, most of the colossal temple was under construction and completely encased in support beams. But there are loads of smaller ancient sites surrounding the Temple of Olympian Zeus. One of my favorite being this ancient restroom for women!

Unless you’re a big history buff, I’d say it’s okay to skip the entrance fee to the Olympian Zeus Temple and admire it from the street. You can still get a great view of it from the surrounding area.

Zappeion and Athens National Garden

Entrance fee: none

Just a few minute walk away from the Temple of Olympian Zeus is the beautiful Athens National Garden, which surrounds the Zappeion building (a modern building used for anything from ceremonies to important meetings).

The gardens saved me from the heat of the day. We wandered around the gardens and took in everything from a “turtle” island, beautiful flowers and fountains, and lots of ancient ruins sprinkled throughout. It’s cool to feel how much the ancient world and new world intermingle here.

Panathenaic Stadium

Entrance fee: $10 Euros per person and free for children 1-5 years old

We made our way to the other side of the gardens and crossed the street to the Panathenaic stadium , which is where the first modern olympic games were held. The empty stadium feels larger than life and it’s wild to walk up and down the stairs. This is the only stadium in the world built of all marble. When I say the “modern” Olympics, I’m talking about the year 1870…but that’s still much more recent than when the stadium was first built–in c. 330 BC!

Panathenaic Stadium Museum

No entrance fee

I highly recommend visiting the small Panathenaic museum located through a tunnel at the back of the stadium. You can see original posters of the modern Olympic games, ranging from the 1920s to present-day. It takes you on a wild ride through time…there’s also a small gift shop with cool trinkets.

Lunch at Neoklassiko Restaurant

Cost: ~$45 Euros for 3 dishes, 1 soda and 1 beer

We stopped at the Neoklassiko restaurant on our walk back from the Panathenaic stadium since it happened to be on our way. This was one of my favorite meals of the trip–lots of authentic dishes that actually resemble Italian meals. Think fresh pasta sauce, a variety of cheeses, red meats and fresh vegetables.

The staff were also remarkably friendly and attentive. Our waiter clearly tried to give us the best experience, and even educate us on some classic Greek dishes and beer, knowing that we were tourists.

I was amazed that this restaurant did not have inflated tourist-area prices, either. Very reasonable prices for exceptional souvlaki food and top-notch customer service.

FUN HISTORY: Turns out, there is a lot of overlap between Italian and Greek dishes. Since they share similar climate coastlines, they have a lot of the same natural resources and food options. What’s more, Italy adopted a lot of Greek culture during the peak rise of Athens, as it became a “trendsetting” city center that even the most elite Italians fanned over.

Athens Drunk Pub Crawl

Cost: $30 Euros per person

After a late lunch and LOTS of walking around in the heat, we headed back to our hotel to rest and get ready for the Drunk Pub Crawl event that we booked! The pub crawl is designed to bar hop to at least three different bars or clubs, all within short walking distance of each other near central Athens and the Syntagma Square area.

Truthfully, there were a lot of mixed Trip Advisor reviews on this pub crawl that made me initially hesitate. The biggest issue seemed to be that the tour guides basically just walk you to different bars, and that’s it.

You pay $30 per person so I think it’s reasonable to expect more of a tour guide experience. The $30 does get you a free shot at the first bar (which was really a shot of mixed drink, mostly juice than alcohol). It also gets you 50% off any drinks you buy at the first bar, as well as unlimited draft beer or homemade sangria at the second bar. Heads up–the second bar was dead empty, but thankfully our tour group of 20+ people livened up the place. And the homemade sangria was delicious and STRONG.

True to the reviews, our tour guides did the bare minimum. They walked us to the different bars and made sure we got our free drinks, but otherwise you could find them outside smoking cigarettes and chatting.

Thing is, I ended up not minding this at all. I had a great time talking to all of the other people in our group that came from across the globe! From Hungary, South America, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands– everyone was really nice and easy to talk to. I was impressed that it was a Sunday night and our tour group was so big–I was expecting it to maybe just be me and my partner.

Athens Itinerary: Day 2

After a LATE night out from our pub crawl, combined with epic jet lag, my partner and I had a delayed start to our second day….

But thankfully, our only commitment was a 5pm railbike tour outside of Athens. Couldn’t wait for this!

Railbiking in Megara, Greece: Cycling on the Railways

Cost: $30 Euros per person plus transportation costs to and from Megara

The Megara Railbiking experience had rave reviews on Trip Advisor. I loved this tour because it was a unique way to explore outside of the city, soak up the coastline views, learn history about Greece’s role in World War 2, and get some exercise!

The tour is three hours long and you’ll want to budget about an hour to get to the Megara meeting spot if you’re coming from Athens. You don’t need to be in “peak” physical fitness to handle this activity. If you can pedal on a bicycle, you can pedal on a railbike.

My partner and I were running short on time so we opted to take an Uber to the Megara railbike meeting spot. It cost us around $60 after tip, which was a bit painful. But we opted to take a public bus on the way back to the city for a fraction of the Uber cost ($10 total). There’s a bus stop right next to the railbike meeting spot, and the tour guides provided us with clear directions on how to get back to the city center. Definitely recommend!

The tour consists of about 2 hours of railbiking and a handful of 5-10 minute stops. The ocean views are stunning and the tour guides share history of the original train tracks and their critical role of Athens contemporary development. But have no fear–the train tracks are officially closed and out of commission.

There were two tour guides who would provide both a Greek and English translation of their presentation at each stop. We got to watch the new train on the new tracks come jetting out of a tunnel, caught the wild black goats that live up in the cliffs, and toured an abandoned WW2 bunker.

The only bummer about the railbike experience was how hot outside it still was. We went at the tail end of August and let’s just say our railbike seats were drenched in sweat. We did the sunset tour that runs from 5-7pm, but there’s also an 11am-1pm tour that would probably provide cooler temps. Overall, I highly recommend adding this railbike tour to your Athens itinerary.

Next Stop: Gelato in the City

Cost: $4-10 per person

By the time we got back to Athens from our railbike tour, we were STARVING. My partner insisted we stop for gelato before finding a place for dinner. I couldn’t argue with that…

There are tons gelato shops around Athens. This was another interesting overlap between Italian and Greek cuisine that we noticed. My partner was all, “Greece gelato is good, but Italian gelato is still the best” because he has been to Italy. I haven’t been to Italy but truthfully don’t think I’d be able to tell the difference anyways–all I know is that the gelato I had was amazingly fresh and bursting with flavor! Creamy and light all at the same time.

Unfortunately I didn’t take note of all of the gelato shops we visited, but I’m confident any gelato shop you stop by will not disappoint. Especially in the heat of Greece summer days, gelato is a lifesaver.

Lithos Tavern for Dinner

Cost: ~$60 for 3 dishes, two beers

Since our bus dropped us off in the heart of touristy Athens (near Ancient Agora) we decided to stay in the area for dinner. Not surprisingly, you will find higher prices, bigger crowds, and less authentic dishes in the touristy areas. But we felt like being touristy. We chose the Lithos Tavern since it had ample outdoor seating along the cute, cobbled narrow streets.

The Lithos Tavern was insanely quick at getting us seated (despite the huge crowd) and getting our drinks over. We ordered some basic Greek dishes (souvlaki) but wanted to mix things up, so ordered an octopus salad as well. Our waiter was British and although I don’t think he meant it to come across as rude, I could tell he had chalked us up to “basic American tourists”.

Instead of offering us fresh tzatziki sauce with our souvlaki, he made a comment like, “you are Americans so I’m sure you want ketchup”…to which, we both said no… he also brought us the wrong salad (a simple Greek salad) despite us ordering the octopus. We sent it back and our main dishes took quite a while to come out.

The main dishes were nothing to write home about. Our souvlaki came with both french fries and pita bread which was a carb overload. The meat was flavorful and juicy, but it was a rather bland meal. Overall, it was a fine place to stop and the atmosphere of being in the safe, bustling tourist area of Ancient Agora was the biggest perk of the Lithos Tavern in my opinion.

Athens Itinerary: Day 3

We woke up early on day 3 of our Greece itinerary so we could beat the crowds that would eventually descend upon the ancient city ruins. It was the day we would wrap up our touring of the Ancient Agora and Acropolis areas.

The Acropolis Hill

Fee: $20 Euros or opt for the combo ticket for $30 Euros

The Acropolis is one of the most famous Greek archaeological sites and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a hill that sits above modern Athens and has all sorts of ancient ruins on it, particularly the very famous Parthenon building. You can see it from across the city in all of its ancient glory. The Acropolis is also home to all of these ruins:

2. Old Temple of Athena 3. Erechtheum 4. Statue of Athena Promachus 5. Propylaea 6. Temple of Athena Nike 7. Eleusinion 8. Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia 9. Chalkotheke 10. Pandroseion

11. Arrephorion 12. Altar of Athena 13. Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus 14. Sanctuary of Pandion 15. Odeon of Herodes Atticus 16. Stoa of Eumenes 17. Sanctuary of Asclepius 18. Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus 19. Odeum of Pericles 20. Temenos of Dionysus Eleuthereus

If you opt for the $30 combination ticket , you’ll get access to the Acropolis as well as these sites:

Ancient Agora

Hadrian’s Library

Aristotle’s School

Roman Agora

We heard that the lines and crowds to get into the Acropolis can be unreal, especially at high season. So I scoured online deals the night before for tickets, but my research showed that the best deal was still the ticket deal offered at the Acropolis counter. So, we got up early and arrived right at opening (8am). The line wasn’t long at all, but even within the 5-10 minutes we spent in line, it had more than doubled . So if you don’t buy tickets in advance, I definitely recommend getting there right when it opens!

The Acropolis Hill provides a glimpse into what ancient Greek times looked like, as well as a breathtaking view overlooking all of modern Athens.

The Parthenon was under construction so it was hard to get a photo that really represented what it may have looked like way back when. As you can see, the crowd is starting to accumulate and (not shown) the late summer temps are rising.

You can walk all around the Acropolis Hill and check out all of the different ancient ruins. The Acropolis entrance fee provides access to all these of locations, such as the ancient theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus:

The Acropolis Museum

Entrance fee: $20 Euros per person

I booked Acropolis museum “skip the line” tickets the night before at $23 per person, which was actually more expensive than buying them at the museum ($20/person). But the tickets came with access to the ancient underground picturesque neighborhood that lies beneath the museum. Normally, it’s a few extra Euros for access. The underground neighborhood was definitely worth it.

Since we got to the museum by about 10am, the line wasn’t very long so our “skip the line” tickets didn’t really matter. But just a couple hours later the line jutted way out past the museum entrance. So, if you aren’t going to get there early in the day, then “skip the line” tickets may be worth it.

The Acropolis museum is just a few minutes walk from Acropolis Hill and this museum is huge, featuring three main floors. The museum has everything from larger-than-life human and animal statues, tiny ancient artifacts, and (my personal favorite) actual financial documents from accountants keeping the books on stone slabs:

You can opt for a virtual tour audio headset for an additional fee, but my partner and I preferred just walking around and getting lost in the ancient-ness of these museum artifacts. The museum features clean, private bathrooms, a cafe with a large seating area, and a gift shop.

Prison of Socrates

A 10-minute walk away from the Acropolis museum is Socrates prison, tucked up in a patch of woods. Go up the trail and see where one of the most famous Greek philosophers lived out his last days. Socrates has always fascinated me ever since I had to do a high school project on him my freshman year, ha!

Socrates is considered the founder of Western philosophy in Greece. He was also the first “moral” Greek philosopher that insisted people question and observe their own nature. Unfortunately, his public lectures landed him in prison where he was sentenced to death by drinking poisonous Hemlock. His supposed crime was “corrupting the youths of Athens”. A brilliant mind lost…

Museum of Illusions

Cost: $11 per person, or $8 per child, 4-15 years old

After exploring more ancient Athens ruins, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then headed to the Museum of Illusions . This museum is in the heart of Monastiraki Square, which is a popular tourist area near the Acropolis.

I chose this museum over the loads of more sophisticated historic museums and art galleries in the area because I wanted to mix things up. We needed a break from all of the serious historic learning we’d been doing all morning! This museum looked really fun and creative–and boy was it ever.

When we first entered this small museum it was packed with little kids. It hadn’t even occurred to me that this museum was mostly aimed at kids…but once the wave of kids came through, we played around with all of the cool illusion displays. 

Hands-down, the coolest thing about this museum is the funny and unique optical illusion photo opps. They actually have staff members that wander around for the sole purpose of taking your photos! The museum tour will last maximum 1 hour, so use it well!

We spent the rest of the day doing some tourist shopping, eating more delicious souvlaki and gelato. We headed back to the hotel in the early evening and worked on our plan for the next day.

Athens Itinerary: Day 4 (fail turned happy mistake)

After researching an itinerary plan the night before, we decided to do a day trip to the island of Hydra. Not only is it a picturesque small town situated right on the water; it also is rich with history and donkeys are used as the main mode of transportation! Cars aren’t even allowed on the island.

We booked ferry tickets for early morning where we would spend about 7 hours on the island before taking a ferry back. This seemed better to book ourselves versus go through a travel agency, which was asking triple the price.

So, off we went the next morning. We were feeling bold and opted to take the Athens metro. Thankfully, metro tickets were only a few Euros each and the metro map was easy to follow. To get to the ferry port, we simply stayed on until the last stop.

But finding the correct ferry port turned into a rushed nightmare. Little did we know, we were supposed to arrive at the port at least an hour before its scheduled arrival. Welp, we arrived about ten minutes early and found out the ferry had already left–and there were no more going out that way until late in the day…

The ferry company offered us credit, but since we were leaving the next day, we couldn’t do much with it. So, we pivoted plans and decided to explore the Athens coastline since we were already in the area.

Akanthus Beach Club + Nalu Cafe

Cost: ~$15 Euros entrance fee, $7 Euros for sun bed

We took a 25-minute Uber ride from the Piraeus ferry port down the coastline to a strip of popular beaches. Based on our on-the-spot phone research, we landed at the Akanthus Beach Club since it looked like it would have good food and decent sun bed rentals.

The building is pretty swanky and we learned it serves as a popular beachside night club as well. I fully anticipated tourist prices for everything from entrance fee to food, which was mostly the case, but slightly less expensive than I expected.

For a midweek day, it was pretty busy. They have more than 80 sun beds so although many were taken, there were still plenty available. Sun beds come in pairs of 2 with an umbrella, small locker and drink table in-between them. The bathrooms are tucked deep in the back of the outdoor nightclub area which made for a bit of a walk.

The beach itself is beautiful. The sand is more like very fine, smoothed-down white rocks and pebbles. The Aegean Sea is a gorgeous bright blue and its temperature at the time hovered around 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm enough so even this thermal wimp went all in!

The club also has an outdoor sand volleyball court, a couple of outdoor showers and changing rooms. Staff seemed to be all over the place but weren’t attentive at all to checking in with us, unlike the way it’s advertised.

Supposedly they will take drink orders, provide locker keys and deliver food. But we finally had to flag one of them down to ask for the locker key–to which they said they would bring it over and never did. My partner made multiple trips up to the bar since the staff wouldn’t make eye contact with us or come over to our sun beds. Staff was definitely the worst part of this place.

Cost: ~$70 for two mixed drinks and two entrees

The Nalu Cafe is attached to the Akanthus Beach Club and initially it’s a little confusing to tell that they are separate venues. After a few hours of lounging on the beach in our sun beds, we decided to grab some food at the Nalu Cafe.

The drinks were delicious, the service was much more attentive than Akanthus, and the food was flavorful and light. I ordered one of their most popular dishes, the swordfish, and my boyfriend ordered a more American-style meal of BBQ ribs. We got to eat our meals overlooking the beach. Overall, we both enjoyed the Nalu Cafe a lot–it helped make up for the poor customer service at the Akanthus Beach Club.

Late Dinner at The Karamanlidikas of Fanis

Cost: $8-15 Euros per plate, $5 glasses of wine

The Karamanlidikas lies just outside of the touristy hubs of ancient Agora and Monastiraki Square. It’s famous for its age-old ways of curing meats. But beyond its meats is a full-fledged restaurant offering a huge variety of traditional, authentic Greek and Middle Eastern dishes for a fraction of typical prices. I HIGHLY suggest adding this to your own food tour!

It’s recommended to make a reservation since it’s very popular among locals. The fanfare and ambience is minimum–the “restaurant” is really a narrow back hallway packed with small dining tables. 

We decided to risk it and show up without a reservation. Even though it was packed, the “mother” manager directed us to a table within a few minutes. You could tell she has done this before and has it down to a science.

We ordered a meatball dish and sausage dish and a few glasses of local wine (that were only $5 per glass). The food arrived pretty quickly and the flavors were unique and everything paired so well together. Again, I really recommend visiting this restaurant.

Athens Itinerary: Day 5

The last day of our Athens itinerary arrived. We scheduled a ferry to the island of Santorini at 9am. We woke up early and I ran over to the cafe next door for coffee and pastries. We didn’t feel like doing a full sit-down breakfast at the hotel.

Veneti Great Baggeion Cafe

Cost: ~$5 coffee, $3-10 for pastries

This cafe has a massive selection of fresh baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, coffee and custards. It’s a busy place in the morning and I understand why–the coffee is rich and flavorful. I bought some “piggies in a blanket” sausage croissants and custard-filled pastries. The crust was light, buttery and flaky, the meat and custard were both rich, providing that sweet-meets-savory satisfaction.

After a quick breakfast, we packed up our things and grabbed an Uber to the Piraeus ferry port. This time, we arrived PLENTY early to make sure we didn’t miss our ferry again. I believe this ferry arrived earlier than its scheduled time and we were already taking off 15 minutes before the original 9am departure time. Now, it was a five-hour ferry ride to Santorini. We booked platinum seating so we would have ample room to work on our laptops and be comfortable for the duration of the ride.

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Heraklion or Chania? It’s an Easy Choice (PLUS: the Perfect 5 Day Crete Itinerary)

Greece’s largest island has airports in both Heraklion and Chania so which is better? Here’s our pick, plus how to spend 5 epic days on Crete.

“ Decision time. What’s it going to be, Heraklion or Chania?” I queried my favorite travel accomplice, Shannon, as we waited to board our flight from Riga, Latvia to Vilnius, Lithuania .

“ Or Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos? ” she countered, with an exasperated sigh.

This exchange mirrored all previous deliberations over where to call home on our upcoming visit to Crete Greece – the country’s largest island.

We were smack in the middle of a 30-day, 15-stop European summer adventure and if we didn’t end this dance of procrastination soon, we’d be landing in Crete homeless.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Our cheap-o Ryan Air flight from Sardinia (via Rome) landed in Chania, on the western end of the island. Logic dictated spending (at least) the first night there.

But our outbound flight 5 days later would depart from the eastern city of Heraklion.

Further complicating our decision? There is plenty to see in between.

Thus, the Cretan Dilemma…Heraklion or Chania?

Usually, picking the right hotel is one of my biggest hurdles in travel planning.

But with Crete, you must first choose between beachy resort areas (Agios Nikolaos, Elounda), charming harbor towns (Chania, Rethymno), or a history-rich city port (Heraklion).

East or West. Big or small. Beach, history, or nightlife?

Finally, while searching Chania hotels on Booking.com , we found a great rate on a small, basic hotel in a terrific location near the harbor. It seemed like a sign, so we booked it for the first two nights.

We decided to throw caution to the wind and figure out the rest when we arrived.

Here’s how it went…

Planning a trip to Greece in 2024?

From the most spectacular beaches to the tastiest treats to try, here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Greek Islands!

How we spent our 5 days on Crete

Don’t have time to read the full post (you should, it’s great!) here’s our 5-day Crete itinerary in a nutshell:

• Arrival in Chania (swoon), decide to spend all 5 nights there.
• Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach from Chania.
• Day Trip to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon from Chania.
• Explore Chania and take a glass-bottom boat trip.
• Early bus to Heraklion and an afternoon exploring Knossos.

But read on for all the juicy details and whether spending all 5 nights in Chania turned out to be the right decision.

What Makes Crete Unique?

For centuries the natural beauty of Crete was at the mercy of pirate fleets and the conquests of formidable Mediterranean powers. The Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Turks each left their cultural mark on the island.

As a result of this confluence of cultures, Crete evolved a national identity that is entirely unique from the rest of Greece.

Even today, when the locals refer to their traditional dishes or local products like olive oil or honey, it’s always as “ Cretan ,” never Greek. In fact, it wasn’t until 1913 that Crete formally joined with Greece.

Today, it’s one of Greece’s most popular islands to visit and makes my list as one of The 7 Best Greek Islands to Visit This Summer (2024) .

How to get to Crete – flight or ferry?

If you’re coming from Athens, there are plenty of options for both ferries and flights.

But before you depart Athens…

If this is your first trip to Greece, you absolutely must spend at least a few days exploring the city’s incredible historic sights. I know, I know, the Greek Islands are enticing. But Athens is literally the birthplace of Western civilization. And that’s pretty darn impressive. If time is short, here’s a foolproof one-day itinerary:

How to Spend 24 Hours in Athens

If you’re coming from mainland Europe, you’ll find a number of direct flight options (like we did) into Crete.

From Athens, a quick flight makes the most sense due to Crete’s distance from the mainland. But if you prefer a ferry, the ride will take you anywhere from 6-9 hours with several stops along the way.

Tip:  The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is  FerryHopper.com.

With the basics covered, let’s get back to how we allocated our 5 day itinerary for Crete.

Day 1. Love at First Sight in Chania

After landing at the Chania airport, we grab a taxi to our hotel.

Our bargain hotel pick in Chania turns out to be a genius decision. Shannon and I immediately fall in love with the quaint harbor town of Chania the minute we see it (ultimately deciding to spend our entire 5 days in Crete there).

I didn’t think anything could top my previous Greek Islands favorite, Mykonos , but Chania just might come close.

Our room at Nikolas Rooms is small and very basic. However, the location is superb, with a lovely view of the town square and church and just steps away from the harbor…all for about $100 a night.

Chania is our base for the first two nights of our 5 days in Crete, but the question remains. Where to stay for our last three nights?

And more importantly, what are the best things to do in Crete to fill our days? We spend the rest of Day 1 investigating the best things to do near Chania.

The Top 2 Things To Do Near Chania

For a little professional guidance, we head straight to the local travel office for a map and some local advice. The office is extremely helpful and we quickly nail down the two main things we want to do while on the western end of the island:

• Visit the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach
• Take a day trip to Gramvousa and Balos islands

The bus to Elafonissi departs and returns at two set times each day. Judging the morning time a bit aggressive for a proper Greek island holiday, we opt to rent a car for tomorrow to drive ourselves.

Tip: When it comes to booking rental cars in Europe, Discover Cars.com is my go-to site:

Discover Cars

My favorite rental car booking site to use all over the world. No hidden costs, free cancellation, and 24/7 customer support.

Then, we book the standard ferry boat trip to Gramvousa and Balos for the following day.

The Balos day trip means we’ll be gone all of our third day, so it makes sense to stay put at Nikolas Rooms for a third night.

Three nights down, two more to go.

Sidebar: We were also interested in taking a day trip over to the island of Santorini but quickly learned that one is much easier to tackle from Heraklion (one point for staying in Heraklion over Chania).

We’ll save that for another time, there’s plenty to see on this side of the island.

Read More: 3 Things to Know About a Crete to Santorini Day Trip

New Ferry Service to Milos!

Though a Santorini day trip is tough if you’re staying in Chania, I have some good news. SeaJets will soon launch a new fast ferry service from Chania to the delightful island of Milos . The ferry leaves in the morning and returns in the evening so, in theory, it is possible to do it as a day trip (this route begins June 21, 2024).

But there’s plenty to do on Crete to keep you busy for weeks, so let’s get back to it!

Day 2. A Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

The plan for our first full day in Crete:

1 – Make the 90-minute drive across the mountainous center of the island to Elafonisi Beach on the southwest corner

2 – Maximize our 1-day car rental by checking out the picturesque harbor of Rethymno to see if it is any better than Chania (which doesn’t seem possible).

Driving on the Island of Crete

We pick up our rental car at Car Rental Crete  by  Rental Center Crete at a respectable 9:00am to begin our day of island adventure.

Once on the road, the drive involves several white-knuckle, winding roads through the mountains. It takes nearly two hours to get to Elafonisi, instead of the estimated 90 minutes.

Pink Beach Paradise at Elafonisi Beach

But it is definitely worth the ambitious drive, Elafonisi is absolutely stunning .

More than just a simple beach, Elafonisi actually a peninsula of several beaches. At various tides, it even becomes its own island. The shallow, sparkling turquoise sea extends at knee-high depth for what seems like miles.

It brings to mind some of my favorite endless lagoons in the South Pacific, like Aitutaki and Moorea . It is just fantastic.

Though it isn’t a bold shade of pink, the pink crystals of sand in the shoreline are easy to see. I’ve never seen a pink beach before, so I thought Elafonisi was amazing.

Posted signs warn visitors not to damage the natural environment by taking any of the pink sand (this is apparently a problem).

Tip: If you want to visit this beautiful beach but you’re not up for the white-knuckle drive (I hear you!), there are excellent day tour options to Elafonisi from Chania. This one is my top pick:

Elafonisi, Falasarna & Vouves Shared Tour from Chania

This full-day small group tour includes plenty of free time at Elafonisi and two more of Crete’s top beaches, plus lunch, snacks, a terrific guide, and zero stress.

We explore the various coves of Elafonisi and spend some quality time lounging on the pink sands. But by mid-afternoon, it’s time to hit the road if we’re going to squeeze in a trip to Reythmno.

A quick stop in Reythmno

Three hours later, we arrive in the harbor of Reythmno . It is lovely, but it’s no match for Chania. We definitely made the right choice between Chania and Reythmno.

We get some ice cream and stroll the port’s shop-lined, cobbled lanes. An hour later, we’re back in the car bound for Chania.

Stick with Chania or Move On?

That night, over dinner in the harbor, we make the easy decision to spend our final two nights in Chania as well.

However, it’s time to upgrade our hotel situation and splurge on a room with a view. We’ve been secretly coveting several hotels around the harbor with terraces and (what must be) incredible views.

A Room with a View in Chania

As we eat, we search rates for our top picks. We identify a few favorites and then narrow it down to three:

1. The Plaza Apartment , which has a spacious terrace and sweeping views of the harbor. Sadly, a quick check reveals it is fully booked for the week.

2. Captain Vasilis Hotel – Also boasting a striking terrace and pristine location in the harbor.

3. Erietta Suites Hotel – Great views of the harbor, reasonable rates…but also fully booked for the next two nights.

So we go straight to the source and walk right into the lobby at Captain Vasilis to ask if we can see a room. The helpful manager shows us around the small B&B and up to the terrace we’ve spotted from the harbor.

The view is simply incredible. SOLD!

The rate is nearly twice what we were paying at Nikolas Rooms, but it is a considerable upgrade for a very reasonable price.

We book it on the spot for our last two nights.

Day 3. Gramvousa and Balos Islands

For our third day on Crete, we have another full day planned. First up, we catch the 8:00am bus to the port of Kissamos.

From there, we’ll hook up with our boat for the day.

We arrive at the port around 9:30am and are mildly alarmed at the size of the ship. There are easily 400 people aboard the large ferry boat.

We immediately fear this might be one of those obnoxious group tours, elbow to elbow on the beach with everyone else.

But we shouldn’t have worried.

Despite the large number of people aboard, both islands are huge. There is plenty of room for us to carve out our own little bit of serenity at each stop, away from the crowds.

After a one-hour sail from Kissamos, we arrive at our first stop, the more ambitious of the two, Gramvousa Island.

First stop, Gramvousa

Gramvousa features a perfect stretch of white sand beach, complete with an awesome shipwreck peeking up from the emerald sea just offshore.

However, the island’s top sight is easily the Venetian castle towering atop a steep rock, 500ft above sea level. It’s considered one of the most impressive castles in Crete, so like most of our fellow passengers, we make the climb to the top instead of lounging around on the beach.

The climb is tough in the mid-day heat, but we are rewarded with incredible views of the sea from every corner of the castle.

The island itself explodes with colorful flora and fauna and has tremendous views of our next stop, Balos Island. By the time we climb back down, the ship is blasting its departure horn.

So much for beach time!

The Spectacular Balos Lagoon

Our next stop at the Balos Lagoon is all about relaxation.

Like Elafonissi yesterday, the beach is actually a vast lagoon with several different beach areas. Deciding to forgo the more crowded umbrella and beach chair area, we find a quiet area off to the side of the main beach and spread out our towels to relax for a while.

It is a splendid way to spend an afternoon.

Tip: If you don’t want to do a bus to Kissamos and the ferry ride, this is my pick for a more relaxed day at the beach:

Balos & Falassarna Beach – Jeep Tour w/Loungers & Lunch

This full-day small-group Jeep Tour is one of the top-rated tours on the island. And it’s the perfect way to dodge the ferry and avoid the crowds. You’ll stop at Balos for photos & then head to Falassarna Beach (a local favorite). It also includes lunch and reserved lounge chairs, something Balos doesn’t have.

We enjoy nearly three hours of relaxation time on Balos before it’s time to head back to Kissamos for the drive back to Chania.

Day 4. A Vacation from our Crete Vacation

For our fourth day on Crete, there are lots of things we could do.

The other major day trip on this end of the island is hiking the Samaria Gorge, a rugged 6-hour hike that’s supposed to be fabulous. We could also take the local bus to any number of beaches along the coast.

What we actually do is take a vacation from our (so far) exhausting vacation. And not just our Crete vacation. We’ve been sightseeing at full-throttle for two weeks straight. We are spent.

A day to relax, sleep in, and not plan anything is definitely in order. So after a serene morning, we head over to our new hotel at the very civilized hour of 11:00am.

An Upgrade to Captain Vasilis

The room at Captain Vasilis is just as fantastic as we hoped. Twice the size of the one we’ve been sharing for the past three nights. It even has a Jacuzzi tub with a million-dollar view of the harbor.

We’ve been wishing for a giant tub in which to soak our tired legs for a week and finally, we have one! Trade-off times for the tub are immediately established as we settle into our fancy new digs.

Later, we grab lunch and finally take a stroll around the harbor’s Venetian walls and out to the lighthouse. Chania’s architecture has a strong Venetian-Turkish influence which really adds to its charm.

The town was also heavily bombed during WWII and some of its unique atmosphere is due to a variety of nearly demolished buildings being reinvented as shops and restaurants.

That afternoon we try out one of the many glass-bottom boat trips available from Chania harbor.

We opt for the 2-hour trip with Captain Nick’s Boat Tours which circles Thodorou and Lazaretta islands and over the top of wreckage from an airplane shot down in World War II.

It’s another gorgeous day and the boat tour is the perfect way to get out on the water and get a look at some of the other beaches near Chania.

Last Night in Chania

We make the most of our terrace tonight with a sunset glass of wine. Then choose a new spot for dinner and try to come up with a plan for Heraklion .

I have a flight out tomorrow night to Rhodes. But Shannon has two more nights on Crete and still needs to secure a room on that side of the island.

Day 5. The Port City of Heraklion

For my last day on Crete, we hop on the 9:00am bus from Chania to Heraklion and arrive in town just after 11:00am. My flight doesn’t depart until 8:00pm tonight, so we have plenty of time left to explore Heraklion and visit the nearby Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Shannon’s hotel is the gorgeous Aquila Atlantis Hotel near the port and we find it easily after a short walk from the bus stop.

Heraklion is exactly as our local friends in Chania described it, a big city. Though the harbor area is pretty and the hotel is fabulous, the town itself is definitely lacking the charm and character of Chania.

We are instantly certain we made the right decision about where to spend our time while on Crete.

We ditch our luggage in Shannon’s room and wander the old Venetian port area for a bit before catching the bus over to Knossos.

Ancient History at Knossos

For many visitors to Crete, Knossos is the main attraction.

Excavation of the site containing two major Minoan palaces begun under Arthur Evans in 1900. Prior to that time, little was known about the ancient Minoan people.

Excavations continue to this day but during Evans’ time, he did something many considered controversial. He rebuilt large parts of the palace based on evidence that he had uncovered.

Best Knossos Guided Tour:

Full-Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus and Olive Oil Factory

Throughout the site, reconstructed walls, stairs, windows, and columns give visitors a sense of what the palace may have looked like so many centuries ago.

While his actions at Knossos may have been controversial to some, it sure helps those of us without an archaeology degree gain a better appreciation for the place.

Like many of the incredible ruins I’ve seen across Greece in Athens and the island of Cyprus , it’s a fascinating site to visit and explore.

After wandering Knossos for a while, we grab the bus back into the city. There is just enough time for one last Cretan meal before I leave for the airport.

Heraklion vs Chania: Did We Make the Right Decision?

Our lack of initial planning turned out to be a solid strategy. When we fell in love with Chania we were able to pivot and spend our whole stay there.

I’m a natural planner (it’s what I do for a living), so it was a struggle for me to leave Crete to work itself out upon arrival. But the fact that it worked out so perfectly has inspired me to consider a more relaxed approach to travel planning going forward.

So, yes, we made the right decision by choosing Chania over Heraklion. It’s Crete’s most beautiful town and some of the island’s best beaches are an easy day trip away.

Next up, a late-night flight to  Rhodes  before continuing on to the Greek island I’m most excited about on this trip, Symi!

Read More: Sparkling Symi is the Best Greek Island You’ve Never Heard Of

Looking for more fantastic Greek Islands to explore? Start here:

Must-See Milos: 5 Things You Can’t Miss on this Glorious Greek Island

7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for Pretty Much Everything)

5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Paros Greece (Hint: Antiparos is one)

Greek Island Showdown: Naxos or Paros – Which one is BEST for You?

How to Plan the Perfect Santorini Honeymoon (on a budget!)

Great trip! We’re spending 4 days in Crete for our honeymoon (Gahh not nearly enough time, but we only have 14 days total, and we’re doing Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete!). We’re getting into Heraklion, spending a night, then driving (renting a car) to Chania for 2 nights, and heading back for our last day/night in Heraklion before catching a flight out first thing in the morning. Would LOVE any restaurant recommendations or particular spots you enjoyed strolling around in Chania. LOVED the blog!

Hi Robin! That sounds like an amazing honeymoon!! You picked the best 3 Greek islands of the whole bunch. My husband and I spent some time on Santorini on our honeymoon last summer and it was absolute bliss. Definitely rent a quad bike to get out and explore, we had so much fun riding around the island with our own wheels. On Mykonos, my favorite beach is Platis Gialos. It’s away from the party scene, quiet and just stunningly beautiful. The sunsets from Little Venice each night are just to die for. It’s super easy to use the local bus system to get between town and all the beaches. As for Crete, well 4 days isn’t enough to see it all (5 wasn’t either!) but you can definitely cover a lot of ground. I wish I could remember a single name of a restaurant but in Chania we really just walked along the waterfront and picked a new place to try every night. They were all good, we never had a bad meal anywhere on that island. The harbor in Chania is just stunning, that was my favorite spot on the whole island and we spent lots of time just walking around it. Congratulations on your wedding! I hope you guys have a wonderful time exploring Greece on your honeymoon, you couldn’t have picked a more romantic spot 🙂

Great post! 🙂 I booked two nights at Captain Vilasis upon your recommendation, thanks.

Awesome! You will love it, the views are amazing 🙂

This is a great travel review of Crete. I hope I will have the chance to go to Crete one day. It is not easy if you are on a budget, as a student you have to save a lot to be able to collect the $ for such a trip. I am hoping to save $3000 for a round trip to Greece. It should be enough for two weeks island hopping and a short visit to Crete to cross the Samaria Gorge. A good friend of mine did the Samaria Gorge last year and wrote and article about her Trip to Crete

Thanks, Judith! It really is an amazing island.

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Athens 5-day itinerary

Where to go and what to see in Athens to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer John Malathronas .

Editor note – John has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Athens destination guide .

Explore the Acropolis, the city’s iconic landmark and the museum opposite. Start early to avoid both the crowds and the unforgiving midday sun.

Go for lunch at Dionysos Zonar ’s on Philopappou for a great view of the Acropolis.

After lunch, take a stroll along the shaded Grand Promenade from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, passing by the Odeon of Herod Atticus, the Ancient Agora and museum, Philopappou Hill, the Roman Forum, finishing at Thission.

In the evening, take the cable car up Mount Lycabettus and eat at the restaurant Orizontes on top (booking advised).

The Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

Bucket List Experience

You can’t visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis. It is the city’s iconic citadel and world-famous landmark that won’t fail to amaze even the most jaded traveller.   

‘Acropolis’ translates broadly from the Greek words ‘highest point’ or ‘extremity’. The site contains half-a-dozen buildings, mostly built from 500 BC to 450 BC on the orders of the powerful statesman Pericles,  during the so-called ‘Golden age of Athens’. Pericles wanted to beautify, glorify and protect the city.  

The Pathenon  

A marble jigsaw made of 70,000 pieces, this 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It dazzles with perfect symmetry and awe-inspires with its ancient grandeur, even when it’s crawling with tourists. It’s the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and a symbol of the nation.  

The Erechtheion  

On the north side of the complex, this Temple of was also dedicated to the goddess Athena, and was built to house the statue of Athena Polias. More famously today, it’s home to the ‘Porch of the Maidens’, featuring six sculpted female figures.  

Adult price: £9

Good for age: 13+

Acropolis Museum

Decades in the works, the Acropolis Museum opened in 2009. The clunky concrete and glass building has many detractors, but few dispute the magnificence of the collection.

For the first time, all the treasures unearthed on and around the Acropolis are displayed under one roof – except, of course, the ‘Elgin marbles’, a large section of the famous Parthenon frieze that’s in the British Museum. Should they be repatriated? Visit the top-floor gallery and decide for yourself.

The museum restaurant matches a great view with great food. Try inventive Greek dishes on a terrace jutting out towards the Parthenon. The glass-walled dining hall also offers stupendous views.

Adult price: £4

Grand Promenade

If you have only a day to spend in Athens, you can cover most of the city’s ‘greatest hits’ by wandering through the Grand Promenade that rings the Acropolis.

Designed to link all the main sights of ancient Athens in a single pedestrian zone, beautifully landscaped walkways are punctuated by exceptional monuments. There are contemporary attractions, too: al fresco cafés, street art, and friendly stray dogs.

Start at Hadrian’s Arch. Wander along Dionysiou Areopagitou, pausing to take in the ancient amphitheatres Herod Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, and the modern Acropolis Museum.

Continue on Apostolou Pavlou passing the rock of Pnyx on your left where the Athenian citizens used to gather listening to orators from Themistocles to St Paul.

A longer, signposted diversion at the junction of Dionysio Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou leads you to the alleged ‘Socrates’ Prison’, and to the top of Philopappou hill with bird’s eye views of the ancient sites below.

Back on Apostolou Pavlou and in about 500 yards you’ll spot the ‘Thission’ (a misnomer as it was a temple to the god Hephaestus), one of the best-preserved Doric temples anywhere in Greece.

Here you can divert into the Agora, the ancient Greeks’ shopping mall and civic hall as well as its fine museum where you can see ceramic voting slips, reminders of the city’s democratic past.

Backtrack to Thission and finish at the overlooked cemetery of Kerameikos, which has an amazing collection of tombstones and statues.

Duration: 3 kilometres

Mount Lycabettus

The tallest of the capital’s seven hills, Mount Lycabettus towers over Athens, offering 360-degree views all the way to the encircling mountains and the Saronic Gulf, plus, of course, the Acropolis and the centre of Athens.

Rising to 909 feet, it’s possible to reach the summit by cable car, driving or walking (if you’re up for a challenge). The 19th-century Chapel of St George crowns the top of the hill, a neat whitewashed building that’s impossible to miss from below.

Next to the chapel, the upmarket  Orizontes restaurant makes a great place for a long, view-filled lunch.

Adult price: £6

Good for age: 18+

In the morning start with the National Archaeological Museum and walk through the Exarcheia and Kolonaki neighbourhoods to the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Have lunch at the museum’s excellent cafeteria.

In the afternoon spend your time around Syntagma square and stroll through Plaka. Stop at Brettos for a cocktail and, if it’s summer, go to Cinema Paris to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Dine in one of the many Plaka restaurants whose tables spill over outdoors, such as Stamatopoulos Tavern or Geros tou Moria .

National Archaeological Museum

Though recently overshadowed by the newer, flashier Acropolis Museum, this treasure trove of antiquities is equally impressive. The display may be a bit dowdy, but the collection itself is world-class. From intricate, terracotta urns to delicate gold funeral masks, the craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks is astonishing.

Adult price: £5

Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

The fascinating 5,000-year-old Cycladic Art figurines, which have influenced artists from Giacometti to Ai Weiwei, are guaranteed to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of culture vultures.

Hugging the eastern and northern slopes of the Acropolis is the neighbourhood of ‘Plaka’, the city’s old town heart. This maze of jasmine-scented alleys and colourful neoclassical houses – now protected by a preservation order – has been continuously populated since antiquity.

Strolling through Plaka feels like strolling through a 19th-century film set. Though the area’s tacky souvenir shops and terrible tavernas teem with tourists, the winding lanes and shaded squares, dotted with Byzantine churches and ancient ruins, have retained their charm.

The northern reaches of Plaka are the prettiest. This maze of whitewashed alleys is called Anafiotika, after the islanders from Anafi who built the capital of newly-independent Greece in 1841.

On Kydathinaion Square, Cine Paris is one of the loveliest outdoor cinemas in Athens. If the film disappoints, you can just gaze at the Parthenon under the moonlight. Open May to October.

Adult price: £7

Good for age: 10+

Duration: 2 hours

Pop in at Monastiraki and its perpetual flea market for some good shopping opportunities around the area.

Lunch with a souvlaki or two from Kostas at Platia Eirinis.

In the afternoon, go to Cape Sounion and return via Piraeus where you can dine in one of the fish tavernas around the atmospheric Mikrolimano.

Try to book at Michelin-starred Varoulko for an unforgettable meal.

Monastiraki Flea Market

The closest Athens has to an oriental bazaar; from 10am each day the streets heave with every kind of stall – from antiques to clothes and bric-a-brac – then from 10pm the bars take over, making this the epicentre of Monastiraki’s nightlife.

As you walk around Monastiraki, pass by Plateia Eirinis and join the queue outside Kostas, the most famous hole-in-the-wall souvlaki-seller in Athens, with its secret-recipe tomato sauce.

Sunset at Cape Sounion

Lavrio, Central Greece, Greece

Sounion or  Sounio  (the Sacred Cape of the Athenians according to Homer) lies at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula. Marked by the partly-renovated temple of Poseidon set on a steep, 200-ft high precipice, Sounion is evidence that the Ancient Greeks chose the locations of their temples with immaculate taste.

The temple crowns the summit of an ancient fortified settlement, with six-foot walls, erected by the city-state of Athens for strategic purposes. It occupies around ten acres in total; a port was located at the sandy cove to the north of the fortress.

This is the spot where – according to myth – King Aegeas awaited the return of his son Thissias, who had been dispatched to kill the Minotaur. When he saw his ship bearing black sails – his son had forgotten to swap them – he committed suicide by falling into the sea, thus naming the Aegean.

The legend, the temple, plus the unfettered pelagic views all come together in one of Greece’s most renowned sunsets – an experience not to be missed.

Mikrolimano

Mikrolimano, Central Greece, Greece

An amphitheatric harbour – and the best-looking spot in Piraeus – with shoulder-to-shoulder fish tavernas where you can taste the day’s catch.

An excursion to Delphi will eat up most of your day. Book a tour that also offers lunch.

When you return, pop into the Hammam Bathing House to relax; it’s open until 22:30. Dine at Kerameikos, a foodie hub, with many international restaurants: try Rakor for the best burgers in Athens.

Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum

Delphi, Central Greece, Greece

One of the most evocative and intriguing archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi was the site of the Oracle – a pythia (priestess), who would channel the god Apollo whilst in a trance. Some of her vague prophesies appear in Greek historical texts, others are still proverbs today.

The extensive site, considered by the ancients to be the Earth’s nave, is full of ‘treasuries’ built to thank the Oracle. The excavated, superbly fashioned artefacts can be visited in its must-see museum.

Alongside the Temple of Apollo and treasuries, the site’s other main draw is the spectacular theatre, dating back to the 4th century BC, with a capacity of over 5,000. Delphi was the location of the Pythian Games, rivals to the Olympics in antiquity, which took place in the amphitheatre.

Adult price: £10

Hammam Bathing House

One of the best places in the city to experience a proper Turkish hammam, with the baths housed in an elegant neoclassical mansion opposite the Islamic Museum.

Adult price: £2

An organised tour to Marathon lasts for half a day, so when you return, mop up any museums you haven’t visited yet, such as the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art. The latter has a great snack bar on its panoramic terrace, where you can have lunch.

In the evening have an early dinner at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani by the Central Market (closes at 7pm) and later go to the Dora Stratou Greek Dancing show for a final whiff of Greek culture.

Marathon (Marathonas)

Marathon, Central Greece, Greece

An unassuming small town in Attica, Marathon is famous as the site of a victorious battle for the Greek army, when they defeated the Persians in 490 BC. Some credit this victory as signalling the beginning of Western civilisation, which then flourished in ancient Greece.

Three ancient tumuli (large raised common graves), rising to 40ft, mark the site where the most ancient battle ever recorded was fought. It was the runner Pheidippides who ran the 42.195km to Athens, in full armour, to deliver the triumphant news, a feat that gave the name to the modern Olympic race. Having delivered the message, he promptly died.

This is a must for anyone interested in Ancient Greek History. Some credit this victory as signalling the beginning of Western civilisation, which then flourished in ancient Greece. and is especially poignant for those who have run a marathon; somehow it brings perspective to all the pain suffered in the race.

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

The best collection of Islamic Art outside the Muslim world, exhibiting a vast range of artifacts from intricately decorated prayer books to the reconstruction of a Cairo mansion reception room.

Adult price: £8

Byzantine and Christian Museum

A glorious introduction to the sacred arts of Byzantium. Icons, mosaics, textiles, murals and sculpture offer illuminating insights into this distinctive aspect of Greek culture. A newer wing houses temporary exhibitions that explore the influence of Byzantium on contemporary art.

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

A timewarp step into Athens’s past culinary traditions, this tiny yet popular  ouzeri  at the corner of Sokratous and Evripidou has slightly expanded its menu, but not its cramped space.

Folk dancing in Athens

An institution since 1953, the Dora Stratou Dance Company performs daily folk dancing shows in summer, in the eponymous open-air theatre on Philopappou Hill. Eye-opening as well as hugely entertaining, this is the best folk experience in Athens.

Adult price: £13

Good for age: 8+

When: June-September

Freq: daily

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Athens 3-day itinerary

Best of Greece

15 days | stretch your legs on the mainland before setting sail for the cyclades: this is greece at its very best..

Welcome to Greece – a land of crumbling ruins and crumbling feta, the sun-bleached cradle of modern civilization. A lot of Grecian itineraries begin with Athens’ historical highlights before skipping quickly off to the Greek Islands. But not this one. We’ve designed a comprehensive tour that includes the best of the mainland AND the islands. From the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi and the unbelievable monasteries of Meteora, all the way to the olive groves and sandy beaches of the Cyclades. Along the way you’ll discover that Greeks are passionate about a few very specific things: good times, good food, and good gossip. Kalimera!

Trip overview

• Uncover thousands of years of civilisation in Athens with a visit to the world-famous Acropolis and the ancient Agora
• Like endless pilgrims before you, visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in the Sanctuary of Apollo, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites
• Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you
• With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side
• The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through white villages that cling to plunging cliffs
• The main means of transportation in the Greek Islands is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
• Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
• Please be aware that some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Greece's topography very demanding.
• Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
• On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
• This trip spends limited time in Santorini. As this beautiful island has much to offer an extension of your stay is highly recommended. We are able to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Named after the goddess of wisdom, the birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens has an amazing array of historic sites to explore; a weighty history that spills out over the modern city, represented most dramatically by the ancient Acropolis. There's much to be seen in the ancient capital of Greece, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics, yet still retaining so much visible history. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out for some gyros and ouzo with your new travel companions.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR12
• Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
• Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
• Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
• Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
• Athens - Acropolis Museum - EUR15
• Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio - EUR55

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today – confirm the time and place with reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

This morning head out to visit the famous Acropolis, one of the Western world's most important historical structures. Start with an ascent to the top of this sacred rock via the towering entrance, the Propylaia. Once inside, encounter the Parthenon – the greatest Doric temple in the ancient world. In the afternoon board a train or a bus to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. This city especially comes alive in the evening, thanks in part to its large student population, so make sure you hunt down the perfect gyros or some live music.

• Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site Visit with Local Guide
• Athens - Acropolis Local Guide

Relax in the splendour of what is regarded as the cultural capital of the country. Walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, take in the Byzantine churches (like the beautifully frescoed Church of Saint Nicholas the Orphan), Ottoman sites and Roman ruins, and appreciate the wonderful views over the gulf. On a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of the home of the gods, Mount Olympus. If you’d like someone to show you the way, perhaps join an Urban Adventure for a local view. The city is undoubtedly the gastronomic capital of the Greece and its flavours are unique. For 2,000 years it’s been a melting pot of cultures, with eastern spices, French, Balkan and Mediterranean tastes. Seek out the eateries in the area around the agora, where age-old columns and arches brush up against modern apartments and the ancient Rotunda. Don't forget to stop by at NAOMI,an NGO workshop supporting refugees with skill training and learn about the amazing work and the challenges they are faced with today.

• Thessaloniki - NAOMI Ecumenical Workshop for Refugees visit
• Thessaloniki - Museum of Byzantine Culture - EUR8
• Thessaloniki - White tower of Thessaloniki - EUR6
• Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki water boats to beach - EUR7
• Thessaloniki - Visit Historical & Cultural Monuments of Thessaloniki with public Bus "Cultural" Route No 50 - EUR2

Travel by public bus or train to Kalambaka (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival embark on on a short orientation walk of town, where your leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the scenic area around Kalambaka and Meteora, where the views are stunning whichever way you look. Having two days here allows you to explore at your own pace, discover the history and legends, witness the incredible views of one of the few World Heritage sites listed under both nature and art at different times of the day, and avoid the crowds. Your leader will have suggestions on hand. In the evening, maybe head to a taverna for dinner and stroll the main square for a taste of Thessalian life.

• Meteora - Natural history Museum of Meteora - EUR6
• Digital centre of Meteora Projection - EUR3
• Meteora - Digital centre of Meteora Projection - EUR3

Climb into the heavens, just like monks have done for centuries, towards ancient monasteries precariously placed atop 400-metre-high rock formations. Meteora is home to 24 14th century monasteries that sit at the top of karst pinnacles, though only six are still occupied. They were once only accessed by rope ladders, but thankfully there are now steps. The cliff faces also feature caves where hermits lived an even simpler life than those in the teetering monasteries. The monasteries, which used to be supplied by rope and pulley systems, house woodcarvings, frescoes, paintings, and one even features the skulls of the first founders. You’ll enjoy some great views back over the town. The area makes for incredibly dramatic photos – multi-colour streaked rock, bright green forest, and the pale terracotta of the monastery roofs against the Grecian sky. The mists that can surround the pinnacles make the constructions seem like they’re floating in the air. Hawks drift on the valley thermals looking for prey, and black-frocked priests shuffle silently around.

• Meteora - Monastery Visits

A strict dress code applies when entering any of the monasteries. No bare shoulders or knees are permitted, and women must wear skirts. It is possible to borrow a long skirt at the door if you don't have one. Please also note that today will involve a fair bit of walking with many steep stairs, so it is recommended you wear comfortable shoes.

Travel by private transfer to Delphi (approximately 4 hours). On the the way, stop at our favourite camping site where you'll enjoy a tasting of different type of olives, oil and tapenade that's produced on their farm and special to the region. Your lunch will also be included here and enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming, with a view overlooking the Delphi Valley, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to Delphi. Located on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, by a valley of cypress and olives trees, this modern town and ancient ruins overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world (legend says that Zeus sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and they crossed paths over Delphi), and today it’s one of the country's most inspiring and memorable archaeological sites. On arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the cliffside town of Delphi. Then, follow your local guide for a guided tour through the amazing archaeological sites and museums. Here you’ll find the famous sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena, which contain numerous monuments, temples, a well-preserved theatre, and the impressive reconstructed Athenian Treasury. The site was also home to the Delphic oracle, said to have spoken for Apollo himself – she sat on a chasm, inhaling vapours from the Earth and entering a trance-like state, her cryptic answers to questions translated by priests. There’s also a mountain-top stadium, which were used for the Pythian Games (an Olympic Games precursor), held every four years as early as 586 BC.

• Delphi - Archaeological Site & Museum guided tour
• Delphi - local lunch & olive oil tasting with a view of Delphi Valley

Today's itinerary will be seasonal. In the cooler months when you won't be able to use the swimming pool at the camping site, we'll continue to Delphi directly after the lunch and you will have the guided tour in Delphi this afternoon. In the hotter summer months, you may take your time to enjoy the swimming pool in the afternoon at the camping site and the guided tour through Delphi's archaeological sites will be in the morning of Day 7 before leaving for Athens.

Travel back to Athens today by bus, arriving in the late afternoon (approximately 3,5 hours). Shop for the perfect souvenir at the Monastiraki flea market or take a relaxing stroll through the Greek national gardens. If you haven’t already, check out the Temple of Olympian Zeus or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard. While in the neighbourhood explore the excellent Museum of Athens, Syntagma square with the Parliament building, and the Panathinaiko Stadium which housed the first Olympic games in 1896.

Enjoy a free day in Athens today exploring the countless great sites of this ancient capital. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and so many more. There will be a group meeting at 6 pm at your hotel, when you'll meet your new travel mates.

• Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
• Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
• Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99

As this is a combination trip, your group member and tour leader may change today.

Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.

• Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit

Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.

• Syros - Ano Syros Walk
• Syros - Sunset Dinner
• Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins - EUR5
• Syros - Industrial Museum of Syros - EUR2
• Syros - Historical tour of Ermoupolis Textile Heritage Museum - EUR20

Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.

This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.

• Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
• Delos - Archaeological Site
• Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum - EUR4
• Mykonos - House of Lena - EUR2
• Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) - EUR4
• Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR4
• Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR10
• Myconos - Cooking Class in Myconian house & farm - EUR150

Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 3 hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.

• Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira - EUR6
• Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25
• Santorini - Beer tasting at local brewery - EUR25
• Santorini - Wine museum and wine tasting from - EUR25
• Santorini - Archelogical site of Akrotiri - EUR12
• Santorini - Sunset Cruise & Dinner - EUR90
• Santorini - Semi Private Sunset Catamaran cruise & Dinner - EUR160

Please note that our accommodation is located in the village of Karterados. It is a walk of approximately 20 minutes into Santorini's main town of Thira, or alternatively there are frequent bus departures from the bus stop right beside the hotel.

In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.

• Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia

Please note that the hike along the caldera usually takes approximately 3-5 hours / 12 km, and the surface varies between gravel and loose volcanic scree. There are multiple uphill and downhill sections, and there are no shade and no toilet facilities along the way. Please speak to your leader for more details if you have any concerns. As an alternative to the hike you can take the bus to Oia instead, and meet up with the rest of the group there.

Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro

Hotel (14 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. 2. As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change upon return to Athens.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Road trip in Greece: The best itineraries for 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit greece by car: the 7 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Greece ?

Great idea!

Visiting Greece by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary and discover all the must-see attractions of the country.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this travel guide with the 7 best road trips itineraries in Greece depending on the duration of your stay (3, 5, 7, 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks and even 1 month!).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Greece depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Greece?

Renting a car for a road-trip in greece, 3 days in greece, road trip in greece: 4 or 5 days, road trip in greece: 1 week (athens + santorini), road trip in greece: 7 days (athens + peloponnese), 1) athens (3 days), 2) mycenae / epidaurus / nafplio (1 day), 3) palamidi fortress / monemvasia (1 day), 4) mystras / olympia (1 day), 5) delphi (1 day), 6) the meteora (1 day), 7) thessaloniki (2 days), 1) athens (2 days), 2) peloponnese (3 days), 3) delphi (1 day), 4) the meteora (1 day), 5) thessaloniki(1 day), 6) santorini (3 days), 7) another greek island (3 days), 8) return to athens or santorini (1 day), 1) central greece and peloponnese (8 days), 2) the greek islands (13 days), 1) central greece and peloponnese (12 days), 2) the greek islands (12 days), 3) rhodes (4 days or more), where to stay in greece during your road trip, when is the best time to do a road trip in greece, greece tours, renting a boat in greece, cyclades (greek islands).

There are numerous national and international airports in Greece. The most important ones are located in:

• Athens , Greece’s capital city
• Thessaloniki , if you want to discover the North of Central Greece
• Santorini , in the Greek Islands
• Mykonos, also in the Greek Islands
• Rhodes , in the Dodecanese archipelago
• Corfu, for the Ionian Islands
• Heraklion , in Crete

All my recommended itineraries in Greece are starting from Athens. It’s the best choice if you want to discover Greece by car, for a short stay or a long holiday!

You’ve guessed it, it’s impossible to plan a road trip in Greece without renting a car.

You should rent your car directly at the airport when you will arrive. As there are many car rental companies at the airport, it’s where you will get the best price.

You should also book your car in advance, so you won’t have a bad surprise when you will arrive. It will also give you the opportunity to choose the car you want.

If you’ve already read some of my articles, you know that I always rent my cars on Booking.com Cars website , whether I’m in Andalusia, Sicily , Canada or even Thailand .

This easy to use website allows you to compare prices and customer reviews between all the national and international rental cars agencies located in Athens’ Airport for example.

You can also choose the “Full Protection Insurance”,   and get complete excess refund in case of accident or theft. It works for every single scratch on your vehicle.

If I recommend it, it’s because I know this insurance works perfectly: they refunded me more than 1200€ to date!

Booking Cars also offers the “Best Price Warranty” : if you find the same car cheaper elsewhere, they will refund you the difference.

And last but not least, you can modify or even cancel your booking for free. As it doesn’t commit you to anything, you should book your car as early as possible to get the best price.

Simply click the button below to compare rental cars prices:

If you’ve decided to spend a long weekend in Greece, then you should focus on one city or one of the Greek Islands.

You will have the choice, as there are several international airports in Greece.

You will find every details to plan your 3 days holiday in Greece, depending on where you arrive (Athens, Santorini, Rhodes or Thessaloniki) in my article: Recommended itineraries for 3 days in Greece.

For each itinerary, you will find a day by day program and a selection of the best places to stay during your long weekend!

If you want to do a 4 or 5 days road trip in Greece, it’s easy: you just have to read my article: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 4-5 days.

During your tour, you will discover:

• Athens (1 day)
• Saronic Islands (1 day)
• Peloponnese (1 day): Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio
• Delphi (1 day)

In the article, you will find every details to plan your trip to Greece , with the best things to do for each day and the best accommodations.

You will find here a recommended road trip itinerary to visit Greece by car in 1 week.

This one-week road-trip in Greece takes you to Athens et Santorini.

• Athens (3 days)

For your 2 first days – get around Greece’s capital city on foot and visit:

• The Acropolis
• The Acropolis Museum
• Plaka district
• The Ancient Agora
• Monastiraki
• Mount Lycabettus
• Syntagma square

Third day – Choose a 1-day tour in Athens’ surroundings:

• Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion
• Visit the Saronic Islands
• A full-day Mycenae and Epidaurus trip
• A Day trip to Delphi

You will find an itinerary to visit Athens and its surroundings in 3 days in my article: The 20 best things to do in Athens.

• Santorini (3 days)

4th, 5th and 6th day – Discover Santorini and its best points of interest:

• Fira, with its white and blue houses, a typical postcard landscape
• Oia, the best place to enjoy the sunset
• A beautiful hike between Fira and Oia
• A cruise around Santorini
• The picturesque villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio
• The Archaeological sites of the Ancient Thera and Akrotiri
• A Wine tour, to discover Santorini’s vineyards
• The island’s most beautiful beaches.

For more details about the best things to do in Santorini, you can read my article:   Visit Santorini: The definitive guide.

7th day – End of your itinerary, it’s time to go back to the airport and take your return flight.

If you want to do a 7 days road trip in Greece, you should read my detailed article: 1 week in Greece: recommended itinerary.  

You will discover all the best things to do and best places to stay in Athens and Santorini. It’s the easiest way to plan your trip to Greece!

If you’re spending a week in Greece and don’t want to visit Athens and Santorini, you can choose a 7 days road trip in Central Greece . You will find the detailed itinerary in my article: 7 days in Greece: The Best Itinerary.

During this 6, 7 or 8 days road trip in Greece, you will discover Peloponnese ‘s most famous cities and archaeological sites: Athens, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Monemvasia, Mystras, Olympia and Delphi.

Here is a summary of this road trip:

• 2 days in Athens : you will visit the Acropolis and its Museum, Plaka and Monastiraki districts, the Agora, Mount Lycabettus and many more beautiful places!
• 1 day to visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus , and the lovely seaside city of Nafplio
• 1 day to discover the Palamidi Fortress and the hidden village of Monemvasia
• 1 day in Mystras (in the morning) and a visit of the archaeological site of Olympia in the afternoon
• 1 day in Delphi, one of the places I enjoyed the most in Greece
• 1 day to return to Athens

And if you’re looking for the best places to stay during this 7-8 days road trip in Greece, you will find all the best hotels in Peloponnese in my detailed itinerary (click here).

If you want more details about the things to see in Peloponnese, you can read my article: Visit Peloponnese: the 15 must-see attractions.

Road Trip in Greece: 10 days

You’re spending 10 days in Greece? Then, how about a road trip in Central Greece to discover some of the country’s best places to visit?

This road trip s tarts in Athens and ends in Thessaloniki. When booking your car, don’t forget to choose a rental company that won’t charge you if you drop off your car at a different location (It’s easy, you can see it directly on Booking.com Cars ).

During this 10-day road trip in Greece, you will discover:

• Peloponnese
• The Meteora
• Thessaloniki

Let’s start this itinerary in Athens. If you want to discover all the city’s must-see attractions, you should stay there at least 3 days.

On your 1st day in Athens, you will visit:

• Monastiraki district
• Philopappos Hill
• Gazi district

During your 2nd day , visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus . Take a stroll and relax in Zappeion Park and the National Garden, then reach Syntagma Square. There, the Changing of the Presidential Guard takes place every hour.

From Syntagma Square, reach Ermou street to do a bit of shopping, and visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

End your day on Mount Lycabettus, one of the best places to admire the sunset in Athens.

For your 3rd day , you should visit Athens’ surroundings and choose between these 2 one-day trips:

If you want to plan your trip to Athens, you can read my article: Visit Athens: the definitive guide.

The next day (on your 4th day) , continue your 10-day road trip in Greece, and drive to Peloponnese.

There are 4 points of interest you should see during your 1st day in Peloponnese. You should visit them in this order:

• From Athens, drive for 1 hour to see Corinth Canal
• Then, go to Mycenae, the former home of King Agamemnon
• Visit the archaeological site of Epidaurus and its famous theatre
• Then, reach the city of Nafplio and spend the night there.

If you want more details about Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio, you can read my article: The 15 best things to do in Peloponnese.  

On your 5th day , in the morning, end your stay in Nafplio with a visit to the Palamidi Fortress. There, you will enjoy splendid views of Nafplio and the sea.

Then drive for 3 hours to reach the hidden village of Monemvasia. Take a stroll in its beautiful paved alleys , and get back in your car to reach Mystras , the last stop of your day!

For the 6th day of this road trip in Greece, you will spend a last day in Peloponnese.

You should get up early, as you will have a really busy day!

In the morning, discover the beautiful ancient city of Mystras. You will be amazed by its many churches, monasteries and convent, located in the heart of nature. This UNESCO World Heritage site was well restored and is the perfect place for a nice stroll.

Plan at least 3 hours to explore the site.

In the afternoon, you will visit another renowned ancient site: Olympia (a 2-hour drive from Mystras). If you arrive in Olympia around 3 or 4 p.m, you will have time to visit the archaeological site as well as the museum located nearby. Both are included in the 12€ entrance ticket.

You should also visit the Historical Museum of the Olympic Games (the entrance is included in your ticket too).

Spend the night in Olympia.

The 7th day of your road trip in Greece will now take you to Delphi.

There, you will discover the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the Theatre and enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Spend a night in Delphi.

During your 8th day , you will visit the Meteora.

You will be amazed by these impressive monasteries built on top of huge rocks. It’s clearly one of my favorite place in Greece!

You can visit the interior of 6 monasteries, for 3€ each. Visiting one is enough, and the best one is for sure the Monastery of Great Meteoron. It is by far the biggest and most impressive.

It’s now time to end your 10-day road trip in Greece with the city of Thessaloniki. You will spend 2 days here.

On your 9th day , visit Greece’s 2nd largest city.

If you’re spending 1 day in Thessaloniki, here are the best things to do:

• Modiano Market
• Egnatia Street
• The many churches
• The varied museums
• The White Tower
• Thessaloniki Waterfront

For more details, don’t forget to read my definitive guide about the city: The 12 best things to do in Thessaloniki.

On your 10th day , it will be time to fly back home!

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Greece, you should read my detailed article: Visit Greece: the best 10-day itinerary.

You will also find a list of the best places to stay for every city. It will be really easy to plan your 9-10 days trip to Greece! 

Road trip in Greece: 2 weeks

You’re planning a 15 days road trip in Greece? Then, you’re lucky: you will have enough time to visit Central Greece and the Greek Islands!

This 2 weeks road trip in Greece also starts from Athens.

You will find every details to help you plan your road trip in Greece in my article: 2 weeks in Greece: the best itinerary.

Here is a short summary of this itinerary’s main stages:

Let’s start this two weeks road trip in Greece with 2 days in Athens.

You will have enough time to see all the best places to visit listed in my article: Visit Athens: The 20 Must-See attractions.

1st and 2nd day – the best things to do are:

• Plaka and Monastiraki districts

During the next 3 days of your 15 days road trip in Greece, you will discover Peloponnese.

3rd day: Visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus and spend the night in Nafplio.

4th day: Discover the Palamidi Fortress located above Nafplio + visit Monemvasia + Spend the night in Mystras.

5th day: discover the beautiful ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site + visit the archaeological site of Olympia.

The 6th day of this 15 days road trip in Greece takes you to Delphi. In the morning, you will drive for 3h15 to reach Delphi from Olympia, but don’t worry: time will just fly by, as you will enjoy beautiful landscapes during your journey!

Spend the afternoon in Delphi , and visit this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and its museum.

For your 7th day , you should go to the Meteora, and admire the impressive monasteries built on top of Huge rocks.

It’s clearly a must-see attraction during this 2 weeks road trip in Greece.

8th day: drive to Thessaloniki, drop off your rental car and fly to Santorini island.

If you are visiting Greece in 15 days, you will have enough time to spend a few days in the Greek Islands.

You should start your itinerary in Santorini and spend 3 days there.

During the 9th, 10th and 11th days, you will explore the beautiful romantic island of Santorini. For the details, don’t forget to read  my definitive guide about the most famous Greek Island: Santorini: The definitive guide.

You will also find a selection of all the best places to stay in Santorini.

During your trip, you will also have time to discover another Greek Island.

For your 12th, 13th and 14th day , spend 3 days on one of these islands:

• Amorgos , if you’re an hiking lover
• Naxos , the best place to relax at the beach
• Paros , if you want to discover picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and a few marked trails.

If you want to discover my best 3-day itineraries for each island, you can click on the links above.

Your 14-15 days itinerary in Greece is already over! For your last day , you will have to get back home.

You will have the choice between:

• Take the ferry to Santorini, then fly back home.
• Take the ferry to Athens, then fly home.
• From Naxos or Paros , you can also fly to Athens then fly back home.

You can find this detailed road trip in my article: The best 14-15 days Greece itinerary, with all my best tips and a list of the best places to stay depending on your budget.

Road trip in Greece: 3 weeks

You’re planning a 3 weeks road trip in Greece? That’s perfect 😃: during your holidays, you will discover 2 completely different atmospheres:

• Central Greece and Peloponnese
• The Greek Islands

I’ve made a detailed day to day itinerary to help you organize your three weeks road trip in Greece: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 3 weeks.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Greece. The best things to do, how to get from one place to the other and the best places to stay during your trip.

Here is a brief summary of this itinerary:

During your 21 days road trip in Greece, you will have 8 days to discover the best of Peloponnese and Central Greece.

Day 1 and 2: Athens

Day 3: Mycenae / Epidaurus / Nafplio

Day 4: Palamidi Fortress / Monemvasia

Day 5: Mystras / Olympia – 2 of Peloponnese’s most famous tourist sites.

Day 6: Delphi , where the Oracle of Delphi (the Pythia) transmitted Apollo’s directives from Gods to humans

Day 7: The Meteora and its impressive monasteries built on top of huge rocks.

Day 8: Thessaloniki

After 8 days in Central Greece, continue your 3 weeks road trip in Greece and discover 4 islands of the Cyclades archipelago . You should spend 3 days on each island (travel time included).

Days 9, 10 and 11: You will explore the romantic island of Santorini , see its most famous tourist sites and even do a boat trip.

Day 12, 13 and 14: Take the ferry to Amorgos . The island is a real hiker’s paradise, with its many marked trails!

Day 15, 16 and 17: The ferry will take you to Naxos . There, you can relax and take a dip at beautiful beaches.

Day 18, 19 and 20: The last Greek Island you will visit is Paros . Enjoy its many beaches, picturesque villages and beautiful marked trails!

Day 21 : Your 3 weeks road trip in Greece is already over. Take the ferry to Santorini or Athens, then fly back home.

The ferry is the  only way to go from an island to another  in the Cyclades.

If you want to check the rates and schedules as well as book your ferry tickets in advance, click the button below:

And if you want to read my detailed article about this 3 weeks itinerary in Greece, with all the best things to do and best places to stay , click here .

Road trip in Greece: 1 month

If you’re lucky enough to do a 1-month road trip in Greece, then you’re at the right place!

During this 1 month itinerary in Greece, you will visit Athens , Peloponnese and most of Central Greece.

Then, you will go to the magnificent Greek Islands  and their postcard landscape: Santorini, Amorgos , Naxos and Paros.

You will end this one-month trip to Greece in the Dodecanese island of Rhodes.

If you want to plan your trip to Greece , you will find every details in my article: 1 Month in Greece: the ultimate itinerary. For each day, I will tell you more about the best things to do , how to get from one place to the other and the best places to stay.

It’s clearly the easiest way to plan your 1-month road trip in Greece!

For the 1st part of this one-month road trip in Greece, you will spend 12 days in Peloponnese and Central Greece.

Day 1 and 2: Get around Athens on foot. There, discover the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, and take a stroll in the beautiful Plaka and Monastiraki districts.

Day 3: Do a  Cape Sounion Tour , to see the temple and admire the view of the Saronic Gulf.

Day 4: It’s time for a  full-day tour to the Saronic Islands : Visit Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

Day 5: Start your road trip in Peloponnese and visit the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. End your day in Nafplio and spend the night in the city . There, you can enjoy the beautiful old town and relax at the beach.

Day 6: In the morning, visit the Palamidi Fortress (located above Nafplio), then go to the village of Monemvasia. At the end of the day, drive to Mystras and spend the night there.

Day 7: Discover the many churches and monasteries in Mystras, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire. Then, drive to Olympia , and visit the archaeological site and the museum.

Day 8: In the morning, drive to Delphi. Then, visit the ancient site and the museum.

Day 9: From Kalambaka, follow the narrow road to the Meteora to discover the 6 monasteries built on top of huge rocks. It’s clearly one of the must-see attractions during this one-month road trip in Greece!

Day 10 and 11: Go to Thessaloniki for the 3 next nights. When visiting Greece’s 2nd largest city, you will discover the White Tower, many churches and museums, and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

Day 12: Drive to Thessaloniki’s Airport, drop off your rental car and fly to Santorini.

Now that you’ve seen most of Central Greece, it’s time to continue this 1-month road trip in Greece in the Cyclades archipelago. You should spend around 3 days on each island, to discover all the best places to see.

During these 12 days, you will visit 4 Greek Islands: Santorini, Amorgos, Naxos and Paros.

Day 13, 14 and 15: Start your Cyclades itinerary with the world famous Santorini island. You will find every details to visit Santorini in 3 days in my article: Visit Santorini: the definitive guide.

Day 16, 17 and 18: Take the ferry to reach Amorgos , the perfect island for hiking lovers.

Day 19, 20 and 21 : Go to Naxos and discover its magnificent beaches.

Day 22, 23 and 24: the last Greek Island you will visit during this one-month itinerary in Greece is Paros. There, you can visit picturesque villages, take a stroll in Paros Park, and relax at the beach.

If you want to check the schedules and book your ferry tickets, click the button below:

Now that you’ve discovered the best of Central Greece, Peloponnese and the Greek Islands, it’s time to end this 1-month road trip in Greece in the Dodecanese.

During these last days in Greece, you will visit the island of Rhodes. You can fly there from Athens or Santorini.

What are the best places to see in Rhodes?

• The Medieval city of Rhodes , one of the most impressive fortified city I’ve ever seen!
• Mandraki,  Rhodes’ modern city
• The Acropolis of Rhodes
• Lindos and its Acropolis
• Saint Paul’s Bay
• The island’s numerous beautiful beaches
• Tsambika Monastery, and the beach named after it
• The Valley of the Butterflies
• The Ancient site of Kamiros
• The castles of Kritinia and Monolithos

If you want to plan your trip to Rhodes, you should read my article: Visit Rhodes: the definitive guide.

If you’re staying in Rhodes for a few days, you can also do a 1-day trip to discover Symi, another famous island of the Dodecanese archipelago

You can book it directly here.

To plan your 1 month trip to Greece, don’t forget to read my detailed itinerary: The best itinerary to visit Greece in 1 month.

Now that you know all the best things to do during your road trip in Greece, it’s time to answer an important question: where to stay at every stage of your journey?

After a long day exploring the country, you will probably want to get a good night’s sleep (and a hot shower of course! 😅).

You will find here a list of all the best places to stay in Greece, for each city you will visit during your road trip. Everything is detailed in my itineraries.

You can also click directly here to find the best hotels: 

In Central Greece:

• The 5 best hotels in Athens
• The best places to stay in Delphi
• Where to stay in Meteora
• The best accommodations in Thessaloniki

In Peloponnese:

• Where to stay in Nafplio
• The best places to stay in Mystras
• The best hotels in Olympia

In the Greek Islands:

• The best hotels in Santorini
• Staying in Amorgos
• The best accommodations in Naxos
• The best places to stay in Paros

In Dodecanese:

• The best places to stay in Rhodes

If you want to do a road trip in Greece, and if you only want to visit Central Greece and Peloponnese, you should plan your holidays during Spring (April – May – June) or Autumn (September – October)

You will enjoy nice weather and the roads are less crowded than during the summer holidays.

You shouldn’t do your road trip in Central Greece during Winter: the weather is often cold with heavy snow episodes.

If you’re planing to visit the Greek Islands during your road trip in Greece, then you should go there in May / June, or in September / October. If you’re not bound by school holidays, you should really avoid July and August, as the islands are very crowded and the weather is very hot.

Between November and March , it’s quite difficult to visit the Greek Islands, as there are not many ferry connections, and the boats won’t sail in case of bad weather. Most of the hotels are also closed.

If you want to do a full road trip in Greece and visit Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Greek Islands and even Rhodes (as in my 1-month itinerary), you should plan your holidays in May / June or in September / October.

And if you want to enjoy the beaches and swim during your trip to Greece, the best month for your road trip is September. That’s what I did, and it’s clearly the best month to visit Greece by car!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (All my Greece articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

And you, now that you know what to see: where do you want to go and what do you want to visit in Greece?

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do
• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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5 days classical tour.

History comes to life in this classical five day tour of the Greek mainland. After a quick stop at the Corinth Canal, you will find yourselves at the Theater of Epidaurus, where the works of Socrates, Aristophanes and Euripides came to life. The true spirit of Peloponnese can be found in the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Moving on, you will have the chance to visit the Tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae before proceeding to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, and home to Zeus' sanctuary. Your next destination will be Delphi, known around ancient Greece as 'the navel of the world'. A town with strong ties to antiquity due to the presence of the famous Oracle, whose ruins still stand proudly. Last but not least, you will visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance.

• Tour Includes
• Dates & Pricing
• Sightseeings
• Important Notes
• Photo Gallery

Most Mondays from April to October. For a specific date, check availability here .

Only guests ages 5 through 12 are eligible for "children's rates"

From April to October:

• First class half board:

820,00 € per adult 502,00 per child Single Supplemen t 187,00 €

• Tourist class half board:

710,00 € per adult 427,00 € per child Single Supplement 128,00 €

• Day 1 -  Athens to Nafplion via the Corinth Canal We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop. Back on the road and onto the Theatre of Epidaurus, a monument to the arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. We will then proceed to the town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we will stop for the night. Overnight: Nafplion Meals: Dinner  
• Day 2 - Nafplion to Olympia via Mycenae You have the morning free to explore Nafplion and pick up mementos of your trip. Around noon, we will depart for Mycenae where we will visit the archaeological site and museum. Then it's off to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic games, through the scenic routes of Central Peloponnese, as well as the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. It is there that we will stop for the night.  Overnight: Olympia Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
• Day 3 - Olympia to Delphi You cannot visit Olympia and not pay tribute to the ruler of Olympus, so that is what we will do in the morning with a visit to the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the archaeological museum. Afterwards, we will take a drive through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and the magnificent bridge of Rio-Antirio which connects the two sides of the Corinthian Bay. We will pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, to arrive in Delphi, our own sanctuary for the night. Overnight: Delphi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
• Day 4 - Delphi to Kalambaka In the morning, we will visit the archaeological site where the Oracle once stood and then depart for Kalambaka, passing some picturesque villages of Central Greece along the way.  Overnight: Kalambaka Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
• Day 5 - Visit Meteora and Return to Athens Visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. Afterwards you will make your way back via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae (where a short stop to see Leonidas' Monument across the road is in order) and finally arrive at Athens early in the evening (approx. 19:00). Overnight: - Meals: Breakfast
• Pick up & drop off service from most of the hotels in Athens
• English-speaking licensed guide
• Visit to the Epidaurus Theater
• Visit to the Mycenae Archaeological site & Tomb of Agamemnon
• Visit to the Olympia Archaeological site & Museum
• Visit to the Delphi Archaeological site & Museum
• Visit to the Meteora Monasteries (2 monasteries)
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Nafplion
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Olympia
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Delphi
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Kalambaka
• 4 breakfasts
• VAT for all services

Not included:

• Your international airfare
• Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and dinner
• Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
• Stayover hotel tax, to be paid directly to the hotel
• This tour includes a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
• Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from the G.O. terminal around 19:30hrs.
• Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
• The tour is usually bilingual, implemented in English and one additional language (French or Italian). For more information prior to booking, please contact us.
• First Class includes 4-star hotels, whereas Tourist Class includes 3-star hotels.

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How to Spend 5 Days in Athens - A Complete Itinerary for Athens

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May 15, 2024

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Day 1 | Morning

Acropolis of athens.

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 20 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-6 Hours

Location: Acropoli, Athens

The Acropolis is located in the southwest of the city center of Athens . It stands on the top of the Acropolis hill more than 150 meters high. It is the landmark of the city and the symbol of ancient Greece. The Acropolis was built in 580 BC. Acropolis means "city-state on a high place" in Greek. The east, south and north sides of the hill are surrounded by cliffs, which can be described as a natural barrier. People generally enter the Acropolis from the main entrance on the west side. To enter the Acropolis scenic spot, the Gate of Bray must first pass through the Gate of Bray (BeuleGate), named after the French archaeologist Ernest Beule who discovered it. Continue up the ramp leading to the mountain gate. On the left, you can see an 8-meter-high pedestal, which once had the monument of Agrippa, a bronze statue of a Roman general driving a chariot. Above the right side of the Athena Victory Temple is an elegant and beautiful small temple-Athena Victory Temple, also known as the "Victory Temple". It was originally located on the right side of the higher mountain gate. In 2003 It was relocated to its present location as a whole and rebuilt. The temple was originally built between 427 BC and 424 BC. It is a peristyle building with four beautiful Ionian columns at each end. The capitals are decorated with curly patterns, which are very fine and elegant. The frieze is decorated with carvings depicting myths and war scenes, which are now incomplete. The central hall actually leads to the Propylaia, which is the real entrance to the Acropolis. The mountain gate was built between 437 BC and 432 BC. There is a central hall with two wings on both sides. There is a door. The colonnade in the central hall is of Doric style (20 grooves in the body and no decoration on the capital), and the colonnade on both sides is of Ionian style. The central door in the hall leads to the Panathenaic Way (Panathenaic Way). The ceiling of the hall is painted with gold stars on a dark blue background. The north wing is the Pinakothiki, which preserves the previous offerings, paintings and other treasures. Flanking the reception room of the Temple of Athena Victory. Go through the mountain gate and follow the Panathenaic Boulevard and you will pass a row of statue bases. Continuing on, you will come to the essence of the Acropolis ruins - the Erechtheion Temple on the left and the world-famous Parthenon on the right. Erechtheion Temple The Erechtheion Temple takes on the role of a real temple in the Acropolis and is home to most of the gods on the Acropolis. There are 6 Ionian-style stone pillars on the south colonnade, which are carved into the image of young girls. Their long skirts are flowing and their postures are graceful. They are called caryatides (Caryatides). well-known part. Imitations are displayed in the ruins of the temple now. Five of the originals are now in the Acropolis Museum, and one is in the British Museum. The main hall has two inner halls, one dedicated to Athena and the other to Poseidon. During the Panathenaic Day, the statue is draped in Peplos. There are also 6 Ionian-style pillars on the north side of the temple, and there is a crack in the ground, which is said to be left by Zeus. Parthenon Temple The Parthenon Temple symbolizes the glory of ancient Athens. It was built to worship Athena, the patron saint of Athens. It is a building for the entire Acropolis site. The entire building is constructed of Pantrik marble and is located on the high point of the Acropolis, which can be seen from anywhere in the city. There are 46 Doric-style pillars standing on all sides of the temple, which are simple and powerful, giving a strong and powerful impression. These stone pillars are thicker in the middle and thinner at the top. The stone pillars on both sides are not actually vertical to the ground, but slightly inclined to the inside. These designs avoid the overall rigidity and rigidity, and make the building more flexible. When the teThe Acropolis is located in the southwest portion of central Athens. It is one of Athens' greatest landmarks and a symbol of ancient Greece. The Acropolis consists of ancient architectural relics such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Erektio and the Temple of Athena. The Acropolis is steep, with only a channel in the west, which serves as a natural barrier. Actually, the Acropolis used to be a military fortress. Standing in the Acropolis, you can also look at the magnificent panorama of Athens.mple was completed, it was decorated with numerous statues and reliefs, mainly depicting mythological and historical scenes. The reliefs are mainly inlaid on the gable surface between the column capital and the roof, and the statues are placed in front of the gables of the inner roof. Some of the remaining works of art are preserved in the Acropolis Museum and the British Museum. After visiting the Atticus Theatre and the Theatre of Dionysus, there are two more theatres on both sides of the southern slope of the Acropolis worth visiting, the theatre of Herod Atticus on the west near the main entrance ( OdeonofHerodesAtticus) and the Theater of Dionysos to the east. The theater of Herod Atticus is still in use and hosts various performances, concerts, operas, Greek classical plays, etc. every summer. In recent years, the seats that can accommodate nearly 6,000 spectators have been restored. Only the remains of the huge theatre of Dionysus remain. This large theater with a capacity of 15,000 people was built in the 6th century BC. Dionysus was the god of wine and drama in Greek mythology, so the "Dionysus Festival" was held here every year in ancient times. The remaining statues and reliefs at the rear of the theater stage represent the life of the god Dionysus and are the essence of the theater site. Suggested visiting route: Temple of the Goddess of Victory of Athena → Mountain Gate → Parthenon → Temple of Erechtheion. In addition, the "New Acropolis Museum" newly built in 2009 is located at the foot of the southern foothills of the Acropolis. The style is modern and solemn, and the scale is large. It is worth visiting together.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Overall I think it was a good experince. I expected a little more to be honest. You know how expectant you are to be in the Acropolis! But it wasn’t anything wow to me. I had been in Rome previously so probably that’s why, the ruins there were more complete. But again, it was nice, the view at night was the best to see not to take pictures though but to just capture that moment with your eyes.

Trip.com User: A trip to Athens is not complete without visiting the majestic Acropolis. Wear comfortable walking shoes and remember to leave your white sneakers at home if you want them to remain white. Mine came back in shades of grey after a hike up to the Acropolis. Would be wise to also purchase your tickets online to avoid the queues.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Temple of Olympian Zeus nearby is the top choice before you leave Acropolis of Athens and hit the road.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 6 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Hours

Location: Athens 105 57

The Temple of Zeus is located in the village of Olympia. It was built to worship Zeus and is one of the temples of ancient Greece. The Temple of Zeus was once famous for its ivory and gold statues, but today it is impossible to see the real thing. The Temple of Zeus was built in 470 BC and completed in 456 BC. It was designed by the architect Libon, and the statue of Zeus was in charge of the sculptor Pheidias. In 86 BC, the Roman commander Sulla captured Athens , destroyed the unfinished buildings, removed some of the stone pillars and other building materials, and transported them to Rome. They can still be seen today on the ruins of the Roman Forum in the center of Rome. The base of the Temple of Zeus is 64x28 meters, with 6 columns on the broad side and 13 columns on the long side. The surface of the temple is covered with stucco limestone, and the top of the temple is built of marble. The stone statues in front of and behind the temple are all made of marble from the island of Paros. The many statues on the gabled eaves on the west side of the temple are full of Athenian style. Legend has it that the Temple of Zeus once housed a statue of Zeus. According to historical records, the statue is 12 meters high, has an olive crown made of gold, sits on a magnificent throne made of fir wood, and is decorated with gold, ivory, ebony and various precious stones. On the right hand of Zeus is a small crowned statue, which is also made of gold and ivory. It holds a scepter made of gold in its right hand, and an eagle beside it. Today, the legendary statue and shrine no longer exist, only a few mutilated pillars and beams remain.

TheDragonHorse: Love the architecture and the moods from this historical site.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Temple of Olympian Zeus, xenodocheio Milos nearby is the best place to stay.

xenodocheio Milos

The xenodocheio Milos is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The xenodocheio Milos is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Athens .

The hotel is only 800m from Monastiraki Railway Station and 35km from Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. Transportation around the city is also convenient, with Panepistimio Metro Station within walking distance. There's plenty to do nearby, with Kolokotroni Statue, Holmes place Athens and Massage House all within a short distance.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities.

According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate.

Check Availability

Day 2 | Morning

Acropolis museum.

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-10/31,Mon,8:00am-4:00pm;Open from 4/1-10/31,Tue-Thu,Sat-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm;Open from 4/1-10/31,Fri,8:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 5 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece

The Acropolis Museum is located in the southeast corner of the Acropolis. The entire interior of the pavilion is identical to the inner temple of the Parthenon. The exterior glass corridor is striking, and the soft natural light passes through the special glass to the venue. Uniform projection, almost perfection restores the simplicity of the sculptures and other works of art displayed in it, and the advanced design concept makes people feel like they are in the space-time corridor, between the ancient and the modern. In addition, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Parthenon hundreds of meters away from the corridor and the city of Athens.

Trip.com User: A real jewel where an in-depth history about the Acropolis can be discovered. I strongly suggest having a guide with you so the finds can be understood. All these artifacts have a story to be told!

Trip.com User: if you visit Athens and saw the Acropolis, you must the Acropolis Museum. The museum contains many artifacts relating to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. the admission is 20euros.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

National Archaeological Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Mon,Wed-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm;Open on Tue,1:00pm-8:00pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece

The National Archaeological Museum is a very large and rich museum in Athens. There are many important cultural relics collected here, which are from different archaeological sites in Greece, ranging from prehistoric to late antiquity. The museum is located in the Exarhia district of Athens, with its entrance on PatissionAvenue, next to the historic building of the Athens Polytechnic. Museum Overview The exhibition area of the museum is mainly divided into two floors, with a total of 50 exhibition halls and a collection of nearly 20,000 documents. Most of the cultural relics reflect the content of Greek mythology. An effective way to gain a detailed understanding of ancient Greek art and culture. Usually it may take half a day to read all the content carefully, basically 1-2 hours to read.

sarah.umnz: such a interesting museum with so much history

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious National Archaeological Museum, The Newel Psychiko nearby is the best place to stay.

The Newel Psychiko

The Newel Psychiko is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Newel Psychiko is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Athens.

With Monastiraki Railway Station just 6km away and Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" only 30km away, transportation is very convenient. Just a short walk from Megaro Moussikis Metro Station, traveling to most city destinations is a breeze. There's plenty to do nearby, with Dimitra Goula Boutique Institute, Badminton Theater and All Massage all within a short distance.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings.

Airport pickup service

Day 3 | Morning

Panathenaic stadium.

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-7:00pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece

Athens Arena, also known as Panathenaic Stadium, is located in the Pagrati district of central Athens, adjacent to the National Garden. This horseshoe-shaped all-marble venue has a considerable historical heritage. It was mainly used in ancient Greece to host the Panathenaic Games in honor of the goddess Athena until it was rebuilt in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games. , has become one of the landmarks of Athens and even Greece. The predecessor of the historical arena can be traced back to the Pan-Athens Congress in 331 BC. The venue was very simple at first. It was not until the ancient Roman era that the marble auditorium was renovated. . In 2004, when the 28th Summer Olympics were held in Athens, the Athens Arena became the finish line of the marathon and the venue for the archery competition. Guided tours The walls at the entrance of the arena are inlaid with five-color rings symbolizing the Olympics, and a statue of Avinov is placed at the entrance. Don't forget to pick up the audio guide and guidebook at the ticket office. The arena still maintains its original appearance. The west side is the entrance for athletes and referees. The auditorium is arranged in a horseshoe shape, all made of white marble, and can accommodate 50,000 spectators. There is a limestone starting line at the east and west ends of the arena, with a total length of 192 meters. Passing through the stone-built athlete's entry corridor, you will enter the Olympic Arena. Visitors can run in the venue and experience the feeling of Olympic athletes; in addition, you can stand on the championship podium and take pictures as a souvenir. . There are also inscriptions recording the venues of the modern Olympic Games in the arena. In the atrium, there is the exhibition "Memories of the Olympic Games", which displays relevant historical materials and items related to the Olympic Games from 1896 to the present. You may wish to take a look. There are also cafes and souvenir shops in the Athens Arena, where you can take a break and take home the commemorative items from the hometown of the Olympic Games.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Stoa of Attalos.

Stoa of Attalos

Ticket Price: 8 EUR

Location: Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

The Colonnade of Attalus is a magnificent colonnade located in the ancient Agora of Athens. It was built by Attalus II, King of Pergamon, as a gift to Athens for his education here. Rebuilt one by one. The colonnade is a typical Hellenistic period building. Compared with the classical period buildings, the building scale is larger and more detailed, and the construction art is more mature. The subtlety of the colonnade is that the outer porch and the interior use different columns. The veranda on the ground floor uses Doric columns, and the interior is Ionian. The colonnade veranda and the interior on the second floor are also of two different styles, which are worthy of appreciation and careful study. The colonnade was once destroyed by the Germans and rebuilt with donations from the Rockefeller family, which is now the Museum of the Ancient Agora of Athens. This only fully restored building is of great value for archaeological research.

Day 3 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel is the best places.

Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel

The brand New Smart five-star Hotel, right in the heart of Athens, next to Monastiraki Square, Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel, combines luxury and smart accommodation and is a true luxurious, urban refuge which offers lively facilities, minimalism and aesthetics on a budget and smart technology with a twist. One can choose between 28 rooms and 7 suites, all decorated with tailor-made, delicate design elements. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel is the perfect choice as it is close to the main city landmarks. Immerse into the hellenic vibes of a city that narrates centuries of culture and heritage. Experience a piece of Athenian history and enjoy the sensation of timeless elegance. Everything is done in a way to set you in the right mood, a blend of influences, images and emotions.

Day 4 | Morning

Cape sounion.

Opening Hours: 9:30 - Sunset, holidays. Closed on March 25.

Ticket Price: 4 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Sounion, Ethniki Odos 91, Lavreotiki

Cape Sunyu is known as the "ends of the earth" in southeastern Europe, and the famous Poseidon Sea Temple is located on the sea cliffs of Cape Sunyu. Drive from Athens and drive 69 kilometers along the beautiful Saronic Gulf to see the ruins of the Poseidon Sea Temple built in the 5th century BC. There one can enjoy a beautiful sea view (at least 7 islands if the weather is clear).

Day 4 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Cape Sounion, Hadrian's Library next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Hadrian's Library

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sun,9:00am-5:00pm

Location: Areos 3, Athens Greece

The ruins of Hadrian's Library are located in the north of the Acropolis, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132. The library is modeled after the architectural style of the ancient Roman Forum, and the interior is designed with study, reading room and classrooms. Today's library ruins are one of the two well-known ruins left by Emperor Hadrian in Athens. Today, the only thing that remains of the library is the gate of the library. However, from the structure and some room ruins, we can still imagine the grand scale of the year.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Coco-Mat Athens BC is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Coco-Mat Athens BC

Located in Acropolis - Koukaki, Coco-mat Athens BC is a perfect starting point from which to explore Athens. The property offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Facilities like free Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, private check in/check out, 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out are readily available for you to enjoy. All rooms are designed and decorated to make guests feel right at home, and some rooms come with flat screen television, cleaning products, clothes rack, linens, private entrance. Entertain yourself with the property's recreational facilities, including fitness center, sauna, golf course (on site), spa, steamroom. For reliable service and professional staff, Coco-mat Athens BC caters to your needs.

Swimming pool

Pets allowed

Day 5 | Morning

Olympic athletic center of athens "spiros louis".

Ticket Price: 3 EUR

Location: Kifisias 37, Athens 151 23

The Athens Olympic Sports Center is a new sports center renovated in Athens to host the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, designed by Spanish architect Yago Calatrava. The sports center is located in the northeast of Athens city center and mainly consists of 5 important parts, namely Olympic Stadium, Olympic Sports Hall, Water Sports, Tennis and Olympic Indoor Cycling

Day 5 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Roman Agora.

Roman Agora

Location: Polignotou 3, Athina 105 55

Next to the ancient market in Athens is the ancient Roman market, which is very lively, with various vendors and restaurants.

• Athens 5-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Athens

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Day 2: Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum
• Day 3: Panathenaic Stadium, Stoa of Attalos
• Day 4: Cape Sounion, Hadrian's Library
• Day 5: Olympic Athletic Center of Athens "Spiros Louis", Roman Agora

Athens Weather

Find What to Do in Athens in 5 Days Tour

Greek cooking class in athens including rooftop dinner with acropolis view, private luxury dinner on board moored in athens, 1-hour aroma oil massage plus 20-minute free fish pedi, loutraki thermal spa gourmet and nature experience from athens, athens, greece: sailing day trip to the saronic islands (explore agistri, moni, and aegina islands with traditional lunch and drinks).

• Sail the Saronic Islands on a spacious and comfortable Greek sailboat! Stop at three islands: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina, and enjoy free time on each island! Includes a traditional Greek lunch on board and complimentary drinks. Optional hotel pick-up and drop-off in Athens!

Temple of Olympian Zeus: E-Ticket with Audio Tour on Your Phone

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